Storrs — Former UConn women's basketball standout and assistant coach Jamelle Elliott will lead the school's new National "C" Club.

The UConn division of athletics announced the creation of the initiative Wednesday, as well as the hiring of Elliott, who was dismissed last year as the head coach of the University of Cincinnati women's basketball team. The National "C" Club will seek to provide a deeper level of engagement through networking and mentorship opportunities for current and former UConn student-athletes.

Elliott, a 1996 UConn graduate, served as head coach at Cincinnati from 2009-18 after working on Geno Auriemma’s UConn coaching staff from 1997-2009. Elliott’s run as Huskies' assistant coach included five national championships (2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009) and 23 conference titles.

Elliott, at the time, became only the second player in UConn history to surpass the 1,000-point (1,387) and 1,000-rebound (1,054) milestones. She is among the UConn career leaders for games played with 135, never missing a single game or practice in her four years.

After graduating with a degree in business management, Elliott went on to earn her graduate degree in sports management from UConn in 1997.

The formation of the National "C" Club was made possible by a gift from John Fodor, a 1985 UConn graduate, and his wife Sally.

"It feels good to be home," Elliott said in a release. "I am extremely grateful to (athletic director) David Benedict for the opportunity to come back to a place that brings back so many fond memories. I look forward to working alongside the rest of the athletics staff to have a positive impact on our current student-athletes and I am eager to engage with our alumni and rejuvenate pride in being a 'Husky for Life.'"

“As we continue to pursue excellence, it is important to provide a platform for former student-athletes to connect and assist each other and current Huskies with mentoring, internships and job opportunities,” Benedict said. “As a former UConn student-athlete and coach, Jamelle is a perfect fit to develop and direct this special program.”