The final domino of UConn’s offseason dropped on Monday as the team announced the addition of Nykesha Sales as an assistant coach. The program legend out of Bloomfield, Connecticut replaces Jamelle Elliott, who stepped away after coaching a combined 18 years with the Huskies across two stints.
Now, UConn has all its personnel in place for the 2026-27 campaign with the coaching staff finalized and the roster complete.
Familiarity on staff
Was it a Freudian slip, a hint or just a coincidence? Earlier this summer, Geno Auriemma was asked who Elliott helped the most during her time in Storrs. He immediately brought up Sales.
“Probably the biggest impact she ever had on any kid was probably Nykesha,” he said. “Back in the day, Nykesha said, ‘I'm not afraid of Coach Auriemma, but I'm afraid of Jamelle.’”
Now, Sales will take Elliott’s spot on staff — fittingly, one member of the 1995 national championship squad replacing another. That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, though.
Become a premium member to read the rest.
Support local, independent coverage of the Huskies throughout the year, all for just a few bucks per month.
JoinA subscription gets you:
- Access to every story – news, analysis, breakdowns, features and much more.
