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After previously pledging $3 million, former UConn soccer star ('83-'86) and current wall street investment banker Tony Rizza has added an additional $5 million going towards the construction of a new Joe Marrone stadium. This is the largest donation the UConn foundation has ever received and will upgrade what is already one of the best soccer programs in the country.
This year, UConn men's soccer (4-5-2) has under achieved a bit while the women (9-3-4) are having an excellent year. Historically, both programs are elite as the men are looking for their 17th NCAA tournament appearance in a row this season, and the women are second in the NCAA history in tournament appearances, only behind UNC, with 28.
Joe Marrone stadium is consistently one of the best college soccer environments in the country, and this investment in a state of the art stadium will only improve both the program and the athletic department. With the new basketball facility just about finished, the inaugural season in Hockey East, and now a new Joe Morrone stadium poised to be constructed, UConn sports have a promising future, despite its temporary woes on the football field.