Connecticut Sun hire Morgan Tuck as Director of Franchise Development

After ending her five-year WNBA career due to injuries in March, former UConn star Morgan Tuck has taken a front office role with the Connecticut Sun.

On Tuesday, the team introduced Tuck as the Director of Franchise Development, where she will “develop key community initiatives throughout the state of Connecticut” and “bridge the gap between the court and the community to develop an integrated community, social justice and fan development plan for the Sun,” according to the release.

“I am thrilled to welcome Morgan Tuck back to the Connecticut Sun organization,” Team President Jennifer Rizzotti said in the release. “She brings a championship level pedigree and a thorough understanding of what it takes to be successful on and off the court as a WNBA athlete. Our players will benefit from that experience as we continue to build on the culture of success here in Connecticut. And as we look to the future, Morgan will be an integral part of our strategy to connect with key stakeholders in our community.”

The Sun selected Tuck with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft, and the former UConn great spent the first four years of her career there. Though she signed with the Seattle Storm in free agency in 2020, the Sun knew they eventually wanted to bring her back into the fold.

“Morgan was a popular and terrific teammate during her time with the Sun,” team head coach and general manager Curt Miller said. “She has won at every level and has the unique ability to help elevate the success of people and teams she is a part of. After her retirement, it was a goal to bring her back to Connecticut. We are truly excited about her new role with the Sun.”

Tuck came to UConn as part of the program’s vaunted 2012 class which also included Breanna Stewart and Moriah Jefferson. Together, the three became the first players ever to win four national championships. Though Tuck had an extra year of eligibility after redshirting her sophomore year due to knee problems, she decided to declare for the WNBA Draft.

Once in the league, she averaged 5.1 points and 2.2 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per game and reached the finals in her last two seasons. Last year, Tuck won the 2020 WNBA title with the Seattle Storm inside in the bubble. She finally retired in March due to chronic knee injuries.