Former College Coach Appointed to Lead Girls' Varsity Basketball Team

Hamden Hall Country Day School is pleased to announce that Amanda Shannon Russo has been appointed the Head Girls’ Varsity Basketball Coach. Russo formerly served as an assistant coach at Central Connecticut State University and brings nearly a decade of collegiate coaching experience to the Hornets’ court. 

“I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity,” said Russo. “Hamden Hall has an incredible reputation for academics and producing high achieving student-athletes. Their commitment to athletic achievement matches my passion and enthusiasm for continuing the success of the girls’ basketball program.”

Russo served for two seasons as an assistant coach of the women's basketball staff at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). Prior to CCSU, Russo served as the recruiting coordinator at Saint Anselm College and was a 1,000-point scorer at her alma mater, Merrimack College.

Hamden Hall Head of School Bob Izzo noted that Russo has a proven track record, which will serve as a benefit to the school’s student-athletes.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Russo to our Hamden Hall family. Under the leadership of Coach Megan Borelli, our Girls' Varsity Basketball program competed and won league and New England championships. We anticipate continued growth and success under Amanda's guidance and leadership. Her proven track record as a teacher, mentor and coach of student-athletes will surely benefit our girls,” said Izzo.

Russo maintained that she’s eager to work with young student-athletes to develop them both athletically and personally in order that they become confident leaders.

“My hope is to cultivate the championship culture of the Hamden Hall Girls’ Basketball program and bring us back to the top of the FAA and the NEPSAC,” she said.

Hamden Hall Athletics Director David Doyle said Russo will translate well into the Hamden Hall program.

"We are excited to bring Amanda on board. She has extensive coaching experience at the collegiate level and I have no doubt that she will continue the great coaching we have had with our Girls’ Basketball program at Hamden Hall," said Doyle.

A 2009 graduate of Merrimack College, Russo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies with a minor in business administration. She was also a four-year letter winner for the Warriors and served as team captain her senior year. In addition, she was a two-time All Northeast-10 performer, earning Second Team honors as a senior after collecting Third Team accolades her junior season. She finished her career with 1,360 career points and ranks in the top 10 at Merrimack in points, assists and steals. Russo also earned a master’s in sports leadership from Northeastern University.

At Saint Anselm, Russo helped the team earn an at-large bid to the Division II NCAA Tournament. The berth marked the Hawks’ first NCAA bid since the 1998-’99 season.
Prior to Saint Anselm, Russo spent a season at Stonehill College where she helped the Skyhawks win 24 games, qualify for their 21st NCAA Tournament and advance to the regional semifinals. She also spent the 2010-‘11 campaign at Mount Ida College and helped the Mustangs post a 14-12 record and earn a trip to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference tournament.