Way Veney Named Women's Basketball Head Coach
Veteran coach is sixth coach in CCSU history
Central Connecticut State University announced Way Veney as the sixth head coach of the CCSU women's basketball program. An introductory press conference will be held Wednesday May 3, at 2:30 pm in Detrick Gymnasium, to welcome Coach Veney to CCSU.
"It is a pleasure to welcome Way, and her family, to Central Connecticut State University community," said CCSU President Zulma R. Toro. "Coach Veney has shown a commitment to the development of student-athletes as exceptional human beings and responsible citizens. She is going to be a wonderful addition to the CCSU family. We are excited to see her leadership in action."
Veney spent 14 seasons on the women's basketball staff at Temple University, the last seven years as the Owls' associate head coach. During her tenure she assisted head coach Tonya Cardoza in becoming the winningest coach in program history, with 251 victories. Veney helped lead the Owls to three NCAA Tournament appearances and four WNIT appearances, including two Elite 8's and a Final Four run in 2015.
"From the moment Way stepped on campus, she distinguished herself as the perfect fit to lead our women's basketball program," said Tom Pincince, Director of Athletics. "She has a long history of coaching success with numerous postseason runs and student-athlete accolades. I am confident that Way is the right person at the right time for our women's basketball team."
"It is an honor to be presented with the opportunity to lead the Blue Devils women's basketball team," Veney said. "I would like to thank President Toro, Sal Cintorino, Tom Pincince and the entire search committee for their belief in me and my vision for CCSU women's basketball. I am eager to lead this group of talented young women and look forward to building a foundation of success with them in the years to come."
Veney began her coaching career at American University, spending the 2000-01 campaign with the Eagles. She spent the next three seasons, 2002-05, on the staff at the College of William & Mary, before moving to Providence for the 2005-07 campaigns.
A graduate of East Carolina University, Veney was a two-year starter for the Pirates and earned All-CAA Second Team honors in each of those seasons. Following her NCAA playing days, she took part in tryout camps for both the Detroit Shock and Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.
Veney, and her wife Dalila, have two children, Wray Lee and Wren Rose.
The 2023-24 campaign will be the 38th Division I season for the CCSU women's basketball program, and 53rd overall, dating back to the inaugural 1971-72 campaign. The Blue Devils have two WNIT appearances and earned a share of the Northeast Conference regular season title in 2014-15.
