UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- Rebecca Lobo, who led the University of Connecticut to its first NCAA basketball championship and was a key player in the formation of the WNBA, announced her retirement Tuesday.

LIEBERMAN ON LOBO

Rebecca Lobo has been a marvelous ambassador to the game of basketball throughout her collegiate career at Connecticut and then during her time with the New York Liberty, Houston Comets and Connecticut Sun. As one of the WNBA's original players, Lobo's visibility came at a very important time for women's basketball and really helped the infusion and inception of the league. From her many memorable games against Tennessee to leading the UConn to its first NCAA title in 1995, Lobo was a star long before she reached the professional level. But after two solid seasons in the WNBA, she suffered two ACL tears in her left knee within a six-month period and was never truly able to return to that level. And it's a shame her career was cut short by injury. Still, Lobo never quit and she should always be admired for how she has handled herself on and off the court. During most of her career, she was a role model for young girls everywhere because of her talent. In more recent years, Lobo's constant fight, unwavering will to return from her injuries and complete unselfishness and dedication to her team were excellent examples for aspiring basketball players everywhere. -- ESPN analyst Nancy Lieberman

Lobo, 29, spent seven injury-plagued years in the league, including this past season with the Connecticut Sun.

She said she hopes to pursue a career in television.

"I still love playing, but there are other things I want to do," Lobo said. "If I was playing 35 minutes a game, it might be different, but that's not the circumstance. I loved playing for the Sun."

The 6-foot-4 Lobo led the 1995 UConn Huskies to their first national championship with an unblemished 35-0 record.

Lobo was one of the WNBA's original players in 1997, and was assigned to the New York Liberty.

"There is no better spokeswoman for the game of women's basketball," Sun coach Mike Thibault said. "She represents the game with class, insight and articulation."

Lobo spent the first five years of her professional career in New York, missing almost two full season because of knee injuries. She was traded to Houston before the 2002 season and returned to Connecticut when the former Orlando Miracle franchise was purchased by the Mohegan Indian Tribe.

"It's a sad day for Connecticut basketball fans," Sun general manager Chris Sienko said. "But it was great to have Rebecca, who is an icon in the state."

Lobo averaged 2.4 points and 2.1 rebounds in 11.9 minutes for the Sun. For her WNBA career, she averaged 6.7 points and 4.1 rebounds in 121 games.

This spring, Lobo married Steve Rushin, a Sports Illustrated columnist.

"I know it's time to move on to a new phase of my life," Lobo said. "It was a good way to end my career. I've come full circle."