UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma once shared what truly sustains the greatness that his program has possessed for over four decades now. In Nov. 2024, coach Auriemma appeared on the “Got Next with Meghan & Zora” show. Hosts Zora Stephenson and Meghan McKeown dived deep into discussions about the now 71-year-old’s 40-year tenure at UConn.
Stephenson laid down all the accolades that Auriemma possessed at that point, which perfectly set up her question: What truly is the key to sustained success and greatness for him? For Auriemma, it all boils down to the kind of team, from coaching staff, personnel, to the players, you can build, and if they have the same vision as you.
“The key to success is probably the same as the key to sustaining it. I think the key to success is you immediately surround yourself with really great people that see something out there that is similar to what you see, but they help you get there because maybe they see it through a different lens. So you surround yourself with those kinds of people, which I’ve been fortunate to do,” he shared (1:59).
“Then you decide very early on how you are going to get there and what the base you are going to build, and what kind of individual are you going to build it on? Meaning, what kind of kids are we going to recruit? And you never waver from that. And then those kids help you be successful, and those people you first hire help you be successful,” Auriemma explained.
Later in the 2024-25 season, that success seemed to carry over into today’s time as his Huskies won the 2025 national championship. They defeated coach Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks in the winner-take-all game by 23 points, 82-59. UConn concluded the year with a 37-3 overall record (18-0 Big East).
Read More: “Can’t Draw Up That Story”: When Geno Auriemma Celebrated UConn’s Legacy Through Players’ Journeys After His 1,217th Victory
The UConn Huskies have the most national championships in women’s college basketball history
After their national championship win earlier this year, the UConn Huskies extended their lead as the women’s college basketball program with the most titles, all of which have been won under coach Geno Auriemma.
The Tennessee Volunteers are second with eight national titles, which is followed by the Baylor Bears, Stanford Cardinal, and South Carolina Gamecocks, who all have three NCAA championships.
Also Read: “It’s About Just Coming Here Every Day”: When Geno Auriemma Shared What Made UConn’s 40-Year Run Worthwhile After His Record-Breaking Win
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