UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma previously gave his thoughts on what the root cause of the issues are for modern youth sports. This is one of the topics that were brought up in an episode of “What Drives Winning” on YouTube back on January 2018, in which Auriemma was asked about topics like his coaching style, his program’s success and even current matters in women’s collegiate basketball.
When the interview started, host Brett Ledbetter then asked Auriemma about what he thinks the biggest issue is today with youth sports. Auriemma then went on to share what he feels the root cause is for the issues, and stressed that it’s all about where a player came from and how they were raised. This is because for Auriemma, how they act is engraved to them at an early age.
“They have really lousy parents… I walk up to them and say, ‘Come on, everybody.’ So, look, it’s not even your fault that you guys are so, so like this.’ So, I said, ‘I’m not blaming you. I’m not accusing you. I’m not criticizing you,” he shared. (3:17)
“‘I’m just telling you, I understand it’s not your fault why you’re the way you are.'” Auriemma continued.
He then further discussed that this is an aspect of any field that has been a recurring theme since the start of civilization.
“Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to be one of these people that says, ‘Back in my day,’ because when I was their age, my coach spoke like that to me. And there are quotes that you can read, like, ‘This generation is going to take us down the drain. It’s the worst generation of all time.’ And then you look at the bottom and see, ‘Who said that? Plato.; Okay, so this has been going on since the beginning of time,” Auriemma said. (4:20)
Auriemma and the Huskies are now looking to defend their 2025 national championship in the upcoming 2025-26 season in the hopes of winning back-to-back titles. This will be Auriemma’s 41st season at the helm of the Huskies coaching staff, winning 12 NCAA championships already and will be gunning for title No. 13.
Geno Auriemma Has Produced A Record 50 WNBA Players From His UConn Program
Including standouts from the 2024-25 roster in Paige Bueckers, Kaitlyn Chen, and Aubrey Griffin, coach Geno Auriemma has produced the most WNBA players out of any women’s college hoops coach or program, with 50 in total. This serves as a testament to the kind of winning formula the Huskies have had for decades now, as they are the alma mater of WNBA greats such as Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart.
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