South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley and UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma have dominated college basketball in the last decade. Both have led their respective programs to deep runs in the NCAA Tournament and have also faced each other at different stages of the March Madness.
Last season, the two collided in the national championship game. Auriemma’s Huskies, led by the likes of Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, crushed the Gamecocks 82-59 to win the national championship.
In March 2023, Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks interviewed Staley, where she spoke about her relationship with Auriemma and the rivalry between the Gamecocks and the Huskies.
“I wouldn’t even say we’re rivals because you’ve got to win,” Staley said (16:20). “The percentage of them beating us is very high compared to ours. I just think it’s become a great anticipation game for all of basketball, not just college, not just women’s basketball, but all of college basketball. When it’s put on television, the viewership is way, way up.”
Dawn Staley also shared thoughts on her relationship with Geno Auriemma, saying it is nothing but respectful.
“As far as my relationship with Geno, you know, I respect Geno. I do. I respect Geno. I coached under him in the 2016 Olympic Games. I watched him a lot. He probably didn’t know I was watching him, but I was watching and learning, just to see how he operates. And I just respect him. I think there’s a mutual respect for each other. We don’t like losing, and we don’t like losing to each other,” Staley added.
Geno Auriemma vs. Dawn Staley — Head-to-Head Record
There’s no denying that Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley are two of the best coaches in women’s college basketball. The two have faced each other 16 times, with Auriemma leading the overall series 11-5. Since 2020, South Carolina has won four out of five games, but UConn has regained control with recent wins in Columbia and the 2025 national title.
When it comes to the NCAA Tournament, Auriemma leads the matchup 2-1. In 2022, Staley’s Gamecocks defeated UConn in the national championship. In 2025, Auriemma’s Huskies avenged the loss for UConn’s 12th national title.
However, for those wondering if they’ll face in the 2025-26 regular season, the answer is ‘no.’ This will be the first break in this rivalry since 2014-15. There is a possibility, though, that the two will play against each other in the NCAA Tournament.
Both have stacked squads, enough to run for the title. Let’s see if they return to the national championship game.
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