The heavyweight championship matchup would bring the legendary rivalry of the head coaches—UConn’s brilliant Geno Auriemma versus South Carolina’s Dawn Staley—to the forefront. Preceding the final, Auriemma took the opportunity to compliment Staley’s great career and even cracked a self-deprecating joke about his old age.
What’s Next for UConn and South Carolina as They Battle for Supremacy?
Auriemma commented on Staley’s incredible tenure at South Carolina, praising them profusely. According to him, the Gamecocks are finally becoming an iron heel in women’s college basketball. “She’s done an unbelievable job down there. They’ve won multiple national championships. They’ve been the standard for these last couple years.”
After acknowledging South Carolina for their gains, he turned the conversation to himself for a jest. He said that having been in the game for a long time, he would say,” You know, we’ve been doing this for a long time, and I think I’m getting old enough that it’s starting to catch up with me,” clearly enhancing Staley’s caliber as a coach and competitor in the eyes of Auriemma omnipotently.
The championship game delivered with more than its share of hype when the two teams finally faced off on the court. UConn’s dominance was visible in the 82-59 win against South Carolina to claim their 12th national title. This win snapped a nine-year title drought for UConn and solidified its reputation as a perennial powerhouse in women’s basketball.
Though Auriemma’s humorous comments before the game did not diminish his competitive spirit, his team was performing spectacularly. Overcoming the Gamecocks, Auriemma showcased not only his tactical brilliance but also the strength and resolve of the players who executed his plans perfectly.
As both coaches reflect on the 2025 season, their long-standing rivalry remains one of women’s collegiate basketball’s more mysterious affairs. While Auriemma’s UConn has come back strong, Staley and her Gamecocks are still a force to reckon with, ensuring that many more competitive matches will become possible in years to come.
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With both coaches at the helm of their respective programs, the UConn-South Carolina rivalry seems certain to be one to watch for years to come.
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