Geno Auriemma might just be the most influential figure in women’s college basketball. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that he is one of the greatest coaches in basketball, period. His legacy goes beyond the women’s team.
He transformed the UConn sports program not just for women’s but also for men’s basketball teams. Now, UConn is one of the most reputable sports schools in the country.
Geno is 72 years old. So questions around his retirement are all but natural. Geno once mentioned how and when he thinks his retirement would be: when he loses passion for the sport. It will be fair to say that last season’s title run birthed a new energy in the team. He has made it clear that he will stay with UConn next season as well, and retirement isn’t in his consideration in the near future. However, one of his greatest players, Diana Taurasi, thinks differently.
“Oh, he’s going to love it. I keep telling him, ‘Coach, pull the plug, man,'” DT laughed. “Every conversation I have with coach, just when you think he might be leaning towards doing something other than coaching, he is so focused right now. I haven’t seen him this determined in a long time.”
“I think a couple of those years where we had some heartbreak in the tournament and, you know, there’s chatter about, well, maybe, you know, coach can’t get it done in this new generation, in this new era. He can’t relate to the players. I think he’s put that all to rest. I think the coach is here not only to win one more championship, but to win, you know, multiple championships. So, I don’t see him leaving anytime soon,” she added.
Geno Auriemma’s Legacy at UConn Huskies
Coach Auriemma took charge of the UConn Huskies in 1985 at the age of 31. After over 40 years of service, he is the most successful coach in women’s college basketball. UConn won its record 12th national championship last season and was judged to get a level down from its brilliant campaign. However, the Huskies have found another gear and are unbeaten in the Sweet 16.
This is what Geno does. He won the NCAA title thrice in a row from 2002 to 2004. Seniors Swin Cash, Sue Bird, and sophomore Diana Taurasi won it together in 2002. Taurasi went on to lead the Huskies to two more titles, back-to-back. UConn also won the national championship four times in a row from 2013 to 2016, as Breanna Stewart became the only player to win an NCAA title in all four years at college.
Now, Geno has his eyes set on the 13th national title, another one back-to-back. And this time, UConn might just become the unbeaten champions.
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