UConn head coach Geno Auriemma is continuing to build his legendary career, leading fresh talent to find their footing in the world of Basketball. Under his leadership, the Huskies have made numerous Final Four appearances, with their most recent NCAA Championship coming in 2016.
As one of the most successful programs in women’s college basketball, UConn remains a powerhouse under Auriemma’s lead and his team of talented coaches.
2025 UConn Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff
Geno Auriemma, Head Coach
Auriemma has been the head coach of UConn since 1985, marking his 40th season with the program in 2024-25. Widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in basketball history, Auriemma has led UConn to 11 NCAA Championships and holds a career record of over 1,200 wins. His accolades include 17 Naismith Coach of the Year awards and induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Auriemma is originally from Italy and raised in Pennsylvania. His influence is one of the main driving forces behind transforming UConn into a powerhouse. In the 2023-24 season, the Huskies reached the Final Four, giving a clear sign that they are still a program with a lot potential under his leadership.
Players like Paige Bueckers have thrived under his guidance, earning national recognition.
Coaching history:
- 1977–1979: Bishop McDevitt High School – Assistant Varsity Coach / Head Junior Varsity Coach
- 1978–1979: Saint Joseph’s – Assistant Coach
- 1979–1981: Bishop Kenrick HS – Assistant Coach
- 1981–1985: Virginia – Assistant Coach
- 1985–present: UConn – Head Coach
Chris Dailey, Associate Head Coach
Chris Dailey has been by Auriemma’s side since the beginning, joining UConn in 1985 and entering her 40th season with the program in 2024-25.
As associate head coach, Dailey has been one of the most important pieces behind the Huskies’ success, contributing to all 11 national titles. Known for her recruiting expertise and player development, she has earned numerous accolades, including induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
Coaching history:
- 1982–1983: Cornell – Assistant Coach
- 1982-85: Rutgers – Assistant Coach
- 1985-Present: UConn – Associate Head Coach
Jamelle Elliott, Assistant Coach
Jamelle Elliott returned to UConn as an assistant coach in 2018. A former UConn player under Auriemma from 1992-96, Elliott was part of the 1995 national championship team. The 2024-25 season marks her seventh year back on the coaching staff, where she focuses on player development and strategy.
Coaching history:
- 1998-2002: UConn – Graduate Assistant/Director of Basketball Operations
- 2002-09: UConn – Assistant Coach
- 2009-18: Cincinnati – Head Coach
- 2018-Present: UConn – Assistant Coach
Morgan Valley, Assistant Coach
Morgan Valley joined the UConn staff in 2021, and the 2024-25 season is her fourth with the Huskies. Another UConn alum, Valley played under Auriemma from 1999-2003, contributing to three national championships. Her coaching experience spans multiple programs, and she now helps in continuing UConn’s excellence.
Coaching history:
- 2008-15: Various assistant coaching roles (Holy Cross, New Hampshire, UMass)
- 2015-16: Virginia Tech – Assistant Coach
- 2016-18: Arizona – Assistant Coach
- 2018-19: Washington – Assistant Coach
- 2019-21: Hartford – Head Coach
- 2021-Present: UConn – Assistant Coach
Tonya Cardoza, Assistant Coach
Tonya Cardoza returned to UConn in 2023, and the 2024-25 season is her second year back with the program. A former assistant under Auriemma from 1994-2008, she helped win five national titles during that span. Cardoza brings extensive head coaching experience from Temple, where she led the Owls for 14 seasons.
Coaching history:
- 1991-94: Virginia – Assistant Coach
- 1994-2008: UConn – Assistant Coach
- 2008-22: Temple – Head Coach
- 2023-Present: UConn – Assistant Coach
Ben Kantor, Assistant Coach
Ben Kantor joined the UConn staff in 2023, and the 2024-25 season marks his second year as an assistant coach. With a background in analytics and player development, Kantor previously worked with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and at Villanova, contributing to their 2018 National Championship.
Coaching history:
- 2014-16: George Washington – Graduate Assistant
- 2016-20: Villanova – Video Coordinator/Assistant Coach
- 2020-23: Brooklyn Nets – Player Development Assistant
- 2023-Present: UConn – Assistant Coach
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