Connecticut Claims 12th NCAA Title as Geno Auriemma Gets Emotional After Victory
The UConn Huskies secured their 12th NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship on Sunday in dominant fashion, defeating defending champions South Carolina 82-59. It marked a triumphant return to the top for legendary coach Geno Auriemma, who last celebrated a national title nearly a decade ago.
Speaking at the postgame press conference, Auriemma shared his candid thoughts on the significance of this championship, his journey alongside Paige Bueckers, and the challenges he’s faced in recent years.
On Paige Bueckers and Returning to the Top
“Being honest, I think there was a big part of my inner circle of people that I trust that we were hoping that after the Stewy fourth in a row that I should have called it a day back then,” Auriemma admitted. “But when you make the decision you’re not finished yet… people start telling you that UConn is not UConn anymore and it’s somebody else’s turn.”
Auriemma explained how injuries, the pandemic, and shifting public opinion fueled the drive to rebuild and return.
“So it coincided with Paige’s journey. So my journey became hers in so many words… It was almost like a crusade on our coaching staff’s part.”
“Who knew it would turn out like this? But I started to trust in them… All of this is in the hands of the players who are playing. And they made it all worthwhile today.”
Calling it “probably the most emotional” title he’s won, Auriemma compared it to past milestones like 1995, 2000 in front of his mother, and Stewart’s senior year.
On This Team’s Place in UConn History
“I don’t know,” Auriemma said when asked where this team ranks in the program’s legacy. “Each championship is a building block… Maybe what this one means is that there were a lot of people that didn’t think it would ever happen.”
“In the last 30 years, I don’t know that any program’s meant more to their sport than what UConn has meant to women’s basketball, so I feel good about that.”
On Coaching Longevity
Now 71, Auriemma was asked about how long he plans to continue coaching.
“We all feel our age at some point… I may be 71 number-wise, but otherwise I’m more able to do stuff with those young people because I’m around them every day and they rub off on me.”
Still, he admitted the job’s increasing demands weigh heavily.
“This job is really hard to do… There is going to come a time when the fun doesn’t eliminate how hard it is.”
He compared the responsibility of coaching UConn to leading an Olympic team, citing the weight of expectations and pressure to deliver every year.
“My job has become that at UConn, that it’s more of an obligation to do what they expect me to do as opposed to any fame and fortune.”
Though Auriemma hasn’t set a retirement date, his comments suggest he’s savoring this title deeply—perhaps more than any other in his iconic career.
