November 22 holds a special meaning in the life of astonishingly successful UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma, writes Carl Adamec  for the Journal Inquirer.

On that date in 1961, Auriemma, his mother Marciella, brother Ferrucio, and sister Anna arrived in the United States after an 11-day trip from Italy. They joined Auriemma’s father, Donato, who had previously settled in Norristown.

“I was 7. My brother was 5 and my sister was 1,” recalled Auriemma. “My mom was sick the whole time. My sister never left the cabin since she was just 1. So it was just me chasing my brother. That’s how I spent my 11 days. By Day 8 I wanted to throw him overboard.”

After reuniting with his father, Auriemma lived in Norristown and the Philadelphia area until 1981, when he accepted a job as an assistant women’s basketball coach at the University of Virginia.

The coach celebrated his 58th anniversary in the United States by enjoying a walk in the rain before heading for practice.

“Living the American Dream,“ he said. “That I am, absolutely.”

Read more about Geno Auriemma at the Journal Inquirer by clicking here.

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