What keeps UConn Women’s Basketball coach Geno Auriemma going? Even he doesn’t quite know, writes Blake Toppmeyer for USA Today.
The legendary coach and Norristown native, who turns 71 during March Madness, has won 11 national championships, and three Olympic gold medals, and sits among the elite of women’s basketball coaches. Yet, as most of his contemporaries retire, he keeps leading the Huskies to victory.
“I never set out to be doing this, period, and certainly never set out to be here for 40 years.,” Auriemma admitted. “I still find some satisfaction in what I’m doing. That’s probably the biggest thing for me.”
UConn (31-3) enters the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed, riding a 10-game win streak. They dominated the Big East and stunned top-ranked South Carolina by 29 points. With superstar Paige Bueckers at the helm, Azzi Fudd draining threes, and freshman Sarah Strong anchoring the paint, the Huskies have the firepower to make a deep run.
Could this be the team to give Auriemma his 12th title? He wouldn’t say, but the belief is there. “I think you always believe that you have a chance,” he said.
UConn’s dynasty may have shifted, but under Auriemma, it’s never faded. The Huskies remain a force—and their coach gives Montgomery County a team to root for in the tournament.
Read more about Geno Auriemma in USA Today.
