Geno Auriemma Prepares for Crucial Championship Game Against South Carolina

TAMPA, Fla. — As the head coach of the University of Connecticut (UConn) women’s basketball team, Geno Auriemma holds an unprecedented record with 11 NCAA championships. However, it has been nearly a decade since his last victory in 2016, and recent years have brought their share of disappointments during the NCAA Final Fours.

A History of Close Calls

Looking back at his notable career, Auriemma acknowledged that the sting of losing in the Final Fours lingers, yet he emphasizes that the decisions he made during those games often weigh more heavily on him than the defeats themselves. “I’ve lost more Final Fours for my team than they have, because coaches make decisions about what to do with their team,” he said. “And if you make the right decision, you win.”

Recent Heartbreaks

Despite securing four consecutive championships from 2013 to 2016, UConn faced tough losses in 2017 and 2018, where they were eliminated by narrow buzzer-beaters from opponents Mississippi State and Notre Dame, respectively. Auriemma stated, “I don’t look at those two as heartbreaking frustrations… I would have if I didn’t make two decisions in both of those games that I think have more to do with us losing than those two buzzer-beaters.”

In subsequent years, UConn faced more challenges with a loss to Notre Dame in 2019, followed by a five-point defeat in 2021 against Arizona. The team encountered a disappointing performance in 2022 when they fell to South Carolina, despite being a slight underdog. “South Carolina dominated 64-49,” he noted.

Injuries Impacting Performance

This past season, UConn star guard Paige Bueckers was sidelined due to a knee injury, contributing to the team’s failure to reach the Final Four for the first time in 14 years in 2023. The following year, another close semifinal loss was marred by a controversial late moving screen call against senior Aaliyah Edwards.

Looking Ahead

Now, Auriemma and the Huskies stand on the cusp of potential redemption as they prepare for a championship showdown against South Carolina. The coach expressed optimism, citing the health of his players as a vital factor in their current success. “The fact that we sort of have a chance to be able to manipulate the game a little bit better than we had before, that’s rewarding,” Auriemma remarked. “That makes up for all the heartache and all the trauma and tribulations that we have had to go through.”

As UConn fans eagerly anticipate the championship game, the focus remains on Auriemma’s ability to navigate crucial decisions that could determine the outcome against their formidable rivals.