Geno Auriemma, head coach of the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team, leads the 11-time NCAA Division I National Champions in his 40th season at the helm. (Photo: Frank Vitucci | The Podium Finish)
Geno Auriemma has built a dynasty at the helm of the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team since 1985. This season has been another example of his ability to adapt and overcome challenges.
With injuries disrupting the lineup and key players like Paige Bueckers returning to the fold, Auriemma’s job has been to balance finding the right combinations with maintaining his team’s trademark efficiency.
“There are some lineups that work very efficiently together,” Auriemma said in a Zoom media availability, acknowledging the ongoing work in finding the perfect formula. “There are some that need some work, and then there are some that don’t work at all. So we’re just trying to figure it out.”
The search for cohesion has taken some time, with players shifting in and out of the rotation. But Auriemma is no stranger to adversity.
“As we add more people, it’s not going to look perfect all the time, but that’s what we’re trying to figure out,” he said.
For the Huskies, it is all about trial and error as they move forward into one of the most important stretches of the season.
Despite some bumps in the road, UConn remains one of the nation’s premier programs, sitting at No. 7 with a record of 12-2, as they prepare for a tough matchup against the Villanova Wildcats women’s basketball team (1:30 p.m. ET on SNY and UConn Sports Network from Learfield, The River 105.9).
Auriemma is quick to acknowledge the challenge posed by the Wildcats, even as their roster has undergone some changes.
“They are different. They were one of the better teams last year,” he said. “And I thought it’s very difficult to play against players that were tough matchups for everybody in our league. And I know Denise [Dillon, Villanova head coach] was thinking ahead to what this year could look like.”
The Wildcats’ struggles have been a result of injuries and roster changes as they enter Sunday’s matinee at 7-7. However, Auriemma is never one to take a team lightly.
“Villanova has a long history and a long reputation of their style of play and how they play and how well they execute and take care of the ball,” Auriemma emphasized. “That hasn’t changed, and defensively, that hasn’t changed. They’re still one of the better defensive teams in our league.”
Adaptability is rooted within Auriemma’s approach to leadership alongside Chris Daley, longtime associate head coach. While Auriemma is known for his no-nonsense attitude and expectations of excellence, his philosophy has evolved over the years to meet the demands of the game.
“I really don’t worry about people’s roles, to be honest with you,” Auriemma said, reflecting on his leadership style. “I just try to go with what I think is the right thing at the time. What are we looking for? What kind of presence are we looking for? What kind of activity are we trying to get from that spot?”
This year’s team has seen some new faces step up, including freshman forward Sarah Strong, who has become an essential part of the rotation.
Sarah Strong (No. 21) of the UConn Huskies has impressed head coach Geno Auriemma with her selfless play and maturity. (Photo: Frank Vitucci | The Podium Finish)
“I don’t think it’s got anything to do with me and CD, to be honest with you. I think it’s got everything to do with how Sarah’s put together, mentally and physically,” Auriemma said, giving credit where it’s due. “She’s very mature. She takes care of her business. She comes in, gives you the same thing every single day. She’s one of the most consistent players that we have.
“We know exactly what we’re going to get. And that, more than anything, has been what’s allowed her to have the success that she’s had.”
Strong’s work ethic and mental toughness have been evident since the start of the season, and Auriemma has noticed.
“She’s confident because she works at it every day, and she knows that she performs every day in practice, and that carries over into games,” he noted.
Beyond Strong’s physical ability, it’s her selfless mentality that has impressed Auriemma.
“That’s who she is as a person. And obviously, the rest of the country has caught on to that,” Auriemma shared.
For Auriemma, Strong’s success is a testament to the culture he has built at UConn, one that emphasizes maturity, consistency, and the ability to rise to the occasion.
Auriemma also credits his players’ willingness to adapt and step up in times of need. With the return of Bueckers and the emergence of other players like grad school transfer Kaitlyn Chen, the lineup continually evolves.
Geno Auriemma thrives on the challenges of leading the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team, a position he leads by example since 1985. (Photo: Frank Vitucci | The Podium Finish)
“The more those contributions are evident, the more you find space for them in games,” Auriemma said, emphasizing the importance of every player being ready when their number is called.
As for the ongoing challenge of managing a deeper bench, Auriemma remains pragmatic.
“You can only play five players at a time. We tried to have a long bench. And sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t,” he explained. “It’s not really ideal to have to try to play 10 players because it hurts some people when you’re trying to play 10 players. It helps others, but it hurts others. So we have to find a balance there.”
Despite these challenges, Auriemma remains confident in his team’s ability to perform when it matters most. UConn is built on hard work, unselfishness, and a dedication to excellence, and as the season progresses, Auriemma will continue to fine-tune his lineup, ensuring that his players are ready for the challenges ahead.
As the Huskies prepare for their matchup with Villanova, Auriemma’s experience and leadership will continue to be the guiding force for this team. The challenges may be plenty, but with a deep roster, a coach who knows how to adjust, and players like Strong stepping up, UConn remains a formidable contender in the NCAA tournament race.
