The University of Connecticut women’s basketball team enters the record books with their ninth championship in women’s college basketball. The Huskies have cemented their reputation as one of the most successful collegiate teams during Coach Geno Auriemma’s tenure.
In addition to nine championships, the UConn Huskies own the longest winning streak in college basketball (men’s or women’s) at 90 games. Coach Auriemma has been described by former player Caroline Doty as “straightforward, brilliant, caring and hilarious,” and it’s these qualities that most resonates with his players.
The success of the UConn women’s team directly correlates to Coach Auriemma’s leadership; the team netted only one winning season before he arrived in 1985. Since then the program has notched nine national championships (1995, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014), 15 Final 4 appearances, 19 conference tournament championships and a grand total of 879 wins. Many UConn alums have gone on to play in professional leagues in the United States and abroad, carrying with them lasting lessons from Coach Auriemma.
“There have been plenty of times when UConn has not had the most talented team, but we still found a way to win a championship,” says 2009 national championship team member Renee Montgomery. “Coach always found a way to win or had a lesson to teach us after a loss.”
Being a part of UConn’s elite program helped shape professional basketball player and gold medalist Sue Bird:
“The expectations put on us by the country, the expectations put on us by our coaches, and even the expectations we put on ourselves, were tough at times, but also showed us what we all were made of. Being able to pass those kinds of tests year after year shows your true character and it’s a trait you take with you for the rest of your life. There is nothing like it.”
In regards to Auriemma’s coaching style, former standout Tina Charles says, “It was a blessing to have been coached by Coach Auriemma. He raises your expectation level and belief in yourself every day. He doesn’t allow you to be content with your performance and helps you understand there is always room for improvement.”
Coupled with the men’s championship on Monday, this will be only the second time in history that both the men’s and women’s programs have won a national championship in the same year. It was first done by UConn in 2004.
Nike’s official championship T-shirt, worn on-court by the players as they celebrated the win, will be available on fanatics.com (you’re supporting the site by buying it through the link).
