Geno Auriemma, the head coach of the University of Connecticut (UConn) women’s basketball team, has been a cornerstone of the program for an impressive 40 seasons. As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament unfolds, Auriemma finds himself reflecting on his journey and the emotional weight of reaching yet another title game. This achievement, in many ways, serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of both Auriemma and the UConn program, which has become synonymous with excellence in women’s college basketball. As he completes his 40th season at the helm, this run to the NCAA title game makes Auriemma feel “relevant,” a term that encapsulates both his personal connection to the game and his standing in the broader world of sports.
Auriemma’s career is nothing short of extraordinary. Having started his tenure at UConn in 1985, he has built one of the most successful dynasties in college sports. Under his leadership, the UConn Huskies have won numerous NCAA championships, built a reputation for dominance, and produced some of the most talented players in women’s basketball history. With a string of remarkable seasons, Auriemma has solidified his position as one of the sport’s most influential and respected coaches.
Despite his numerous accomplishments, the journey to the 2025 NCAA title game highlights the continual relevance Auriemma feels. The word “relevant” in the heading underscores the idea that, even after four decades of success, the feeling of competing at the highest level remains deeply fulfilling. Auriemma’s feelings of relevance stem not only from the success of his team but also from his continued ability to adapt, innovate, and inspire in a rapidly changing landscape of women’s college basketball.
As Auriemma enters the twilight of his career, the challenge of staying relevant is something many veteran coaches face. In an era of ever-evolving strategies, increased media exposure, and a shifting power dynamic among top programs, maintaining a competitive edge can be difficult. For Auriemma, however, the Huskies’ run to the NCAA title game in 2025 serves as proof that his approach still works, and that he can still compete with the best in the country. His ability to maintain high standards for both himself and his players, while staying true to the core values that have defined UConn’s success, helps explain why his program remains consistently at the top.
Moreover, this championship run also speaks to the depth of the UConn program. It highlights the fact that Auriemma’s success is not solely due to the talent of any one player but rather the ability to develop a system that brings out the best in all his athletes. Auriemma has always prided himself on fostering a culture of excellence, and this latest run reflects that ethos. His ability to adapt to changing dynamics within college basketball—whether through recruiting strategies, offensive and defensive innovations, or handling players’ diverse personalities—has kept UConn competitive and continues to earn the respect of coaches, players, and fans alike.
For Auriemma, the feeling of “relevance” is not just about winning titles, though that remains a significant part of his legacy. It is also about the deep connection he has with his players, his ability to continue to mentor young women, and the satisfaction of still being a central figure in the ongoing evolution of women’s basketball. As he reaches his 40th season, Geno Auriemma is reminded that, in this sport and at this level, he remains as relevant and impactful as ever.