Few coaches will ever be able to compare their success to Geno Auriemma.
Since taking over UConn in the mid-1990s, Auriemma has taken the Huskies on an all-time quarter-century-plus run. Over 1,100 wins. 22 Final Four’s. A pipeline of countless larger-than-life stars who first made their hay under his tutelage.
But between the victories and overall program development, Auriemma could most hang his hat on one specific, unimpeachable mark: An 11-0 record in National Championship Games. Undefeated. A big fat zero in the loss column every time his team has reached the last boss of the last level. It’s an incredible achievement.
It’s also something Auriemma and all of his past players should be proud of because it’s finally over. With South Carolina’s 64-69 win over UConn in the Women’s National Championship, Auriemma has his first-ever title game defeat.
It took over 27 years, and Aliyah Boston and Dawn Staley paired together, but someone was finally able to overcome the UConn title game hex.
Not much Geno Auriemma hasn't seen by now.
The losing locker room after a title game will be a first — UConn will fall to 11-1. Incredible.
South Carolina was better all night. More aggressive, more physical and deserving champions. #NCAAWBB
— Bill Koch (@BillKoch25) April 4, 2022
In a smaller but still notable sidenote: This is also now UConn’s longest championship drought with Auriemma. How long? Uh, six years (2016-TBD). Okay, first, you can stop rolling your eyes. Half a decade is a long time for the Huskies and this great coach.
At a certain point, Auriemma and Co. would always meet their maker. Playing for that many championships is testing fate and the luck of the draw. But that it took this long and 12 tries (!!!) for him to fall short at the last step is beyond commendable. We will likely never see this kind of impeccable record, with that much consistent excellence in the clutch, in any sport, ever again.
Hats off to Auriemma, every player with Connecticut over the years, and the official end of a legendary sports record.
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