Geno Auriemma and UConn Women’s Basketball: A Tradition of Success
Define the term “success” and a plethora of meanings come to mind like accomplishing a purpose, end goal, or objective. Now define the term “tradition” and the same process follows: a loose-ended description of carrying on beliefs from one generation to the next.
We’ve seen moments in sports where the two components infuse together and create a masterpiece. The Brady-Belichik era, John Wooden dynasty, “Core Four” Yankees, and more are all relevant examples that permeate the mind when it comes to building a tradition of success.
But what about the teams that don’t get the same spotlight as these prominent professional dynasties but still deserve to be in this conversation of greatness? Are there other cases of success and tradition that move beyond the noteworthy teams we have come to know and praise? This is the case for Geno Auriemma and his UConn Huskies.
Success has never an easy feat when it comes to any sport, but for Head Coach Geno Auriemma, it’s evolved into a fundamental piece of his program. With 979 wins, 28 NCAA Tournament appearances, and 11 March Madness championships under his belt, these are some of the accolades the American Athletic Conference coach has to show for.
Now to add his collection is a current 100-game win streak his team is carrying this season.
The Huskies took down South Carolina 66–55 Monday night. Securing their niche in history, Auriemma and his Huskies continue to reinvent a practice that has been in the program’s making for over two decades: winning basketball.
During his 22-years in Connecticut, Auriemma has crafted some of the finest female athletes to ever hit the hardwood floor. His ability to develop players to the next level has helped culminate four Rookie of the Year award winners, nine All-Stars, and 12 WNBA champions over the span of 18 years.
Stars such as Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and Maya Moore flourished during their collegiate time in Harry A. Gampel Pavillion and under Auriemma, but more importantly they’ve been able to transcend a winning culture over to their respective WNBA teams.
As a result, there is no doubt the Husky head coach has firmly seeded a first ballot ride in to the Hall of Fame. However, the problem remains Auriemma continues to be overshadowed by the celebrated teams of professional sports.
Is there a reason the eight-time AP Coach of the Year lacks recognition when commemorating current coaching legends like Greg Popovich and Belichick? Could this lack of appreciation be due to the polarized attitudes toward intercollegiate athletics and women’s sports? Whatever the case may be, Auriemma has accomplished multiple achievements, specifically his most recent, that is worthy of some praise.
In an interview with Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts Auriemma stated, “I try to tell these kids they’re already part of history. No one can ever take that away from them and all they can do is continue to add to it.”
Numbers and accolades only paint a small portion of the picture for Geno Auriemma. As a man with excellence at the core of his program, it becomes reasonable to justify his own placement as one of the greatest to ever coach sports.
His presence as a teacher and role model is one that is uniquely connects with a younger generation of college athletes striving to create their own legacy of dominance.
Auriemma’s time at UConn and 100-game win streak for the school will be internalized as an unforgettable moment in sports. His efforts stand as a reflection, revision, and redefinition of what a “winning tradition” consists of. Success and tradition can come in many forms; this year’s Huskies are proof of that.
Written by AthletiQA Contributor, Elliot Thornton
Join Elliot and others as they talk about UConn’s streak and Auriemma on AthletiQA — http://athletiqa.com/post/SJYgiDvWTLdxuQovm
