Kathy Auriemma, Geno's College Sweetheart, Is Heart of UConn Women's Basketball Program Geno Auriemma’s wife, Kathy, has been a steadfast presence in his life since their first meeting at Montgomery County Junior College in 1972. Her role extends beyond being his partner; she is deeply embedded in the fabric of the University of Connecticut women’s basketball program, cherished by players and staff alike. The couple’s journey began when Geno was a player on the men’s team and Kathy was a cheerleader. Their story, often recounted by Geno, highlights a blend of serendipity and determination. The two met after a game in December 1972 when plans for the team to gather dissolved, leaving them alone. Geno described his version of the encounter as a series of awkward encounters where Kathy “followed him around for a week,” while her account painted a picture of a cheerleader who stayed behind after the game. The two ended up at a drugstore, where Kathy revealed her family’s apartment above the store. Geno recalled the moment as surreal, noting, “I was like, hit the brakes. You know? I think we almost got an accident. Like, you got to be kidding me.” Their connection, however, proved enduring. After graduating from West Chester University in 1977, Geno and Kathy married the following year, beginning a partnership built on shared dreams and financial struggles. Kathy has been Geno’s anchor, offering unwavering support as he built his coaching career. He has often credited her as his “most valued and trusted source of guidance and loyalty,” emphasizing her role in his success. Beyond the coaching realm, Kathy has been instrumental in raising their three children—daughters Alysa and Jenna, and son Michael—and managing the family dynamic as Geno’s career took him on the road.#university_of_connecticut #geno_auriemma #kathy_auriemma #montgomery_county_junior_college #west_chester_university
Geno Auriemma's Wife: The Heart Behind UConn Women's Basketball Success Geno Auriemma’s wife, Kathy, has been a constant presence in his life for over four decades, shaping both his personal world and the legacy of UConn women’s basketball. Her influence extends far beyond the sidelines, as her husband recently acknowledged during his retirement announcement ahead of March Madness. The two met in 1972 at Montgomery County Junior College, where Geno played on the men’s basketball team and Kathy was a cheerleader. Their story began after a game when plans to meet the rest of the team fell through, leaving just the two of them. Geno recounted the meeting in two versions—one his own, the other hers. He joked that she had been “following me around for about a week” before finally catching his attention, while she described the scene as a planned rendezvous that ended up being a surprise. The two ended up at a drugstore, where Kathy’s mother lived above the store. Geno admitted he was “hit the brakes” by the situation, calling it “the rest is history.” Their relationship blossomed, and they married the following year after Geno transferred to West Chester University, where he graduated in 1977. Kathy has been Geno’s steadfast partner through his coaching career, which has spanned decades and brought UConn to unprecedented success. He describes her as his “most valued and trusted source of guidance and loyalty,” a sentiment echoed in interviews where he praised her unwavering support. While Geno has been on the road recruiting or coaching, Kathy has managed the family at home, raising their three children—daughters Alysa and Jenna, and son Michael—and later welcoming four grandchildren.#uconn #geno_auriemma #kathy_auriemma #montgomery_county_junior_college #west_chester_university
