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
AP Announces 2025-26 Women’s College Basketball All-America Teams The Associated Press has released its All-America selections for the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season, highlighting standout performers across the nation. The teams include players who excelled in regular-season play and conference tournaments, with detailed statistics reflecting their contributions. Sarah Strong of the University of Connecticut led the first team with 18.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and a 60.1% field goal shooting percentage. Her performance earned her 31 first-place votes and 155 total points, marking a unanimous selection. Mikayla Blakes of Vanderbilt followed closely with 27 points, 4.4 assists, and a 45.8% field goal percentage, securing 29 votes and 151 points. Lauren Betts from UCLA also made the first team with 16.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and a 56.2% shooting efficiency, matching Blakes’ vote count. Madison Booker of Texas contributed 18.9 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 51.6% from the field, earning 17 votes and 127 points. Azzi Fudd of UConn, a senior, added 17.7 points and 3.0 rebounds, with a 48.9% shooting accuracy, securing 14 votes and 121 points. Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame, with 25.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, finished with 15 votes and 116 points. Joyce Edwards of South Carolina, who averaged 19.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and a 58.7% field goal percentage, received 7 votes and 103 points. Olivia Miles of TCU, with 19.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, also earned 7 votes and 99 points. Audi Crooks of Iowa State, a junior, dominated with 25.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and a 64.7% shooting percentage, securing 2 votes and 63 points. Jaloni Cambridge of Ohio State, averaging 22.8 points and 4.6 assists, added 2 votes and 61 points. Olivia Olson of Michigan, with 19.2 points and 6.#ucla #texas #university_of_connecticut #vanderbilt #associated_press
Unbeaten UConn women's basketball is close to a title repeat The University of Connecticut women’s basketball team, led by head coach Geno Auriemma, is on the verge of securing its 13th NCAA championship and seventh undefeated season after dominating the 2025-26 campaign. With six victories remaining to clinch a perfect season, the Huskies have maintained their dominance through a combination of elite talent, strategic depth, and a relentless focus on execution. Their path to the Final Four will be revealed when the NCAA bracket is released, but for now, the team continues its pursuit of history. Auriemma’s squad has been anchored by standout performers like freshman phenom Olivia Strong and senior guard Azzi Fudd, who have emerged as key figures in the program’s success. Strong, the top recruit from the 2024 class, has lived up to her billing as a versatile forward. She averaged 18.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 3.4 steals while shooting 60.1% from the field and 42.7% on three-pointers. Her performance in the 2025 Final Four, where she led UConn with 46 points and 23 rebounds against UCLA and South Carolina, earned comparisons to potential future WNBA draft prospects. Coach Dawn Staley of South Carolina acknowledged Strong’s impact, suggesting she could become the best UConn player of all time. Fudd, meanwhile, has evolved into a seasoned leader after overcoming injury setbacks. Projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, she has averaged career highs in points (17.7), assists (3.0), and steals (2.5) while improving her shooting efficiency. Her ability to step into the role of primary ball-handler following the departure of Paige Bueckers has been critical to UConn’s success.#south_carolina #university_of_connecticut #geno_auriemma #olivia_strong #azzi_fudd
