Geno Auriemma has long been synonymous with excellence in women’s basketball, and his University of Connecticut Huskies program is a testament to that legacy.
Now entering his 41st season in 2025-26, Auriemma is coming off his record 12th National Championship, having transformed UConn into a powerhouse unmatched in college basketball history.
The “Secret Sauce” Behind UConn Success
Behind the trophies, perfect seasons, and NCAA records lies the humor and candid advice that have shaped stars like Napheesa Collier.
During a recent podcast, Collier shared some of the lessons passed down by Auriemma after the departure of UConn legends Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson, and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis.
“He always said, especially after that senior class left, ‘All the talent’s gone. You guys have to be smarter than everybody else,’” Collier recalled. “The next three years, he really worked on our mental IQ and mental toughness.”
Collier’s reflection drew laughter from WNBA veteran Sue Bird, who commented, “such a jerk,” as Collier described the intensity of Auriemma’s “tuck and roll” practice approach. Despite the teasing, it’s clear that these lessons helped the Huskies maintain their dominance, proving that mental fortitude is as critical as athletic skill in UConn’s program.
Auriemma’s influence extends beyond motivational speeches. With a career spanning over four decades, he has taken a team with just one winning season before he arrived to 12 NCAA Championships, 24 Final Fours, six perfect seasons, and 61 total conference titles.
His 1,250 career victories are an NCAA record for the most wins by a college basketball coach. Auriemma surpassed Tara VanDerveer for the record with his 1,217th career win in a victory over FDU on November 20, 2024.
Napheesa Collier’s UConn Legacy
Collier herself exemplified the standard of excellence instilled by Auriemma. As a freshman in 2015-16, she contributed solid minutes in all 38 games, shooting 53.3 percent from the floor. By her sophomore year, she led the Huskies with 20.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, adding 77 blocks and 64 steals to her stat line.
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Her junior and senior seasons were equally impressive. Collier started every game, consistently scoring in double digits while leading the team in points, rebounds, and blocks. By the end of her UConn career, she had recorded 25 double-doubles in her senior season alone, showcasing the skill, intelligence, and mental toughness that Auriemma had emphasized.
The Humor and Humanity of Geno Auriemma
While UConn’s success is quantifiable in wins and championships, it’s moments like Collier’s podcast that highlight the human side of Auriemma’s coaching. From pushing players to develop their mental IQ to injecting humor into high-pressure situations, his mentorship creates both champions on the court and leaders off it.
“We’re not here to coach your energy level and your effort, that’s a given. The difference between a really good player and a great player is that, great players don’t get tired,” Geno Auriemma
The effort you put in today determines your opportunities for tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/YBVIKcS2DA
— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) July 20, 2025
Whether it’s a record-setting career, a championship run, or a laugh shared over a story about practice drills, the Auriemma-Collier dynamic demonstrates why UConn remains the gold standard in women’s basketball.
As Collier, Bird, and countless other players can attest, it’s not just talent, it’s smarts, resilience, and a touch of playful ribbing from Auriemma, who knows how to get the best out of his team.
