At 71 years old, the legendary Geno Auriemma captured his 12th national championship on Sunday when the Connecticut Huskies dominated the South Carolina Gamecocks 82-59, securing their first title since 2016. While much of the attention was on the well-deserved celebration, rumors quickly swirled about what’s next for Auriemma. He holds the records for the most wins in Division I college basketball, the most national championships, and the most Final Four appearances. Yet, he is also the oldest coach in women’s college basketball.
On Monday, during an interview with “Good Morning America,” Michael Strahan asked Auriemma about his coaching future, wondering if he still had the motivation to continue or if he might retire after such a monumental victory. Auriemma’s answer was clear:
“You know, I was watching the highlights, and Ovechkin broke Gretzky’s record last night, so it’s time for old people to shine here… I just think when you hang around young people on a daily basis, you really don’t feel old,” Auriemma said.
He added, “Yes, your age is changing, but I don’t think you’re getting old. You’re not losing your enthusiasm, and you’re still feeling the impact that you’re having on people. So who knows when you wake up one morning and say, ‘That’s it, I’m done,’ but right now, I’m more motivated by what happened last night when Paige Bueckers walked off the court. I didn’t wake up this morning feeling any different because we have 12 instead of 11, but I know if she does wake up, she’ll feel a lot different than she did before yesterday.”
Geno Auriemma clearly has a lot more left in the tank, and he made it evident that the impact he can continue to make on others is what motivates him to keep going rather than hanging it up just yet.
That motivation was even more apparent Sunday evening when Paige Bueckers captured her first national title in what just so happened to be her final collegiate game, capping off a career filled with both highs and lows.
UConn has solidified its place as the premier basketball program in college basketball, and while Auriemma has several key staff members who contribute to the success, he remains the centerpiece of the program. With a talented roster returning next season, the Huskies may just be chasing No. 13.
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