UConn’s Geno Auriemma sets all-time college basketball wins record

Geno Auriemma made history on Wednesday, becoming the all-time leader in wins across both men’s and women’s college basketball after his No. 2 UConn Huskies triumphed 85-41 against Fairleigh Dickinson. With this victory, Auriemma surpassed the legendary Tara VanDerveer, former Stanford head coach, to claim the record for most career wins, marking 1,217 wins as a head coach.

Plans to celebrate Auriemma’s monumental achievement, as well as his longtime assistant, Chris Dailey, were in the works leading up to the game. Both Auriemma and Dailey are in their 40th season coaching the UConn women’s basketball team, and a celebration was organized to honor their legacy. Many of the team’s most iconic former players, including Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Napheesa Collier, Rebecca Lobo, and Kelly Faris, gathered at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut, for the event.

Auriemma was visibly moved by the turnout, reflecting on the importance of the occasion and the UConn community’s enduring support. “Everything about Connecticut basketball is special,” he said after the game. “The crowd tonight and the fan base, our former players, just everyone here treats it unlike any other place in the country. So to be able to have that kind of accomplishment here, you couldn’t ask for a better scenario.”

The historic moment was not only about Auriemma’s record but also the bonds he shares with his players. He took a moment to thank them for the impact they’ve had on his life over the years. “I’ll remember them when they were 17 and the look in their eyes of ‘Coach, can you help me do this?’” he reflected. “And I said, ‘I don’t know – I think I can, but we’ll see.’ And now we look back 40 years later and I would say I don’t know how much I helped them get what they wanted, but they helped me get everything I wanted.”

The Connecticut community marked the occasion with a special tribute as Governor Ned Lamont unveiled a road sign reading, “Welcome to Connecticut: Home of the Winningest Coach in Basketball History.” The crowd cheered as they chanted “Geno! Geno!” to honor their coach.

In addition to the road sign, UConn players Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Caroline Ducharme presented Auriemma with a framed UConn jersey inscribed with the number 1,217, symbolizing his career milestone. The team also wore shirts emblazoned with Auriemma’s face, further cementing the bond between the coach and his players.

Nike presented Auriemma and Dailey with a custom ladder to commemorate the 11 national championships the two coaches have celebrated together. The ladder was a symbolic reminder of the numerous times they’ve led UConn to victory on the grandest stage in women’s college basketball. Auriemma, who is 70 years old, has now led the Huskies to 11 NCAA titles, the most of any college basketball coach, male or female. He has also guided the team to six perfect seasons.

Dailey, the associate head coach, became emotional during the celebration as she thanked her family, friends, and the UConn community for their support. “You are certainly the reason why I stayed in coaching,” Dailey said. “Some of you might be the reason I get out of coaching. I can’t tell you how much it means to me to have you here. … I need you to know that you mean more to me and have taught me more than I could have taught you.”

Several former players, including the 42-year-old Taurasi, spoke at the event, expressing their gratitude for Auriemma’s impact on their careers and lives. “Banners, Hall of Famers, MVPs, champions, player of the years – we always come back because of you, coach,” Taurasi said. “We come back because of you and don’t you ever forget that. We love you.”

Auriemma’s incredible coaching career has earned him respect and admiration from across the basketball world. Following the milestone victory, VanDerveer offered her congratulations, calling Auriemma’s achievement “yet another outstanding milestone in a career filled with them.” She praised his sustained success at UConn, adding, “The level of success he has maintained at UConn over four decades will never be duplicated.”

The Huskies’ win helped them maintain their undefeated record for the season, improving to 4-0. Bueckers, the star senior guard, led UConn with 16 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while freshman Sarah Strong contributed a game-high 20 points. Fudd, who made her long-awaited season debut after recovering from a knee injury, scored four points in 13 minutes of play.

As UConn moves forward in the season, the team will next face Oregon State on November 25 in the Bahamas. With Auriemma’s historic victory and continued excellence on the court, UConn’s women’s basketball program remains a dominant force in the sport.