Geno Auriemma is an Italian-American basketball coach who has served as head coach of the University of Connecticut (UConn) women’s basketball team since 1985. Born in Montella, Italy, Auriemma immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up in Pennsylvania. He has built UConn into the most dominant program in women’s college basketball history, winning 11 NCAA championships (as of 2024).
Auriemma married his wife Kathy in 1978 and they have two children. Known for his intense coaching style and basketball IQ, he has coached numerous WNBA stars including Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart. Beyond basketball, Auriemma has authored books and served as head coach of the U.S. women’s national team, winning Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016.
Despite health challenges including a battle with stomach cancer in 2021, Auriemma continues to coach at an elite level. He’s known for his philanthropic work, particularly with cancer research organizations and Connecticut charities. His legacy extends beyond wins and losses, having fundamentally changed women’s basketball.
