Full Breakdown
Geno Auriemma Named to Naismith Coach of the Year Watchlist
2/19/2026, 1:41:34 PM
UConn's Dominance Under Auriemma
Geno Auriemma, in his 41st season as head coach of the University of Connecticut (UConn) women's basketball team, has been named to the 15-person watchlist for the Naismith Coach of the Year award by the Atlanta Tipoff Club. This recognition marks Auriemma's return to the forefront of collegiate coaching, having previously won the award eight times, with his last victory in the 2016-17 season. Despite losing two starters from last year’s national championship team, including three-time first team All-American Paige Bueckers, Auriemma has successfully guided the Huskies to a perfect 27-0 record for the 2025-26 season.
UConn's performance this season has been remarkable, featuring five victories against ranked opponents and four against teams in the top 15. The Huskies lead the nation in several key statistical categories, including scoring defense, assists, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage. Additionally, they rank in the top three for scoring offense, turnover margin, and steals per game. UConn is currently on a 43-game winning streak, which ties for the seventh longest in women's college basketball history, and has won 63 consecutive matchups against Big East opponents. A victory over Villanova would secure UConn's regular-season conference championship for the 13th consecutive year and the 32nd time under Auriemma's leadership.
Notable Alumni Coaches
The Naismith Coach of the Year watchlist also includes two former UConn players: Carla Berube, head coach at Princeton, and Shea Ralph, head coach at Vanderbilt. Berube, a member of UConn's first national championship team in 1995, has led Princeton to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances since her appointment in 2019. This season, her team boasts a 20-3 record. Ralph, who played at UConn from 1996 to 2000 and was a first-team All-American, has transformed Vanderbilt into a competitive force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Commodores achieved their best start in program history this year, going 20-0, and currently hold a 24-3 record, with their losses coming only against ranked opponents.
Broader Implications
Auriemma's continued success and the recognition of his former players underscore UConn's lasting impact on women's college basketball. The achievements of Berube and Ralph reflect the strong foundation laid by Auriemma and highlight the program's influence on the sport.
Official Statements & Responses
The Atlanta Tipoff Club's announcement of the watchlist emphasizes the significance of Auriemma's coaching career and the ongoing excellence of UConn women's basketball. The inclusion of Berube and Ralph further illustrates the program's legacy and the success of its alumni in coaching roles.
Verbatim Quotes
“Despite graduating two starters from last year’s national title team, including three-time first team All-American Paige Bueckers, Auriemma has led the Huskies to a 27-0 start to the 2025-26 season with five wins over ranked opponents and four over teams in the top 15.” — Courant Report
“Vanderbilt is on pace for its highest finish in the SEC since at least 2011, and it will almost certainly host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in over a decade.” — Courant Report
