Geno Auriemma Sets Record for AP Top 25 Appearances

Geno Auriemma, head coach of the University of Connecticut (UConn) women's basketball team, has made history by surpassing Tara VanDerveer for the most appearances in The Associated Press (AP) women's basketball Top 25 rankings. As of Monday, UConn has been ranked 655 times under Auriemma's leadership, marking a significant achievement in his 41-year coaching career. The Huskies are currently undefeated with a record of 29-0 and have maintained their position as the unanimous No. 1 team in the poll, receiving all 31 first-place votes from the national media panel.

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UConn's consistent performance has solidified its status in women's college basketball, with the team winning 45 consecutive games dating back to the previous season. The top five teams in the latest AP rankings remain unchanged, with UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and Vanderbilt following UConn. Notably, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) continues to dominate the rankings, featuring nine teams in the Top 25, while the Big Ten has seven teams represented.

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While UConn thrives, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, another storied program, are experiencing a challenging season. Tennessee has dropped out of the Top 25 for the first time this season after losing seven of their last nine games. Coach Kim Caldwell acknowledged the difficulties faced by the team, stating, "We've had an incredibly tough stretch," highlighting the need for honesty with the players during this challenging period. The Lady Vols face tough upcoming matches against LSU and Vanderbilt, which could further impact their season.

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The latest rankings saw significant shifts among other teams. Iowa reentered the Top 10 after a strong performance against Michigan, while Virginia upset Louisville, contributing to the latter's drop in the rankings. Additionally, Princeton returned to the poll at No. 25 after previously falling out, showcasing the competitive nature of women's college basketball this season.

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In response to his record-setting achievement, Auriemma emphasized the importance of teamwork and dedication in reaching such milestones. He stated that the success of the program is a collective effort, reflecting the hard work of players and staff over the years.

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• “You just [have to] be honest with your team, and they can handle it or they cannot.” — Kim Caldwell, Head Coach, Tennessee

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Looking ahead, UConn aims to maintain its undefeated streak as they prepare for upcoming games, while Tennessee faces critical matchups that could determine their postseason prospects. The competitive landscape of women's college basketball continues to evolve, with teams vying for top positions as the NCAA Tournament approaches.

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