Geno Auriemma and Chris Dailey Honored as UConn Aims for NCAA Record

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the University of Connecticut (UConn) will celebrate a significant milestone in the careers of Head Coach Geno Auriemma and Associate Head Coach Chris Dailey. The duo is being honored for their 40 years of service to the UConn women’s basketball program.

The celebration will take place at Gampel Pavilion, where more than 60 alumni who played under Auriemma and Dailey will attend a pre-game ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m. This event precedes the UConn women’s basketball game against Fairleigh Dickinson, a match that could see Auriemma break the record for the most wins in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history.

Auriemma, who has accumulated 1,216 career wins with UConn, is currently tied with former Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer for the all-time winningest coach in NCAA Division I history. A win against Fairleigh Dickinson would secure Auriemma’s place as the record holder. His impressive career includes 11 national championships, 23 Final Fours, and 35 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, with a winning percentage of 88.2% and an average of 31 wins per season.

Auriemma and Dailey have been instrumental in building UConn into a powerhouse in women’s basketball. Reflecting on their journey, Auriemma noted the importance of health, attracting top talent, and the support from the school and fanbase. Dailey emphasized their initial vision and the collective effort in achieving their goals.

Current UConn players, such as point guard KK Arnold and guard Paige Bueckers, praised Auriemma’s energy and leadership, highlighting his ability to give credit to his team and downplay his own achievements. The celebration is a testament to the enduring legacy of Auriemma and Dailey at UConn.