“It’s really something that is gonna take some time.” That’s the sentiment of Geno Auriemma as he sets out to end the UConn Huskies’ eight-year championship drought this season. The legendary head coach faces a significant challenge: the absence of star players like Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl from last year’s squad. Without those familiar faces, Auriemma will need to look to fresh talent to fill the gap. Well, he’s acknowledged a crucial piece that’s missing from his roster and already seems to have another to fix that gap.

In a recent interview with NBC Sports, the head coach shared insights on UConn’s upcoming season and how the team is gearing up. When asked about a new addition to the roster and its impact on practice, Auriemma didn’t jump straight to the positives. Instead, he began by revealing what he feels is still missing from this year’s lineup. “We miss Nika (Muhl). We don’t have that in-your-face emotional grittiness that she brought obviously and the defensive intensity that she brought,” stated Auriemma.

Nika Muhl, drafted by the Seattle Storm in the second round earlier this year, was a pivotal force for Geno Auriemma’s squad. She wrapped up her college career as UConn’s all-time assist leader with an impressive 660 assists, leading the team in assists in both her junior and senior years. Her absence is a tough gap to fill for a coach chasing his 12th national title—a reminder of the championship pedigree Auriemma is eager to bring back to UConn.

Though Auriemma certainly feels Muhl’s absence, he’s far from discouraged. The coach quickly shifted focus to one of the team’s exciting new additions: Kaitlyn Chen. “She is fearless, she is smart,” Auriemma told NBS Sports about Chen after giving deeper insights into her game performance. Set to make her Blue and White debut in her senior year after transferring from Princeton, Chen brings fresh energy and talent that has Auriemma optimistic about what lies ahead.

Geno Auriemma on UConn’s new playmaker ready to fill big shoe

The 70-year-old head didn’t waste time looking for a capable Nika Muhl’s replacement—and he seems to have found just that in Kaitlyn Chen. The 20-year-old is a seasoned four-year starter and the last year’s Ivy League Player of the year.   

“But I think there are parts of the game that Kaitlyn has that Nika doesn’t have. There are things that she doesn’t have that Nika had but her ability to get in the lane and drive the ball downhill and then create for herself is really really gonna help us cause we got pretty good shooters on the perimeters,” reflected the 11x NCAA champion coach on Chen’s abilities.

Though UConn has plenty of guards, Chen steps in as a seasoned ball-handler who seems to fit seamlessly into the role Mühl left behind. With her calm under pressure, exceptional passing, and scoring ability, Chen brings exactly what the Huskies need this season. “I told her the other day, you are just having a great training camp. If we can get you to pass the ball to our team all the time, sometimes going to the other team. But she is so anxious to make a play. I loved every minute of having her around, she is just fantastic,” said Geno.

Auriemma’s high praise for Chen is backed up by her impressive track record. In high school at Flintridge Prep, Chen shattered records with 2,009 career points, 922 rebounds, and 421 assists. She was a three-time league MVP, named All-Area Player of the Year, and even earned a McDonald’s All-American nomination. Her college career was equally stellar, finishing with 1,276 points, 313 rebounds, and 359 assists—ranking her third in career assists and 12th in points at Princeton.

“It’s pretty cool being here, if I’m being honest,” Kaitlyn Chen shared, clearly excited to live up to her new coach’s expectations. We might get the first look at Chen in a UConn jersey on November 7th when the Huskies face off against Boston.