When you hear Geno Auriemma, the first thing that comes to mind is the legendary women’s basketball coach. But do you know the term ‘women’s basketball’ doesn’t quite sit right with him? For the UConn Huskies coach, it’s not about gender; it’s about basketball players. He doesn’t coach women; he coaches athletes who happen to be women.

He’s this larger-than-life figure who has redefined norms in sports, transforming a once-overlooked program into an electrifying powerhouse. Sure, he can come off as blunt, but his mentees would agree that deep down, he’s got a heart of gold that beats for his players and family. Speaking of the family brings us to the woman behind the man who is on his way to becoming the winningest women’s basketball coach of all time: Kathy Auriemma.

The Rock of the Auriemma Family & Huskies: Kathy Auriemma

Being together for four decades, Kathy has shaped Auriemma’s life in ways we can only begin to appreciate. From their early days on the basketball court, she has been supporting not just his rock, but also the many players who’ve come through the Storrs-based program.

They first crossed paths back in the day at Montgomery County Junior College in December 1972. The coach was dazzling on the basketball court while Kathy was cheering from the sidelines. Their initial meeting sounds like a scene straight out of a romantic comedy. Geno drove her home after a game, and as he likes to put it, “The rest is history.”

They tied the knot six years later in 1978, with their love blooming even when they were ‘broke but madly in love.’ Throughout these years, Kathy has worn many hats: mother, coach, and even a second mom to many of the UConn players. In her own words, “I’m whatever they need me to be.” The girls affectionately call her “Mrs. A.”

The athletes have often appreciated her approachable nature and as someone who genuinely cares for their well-being, always there with a listening ear or a homemade meal when they need it. Former player Stefanie Dolson once said, “When you think of the brains of UConn basketball, you think of coach Auriemma. But when you think of the heart, you think of Mrs. A.” 

Along the way, the Auriemma welcomed three children: daughters Alysa and Jenna and son Michael. And Mrs. A has been there for her children through thick and thin. As her daughter Alysa sums it up in a conversation with ESPN, “She held down the fort at home while Dad was off chasing championships.” Certainly, being a coach takes away precious family time from many, and the case just might be true for the 11x NCAA champion coach as well. However, finding the right life partner definitely solves that puzzle.

 Their second Alysa has taken a page out of her mom’s book as she has started her journey as an English teacher and basketball coach at her alma mater, Miss Porter’s School. However, Jenna is busy raising a family of her own.

She brought the biggest joy to Mr & Mrs Auriemma’s life- the grandkids. But do you also wonder where this family commitment was instilled in the Huskies coach? The simple answer is: His parents. 

The humble family background that shaped Geno Auriemma

Geno Auriemma, born on March 23, 1954, moved to Norristown, Pennsylvania, from Italy at the age of seven. The lack of resources somehow helped him learn critical values in the early years. But despite a life with no running water or electricity, his parents, Donato and Marsiella, instilled a strong work ethic.

Growing up with his siblings, Ferruccio and Anna, Auriemma always relied on love, honor, and loyalty. These traits undoubtedly shaped him into the man he is today. Now, he has all those amenities, but sadly, his parents are not with him anymore. After losing his father in 1997, he had to bid a final adieu to his mother two years ago.

The 90-year-old (at the time of her passing) was known as Nonna to her grandchildren. She was full of life and a typical mum and grandmum whose sole goal was to make sure everyone was fed. Throughout her life, she loved watching UConn games.

Losing her must have hurt the Huskies coach a lot, but the good part is he had his sibling by his side. After all, the Auriemma clan’s upbringing was all about sticking together no matter what.

Speaking of difficult times, do you know the coach was not involved in basketball in his early life? He had gone through a lot in between before finally falling in love with the sport. As is the case with many, it wasn’t even the first sport that he picked. He was a soccer fan, but after arriving in the U.S., he switched to baseball and eventually found his true calling in basketball.

He credits his initial years to his high school coach, Buddy Gardler. Before starting his career as a head coach at UConn in 1985, he juggled a few assistant positions. Fast forward to now, the team has bagged 11 national championships and countless accolades, including a staggering record of 1,200 career wins. All thanks to his guidance.

But what makes him stand out is his caring nature. He makes sure that his athletes are doing well, both on and off the court. Alongside coaching a number of future stars, he is involved in charitable efforts, like the UConn Sandy Hook Scholarship Fund and Geno’s Cancer Team.

Undoubtedly, Auriemma had and has been making a difference, not just in basketball but in life. He’s the mentor and fatherly figure who always has your back, pushing you to be the best version of yourself. But the best he does is be a family man. Isn’t that what life is all about?