University of Connecticut Athletics
Auriemma Named to Naismith Coach of the Year Watch List
2/18/2026 12:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
ATLANTA – UConn women's basketball head coach Geno Auriemma was one of 15 coaches named to the 2026 Werner Ladder Naismith Women's College Coach of the Year Watch List, as announced by the Atlanta Tipoff Club Wednesday.
Despite losing National Player of the Year and WNBA No. 1 Draft Pick Paige Bueckers, as well as key veterans Kaitlyn Chen and Aubrey Griffin, Auriemma has integrated five newcomers to lead No. 1 UConn to an undefeated season so far at 27-0.
Auriemma has developed star duo Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong into National Player of the Year candidates this season. The pair were named to the Naismith Trophy late-season team and the Wooden Award Late Midseason Watch List.
UConn leads the nation in assist-turnover ratio (1.88), assists per game (24.0), field-goal percentage (53.0), field-goal percentage defense (33.4), scoring defense (50.5) scoring margin (38.8) and three-point percentage (40.1). The Huskies rank second in scoring offense (89.3) and turnover margin (11.78) and third in steals per game (15.5).
In his 41st season at UConn, Auriemma is college basketball's all-time winningest coach, holding a 1,277-165 (.886) overall record. He led UConn to its record 12th National Championship in 2025. The Huskies have achieved 24 NCAA Final Fours, six perfect seasons and 61 conference championships under Auriemma.
Auriemma has been named Naismith National Coach of the Year eight times in his career (1995, '97, '00, '02, '08, '09, '16, '17).
