By: Sydney Baird

For the UConn Huskies and coach Geno Auriemma it was only a matter of time before they were champions once again. It was never too far out of reach for the huskies.

The Road Back 

UConn’s road back to dominance did not happen overnight. In the past years injuries, rising competition, and the evolving of college basketball led people to think that the Huskies dynasty might have come to an end. It started with his recruiting landing back-to-back five stars in Azzi Fudd a senior guard, Sarah Strong a freshman forward, and of course fifth year senior Paige Buekers. Geno says, “Paige and Azzi are great leaders, their work ethic is unmatched.” Auriemma also says “this team loves each other all of them are unmatched. You aren’t going to find a team that loves each other as much as them.” 

A Season of Statement Wins 

In the start of the 2024-25 season the Huskies asserted their dominance. They rolled through their non-conference play defeating several top ten opponents and reclaimed their dominance in the Big East. It was their tournament run that really stood out and made people watch. By winning their first tournament game by 70 points and then no one coming close till the elite eight made people think they had a chance to win it all. But there were always some doubters. Beating USC in the elite eight then UCLA in the Final Four there was only one game left for the Huskies to regain their title. They faced South Carolina, a team they blew out earlier in the year. UConn wins the National Championship 82-59 and regains the title. 

Legacy Secured

This Championship makes it Geno’s 12^th NCAA title. He has the most National Championships by any coach, men’s or women’s. But he doesn’t really care about the records, and he never talks about them. Instead, when asked about it he brushes it off and says, “I’m just proud of these kids,” he said. “This group earned it. They believed in each other, and they brought UConn basketball back to where it belongs.” 

What’s Next 

The Huskies Title not only reestablishes the UConn dynasty and puts them on the top of sports but it also sends a message to the rest of the NCAA that the dynasty is not dead its just getting started again. UConn has a strong group returning in Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, but they also have a strong recruiting class coming in as well. But for now the crown is back Storrs and the UConn Huskies are back on top once again.

UConn National Champs Photo