In the women’s NCAA basketball tournament history, there have been only ten teams that completed a flawless season. Notably, six of these belong to the University of Connecticut under the leadership of coach Geno Auriemma.
Recently, Auriemma responded to a query regarding defining characteristics of his undefeated seasons: “After 12 games?” Now, as the season progresses with 16 games played, the Huskies remain undefeated while preparing for their Big East conference games. Although it’s early in the season, UConn has shown dominance, outscoring their opponents by an average of 38 points and maintaining a top position in the AP Poll for nine consecutive weeks.
Currently, they are one of four teams, alongside Texas Tech, Vanderbilt, and Texas—who was the first program to achieve a perfect record on their journey to a national title.
Main dish: Superstars
Reflecting on his undefeated teams, Auriemma emphasized the importance of having “really, really, really, really good players.”
The Huskies’ past rosters featured illustrious players, including Rebecca Lobo, Sue Bird, and Maya Moore. Each undefeated season has produced a Naismith Player of the Year. Notably, this year’s team features standout players like Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd on the Naismith Watchlist, displaying impressive scoring skills.
High-IQ Role Players
While superior talent is beneficial, chemistry and teamwork are crucial. Auriemma emphasizes that being committed and competitive is essential for the team’s cohesion.
Blanca Quiñonez, representing these values, showcases not only her offensive ability but also her defensive skills, indicating the importance of versatility.
Dessert: Strength of Schedule
Pursuing an undefeated season often requires a bit of luck, especially regarding their conference schedule. The transition from a stronger conference to a less competitive environment had implications for their record. However, currently, UConn is positioned well within its conference, indicating a bright future.
In summary, while it is certainly within reach for UConn to maintain an undefeated record, sustaining this level of excellence through strategic gameplay and strong teamwork remains paramount.
