Kristian Ferrell
The UConn Huskies women's basketball team has a long history of success, with their first game played on December 5, 1974, resulting in a win. The team has been consistently ranked among the top women's basketball programmes in the country and has produced numerous WNBA draftees, including five first overall picks. With Hall of Fame head coach Geno Auriemma at the helm since 1985, the Huskies have achieved numerous accolades and records, including the longest winning streak in regular-season games in college history. UConn has also been a leader in women's basketball attendance, playing their home games at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion and the XL Center in Hartford.
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What You'll Learn
UConn's winning streak
The UConn Huskies women's basketball team has a rich history of success, including a remarkable winning streak that has solidified its place as one of the most dominant forces in college basketball.
The Huskies women's basketball team first took the court on December 5, 1974, securing a 40–27 victory over Eastern Connecticut State University. Since then, the program has gone on to achieve numerous accolades and establish a winning culture.
One of the most notable achievements of the UConn women's basketball team is their impressive winning streak. After an overtime loss to Stanford on November 17, 2014, the Huskies bounced back strongly and embarked on a remarkable journey, winning 126 consecutive regular-season games. This unparalleled streak came to an end on January 3, 2019, when they suffered a 68–57 loss to Baylor.
During this historic run, the Huskies established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, setting new records and capturing the attention of the sports world. Their streak included notable victories against top-ranked opponents, such as Ohio State and Florida State, further cementing their reputation as a powerhouse in women's college basketball.
The UConn women's basketball team's success can be attributed to strong coaching and talented players. Head coach Luigi "Geno" Auriemma, who joined the team in 1985, is one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history. His strategic acumen and ability to develop players have been instrumental in the team's consistent excellence. Auriemma surpassed UCLA legend John Wooden in total championships, claiming his 11th title in 2015.
Additionally, the Huskies have been blessed with an array of talented players over the years. Notable alumni include Maya Moore, the first female basketball player signed to the Jordan Brand, and Breanna Stewart, a five-time WNBA All-Star. The program has produced numerous WNBA draft picks, including five first overall selections, further showcasing the depth of talent that has contributed to UConn's winning culture.
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Geno Auriemma's coaching career
Geno Auriemma joined UConn as head coach in 1985 and has since built a Hall of Fame-worthy career over 39 seasons with the Huskies.
Before joining UConn, Auriemma spent one season as an assistant coach for the Saint Joseph's women's basketball program, finishing with a 16-19 overall record. He then took an assistant coaching job at his former high school, Bishop Kenrick, for three seasons. In 1981, he joined Virginia's women's basketball program as an assistant coach and helped the Cavaliers win one ACC regular-season title and make two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Since joining UConn, Auriemma has led the team to 11 national championships, 22 or 23 Final Four appearances, six undefeated seasons, and 27 conference tournament titles. As of January 2025, his record stands at 1231-164 (.880), representing the highest winning percentage among NCAA basketball coaches. He has also coached numerous current and former WNBA stars, including Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Tina Charles, and Breanna Stewart.
Auriemma has been recognized for his outstanding coaching career with numerous awards and honours. He has been named Naismith National Coach of the Year eight times, AP National Coach of the Year nine times, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. In November 2024, he broke the NCAA wins record, earning his 1,217th career victory and becoming the winningest coach in basketball history.
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Top UConn players in the WNBA draft
The UConn Huskies women's basketball team has had considerable success in the WNBA draft. The team, representing the University of Connecticut in NCAA Division I college basketball, has had 45 players selected in the WNBA draft, with 27 first-round picks. UConn holds the record for the most first-round draft picks, and their alumni have had a significant impact on the WNBA.
- Sue Bird: Drafted first overall in 2002, Bird is the current all-time leader in assists in the WNBA. She was the fourth UConn player to be selected as the first overall pick.
- Diana Taurasi: Taurasi was drafted first overall in 2004 and is the current all-time scoring leader in the WNBA. She was named WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2009 and 2014 and WNBA Rookie of the Year. She is one of many UConn stars to successfully transition to the WNBA.
- Tina Charles: Charles was the first overall pick in the 2010 WNBA draft. She was also named WNBA Rookie of the Year and later named WNBA MVP.
- Maya Moore: Moore was the first overall pick in the 2011 WNBA draft, becoming the fourth Husky to achieve this feat. She was also the first female basketball player signed to the Jordan Brand. Moore was named WNBA Finals MVP in 2013.
- Breanna Stewart: Stewart was the first overall pick in the 2016 WNBA draft, along with her UConn teammates Moriah Jefferson and Morgan Tuck, who were the second and third overall picks, respectively. Stewart was named WNBA Finals MVP in 2018 and 2020.
- Paige Bueckers: Bueckers is a notable UConn player who led the team to the Elite Eight of the women's NCAA tournament with a 40-point performance against Oklahoma.
- Rebecca Lobo: Lobo was part of the inaugural 1997 WNBA draft and was allocated to the New York Liberty. She is considered one of the WNBA's first players.
- Nykesha Sales: Sales was allocated to the Orlando Miracle in the 1998 WNBA expansion. The team later relocated and became the Connecticut Sun.
- Moriah Jefferson: Jefferson was the second overall pick in the 2016 WNBA draft, following a stellar season with UConn, where they beat every opponent by an average of 39.7 points.
- Morgan Tuck: Tuck was the third overall pick in the 2016 WNBA draft, completing a trio of UConn players as the first three picks that year.
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UConn's ranking in the 2023-24 season
The UConn Huskies women's basketball team has a long history of success, with the team's first game taking place on December 5, 1974, resulting in a 40-27 win over Eastern Connecticut State University. The team has been ranked highly for many years and has produced several notable players, including four first overall picks in the WNBA draft.
While I can't comment on the ranking of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team for the 2023-24 season specifically, I can provide some context on the team's performance in recent years. The Huskies have enjoyed a great deal of success and have been consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation. They held the longest winning streak in regular-season games in college history, with 126 consecutive wins between 2014 and 2019.
In the 2021-22 season, the Huskies were once again a dominant force, powered by the impressive play of Paige Bueckers, who scored 40 points in a game against Oklahoma, leading the team to the Elite Eight of the women's NCAA tournament. The team also boasted a strong supporting cast, including freshman Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, who was named State Farm/WBCA High School Player of the Year, as well as highly-rated point guard Brianna Banks and the 6'3" post player Kiah Stokes.
The UConn Huskies women's basketball team has consistently been a top-ranked program and a force to be reckoned with in the world of women's college basketball. With a history of successful seasons, a talented roster of players, and a winning culture, the team is expected to continue its success in the 2023-24 season and beyond. While rankings for the upcoming season have not yet been released, the Huskies are likely to once again be a top contender and a favourite to win the national championship.
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UConn's first game
The UConn Huskies women's basketball team has been ranked among the leaders in women's basketball for quite some time. The team played its first game on December 5, 1974, winning 40–27 against Eastern Connecticut State University.
UConn's women's basketball team has achieved significant success over the years, with a notable winning streak and multiple championships. The team's first game set the tone for what was to become a historic and highly competitive program.
The Huskies' inaugural game marked the beginning of a journey that would see them become one of the most dominant forces in college basketball. Over the years, they have amassed numerous records and achievements, solidifying their place in the sport's history.
The team's first game was a significant moment, not just for the program but also for women's basketball as a whole. It represented the start of a journey toward excellence and helped pave the way for the sport's growth and recognition. The Huskies have since inspired and influenced countless athletes and fans, shaping the landscape of women's basketball.
UConn's women's basketball team has left an indelible mark on the sport, and their success continues to inspire and motivate new generations of athletes. The team's first game was a crucial stepping stone, setting the foundation for the program's future triumphs and contributing to the rich history of women's basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
The UConn women's basketball team has been ranked since 1974 when they played their first-ever game.
The UConn women's basketball team has had a successful run in recent years, reaching the Sweet Sixteen in 2023 and finishing the season ranked #3 in the AP and Coaches polls. They also advanced to the Final Four in 2022 and won the championship in 2015.
Notable players on the UConn women's basketball team include Paige Bueckers, Nika Mühl, Aubrey Griffin, and Aaliyah Edwards. The team has also produced several WNBA draftees, including Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, and Tina Charles.
The current head coach of the UConn women's basketball team is Luigi "Geno" Auriemma, who joined the team in 1985. He is one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history, with the most wins of any NCAA coach in any sport.
The UConn women's basketball team plays their home games at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on their campus in Storrs and at the XL Center in Hartford.
