Geno Auriemma has shown exceptional coaching skills and leadership over his four-decades-long coaching career. However, he credits his success to his wife, Kathy Auriemma.
Born on March 23, 1954, Luigi “Geno” Auriemma is the head coach of the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team, who has a career record of 1,217-162, including six undefeated seasons.
Throughout his 39-year tenure with Uconn, Auriemma has led the team to 17 undefeated conference seasons and 11 NCAA Division I national championships, the most in women’s college basketball history.
Furthermore, he has won eight national Naismith College Coach of the Year awards.
When They First Met Each Other, Geno Was A College Basketball Player, While His Wife, Kathy, Was A Cheerleader!
Kathy Auriemma is the wife of Geno Auriemma, the head coach of the Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team. Geno met his wife in 1977 at Montgomery County Junior College.
While he played for the college basketball team, Kathy was a cheerleader. Following one of their games, Auriemma drove Kathy home, and ‘the rest is history.’
“There’s probably two versions of the story of how we met. My version is she has been following me around for about a week, or something like that, you know, stalking me, and eventually, you know, I got tired.“
“And hers is probably closer to the truth. She was a cheerleader and I was on the team, and we’re supposed to meet after the game. Everybody left, and she’s standing there.”
Geno Auriemma
They eventually tied the knot in 1978 after falling deeply in love with one another. Geno and Kathy had three children, bringing more joy and color into their world.
While Kathy is a mother to her three children, Alysa, Jenna, and Michael, she is also a mom to the Uconn Huskies players.
Moreover, the head coach considers his wife, Kathy, “his most valued and trusted source of guidance and loyalty.”
The players have frequently admired her friendly personality, praising her caring nature and delicious homemade foods.
Geno and Kathy’s relationship reflects a strong partnership built on mutual respect, understanding, and adaptability.
While information regarding Kathy’s family background and personal life is scarce, her daughter, Alysa, once mentioned that she was a former English teacher.
Her compassion and caring nature extend beyond her family and team. She has found her life’s purpose in philanthropy.
Kathy has supported many charitable organizations, focusing on education and disadvantaged women and children.
Moreover, she has mobilized resources to support fundraisers for breast cancer awareness.
Similarly, Geno’s wife has supported local schools through mentorships and sports clinics.
She also advocates for mental health awareness among young athletes. Kathy was always on Geno’s side, navigating life’s ups and downs together.
Geno Auriemma was asked about his wife Kathy being alongside him in his UConn journey:
— UConn on SNY (@SNYUConn) November 20, 2024
"I've been exceptionally lucky. I've had the good fortune of having a partner that understands and believes in what I'm doing" pic.twitter.com/kOihohjVpf
While Geno pursued his coaching profession, she looked after the house and the children. The UConn head coach has always credited his wife for his success.
He has described her as someone who keeps him humble and provides honest feedback.
Despite Geno’s high-profile and demanding career, the couple has maintained a stable and supportive marriage since 1978.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Geno Auriemma emigrated with his family from Italy to Norristown, Pennsylvania, when he was seven years old.
- Auriemma grew up in poverty since his parents worked in low-wage factory jobs.
- The Huskies women’s basketball team only had one winning season until Auriemma arrived in 1985.
