In Storrs, the UConn Huskies are gearing up for another thrilling NCAA tournament run, with their eyes set on a potential repeat championship. But for head coach Geno Auriemma, the focus is all about taking it one step at a time, starting with Saturday's opener against UTSA at Gampel Pavilion.
Auriemma shared his thoughts on maintaining focus amid the excitement. "We were talking this morning about how challenging it is to keep that concentration," he said with a chuckle.
"Even for me, you, anyone... thoughts about the regional in Fort Worth or beyond probably last about 30 seconds before shifting elsewhere. I’m hoping for that."
Last year, the Huskies claimed their 12th national title in Tampa, defeating South Carolina decisively. This year's path to the championship game in Phoenix involves victories in Storrs and Fort Worth before potentially heading to the Final Four.
In their region, Vanderbilt, led by former UConn star Shea Ralph, holds the No. 2 seed. Auriemma emphasizes the importance of staying present, reminding his team that future success hinges on current performance. "The players who've been there can explain, 'This is how it goes,'" he noted.
The Huskies, undefeated at 34-0, face UTSA, a team on a hot streak after capturing the American Conference tournament title. The Roadrunners, seeded sixth, pulled off impressive wins over top-seeded Rice and others, showcasing a defensive prowess that limited opponents to 46.5 points per game. Senior forward Cheyenne Rowe shone brightly, earning tournament MVP honors with standout performances.
UTSA head coach Karen Aston praised her team's growth. "Some of it is just maturation of young players," she explained. "Injuries forced us to rely on young talent, and they’ve grown tremendously."
Meanwhile, UConn's future looks bright with incoming freshman Olivia Vukosa, recently named the 2026 Gatorade National Girls' Basketball Player of the Year. Surprised by UConn legend Diana Taurasi with the award, Vukosa expressed her awe.
"Seeing Taurasi was surreal. It's something I'll cherish forever."
Vukosa, a 6-foot-5 standout, dominated at Christ the King, leading them to the state championship game. She's a top recruit, McDonald's All-American, and a member of the Croatian Women's National Team, joining an elite group of UConn players who've earned the prestigious Gatorade honor.
As the Huskies embark on their tournament journey, the blend of seasoned leadership and emerging talent sets the stage for another exciting chapter in UConn basketball history.