In sports, some milestones feel ceremonial, while others are undeniably earned. Geno Auriemma's latest achievement falls squarely in the latter category.
On Monday, Auriemma made his 655th career appearance in the Associated Press Top 25, surpassing Tara VanDerveer to set a new record for the most appearances by any coach in the history of the women’s poll. This milestone adds yet another impressive layer to a career already defined by excellence.
UConn’s Dominance Under Auriemma
UConn’s presence at the top of the rankings is a familiar sight, a testament to the enduring legacy Auriemma has built. With 655 appearances, this isn’t about a single standout team; it’s a reflection of decades of success.
It speaks to the generations of players who have embraced a culture of excellence, weathered challenges, and adapted to the evolving landscape of women’s basketball. At UConn, being ranked isn’t the goal-it's the starting point.
The true aim is to compete for championships year after year.
The Huskies are currently 29-0, holding the unanimous No. 1 spot. All 31 voters agree: UConn is the team to beat.
They’ve won 45 consecutive games dating back to last season, showcasing a style of play that’s as dominant as it is disciplined. UConn doesn’t just win; they control the narrative of the game, defending fiercely, sharing the ball, and closing out games with confidence.
This poise is a direct reflection of Auriemma’s demanding and disciplined approach.
Challengers in the Top Five
While UConn leads the pack, the competition is fierce. UCLA remains at No. 2, celebrating its first outright league title.
South Carolina holds the No. 3 spot, consistently proving its mettle in the SEC. Texas, with one of the most complete rosters, sits at No. 4, and Vanderbilt rounds out the top five, having battled through several tough matchups.
Each of these teams poses a legitimate threat for the national title, but they all recognize that the road to glory still runs through UConn.
Movements Within the Top 10
Outside the top five, there’s been some notable movement. LSU climbed to No. 6 after a strong performance, while Oklahoma made a significant leap to No.
- Iowa surged to No. 9 following a pivotal win over Michigan, tightening the Big Ten race.
Michigan, after that loss, slipped to No. 8, with Louisville at No. 10.
Duke fell to No. 12 after Clemson snapped their 17-game winning streak, and Ohio State is now at No. 13 after losing two of their last three games.
The Big Ten race is particularly intense, with Iowa, Michigan, Ohio State, and Maryland all vying for position as the regular season draws to a close.
Tennessee’s Struggles
One of the week’s surprises is Tennessee dropping out of the rankings. The Lady Vols have lost seven of their last nine games, including defeats to Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma, ending a streak of 31 consecutive polls in which they were ranked. For a program steeped in tradition, this is a challenging period, and with tough games against LSU and Vanderbilt ahead, the road doesn’t get easier.
Conference Depth
The SEC showcases its depth with nine ranked teams, leading all conferences. The Big Ten follows with seven, while the Big 12 has four, the ACC three, and both the Ivy League and Big East have one each. This depth creates a competitive national landscape where every game matters and momentum can shift quickly.
Yet, the spotlight remains on Auriemma. His 655 appearances in the AP Top 25 are more than just a number-they’re a testament to a standard of excellence that has remained unshaken, even as the game has evolved. As March approaches, UConn is undefeated, and Geno Auriemma is once again at the heart of the conversation.