The UConn women's basketball team is on the brink of an extraordinary achievement, aiming for an undefeated season for the first time in ten years. With a perfect 28-0 record and just a week left in the regular season, the Huskies are turning heads and stirring excitement among fans.
Reflecting on their storied past, the 2015-16 UConn team set a high bar, cruising to an NCAA Tournament victory and achieving a flawless 40-0 record. They dominated every game by at least 20 points, securing Geno Auriemma's 11th national title. This year's team faces a challenging road in March, with formidable opponents like UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina ready to test their mettle-a testament to the growing competitiveness in women's basketball.
Holly Rowe, a veteran ESPN broadcaster, recently highlighted UConn's pivotal role in elevating the sport during her appearance on the Yahoo Sports Daily podcast. She recounted the days when UConn's dominance sparked debates about their impact on the game.
"There used to be this conversation that UConn is bad for women's basketball because they're just killing everyone," Rowe noted, referencing their historic 111-game winning streak. "I always believed the opposite.
UConn's dominance forced other programs to elevate their game."
Rowe shared a memorable story about Dawn Staley's first visit to UConn as South Carolina's head coach. Staley was inspired by the national championship banners at Gampel Pavilion, setting a benchmark for her ambitions.
Despite a tough first encounter with Auriemma's team, losing by nearly 30 points, Staley's determination paid off. Her program eventually secured four consecutive victories against UConn from 2020 to 2024.
UConn experienced a championship drought after their 2016 triumph, with injuries and rising competition, including Staley's Gamecocks, posing challenges. However, Rowe believes this year's Huskies have the potential to reclaim their dominance.
"I think we're seeing a return to UConn's elite performance level," Rowe stated. "Led by Sarah Strong, who I consider the best player in the country, they're proving their prowess every night.
While it's possible for other teams to challenge them, UConn is definitely back in the spotlight."