UConn coach Auriemma wins Naismith award

ST LOUIS (Ticker)—Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma on Tuesday was named the Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year.

It was the sixth Naismith honor for Auriemma, surpassing Tennessee’s Pat Summitt for the most among any coach.

Auriemma’s team is seeking to cap off a third undefeated season when it meets Louisville for the national championship Tuesday night.

UConn has won five national titles under Auriemma, including three in a row from 2002-04. The Huskies enter Tuesday’s game with a 38-0 record – their 14th 30-win season in 16 years.

On Monday, UConn sophomore forward Maya Moore won the Naismith Trophy, given to the top women’s college basketball player.

In 24 seasons at UConn, Auriemma has logged a 695-122 overall record, winning 17 Big East regular-season titles and 15 conference tournament crowns.

Auriemma beat out Sherri Coale (Oklahoma), Nell Fortner (Auburn) and Aaron Johnston (South Dakota State) for the Naismith award.