"Things are never gonna be as bad"- UConn's Geno Auriemma once shared 5 pieces of advice he would give his younger self
Geno Auriemma is arguably one of the most successful coaches in women's college basketball history. In his decorated 39-year career as UConn Huskies' coach, Auriemma has learned some valuable lessons along the way, which he once admitted he would share with his younger self.
In a video from 2018, Auriemma made an appearance for 'What Drives Winning'. He revealed five pieces of advice he would give his younger self, with each of them seemingly playing a key part in his journey.
The first two pieces of advice revolved around good and bad times, which would serve as inspirations for various phases in life.
"Things are never going to be as good as you think they are."
"Things are never going to be as bad as you think they are."
The next advice focused on the importance of working hard on weaknesses, and ensuring one is not frustrated while doing so.
"Work harder at things you're not good at. Don't get frustrated. Figure things out rather than having it come easy."
The fourth piece of advice given by the Huskies veteran emphasized the need for one to follow their instincts.
"Spend more time thinking and following your instincts."
Auriemma's fifth and final piece of advice to his younger self highlighted the importance of spending time on things that matter rather than things that don't.
"The time that you spend on things that don't matter, aren't that important, it's time you'll never get back. Focus on the things that are truly the most important and not the things that are important at that time."
Geno Auriemma close to becoming the winningest coach in college basketball history
Throughout his career, Auriemma trailed Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer in the all-time winningest coaches in women's college basketball history.
VanDerveer made history by passing Duke men's basketball coach Mike Kryzewski's tally of 1,202 wins in January to become the winningest coach in both men's and women's college basketball history. Auriemma got past him in the following month.
Auriemma finished the 2023-24 season just three wins behind VanDerveer's new record of 1,216 wins. With VanDerveer announcing her retirement after 45 seasons as the Cardinals' coach, Auriemma is poised to make history by passing her tally in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Auriemma, who also leads the list of coaches with the all-time highest winning percentage (.882), will be keen to win a record-extending 12th NCAA Tournament title with the Huskies in his 40th season in charge.