As the NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship nears, the spotlight is once again on two of the sport’s most iconic coaches—Geno Auriemma of UConn and Dawn Staley of South Carolina—who are set to renew their fierce rivalry in the 2025 title game. Auriemma, a Hall of Fame coach with 11 national championships to his name, understands better than most that facing a Dawn Staley-led team is never an easy task. He openly acknowledges that Staley won’t offer him any room to breathe in their latest rematch, especially with a title on the line.
UConn and South Carolina have developed one of the most compelling rivalries in women’s college basketball over the last few years. While UConn holds the historical edge, recent trends show South Carolina gaining the upper hand—winning four of the last five encounters, including the 2022 championship. Staley has built a powerhouse in Columbia, and her team enters this final on a 12-game winning streak, with standout performances in both offense and defense throughout the tournament.
Auriemma has publicly praised Staley’s program, noting how she’s created a competitive culture and a loyal fan base that travels well and makes their presence felt. Despite UConn’s earlier regular-season victory over South Carolina, Geno is not taking anything for granted. He knows that Staley prepares her teams to be tough, disciplined, and unshaken by pressure. As both teams gear up for what could be a legacy-defining clash, this rematch is about more than just strategy—it’s about pride, respect, and a chance to solidify dominance on the biggest stage in college basketball.
