Geno Auriemma pours his heart out remembering his mother: “Bigger inspiration on my players than I was”

Coach Geno Auriemma and the UConn Huskies lost to the USC Trojans, 72-70, on Saturday, Dec. 21. In the highly-touted affair against one of the strongest programs this season, UConn faltered despite a second half comeback attempt that brought them to within one in the layover period after falling behind by 18 points.

It was a valiant effort from the Huskies as they saw their campaign record fall to 10-2. In an episode of What Drives Winning's "The Power of Getting to Know Yourself," the 11-time national champion coach shared how much of an influence his mother was to him and his players.

"My values, thoughts, and way of treating peoplelall come from my mom. My mom never ever had a negative word to say about anybody in her entire life," Auriemma said (21:55 onwards).

He gave a brief run through of his mother's life and journey that has transcended him to become the college basketball legend he is today.

"I think she was better friends with my players, a bigger inspiration to my players than I was. All the ones that knew her," Auriemma then later said (22:58).

The UConn tactitian's mother, Marsiella Auriemma, died at the age of 91 in December 2022.

Perhaps, her inspiration could serve as a motivating factor for the current crop of UConn Huskies, who just lost a close game against the USC Trojans. The Huskies squad now look on to their next game against the Providence Friars on Sunday, Dec. 29, with guidance from Marsiella Auriemma.

Geno Auriemma shares quote that his mother gave that became his mantra for life

During his discussion of his beloved mother, Geno Auriemma shared many of the life-changing advice he was given in becoming the college coach he is today. One significant quote, however, has become the mantra he lives by up to now.

"When I left home, the first thing she said to me was, 'Work hard and make a lot of friends.' Nothing about make money, win games. Just work really hard and make a lot of friends," the 70-year-old shared (22:40).

With his esteemed college coaching career that has amassed four decades of existence and is continuing on today, Auriemma has been able to do more than just work hard and make a lot of friends.