"My family didn't have a car": When Geno Auriemma narrated how he turned around his heartbreaking childhood experience

UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma is one of the most accomplished coaches in NCAA history with 11 national championships and 6 perfect seasons. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

During his induction speech, Auriemma recounted one of the defining moments in his childhood that shaped his incredible coaching career.

"It is very humbling when you're standing up here and you're trying to think about the things that have gotten you to this point," Geno said (4:03).

"I think we're a reflection of our families, where we grew up, the way we were raised, and the experiences we had as children, and the people we associated with."

"For me, all my friends, but the guys I grew up with, those that allowed me to play, those that drove me around, my family didn't have a car. So, I was a real good teammate because, if you drive me to the game, I'll pass you the ball. I mean, it was because I had a way of getting to the games."

Geno Auriemma, born in Montella, Italy, and raised in Norristown, Pennsylvania, did not come from an affluent family. His father, Donato Auriemma, was a factory worker.

After graduating from West Chester University, Auriemma began his coaching career as an assistant at Bishop McDevitt High School. These humble beginnings played a crucial role in shaping his legendary career.

Geno Auriemma reflects on fatherhood and legendary career

Geno Auriemma, one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time, recently opened up about a more personal aspect of his life: grappling with the challenges of fatherhood.

During a conversation with Brett Ledbetter on the "What Drives Winning" show this week, Auriemma candidly shared how his childhood experiences have shaped his approach to parenting.

"Being an immigrant, I kinda grew up without a dad even though he worked in a factory and was home all the time," Auriemma said (1:44).

"Learning how to be a good father was really important to me. I didn't know whether I was getting it right or not, so I was always worried about that."

Geno Auriemma and his wife, Kathy, have three children: daughters Alyssa and Jenna, and son Michael. The UConn coach admitted that navigating fatherhood was not always easy, especially given his demanding career.

Auriemma is in his 40th season with the Huskies and broke the record for most wins (1,217) by a women's basketball coach last November.