From rage and mental breakdowns to NCAA history: A memoir of Coach Geno Auriemma's rollercoaster UConn career

Behind the 11 national championships and 1,217 wins that made him the most successful coach in NCAA history, Geno Auriemma is just as human as all of us. After the win over Farleigh Dickinson, on Nov. 20, Auriemma became the coach with most wins in NCAA Division 1 history.

Auriemma created an illustrious program over the years. But building that program came with its stresses and drawbacks over the years that took a toll on his health.

Coach Geno Auriemma paid the cost for perfection?

Having 1,217 wins in NCAA history does not come without an obsession with wins. Wins are not secured without discipline and hard work. Geno Auriemma is obsessed with winning and perfection to a level that anything less than a championship is now seen as a bust season.

So, behind the scenes of all the championships and glory he saw, his program worked hard to a level that seemed like a "mindf**k" to WNBA legend Sue Bird. But what is the origin of this obsession with perfection? And is your health a cost worth paying to achieve that perfection?

Coach Geno Auriemma shouting from the sidelines as FDU face UConn in Connecticut (NCAA Womens Basketball: Fairleigh Dickinson at Connecticut - Source: Imagn)

In 2018, Auriemma opened up to ESPN's Wright Thompson about his own struggles while building the UConn dynasty. He spoke about having a briefcase full of pills (presumably for all the health issues that came with the stresses of upholding his standards of perfection).

For Geno Auriemma, everything started in 1995 when he secured his first NCAA championship. That victory manifested a standard in Auriemma's mind that he had to replicate every year. Anything short of that was not enough, and when he fell short, it drove him nearly crazy every time.

Olympics: Basketball-Women's Team-Gold medal match -USA vs ESP - Source: Imagn

Per ESPN, Sue Bird told a story about Auriemma possibly having a nervous breakdown in practice. He was trying to explain a basketball concept the team failed to comprehend.

He took that personally and hid below the bleachers, refusing to come out. While most of the team was terrified and went home, one former player, Nykesha Sales, spoke to the coach.

He shouted "Leave me alone" as though the team's failure to comprehend the concept was his fault.

What did we learn from Geno Auriemma's legacy?

Despite reaching the Final Four 23 times and winning 11 championships, Geno Auriemma expected more from himself. Even when he seemingly faced health issues, Auriemma brought nothing less than perfection to every practice.

This obsession with letting your health suffer as a consequence of your desire for perfection is what some might describe as crazy. However, Auriemma has shown that, in the end, great success requires great sacrifice.