“I kinda grew up without a dad”: Geno Auriemma admits he felt the need to learn how to be a father

Geno Auriemma has been coaching the UConn Huskies for 40 seasons, leading hundreds of players during that remarkable four-decade stretch. Those players will readily admit that Auriemma became a father figure to them during their time in Storrs.

Connecticut Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma (far left) celebrates his 1000th win with his assistant coaches and players after defeating the Oklahoma Sooners at Mohegan Sun Arena. Photo: Imagn

Auriemma admitted, however, in a chat with Brett Ledbetter in the latter's "What Drives Winning" series that he felt the need to learn how to be a father himself. The UConn coach made the revelation in the episode "The Power of Getting to Know Yourself," which premiered on Sunday.

Ledbetter asked Auriemma about the biggest baggage he brings into his family life. The oach thought for a few seconds before responding.

"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.

"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."

Auriemma also had to deal with spending less time with his family because of his coaching job.

"My job took me away from home a lot," Auriemma noted. "Balancing out work, being a good dad, giving yourself some Grace, and constantly being critical of myself and others, I think that's the heaviest burden that I bring. And it's all self-inflicted."

Geno Auriemma's UConn Huskies suffer tough loss to JuJu Watkins' USC Trojans

Geno Auriemma and the No. 4 UConn Huskies fell short in their comeback bid on Saturday, losing 72-70 to the No. 7 USC Trojans in a thrilling showdown at XL Center. Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong combined for 44 points for the Huskies, who dropped to 10-2.

JuJu Watkins (#12) of the USC Trojans and Paige Bueckers (#5) of the Connecticut Huskies play against each other during the first half of their NCAA women's basketball game. Photo: Getty

The Huskies battled back from an 18-point deficit in the middle of the third quarter, unleashing a 32-13 blast to grab their first lead of the game at 65-64 with 4:34 left in the final period. JuJu Watkins wouldn't be denied, however, scoring six of the Trojans' last eight points to thwart UConn's late rally.

Sarah Strong had a chance to be a hero for UConn in the closing seconds but missed several opportunities from the charity stripe and the 3-point area. She missed two free throws with five seconds left that could have tied the game at 72. Strong got the ball back after Bueckers grabbed the offensive board, but she rushed her 3-point attempt from way out and missed the rim entirely.