“If you’re gonna live on it, be prepared for what you’re gonna read on it”: When Geno Auriemma & Kim Mulkey talked about players using social media

Geno Auriemma and Kim Mulkey have coached their players on how to manage their lives on and off the court. This also includes the importance of properly navigating social media.

The UConn and LSU coaches were interviewed by MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle at the Aspen Ideas Festival in June, 2024. They discussed multiple topics, with one of them revolving around what they teach their players about social media.

"When you put yourself out there on social media, whether you do it or someone else does it, you have to be prepared for all the great things that people say about you, and understand not all of that is true, and then be prepared for all the other stuff that comes at you," Auriemma said.

"I tell them, as he just said, if you're going to live on it, you better be prepared for what you're going to read on it. And we try as institutions to, you know, provide people that can help them navigate that. But at the end of the day, we're not with them 24/7. They're going to read it, they're going to see it. And you just try to coach them as best you can," Mulkey replied.

What's next for Geno Auriemma and Kim Mulkey

Geno Auriemma and Kim Mulkey maintain their presence as two of the best coaches in women's college basketball, having the No. 7 Huskies and No. 6 Tigers dominate opponents throughout the 2024-25 season.

UConn has a 12-2 record so far, putting up 78.9 points on 49.6% shooting from the field and 34.9% from beyond the arc. Paige Bueckers headlines the squad with numbers of 20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and two steals per contest.

LSU remains undefeated with a 15-0 record, having a high-powered offense of 92.6 points on 48.9% shooting overall and 34.7% from downtown. Flau'jae Johnson leads the way with 20.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, three assists, 2.6 steals, and a block per game.

Coming off a 77-45 blowout win over Marquette on Wednesday, Auriemma and the No. 7 Huskies next play Villanova at The William Finneran Pavilion on Jan. 5 at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Mulkey and No. 6 LSU will play the Arkansas Razorbacks at the Bud Walton Arena on Jan. 2 at 9 p.m. ET.