Geno Auriemma, head coach of the Connecticut Huskies, spoke to the media after his team triumphed over the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Championship on April 6, 2025. This victory marks the continuation of UConn’s storied presence in Florida, a state that has seen the Huskies compete regularly since Miami joined the Big East in 1991-92.
Historically, the Huskies have played in Florida 23 times over the course of 29 seasons. Legendary players such as Rebecca Lobo, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Tina Charles have made significant contributions to UConn’s successes, drawing record crowds wherever they played in the Sunshine State. However, the matchup against South Florida at the Yuengling Center on Tuesday will be UConn’s first regular-season game in Florida since February 16, 2020, just before rejoining the Big East Conference.
The Huskies, currently boasting a 7-0 record, traveled south after their dominant 104-39 victory over Xavier in a recent conference game. Auriemma noted the importance of connecting with the UConn alumni base in Florida, stating that there are plenty of fundraising activities planned during their trip. He expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of continuing partnerships with other Florida schools such as Miami and Florida State in the future.
The upcoming game with USF concludes a home-and-home series that began earlier in the season, when UConn secured an 86-49 win on their home turf. With the Huskies’ impressive history against Florida teams, including 79 consecutive victories since a 1993 loss to Miami, this matchup draws interest not only for the sport but also for the community engagement surrounding it.
After facing USF, UConn will return to Gampel Pavilion to face off against DePaul on Sunday, where they will honor Sue Bird by retiring her jersey number 10—a significant recognition for the Hall of Fame inductee. Following a break for finals, UConn will travel to Los Angeles to compete against USC, marking another opportunity to connect with fans and alumni on the West Coast.
Auriemma conveyed his desire to maintain a strong presence in Florida, emphasizing the potential for future games as a way to engage the significant UConn fan base in the region. The coach’s commitment to fostering relationships with both players and fans assures that UConn will continue to be a familiar face in Florida’s basketball scene for years to come.