UConn's Coach Geno Auriemma Kicks Off Trading at NYSE

The UConn women’s basketball team’s National championship was acknowledged by the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, as Huskies' coach Geno Auriemma initiated trading by ringing the opening bell at 9:30 a.m.

Radenka Maric, the UConn president, joined Auriemma.

When the Huskies beat South Carolina with a score of 82-59 in the finals last month, they secured UConn's 12th NCAA Division I title for coach Auriemma.

Auriemma, who turned 71 years old in March, made light of his age during his time at the NYSE.

They mentioned that I am the eldest individual to have ever won a national championship in collegiate basketball, Auriemma said. That's because most others are wise enough to recognize when they should leave and move forward with the remainder of their lives.

He proceeded to draw parallels between the expansion of the UConn and the growth trajectory of the NYSE throughout the years.

At UConn, we're somewhat like a scaled-down model," he stated. "What began as a minor initiative at a modest regional institution... has gained worldwide recognition. What initially positioned itself as a New England school has transformed into an internationally recognized entity, largely due to athletics; undoubtedly, basketball played a significant role.

UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley sounded the opening bell. In each of the last two years, when his Huskies claimed consecutive national championships in 2023 and 2024.

Auriemma will remain in New York City on Tuesday to accept the Winged Foot Award from the New York Athletic Club during an evening ceremony on Tuesday. This accolade honors both national championship-winning men’s and women’s coaches; thus, Auriemma and Florida’s men’s coach, Todd Golden, will be celebrated.

Dick Vitale will additionally be honored with a legend award.