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Postgame Handshake Between Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma Catches Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Apr 6, 2025 5:33 PM ET

South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley and UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma had met 14 times throughout their legendary careers, with Auriemma holding a 9-5 record.

On Sunday afternoon, Auriemma and Staley met for the 15th time in the 2025 NCAA women's basketball National Championship. With Auriemma and UConn securing an 82-59 win over Staley and South Carolina, he is now 10-5 against her.

Paige Bueckers, in her final collegiate game, was finally able to secure a national championship after four trips to the Final Four. She finished the win with 17 points on 5-of-14 shooting, six rebounds and three assists.

After their 15th head-to-head, Auriemma and Staley briefly met midcourt for a customary head coach handshake. The two exchanged a few words before parting ways.

UConn's Geno Auriemma and South Carolina's Dawn Staley met briefly after the national championship. pic.twitter.com/tyCUnzpEO4
— The Homelander (@HomelanderNot7) April 6, 2025

Although Bueckers and Sarah Strong had a solid Final Four, senior guard Azzi Fudd was awarded the 2025 Final Four Most Outstanding Player. In the national championship, she scored 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting, five rebounds and three steals.

In the Final Four win over UCLA, Fudd tallied 19 points and three steals, while Bueckers scored 16.

UConn has now won a record 12 NCAA championships, all of which came under Auriemma since he began coaching the Huskies in 1985. Staley has a long way to go to catch Auriemma, securing three national titles.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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