Postgame Handshake Between Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma Catches Attention

 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.

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.