South Carolina coach Dawn Staley and UConn coach Geno Auriemma are two of the defining coaches of 21st century women’s college basketball and hold arguably the sport’s biggest rivalry.

While new contenders like USC and LSU have emerged in recent years, South Carolina and UConn are the core faces of women’s college basketball in the 21st century. The two programs wouldn’t quite have the same sheen without their two highly decorated coaches: Dawn Staley (South Carolina) and Geno Auriemma (UConn).

The two teams, both ranked in the Associated Press’s most recent top 10, are set to face off in February this year in a game that should be one of the matchups of the season. Back in March of 2023, Staley already clarified how she feels about her supposed “rivalry” with Auriemma.

“I wouldn’t even say we’re rivals because you gotta win,” Staley admitted to Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report. “The percentage of them beating us is very high to our low.”

Geno Auriemma Dawn Staley

I just think it’s become a great anticipation game for all of basketball, not just college, not just women’s basketball, but all of college basketball. Because when it’s put on television, the viewership is way, way up,” she continued.

Staley’s humility, while noble, is slightly misplaced. While Auriemma did win the first seven meetings in the rivalry, Staley’s side have claimed four straight — including an 83-65 win in South Carolina last year. The two coaches have met 13 total times.

The pair are two of the most accomplished coaches in the history of the sport. Staley is a three-time NCAA National Champion and four-time Naismith Coach of the Year.

Auriemma is the winningest coach in women’s college basketball history – he’s now in his 40th year as head coach of the Huskies after taking over in 1985.

He’s led UConn to 11 National Championship wins and 23 Final Fours in total (both records). He’s an eight-time Naismith Coach of the Year and 12-time Big East Coach of the Year.

Both of their programs are off to strong starts to the 2024-25 season. South Carolina ranks second in the AP poll and has lost just once (to an undefeated UCLA team).

Staley’s side is getting a contribution from a host of players. Top-scorer Ta-Hini Paopao leads the team with 11.4 points per contest, followed by Joyce Edwards with 11.0

Auriemma’s UConn team has lost just twice: to No. 3 Notre Dame and to No. 4 USC. His side is led by the 20.0 points per game by star senior Paige Bueckers.