Geno Auriemma Becomes NCAA’s Winningest Coach with 1,217th Career Victory

UConn celebrates milestone win with a full roster for the first time in a year, though postgame festivities draw criticism from PETA.

Geno Auriemma surpassed Tara VanDerveer to become the all-time winningest coach in NCAA Division I basketball with 1,217 career victories.
UConn’s 85-41 win over Fairleigh Dickinson marked the first time in 364 days the team had a full 11-player rotation available, a significant recovery from last season’s injury struggles.
The Huskies’ newfound roster depth allowed all players to log meaningful minutes, with standout performances from Sarah Strong, Paige Bueckers, and others.
A live goat was brought onto the court during the postgame celebration to symbolize Auriemma’s 'Greatest of All Time' status, but the gesture was criticized by PETA for alleged mistreatment of the animal.
UConn officials confirmed the goat was returned to its farm after the event, while Auriemma reflected on his 40-year career and expressed confidence in his team’s potential this season.