UConn Women's Basketball Skips Cutting Nets After Final Four

Geno Auriemma's team focuses on bigger celebrations after reaching 25th Final Four

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:50am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented action of a women's basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, sky blue, and white overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.UConn's disciplined approach to the Final Four reflects their relentless pursuit of national championships under coach Geno Auriemma.Fort Worth Today

On Geno Auriemma's 25th trip to the Final Four with the UConn women's basketball team, the NCAA has learned not to expect the Huskies to cut the nets after reaching the national semifinals. UConn has a tradition of only cutting the nets after winning the national championship, rather than celebrating prematurely.

Why it matters

UConn's women's basketball program has been a dominant force in college basketball for decades, winning a record 11 national titles. Their refusal to cut the nets at the Final Four is part of the team's laser-like focus on the ultimate goal of winning the national championship each year.

The details

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma has taken his team to the Final Four a remarkable 25 times. However, the Huskies have a longstanding tradition of only cutting the nets after winning the national title, rather than celebrating reaching the national semifinals. This approach reflects the program's high standards and unwavering pursuit of championships.

  • UConn reached its 25th Final Four on March 29, 2026.

The players

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, who has led the Huskies to 11 national championships.

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The takeaway

UConn's unwavering focus on winning national championships, rather than celebrating reaching the Final Four, reflects the program's sustained excellence and high standards under legendary coach Geno Auriemma.