How Geno assists other UConn programs on the recruiting trail

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• UConn focused on protecting Caroline Ducharme's future

• Chasing Perfection: UConn heads into the holidays on a high note

Last week’s Weekly:

• What it takes for UConn to schedule homecoming games

How Geno assists other UConn programs on the recruiting trail

When UConn women’s basketball lands a new commitment or hosts a recruit, it’s common to see the player post a photo with Geno Auriemma in his office. Located in the Werth Champions Center overlooking the practice court, the space is part-office, part-museum. It features the program’s national championship trophies, Auriemma’s Olympic gold medals and other memorabilia from the coach’s illustrious career.

It’s little surprise the team show it off on visits, but they aren’t the only ones on campus that use it as a recruiting tool. On an episode of Coffee With Coaches, Jim Penders revealed that Auriemma allows the baseball program to bring prospective players into his office — whether he’s there or not.

“I know you have an open door and it's such a generous offer,” Penders told Auriemma. “We come in here and our recruits are blown away.”

The baseball team isn’t the only one that takes up the offer, either. Mike Cavanaugh and the UConn men’s hockey team go on occasion, but Auriemma’s enthusiasm for the sport can sometimes put the visit behind the schedule.

“I have but I don't go anymore because it extends the visit about another hour when I do that. He just can't stop talking to the guys,” Cavanaugh said. “So if I do, it's a quick hello and tell him ‘Coach, we gotta get moving here today.’ He's so good.”

Auriemma has developed a close friendship with Cavanaugh and is a big fan (and advocate) of the team.

“He texted me the other day right after our loss: ‘You okay? What's going on? How you doing?’” Cavanaugh said back in November.

Auriemma is plenty invested in the UConn men’s hockey team — just as he is with the rest of the school’s programs.

“It's not just about them and their program,” Cavanaugh said. “He just really loves UConn. He loves everything about UConn athletics and he wants us all to be successful.”

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