Diana Taurasi, one of the most iconic players in WNBA history, has never been one to mince words—on or off the court. Known for her dazzling three-pointers and razor-sharp wit, Taurasi once let loose on her former coach, Geno Auriemma, in a way only she could.
During a resurfaced 2004 clip from CBS’s 60 Minutes, Taurasi hilariously remarked on Geno’s “mood swings,” leaving fans in stitches. When asked if the legendary coach understood women, Taurasi’s response was an instant classic:
“He does, and you know we always say he’s probably a woman too. He’s got mood swings like a woman. He’s got a little girl in him, I guess.”
Is that savage or affectionate? Knowing Taurasi, it’s probably both.
Geno Auriemma: The Man, the Myth, the Multitasker
Geno Auriemma, who has practically built the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) women’s basketball program into a dynasty, isn’t just about X’s and O’s. He’s a master psychologist who can push all the right (and wrong) buttons to get the best out of his players.
“He knows how to get in your head and press the buttons to get what he wants,” Taurasi added in the clip. “Sometimes you don’t like it, but it works.”
With 11 NCAA Division I titles under his belt and six undefeated seasons to his name, Auriemma isn’t just coaching; he’s orchestrating a symphony. And yes, it might involve a few mood swings—or as Taurasi might say, his inner “little girl” making an appearance.
A Record-Breaking Night
Fast forward to November 2024: Taurasi joined the celebration as Auriemma notched his 1,217th career victory, breaking Tara VanDerveer’s record to become the winningest coach in NCAA Division I history.
Returning to the XL Center in Connecticut, Taurasi delivered a heartfelt speech that showcased just how much respect (and maybe a little fear?) she still has for her old coach.
“I want to thank you, Coach,” Taurasi began, her voice tinged with emotion and nostalgia. “You told me all the things I needed to hear to make me a better person, a better teammate, and a better basketball player. Every little thing you taught us—day by day, week by week, month by month—it built our confidence.”
She even joked about how every player who wore the UConn jersey carried not just their own pride, but also the weight of Auriemma’s unyielding passion. “We all know how much you love this team, basketball, and, well… yourself,” Taurasi might have added, if she wasn’t feeling so sentimental.
Geno’s Legacy: From Diana to Paige
Auriemma, who started at UConn in 1985, isn’t just a coach; he’s a talent factory. From Sue Bird to Breanna Stewart and, of course, Taurasi herself, his players have gone on to define women’s basketball at the highest levels.
Now, the next generation is ready to take center stage, with Paige Bueckers poised to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Clearly, Geno’s “mood swings” have some serious staying power.
Closing Thoughts: The Genius and the Jokester
Taurasi’s remarks about Auriemma might have been dripping with humor, but they also underscored the unique bond between a coach and his star player. Geno’s ability to connect with his players—whether through psychology, sarcasm, or sheer stubbornness—has made him an unparalleled figure in college basketball.
As Taurasi and Auriemma’s legacies continue to grow, one thing is certain: the WNBA legend and her legendary coach will always keep us laughing—and maybe even tearing up.
Because whether it’s mood swings or milestone wins, greatness always comes with a little drama.
