Dawn Staley is done with the Geno Auriemma drama.
The South Carolina women’s head coach pleaded with Gamecock fans, imploring them to “turn the page” on the feud between her and Auriemma that burst into the public realm during their Final Four victory over UConn.
“With the college women’s basketball season behind us, it’s time to move forward and close the chapter on how our semifinal game with UConn ended,” Staley said in a statement Tuesday. “I spoke with Geno, and I want to be clear — I have a great deal of respect for him and what he’s meant to this game.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley motions towards the court against UCLA during the second half of the women’s National Championship Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament game, Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Phoenix. Getty Images “One moment doesn’t define a career, and it doesn’t change the impact he’s had on growing women’s basketball. The standard at UConn is what it is because of him, and that’s something this game has benefited from.
“So, I’m asking everyone to turn the page. Let’s refocus on what matters most — continuing to elevate our game, creating opportunities and pushing it forward.
“That’s always been my mission, and it’s not changing.”
Staley and Auriemma got into it after the Gamecocks ended the Huskies’ undefeated season as the two shook hands postgame in a wild on-court incident that made rounds on social media.
Auriemma reportedly took offense that Staley supposedly didn’t shake his hand in time before the game, leading to the spat after the game.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, left, and UConn head coach Geno Auriemma argue after a woman’s NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Phoenix. AP After South Carolina’s national championship game loss to UCLA, Staley said she still hadn’t heard from Auriemma.
“That’s a Geno question, I have not heard from Geno,” Staley told reporters. “It’s UCLA’s day. Let’s keep it there. We’re not gonna damper UCLA’s day with that.”
Auriemma would apologize in a statement for the dust-up.
“It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut,” Auriemma said. “I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted.”
