STORRS, Conn. — Geno Auriemma’s coaching legacy at UConn is marked by extraordinary achievements: 11 national championships, 23 Final Four appearances, and two lengthy win streaks of 98 and 111 games.

On Wednesday, in front of over 60 former players and a sellout crowd at Gampel Pavilion, Auriemma reached yet another milestone. His Huskies crushed Fairleigh Dickinson 85-41, making him the winningest basketball coach in NCAA history. With 1,217 career victories, Auriemma surpassed a tie he had held with legendary Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer, who retired in April. This record-breaking win was also his 329th by at least 40 points, a stat that highlights his dominance—he has more than double the number of 40-point victories as total losses (162).

“We didn’t sit down with a 40-year plan,” Auriemma said after the game. “It’s about coming in every day and trying to improve.”

The game also celebrated Auriemma and associate head coach Chris Dailey’s 40th season at UConn. Gampel Pavilion was decorated with red lighting and T-shirts in honor of their ruby anniversary, and a fan fest featuring a goat petting zoo was held nearby. Special ice cream flavors at the school’s Dairy Bar paid tribute to Auriemma and Dailey, and UConn legends Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Maya Moore returned to show their respect.

Auriemma and Dailey were presented with ladders from Nike, while Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont presented a sign reading “Welcome to Connecticut, home of the winningest coach in basketball history.” His team also gave him a framed jersey with the number 1,217, and the student section displayed cards spelling out the milestone during the final moments of the game.

Huskies star Paige Bueckers praised Auriemma’s humility. “He doesn’t want all the attention, but what he’s built here is because of him, so we want to celebrate him,” Bueckers said. “He doesn’t celebrate himself, but we make sure to do it for him.”

The celebration was not just about Auriemma and Dailey’s longevity but also their consistent excellence. Even in seasons without national championships, UConn remained a dominant force. Auriemma’s .882 win percentage is a record, with half of his losses coming before his first championship in 1995.

At 70 years old, Auriemma finds it surreal that he’s still coaching at UConn, a place he initially expected to stay for only four years back in 1985. But 40 years later, he’s still leading the program, and like legendary coaches VanDerveer and Mike Krzyzewski, Auriemma has spent his entire head coaching career at one school.

VanDerveer congratulated Auriemma after the game, acknowledging his incredible accomplishments and the lasting impact he’s had on the lives of young women. “His tremendous legacy extends far beyond any number of wins,” she said.

Auriemma’s recent years have been challenging, with the pandemic, injuries, health issues, and personal losses testing him. Despite the difficulties, he has remained dedicated to the team. “Whatever the pull is, it’s still there,” he said.

While he will eventually retire as “the happiest guy in the world,” for now, Auriemma feels exactly where he belongs. “As long as I’m here, with the players and the people I work with, there’s no other place I’d rather be,” he said.