Auriemma To Receive Wooden 'Legend Of Coaching' Award

UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma has been named recipient of the John Wooden "Legend of Coaching" award.

Nan Wooden, daughter of the late, great UCLA men's basketball coach, made the announcement Wednesday. Auriemma will be presented the award during the 36th annual Wooden Award Gala Celebration on April 6, 2012, in Los Angeles.

The award recognizes coaches who exemplify John Wooden's high standards of coaching success and personal integrity. Tennessee's Pat Summitt won the award in 2008, the only other women's coach honored, and UConn men's coach Jim Calhoun was selected in 2005.

Auriemma has led UConn to seven national titles, 12 Final Fours and four undefeated seasons, including 39-0 NCAA title-producing campaigns in 2009 and 2010. He is 771-124 during his 26-year career.

He will coach the U.S. Olympic team at the 2012 London Games, a team that will likely include two of his former players and the past three Wooden Award winners - May Moore (2009, 2011) and Tina Charles (2010).

Auriemma and Wooden became linked last year when UConn broke the Wooden-led UCLA consecutive win streak at 88.

Auriemma is also involved in numerous charitable efforts. He implemented a statewide elementary reading initiative called Geno's Reading Team in 2008. He has worked tirelessly in the fight against cancer and established "Geno's Cancer Team" in 2008, while working closely with the V Foundation and the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. He also annually hosts the Fore the Kids Golf Outing to benefit the Connecticut Children's Hospital.