Coale, Auriemma Meet Again at Final Four

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma recalled the first time he met Sherri Coale in the NCAA Final Four, and why he thinks she’s earned her place in the tournament.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:37 am

By: News On 6

Coale, Auriemma Meet Again at Final Four

Originally Published: Apr 3, 2010 3:46 PM CDT

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Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

SAN ANTONIO -- Sherri Coale and Geno Auriemma meet once again in the NCAA Final Four, but while most people expected the undefeated Connecticut Huskies (37-0) to make the trip, many were shocked to see the OU Sooners survive this long.

Oklahoma (27-10) lost key components to last season’s successful team--seniors Courtney and Ashley Paris to graduation and perimeter shooter Whitney Hand to a season-ending knee injury. Despite the obstacle, Coale rallied her team and shifting their play to make up for their loss.

“I think this was probably the best coaching job that she’s done,” Auriemma said. “I think that if they voted for the Coach of the Year after the NCAA Tournament, I think she would have won, hands down.”

Coale first met Auriemma in 2002, when the two teams were in the Final Four in San Antonio. Auriemma said he remembers talking to the coach, new to the scene of NCAA Tournament play.

“We were walking along the river walk, I said, ‘You better not have a heart attack because you’re not winning this thing,’” Auriemma said. “You don’t deserve to win your first time here, but I said, ‘You’ll be back.’”

Coale has been back, this season marking her third visit to the Final Four.

“I’m sure she’ll be back here a lot more,” Auriemma said.