In the world of college basketball, few names are as synonymous with success as Geno Auriemma. The legendary coach of the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team has cemented his place in history as one of the most accomplished and respected figures in the sport. So when Lindsay Gottlieb, head coach of the USC Trojans women’s basketball team, recently shared a powerful message from Auriemma, it caught the attention of basketball fans and insiders alike. What was this groundbreaking message, and what does it mean for the future of women’s college basketball?

The Power of Mentorship

Lindsay Gottlieb, who has been making waves as the head coach of USC’s women’s basketball program, is no stranger to big names in the game. Before taking the reins at USC, Gottlieb spent years coaching at California, where she helped elevate the program to new heights. Her experience, combined with her passion for the game, makes her an influential voice in the women’s basketball community.

But even with her impressive credentials, Gottlieb’s respect for Geno Auriemma is evident. The connection between these two coaches runs deep, and it’s clear that Auriemma has had a lasting impact on Gottlieb’s career. It was during a recent conversation that Gottlieb shared an incredible piece of advice from Auriemma, which she referred to as “groundbreaking.” And it wasn’t just any typical coaching tip—it was something that had the potential to reshape not just her own approach to the game, but also the way the sport is viewed and played at the highest level.

The Message: A Call to Elevate Women’s Basketball

According to Gottlieb, the message she received from Auriemma was nothing short of revolutionary. In a private conversation, Auriemma told her that the key to taking women’s basketball to the next level lies in the mindset of the coaches and players themselves.

“Auriemma said something that really stuck with me,” Gottlieb revealed during a recent interview. “He said, ‘We have to stop thinking of ourselves as trying to make the game better for women. We need to focus on making the game better, period. Women’s basketball isn’t a stepchild to men’s basketball. It’s not an afterthought. It’s its own entity, and we need to treat it that way.’”

This statement by Auriemma has been described by Gottlieb as “groundbreaking” because it challenged the long-standing notion that women’s basketball is a lesser version of the men’s game. Auriemma’s words were a call to action, urging coaches, players, and everyone involved in the sport to stop apologizing for women’s basketball and start treating it with the same level of seriousness, attention, and respect as its male counterpart.

Breaking Barriers and Changing Narratives

For years, women’s basketball has been fighting an uphill battle for equal recognition and respect. Despite the undeniable talent, skill, and heart displayed by players, the sport has often been overshadowed by men’s basketball, with far less media coverage and resources dedicated to it. This imbalance has been a consistent challenge for women’s basketball, but Auriemma’s message speaks to a broader shift in the mindset needed to propel the game forward.

Auriemma’s belief that the game should be viewed as equal—not lesser—revolutionizes how the sport is marketed, coached, and consumed. His advice to Gottlieb serves as a reminder that it’s not just about elevating the women’s game—it’s about changing the entire framework of how basketball, as a sport, is perceived.

By reframing the narrative, Auriemma suggests that women’s basketball needs to move away from comparisons to the men’s game and stand firmly on its own. It should be viewed and treated as a competitive, high-level sport that deserves the same resources, attention, and respect as any other major athletic event.

USC’s Impact Under Gottlieb

Gottlieb’s role at USC has been pivotal in changing the trajectory of women’s basketball on the West Coast. With her leadership, USC has become a force to be reckoned with, consistently competing at the highest level. And with this groundbreaking message from Auriemma, Gottlieb is poised to push the envelope even further, not only for USC but for women’s basketball as a whole.

Under Gottlieb’s guidance, USC has attracted top-tier talent, including several high-profile recruits, and has shown flashes of brilliance on the court. But with Auriemma’s powerful message in her corner, Gottlieb is ready to take USC—and the sport of women’s basketball—to new heights.

“The game is evolving,” Gottlieb said. “We’re seeing more and more people watching, more people talking about it, and more people supporting it. But that’s just the beginning. We have to continue to push for better representation, better opportunities, and better resources. And it starts with how we view the game itself. We need to stop playing in the shadow of men’s basketball and start shining on our own stage.”

The Changing Landscape of Women’s Basketball

What makes Auriemma’s message so powerful is that it recognizes the rapid growth and transformation of women’s basketball over the past few years. The sport has garnered more attention, respect, and financial investment than ever before, thanks in part to the success of programs like UConn, the WNBA, and NCAA tournaments that continue to draw record viewership.

From the dominance of players like Caitlin Clark, Brittney Griner, and Breanna Stewart to the rise of women’s professional leagues and the increasing popularity of NCAA women’s basketball, the landscape of the sport is shifting dramatically. Auriemma’s message is a reflection of this growing momentum, calling on everyone involved in the game to embrace its status as a top-tier sport and to give it the respect it deserves.

As a coach who has seen the transformation of women’s basketball firsthand, Auriemma knows better than most what needs to happen to elevate the game. His success with UConn has proven that when the game is treated with the same level of seriousness as men’s basketball, incredible things can happen.

A Call to Action for Coaches and Players

Gottlieb’s decision to share this message from Auriemma has sparked conversations throughout the basketball world. Coaches, players, and fans are beginning to understand the importance of shifting their mindset, not only to improve the quality of play but also to ensure that the sport as a whole is treated with the same level of respect as any other.

For Lindsay Gottlieb, the impact of Auriemma’s message will no doubt shape how she approaches her program at USC, and it’s a message she intends to pass on to her players as well. By encouraging them to think of women’s basketball as its own independent entity—worthy of respect and recognition—Gottlieb is helping to lay the groundwork for a future where women’s basketball no longer has to fight for the recognition it deserves.

Final Thoughts: A New Era for Women’s Basketball

As the landscape of women’s sports continues to evolve, messages like Geno Auriemma’s to Lindsay Gottlieb are crucial to pushing the game forward. Women’s basketball is no longer a footnote in the world of sports; it is an elite, world-class competition that deserves to stand on its own. Auriemma’s words—shared by Gottlieb—serve as a reminder to everyone in the basketball community that we must elevate the game, respect the players, and celebrate women’s basketball as the powerhouse sport it truly is.

With coaches like Geno Auriemma and Lindsay Gottlieb leading the charge, the future of women’s basketball is brighter than ever. The days of apologizing for the game are over; it’s time to let it shine.