Your inbox approves Men's coaches poll Women's coaches poll Play to win 25K!
WOMENS
Geno Auriemma

Geno Auriemma tests positive for COVID-19 as Connecticut prepares to travel for NCAA women's tournament

Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma has tested positive for COVID-19, announced by the program just hours before the NCAA women's tournament selection show. 

The Hall of Famer tested positive on Sunday and has been in isolation without experiencing any symptoms. 

"Contact tracing protocols revealed that Auriemma did not have close contact with any other team member since Friday, March 12," the school said in a statement Monday. "All Tier I personnel have tested negative for COVID-19 since daily testing commenced, per NCAA Tournament protocol, on Tuesday, March 9."

Auriemma, 66, will remain in isolation for 10 days, per CDC and state guidelines, and will be eligible to rejoin the team March 24. The Huskies are scheduled to leave Connecticut to head to San Antonio for the tournament Tuesday morning. 

The Huskies (24-1) are projected to be a No. 1 seed in the Mercado region. Auriemma will miss the first round of the tournament that takes place March 21 and 22.

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.

Geno Auriemma coaches the Huskies against Marquette on March 8.

The school shared that Auriemma received a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine March 10, and according to CDC guidelines, he remains nine days shy of becoming fully vaccinated.

"I'm feeling well but disappointed that I will be away from the team for the next several days," Auriemma said.  "Fortunately, I have a great coaching staff who will lead us during my absence.  This revelation is a reminder that, while there is a light at the end of the tunnel, we are not on the other side of this pandemic yet.

"The full effect of vaccines does not occur until 14 days after our last vaccine dose, and for those of us getting two-dose vaccine, that means we're not in the clear after just one-dose. My team and I need to remain vigilant in the areas of mask-wearing and social distancing as we continue this fight against COVID."

Contact Analis Bailey at aabailey@usatoday.com or on Twitter @analisbailey.

Featured Weekly Ad