Additional Quotes: Geno Auriemma, Sue Bird & Cappie Pondexter
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Geno Auriemma
2009-12 USA Basketball Women's National Team Head Coach
University of Connecticut
What does it mean for you to be selected as the 2009-12 USA Basketball Women's National Team coach?
I don't know if I can adequately describe my feelings and my emotions when I was asked to do this and how I felt ever since. It's an opportunity that if you're very fortunate comes once in your life and I never thought I would ever have this opportunity. It's just overwhelming, the emotions that run through you. What an incredible honor it is to be selected.
All my experiences with USA Basketball have been nothing but the best experiences I could ever want or hope for. Obviously the highlight was being a part of the Sydney team and having the chance to experience what it feels like to be surrounded, not only by the great athletes on your own team, but all the athletes on the men's basketball team and the other U.S. and world athletes. To me it was a month that I'll never forget. Walking into the Opening Ceremonies in the Olympic stadium is something I'd never experienced before or since. To have the opportunity to do that again, to be the head coach, it will probably be the most rewarding thing I will ever do if I can help this team win a gold medal at the Olympics.
Certainly, to have an opportunity to coach Sue (Bird) and Diana (Taurasi) again, knowing how much I enjoyed it the first time around and how much respect I have for them as people and as players, you couldn't ask for two better people, especially since they'll be going into their third Olympics. They'll probably be able to help me more than I can help them. And players like Cappie (Pondexter), Sylvia Fowles, Candace Parker, Seimone Augustus, players like that, players who have played in the past like Tamika Catchings, players I've recruited, coached against, every one of them … I used to spend all of my time trying to figure out how we're going to stop them, how we can beat them. It'll be a pleasure to encourage them to beat other people. I'm looking forward to that.
Obviously the 2000 teams I remember very well. How talented Australia was, how talented and deep the Russian team is year after year. I watched closely the Beijing Olympics and had a chance to see some of the best players from around the world. I know the intense desire the other countries have to beat the U.S. in basketball. We're kind of like how the Russians used to be in ice hockey when the United States finally broke through in 1980. I'm getting involved in something that I'm kind of familiar with, where you're expected to win every single game. You're representing the country that invented the game. A basketball program like the USA Women's National Team has set such a high standard over the last four Olympics, looking at the people who have gone before me and won, I just want to be able to add to all the success that this program has enjoyed.
Sue Bird
Two-time Olympic gold medalist, 2002 World Championship gold medalist
University of Connecticut 2002
What are your thoughts on Geno Auriemma being named head coach of the 2009-12 USA Basketball Women's National Team program?
Coach Auriemma is just an all around great person and coach and I'm so happy for him that he's getting this opportunity. I couldn't think of a someone who is more deserving or more perfect for this position. I know how badly he wanted this job and so there is no doubt that he's going to be great at it and bring the same winning attitude that he's developed & mastered at Connecticut.
Are you excited about reuniting with Coach Auriemma and playing for him again?
I'm so excited to have the opportunity to play for Coach again. There isn't anyone who I'd rather play for. I trust him completely and know he's going to have us playing at our best and keep the USA Basketball tradition going. I also know we're going to enjoy the entire experience with him in charge because there is no one better at being serious when it's time to be serious, but also no one better at having fun when it's time to have fun. I have no doubt that reuniting with him is going to be amazing.
Coach Auriemma is the best at bringing out the most in his players. He has this uncanny ability to know exactly what his team needs and what each individual needs to be a success. He's also very confident in what he does and his teams tend to take on his personality. Not to mention he has a great basketball mind and is always a few steps ahead of everyone in everything.
Cappie Pondexter
2008 Olympic gold medalist
Rutgers University 2006
I love Geno and appreciate him as a coach. He gave me my taste of what college basketball was all about. Geno is a winner and has proven it season after season. He's student of the game and a classy guy to have represent the USA Basketball organization. I'm excited for him as well as USA womens basketball.
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