Former UConn guard Nika Muhl's reaction to Geno Auriemma's recent contract extension with the Huskies speaks volumes about her relationship with her former coach.
Amid retirement rumors, the Huskies announced their legendary head coach signed a five-year, $18.7 million extension through the 2029 season, boosting confidence that UConn will maintain its place among the best basketball programs in the NCAA through this decade. Before the Seattle Storm's matchup with the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena, Muhl spoke exclusively with Mirror Sports U.S. to discuss what it meant to see her former coach get rewarded with a new contract.
When asked about how she felt about Auriemma's new deal, the Croatian guard couldn't contain her excitement, immediately smiling as she provided her thoughts. "I couldn't believe it," she said beaming from ear to ear. "I was like, 'Wow.'
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"I mean, he is the G.O.A.T. He's the greatest of all time in my eyes and so many people's eyes. And it's just a fact. I'm so, so, so proud of myself to have been able to be coached by that person and in life and on the basketball court for four years, because now when I look at myself mentally where I'm at, so many things I've learned come from him and the way he approached basketball and life."
Muhl and Auriemma's close relationship was fully displayed shortly after the 23-year-old was drafted No. 14 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft. UConn's social media team captured an emotional meeting between Muhl and her former UConn coach, with the newly drafted guard expressing her doubts about making the Storm's roster.
Without missing a beat, Auriemma knew exactly what to say to his departing guard, giving her the guidance she needed as she embarked on the next phase of her basketball life. "Come on, stop. What do you mean, 'If you make the team?' It will take you one practice to figure out what you got to do to make the team," Auriemma reassured an emotional Muhl.
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"And then you just do that. They drafted you for a reason. So do what they drafted you for. Bring a different culture to them that pros don't have." Muhl then shared what Auriemma's guidance meant to her, thanking him for "changing" her life.
"You impacted so many people around me and including me, there's never been a single person like you and there never will be in the world and I hope you know how unique you are and how special you are," she added.
The two then said their goodbyes, telling each other how much they loved one another. Almost three months after their emotional encounter - with Muhl following Auriemma's advice - the 23-year-old is now in the WNBA, making the Storm's roster with the grit and the determination she brings at practice and when she steps on the floor.
Despite playing on the West Coast, Muhl still keeps tabs on what UConn is doing. "You know, to hear that news, it's amazing. I'm very proud of him," Muhl continued. "I congratulated him. I congratulated him already."
With Auriemma signed on for five more years, Muhl believes UConn's future is brighter than ever , especially with a new crop of players joining the program, ready to be led by Huskies superstar Paige Bueckers and shooting guard Azzi Fudd. And regardless of where she is, Muhl made it known she will be supporting the Huskies.
"You know, he's going to do some amazing things starting with this year. I feel like this year is going to be super special. I can't wait to watch my girls. They're going to be amazing," she concluded.
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