As Nika Muhl starts her WNBA career, she bids Geno Auriemma a heartfelt farewell.
In the WNBA Draft last Monday, Muhl was selected as the fourteenth overall choice. For rookies like Muhl, the season starts on May 14, so it’s a rapid turnaround. Muhl says, “Hey, Grampy!” as she walks into Auriemma’s office. “How come?” In a grandpa-like manner, Auriemma replies suitably.
He abruptly changes the topic, saying, “I was watching you shoot down there.” “When you played here in the past, you didn’t shoot like that.””Years ago?” Muhl answers back.
Geno remarks, “You are a thing of the past. Auriemma tells him he has to get the storm’s schedule as the two embrace. Muhl answers, “If I make the team.”
Come on, give up. By “make the team,” what do you mean? says Auriemma. You just need to do that after one session to figure out what you need to do in order to make the team. You were chosen for a purpose.
The 11-time national champion coach went on, “Bring a different culture to them that pros don’t have.” “Take that UConn culture over to them.”
She begins telling Auriemma what Muhl means to her life and career as he prepares to leave. Arriving in Connecticut from Zagreb, Croatia, in 2020, the 5-11 point guard went on to become UConn’s all-time leader in assists. Auriemma took a gamble on her, as she has previously stated, and she acknowledged that at first she was unsure if it would work out.
“Many thanks. Through sobs, Muhl addressed her former coach, “You changed my life, and your impactโI don’t think you’re aware of it.” “There is not and never will be a single person in the world like you. I hope you understand how amazing and unique you are.
“Are you describing who you are?” In a way that only he could, Geno questioned. “It seems like nobody in this place will ever forget you,” Auriemma remarked. You’ll come back here a lot, so you won’t let them.