Auriemma Joining UConn For Sweet 16 With Virus Quarantine Over

STORRS, CT — A day after being forced to celebrate his 67th birthday not on the sidelines for a second-round NCAA Tournament victory but in coronavirus protocol isolation at home, University of Connecticut women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma was set to meet up with the Huskies Wednesday for the Sweet 16 in San Antonio.

UConn is seeking its 12 national title and has a date with the University of Iowa this weekend. The Huskies beat High Point 102-59 and Syracuse 83-47 in the first two rounds.

Auriemma tested positive for the coronavirus on March 14. Auriemma, a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, was isolating at his home and had not been experiencing any symptoms, UConn officials said.

Contact tracing protocols revealed that Auriemma did not have close contact with any other team member since the Friday before his test, officials said.

All "Tier I personnel" have been testing negative for the virus since daily testing commenced, per NCAA Tournament protocol, on March 9, officials said.

According to CDC and Connecticut Department of Public Health guidelines, Auriemma had to remain in isolation for 10 days and was able rejoin the team Wednesday.

Auriemma received a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on March 10, officials said. According to CDC guidelines, he was 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 at the time of the test. "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."

With the two tournament wins, UConn Associate Head Coach Chris Dailey is now 12-0 while at the helm in Auriemma's absence.

The team sang "Happy Birthday" to the coach at Tuesday's game. His Wednesday return was announced during the game.