Dawn Staley says she spoke with Geno Auriemma, urges fans to 'turn the page' after heated postgame exchange

South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley is urging college fans to move on following a heated, verbal exchange with UConn coach Geno Auriemma after the two teams met in the Final Four.

In a statement Tuesday, Staley said she spoke with Auriemma and wants everyone to “turn the page” on the incident. In the statement, Staley praised Auriemma’s contributions to the game, adding, “I have a great deal of respect for him and what he’s meant to this game.”

Staley’s full statement read:

“I spoke with Geno, and I want to be clear — I have a great deal of respect for him and what he’s meant to this game. One moment doesn’t define a career, and it doesn’t change the impact he’s had on growing women’s basketball. The standard at UConn is what it is because of him, and that’s something this game has benefited from.

“So, I’m asking everyone to turn the page. Let’s refocus on what matters most — continuing to elevate our game, creating opportunities and pushing it forward.

“That’s always been my mission and it’s not changing.”

Staley and Auriemma were thrust into the spotlight following South Carolina’s 62-48 win over UConn in the Final Four on Friday. With the contest just about over, Auriemma approached Staley to shake her hand. He exchanged words with Staley, which then resulted in a heated, verbal argument between the two. Auriemma needed to be pulled away from the altercation.

Auriemma initially expressed defiance when asked about the moment after the game, though later released an apology. But following South Carolina’s loss to UCLA in the championship game, Staley said she had yet to hear from Auriemma.

That apparently changed in the days since that game, and both Staley and Auriemma appear to have buried the hatchet now.

With the feud seemingly in the past, both Staley and Auriemma can focus on getting their teams another title. While both have proven adept at getting that done, UCLA’s impressive run gives both coaches something to focus on other than each other during the offseason.