UConn’s Geno Auriemma on Breanna Stewart joining New York Liberty

Stewart helped the Storm win two WNBA titles alongside UConn great Sue Bird, but now she’s ready for a new challenge. And just as she was about to go public with her decision, she got in touch with her former college coach.

“I spoke to Stewie two days ago. She feels like a chapter in her life has closed. It’s over and she’s starting a new one as a former statesman You know she was the young girl and Sue was her mentor and now she gets a chance to do it,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said after the Huskies’ win over Providence on Wednesday night.

She will have the chance to mentor Sabrina Ionescu. The two share a similarity as former first overall picks in their respective draft classes. The two-time WNBA Finals MVP has the opportunity to pay for Bird’s mentorship of another promising young guard.

But the 2022 scoring leader isn’t just mentoring a talented rookie. Stewart joins a stacked roster that includes newly acquired 2021 WNBA MVP and four-time All-Star Jonquel Jones. The Husky connections just aren’t leaving for Stewart as she will reunite with her former UConn teammate and two-time WNBA star Stefanie Dolson.

And with Stewart from Syracuse, coming back to play for New York is something of a homecoming for the four-time All-Star.

“It’s closer to home in New York, closer to Spain when you have to fly there with his family,” Auriemma said. “And she’s got a damn good group around her: Stef (Dolson), Jonquel Jones, Jones and Sabrina (Ionescu). God knows who else. I’m excited for her. is a plus.”

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Stewart tweeted a farewell letter to Seattle, the Storm and Bird.

“This is my home, where I grew up, bought my first home, got married, started raising a family,” Stewart wrote. “I’m forever grateful for everything from the city, the staff, the organization, the staff and my teammates.”

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— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) February 2, 2023