Another random thought from the past. Remember when SC and LSU and other schools were popping up at her games and there was some freaking out here on the BY, questioning if Geno or any of the staff were at the games? Well, these quotes from the courant and ctinsider articles makes it all make sense:
“She doesn’t want all the flash. Some schools fell off her radar because it was just too much. Too much flash, too much overselling,” Revelle said. “She’s like ‘Hey, I just want to be in a place where I feel like it’s family, where I feel I’m going to be developed.
Though UConn’s history made it an early front-runner, Strong was methodical about her recruiting process. She was determined explore all her options without getting swept away by the rows of banners at Gampel Pavilion, but Revelle said the Huskies stood out anyway. The first time he met Auriemma was on a visit to Grace Christian, and Strong wasn’t even available to see the Huskies coach.
Instead they spent three hours touring campus and chatting in Revelle’s office, and the Crusaders coach could see exactly why Strong resonated with Auriemma. Before he left, Revelle said the UConn legend asked for a local barbecue recommendation.
And this, which says it all -
Yet, one staff remained present the whole time. They reached out early and continued to do so throughout her entire recruitment process. They were straight up with her when they told her what areas of the game she needed to work on and how far they could take her. They created genuine relationships with Revelle and Strong’s family, proving they cared about her off the court just as much as on it.
Revelle said Auriemma and members of the UConn staff came down to visit Strong several times throughout the past couple years. Auriemma made it an effort to always be around and to be transparent with Strong. His genuineness the ultimate selling point.