Game Changers with Molly Fletcher The March Madness Playbook with Final Four Coaches: Geno Auriemma, Dan Hurley & Dawn Staley
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Apr 2, 2026 
Dawn Staley, elite developer of players and inclusive leader; Geno Auriemma, legendary UConn builder and recruiter; Dan Hurley, championship-minded program architect. They discuss recruiting for fit and accountability. They talk discipline, daily standards, and modeling habits. They explore defining success, building trust quickly, and how failures fuel improvement.
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Recruit Character Before Talent
- Do recruit for character first and talent second to preserve culture and enforce accountability.
- Dan Hurley watches player interactions, coach respect, and parents' behavior on visits to decide fit during 48-hour campus evaluations.
Hurley’s Regret Fuels Obsessive Coaching
- Dan Hurley carries regret from his college playing days where he self-sabotaged by drinking and not preparing.
- That experience drives his obsessive coaching style and focus on holistic player development beyond practice hours.
Lead By Modeling Daily Standards
- Model the standards you expect: show up early, prioritize sleep, diet, and sharp thinking to set the team's pace.
- Hurley enters the building first and practices harder in June to separate the program daily.