Central Connecticut State keeps love of basketball alive despite UConn proximity.

Central Connecticut State entered its final regular-season game with a 1-27 record after former UConn player Kristin Caruso took over coaching and the team recorded its lone win on Feb. 21.

Central Connecticut State's women's basketball team finished a difficult season close to the state’s dominant UConn program. The Blue Devils entered their final regular-season game with a 1-27 record after earning their first victory on Feb. 21. Kristin Caruso, a former UConn player who had been working in human resources, stepped into the coaching role midseason. The roster featured many freshmen and limited returning experience, which made building on-court chemistry a continual challenge. Notable facts: - Kristin Caruso (formerly Kristin Lamb) was Geno Auriemma's first recruit to UConn and had coached under him after her playing career. - Caruso was working in human resources on Jan. 8, 2025, then coached a practice that evening and served as head coach the next day in a 54-48 win over Long Island University. - The team had not won in its first 25 games and then recorded a Senior Night victory on Feb. 21 to break the streak. - At the season's start the roster included eight freshmen and five returners who combined for 220 collegiate points. - The article noted that UConn was 31-0 and preparing for the Big East tournament and March Madness while CCSU completed its schedule. Summary: The season underscored roster turnover, midseason coaching change and moments of progress amid frequent losses. The Blue Devils did not qualify for their conference tournament and have one regular-season game remaining at New Haven.