Obama honors NCAA champions UConn women

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is honoring the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team, calling its players incredible athletes, outstanding women, and role models on and off the court.

Obama welcomed the Huskies at a White House ceremony Wednesday commemorating their eighth NCAA championship. In April the Huskies defeated Louisville 93-60 in the tournament final.

Obama joked that Coach Geno Auriemma “spends more time than some presidents” at the executive mansion. Auriemma quipped that “it doesn’t get old” as he and the team presented Obama with an autographed basketball and jacket.

The president also highlighted the team’s community service and singled out Breanna Stewart, who was named most outstanding player of the Final Four.

Obama says the Huskies won for being at their best when the stakes were high.