UConn announces star Paige Bueckers will miss 2022-23 season with torn ACL
The Connecticut Huskies delivered some soul-crushing news on Wednesday, revealing star Paige Bueckers will be absent from the 2022-23 season following tearing her ACL.
The program took to Twitter to share the devastating news, along with a statement from long-time coach Geno Auriemma.
“UConn women’s basketball junior guard Paige Bueckers suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee on Monday and will miss the 2022-23 season,” revealed the program. “Bueckers sustained the injury during a pick-up basketball game and underwent an MRI Monday evening to confirm the injury.
“Bueckers will undergo surgery on Friday at UConn Health. An update on her recovery timetable will be made available following the procedure.”
Continuing, Auriemma added that the Huskies will be there for their star every step of the way in her recovery.
“We’re all devastated for Paige. She’s worked really hard to get stronger and healthier this offseason, and this is an unfortunate setback,” added the Huskies coach. “Paige is obviously an amazing basketball player but she’s a better person and teammate and it’s really unfortunate that this has happened to her. We’ll miss her presence on the court, but she’ll do everything she can to still lead and help her teammates this season.
“Our program will support Paige through her healing process to help her come back better and stronger.”
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Moreover, Gatorade has always been synonymous with some of the biggest athletes in the world — and Paige Bueckers joined their team as the first student-athlete to ever sign an NIL deal with the company in November of 2021. She released a statement at that time about her history and future with the brand.
“It was a blessing to win Gatorade Player of the Year in high school. Now, it’s truly surreal to be an official member of the Gatorade Family,” Bueckers stated. “I know this is just the beginning of our partnership and I can’t wait to get to work with Gatorade to drive impact in the community and on the women’s game.”
Gatorade also issued a statement at the time, revealing the reason for the partnership which will last over multiple years.
“From her electrifying performances on the court to fueling change off of it, Paige exemplifies everything it means to be a Gatorade athlete,” said Jeff Kearney, global head of sports marketing at Gatorade, per ESPN. “Partnering with her is a statement to the next generation of our continued commitment to women in sport.”
While Paige Bueckers won’t be on the court next season, UConn and Gatorade will be by her side throughout her recovery.