The missing pieces of the UConn women’s basketball team?
For the first time in four years, a new face will guide the UConn women’s basketball team in the 2025-2026 season.
In year 41, Head Coach Geno Auriemma looks to accomplish not only ring No. 13 but also back-to-back National Championship campaigns. However, the run will look different as the former leader of the pack, Paige Bueckers, exhausted her collegiate eligibility.
At Big East Media Day, Azzi Fudd explained the Minnesota native’s ability to connect with the squad.
“She [Bueckers] is a great teammate, the way that she leads, the ways that she cares for her teammates, so she’s going to lead in a personal way,” said Fudd.
With the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft, the Dallas Wings selected Bueckers. Now, the team will need to find replacements to fill the void of the 24-year-old’s leadership. This may seem challenging, as these fundamentals are not teachable.
“They’re born with a lot of it. I don’t think you can create them,” said Auriemma. “A couple of the tools you have to help them with are admit you’re wrong, it’s ok to say it was your fault, to tell your teammates you screwed up and still be able to lead them.”
It should come as no surprise to see Sarah Strong and Fudd combine forces to hold the squad accountable. While dominating on the court in the 2024-2025 season, the duo shadowed the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year.
“What I learned from her [Bueckers] was just the attention to detail,” said Fudd.
As for Strong, she feels that her improvements from freshman to sophomore year will greatly impact the Huskies.
“I feel like last year, I didn’t really talk as much,” said Strong. “This year, I’m getting more comfortable with being able to speak in general.”
As the young star continues building an impressive career at UConn, feeling the pressure is the least of her concerns.
In the 2024-2025 campaign, the forward topped Connecticut in rebounds (8.9), steals (2.3) and blocks (1.6). Additionally, the 2025 Freshman of the Year trailed Bueckers with nearly 16.5 points per meeting.
“I don’t look at it as pressure,” said Strong. “I kind of enjoy it and I feel like that’s why I came to UConn for this sort of pressure.”
Together, Strong and Fudd will pave the way and set the tone of the program, especially for the newcomers. In the 2025 offseason, Auriemma acquired five players either from recruiting or the transfer portal.
“I feel like, as the returns, it’s our job to kind of lead them in that way and show them what’s expected,” said Strong.
As the 2025-2026 stretch begins, the 19-year-old emphasized working through uncomfortable situations and that there is no I in team.
UConn faces Southern Connecticut in an exhibition match on Sunday. Fans can stream the game on WWAX or UConn+, with tipoff scheduled for 1 p.m.
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