The University of Connecticut (UConn) Women’s Basketball Team heads into March Madness as an undefeated team and the leader of their conference. However, the big question still remains: will UConn win back to back National Championships?
UConn’s basketball program has a history of being great. WNBA players Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird, and most recently Paige Bueckers all played for UConn in college, and the projected No. 1 pick for the WNBA draft, Azzi Fudd, plays for UConn currently. The UConn Huskies average 88.8 points per game, and they have strength in their tough defense that never gives up. Last season, they won the National Championship, and as we head into March Madness, everyone wonders if they can do it again.
With the loss of Paige Bueckers this season (she was drafted to the Dallas Wings), the state of UConn was unknown. However, strong players like Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, and KK Arnold did not let UConn fans down, giving their team what they needed to accomplish an undefeated regular season. Azzi Fudd plays as a guard for UConn and has been with the team for 5 seasons. Fudd plays her last season with the team this year as she is expected to be picked first in the WNBA draft. Fudd adds many elements to the Huskies including thinking fast while playing, having an amazing 3-point efficiency, and knowing what decisions to make on the court. Sarah Strong plays as a forward for the UConn Huskies and has been with the UConn Huskies for the past two seasons. As only a sophomore, Strong has accomplished player of the year in the Big East conference, freshman player of the year during her first season, and of course, winning the National Championship during her freshman year at UConn. Strong has drawn lots of attention in the world of women’s basketball as she has broken multiple records held at UConn and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). KK Arnold plays as a guard for UConn and is currently playing her third season with the team. Arnold plays a terrific defensive game, landing her a spot on the 2026 Big East All-Defensive team. She brings high energy to the court and serves as a great player for UConn.
Coach Geno Auriemma is currently coaching his 41st season with the UConn Huskies. During his time in Connecticut, he has led the women’s basketball team to win 12 NCAA championships, 24 Final Fours, 6 perfect seasons, and 61 conference championships. In November of 2024, the UConn Huskies pulled off a win against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights. That win broke a NCAA record with Coach Auriemma becoming the coach with the most wins in college basketball history. Auriemma also served as the head coach for the US Women’s Basketball team for eight years, leading them to win gold medals at the Olympics in 2012 and 2016.
Even though the Huskies accomplished an undefeated season, doubts still remain about them winning the national championship. One of UConn’s biggest issues is their rebounding. Coach Auriemma has discussed how the Huskies aren’t a fantastic rebounding team. Out of 363 D1 teams, UConn ranks 139th with rebounds per game. UConn also is ranked in last place out of all the schools in the nation for percentage of points allowed from the 3-point land. They have allowed their opponents to make over 220 3-pointers this season. Because of how many 3-pointers UConn did not defend, when playing University of Michigan, UConn won by a mere 3 points. That game was the closest the Huskies came to losing all season long and that could very well happen in the NCAA playoffs, but this time, the outcome could be different. In an interview, Azzi Fudd stated, “I think the confidence has continued to grow with us as a team. I think we’re in a great place”.
There are a handful of teams better than Michigan that are playing in March Madness which could lead to the Huskies getting knocked out. UConn has played an amazing regular season, but it now all comes down to March when anything could happen. Tune in to see how UConn performs.
