Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd, and Paige Bueckers lead UConn to their 12th NCAA championship with a resounding victory over South Carolina.

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is one of the most prestigious competitions in collegiate athletics, attracting national attention and providing a stage for the brightest talents in the game to showcase their skills. When it comes to dominance in women’s basketball, few programs compare to the storied success of the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies. With 12 NCAA championships to their name, UConn has long been a powerhouse in the sport, a team that others measure themselves against.

In the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, the UConn Huskies found themselves back at the pinnacle of college basketball, claiming their 12th title after a decisive victory over the defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks. The title was a testament to the team’s skill, depth, and relentless drive, but perhaps more importantly, it highlighted the extraordinary talents of three players who rose to the occasion when their team needed them most: Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd, and Paige Bueckers. These three standout players were instrumental in UConn’s triumph, each contributing in unique ways to the resounding victory that capped off a remarkable season.

In this article, we will dive into how Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd, and Paige Bueckers led UConn to its 12th NCAA Championship, how their performances defined the tournament, and the lasting impact this championship will have on the UConn women’s basketball program and college basketball as a whole.

A Historic 12th Title: UConn’s Dominance in Women’s Basketball

The UConn Huskies’ success in women’s basketball is a tale of consistency, excellence, and a winning culture. Under the leadership of legendary head coach Geno Auriemma, the program has captured 12 NCAA titles, establishing itself as the gold standard in women’s college basketball. UConn’s championship pedigree is built on years of recruiting top-tier talent, fostering a competitive environment, and demanding excellence at every level of play.

The 2025 tournament was no exception. While UConn entered the competition with high expectations, there were questions surrounding the team’s ability to live up to its dominant history. However, the Huskies quickly silenced any doubts, advancing through the bracket with a combination of offensive firepower, stifling defense, and a collective team effort that left opponents reeling.

But it was the performances of Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd, and Paige Bueckers that truly elevated the team to new heights. These three players have been central to UConn’s success over the past few seasons, and in this particular tournament, they each played pivotal roles in securing the national championship.

Sarah Strong: The Silent Assassin

While much of the attention in the tournament was focused on established stars like Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers, Sarah Strong emerged as one of the most important contributors to UConn’s championship run. Strong, a sophomore forward, had already made a name for herself in her first year with the Huskies, but it was her standout performance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament that catapulted her into the national spotlight.

Strong’s contribution to UConn’s title was multifaceted. Known for her versatility, Strong excelled in both offensive and defensive roles. Offensively, she proved to be a consistent scoring threat, able to stretch the floor with her shooting and finish at the rim with authority. Her ability to shoot from long range, combined with her athleticism and strong rebounding presence, made her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

Throughout the tournament, Strong demonstrated a knack for stepping up when the game was on the line. Her ability to score in clutch moments became particularly evident in UConn’s semifinal matchup against a talented Stanford team. In a tightly contested game, Strong scored 10 of her 15 points in the final quarter, helping UConn pull away for the victory.

In the national championship game against South Carolina, Strong’s presence was felt all over the court. She contributed with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists, proving that she was not just a complementary player but an essential piece of the Huskies’ championship puzzle. Her defensive tenacity against South Carolina’s star players was also critical in limiting the Gamecocks’ offensive flow, as she helped UConn maintain a balanced attack on both ends of the court.

Strong’s performance was a testament to her growth as a player and her ability to perform under the brightest of lights. As UConn’s team dynamic evolved, she proved that she could be counted on in high-pressure situations, making her one of the key players in the Huskies’ 12th championship run.

Azzi Fudd: The Offensive Catalyst

Azzi Fudd was the player whose name had been synonymous with UConn’s offense throughout the 2025 season. A junior guard, Fudd has long been regarded as one of the best pure shooters in women’s college basketball. Her ability to create her own shot, score from anywhere on the floor, and make the defense pay for any mistakes made her a constant threat to opposing teams.

Fudd’s offensive brilliance was on full display during the NCAA Tournament. She averaged 22.4 points per game during the Huskies’ championship run, providing a consistent scoring punch that allowed UConn to stay competitive in every matchup. Her shooting touch was deadly from beyond the arc, but it was her mid-range game and ability to attack the basket that made her so dangerous. Fudd’s offensive versatility was key in opening up opportunities for her teammates, and she also showcased her ability to facilitate offense when needed.

One of Fudd’s most memorable moments of the tournament came in the championship game against South Carolina. Early in the game, she struggled to find her rhythm as the Gamecocks’ defense collapsed on her. But in typical Fudd fashion, she found ways to adjust. By the second half, Fudd had found her groove, knocking down crucial three-pointers and driving to the basket with confidence. Her 26-point performance in the championship game was instrumental in UConn pulling away from South Carolina, and it was clear that she was the driving force behind the Huskies’ offensive success.

Fudd’s leadership, poise, and scoring ability in big moments made her the offensive engine that UConn needed. Her combination of basketball IQ, athleticism, and clutch performances ensured that UConn would continue its legacy of dominance in women’s college basketball.

Paige Bueckers: The Heart and Soul of UConn

Paige Bueckers, the former National Player of the Year, has long been the face of UConn basketball. As a sophomore guard, Bueckers had already proven herself as one of the most talented and dynamic players in the game. Known for her incredible court vision, ball-handling skills, and scoring ability, Bueckers is the player who makes UConn’s offense flow seamlessly.

Bueckers’ leadership and playmaking ability were on full display throughout the 2025 NCAA Tournament. As the focal point of UConn’s offense, she consistently created opportunities for her teammates while also finding ways to contribute as a scorer herself. Bueckers’ court awareness and passing were pivotal in UConn’s transition game, and her leadership on both ends of the floor made her an indispensable part of the Huskies’ success.

Her most memorable moment came in the championship game against South Carolina, where she orchestrated the offense with poise and confidence. Bueckers finished with a double-double, recording 12 assists and 18 points. Her ability to set up her teammates for easy baskets, combined with her own scoring contributions, helped UConn break open what had been a close game. In the final moments, it was Bueckers who hit a crucial floater in the paint to extend UConn’s lead, essentially sealing the championship.

While Fudd provided the offensive spark and Strong contributed in numerous areas, it was Bueckers’ leadership and basketball IQ that held the team together. She has been the catalyst for UConn’s success, and in this championship run, she proved once again that she is among the elite players in the country.

A Complete Team Effort

While the performances of Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd, and Paige Bueckers were undoubtedly the driving force behind UConn’s victory, it is important to recognize that this championship was a team effort. UConn’s depth, defense, and coaching were all integral to the Huskies’ success.

UConn’s defense was suffocating throughout the tournament, as the Huskies’ ability to lock down opposing offenses was crucial in their wins. The team’s ability to get stops and transition into fast breaks helped UConn maintain a balanced attack. The coaching staff, led by Geno Auriemma, had prepared the team for every possible scenario, and their execution was flawless. Auriemma’s tactical brilliance allowed UConn to overcome tough challenges and remain composed under pressure.

The Future of UConn Women’s Basketball

With this championship, UConn has once again reaffirmed its place as the gold standard in women’s college basketball. The team’s performance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament demonstrated that UConn’s dynasty is far from over. With key players like Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd, and Paige Bueckers continuing to develop, the future of the Huskies’ program looks incredibly bright.

As UConn celebrates its 12th NCAA title, the legacy of the program continues to inspire future generations of players. The 2025 championship, marked by unforgettable performances from Strong, Fudd, and Bueckers, will go down in history as one of the most dominant and well-rounded teams in women’s college basketball.