The UCONN program has always been among the most prestigious women’s basketball programs among all major Division 1 schools. Head coach Geno Auriemma holds the record for most Division 1 basketball championships 12. Some might say he is the architect of dominance due to his very successful resume. After April 6th, HC Auriemma added his 12th National Championship to his belt. Beating the 2024 champions, South Carolina Gamecocks, 82-59.
The UCONN Huskies continuously hold their title as being very dominant in all of college Women’s basketball, sending many of their players to the next level where they can play professionally. Although they have fallen short a couple of years, the UCONN program last won a national championship after defeating Syracuse 82-51. In the following years, UCONN would fall short of reaching the National Championship stage until the 2025 season. UCONN star and Minnesota native Paige Bueckers joined the team in 2021 but could not play due to various injuries. For her final year with UCONN, Bueckers ended with a bang, exiting as a National Champion. To add to her amazing resume, Paige was the first pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, leaving the city of Dallas to be her new home and the Wings franchise her support.
According to ESPN, Bueckers averaged 19.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.5 AST, all while shooting a high 53.1% from the field. The female phenom has not only been a fan favorite but has also helped evolve the game of women’s basketball. The Huskies are more than just a one-man show; players like Junior, Azzi Fudd, and Freshman Sarah Strong have played a key role in UCONN’s success—the big three, if you will, and future UCONN legends, as some say.
On the other hand, the Gamecocks came into this past season ready to repeat for a chance at another national championship. With most of their roster returning, the Gamecocks started their season a bit rocky after losing to UCLA, 77-62. However, they continued to stick to their goal: to get back to the national championship stage and win. Unfortunately, they could not finish the job on the national championship stage against the UCONN huskies.
The highly anticipated match-up between some of the best programs during March Madness was one that you needed a seat and popcorn for. Right off the bat, UCONN came in knocking down shots as well as getting multiple offensive opportunities from rebounds. South Carolina, on the other hand, was hitting some shots but also couldn’t eliminate the extra possessions that they were giving UCONN. The battle was going back and forth for the first 10 minutes of the first quarter until UCONN took the lead. Surprisingly, the Gamecocks attack the rim with tenacity on both ends. The Huskies did not take their foot off the gas; they kept pushing and pushing and eventually beat the Gamecocks. As sad as it is for one team to have to go home without a championship, both teams fought hard and paved their way through hard work and excellence.
A fairy tale ending, some might call it. UConn had gone through so much in the previous years that they finally reached their goal after all that. From major injuries to having your star players who have not only hurt themselves once but twice, finally get their championship as seniors. Most notably, allowing now UCONN legend Paige Bueckers to fulfill the dream she had carried since she was in high school. Now, the Dallas Wings rookie and point guard is coming in with her national championship.
