TAMPA, Fla. — The excitement was palpable as the UConn women's basketball team celebrated their remarkable victory, marking their 12th national championship title. As the 14 current players reveled in their achievement on the Amalie Arena court, a wave of nostalgia washed over many former players and champions who joined them in celebration. Despite the years that separate them, the bond among the Huskies was evident as they came together for this momentous occasion.
In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, UConn decisively defeated South Carolina with a score of 82-59 in front of a roaring crowd of 19,777. This victory not only secured the NCAA-record 12th national championship for the program but also emphasized the importance of this achievement for the players and coaching staff. Breanna Stewart, a four-time national champion and four-time Final Four Most Outstanding Player, reflected on the significance of the win, stating, "The last time we won had been my senior year, so seeing the program and Coach get back to this point is special. This is why you play."
UConn's journey to the championship was nothing short of extraordinary. The team, with a stellar record of 37-3, showcased their dominance by winning their last 16 games and 27 of their last 28. The Huskies triumphed in their six NCAA Tournament games by an average of 32.8 points, only trailing in the second half for a mere 2:03 against Oklahoma. Azzi Fudd earned the title of Final Four Most Outstanding Player, while senior players Paige Bueckers, Aubrey Griffin, and Kaitlyn Chen exited their collegiate careers as champions.
As UConn celebrated, numerous former players, including two-time national champion Maya Moore, expressed their joy in witnessing the current team’s success. "Just knowing how hard they've worked and the adversity they've overcome, watching them play the way they did at this time of the year, I just feel so good for them," Moore stated. This sense of camaraderie was palpable as players from UConn's first 11 national champions and their inaugural Final Four team gathered to congratulate the current Huskies and their legendary coach, Geno Auriemma.
The gathering of former champions at the arena highlighted what makes UConn's women's basketball program truly unique. Coach Auriemma remarked, "This doesn't happen everywhere. To have that many former national champions from your school come watch and see you play is special." The bond between Auriemma and his players, cultivated over four decades, remains strong and unbreakable.
Former players like Rebecca Lobo, a 1995 national champion and ESPN analyst, acknowledged Auriemma's profound influence on their lives. "He's helped women have their lives changed in all the right ways. We all feel indebted to him from the moment we move on," Lobo shared. The emotional connection between the players and their coach fosters a supportive environment, encouraging alumni to return and cheer on the current team.
In keeping with tradition since 2009, the Huskies waited until winning the national championship to cut down the nets, with Bueckers proudly donning one during the postgame press conference. This championship marks an end to a nine-year drought, the longest period without a title since they first became national champions in 1995. Former players, including Bria Hartley and Morgan Tuck, expressed their joy in witnessing the current team's success, emphasizing the perfect ending to a challenging journey.
As the celebration continued, Bueckers joined Stewart as one of only two UConn players to be named to the All-Final Four team four times, finishing her illustrious career with a remarkable scoring average of 19.83 points per game, surpassing Moore’s long-standing record. Stewart noted the significance of Bueckers' journey, stating, "I'm really happy to see Paige get this one. She's been through so much and continued to fight back." As the current Huskies headed to the locker room, alumni like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi joined in the celebration, showcasing the enduring family atmosphere fostered by Coach Auriemma.
The UConn women's basketball team has not only solidified its place in NCAA history but also created a legacy of support and unity that continues to inspire future generations. "Once a Husky, always a Husky," Tuck summarized, highlighting the deep-rooted connections that define this remarkable program.
