Last Sunday, University of Connecticut star Paige Bueckers fulfilled a dream nearly five years in the making winning an NCAA championship. After battling injuries that sidelined her for much of two seasons, the 23-year-old point guard led the Huskies to a dominant victory over South Carolina, clinching UConn’s 12th NCAA women’s title. In the process, Bueckers became the program’s all-time leading scorer in the women’s tournament. For most players, this would be a breakout moment. But Bueckers, expected to be the No. 1 pick in Monday’s 2025 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings, was already a superstar on and off the court.
Back in December, she became the first college athlete with her own Nike player-edition sneaker the Paige Bueckers G.T. Hustle 3. She also made history as the first college athlete to land a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Gatorade. According to data from on3 and SponsorUnited, Bueckers ranks as the third most marketable woman in college sports, with the second-largest social media following and the highest engagement rate.
Speaking after the championship, Bueckers described the win as “so surreal.” Wearing a lavender Nike tracksuit and her signature vanilla-blonde hair flowing behind her, she was riding the high of a whirlwind media day from an appearance on the “Today” show to a taping of “The Tonight Show.” “It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” she admitted. Still, she emphasized that the spotlight shouldn’t overshadow the team’s success or standout performances like that of freshman Sarah Strong, who tallied 22 points and 15 rebounds in the final.
Bueckers’ rise comes during a pivotal moment for women’s basketball, as the NCAA women’s tournament now outdraws the men’s in viewership, and the WNBA continues to break audience records. While stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have helped fuel this momentum, Bueckers has carved out a unique space of her own thanks to her skill, charisma, and unmistakable presence.
Fans often praise Bueckers for her “rizz” short for charisma which shines on the court and in viral TikTok videos of her dancing with teammates. Her fashion sense has attracted attention too, with fan accounts on Instagram dedicated to her evolving style.
In a March video call, Bueckers spoke about how her confidence stems largely from her Christian faith. That day, she had slept in, hit the sauna, practiced free throws, and was preparing for a massage. Raised mostly by her father in a Minneapolis suburb, Bueckers is the eldest of four siblings, including 12-year-old Drew, her younger half-brother, who’s biracial and looks up to her deeply. “He doesn’t leave her hip,” her father said, noting how she’s a role model to all her siblings.
Though raised Catholic, Bueckers now attends a nondenominational church. She credits her faith with helping her trust in her decisions and stay grounded.
As for the upcoming draft, Bueckers plans to make a bold fashion statement. According to her stylist, Brittany Hampton, she’ll be embracing “power dressing” with multiple looks featuring rhinestones, embellishments, and high-end tailoring. Last year, she made waves in a white Louis Vuitton vest and trouser set, earning social media praise like “GIRL GOT DRIPPP” and “The fit is GIVINGGG.”
Her fashion icons include WNBA stars Natasha Cloud, Kahleah Copper, and Sue Bird, all known for breaking boundaries in style. Bueckers doesn’t box herself in blending masculine and feminine, baggy and fitted. “I want to be here, be there, be everywhere,” she said. “Why do women have to wear dresses? I can dress like a boy if I want to.”
Her fashion confidence, Hampton noted, comes from her “crazy confidence” and “super swaggy” nature. Bueckers favors labels like Gallery Department, Rhude, Nahmias, and Acne Studios, and has developed a keen eye for both emerging designers and luxury fashion.
Off the court, fans like 30-year-old Connor Jordan admire her effortless “steez” or smooth, innate style while others, like Vermont banker Mark Bodin, appreciate her humble, team-first approach to the game. “She doesn’t taunt. She doesn’t antagonize. That’s why people like her,” Bodin said.
Longtime coach Tara Starks remembered Bueckers making waves beyond sports back in 2021 when, during her ESPY Award speech, she called attention to the lack of media coverage for Black female athletes. “Their value is undeniable,” she had said, earning praise from many, including young players like 17-year-old Alyssa Williams, who said the speech made her feel seen.
Starks also recalled Bueckers as a confident teen who once rapped Meek Mill’s “Dreams and Nightmares” word-for-word at a barbecue. “She always thought she had the most rhythm,” Starks laughed. “That’s just Paige fresh and fearless.”
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