STORRS — As Paige Bueckers’ father watched her play her final game at Gampel Pavilion for UConn’s women’s basketball team on Monday night, he was surprised that he didn’t get overly emotional. He understood how much the moment meant to her her deep love for her teammates, coaches, and the entire UConn community was undeniable. But as he witnessed her deliver a storybook performance, two things kept his emotions in check.
Rather than being overwhelmed, he saw his daughter remain composed. She balanced her fierce competitive spirit with moments of pure joy, smiling as she soaked in the experience. Seeing that, he found himself smiling too.
“I think it’s because there’s still more basketball left,” he explained. “Senior Day got me a little emotional, but Monday night, seeing her engage with her teammates and the fans with that big smile it just felt right. Maybe I’ll get emotional later, but for now, there’s still more to play.”
Bueckers capped off the night with an outstanding performance: 14-of-21 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. She drew five fouls, made all three of her free throws, and contributed four assists, four steals, and three rebounds all without a single turnover.
After UConn’s dominant 91-57 victory over South Dakota State in the NCAA Tournament’s second round, Bueckers addressed the sold-out crowd at Gampel Pavilion. It was a moment of celebration for her parents as well.
Her mother, Amy Fuller, watched proudly as Paige once again took charge of the game.
“She was made for this,” Fuller said. “Anyone on this team can step up on any given night, and that’s what makes them special. But I think she wanted this night to be special not just for herself, but for her teammates and the fans who have supported her.”
Now, Bueckers and UConn are in Spokane, preparing for a Sweet 16 showdown against Oklahoma on Saturday. If they win, they’ll play in the regional final on Monday for a spot in the Final Four in Tampa.
For her parents, Paige’s time at UConn has been everything they hoped for. Even though she was far from her home in Minnesota, she always felt at home in Storrs.
“She’s been incredibly fortunate to be here for five years,” Bob Bueckers said. “This is her second home. The fans, the players, the coaches everyone has embraced her and made her feel like family.”
That love is well-earned. Bueckers reached 2,000 career points faster than any player in UConn history, hitting the milestone in just 102 games—six fewer than Maya Moore. She ranks second in career scoring average (19.6 points per game, just behind Moore’s 19.7) and sits in the top 10 in multiple categories, including total points (6th, 2,335), assists (9th, 549), and three-point percentage (6th, 42.1%). She’s also 11th in career three-pointers made (226).
“This has always been her dream school, and she’s been challenged here,” Fuller said. “Geno (Auriemma) and Chris Dailey push her, and she pushes back. She’s stubborn, just like them. But that’s what makes her thrive at UConn.”
Bob Bueckers echoed that sentiment, saying it was important for his daughter to be in an environment that challenged her. As the nation’s No. 1 recruit coming out of high school, she was already considered a generational talent before stepping on campus.
“It’s been incredible watching her grow alongside like-minded teammates and coaches who push themselves beyond what they think is possible,” he said. “The culture here, the work ethic it’s exactly what she wanted.”
Beyond basketball, Bueckers has used her platform for meaningful causes. She’s been a vocal advocate for social justice, racial inclusion, and addressing food insecurity, especially among college students.
“I’m so proud of that,” her mother said. “When she started, NIL didn’t exist. The moment it did, her focus was on giving back making sure there was always a charitable component in whatever she did. Every deal she’s signed has had that aspect.”
With over two million Instagram followers and nearly 150,000 on X, Bueckers uses her platform to uplift UConn and her teammates. For her last home game, she purchased 1,500 tickets and gave them to UConn students as a thank-you for their support.
“I tell people all the time she’s an even better person than she is a basketball player,” her dad said. “She never forgets where she came from, and giving back to her communities, in Connecticut and Minnesota, is what makes me most proud.”
Of course, there’s one final goal left winning a national championship. Despite an extraordinary career that includes being the first freshman to win National Player of the Year, two first-team All-American selections, and a Final Four All-Tournament nod, the elusive NCAA title has remained just out of reach. Injuries both her own and those of her teammates have played a significant role.
“I remember before she even played her first game here, she said she wanted to win four national championships,” Bob Bueckers recalled. “She puts a lot of pressure on herself.”
Now, with the No. 3-ranked Huskies (33-3) at full strength and playing their best basketball, the opportunity is there. Bueckers is in peak form, playing with confidence, passion, and joy. Four more wins stand between her and the ultimate prize.
For her father, a championship wouldn’t just be about securing her legacy it would bring her peace.
“It would mean everything to her,” he said. “I think it would let her finally take a deep breath and say, ‘We did it.’ Without it, I feel like a piece of UConn will always feel unfinished for her.
“She doesn’t see it as something she has to win for herself. She feels like she came here to win championships for the program, for her teammates. That’s what she’s focused on now.”
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