TAMPA, Fla. – After UConn’s 2022 national championship loss to South Carolina, program legends Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and Breanna Stewart gathered at the Huskies’ hotel to comfort the team, especially sophomore Paige Bueckers. It was a historic defeat UConn’s first ever in a title game and another year added to their championship drought. But the alumni reminded Bueckers that even the best journeys include setbacks. “Titles don’t come without trials,” Bird told her.
Bueckers’ path at UConn has been anything but smooth. She began her college career during the COVID-19 pandemic, missed large portions of her second and third seasons due to injuries including an ACL tear in 2022 and endured three Final Four exits. Still, she persevered.
In her final game, Bueckers finally reached the summit, scoring 17 points and grabbing six rebounds in UConn’s dominant 82–59 win over defending champion South Carolina. It was the missing piece in her decorated career and ended the Huskies’ nine-year title drought. Her story, intertwined with UConn’s, became one of resilience and redemption.
As a high school junior, Bueckers had visited the 2019 Final Four in Tampa shortly after committing to UConn, dreaming of moments like this. Her college career began with a bang—national player of the year honors as a freshman—but soon taught her that success isn’t guaranteed. Repeated injuries sidelined her and reshaped her approach, both physically and mentally. She turned to faith, nutrition, and elite training to make her comeback.
Even 2024 wasn’t easy. The team was hit with injuries again, and Bueckers often carried the emotional weight of expectations. With help from a sports psychologist and guidance from coach Geno Auriemma, she learned to stay present, embrace the process, and let go of fear.
Her final season marked a turning point. For once, UConn had health and momentum. Fudd played her most complete season. Freshman Sarah Strong emerged as a breakout star. The trio reminded Auriemma of legendary UConn teams of the past.
Bueckers delivered during the NCAA tournament, putting up 105 points across three key games. Her team, once riddled with injuries and doubts, peaked at the perfect moment.
For Auriemma, the win was more meaningful for Bueckers than himself. “When you help someone achieve what you told them was possible when they were 17 that’s what matters,” he said.
Exactly 30 years after UConn’s first title, Bueckers closed her collegiate career by delivering another, this time in Tampa. Questions about her legacy are now answered. Despite adversity, she triumphed on her terms.
“This is the perfect ending,” said Lobo. “Very few players end their career with a win. It’s the ultimate culmination an exclamation point on everything she’s done.”
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