The UConn women’s basketball team has arrived home after winning the national championship on Sunday and the university welcomed them back with a rally on campus on Monday afternoon. The state is also planning a parade.
The UConn women’s basketball team has arrived home after winning the national championship on Sunday and the university welcomed them back with a rally on campus on Monday afternoon. The state is also planning a parade.
The Huskies defeated last year’s champion South Carolina, 82 to 59, to win their first championship since 2016 and the 12th national title for head coach Geno Auriemma.
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This was the final game for Paige Bueckers, who had 17 points, on Sunday.
She is expected to be the top pick in the WNBA draft on April 14.
Dog House
Azzi Fudd, a graduate student who announced that she will return next year, was honored as most outstanding player.
Freshman Sarah Strong added 24 points.
Some members of the team spoke to the fans gathered at Gampel Pavilion and thanked them for their support.
"You guys have made this extremely special and for continuing to believe in us ever since I've gotten here. These four years, just your support have never waivered, and we're just so, so grateful for that," Fudd said at the rally.
Bueckers, who will likely be the top pick in the WNBA Draft, also thanked the fans.
"It's hard to put into words what this means to every single one of us and to bring it back to home to you guys who have been waiting quite a while to finally bring one home it means everything, to bring it back to where it belongs," Bueckers said.
She fought back tears speaking about her time at UConn.
"This place is a second home to me," she said.
Parade planned
Gov. Ned Lamont said the best basketball team in the nation deserves a big celebration in their honor and plans are underway for a victory parade.
The best basketball team in the nation deserves a big celebration in their honor. We’re putting plans together for a victory parade to congratulate @UConnWBB on their national championship. Details will be announced soon. 🏆🏀
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) April 7, 2025
All the national titles UConn women's basketball has won
- 2025: Connecticut vs. South Carolina, 82-59, Tampa Fla.
- 2016: Connecticut vs. Syracuse, 82-51, in Indianapolis, Ind.
- 2015: Connecticut vs. Notre Dame, 63-53, in Tampa, Fla.
- 2014: Connecticut vs. Notre Dame, 79-58, in Nashville, Tenn.
- 2013: Connecticut vs. Louisville, 93-60, in New Orleans, La.
- 2010: Connecticut vs. Stanford, 53-47, in San Antonio, Texas
- 2009: Connecticut vs. Louisville, 76-54, in St. Louis, Mo.
- 2004: Connecticut vs. Tennessee, 70-61, in New Orleans, La.
- 2003: Connecticut vs. Tennessee, 73-68, in Atlanta, Ga.
- 2002: Connecticut vs. Oklahoma, 82-70, in San Antonio
- 2000: Connecticut vs. Tennessee, 71-52, in Philadelphia, Pa.
- 1995: Connecticut vs. Tennessee, 70-64, in Minneapolis, Minn.
