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UConn's Sarah Strong drives team to historic undefeated season

Mar 9, 2026, 6:27 PM20
(Update: Mar 10, 2026, 1:00 AM)
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state of the United States of America
public university in Los Angeles, California, USA
public research university in Storrs, Connecticut, United States

UConn's Sarah Strong drives team to historic undefeated season

  • UCLA received votes from UConn after an impressive victory in the Big Ten title game.
  • Texas moved up to No. 3 after defeating South Carolina in the SEC Tournament.
  • Strong's performance has led UConn to a historic undefeated regular season and discussions about her potential as one of the greatest players.
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Story

In women's college basketball, the landscape has shifted notably as the postseason approaches. Recently, No. 2 UCLA captured first-place votes from the previously unanimous No. 1 ranked UConn. This development followed UCLA's impressive 51-point victory over then-No. 9 Iowa in the Big Ten title game. UConn, until now a dominant force with a perfect season, faced a challenging matchup against Villanova for the Big East tournament title. While these changes are significant, Texas has climbed to No. 3 after defeating South Carolina in their conference championship game, illustrating the intense competition this season. As the NCAA tournament approaches, UConn is positioned as a strong contender, bolstered by the performance of standout player Sarah Strong. Over the course of the season, Strong made a profound impact, leading her team and being recognized as The Athletic’s national player of the year in addition to being the Big East player of the year. Her exceptional skills on the court have ignited discussions about her potential to become one of the greatest players in UConn history. Coach Geno Auriemma has expressed admiration for Strong’s determination and ability to remain focused amid the accolades. Strong's philosophy diverges from the norm in today's sports world, where many athletes widely promote their achievements on social media. Despite boasting a substantial following, Strong opts for minimal engagement on platforms like Instagram. Remarkably, she has only posted about winning the national title once, highlighting her disinterest in fame and focusing more on the game. Her unique approach has not hindered her endorsement opportunities, as major brands recognize her talent on the court. UConn's chances of winning a second consecutive national title heavily rely on Strong’s contributions with only six victories separating the team from this achievement. As the season progresses, the attention on Strong mounts, given that only a few programs in NCAA women’s basketball history have accomplished back-to-back championships. The unfolding story is not only about scores and rankings, but it also encapsulates a remarkable journey of dedication, skill, and the pursuit of greatness.

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