Olivia Vukosa, the 2026 Gatorade National Player of the Year, is set to begin her freshman campaign with the UConn women’s basketball program this fall, opening the season against Cornell on November 2.
During the preceding months she transformed her physical preparation, shedding 28 pounds through a regimen overseen by strength coach Andrea Hudy, while also guiding Croatia’s under‑18 squad to a memorable run at the EuroBasket tournament.
A Summer of Transformation
Her summer featured a standout performance in which she poured in 46 points against Czechia, earning All‑Star Five honors and a personal best average of 24.9 points and 14.3 rebounds per game, a feat that drew praise from her family and father.
Beyond the numbers, Vukosa embraced a leadership role, taking cues from senior teammate Sarah Strong and learning to speak up, a shift that helped her influence games and foster camaraderie among her peers, including new teammate Kayleigh Heckel.
Now settled in Storrs, she balances rigorous academic pursuits in biological sciences with daily training, aiming to excel on the court while preparing for a future as a pediatrician.
The intensity of UConn’s summer session is legendary, from Peloton rides that must burn at least 400 kilojoules per workout to the infamous three‑minute baseline‑to‑baseline drill that demands a minimum of 25 ball‑handling touches, challenges she meets with determination.