The University of Connecticut women's basketball program is already turning its attention to the 2026‑27 campaign after a heartbreaking Final Four exit that left fans yearning for a return to the championship game.
The Road Ahead
Central to that revival is star forward Sarah Strong, the reigning National Player of the Year, who has elected to pause her summer schedule to let a lingering calf injury fully heal.
Strong's decision to prioritize recovery underscores a broader strategy: the Huskies will build around her as the primary offensive engine, while distributing playmaking duties across a refreshed supporting cast.
The departure of Azzi Fudd, who left for the WNBA after serving as the team's second‑leading scorer and defensive anchor, creates a void that UConn hopes to fill with emerging talents such as Blanca Quiñonez and a trio of versatile bigs — Jana El Alfy, Olivia Vukosa and Gandy Malou‑Mamel.
Freshman Marine Dursus, alongside returning guard Allie Ziebell, is expected to stretch the floor, while the coaching staff, led by Geno Auriemma and associate head coach Chris Dailey, returns for their 42nd season at the helm.
The non‑conference slate promises to be a crucible of testing, featuring marquee matchups against Duke, LSU, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio State, Louisville and a much‑anticipated rematch with South Carolina.
That South Carolina rematch looms as the toughest test, especially as the Gamecocks bring back a potent core of Joyce Edwards, Tessa Johnson, Agot Makeer and Chloe Kitts, all of whom missed the previous season with injuries but are now fully healthy.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s senior guard Hannah Hidalgo will be eager to exact revenge after the Irish’s historic loss to UConn last year, adding another layer of intrigue to the schedule.