In a dynasty built by household names, Geno Auriemma knows the quietest players can leave the biggest mark. Last season, it was Paige Bueckers; this season, it’s Sarah Strong.

So when Strong was named the 2026 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year, it didn’t feel like a breakout moment to head coach Geno Auriemma. Not even when she edged out her own teammate, Azzi Fudd, for the honor. That’s because Auriemma had already seen what the rest of the country was catching up to.

“I think anybody that has watched us play would probably tell you that — she’s probably the heart and soul of our team,” the coach said. “And how she elevates the play of everybody on our team. I think the kids at Connecticut — they play great. When they’re together, they need a leader out on the floor, and she’s become a vocal one now.”

“I’m really proud of her because a lot of times it takes a long time for kids to find their voice. In just a year and a half, she’s done that. And she’s the most low-key superstar you’ve ever saw in your life. So I think that’s a great thing.”

Sarah Strong has been the driving force behind the Huskies’ dominant 38–0 run so far in the 2025-26 season. She has led the team in nearly every major statistical category by averaging 18.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game.

When it comes to her efficiency, she is shooting 59.4% from the field, 40.4% from three-point range, and 84.8% from the free-throw line.

But what truly separates her, according to Auriemma, is her ability to elevate everyone around her.

On a roster loaded with talent, Strong has emerged as the leader who sets the tone on both ends of the floor. Take the post-season, for example. In the NCAA tournament, one single loss can kick a team out of the season, but in the four games the Huskies have played so far, Strong averaged 19.5 points and 7.8 rebounds to lead her team to yet another Final Four appearance.

That’s why when she was honored with one of the most prestigious individual awards in college basketball, which recognizes the best player in the nation, it felt less like a surprise and more like just a confirmation for the head coach.

As UConn History Adds Her Name, Sarah Strong Refuses to Make It About Herself

For someone described as a “low-key superstar,” her reaction to winning the award stayed true to form.

“It means a lot. I think it’s very humbling to see all the other names that have also won this award. So, just very grateful for it,” Strong said. “My thought process is a big thank you to everyone behind me. I feel like my parents, my teammates, coaching staff, support staff. Everyone that has put time and energy into me and my life, just thank you to them.”

That humility carries even more weight when you look at the names that have won this award before her.

Sarah Strong became the eighth Husky to win the Naismith Trophy since 1983. The legends who came before her were:

• Rebecca Lobo (1995),
• Sue Bird (2002),
• Diana Taurasi (2003, ’04),
• Maya Moore (2009, ’11),
• Tina Charles (2010),
• Breanna Stewart (2014, ’15, ’16),
• and Paige Bueckers (2021).

As one of the Huskies’ leading scorers and on-court leaders, and now with her name etched alongside the game’s greatest, Sarah Strong still chose to credit everyone who helped her get there.

But there’s no time to dwell on it just yet. With the UConn Huskies still chasing a national title, a Final Four showdown still awaits.

The Battle of the Giants

For one of the most anticipated matchups, the Huskies are all set to lock horns with the South Carolina Gamecocks. It’s like a championship game arriving a round too early.

On one side, UConn enters unbeaten at 38–0, steamrolling through the NCAA Tournament with an average margin of victory north of 30 points. The only team that got even close to giving Huskies their only loss of the season was the Michigan Wolverines, when they went against UConn back in November. Still, the Huskies managed to end that game with 72-69.

Behind their dominance are Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, who have overwhelmed their opponents at every turn by averaging a combined 36.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.0 assits per game.

However, South Carolina isn’t just any team, and they are packed with stars on their roster.

With players like Joyce Edwards, Ta’Niya Latson, Madina Okot, Tessa Johnson, Raven Johnson, and Agot Makeer, the Gamecocks are sitting at 35–3. And they have been just as ruthless on their side of the bracket. Under Dawn Staley, this team leans on depth, physicality, and relentless pressure, which has helped them to test even the most skilled opponents.

Offensively, the Gamecocks are averaging 87.1, which isn’t much behind UConn’s 87.9. But when it comes to securing the ball, the Gamecocks hold a clear edge as they average 42.5 rebounds per game, while the Huskies are at 37.7.

When it comes to the history between these two powerhouses, coach Auriemma holds an 11–5 edge over Staley, which also includes UConn’s commanding win in last year’s national championship game.

So when these two programs meet again on Friday, the game will come down to efficiency vs physicality.

With the game right around the corner, which team are you rooting for? Let us know in the comments below.