Sarah Strong just cannot stop winning. From leading the UConn Huskies to the championship title to becoming the WBCA’s National Freshman of the Year last season, Strong has turned into an unstoppable force in the world of college basketball. And now, as she enters only her second NCAA season, with just hours left for the Huskies’ season opener against Louisville, she has made it to the headlines yet again. This time for something even more heartwarming.

The Huskies‘ star forward has been named to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund Class of 2025-26 Servant Leader Award honoree list! For the uninitiated, it’s a recognition given to women’s basketball players across NCAA, NJCAA, and JUCO levels who demonstrate exceptional leadership, compassion, and dedication toward the fight against cancers impacting women.

Established in 2007, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund was created to honor the lasting legacy of legendary NC State women’s basketball coach Yow, who courageously battled breast cancer for over two decades.

“It’s an honor to be named a Kay Yow Servant Leader and represent Coach Yow’s legacy,” Sarah Strong said in an interview with UConn. “She was an inspiration for her impact on the basketball court and in her fight against breast cancer. I’m looking forward to honoring her memory and having an impact in my community at UConn.”

Sarah Strong comes from a family that believes in giving back to the community. During her high school years, she spent time volunteering in community clean-up efforts and helping young athletes develop their skills on the court. Through her church, the hoopster also took part in several outreach programs, showcasing the same compassion and leadership off the floor that she now brings to the Huskies, making this honor a well-deserved one.

Not to forget her contributions through the Strong Center, a foundation established by Danny, her father, with a focus on community outreach that helps individuals in basketball, football, and wrestling. “[Sports] made it a lot easier. I was able to make friends through the Strong Center because most of the kids went to the same school as me,” the UConn star recounted with ESPN.

“I really like what my dad has built with the Strong Center and what my mom has done. I’m pretty sure I want to do something like they both have done, like a mix of both of them in a way,” Sarah Strong revealed about her plans in the philanthropy sector.

From being the player Geno Auriemma can always count on, to winning this prestigious award, Sarah Strong for sure has her hands full this season as the Huskies aim to clinch back-to-back championships.

What lies ahead for Sarah Strong and the UConn Huskies?

Sarah Strong is being named in award nominations and best player lists everywhere! She was recently named the Big East Preseason Player of the Year as well. But right now, her focus is on tonight’s game against the No. 20 Louisville Cardinals, who recorded 22 wins and 11 losses last season.

Speaking to CT Insider, Sarah Strong opened up about the renewed confidence she had as the Huskies enter another season. She said, “I feel like just having a year under my belt, I just feel a little more confident in all aspects of the court. I know what to expect. I’ve been here before. I’ve played with some of the people on the team, so I know what it takes, and I’m more confident.”

But that’s not it, as the Huskies are entering the 2025–26 campaign with rare stability, because for the first time in over two decades, they have a stacked roster with 10 players returning from last season’s championship run.

With college veteran players like Azzi Fudd and Serah Williams’ hands on sophomore Sarah Strong’s shoulder, who is quite a potent threat herself, the Geno Auriemma-led army is a serious threat to every team in the Big East. And for anyone hoping to dethrone them, it might take nothing short of a miracle.