A new chapter in Paige Bueckers’ WNBA story was written recently. Ever since her name was announced as the No. 1 overall pick in April, expectations have trailed her at every step. And just as she once did at UConn, Paige rose to the moment. She has officially been crowned the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year, earning 70 of the 72 votes cast by a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. With that, she becomes part of an exclusive five-player club.

Fresh off a championship run at UConn last April, Paige Bueckers walked into the WNBA and wasted no time proving herself. She didn’t just score, she rewrote the rookie record books, becoming the fastest in league history to reach 500 points and 100 assists. Her brilliance carried into July, where fans and coaches alike made it clear they couldn’t ignore her impact. Bueckers was voted into the All-Star Game as a starter, joining an exclusive club as only the 10th rookie in WNBA history to start in the showcase.

Rookie of the Year might have felt inevitable for Paige Bueckers, but it wasn’t a walk in the park either. Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron made a real push, averaging 14.9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. At 44.5%, her three-point shooting topped the WNBA this season and established a new benchmark for rookies in league history. But in the end, Bueckers’ brilliance couldn’t be denied.

According to I Talk Hoops, Paige joins Breanna Stewart, Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, and Tina Charles as only the fifth player in history to win an NCAA championship, be selected No. 1 overall, and earn Rookie of the Year–all in the same year. While it might not have been the happiest season for her in terms of on-court success with the Dallas Wings, there’s no denying what an outstanding rookie campaign she’s had on a personal level.

Even stars like Caitlin Clark, Sue Bird, and A’ja Wilson never managed such a unique achievement. Speaking of Clark, Bueckers also became the fastest rookie in WNBA history to reach 450+ points, 100+ assists, and 100+ rebounds–doing it in just 25 games, two fewer than Caitlin Clark needed. And let’s not forget that she ended the regular season top-10 in points, assists, and steals. Oh, and let’s not forget that last year, Caitlin Clark only got a phone call from Cathy Engelbert congratulating her on winning Rookie of the Year. But this year? As Paige walked through The Jennifer Hudson Show’s “Spirit Tunnel,” Engelbert appeared from the shadows at the end of the tunnel to hand Paige her well-deserved accolade. Another moment Clark just missed out on!

It’s pretty fascinating that, aside from Candace Parker, everyone on that list comes from UConn and was coached by the legendary Geno Auriemma. That’s what you call a legacy. And with Paige’s Rookie of the Year win, UConn made history as the first program ever to produce both the men’s and women’s ROTY in the same year.

Paige had plenty to share after winning the award!

Paige Bueckers on What It Means to Win Rookie of the Year

Paige put together a phenomenal rookie season, averaging 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 47.7% from the field across 36 games. Her efficiency quickly became the talk of the league, as she became the only rookie in WNBA history to average at least 19 points per game while shooting 47% or better from the field. She also joined Candace Parker as the only players ever to average at least 19 points, five assists, and shoot 47% in the same season. An impressive year.

Last week, after being named the Associated Press Rookie of the Year, Paige shared her thoughts: “I am very grateful for everyone who voted and saw me fit for Rookie of the Year,” Bueckers told the Associated Press. “I have always felt like individual awards are a way to acknowledge the team around you, and that is exactly what this award means to me. My teammates, coaches, support staff, and everyone from top to bottom in the entire Dallas Wings organization played a huge part in this.”

For Paige, the next goal is clear: lead the Dallas Wings back to the playoffs. This season was tough. She’s now the only Rookie of the Year winner in league history to finish with fewer than 10 wins, a mark no player wants attached to their name. Whether the Wings can build a competitive roster around her remains to be seen. What do you think? Can Bueckers turn the Wings into contenders? Share your thoughts in the comments down below!