One day, UConn’s head coach, Geno Auriemma, made a public statement after his team’s surprising Sweet 16 exit to Ohio State in 2023. His words, raw and cutting, were simple yet profound: “How about we just shut the f* up and win games? How about we just do that?” Auriemma’s frustration only deepened after a tough Final Four loss to Caitlin Clark and Iowa in 2024. However, while Auriemma’s Huskies were trying to regain their championship form, something was brewing behind the scenes that would change everything for UConn. That something was Sarah Strong, a game-changing star with her sights set on joining the Huskies’ storied program—even while South Carolina’s Dawn Staley was recruiting her hard.

When Strong made her decision to pick UConn over the Gamecocks, it wasn’t just about landing a top recruit—it was a seismic shift. It was a message that UConn wasn’t done.

Here’s the twist: Sarah Strong’s mother, Allison Feaster, had deep roots in South Carolina—she once played alongside Dawn Staley in the WNBA. That connection gave Staley a personal angle when she came calling, hoping to sway Sarah to South Carolina. Naturally, Staley made multiple attempts to recruit Strong, banking on that connection. But that’s where everything shifted.

She couldn’t change the mind of the kid who had been piecing together a UConn vision board since high school. Even before the 2024-2025 national championship game, Dawn Staley admitted as much: “I don’t know how we don’t get Sarah Strong. I don’t, right?”

And the impact of that one recruit? It spoke volumes.

Despite South Carolina’s phenomenal season, it was UConn—driven by the freshman phenom Strong—that cruised to an 82-59 victory in the 2025 NCAA championship, locking in the program’s 12th title and rewriting the narrative of what might’ve been.

Staley, ever gracious, credited UConn’s recruitment of Strong: “They did a great job recruiting her. I think she felt comfortable there. It seems like a really good fit for her, and her being able to utilize all of her skill set. And I haven’t talked to Allison since. No, I’m kidding. I’m kidding. I’m kidding. I’m kidding.”

The 2024-2025 season was one of transformation, and Strong’s freshman year cemented her place in UConn history with defining moments that will be remembered forever.

5. Queen of the Glass: Sarah Strong Shatters UConn’s Freshman Rebounding Record

Sarah Strong didn’t just crash the boards—she shattered records while doing it. With 356 rebounds in her freshman season, Strong broke a record long tied to the brilliance of UConn legend Tina Charles, who later became a 4× WNBA rebounding champion (2010–2012, 2016) and the league’s all-time leading rebounder for a stretch.

Strong averaged 8.9 rebounds per game across the 2024–25 season, anchoring UConn’s interior defense and offense with relentless hustle and impeccable timing. She grabbed double-digit boards in 13 games, with 4 of those coming in the pressure-packed NCAA tournament games.

4. Title Taker: Strong’s All-Out Masterclass That Sealed UConn’s 12th Crown

In the championship game against South Carolina, Sarah Strong didn’t just play—she dominated. With 24 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks, she became the heartbeat of UConn’s title run. Despite a stacked roster featuring sharpshooters like Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers, it was Strong who took control when the Huskies needed her most.

Her all-around performance etched her name in UConn history, cementing her as one of the most impactful freshmen in NCAA Championship game history. While the highest points ever scored by a freshman in a championship game is 30 by Brittney Griner, Strong’s 24 was a performance that proved she’s ready to carry UConn to even greater heights.

3. Stats That Stack and Never Slacked: Strong’s Season of Total Impact

Across the entire 2024-2025 season, Strong was UConn’s statistical leader in multiple categories: 356 rebounds, 66 blocks, and 92 steals. But she wasn’t just a defensive juggernaut—she also ranked second in points (657) and assists (142). Her efficiency (58.6% field goal percentage) and consistency (12 double-doubles) showcased her all-around game, making her an undeniable force for UConn.

2. March Queen Supreme: Strong’s Historic NCAA Scoring Spree

Strong’s performance in the NCAA tournament was something no one had ever seen before. With 114 points, she became the freshman with the most points in a single NCAA tournament, sealing her place in history. And she did this while averaging 19 points per game in the postseason, 11.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game, Strong didn’t just dominate—she did it efficiently, shooting 64.4% from the field and 50.0% from beyond the arc.

1. Freshman Throne First: Sarah Strong’s Reign Begins

From the start of her UConn career, it was clear Sarah Strong was a force. She was named WBCA National Freshman of the Year, First-Team All-Big East, and Big East Freshman of the Year. These awards were proof of her impact on and off the court. At just 19 years old, she had already positioned herself among the top players in women’s college basketball.