It has been 29 years since Geno Auriemma first stepped foot in Thompson-Boling Arena, but the rivalry between the Huskies and Lady Vols has only grown over time. Combining for 12 national titles, both teams have duked it out for supremacy, and the recent showdown between No. 5 UConn and No. 19 Tennessee was no different. However, despite their high ranking, Geno’s roster seems to have little chance of securing a win.

Why? Because once again, the injury bug refuses to leave Storrs. Just when it seemed like the Huskies were regaining stability, another setback has struck. This time, it’s redshirt sophomore forward Ice Brady who will miss UConn’s highly anticipated matchup against Tennessee. But what happened?

Brady suffered a left shoulder injury during practice earlier this week. Since then, she has been seen sporting a hefty brace during pregame warmups. Not only did she not participate in drills, but she also stood off to the side, unable to engage in team activities. Now, the Huskies are left with just two available true forwards: freshman Sarah Strong and sophomore Jana El Alfy.

While it’s a difficult situation at the worst possible moment, Auriemma already knows what to do. In fact, he has spent this entire season juggling lineups. Even when the Huskies were down to just nine players, he somehow managed. But can this void be filled? While forward Aubrey Griffin seems capable of stepping into the post, at 6-foot-1, she lacks the size and physical presence that Brady brings to the floor.

“But anytime a kid can make shots from the perimeter, score in the lane, (is a) really good passer; she just has that kind of game.” Geno Auriemma said.

Not only has Brady been a steady contributor off the bench, but she is also averaging 4.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. While these numbers may seem modest, she showcased her potential with a season-high 17 points and four rebounds in a game against St. John’s in 2024. In short, she has what it takes to make an impact. But injuries are nothing new for Ice Brady.

Despite the rollercoaster of injury setbacks, Geno Auriemma and the team helps Brady to keep up.

Her battle with setbacks began in her freshman year when she joined UConn’s roster in 2022. Just as it was her time to shine, she suffered a right knee dislocation in a non-contact incident during practice.

“No contact, nobody near her…. Not even like (a) land (from jumping) and something happens. Just (a case of) your foot slips and then you land the wrong way” Auriemma recalled after the incident.

The aftermath? Surgery—which cost her the entire season.

“Everybody was just really disappointed for for Ice because she had worked really, really hard and she had made so much progress and fit in so easily into what we were doing —offensively, defensively,”

Brady spent her entire freshman year rehabbing, but she wasn’t alone. At the same time, Paige Bueckers was sidelined with an ACL injury.

“As unfortunate as it was, being able to have each other to lean on through the toughest times of our lives was extremely important,” Bueckers shared.

Finally, in November 2023, Brady made her official debut for UConn, impressing everyone with her standout performances.

“Ice is a great player. I was so excited for her to play last year, so this year, I’m even more excited,” said Azzi Fudd.

But just when everything seemed fine, Brady was ruled out once again—this time due to illness, forcing her to miss a game against Georgetown last month. And now, she’s sidelined again with a shoulder injury.

However, there’s still hope for her return. The program has provided an update, stating: “Brady’s return timeline is week to week.”

So what do you think? Will she make a comeback, or will she miss yet another season?