UConn's Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd Named to Women's Wooden Award Midseason Watch List

The late midseason top 20 list for the Women's Wooden Award, which honors the best college basketball player in the nation, features two standout players from the University of Connecticut (UConn): sophomore forward Sarah Strong and graduate student Azzi Fudd. This announcement was made by the Los Angeles Athletic Club, recognizing their exceptional performances this season.

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Strong has emerged as a leading candidate, averaging 19.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.2 steals per game, while shooting an impressive 60.1% from the field. She has also been a key contributor against top-25 opponents, averaging 20.0 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Fudd, who is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, contributes 17.4 points per game and has excelled in three-point shooting, hitting 44.8% of her attempts.

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UConn is not alone in the competition for the Wooden Award, as several other programs have multiple players on the list. Louisiana State University (LSU) leads with three candidates: MiLaysia Fulwiley, Flau'jae Johnson, and Mikaylah Williams. Other notable schools include Oklahoma with Raegan Beers and Aaliyah Chavez, South Carolina with Joyce Edwards and Ta'Niya Latson, and Texas with Madison Booker and Rori Harmon.

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The complete list of candidates also includes Audi Crooks from Iowa State, Mikayla Blakes from Vanderbilt, and Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame, among others.

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Strong's recent absence from a game against Butler due to calf tightness raised concerns about her health, but she is expected to return for the upcoming matchup against Creighton. Her leadership and rebounding skills are crucial for UConn, especially with freshman forward Blanca Quinonez sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Coach Geno Auriemma emphasized the importance of managing player health as the postseason approaches, stating, "With the whole team at this time of the year, the most important thing is just making sure that we’re good to go for March."

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UConn's coaching staff has expressed confidence in Strong's recovery and her ability to contribute significantly upon her return. Auriemma noted the impact of both Strong and Quinonez on the team's dynamics, highlighting their roles in rebounding and offensive flow.

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• “I definitely felt weird with my first time sitting out,” — Sarah Strong, UConn Forward

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• “She was a great voice on the bench as well with the things that she saw,” — KK Arnold, UConn Point Guard

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• “I’m sure Blanca wants to be playing right now, but there’s no point in taking any chances.” — Geno Auriemma, UConn Head Coach

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UConn, currently undefeated with a 25-0 record and 14-0 in the Big East Conference, will host Creighton in their next game. The matchup is set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Gampel Pavilion, where the Huskies aim to maintain their perfect season and further solidify their players' standings in the Wooden Award race.

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