In the storied history of UConn women’s basketball, few freshmen have made an instant impact quite like Sarah Strong. The 6-foot-2 forward is not only the clear frontrunner for national freshman of the year honors, she’s already drawing comparisons to Huskies legends like Breanna Stewart and Maya Moore just 11 games into her collegiate career. With a versatile skillset and veteran-like poise, Strong has quickly established herself as a cornerstone of UConn’s championship hopes.
Strong’s Rise to Stardom
The buzz around Strong began well before she suited up for her first game in Storrs. Over the summer, head coach Geno Auriemma raved about the freshman, boldly predicting she would change the trajectory of the program.
[Strong] is probably as impressive as any freshman that we’ve had in a long, long time.
– Geno Auriemma on Sarah Strong
It didn’t take long for Strong to prove him right. Through her first 11 games, the freshman phenom is stuffing the stat sheet, ranking second on the team in scoring (17.3 ppg) and first in rebounding (8.3 rpg), assists (3.6 apg), steals (2.2 spg) and blocks (1.5 bpg). She’s shooting a scorching 56% from the field, including 36.5% from three, and getting it done on both ends of the floor.
A Transcendent Talent
What makes Strong so special is her ability to impact the game in multiple ways. At 6-foot-2 with guard skills, she perfectly fits the mold of a modern positionless star. She can score from all three levels, grab rebounds, facilitate for teammates, and lock down on defense. It’s a rare combination of size, skill and instincts.
Strong’s potential was on full display in a dominant performance against Iowa State, when she erupted for 29 points on 12-of-19 shooting. In the decisive third quarter, the freshman outscored the entire Cyclones team 17-17 by herself. Afterward, an awestruck Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly summed up what makes Strong so difficult to contain.
There’s certain people, and Geno’s had them over the years I think, that the game looks really easy… That was a special, special performance.
– Bill Fennelly on Sarah Strong’s 29-point outburst vs Iowa State
The Key to UConn’s Title Hopes
With Paige Bueckers back for a likely final collegiate season and sharpshooting wing Azzi Fudd looking to stay healthy, the Huskies have the foundation of a championship-caliber roster. But it’s the addition of Strong that could ultimately put them over the top. Her ability to be a matchup nightmare as a big wing gives UConn the inside-out balance that has defined their best teams.
Strong and Bueckers have already flashed promising chemistry as a duo, with the freshman’s passing ability making her more than just a typical UConn post player. If she continues on her current trajectory, Auriemma believes she could be the x-factor in ending the program’s national title “drought” that dates back to 2016.
If we’re going anywhere with this team this year, [Strong] has to be a big, big part of it. And she’s OK with that.
– Geno Auriemma on Sarah Strong’s importance
The Sky’s the Limit
It’s high praise for any freshman to be mentioned in the same breath as program icons like Stewart and Moore, but Strong’s early returns suggest she could be next in line. While there will undoubtedly be speed bumps along the way, her rare blend of physical tools, polished skills, and unflappable demeanor point to a WNBA future and a chance to etch her name among the UConn greats.
For now, Strong is focused on the more immediate goal of bringing a 12th national championship back to Storrs. With this budding star leading the way, the Huskies have to feel great about their chances.
