The University of Connecticut (UConn) women’s basketball team is one of the most dominant sports franchises in collegiate history. With 11 NCAA championships, 19 Final Fours appearances, a record 111-game winning streak, and six undefeated seasons, the Huskies have cemented their place in the lore of college basketball.
To honor their illustrious history, UConn has brought back some of their iconic jerseys from the past. In a move that has thrilled fans of the team, the Huskies debuted their throwback jerseys in their game against the Tennessee Lady Volunteers on January 23, 2022.
The throwback jerseys were inspired by the 1996-97 season team, which went undefeated and won the NCAA championship. The jerseys feature a navy-blue base with white and red accents, just like the original design from 25 years ago. The “UCONN” letters on the chest are the same old-school font, and the shorts feature the classic Husky logo on the left leg.
The Huskies are no strangers to wearing throwback jerseys. In the past, they’ve worn jerseys that commemorate their back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010 and the 20th anniversary of their first national championship in 1995. However, the 1996-97 season was a particularly special one for UConn. It was the first time they went undefeated, and they did it in style, winning the national championship by 23 points.
The throwback jerseys are not just about fashion nostalgia; they also honor some of the greatest players to have ever donned the Huskies’ uniform. That 1996-97 team included future WNBA stars in Nykesha Sales, Kara Wolters, and Shea Ralph – all of whom went on to have successful careers in professional basketball.
The Huskies are also paying homage to their legendary coach, Geno Auriemma, who has been at the helm of the program since 1985. Auriemma has led the team to all of their 11 NCAA championships, making him one of the most successful coaches in all of college sports.
Wearing throwback jerseys is not just a gimmick for the Huskies – it’s a reminder of the team’s rich history and tradition. It’s also a way to appreciate the achievements of the players who paved the way for the current generation.
As the Huskies continue to pursue national championships, they are also preserving their legacy with throwback jerseys and other tributes to their storied history. With a winning tradition like theirs, it’s only fitting that they celebrate it in style.