When it comes to women’s college basketball, few teams have been more dominant in the past two decades than the University of Connecticut’s Huskies. Led by legendary coach Geno Auriemma, the Huskies have frequently been the team to beat, with an incredible 11 NCAA championships to their name as of 2021. And despite the many obstacles that have arisen in the past year, the UConn women’s basketball team has continued to shine on the court.
One of the key factors in UConn’s continued success is the team’s commitment to recruiting top talent. Every year, Auriemma and his staff bring in some of the best high school players in the country, and many of those players go on to have stellar college careers. This year’s UConn team is no exception, with a roster that includes several highly-touted freshmen as well as experienced veterans like seniors Christyn Williams and Olivia Nelson-Ododa, both of whom were named to the preseason watch list for the Naismith Women’s Basketball Player of the Year award.
Of course, talent alone isn’t enough to win championships. UConn’s success also stems from its rigorous training regimen and a culture of excellence that permeates the entire program. The Huskies are notorious for practicing as hard as they play, with Auriemma pushing his players to constantly improve their skills and push their limits. But despite the intensity of the training, players also describe a strong sense of camaraderie and support within the team, with everyone working together to achieve their goals.
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for college sports, and women’s basketball is no exception. Early in the 2020-2021 season, UConn was forced to postpone several games due to positive COVID tests among its players and staff. But despite the disruptions, the Huskies have remained focused and determined. In late January, they pulled off a stunning upset against then-undefeated rival team Baylor, with Williams and Nelson-Ododa both posting double-digit scoring numbers.
As the season progresses, it’s clear that UConn is once again a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball. With a strong lineup of players and a coach who knows how to win, the Huskies will undoubtedly be in the mix for another championship this year. Whether they can pull it off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: as long as UConn is on the court, fans of women’s basketball are in for a thrilling ride.