University of Connecticut Athletics
Three Huskies Named to Wade Trophy Watch List
11/5/2025 12:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
ATLANTA – UConn women's basketball graduate student Azzi Fudd, senior Serah Williams and sophomore Sarah Strong were named to the 15-player watch list for the 2026 Wade Trophy, which is presented to the best player in college women's basketball, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association announced Wednesday.
Fudd returns to Storrs for her final collegiate season after being named the 2025 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player. She averaged 17.5 points in the 2025 NCAA Tournament and 22 points per game in the Final Four. Fudd was a 2025 All-BIG EAST First Team and BIG EAST All-Tournament Team selection and led the Huskies in three-point percentage (.436) last season.
Williams transferred to UConn after playing three seasons at Wisconsin. She was a two-time All-Big Ten First Team and Big Ten All-Defensive Team selection and the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. As a junior, Williams averaged 19.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
Strong, the 2025 BIG EAST Freshman of the Year, had one of the best rookie campaigns in UConn history. She was also named the WBCA National Freshman of the Year and a WBCA All-American. Strong was selected to the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team. She set the UConn freshman record for rebounding and ranks second in points, assists and steals for a UConn freshman campaign.
The trio were also named to the Naismith Trophy watch list last week.
UConn alumna Paige Bueckers won the 2025 Wade Trophy. Seven Huskies have won the Wade Trophy 10 times: Rebecca Lobo (1995), Jennifer Rizzotti (1996), Sue Bird (2002), Diana Taurasi (2003), Maya Moore (2009-11), Breanna Stewart (2015-16) and Bueckers.
