UConn’s Sarah Strong Shines Bright Amid March Madness Suspense

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is set to showcase the formidable talents of the UConn Huskies, particularly aiming the spotlight at freshman Sarah Strong and returning star Paige Bueckers. The second-seeded Huskies are scheduled to meet No. 15 seed Arkansas State this Saturday at Gampel Pavilion.

UConn, which holds a storied history in women’s basketball, has high expectations as it enters the tournament. Bueckers has established herself as an All-American player, and it is Strong who is likely to play a pivotal role in whether the Huskies can secure their first national title since 2016.

During a conversation in December, Bueckers likened Strong, the Huskies’ 6-foot-2, 19-year-old forward, to Inspector Gadget due to her reach and ability to grab rebounds. “Every single time a ball comes off the rim, she’s going to grab the rebound,” Bueckers remarked. Strong, however, was unfamiliar with the character. “I don’t know what this is,” she replied, before both laughed at the generational gap.

Strong’s statistics speak volumes about her contributions to the team; she leads the Huskies with 8.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 2.4 steals per game, while also contributing 16 points and 3.4 assists. Bueckers praised her teammate’s skills, stating, “Anytime you throw it to her, she’s going to catch it and finish.” UConn head coach Geno Auriemma added, “I don’t know that anyone has had the offensive skill set that Sarah has since Breanna Stewart was here.”

Strong’s journey to UConn is backed by a remarkable athletic family history: her father, Danny, played basketball at NC State, and her mother, Allison, was a three-time Ivy League Player of the Year at Harvard. “The moment is never too big for her,” said Strong’s high school coach Chad Revelle, reflecting on her capacity to perform under pressure.

As she steps into her first NCAA Tournament, Strong is poised to leverage her competitive upbringing from her large family, where rivals were made of siblings. “Nobody got treated nice,” she shared, highlighting how this environment honed her resilience and determination.

With UConn’s troubled previous seasons, including multiple injuries, this year’s team boasts health and versatility. The return of Bueckers provides a strong reminder of past successes, invoking memories of championships won with the likes of Stewart. Auriemma noted the importance of keeping Strong on the floor, referring to her as instrumental in the team’s success.

Strong’s demeanor has often been described as understated compared to Bueckers’ flamboyant presence, yet her impact on the court is undeniable. With a strong rapport already established between Bueckers and Strong, they have worked effectively as a duo, resulting in a higher point differential when both are on the court.

Reflecting on her emerging role, Strong said, “I was just hoping to do well in some ways,” a humble takeaway amid the accolades of her freshman season. Previous UConn players have voiced admiration for Strong, noting her talent and spirit on the court. As they embark on the tournament, Bueckers is keen on ensuring Strong absorbs as much knowledge as possible.

Citing the importance of confidence, Strong acknowledged Bueckers’ influence: “One thing I learned is that confidence is really important.” With UConn’s aspirations at their highest, Strong’s unabashed work ethic and dedication exemplify what it means to be a part of the UConn legacy.

As tournament play begins, UConn’s depth and Strong’s evolving leadership will set the tone for their March Madness experience, with hopes of revolutionary moments and possibly, a return to championship glory.