UConn Huskies women's basketball facts for kids
Quick facts for kids UConn Huskies women's basketball |
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| University | University of Connecticut | |||
| First season | 1974–75; 51 years ago | |||
| All-time record | 1342–327 (.804) | |||
| Athletic director | David Benedict | |||
| Head coach | Geno Auriemma (40th season) | |||
| Conference | Big East | |||
| Location | Storrs, Connecticut | |||
| Arena | Harry A. Gampel Pavilion (capacity: 10,299) XL Center (Capacity: 15,684) |
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| Nickname | Huskies | |||
| Colors | National Flag Blue and White |
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| Uniforms | ||||
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| NCAA Tournament Champions | ||||
| 1995, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2025 | ||||
| NCAA Tournament Runner-up | ||||
| 2022 | ||||
| NCAA Tournament Final Four | ||||
| 1991, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025 | ||||
| NCAA Tournament Elite Eight | ||||
| 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025 | ||||
| NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen | ||||
| 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 | ||||
| NCAA Tournament Round of 32 | ||||
| 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 | ||||
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | ||||
| 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 | ||||
| Conference Tournament Champions | ||||
| 1989, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 | ||||
| Conference Regular Season Champions | ||||
| 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 | ||||
The UConn Huskies women's basketball team plays college basketball for the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut. They compete in the NCAA Division I and are part of the Big East Conference.
The UConn Huskies are known as the most successful women's basketball team in the country. They have won a record 12 NCAA Division I National Championships. This includes an amazing four championships in a row from 2013 to 2016. They have also won over 50 conference championships. The team has played in every NCAA tournament since 1989. From 2008 to 2022, they reached the Final Four a record 14 times in a row.
UConn holds the two longest winning streaks in college basketball history for both men's and women's teams. Their longest streak was 111 wins in a row. It started in November 2014 and ended in March 2017. This happened when they lost a close game in the 2017 NCAA Final Four to Mississippi State. Their second longest streak was 90 wins, which included two perfect seasons (2008–09 and 2009–10).
The Huskies' current head coach is Luigi "Geno" Auriemma. He joined the team in 1985. Coach Auriemma is one of the most successful coaches in college basketball. He has won more games than any other NCAA coach in any sport. His winning percentage is the highest among NCAA basketball coaches with at least 10 seasons.
UConn is also a leader in women's basketball attendance. The team plays its home games at both the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs and the XL Center in Hartford.
Contents
- Team History: How UConn Became a Powerhouse
- The Early Years (1974–1985)
- Coach Auriemma Arrives (1985–1991)
- The Rebecca Lobo Era (1991–1995)
- A New Powerhouse is Born (1995–2000)
- The Diana Taurasi Era (2000–2004)
- Rebuilding Years (2004–2007)
- The Maya Moore Era (2007–2011)
- Calm Before the Storm (2011–2012)
- The Breanna Stewart Era (2012–2016)
- A New Record Streak Ends (2016–2020)
- The Paige Bueckers Era (2020–present)
- Head Coaches: Leaders of the Huskies
- Team Achievements and Records
- Notable Players and Their Achievements
- Current Roster
- Images for kids
Team History: How UConn Became a Powerhouse
The Early Years (1974–1985)
The UConn Huskies played their first game on December 5, 1974. They won 40–27 against Eastern Connecticut State University. After winning their first two games, they lost the next eight in a short 10-game season. The team had losing records for its first six seasons. This was under coaches Sandra Hamm (1974–75) and Wanda Flora (1975–80). They had only one winning season (1980–81) in five years under Jean Balthaser (1980–85).
Coach Auriemma Arrives (1985–1991)
Before the 1985–86 season, UConn hired Geno Auriemma as their new head coach. He had been an assistant coach at Virginia. His goal was to make the team much better. Auriemma's coaching skills quickly made a difference. The team started to improve steadily. After a 12–15 record in his first season (1985–86), Auriemma led UConn to winning seasons in 1986–87 and 1987–88.
Auriemma had a big success in 1987 when he recruited Kerry Bascom. She was an All-American player from New Hampshire. Bascom immediately helped the UConn team. In 1989, she won the Big East Player of the Year award as a sophomore. She also won it in her junior and senior years. Bascom led UConn to its first Big East regular season and tournament titles. They also made their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance.
1990–1991: Breaking Through Nationally
In Auriemma's sixth season (1990–91), the Huskies became known on the national stage. They won the Big East regular season and tournament titles again. They earned a #3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, their highest seed yet. UConn beat Toledo 81–80 in the first round. Bascom scored a record 39 points in that NCAA tournament game.
The Huskies then moved on to the regional games in Philadelphia. There, they surprised ACC team North Carolina State. They won by 11 points in the Sweet 16. Then, they beat Clemson 60–57 in the Elite Eight. This sent them to their first-ever Final Four. UConn's season ended with a 61–55 loss to top-seeded Virginia. Bascom set a new UConn scoring record with 2,177 points. This season is seen as the start of UConn women's basketball becoming a national team.
The Rebecca Lobo Era (1991–1995)
After their first Final Four run in 1991, UConn signed All-American player Rebecca Lobo from Southwick, Massachusetts.
UConn had some success in Lobo's first two seasons. They lost early in the NCAA Tournament both times. In 1993–94, UConn had its best season yet. Led by Lobo and teammates like Jamelle Elliott, Jennifer Rizzotti, Pam Webber, Kara Wolters, and Carla Berube, UConn won 30 games for the first time. They also won the Big East tournament and regular-season titles. In the NCAA tournament, the Huskies were a #1 seed for the first time. They reached the Elite Eight but lost to North Carolina.
1995 National Championship: An Undefeated Season (35–0)
With all their main players back from 1994, and new star Nykesha Sales, UConn had a season to remember in 1994–95. They started with a huge win over Morgan State. Two weeks later, they beat strong team North Carolina State by 23 points. This season also saw the start of a big rivalry with Tennessee. UConn beat Tennessee 77–66 in a televised game. Soon after, UConn became the #1 ranked team for the first time.
UConn went undefeated through the regular season and conference tournament. They easily moved into the NCAA tournament. In the Elite Eight, they had a close 4-point win against Virginia. This secured their spot in the Final Four. UConn then crushed Stanford 87–60 in the semifinals. This set up a championship rematch against Tennessee.
In the championship game, UConn faced early trouble when Lobo got three fouls quickly. But in the second half, the team came back from a 9-point deficit. A key layup by Rizzotti gave UConn the lead. UConn won the game 70–64, claiming their first national title. Rebecca Lobo was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player.
With a perfect 35–0 record, UConn became only the fifth women's team to go undefeated and win a national championship. They were also the first unbeaten team in NCAA history to win 35 games in a season.
The 1994–95 UConn team helped make women's basketball more popular. They had a parade in Hartford with over 100,000 fans. The team won the Team of the Year Award at the ESPN ESPY awards. Lobo became a popular symbol for the sport.
Lobo received many awards when she graduated in 1995. These included the Naismith College Player of the Year award. In 2010, Lobo became the first UConn player to be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Her teammate Jennifer Rizzotti joined her in 2013.
A New Powerhouse is Born (1995–2000)
After the 1995 championship, UConn became one of the top teams in women's college basketball. Coach Auriemma was able to recruit star players like Shea Ralph in 1996 and Svetlana Abrosimova in 1997.
Rivalry with Tennessee Grows
The rivalry between the Tennessee Lady Vols and UConn became very intense in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was seen as the biggest matchup in all women's sports. Coach Geno Auriemma even joked about Tennessee being the "evil empire."
In the 1995–96 season, UConn ended Tennessee's home winning streak. But Tennessee got revenge in the Final Four that year, beating UConn 88–83 in overtime. This game is often remembered as one of the best tournament games ever.
UConn beat Tennessee in the 1996–97 regular season. However, after Shea Ralph got injured, Tennessee beat UConn again in the NCAA tournament. This ended UConn's perfect season.
1998–1999: The "TASSK Force" Arrives
In 1998, Auriemma signed five top-ranked players. These high school All-Americans were Swin Cash, Tamika Williams, Sue Bird, Asjha Jones, and Keirsten Walters. Fans called them the "TASSK Force." This group brought new hope for more championships after Tennessee had won three in a row.
Their first season (1998–99) had mixed results and many injuries. Sue Bird tore her ACL and missed most of the season. The 1998–99 season ended in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. UConn lost to Iowa State, missing the Final Four for the third year in a row.
2000 National Championship
UConn came back in 1999–2000 determined to win a championship. Led by older players like Shea Ralph and Svetlana Abrosimova, and the "TASS Force," UConn had a 27–1 regular season. Their only loss was a one-point defeat to Tennessee at home. In the NCAA tournament, the Huskies easily reached their first Final Four since 1996. They beat Penn State 89–67 in the semifinals. Then, they met the Lady Vols for the championship game. UConn used strong defense to beat Tennessee 71–52 for their second national championship. UConn finished the season with a 36–1 record. Shea Ralph was named the Final Four's Most Valuable Player.
The Diana Taurasi Era (2000–2004)
Auriemma had another big recruiting win when he convinced All-American guard Diana Taurasi to come to UConn. Taurasi was a top high school player from California.
With Taurasi joining the team, Auriemma thought they would win another championship in 2001. But the season was harder than expected. UConn won the Big East tournament, but key players Abrosimova and Ralph got injured. Taurasi had to play a much bigger role in the NCAA Tournament. She led UConn to the Final Four. However, they lost to Notre Dame in the semifinals.
2002 National Championship: Perfect Season (39–0)
Like the 2000 champions, UConn came back in 2001–02 even more determined. With the "TASS Force" in their senior year and Taurasi becoming a star, UConn won every game. They easily won the Big East regular season and tournament titles. In the NCAA Tournament, the Huskies were the #1 overall seed. They crushed opponents in the early rounds to reach their third straight Final Four.
In the national semifinals, UConn strongly defeated rival Tennessee by 23 points, winning 79–56. In front of a huge crowd, UConn beat Oklahoma 82–70 in the championship game. This completed a perfect 39–0 season. The starting five of Bird, Taurasi, Cash, Jones, and Williams is often called the best starting five in women's college basketball history.
2003 National Championship
After the "TASS Force" graduated, Diana Taurasi had to lead the team in her junior season. She had help from Maria Conlon, Jessica Moore, Ashley Battle, and a strong group of new players. These included Ann Strother, Barbara Turner, and Nicole Wolff. Many thought 2003 would be a rebuilding year. But Taurasi led the young team to the championship game. UConn finished the regular season undefeated. They set a 70-game winning streak. This streak ended with a loss to Villanova in the Big East championship game.
In the NCAA Tournament, UConn easily reached the Final Four. They came back from a 9-point deficit to beat Texas 71–69 in the semifinals. With Taurasi scoring 28 points, the Huskies defeated rival Tennessee 73–68 to win their fourth national championship. UConn became the first team to win a championship without any seniors on their roster.
2004 National Championship
Even though the whole team returned for Taurasi's senior year, UConn had an up-and-down season. They lost games to Notre Dame, Duke, and Villanova. They also lost in the Big East tournament semifinals.
The Huskies played their best during the NCAA Tournament. They were a #2 seed. In the Elite Eight, they beat top-seeded Penn State 66–49. This sent them to their fifth straight Final Four. After beating Minnesota 67–58 in the semifinals, UConn again defeated Tennessee. They won their third straight national championship, 70–61. Their overall record for the season was 31–4. The 2004 women's championship was special because the UConn men's team also won their national championship the night before. This was the first time one university won both men's and women's basketball championships in the same season. UConn did it again in 2014.
Diana Taurasi led the team to four Final Fours and three national titles. Coach Auriemma famously said before the final championship, "We have Diana, and you don't." Taurasi won many awards, including the 2003 and 2004 Naismith College Player of the Year awards. She is considered one of the greatest players of all time.
Rebuilding Years (2004–2007)
Compared to their usual high standards, UConn struggled for a few years after Taurasi graduated in 2004. Some new players didn't perform as expected, and others got injured. From 2005 to 2007, UConn didn't make it to the Final Four. This was unusual for a team that had been there seven times in the previous ten years.
The 2004–05 season had messy play and poor offense. UConn lost 8 games and didn't win the Big East regular season title for the first time since 1993. They lost to Stanford in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament.
In 2005–06, UConn improved. They won the Big East tournament. They almost upset #1 ranked Duke in the regional final, losing by 2 points in overtime.
In 2006–07, the team got even better with new players like Renee Montgomery, Mel Thomas, and top high school player Tina Charles. UConn became a national contender again. They were a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament but lost to LSU in the regional final. They finished the season with a 32–4 record.
The Maya Moore Era (2007–2011)
After three less successful years, UConn became a strong championship contender in the 2007–08 season. All the star players from 2006–07 returned. Also, the #1 ranked high school player, Maya Moore, joined the Huskies. Shortly after Moore committed to UConn, Tennessee ended their yearly games with UConn. This ended one of the biggest rivalries in the sport.
Even with injuries to Mel Thomas and Kalana Greene, UConn had only one loss in the 2007–08 regular season. They won both the Big East regular season and tournament titles. They came back from a 14-point deficit to beat Rutgers and reach their first Final Four since 2004. In the National semifinals, UConn lost to Stanford 82–73. They ended the season with a 36–2 record.
2009 National Championship: Perfect Season (39–0)
For the third year in a row, UConn recruited a top high school player, Elena Delle Donne. But Delle Donne decided not to play basketball at UConn. Despite this, the Huskies were ranked #1 before the season. They had 10 players returning from their 2008 Final Four team, including Maya Moore, Renee Montgomery, and Tina Charles.
UConn finished the regular season undefeated for the fifth time in school history. They won their 17th Big East Regular Season title and 15th Big East tournament title. The Huskies reached their 10th Final Four. They then made it to their sixth NCAA Championship Game. In the Championship Game, UConn defeated Louisville 76–54. Tina Charles scored 25 points and had 19 rebounds. UConn ended the season with a perfect 39–0 record. Every victory was by at least 10 points, which was a new record. This was their sixth national title.
2010 National Championship: Another Perfect Season (39–0)
For the second year in a row, UConn finished their regular season undefeated. Their average win margin was 35.9 points. They played 11 games against ranked teams and won by an average of 24 points. They dominated the Big East tournament, winning the championship game 60–32. Their closest win all season was against Stanford, by 12 points.
Leading up to the Final Four, UConn easily beat their opponents. Maya Moore and Tina Charles played less than half the minutes in most games. In the Final Four, UConn was challenged by Baylor and their tall freshman Brittney Griner. Baylor cut UConn's lead to three points, but UConn pulled away to win 70–50.
The national championship game against Stanford was very different. UConn had its worst first half ever, scoring only 12 points. Stanford also scored only 20 points. Maya Moore gave UConn the lead in the second half with a three-pointer. She then led the team on a big scoring run. UConn won the championship 53–47. This was the only game in their 78-game winning streak that they won by less than 10 points. Moore was named the Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Charles won the John R. Wooden Award and Naismith College Player of the Year awards. She was chosen first in the WNBA draft.
2010–2011: New Record, But No Championship
The 2010–11 season started with high hopes. Maya Moore returned for her senior season. However, UConn lost Tina Charles and Kalana Greene, who had graduated. Junior guard Caroline Doty also missed the entire season due to injury. UConn won 88 games in a row, beating #10 Ohio State. Their 89th win set a new college basketball record for most consecutive wins. This record was previously held by the UCLA men's team. After beating the Pacific Tigers for their 90th win, UConn faced Stanford. UConn lost for the first time since 2008. This ended their long winning streak.
UConn recovered and finished the rest of the regular season undefeated. They regained the #1 ranking. They won the Big East tournament, beating Notre Dame for the third time that year.
In the NCAA tournament Final Four, UConn met Notre Dame again. Notre Dame won 72–63, ending UConn's chance for a third straight national championship. Notre Dame's sophomore Skylar Diggins played very well. UConn's Maya Moore scored 36 points, but didn't have enough support from her teammates.
Maya Moore had an amazing college career. She won 150 games and lost only 4. She scored 3036 points, which is the most for any Husky player. She is the only women's basketball player in Division I history to record 2500 points, 1000 rebounds, 500 assists, 250 steals, and 150 blocked shots. She was also a great student, graduating with a 3.7 GPA. After college, Maya Moore was the first pick in the 2011 WNBA draft.
Calm Before the Storm (2011–2012)
The 2011–12 season was a new era after Maya Moore graduated. UConn had to fill big holes in their team. Coach Geno Auriemma found new talent with freshmen Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Brianna Banks, and Kiah Stokes. Other key players included sophomores Stefanie Dolson and Bria Hartley, and senior Tiffany Hayes.
UConn was still a strong team, but not seen as the top favorite. Their main rivals were Notre Dame and Baylor, who had star player Brittney Griner. Baylor beat UConn in December. Notre Dame beat the Huskies twice in the regular season. But UConn got revenge in the Big East tournament Championship Game, winning 63–54. This win was Coach Auriemma's 800th career win. Notre Dame then beat UConn in the NCAA Tournament Final Four in overtime. The Huskies finished the season with a 33–5 record.
The Breanna Stewart Era (2012–2016)
2013 National Championship
The 2012–13 season started with high hopes. UConn signed three top recruits: Breanna Stewart, Morgan Tuck, and Moriah Jefferson. The team's play was inconsistent during the regular season. They lost to Baylor and twice to Notre Dame. In the Big East tournament, UConn lost to Notre Dame for a third time. However, in the NCAA tournament, key players Stewart, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Stefanie Dolson, and senior Kelly Faris played much better. UConn easily reached the Final Four. In the semifinals, they strongly beat Notre Dame 83–65. Two days later, the Huskies won 93–60 over Louisville in the championship game. This gave them a record-tying eighth national championship. UConn finished the season with a 35–4 record.
After the 2012–13 season, the Big East Conference changed. UConn joined the new American Athletic Conference (AAC). This ended the UConn–Notre Dame rivalry in conference tournaments.
2014 National Championship: Perfect Season (40–0)
With some players graduated, sophomore Breanna Stewart became the main leader of the 2013–14 UConn team. She started all 40 games and led the team in points and blocks.
The Huskies beat every opponent by at least 10 points. They easily reached the NCAA tournament finals. In the Final Four, the Huskies defeated Stanford 75–56. In the championship game, they met undefeated Notre Dame. This was the first time two undefeated teams played in the championship. UConn defeated Notre Dame 79–58. They finished the season 40–0, tying the record for most wins in a season. They also set a new record with nine national championships.
Breanna Stewart was named the AP Player of the Year. This was only the third time a sophomore won this award. The UConn men's basketball team also won the championship in 2014. This made UConn the only school in NCAA history to have both men's and women's teams win a national championship in the same year, and they did it twice (first in 2004).
2015 National Championship
The 2014–15 regular season started with an overtime loss to Stanford. This ended UConn's 47-game winning streak. Led by juniors Stewart and Jefferson, and senior Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, UConn quickly recovered. They won every remaining regular season game. This included wins against Notre Dame and South Carolina. The loss against Stanford was their last until 2017. This started a record 111-game winning streak for UConn. In the NCAA Tournament, both Connecticut and Notre Dame reached the Final Four. Connecticut easily defeated Maryland 81–58.
The two teams met in the National Championship Game on April 7, 2015. UConn won 63–53. This was their third straight national championship and tenth overall. Coach Auriemma tied a record set by John Wooden in college basketball. UConn finished the season with a 38–1 record.
2016 National Championship: Perfect Season (38–0)
In 2015, UConn signed another top recruit, Katie Lou Samuelson. She quickly became a starter alongside sophomore Kia Nurse and seniors Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson, and Morgan Tuck. The team was unstoppable all season. They beat every opponent by an average of 39.7 points. They easily won their conference regular season and tournament. While other top teams lost early in the NCAA Tournament, UConn easily reached the Final Four. They defeated Oregon State 80–51. In the championship game, the Huskies defeated old rival Syracuse 82–51. This completed their sixth undefeated season. They also won their 11th overall championship and fourth in a row. Geno Auriemma became the only coach in college basketball history to win 11 titles, passing UCLA legend John Wooden. UConn finished the season with a perfect 38–0 record.
Senior Breanna Stewart was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player for a record fourth straight time. She also won many individual awards. Stewart finished with 2,676 points, the second most for a Husky. She was also the #1 overall pick in the 2016 WNBA draft. Moriah Jefferson set a program record with 659 assists. The three players, Stewart, Jefferson, and Tuck, ended their college careers with a 151–5 record. This is the most wins for any group of college basketball players. With their eleventh championship win in 2016, the UConn Huskies tied the UCLA Bruins men's team for most college basketball championships. They also became the first Division I women's team to win four straight national championships.
A New Record Streak Ends (2016–2020)
2016–2017: Shocking Final Four Loss
After losing Stewart, Jefferson, and Tuck, many thought UConn would have a less successful season. The AP Poll ranked them third. Coach Auriemma scheduled tough non-conference games to test his young team. The team quickly found its rhythm. They beat ranked teams like Baylor, Notre Dame, and Maryland. Sophomore Katie Lou Samuelson and junior Kia Nurse played well. The duo of sophomore Napheesa Collier and junior Gabby Williams became nationally known. UConn tied its own 90-win record in January 2017. They reached 100 straight wins in February 2017.
After easy wins in their conference regular season and tournament, UConn entered the NCAA tournament undefeated. They were the #1 overall seed and expected to win. However, their season ended unexpectedly. Mississippi State's Morgan William hit a last-second shot in overtime. This gave her team a 66–64 victory in the NCAA Final Four. This shocking loss ended UConn's winning streak at 111 consecutive wins. This is an all-time record for any team sport at the college level. The team's overall record for the season was 36–1.
2017–2018: Close Final Four Losses
UConn started the 2017–18 season with high energy. They gained a new group of talented players, including future All-American Megan Walker. On December 19, 2017, a win over Oklahoma gave coach Geno Auriemma his 1000th victory. He was only the fourth women's coach to reach this milestone, and the fastest. UConn finished the regular season undefeated in conference play. They won the conference tournament title again. As the overall #1 seed in the NCAA tournament, they reached their 19th Final Four. In the National semifinals, they lost in overtime on a last-second shot for the second year in a row. This time it was to Notre Dame. This ended another undefeated season in the Final Four. Notre Dame went on to win the national championship. The Huskies finished their season with a 36–1 record.
2018–2019: Another Final Four Rematch
UConn started the 2018–19 season with another group of talented new players, including Christyn Williams. The team began with an 11–0 winning streak. This included a big win at #1 Notre Dame. The Huskies were ranked #1 for five weeks. Then, they lost their first game at #8 Baylor. Baylor later won the national title.
UConn again finished their regular season undefeated in conference play. They won the conference tournament title for the sixth year in a row. As a #2 seed in the NCAA tournament, they reached their 20th Final Four. In the National semifinals, they lost to Notre Dame again, 81–76. UConn finished the season with a 35–3 record, their worst since 2013.
2019–2020: NCAA Tournament Canceled
UConn started the 2019–20 season with a 12–0 winning streak. They reached #1 in the AP poll. Their first loss was to #8 Baylor. The Huskies lost two more games during the regular season. UConn finished the regular season with a 26–3 record. They went undefeated in their conference and won the conference tournament for the seventh year in a row. UConn received a spot in the 2020 NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament, but the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team finished the season ranked #5.
This was UConn's last year in the American Athletic Conference. They rejoined the Big East Conference in July 2020. UConn was very dominant in the American, going undefeated in all seven regular seasons and winning every conference tournament.
The Paige Bueckers Era (2020–present)
2020–2021: Back to the Big East
The Huskies had very high hopes for the 2020–2021 season. They added two top new players, point guard Paige Bueckers and forward Aaliyah Edwards. This season also marked their return to the Big East Conference. UConn was ranked #3 in the preseason polls. During the regular season, they had a 21–1 record, including an undefeated conference record. UConn won the Big East tournament. As the #1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament, they won their region with a close victory over #2 seeded Baylor. UConn then lost to #3 seeded Arizona in the Final Four. They finished with a 28–2 record. This was their fourth straight tournament loss in the National semifinals. Bueckers won several awards, including the Naismith College Player of the Year award. The season was greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021–2022: First National Title Game in Six Years
UConn started the 2021–22 season ranked #2. They had three seniors and sophomore Paige Bueckers returning. They also added a top new player, Azzi Fudd. Injuries affected the team throughout the season. Only two players played every game. In December, Bueckers suffered a knee injury that kept her out until late in the season.
With Bueckers out, UConn's offense struggled. They lost to several teams. Coach Auriemma made the team focus on defense. Nine different players started games. By the time Bueckers returned, the Huskies were playing very well without her. After winning the Big East regular season championship, the team won the Big East tournament. They were a #2 seed in the NCAA tournament.
In the NCAA tournament, UConn reached the Final Four for a record 14th year in a row. They beat long-time rival Stanford 63–58 to reach the national championship game for the first time since 2016. However, they lost to the #1 overall seed South Carolina, 64–49. This was the program's first loss ever in a national championship game. UConn finished with a 30–6 record, their worst since 1993.
2022–2023: Final Four Streak Ends
UConn started the 2022–23 season with high expectations. They had six returning starters, including Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Nika Mühl. However, the team was hit by injuries before the season even began. Bueckers tore an ACL and missed the entire season. Other players also suffered injuries.
UConn finished the regular season with a 26–5 record. They won the Big East regular season championship. With the team finally healthy, the Huskies won the Big East tournament. They were a #2 seed in the NCAA tournament. The team reached the Sweet 16, where they lost to #3-seeded Ohio State, 73–61. This was the first time the team failed to make the Final Four since 2007. It was also the first time they missed the Elite Eight since 2005.
Many players stepped up due to injuries. Nika Mühl set a UConn record with 284 assists. Aaliyah Edwards was the team's top scorer.
2023–2024: Return to the Final Four
UConn started the 2023–24 season ranked #2. However, they lost three early games and several key players to injury. For most of the season, UConn's starting lineup included Aliyah Edwards, Paige Bueckers, Nika Mühl, and freshmen KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade. Coach Geno Auriemma reached 1,200 wins in February 2024. UConn went undefeated in conference play to win the Big East regular season title. Bueckers was named the Big East Player of the Year.
UConn won the Big East tournament for their 11th straight conference tournament championship. They were a #3 seed in the NCAA tournament. Despite injuries, the Huskies reached their 23rd Final Four. Coach Auriemma called this their most surprising Final Four run since 1991. The team narrowly lost to #1-seeded Iowa in the National semifinals, 71–69. UConn finished the season with a 33–6 record. Edwards and Mühl were selected in the 2024 WNBA draft. Mühl finished her UConn career as the program's all-time assists leader.
2025 National Championship
UConn started the 2024–25 season ranked #2. They had Paige Bueckers and other players returning from injury. They also added #1 ranked recruit Sarah Strong and transfer Kaitlyn Chen.
Coach Geno Auriemma became the winningest head coach in NCAA history with his 1217th career victory. UConn's main starting lineup included Bueckers, Chen, Strong, and Jana El-Alfy, with Azzi Fudd returning from injury. The Huskies started well, winning against three ranked opponents. However, they lost to ranked Notre Dame and USC in December.
UConn had an 11-game winning streak. They lost to #19 Tennessee in February 2025. Ten days later, UConn defeated #4 South Carolina, the defending national champion, 87–58. This caused them to rise to #3 in the polls. The Huskies finished their regular season with a 28–3 record. They went undefeated in conference play for the second year in a row. UConn then won the Big East tournament. Bueckers and Strong were named All-Americans. The media called Bueckers, Strong, and Fudd UConn's "big three."
Going into the tournament, UConn was ranked #3 but was a #2 seed. They easily won their first two rounds. They then defeated #3 seed Oklahoma 82–59 and won a rematch with #1 seed USC, 78–64. This sent them to their 24th Final Four. Bueckers scored over 30 points in three straight games. In the National semifinal, UConn strongly defeated UCLA by 34 points. This sent them to their second National Championship Game in four years. The title game was a rematch against South Carolina from 2022. The Huskies got their revenge with a big win over the Gamecocks, 82–59. This was their record 12th national championship. Azzi Fudd was named the tournament's most outstanding player. This was the program's first national title since 2016.
UConn finished their season with a 37–3 record and a 16-game winning streak. All 37 of their victories were by double digits. Sarah Strong led the team in rebounds. Bueckers led the team in points and assists. She finished her UConn career with the third-most points in program history.
Head Coaches: Leaders of the Huskies
Sandra Hamm (1974–1975)
Sandra Hamm was the part-time coach for the first women's basketball season in 1974–75. The team had a 2–8 record. She also taught physical education.
Wanda Flora (1975–1980)
Wanda Flora coached the team from 1975 to 1980. Under her, the team had a 38–66 record. During her time, Karen Mullins became the first UConn woman to receive a basketball scholarship.
Jean Balthaser (1980–1985)
Jean Balthaser became coach in 1980. She had coached at the University of Pittsburgh. She helped the program grow. UConn had its first winning season in her first year. She finished with a 52–88 record over five seasons.
Geno Auriemma (1985–present)
Luigi "Geno" Auriemma has been the head coach since 1985. He has led one of the most successful rebuilding projects in college sports. Under him, UConn has become the winningest team in women's college basketball. He is considered one of the best coaches ever. Auriemma has won over 25 national Coach of the Year awards. He is in both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. He also coached the United States women's national basketball team from 2009 to 2016. During that time, they won two World Cups and two Olympic gold medals.
Team Achievements and Records
Trophies and Awards
- 12 NCAA Tournament Championships: 1995, 2000, 2002–2004, 2009–2010, 2013–2016, 2025
- 30 Conference Tournament Championships: 23 Big East Conference and 7 American Athletic Conference
- 31 Conference Regular Season Championships: 24 Big East Conference and 7 American Athletic Conference
Team of the Decade 2000–2009 In 2010, Sports Illustrated named the UConn Huskies women's basketball team the #3 sports team of the decade (2000–2009). They were ranked higher than any other college team. During this time, UConn won five national titles. They also reached the Final Four seven times. Two seasons (2001–02 and 2008–09) were perfect 39–0 records.
Overall Records
- Most NCAA Championships, any Division, men's or women's (12)
- Most NCAA Division I Final Fours, men's or women's (24)
- Most NCAA Division I Elite Eights, women's (28)
- Most NCAA Division I tournament #1 seeds, men's or women's (22)
- Most NCAA Division I undefeated seasons, men's or women's (6)
- Most NCAA Division I 30-win seasons, men's or women's (27)
- Most NCAA Division I weeks ranked No. 1 in AP National poll, women's (250)
Winning Streaks
Active streaks are in bold
- Most consecutive NCAA Championships, any Division, women's (4, 2013–2016)
- Most consecutive NCAA Division I Final Fours, men's or women's (14, 2008–2023)
- Most consecutive NCAA Division I Elite Eights, men's or women's (16, 2006–2023)
- Most consecutive NCAA Division I Sweet Sixteen, men's or women's (31, 1994–)
- Most consecutive NCAA Division I tournament wins, women's (28, 2013–2017)
- Most consecutive NCAA wins, any Division, men's or women's (111, 2014–2017)
- Most consecutive NCAA Division I regular-season wins, men's or women's (126, 2014–2019)
- Most consecutive NCAA Division I weeks ranked in AP National Top 25 poll, women's (606, 1993–)
Notable Players and Their Achievements
Individual Awards
UConn has had many star players who have won major individual awards.
| Player | Honda Sports Award |
Wade Trophy | Naismith Player of the Year |
USBWA Player of the Year |
AP College Player of the Year |
Wooden Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rebecca Lobo | 1995 | 1995 | 1995 | 1995 | 1995 | |
| Jennifer Rizzotti | 1996 | 1996 | 1996 | |||
| Kara Wolters | 1997 | |||||
| Shea Ralph | 2000 | |||||
| Sue Bird | 2002 | 2002 | 2002 | 2002 | 2002 | |
| Diana Taurasi | 2003 2004 |
2003 | 2003 2004 |
2003 | 2003 | |
| Renee Montgomery | 2009 | |||||
| Tina Charles | 2010 | 2010 | 2010 | 2010 | ||
| Maya Moore | 2010 2011 |
2009 2010 2011 |
2009 2011 |
2009 2011 |
2009 2011 |
2009 2011 |
| Breanna Stewart | 2014 2015 2016 |
2015 2016 |
2014 2015 2016 |
2014 2015 2016 |
2014 2015 2016 |
2015 2016 |
| Paige Bueckers | 2025 | 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | 2021 |
Eight UConn players have been named the NCAA tournament's Most Outstanding Player: Rebecca Lobo (1995), Shea Ralph (2000), Swin Cash (2002), Diana Taurasi (2003 and 2004), Tina Charles (2009), Maya Moore (2010), Breanna Stewart (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016), and Azzi Fudd (2025).
School Scoring Records
Here are the UConn players who scored over 2000 points during their college careers.
| Rk | Player | Points | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maya Moore | 3,036 | 2007–08 to 2010–11 |
| 2 | Breanna Stewart | 2,676 | 2012–13 to 2015–16 |
| 3 | Paige Bueckers | 2,439 | 2020–21, 2021–22, 2023–24, 2024–25 |
| 4 | Napheesa Collier | 2,401 | 2015–16 to 2018–19 |
| 5 | Tina Charles | 2,346 | 2006–07 to 2009–10 |
| 6 | Katie Lou Samuelson | 2,342 | 2015–16 to 2018–19 |
| 7 | Nykesha Sales | 2,178 | 1994–95 to 1997–98 |
| Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis | 2,178 | 2011–12 to 2014–15 | |
| 9 | Kerry Bascom | 2,177 | 1987–88 to 1990–91 |
| 10 | Diana Taurasi | 2,156 | 2000–01 to 2003–04 |
| 11 | Kara Wolters | 2,141 | 1993–94 to 1996–97 |
| 12 | Rebecca Lobo | 2,133 | 1992–93 to 1995–96 |
Huskies of Honor
The Huskies of Honor program celebrates important figures in UConn history. Plaques are displayed in Gampel Pavilion. Many women's basketball players are included.
Retired Numbers
On December 7, 2018, UConn announced that Rebecca Lobo's #50 jersey would be permanently retired. This happened during a ceremony on March 2, 2019. UConn decided that only former Huskies players who are inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame would have their numbers retired. Lobo was inducted in 2017.
On November 14, 2022, UConn also retired Swin Cash's #32 jersey. She was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2022.
WNBA Success
Many UConn players have been chosen in the first round of WNBA drafts. Five of them were the very first pick overall: Sue Bird (2002), Diana Taurasi (2004), Tina Charles (2010), Maya Moore (2011), and Breanna Stewart (2016).
In the 2002 WNBA draft, all four UConn players known as the "TASS Force" (Tamika Williams, Asjha Jones, Sue Bird, Swin Cash) were picked in the first round. They all made an immediate impact on their WNBA teams.
In the 2016 WNBA draft, UConn did even better. The three senior players, Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson, and Morgan Tuck, were the first three picks. This was the first time this had happened in any major sport.
Current Roster
| 2025–26 UConn Huskies women's basketball team | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Roster |
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Images for kids
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1995 Championship trophy, ring, and signed ball
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Diana Taurasi Naismith Award
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The 2008–09 UConn Huskies are honored at the White House by President Barack Obama.
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2010 NCAA National Champions Connecticut Huskies at the White House
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The 2013 UConn Women's Basketball team is greeted by President Obama at the White House
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The UConn dual men's and women's national championship teams at the White House on June 9, 2014
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Rebecca Lobo
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The #50 worn by Lobo at UConn in 2022
