Paige Bueckers Does It Her Way Leads UConn to National Title With Team-First Triumph
On Sunday night in Tampa, Paige Bueckers finally became a national champion, helping lead UConn to a dominant 82–59 victory over South Carolina. The win wasn’t just a long-awaited title for the program — it was personal vindication for one of the most scrutinized and celebrated players in women’s college basketball.
A Story of Resilience, Not Reinvention
Bueckers didn’t reinvent herself to reach this moment. She didn’t try to become the next Caitlin Clark or a ball-dominant scorer. She leaned into the values that had always defined her game: selflessness, leadership, and trust.
Paige finished with 17 points in the final, while Azzi Fudd and freshman Sarah Strong carried the scoring load with 24 apiece. UConn finished with 18 assists on 30 field goals, dismantling South Carolina’s top-ranked defense with pure team basketball.
Finding Peace in Pressure
After last year’s painful Final Four loss to Iowa, critics called on Bueckers to be more selfish. Even her coach, Geno Auriemma, encouraged her to shoot more, take control, dominate. But trying to meet those expectations only brought anxiety and burnout.
This season, with the help of a sports psychologist, Bueckers began to reframe her approach. She focused less on outcomes and more on the moment. That mental shift allowed her to tap into the full range of her game—not by changing who she was, but by trusting who she’s always been.
Beating South Carolina at Their Own Game
South Carolina came in with elite defenders and championship pedigree. But UConn spread the floor, moved the ball, and attacked from all angles. Within five minutes, every UConn starter had scored. Bueckers kept the offense humming while allowing others to shine.
The Legacy She Leaves
With her win, Bueckers capped a career that includes:
- Third-most points in NCAA women’s tournament history
- Two-time assists and eFG% leader nationally
- One unforgettable comeback from injury
She didn’t just climb the mountain—she carried her team with her, lifting others while lifting the trophy.
As she cut down the net in Amalie Arena, Bueckers took just one small piece. It was the same size as everyone else’s.
More…
- https://www.theringer.com/2025/04/07/college-basketball/paige-bueckers-uconn-national-title-south-carolina
- https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44562537/uconn-dominates-south-carolina-wins-12th-national-title
- https://www.ncaa.com/live-updates/basketball-women/d1/uconn-rolls-past-south-carolina-win-record-12th-womens-basketball-national-title
