The No. 1-ranked UConn Huskies, who won a title last season, have repeat aspirations under head coach Geno Auriemma, but they can't do it without sophomore sensation Sarah Strong. Strong, a six-foot-two forward,

This interior dominance places Strong in a tie for seventh for UConn's single-game rebounding record of 25, which is held jointly by Rosemary Borsuk (1976), Chris Gedney (1977) and Peggy Walsh (1986). It's the most in a game since Aaliyah Edwards had 20 against Creighton Dec. 28. 2022.

Stewie's dominance. Taurasi's confidence. Collier's efficiency. UConn's Sarah Strong has all that -- and more.

UConn Huskies' Sarah Strong got the steal and flipped it ahead to Ashlynn Shade for the layup vs. the Michigan Wolverines.

The No. 6 Michigan Wolverines face the top-ranked UConn Huskies on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

A fourth-quarter takeover from Azzi Fudd powered the No. 1 UConn women’s basketball team to a 72-69 win over No. 6 Michigan on Friday

While Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd were undoubtedly the biggest names and invaluable pieces of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team winning the 2025 national championship, there's a case to be made that Sarah Strong (who was a freshman that season) was the most important aspect of UConn's on-court success.

Auriemma switched up defenders on Ohio State star Jaloni Cambridge often, rotating between KK Arnold, Fudd and Kayleigh Heckel. Strong was a defensive nightmare in the post, poking out loose handles and jumping up over the Buckeyes to grab nearly every defensive board.

The No. 1-ranked UConn women’s basketball team defeated Michigan 72-69 on Friday, cutting the Wolverines' gutsy comeback just short.

During Peacock’s broadcast of No. 1 UConn’s 100-68 win over Ohio State on Sunday afternoon in Hartford, the analysts suggested head coach Geno Auriemma had referred to sophomore forward Sarah Strong as a combination of Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart and Stefanie Dolson.