In the world of women’s college basketball, one name stands out above all others- Geno Auriemma. With a dynasty built on household names, Auriemma knows that sometimes it’s the quietest players who leave the biggest mark. Last season, it was Paige Bueckers, and this season, it’s Sarah Strong.
Strong, a junior forward for the University of Connecticut Huskies, may not have the same recognition as some of her teammates, but her impact on the court is undeniable. And now, her hard work and skill have been recognized as she was named the 2026 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year.
For Auriemma, Strong’s achievement is no surprise. The head coach has seen her growth and development over the past three years and knows that she is a “low-key superstar” in the making. When asked about Strong’s POTY win, Auriemma said, “It didn’t feel like a breakout moment to me. I’ve been watching her day in and day out, and I know what she’s capable of.”
Strong’s journey to becoming a standout player for the Huskies has not been easy. Hailing from a small town in Ohio, she was not heavily recruited by top college programs. But Auriemma saw potential in her and offered her a spot on his team. And it’s safe to say that Strong has made the most of that opportunity.
In her first two seasons with the Huskies, Strong played a crucial role in the team’s success but was often overshadowed by her more high-profile teammates. However, this season, with Bueckers and other key players out due to injuries, Strong stepped up and became a leader for the team.
She averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds per game, leading the Huskies to an impressive 28-2 record and a spot in the Final Four. But it was not just her statistics that caught the attention of the Naismith committee. It was her all-around game, her tenacity on defense, and her ability to step up in big moments that made her stand out.
Strong’s performance on the court has been nothing short of remarkable, but it’s her character and work ethic that truly make her a standout player. Auriemma describes her as a “silent assassin” who lets her game do the talking. She may not be the most vocal player on the team, but her actions speak louder than words.
Despite being named the POTY, Strong remains humble and focused on her team’s ultimate goal – winning a national championship. She gives credit to her teammates, coaches, and the entire UConn program for helping her reach this level of success.
Her teammate and close friend, Azzi Fudd, who was also a top contender for the POTY award, was nothing but supportive of Strong’s win. Fudd said, “Sarah is an incredible player and an even better person. I am proud of her and honored to call her my teammate.”
Auriemma also had high praise for Fudd, saying, “Azzi is a generational talent, and she will do amazing things in her career. But Sarah’s win is a testament to her consistency and hard work. It’s a credit to her and the program that a player like her can win such a prestigious award.”
As the Huskies prepare for the Final Four, Strong’s POTY win has given them a boost of confidence and motivation. She has shown that hard work, determination, and a team-first mentality can lead to great success.
In a dynasty built on household names, Sarah Strong may not have been the most well-known player, but she has certainly left her mark on the UConn program. And with one more year left in her college career, there’s no telling how much more she will achieve.
As for Auriemma, he will continue to build his dynasty with players like Strong – hard-working, humble, and talented individuals who may not be the loudest, but their impact on the court is undeniable. Strong’s POTY win is just another reminder of the coach’s ability to spot and develop top players, and it’s safe to say that the UConn Huskies are in good hands with Geno Auriemma at the helm.
Congratulations to Sarah Strong on being named the 2026 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year. You are
