Sarah Strong Wins Naismith Trophy, UConn Heads to Final Four

0:00Sarah Strong just made history as the latest UConn women's basketball phenom, snagging the 2026 Naysmith trophy as national player of year. She's the Av Husky to claim it since 1983, joining legends like Diana Tarasi and Brianna Stewart. At just a sophomore, she's only the seventh underclassman ever to win it. Strong edged out teammates like Ozzy Fudd and stars from UCLA and Vanderbilt. She's dominating with averages of 18.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game for undefeated UConn. Her efficiency is off the charts, 59.4% from the field, and leading the nation in key defensive stats. The whole UConn roster showed up to cheer her on, chanting for a speech from the shy forward. She shouted out her teammates, saying the award belongs to them too, and shared love rarely heard from her. Her mom, former WNBA player, Alison Feister, called it a dream reflection of their hard work.

1:03Strong already nabbed another top honor. The Anne Myers-Drysdale award, and she's a wooden finalist plus big east player of the year. Meanwhile, ex-UConn star Shay Rauf grabbed coach of the year for her stellar Vanderbilt squad, beating out Geno Aremma himself in a full circle nod to her Husky roots. USecond rolls into the final 4 at 38 and 0, facing South Carolina Friday night on ESPN. Strong's tournament tier could push them back to the title game, watch this sophomore shine. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to Hartford News today. AI-powered local news.