The Azzi Fudd NCAA Tournament 2025 journey begins with one goal, defending UConn’s national title. After overcoming multiple knee injuries, Fudd enters the 2025–26 women’s college basketball season ready to reclaim her place among the top players to watch. Her leadership, sharp shooting, and determination make her central to UConn’s pursuit of another championship.
Azzi Fudd: A Rising Star
Azzi Fudd returns to UConn as a senior guard after battling knee and foot injuries that limited her previous seasons. She’s healthy, focused, and ready to lead the Huskies in their national-title defense.
Notable Achievements
Fudd earned Most Outstanding Player honors at the 2025 Final Four after guiding UConn to the championship. Instead of entering the WNBA draft, she chose to return for another year to sharpen her skills and leadership.
A Strong Support System
With Paige Bueckers now in the WNBA, Fudd steps up as a team leader beside sophomore Sarah Strong. UConn begins the season ranked No. 1 and faces Louisville in the opener. Her resilience and experience give the Huskies confidence for another title run.
Tough Competition Ahead
While stars like JuJu Watkins and Chloe Kitts are sidelined by injury, the 2025-26 season still features elite talent across the country—and Fudd is among the 10 players identified as must-watch as teams embark on the race toward March.
Historical Context
Less than a year after UConn’s first national title since 2016, Fudd takes centre stage as the program looks to build a back-to-back championship run—a challenge that adds to the significance of this season for her and the team.
The Path Forward
Fudd’s objective is clear: remain healthy, step into the spotlight, and show college basketball what she’s capable of when fully empowered. The road ahead is demanding, but the foundation is set.
Inspiring Future Generations
Her decision to return for her final collegiate season rather than immediately jump to the WNBA speaks volumes about her commitment and serves as a powerful example to young athletes: talent matters, but so does resilience, purpose and timing.
Learn more about how female athletes are redefining leadership and opportunity in college sports at Winning Her Way.
