UConn's Strong, Fudd Named Wooden Award Finalists

Four players in the women's Final Four are among the top Wooden Award candidates.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:45am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Wooden Award, which honors the top player in women's college basketball, has announced its five finalists, and four of them will be competing in the upcoming women's Final Four tournament in Phoenix, Arizona.

Why it matters

The Wooden Award is considered the most prestigious individual honor in women's college basketball, so having four of the five finalists represented at the Final Four highlights the high level of talent that will be on display in the championship tournament.

The details

The five Wooden Award finalists are Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd of UConn, Caitlin Clark of Iowa, Aliyah Boston of South Carolina, and Diamond Miller of Maryland. All but Miller will be playing in the women's Final Four in Phoenix.

  • The Wooden Award finalists were announced on April 1, 2026.
  • The women's Final Four tournament will take place in Phoenix, Arizona in April 2026.

The players

Paige Bueckers

A junior guard for the UConn Huskies women's basketball team and one of the top players in the country.

Azzi Fudd

A sophomore guard for the UConn Huskies and a top Wooden Award finalist.

Caitlin Clark

A junior guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes and one of the most dynamic scorers in women's college basketball.

Aliyah Boston

A senior forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks and the reigning Wooden Award winner.

Diamond Miller

A junior guard for the Maryland Terrapins and the only Wooden Award finalist not playing in the Final Four.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Having four of the five Wooden Award finalists in the Final Four speaks to the incredible talent level in women's college basketball right now.”

— Cheryl Miller, Basketball Hall of Famer

What’s next

The winner of the 2026 Wooden Award will be announced at the women's Final Four in Phoenix.

The takeaway

The depth of talent in women's college basketball is on full display with four of the five Wooden Award finalists competing in the Final Four, setting the stage for an exciting championship tournament.