UConn's Sarah Strong named AP Player of the Year

The sophomore led the Huskies to another dominant season in women's college basketball.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a women's basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue and white colors representing the UConn team uniforms.UConn's Sarah Strong, the AP's Player of the Year, leads her team with a dynamic, all-around game that has made the Huskies a national powerhouse.Phoenix Today

UConn sophomore Sarah Strong has been named the Associated Press Player of the Year in women's college basketball. Strong, a standout forward, led the Huskies to another dominant season, helping the team secure a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

Strong's recognition as the AP Player of the Year solidifies her status as one of the top players in the women's game. UConn has long been a powerhouse in women's basketball, and Strong's individual accolade further cements the program's continued excellence.

The details

In her second season with the Huskies, Sarah Strong averaged 18.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. She was a consistent force on both ends of the floor, leading UConn to a 32-3 record and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

  • Strong was named the AP Player of the Year on April 2, 2026.

The players

Sarah Strong

A sophomore forward for the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, who was named the AP Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season.

UConn Huskies

The women's basketball team of the University of Connecticut, a perennial powerhouse in the sport.

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What they’re saying

“Sarah Strong has been a dominant force for UConn this season, and she truly deserves this recognition as the best player in the country.”

— Geno Auriemma, UConn Head Coach

What’s next

Strong and the Huskies will look to cap off their season with a national championship, as they prepare to compete in the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Sarah Strong's Player of the Year award highlights the continued excellence of the UConn women's basketball program, which has produced some of the greatest players in the sport's history.