UConn women's basketball dominates Big East awards led by player of the year Sarah Strong

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After completing a third straight undefeated season in Big East play, the UConn women's basketball team dominated the conference's postseason awards announced on Thursday. Sophomore forward Sarah Strong was named both the Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, becoming just the third player in league history to win both awards in the same season. Freshman Blanca Quinonez also took home Freshman of the Year and Sixth Woman of the Year honors, while Azzi Fudd and KK Arnold were selected to the All-Big East First Team. Head coach Geno Auriemma was named Big East Coach of the Year for the third straight season.

Why it matters

UConn's continued dominance in the Big East, led by the standout performances of its young stars, solidifies the program's status as one of the premier women's basketball powerhouses in the country. The Huskies' ability to reload with elite talent year after year is a testament to Auriemma's coaching and the program's sustained excellence.

The details

Strong, the unanimous choice by the league's coaches, currently leads No. 1 UConn in every major statistical category except for assists, averaging 18.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 3.2 steals and 1.6 blocks. She is also shooting an incredibly efficient 59.5% from the field, 40.7% from 3-point range and 88.1% at the free throw line. Quinonez is UConn's third-leading scorer, averaging 10 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and two steals in 19.7 minutes off the bench. Fudd is enjoying the best season of her college career, averaging 17.9 points, 3 assists and 2.5 steals while shooting 49% from the field, 45.1% from 3-point range and 95% at the free throw line. Arnold is also having a standout year, averaging 6.9 points, a career-high 4.8 assists and 2.9 steals.

• UConn completed its third straight undefeated season in Big East play.
• The Big East postseason awards were announced on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Huskies begin the 2026 Big East Tournament on Saturday in the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of Friday's first-round game between 8-seed Georgetown and 9-seed Butler. UConn has won its conference tournament 12 straight seasons including its seven-year stint in the American Athletic from 2013-20.