UConn Women's Basketball Stars Reflect on Final Four Run

Paige Bueckers and Stefanie Dolson share their excitement for the Huskies' historic tournament success.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:04pm

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Former UConn stars Paige Bueckers and Stefanie Dolson, who are currently with the USA Basketball Senior National Team, expressed their excitement and pride over the UConn women's and men's basketball teams both making the Final Four this year. Bueckers praised the current Huskies squad's resilience and togetherness, while Dolson said she expects the women's team to win the national championship. The two former Huskies also discussed the growth and leadership of current star player Sarah Strong.

Why it matters

UConn is renowned as a basketball powerhouse, and having both the men's and women's teams reach the Final Four simultaneously is a rare and historic accomplishment. Bueckers and Dolson's perspectives provide unique insight into the culture and success of the UConn basketball programs, which have won a combined 20 national titles.

The details

Bueckers and Dolson are in Phoenix this week participating in USA Basketball's Senior National Team training camp. They plan to attend this weekend's Final Four games, including Friday's national semifinal between UConn and South Carolina. Bueckers praised the current Huskies squad's ability to respond to adversity and their strong team chemistry. Dolson said she expects the women's team to win the national championship, citing their resilience and talent. The two former stars also discussed the growth of current UConn star Sarah Strong, who has emerged as the team's do-it-all leader this season.

  • Bueckers and Dolson are in Phoenix this week for USA Basketball's Senior National Team training camp.
  • UConn and South Carolina will play in the women's Final Four on Friday.
  • UConn last won dual national championships in men's and women's basketball in 2014, during Dolson's senior year.

The players

Paige Bueckers

A former UConn women's basketball star who is currently with the USA Basketball Senior National Team.

Stefanie Dolson

A two-time national champion at UConn who is also participating in the USA Basketball Senior National Team training camp.

Sarah Strong

The current star player for the UConn women's basketball team, who was named the 2025 Big East and National Freshman of the Year and is now the National Player of the Year.

Geno Auriemma

The legendary head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, known for his ability to connect with players both on and off the court.

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What they’re saying

“I'm very excited. It was a really special moment for us when we won, and then the men won the next day. So, I know how the girls feel right now, just that they're all in the Final Four. So, I'm really excited, looking forward to watching both teams play.”

— Stefanie Dolson, Former UConn Women's Basketball Player

“I feel like they've had some close games and the way that they've responded to the adversity and to the closer first halves (impresses me). For me, it's always like I'm scared of other teams coming out of the third quarter, because I know what Coach (Geno Auriemma) is saying at halftime. So, their response and their resilience and their togetherness, I think, has stood out for sure.”

— Paige Bueckers, Former UConn Women's Basketball Player

“I can't hear enough about Sarah Strong. But she is incredible. I mean, you can see how amazing she is already, and she's only been there for two seasons, two years. So, to have two more, I mean, it's an incredible thing for her, and I'm excited for where UConn is gonna go with her.”

— Stefanie Dolson, Former UConn Women's Basketball Player

What’s next

Bueckers and Dolson will attend the women's Final Four games this weekend in Phoenix, including Friday's national semifinal matchup between UConn and South Carolina.

The takeaway

The UConn women's basketball program continues to be a national powerhouse, with the current team drawing praise from former stars like Bueckers and Dolson for their resilience, togetherness, and the emergence of a new superstar in Sarah Strong. The Huskies' ability to maintain their excellence over decades is a testament to the program's winning culture and legendary coach Geno Auriemma.