UConn's Sarah Strong Named AP Player of the Year

Sophomore star leads Huskies to undefeated season, Final Four berth

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:03pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a women's basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes in navy blue and white representing the dynamic movements and energy of the players on the court.A cubist interpretation of the dominant performance by UConn's Sarah Strong, whose leadership and skill have propelled the Huskies to the Final Four.Storrs Today

Sarah Strong of the University of Connecticut was named The Associated Press women's basketball Player of the Year on Thursday. The sophomore standout led the Huskies to an undefeated season and a spot in the Final Four, becoming just the fifth player to win the award in her sophomore year.

Why it matters

Strong's recognition as the AP Player of the Year cements her status as one of the top young talents in women's college basketball. Her dominant performance this season has helped UConn maintain its position as one of the premier programs in the sport, setting the stage for a potential national championship run.

The details

Strong, who received 25 of the 31 votes from the national media panel, is averaging 18.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 59.4% from the field, 40.4% from 3-point range, and 84.8% from the free-throw line. She reached the 1,000-career point milestone in just her 59th game, the third-fastest player in UConn history to do so.

  • Sarah Strong was named the AP Player of the Year on April 2, 2026.
  • Strong led UConn to an undefeated 38-0 season in 2025-26.

The players

Sarah Strong

A sophomore standout at the University of Connecticut, Strong was named the AP Player of the Year after leading the Huskies to an undefeated season and a spot in the Final Four.

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the University of Connecticut women's basketball team, Auriemma praised Strong's leadership and composure, comparing her to some of the greatest players he has coached at UConn.

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What they’re saying

“Anybody that's watched us play would probably tell you that she's the heart and soul of our team. She elevates the play of everyone on our team.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, University of Connecticut

“The great ones, the great ones all had it. I never saw (Taurasi) nervous. You know that they came in as freshmen and you can tell by the look in their eyes, 'I can handle this. This is what I think. This is why I came here.' She's ready for that one.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, University of Connecticut

What’s next

UConn will face the winner of the other national semifinal game in the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship Final Four.

The takeaway

Sarah Strong's recognition as the AP Player of the Year underscores her status as one of the top young talents in women's college basketball. Her dominant performance this season has helped UConn maintain its position as an elite program, setting the stage for a potential national championship run.