UConn's Sarah Strong Named AP Women's Basketball Player of the Year

The sophomore led the Huskies to an undefeated season and a spot in the Final Four.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a women's basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant navy blue, white, and red colors.UConn's Sarah Strong, the AP's Women's Basketball Player of the Year, leads her team with a calm, poised presence that has fueled their undefeated season.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 38-0 season, setting the stage for a run to the Final Four. Strong is just the fifth player to win the award in her sophomore year, joining an elite group that includes Oklahoma's Courtney Paris, UConn stars Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart, and USC's JuJu Watkins.

Why it matters

Strong's Player of the Year award continues UConn's dominance in women's college basketball. The Huskies have now had 13 players win the AP's top individual honor, the most of any program. Strong's recognition as a sophomore also highlights her rapid rise to stardom and the Huskies' continued ability to develop elite talent.

The details

Strong averaged 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 three-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 in UConn history. Strong was also named the Big East Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player of the Fort Worth Regional.

  • Strong was named The Associated Press women's basketball Player of the Year on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • The AP started giving out the Player of the Year award in 1995.

The players

Sarah Strong

A sophomore standout at the University of Connecticut who was named The Associated Press women's basketball Player of the Year after leading the Huskies to an undefeated 38-0 season.

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the University of Connecticut women's basketball team, who has coached some of the greatest players in the game including Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Diana Taurasi.

Courtney Paris

A former Oklahoma player who won the AP Player of the Year award in 2007, one of only five players to win the award as a sophomore.

Maya Moore

A former UConn star who won the AP Player of the Year award in 2009, one of only five players to win the award as a sophomore.

Breanna Stewart

A former UConn star who won the AP Player of the Year award in 2014, one of only five players to win the award as a sophomore.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm so blessed because I totally got to this point in my life because of my teammates.”

— Sarah Strong

“Anybody that has 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, UConn Head Coach

“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.' You know some may pretend, but you know deep down you're not ready for that moment. She's ready for that one.”

— Geno Auriemma, UConn Head Coach

What’s next

Strong and the Huskies will look to cap off their undefeated season with a national championship at the upcoming Final Four.

The takeaway

Sarah Strong's Player of the Year award as a sophomore underscores UConn's continued dominance in women's college basketball and the program's ability to develop elite talent. Her calm, poised leadership has been instrumental in the Huskies' undefeated run this season.