UConn's Aaliyah Edwards Honored with Huskies of Honor Induction

Former Teammate Paige Bueckers Celebrates Edwards' Achievements

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form, conceptually representing the multifaceted nature of the sport and the players' achievements.The induction of Aaliyah Edwards into the Huskies of Honor celebrates the lasting impact of teamwork and resilience in women's basketball.Storrs Today

Aaliyah Edwards, a former standout forward for the UConn women's basketball team, has returned to her alma mater to be inducted into the prestigious Huskies of Honor. Edwards, now a rising star in the WNBA, is being recognized for her contributions both on and off the court, including leading the Huskies to the Final Four in her senior year despite having just eight players available.

Why it matters

Edwards' induction into the Huskies of Honor is a testament to her resilience and excellence, and it underscores the values of perseverance and teamwork that she embodied as a player. Her story also raises questions about the media's tendency to focus on rivalries between players, which may overshadow the genuine camaraderie and mutual respect that often exists among them.

The details

Edwards, who was drafted sixth overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2024 WNBA Draft and later traded to the Connecticut Sun, has been making a name for herself in the professional league. Her return to UConn is to receive the Huskies of Honor, a prestigious honor that recognizes the program's all-time greats. UConn head coach Geno Auriemma praised Edwards, saying he thought she may have been one of the top five players in the entire NCAA tournament during her senior year, when she led the team to the Final Four with just eight players available.

  • Aaliyah Edwards was drafted by the Washington Mystics in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
  • Edwards was traded to the Connecticut Sun in August 2025.
  • Edwards is being inducted into the Huskies of Honor on April 10, 2026.

The players

Aaliyah Edwards

A former standout forward for the UConn women's basketball team, who is now a rising star in the WNBA and is being inducted into the prestigious Huskies of Honor.

Paige Bueckers

A former teammate of Aaliyah Edwards at UConn, who is now a standout player for the Dallas Wings in the WNBA.

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, who praised Aaliyah Edwards' contributions to the program.

Caitlin Clark

A popular basketball player who has helped boost the WNBA's visibility with her meteoric rise, and has been the subject of a perceived rivalry with Paige Bueckers.

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What they’re saying

“Liliiiii Day!!!!”

— Paige Bueckers

“I thought Aaliyah may have been one of the top five players in the entire NCAA tournament that year.”

— Geno Auriemma, UConn Head Coach

“It's crazy 'cause like everybody's pinned me and Caitlin against each other for the longest time and we're cool, like we're friends.”

— Paige Bueckers

What’s next

The Huskies of Honor induction ceremony for Aaliyah Edwards will take place on April 10, 2026 at the UConn campus in Storrs, Connecticut.

The takeaway

Aaliyah Edwards' induction into the Huskies of Honor is a celebration of her resilience, teamwork, and the lasting impact she had on the UConn women's basketball program. Her story, along with the relationship between players like Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark, highlights the importance of recognizing the genuine camaraderie and mutual respect that often exists among athletes, rather than focusing solely on manufactured rivalries.