This piece is authored by a student contributor from the Her Campus at UConn chapter and does not represent the official views of Her Campus.
Following a triumphant 2024-2025 season and their 12th national championship, the UConn women’s basketball team is eager to carry this momentum into the 2025-2026 season. Renowned under coach Geno Auriemma, the program faces a challenge this year without WNBA talent and Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers. To bring another championship back to Storrs, the team will need to make adjustments and focus on three key areas.
Achieve Significant Wins at Gampel
The atmosphere at Gampel Pavilion on game days is unrivaled, with students queuing hours in advance to support their team. It’s crucial for the UConn women’s basketball team to secure victories in their Big East home games to build confidence for the season ahead. With UConn’s First Night event canceled due to renovations, new freshmen and transfers will dive right into this energetic environment during their inaugural match. The schedule for games in Gampel includes:
- Dec. 7 vs. DePaul
- Jan. 15 vs. Villanova
- Jan. 28 vs. Xavier
- Feb. 11 vs. Creighton
- Feb. 22 vs. Providence
Additionally, some games will be held at the PeoplesBank Arena (formerly the XL Center):
- Dec. 17 vs. Marquette
- Jan. 3 vs. Seton Hall
- Jan. 7 vs. St. John’s
- Feb. 7 vs. Butler
- Feb. 26 vs. Georgetown
Blend Veteran Experience with New Talent
This season, experienced players will need to step up to fill Bueckers’ void and mentor newcomers. Coach Auriemma will welcome three freshmen: Blanca Quiñonez, Kelis Fisher, and Gandy Malou-Mamel. Additionally, the team will gain two transfers: sophomore Kayleigh Heckel from USC and senior Serah Williams from Wisconsin. Heckel averaged 6.1 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game last season and showed her capabilities during the NCAA tournament when her teammate was injured. Williams is expected to infuse energy into both UConn’s offense and defense, having averaged 19.2 points per game for Wisconsin last year, including a remarkable 12 consecutive games with double-doubles. This mix of seasoned players and newcomers promises to create an exciting dynamic within the team.
Manage the Pressure
It’s well-known that college athletes often face intense scrutiny, which can impact their performance and mental health. This year, discussions about the team’s potential lack of success without Bueckers will likely circulate, driven by media and rival schools. To succeed, the team must disregard negativity and focus on their performance. With the extensive experience and wisdom of coaches Auriemma and Chris Dailey, the team is primed for impressive achievements. While the pursuit of a 13th championship will be a motivating factor, it shouldn’t define their success. It’s essential for fans to remember that these players are young adults competing at a high level and that the criticism they face is often unwarranted.
GO HUSKIES!
There’s little doubt that the UConn women’s basketball team will match or exceed last year’s success, even in Bueckers’ absence. The squad has consistently demonstrated a balanced approach to defense, scoring, and team chemistry, which they will continue to showcase this season. Fans can look forward to seeing new stars emerge alongside returning players as they strive for excellence. GO HUSKIES!
