The University of Connecticut women’s basketball team has once again punched its ticket to the Final Four, marking the program’s 12th appearance in the national semifinals over the last 15 seasons. With a commanding 78–62 victory over Stanford in the Elite Eight, the Huskies showed that their dominance of the women’s game remains as strong as ever.
Under the leadership of head coach Geno Auriemma, UConn continues to build on its reputation as the gold standard in women’s college basketball. This year’s squad—featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and explosive young talent—has overcome injuries, roster changes, and rising competition to keep their championship dreams alive.
A Balanced, Battle-Tested Team
Despite early-season doubts following the injury of star forward Ayanna Patterson, the Huskies regrouped around veteran leaders Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. Bueckers, who missed the entire 2022–23 season with an ACL tear, returned in dominant form, averaging 19.7 points per game and earning First Team All-American honors.
Against Stanford, Bueckers delivered once again—scoring 24 points, dishing out 6 assists, and recording 3 steals. Fudd added 18 points, including four crucial three-pointers that helped break the Cardinal’s momentum in the second half.
> “This group has been through a lot,” said Auriemma in the postgame press conference. “But they never stopped believing in each other. They earned this.”
Geno Auriemma’s Historic Streak
The 2025 Final Four marks another milestone in Geno Auriemma’s illustrious career:
23rd Final Four appearance overall (most in NCAA women’s basketball history)
12th in the last 15 seasons, highlighting UConn’s sustained excellence
11 national championships, with a shot at No. 12 in play this year
Auriemma, now in his 40th year as head coach, shows no signs of slowing down.
> “Every team is different,” he reflected. “But the goal never changes: excellence. We don’t just play to win; we play to set the standard.”
What’s Next: Final Four Showdown
UConn will face Iowa, led by NCAA scoring record-holder Caitlin Clark, in what is arguably the most anticipated women’s Final Four matchup in recent memory. The two programs have never met in the national semifinals, and fans are already dubbing it a “must-watch clash of titans.”
Tickets for the Final Four at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland are sold out, and early ratings projections suggest that this year’s women’s semifinals could break viewership records, thanks in part to star power on both sides.
The Bigger Picture: A Women’s Basketball Renaissance
UConn’s continued dominance comes at a time when women’s college basketball is experiencing unprecedented growth. From NIL deals and social media fame to primetime broadcast slots, the game is reaching new audiences.
The Huskies are a big part of that growth. With every Final Four appearance, they draw more eyes to the court, and more young girls to the game.
