STORRS, Conn. (AP) — The road to recovery has been long and painful for UConn’s veteran players, but their determination to return in time for March Madness never wavered. Paige Bueckers, Caroline Ducharme, Azzi Fudd, and Aubrey Griffin have endured countless setbacks, yet their resilience has forged an unbreakable bond.
Over the past four seasons, the third-ranked Huskies have played 143 games, but injuries have sidelined these four stars for a combined 302 games. Only recently have they all been healthy enough to step back on the court as UConn eyes its 12th national title.
“We’ve been through so much,” Fudd shared. “We’ve been rocks for each other, pillars to lean on. Only we know what we’ve endured and how we got through it.”
All four players have faced serious injuries, with Griffin, Fudd, and Bueckers each suffering ACL tears during their UConn careers.
Griffin, the longest-tenured of the group, has battled persistent injuries, missing 36 games in the 2021-22 season and 48 more over the last two years. She didn’t make her 2024-25 season debut until Jan. 19 against Seton Hall, later scoring double digits in three of the last six regular-season games. However, knee soreness forced her to sit out the Big East Tournament.
“I never wanted to give up,” Griffin said. “I love this game too much.”
While Griffin’s return was anticipated, Ducharme’s comeback was uncertain as she recovered from a career-threatening concussion. She made her long-awaited return on Feb. 22 against Butler, after months of doubt.
“There were times when walking away felt easier,” Ducharme admitted. “But my teammates have always been there for me. I wanted to be there for them too—not just on the court, but as a teammate, a supporter, someone they could rely on.”
Fudd and Bueckers, who have dreamed of playing together since their USA Basketball days, have faced their own battles. Fudd missed 37 of 39 games in the 2023-24 season, while Bueckers sat out all of 2022-23. Their journey hasn’t been easy, but they remain hopeful for a strong finish.
“We’ve been through a lot together,” Bueckers said. “Going through tough times with teammates makes the comeback even sweeter. Now, we get to share the joy of playing basketball again and enjoying our last college season together.”
Looking ahead, Ducharme has confirmed her return to UConn next season, while Fudd is weighing her options—either declaring for the WNBA Draft or playing another year with the Huskies.
For now, their focus is singular: leading UConn to another national championship.
“I’ve loved watching them fight through this,” said head coach Geno Auriemma. “It hasn’t been easy, but I’m glad they get to finish together—both on and off the court.”
