HARTFORD, Conn. — In a major boost for the UConn Huskies, Azzi Fudd, one of the team’s most experienced and battle-tested players, has announced her decision to return for the 2025-26 season, using her redshirt year of eligibility. Her return strengthens UConn’s roster, ensuring the team retains a key veteran presence as it prepares for another championship run.
A former No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2021, Fudd has faced numerous injury setbacks throughout her college career, limiting her to 72 games over four seasons. After missing nearly all of 2023-24 due to an ACL and meniscus tear, she made her much-anticipated comeback in November 2024, delivering one of her strongest seasons yet.
This year, Fudd is averaging 13.4 points per game, while leading UConn in 3-point shooting (45.3%), field goal percentage (48.6%), and free throw accuracy (92.6%). She has played in 30 games, starting 26, and has played a crucial role in the Huskies’ NCAA Tournament success.
One of her standout performances came in UConn’s dominant 87-58 upset over No. 2 South Carolina, where she led the Huskies with 28 points, knocking down 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. She also showcased her shooting ability in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, scoring 27 points with six three-pointers in UConn’s 103-34 blowout win.
Fudd was previously projected as a late first-round pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, with mock drafts linking her to the Connecticut Sun (No. 8) or Minnesota Lynx (No. 11). However, her return provides a veteran presence and offensive firepower for a UConn team looking to stay at the top. She will play alongside freshman Sarah Strong, redshirt freshman Jana El Alfy, and sophomores KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade, forming a talented and competitive core.
UConn will lose superstar Paige Bueckers, expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, along with graduate transfer Kaitlyn Chen and sixth-year senior Aubrey Griffin. However, Fudd’s decision to return ensures the Huskies remain championship contenders in 2025-26.
With her elite shooting, leadership, and experience, Fudd’s return is a significant boost for UConn as they set their sights on another deep tournament run next season.
