The Paige Bueckers era at UConn has officially come to an end, but her story is far from over. She had an unforgettable college career and went through adversity, resilience, and friendships. Now Bueckers is heading to Dallas as the number one overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. But before she steps onto the pro court, we should reflect on her time at UConn as a whole, especially the last two years!

In the 2022–2023 season, Bueckers suffered a major knee injury, a torn ACL, and had to sit out her entire junior season, losing a year. But if you’ve followed her journey, you would know that this didn’t discourage her—it just set her up for something greater. When she returned to the court in the 2023–2024 season, her senior year, she played not just with skill, but with heart. Every minute on the floor felt intentional, every basket a reminder of what she had overcome.

Bueckers quickly got back to herself, leading the Huskies through one of their most challenging seasons. The season Caitlin Clark became so popular; before Clark rose to fame, Bueckers was one of the most well-known college female players in the nation. The team faced tough losses, injury setbacks, and the pressure of expectations, but Bueckers remained calm and led her team—not just on the court. Head Coach Geno Auriemma said in a press conference, “She came back better, not just physically, but mentally. She leads in ways stats can’t show.”

Bueckers shocked Husky fans and let those all around the nation know that she would be returning the following year, due to the year she lost from her injury. The 2024–2025 season was a brand new start. With a healthy roster, UConn was back in the spotlight, and Bueckers was once again the star of the team. Her court vision, leadership, and clutch performances led the Huskies deep into the NCAA tournament. Their journey ended in a win during the Championship against South Carolina, who had won the tournament the previous year against Caitlin Clark.

Off the court, Paige has continued to grow as someone to look up to for young athletes everywhere. Through NIL deals, community involvement, and her openness about recovery and mental health, she’s become more than a star—she’s a role model.

Paige was projected to be the number one draft pick for the WNBA, and fans everywhere waited to see what was next. Then came draft night.

The Dallas Wings made it official: Paige Bueckers, the number one overall pick. Fans, friends, and family cheered for Bueckers as she walked up to the stage and received her jersey. Of course, Bueckers stayed humble and said, “This is a dream come true, but it’s also just the beginning,” she said in her post-draft interview. “I’m grateful to UConn for everything. Now it’s time to work.”

As she steps into this next chapter, Paige carries with her the legacy she built at UConn and the lessons of every hardship she’s faced. From the sidelines due to injury to the spotlight of the WNBA, she’s proven that true greatness isn’t just in what you achieve—it’s how you are a leader.