The UConn women’s basketball program, already legendary in the annals of college sports, added another sparkling chapter to its storied legacy this week. Fresh off securing their 12th national championship by defeating South Carolina in the 2024-25 season, the Huskies gathered in Storrs to unveil their new title rings—a ceremony that was as much about celebrating the present as it was about honoring the program’s rich past.
But these weren’t just any championship rings. This year’s design had a personal touch, crafted by a trio of Huskies icons: former UConn star and current WNBA standout Paige Bueckers, alongside current team leaders Azzi Fudd and Caroline Ducharme. The result? A piece of jewelry that encapsulates history, camaraderie, and the very spirit that propelled UConn to yet another title.
The ring itself is a marvel of symbolism and style. Twelve trapezoid-shaped stones on the front represent each of UConn’s national championships, while five triangles on the side pay homage to five consecutive Big East Tournament titles. The bezel is removable, transforming into a pendant—a nod to versatility and legacy. Perhaps most striking is the inclusion of a piece of the actual championship game ball, encased under etched stone, connecting every player to the moment they claimed collegiate basketball’s biggest prize.
But it’s the details that truly set this ring apart. The phrase “The Power of Friendship” is carved into the side, a mantra credited by Bueckers as a driving force behind the team’s success. “On the other side, we’ve got the ‘Power of Friendship’ [written], which is the reason that we did win it,” Bueckers explained during the team’s “A Night With Champions” event. And on the bottom? The word “vibes”—a playful yet powerful reminder of the team’s approach. “Vibes was our vibe of the year. We just went off straight vibes, and we stuck together through it all,” Bueckers added, reflecting the unity and joy that defined the Huskies’ campaign.
Inside the ring, the journey is immortalized. Engraved are the scores of each pivotal game: from the 82-59 Sweet 16 thumping of Oklahoma to the identical 82-59 triumph over South Carolina in the title matchup. It’s a roadmap of resilience, a testament to the battles fought and won on the hardwood. “All in all, a beautiful decoration of all that we accomplished,” Bueckers said, beaming with pride. “I think you kind of just encapsulated everything that we had and everything we went through to get there.”
The 2024-25 season was nothing short of dominant for UConn. The Huskies finished with a 37-3 overall record and a spotless 18-0 mark in conference play, edging out Creighton by two games to claim the league crown. Their postseason run was equally impressive, with Bueckers leading the charge in her final collegiate campaign after missing the previous year due to injury. Across five NCAA Tournament games, she averaged a jaw-dropping 26.4 points on 55% shooting—including a blistering 52% from beyond the arc—while orchestrating the offense and locking down on defense.
Head coach Geno Auriemma, who has helmed the program through decades of triumphs and challenges, didn’t shy away from sharing what makes Bueckers special. During a recent event, he described her as “delusional”—but in the best way possible. “She’s the most confident human being, probably, that I’ve been around for a long, long time,” Auriemma said. Yet, he also acknowledged the growth that came from adversity. Reflecting on a tough 80-76 loss to Tennessee, he admitted, “That Tennessee game was my opportunity to say, look, we’re going to go one way or the other. So I took a shot at it and said she’s either going to quit, transfer, or go downhill, or she’s going to change. So I tried to hurt her.”
Auriemma’s tough love paid off. “To her credit, she took that and became maybe one of the best NCAA Tournament players ever and national champion,” he noted. The transformation was evident not just in Bueckers’ stats, but in her leadership and the way she rallied her teammates through the season’s highs and lows.
The ring ceremony wasn’t just a moment of nostalgia for Bueckers. Now a rising star with the Dallas Wings and the WNBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year, she returned to Storrs for a bit of fun and mentorship. Donning a red practice jersey, Bueckers ran drills with the Huskies’ scout team, trading playful jabs with her old coach and showing off the trash-talking skills that once made her a legend in UConn practices. “What she would say under her breath to those guys, you don’t want to know,” Auriemma joked, recalling her competitive fire. “So I get it, it’s part of the game, but when it comes back to you, you’ve got to be able to take it.”
Her return was met with excitement from fans and current players alike. The UConn Women’s Basketball social media account even posted a photo of Bueckers with the caption, “Tried out a new practice player today,” racking up thousands of likes within hours. It’s clear that her presence still looms large in the program, even as the team prepares for its first season in half a decade without her on the roster.
The Huskies won’t have to wait long to defend their crown. Their 2025-26 campaign tips off on November 5 against Louisville, with a tune-up exhibition against Southern Connecticut State scheduled for October 26 at the newly renovated PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford. Though Bueckers won’t be suiting up, her fingerprints are all over this team—from the championship rings to the culture of confidence and unity she helped foster.
As the next generation of Huskies prepares to chase a 13th national title, they’ll do so inspired by the legacy of Bueckers and her teammates. The new rings are more than just jewelry—they’re a symbol of friendship, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of greatness that defines UConn women’s basketball.
With the echoes of last season’s triumph still ringing and the sparkle of new hardware on their fingers, the Huskies are ready to write the next chapter in their dynasty. And somewhere in Dallas, Paige Bueckers will surely be watching—cheering, critiquing, and, of course, keeping those championship vibes alive.
