UConn Huskies veteran Paige Bueckers capped off her collegiate career in stunning fashion, leading her team to an NCAA Championship victory over the reigning champions, the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Huskies dominated with a 23-point win, 82–59, securing the national title and completing Bueckers’ comeback story.
Her journey to the top, however, was far from easy. Appearing on the Today show last Tuesday, Bueckers reflected on the adversity she had to overcome throughout her college career.
“It was a journey of resilience, of overcoming adversity,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world just because it became such a beautiful story and remarkable journey — of ups and downs, highs and lows, of keeping the faith and working extremely hard. I really wouldn’t trade it, just to have that overwhelming sense of gratitude for life.”
After an injury-laden sophomore season, Bueckers knew the only way forward was through relentless effort. Her journey of recovery was grueling, but her determination never wavered. Now, in her final collegiate year, she has reached the pinnacle of her career, leading the Huskies to a national title and heading into the WNBA draft on a high note.
“The appreciation for everything that comes your way, and then to cap it off with this — it’s just been an amazing journey,” she said.
Paige Bueckers’ rise from done and out to a National Champion
After suffering a tibial plateau fracture and lateral meniscus tear in her left knee in December 2021, Paige Bueckers suffered an ACL tear that made her junior season one to forget. However, Bueckers knew the only way forward was through relentless effort. Her journey of recovery was grueling, but her determination never wavered.
Now, in her final collegiate year, she has reached the pinnacle of her career, leading the Huskies to a national title and heading into the WNBA draft on a high note.
Her comeback resonated deeply within the UConn community, as pointed out by Sports journalist Bomani Jones in the latest episode of his podcast, The Right Time with Bomani Jones.
“I don’t know how often it happens when someone as hyped as Paige Bueckers comes in and takes a more traditional, grueling path to a national championship. You get to the end of it, and you’re like, ‘Yo!’ You really went through it with her.”
Bueckers’ rise from injured star to national champion is more than a sports comeback — it’s a story of grit, faith, and perseverance, leaving a lasting legacy at UConn and inspiring fans far beyond the court.
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Yelle is a broadcast communications graduate from the University of Perpetual Help-Dalta and has pursued a career in television and news writing in Net 25 and Radyo Agila. Some of her works can also be seen through her previous publication in Fastbreak.com.ph.
