STORRS, Conn. — UConn coach Geno Auriemma avoids ranking his players in the ‘greatest ever’ debate, preferring to let others decide. With 12 national championships and 27 All-Americans under his belt, the numbers alone make it challenging. Yet, it’s the diverse forms of greatness he’s witnessed that truly complicates the choice.
Greatness in Many Forms
Auriemma recalls Diana Taurasi’s bold dominance, Sue Bird’s subtle control, Maya Moore’s whirlwind energy, Breanna Stewart’s effortless streak-handling, and Paige Bueckers’ confident proclamation. Now, Sarah Strong emerges with a unique presence.
“She’s like this mist that’s everywhere,” Auriemma describes, arms fanning out, fingers fluttering. “Your eyes just keep following her everywhere she goes, every play she makes. And you don’t say anything and you wonder, how can anything be that easy?”
Record-Breaking Sophomore Season
Last season, as national freshman of the year, Strong complemented stars like Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, proving pivotal in their title run. This year, she guided UConn to its 11th undefeated regular season, earning national player of the year honors alongside Big East player and defensive player of the year awards.
Strong shot 60 percent from the field, 42.5 percent from three, and 88.2 percent from the free-throw line—nearly achieving the elusive 60-40-90 mark unseen in NBA, WNBA, or college basketball. Her defense stands as the best since at least 2009, per rating stats.
The Huskies clinched the Big East tournament title and secured a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed, powered by Strong’s impact. Observers often watch one possession and ponder if she’s Auriemma’s finest—or at least since a legendary predecessor.
An Old-Soul on the Court
Auriemma bristles at early comparisons, noting she’s midway through her career, but understands the hype. “She feels basketball like a 10-year veteran pro. She doesn’t feel it like a 19-year-old,” says ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo, Auriemma’s first UConn All-American. “It’s like an old-soul, experienced sensibility that she has. I can’t think of a comparison.”
Auriemma labeled her generational talent pre-arrival, distinct in an era of fame-hungry recruits. Strong shuns social media, cameras, and interviews, prioritizing team success over personal branding.
“I’m not really waking up every day worried about how much money I can make. I’m just worried about how I can be better for my team and make it far in March,” Strong says.
Rejecting the Spotlight
In the NIL era, stars like Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Caitlin Clark built empires via social media and endorsements, averaging 3.7 million Instagram followers. Strong’s minimal presence—119,000 followers, rare posts managed by her team—hasn’t deterred deals with Jordan Brand, Madison Reed, and Unrivaled.
Her mother, Allison Feaster, a former WNBA player and Boston Celtics executive, notes, “There’s certainly a tradeoff. Young athletes nowadays are overexposed. We’ve always believed that if it’s yours, it’s going to come.” Feaster adds, “It’s just Sarah and what her priorities are.”
Strong played on her dad’s AAU team, transferred to a small private high school, and avoids stardom chases. Teammate Fudd says, “It’s just so Sarah that she doesn’t really care about all that other stuff.”
From Shy Recruit to Headliner
During recruitment of the top 2024 prospect, Strong rarely answered calls, appearing mature on-court yet shy off it. “It was refreshing,” Auriemma says. “You don’t meet many kids that are that talented and who aren’t affected by the things around them.”
On campus, media training helped her manage interviews. As March Madness nears, with six wins from a repeat title—joining elite company like UConn’s past dynasties—Strong steps into the spotlight.
Auriemma knows distractions won’t faze her. “What a novel idea that someone is recognized around the country simply for the thing that she loves the most.” Her mist-like presence promises more as UConn chases history.
