UConn Women's Basketball Dominance Extends to WNBA with Every Team Now Boasting a Former Husky

UConn's legendary women's basketball program has become an unyielding pipeline for the WNBA, with every team now featuring at least one former Husky on their roster. This remarkable achievement showcases the Huskies' unparalleled success and the impact of head coach Geno Auriemma.

Since Rebecca Lobo blazed the trail as the first UConn player to reach the WNBA in 1997, the Huskies have established an unbreakable bond with the professional league. Fast forward to 2023, and every single WNBA team boasts a former UConn standout, marking a testament to the program's unwavering dominance.

This extraordinary feat is a direct reflection of the unmatched legacy built by head coach Geno Auriemma over the past four decades. Under his guidance, the Huskies have won an astounding 11 NCAA Division I National Championships, solidifying their status as the preeminent force in women's college basketball.

The Huskies' impact on the WNBA has been nothing short of profound. They have produced a pantheon of superstars who have left an indelible mark on the league. Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart are just a few of the countless UConn alums who have graced the WNBA with their brilliance.

Currently, 17 former Huskies grace the rosters of all 12 WNBA teams. This impressive contingent includes Tina Charles (Atlanta Dream), Moriah Jefferson (Chicago Sky), Olivia Nelson-Ododa (Connecticut Sun), Lou Lopez Senechal (Dallas Wings), Katie Lou Samuelson (Indiana Fever), Tiffany Hayes and Kiah Stokes (Las Vegas Aces), and Crystal Dangerfield, Kia Nurse, and Azura Stevens (Los Angeles Sparks).

Three of these former Huskies are set to represent Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics: Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier. Their presence on the Olympic team is a testament to their exceptional talent and the enduring legacy of UConn women's basketball.

With Paige Bueckers, a projected top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, set to return to UConn for a fifth year, the Huskies' unwavering influence on the league is poised to continue for years to come. Bueckers' decision to extend her college career is a testament to the unparalleled growth and development opportunities she has experienced at UConn.

The dominance of UConn in the WNBA is a testament to the program's unwavering commitment to excellence and its ability to nurture and develop exceptional talent. The Huskies have not only raised the bar for women's basketball but have also played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the WNBA, bringing joy and inspiration to countless fans worldwide.