UConn sophomore Sarah Strong wins Naismith Player of the Year
PHOENIX — UConn sophomore forward Sarah Strong won the 2026 Naismith Trophy on Wednesday, which goes to the top women's basketball player in the country. The award could not have come as surprise to her coach, Geno Auriemma, who has called her the best player in the country. “Sarah’s one of those high-level players who looks you right in the eye every time you’re talking to her and gets every single word you’re saying," Auriemma told USA TODAY Sports in February.
"And if she has a question, she’s not afraid to ask it because to her, ‘I don’t want to miss anything when I’m on the court. ’ “She’s curious about the game and, I think she’s curious about life in general, and that contributes to her ability to play at such a high level. ” Strong averaged 18.
6 points, 7. 6 rebounds, 3. 9 assists, 3.
4 steals and 1. 6 blocks in leading UConn (38-0) to an undefeated season and Final Four bid. She's shooting 59.
4% from the field, 40. 4% from 3-point range and 84. 8% at the free throw line.