UConn’s women’s basketball players received recognition for their academic accomplishments, as 11 out of the 14 rostered players were introduced during halftime at Gampel Pavilion. The acknowledgment was part of the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, celebrating student-athletes who achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher in the spring or fall 2023 semester. Notably, the Huskies’ commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics was highlighted, reflecting the university’s culture.
Paige Bueckers, Nika Mühl, and Aaliyah Edwards, among others, represented a diverse range of players from seniors to true freshmen. Coach Geno Auriemma expressed the significance of succeeding in academics alongside the demands of college basketball, emphasizing the promise made to parents and the importance of delivering on it.
Auriemma and associate head coach Chris Dailey, since their arrival in 1985, have ensured that every four-year player completing eligibility with the Huskies has earned a degree. Former UConn players Rebecca Lobo and Maya Moore have been named Big East women’s basketball scholar-athlete twice.
The commitment to academics played a role in recruiting players like KK Arnold, who noted the emphasis on academic support, study hall, and adjusting to college-level academics. The players’ dedication to balancing academic responsibilities with a demanding travel schedule spoke volumes about their character and priorities.
Beyond the basketball team, Grace Maria, a freshman on the women’s volleyball team and daughter of former UConn guard Sarah Northway, was among 21 student-athletes honored for achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA. Northway herself earned a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2001 after her basketball career at UConn.
