After scoring 13 points in the UConn Huskies' win over Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Azzi Fudd reflected on the obstacles that slowed her early career, noting they ultimately shaped her path.

In a recent interview with CBS Mornings, Fudd was asked how her teammates would describe her. She answered simply, "I think they'd say resilient."

The Uconn No. 35 added, “I definitely had a few moments where I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get back to where I was or to play at UConn, to play at this level. But I felt like that's when I really started to work on my faith and have some conversations with my teammates and be honest and vulnerable with them.”

Subsequently, Fudd highlighted the bright side of her struggles, saying, “If I hadn't gone through what I did, if I hadn't struggled, if I hadn't been forced to learn and figure things out for myself, I definitely wouldn't be the person I am right now.”

Fudd was once seen as an elite prospect, alongside players like Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark, but injuries, especially an ACL tear, limited her chances to fully show her ability and raised doubts about her future.

Now healthy, Azzi Fudd has delivered several strong performances in the 2025–26 season, emerging as a potential No. 1 draft pick in 2026.

However, in addition to revealing the blessing of her struggles, Fudd also shed light on the deeper challenges she faced in returning to the court with the same vitality.

Azzi Fudd Opens Up on Injury Struggles Ahead of Final Four Clash

Multiple injuries limited Azzi Fudd to just 42 of UConn’s 112 games during her first three seasons. Watching her teammate Paige Bueckers go through similar struggles, she spoke about how tough it is mentally to be sidelined.

"It's just a form of torture almost, not being able to do the thing you love," Fudd said last month.

Now fully healthy, the 23-year-old has played in all 34 games for the UConn Huskies women's basketball this season and says her journey has helped motivate others dealing with injuries.

“My favorite thing is when girls write notes,” Fudd told Self’s Jordan Robinson.

“To know that you have that kind of power to impact someone’s life… To know that my journey, my injuries, are helping someone else find their confidence and see that light again.”

Fudd now looks to carry that momentum onto the next stage as the UConn Huskies are set to face Dawn Staley's South Carolina Gamecocks in the national semifinal of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.

Do you think she will be able to take her side past the Gamecocks challenge?

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Souvik Roy