2025 was a good year for Paige Bueckers. She won the NCAA title with UConn, was the first overall pick with Dallas Wings, earned Rookie of the Year, and also got a call for the senior women's Team USA training camp.

But it gets better. Paige Bueckers has caught the spotlight in The Athletic's recent list of women's biggest sports moments of the year.

The Athletic recognizes Paige Bueckers

One of The Athletic's writers, Sabreena Merchant, wrote Paige’s recap, aptly titling it ‘The final Paige in the book of Bueckers’.

"UConn star Paige Bueckers earned the storybook ending to her collegiate career as the Huskies demolished UCLA and South Carolina in the 2025 Final Four to win their 12th title in program history."

"Bueckers was the top recruit in a loaded 2020 high school class (one that included Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink in its top five)," added Merchant. Despite the competition, Bueckers lived up to the expectations by winning the national player of the year as a freshman.

"Her debut season ultimately ended in disappointment in the national semifinals, as the Huskies’ title drought extended to five years, and the real struggle was yet to come," Merchant explained.

Unfortunately, Merchant also noted how her injuries and teammates' health issues delayed Paige Buecker's WNBA debut. However, that fifth year at UConn was truly memorable.

The final bow at UConn

"The payoff came in 2025. With a healthy Azzi Fudd and freshman phenom Sarah Strong by her side, Bueckers led the Huskies to the promised land as UConn won its first championship in nine years," wrote Sabreena Merchant.

The reporter ended by elaborating about Paige Bueckers' final moments with UConn. "After four Final Fours and three All-American seasons, Bueckers cried on coach Geno Auriemma’s shoulder as she exited her last game with victory in hand, adding the ultimate item to her historic college resume."

Although the Dallas Wings star would have wanted to do better than 10-34, the franchise has a chance to rebuild with a first pick for the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Besides Bueckers, Napheesa Collier, A’ja Wilson, and the CBA negotiations also made The Athletic's list.

Yet, do you think the Dallas Wings star can have an equally impressive second year in the WNBA?

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi