UConn Secures 12th National Championship; Senior Paige Buckers Expresses Faith in God’s Strength – One America News Network
OAN Staff Abril Elfi
5:40 PM – Monday, April 7, 2025
The UConn Huskies have secured their 12th national championship title in the Women’s March Madness tournament.
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On Sunday, the No. 2 seed Huskies triumphed 82-58 over No. 1 seed South Carolina, marking their first championship title in nine years.
“I’m grateful for all of my former players who are here,” stated Head Coach Geno Auriemma. “When we cut down the nets, and everyone gets a piece of it? I wish we had enough nets for each of them to have a piece because of how much they mean to us.”
Senior guard Paige Bueckers, likely to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft on April 14th, described the achievement as “extremely validating” during her postgame remarks.
“We feel incredibly connected, nothing could tear us apart,” Bueckers shared in the postgame interview. “We’ve faced many challenges — both individually and as a team — so we believe that nothing life or basketball throws at us could break our bond. Sharing this moment is deeply validating.”
She also emphasized the importance of remaining true to oneself.
“Some people doubt you, thinking you’re doing this alone,” Bueckers remarked during the interview. “We rely on God’s strength here, and through His power, for His purposes. We are not alone in this.”
“It’s destiny, and I have a strong faith, so I believe God orchestrated everything perfectly.”
Bueckers returned last season and led UConn to the Final Four, where they narrowly lost to Iowa by two points. Nonetheless, she expressed her gratitude to God in a postgame interview after their Elite Eight victory over USC.
“I’m filled with gratitude. I’m a living proof,” Bueckers told ESPN. “I give all glory to God. He works in mysterious ways. Last year, I prayed to return at this stage. I faced trials and tribulations meant to shape my character and test my faith — to see if I believed only in good times. I kept my faith strong. I did my part so that God could handle what I couldn’t.”
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