In a thunderous declaration that electrified UConn Nation, senior guard Azzi Fudd boldly predicted another championship run during the Huskies’ national title celebration on April 13. Fudd’s confident words “let’s run it back next year” reaffirmed the commitment she had made weeks earlier when declining to enter the WNBA Draft.
Fudd had officially announced her return to UConn for the 2025-2026 season via X on March 25, posting “Thank you Gampel for last night! #OneMoreYear” Her championship speech came just one week after leading the Huskies to their 12th national title with a victory over South Carolina on April 6. During the championship game, Fudd scored an impressive 24 points and grabbed five rebounds, well above her regular season averages of 13.6 points per game and 47.4% shooting from the field.
“Run It Back”: Fudd’s Bold Championship Vision
“UConn Nation, you guys are the best, and let’s run it back next year,” Fudd declared to the roaring crowd during her speech at the championship celebration, solidifying her earlier determination to utilize her remaining eligibility at UConn. She stated that her choice was influenced by discussing it with head coach Geno Auriemma, who felt she had still not reached her potential yet.
“This championship means everything. … Let’s run it back next year!”
Azzi Fudd wants to go back-to-back 🎤 pic.twitter.com/9yypiZWn8U
— espnW (@espnW) April 13, 2025
Fudd’s choice to stay at UConn takes on new relevance in light of the departure of teammate Paige Bueckers, who capped off her collegiate career with a championship win. Fudd will be a key part of the team’s plans that will include an increased leadership role, with a skilled shooting guard like Sarah Strong among the returning players.
From Final Four MOP to UConn’s Future Leader
Fudd’s tournament heroics cemented her place in UConn lore, as she averaged 17.5 points throughout the NCAA Tournament and exploded for 24 points and five rebounds in the championship game. Her clutch performances earned her Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors, showcasing the talent that has made her a standout player in Auriemma’s program.
During her championship speech, she highlighted the special bond with her teammates: “This championship means everything, but to do it with this team, this team is so special. Like these girls, my sisters, my friends for life, we’ve been through so much together. So to win this, get through all that adversity and bring it home, just the bond that we have, the love that we play with, it shows every single night.”
The emotional connection extended beyond her teammates as Fudd dedicated the victory to the Zitoon family: “I want to give a special shoutout to the Zitoon family and to Abby because you guys have been with us every step of the way. We know she was watching from heaven. She was in Tampa with us, and you guys mean the world to us.”
KEEP READING: Paige Bueckers Drop 6-word Message for Azzi Fudd After Championship Glory
With Fudd’s return, UConn aims to maintain its dynasty despite losing key seniors. Her February performance against St. John’s, where she scored 34 points and made eight three-pointers, showcased the offensive effectiveness she brings. As she boldly predicted, UConn’s quest for back-to-back titles now becomes the mission for a program that refuses to rebuild, only reload.
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