UConn star Sarah Strong revealed this week that she played through an Achilles injury throughout the 2025-26 season, shedding light on the physical toll the injury took on her body.
Strong addressed reporters during a summer media session in Storrs this week, explaining that the injury first appeared while playing with Team USA during a 3×3 basketball game in Mongolia last summer.
Strong admitted the injury affected more than just her performance on the court.
“I’m specifically rehabbing my Achilles,” Strong said. “Aside from that, I’m feeling good and excited to get back into a rhythm with my team.”
The UConn star explained that the Achilles issue followed her through everyday activities and became increasingly difficult to ignore as the season progressed.
“It affected me throughout my everyday life,” Strong said. “I’m not going to say it didn’t hinder me at all; I would feel it just walking to class or trying to sleep.”
Despite the injury, Strong played in 38 of UConn’s 39 games, averaging 18.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game last season.
UConn Taking Cautious Approach This Summer
Rather than participating in Team USA events or full team workouts, the sophomore forward has focused completely on recovery for now. She recently resumed individual workouts but remains out of team activities as she continues her rehabilitation
“I just started individual drills this past Monday, so I’m slowly getting back into the groove of things,” she said.
“It’s definitely been good. I feel like my body really needed it,” she added.
The coaching staff and family agreed that prioritizing recovery was the best path forward as the team prepares for another good season.
With former UConn stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd now playing professionally, Strong is expected to become the face of the program and take on bigger responsibilities.
When asked about any specific recovery aspect she is prioritizing this summer, Strong said- “Strength training. Lifting heavy is so important for athletes, and they emphasize that a lot here. Outside of standard basketball workouts, I’m also starting to incorporate Pilates and focused recovery sessions.”
For now, however, the focus remains on getting healthy.
After playing through months of Achilles pain, Strong is hoping that a full summer dedicated to recovery will help her return at full strength for another title run.
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