Former U.S. President Barack Obama shared a heartfelt shoutout to celebrate the UConn Huskies for their 12th NCAA National Championship.
The team’s commanding 82-59 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday felt like a long-awaited homecoming for the Huskies, led by the legendary Coach Geno Auriemma and stars Paige Bueckers, Sarah Strong, and Azzi Fudd, who poured their hearts into the game.
Barack Obama Congratulates Paige Bueckers, UConn Huskies
Former US President Barack Obama couldn’t hold back his excitement for the UConn Huskies after they won their latest national championship.
“Congratulations to Coach Auriemma, Paige Bueckers, Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd, and all the Huskies for winning the NCAA Championship!”
Congratulations to Coach Auriemma, Paige Bueckers, Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd and all the Huskies for winning the NCAA Championship! https://t.co/cqA01CfM6g
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 7, 2025
The championship game in Tampa featured UConn starting off with full intensity, which they sustained until the final buzzer.
Azzi Fudd shone as the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player during the championship game, scoring 24 points while stealing the ball three times to energize the court.
During the third quarter, when she hit a corner 3, UConn’s momentum soared, with their lead reaching 53-39 while fans got completely wild.
In her final college match, Paige Bueckers scored 17 points alongside her smooth playmaking and leadership, and Sarah Strong brought 24 points and 15 rebounds as a freshman. The entire team’s collaboration generated a feeling of remarkable athletic performance, which fans equate with the sport’s mystical charm.
For UConn, this win was more than just a trophy—it was a comeback story. The Huskies hadn’t won a title since 2016, and the past nine years had been a rollercoaster of close calls and tough injuries for players like Bueckers and Fudd.
Coach Auriemma, who recently became the winningest coach in NCAA history with 1,217 victories, had been carrying the weight of those near-misses. This victory felt like a release, a moment where everything finally clicked, proving that UConn’s legacy in women’s basketball is as strong as ever.
Geno Auriemma and UConn’s Championship Pedigree
The route to this championship included challenging phases, yet Obama deemed it fitting to applaud UConn’s determination. Auriemma gave an honest account of the difficult path that led to the championship win.
The celebration wasn’t just about the present—it was a nod to UConn’s storied past. Former UConn player-turned-analyst Rebecca Lobo, speaking at Auriemma’s record-breaking 1,217th win celebration in November 2024, captured the program’s magic.
“It’s not very often in life where you get to experience something that has never been done before.”
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Her words felt prophetic as UConn added another chapter to their legacy. Obama’s tweet amplified this sentiment, shining a spotlight on a team that has inspired generations, from legends like Lobo to the young fans watching Fudd and Bueckers dominate the court.
The victory wasn’t just a personal triumph for Bueckers, Fudd, and Strong—it was a shared moment of joy for the UConn community, past and present. Obama’s words reminded everyone that this win wasn’t just a game; it was a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and a legacy that continues to shine brightly.
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