The University of Connecticut (UConn) women’s basketball program is one of the most storied and successful in NCAA history. Over the years, the program has produced countless standout players who have achieved greatness both on the court and in their post-college careers. Here’s a look at the 10 greatest players in UConn women’s basketball history.
1. Diana Taurasi
Diana Taurasi is widely regarded as the greatest player in UConn history. A guard known for her scoring ability, leadership, and basketball IQ, Taurasi led the Huskies to three NCAA championships (2002, 2003, and 2004) and was a key player throughout her college career. She is UConn’s all-time leading scorer and a two-time NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Taurasi’s incredible ability to score, especially in clutch moments, has made her a legend both in college basketball and the WNBA, where she has also won multiple championships.
2. Maya Moore
Maya Moore is another player who left an indelible mark on UConn’s history. A versatile forward, Moore helped lead the Huskies to two undefeated seasons (2009-10 and 2013-14) and four NCAA championships (2009, 2010, 2013, and 2014). Moore’s all-around game—scoring, rebounding, and defense—was exceptional, and she earned numerous accolades during her time at UConn, including two NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player awards. After college, Moore went on to have a successful career in the WNBA, where she became one of the league’s top stars.
3. Breanna Stewart
Breanna Stewart is another player who is often mentioned alongside Taurasi and Moore as one of the best to ever play at UConn. Stewart helped the Huskies win four consecutive NCAA championships (2013-2016), cementing her legacy as one of the greatest players in college basketball history. Stewart’s combination of size, skill, and basketball intelligence made her nearly unstoppable, and she earned the Naismith College Player of the Year Award multiple times. Her dominance on both ends of the court is unparalleled, and she is considered one of the best women’s basketball players of all time.
4. Sue Bird
Sue Bird, a legendary point guard, is widely regarded as one of the best facilitators in basketball history. During her time at UConn, Bird helped lead the Huskies to two NCAA championships (2000 and 2002). Known for her court vision, leadership, and passing ability, Bird set numerous records at UConn and played a key role in the program’s rise to prominence. After college, Bird went on to have an illustrious career in the WNBA and the Olympics, where she helped the United States win multiple gold medals.
5. Rebecca Lobo
Rebecca Lobo was one of the pioneers of women’s college basketball. As the centerpiece of UConn’s first national championship team in 1995, Lobo helped elevate the program to national prominence. She was known for her versatility, basketball IQ, and defensive prowess. Lobo went on to have a successful career in the WNBA and as a broadcaster, but her impact on UConn women’s basketball cannot be overstated. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.
6. Kemba Walker
While Kemba Walker is best known for his time at UConn’s men’s program, his presence on this list highlights the program’s overall success. During his time at UConn, Walker led the team to an NCAA championship in 2011 and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. His clutch performances in the NCAA tournament have made him one of UConn’s all-time greats, demonstrating the Huskies’ exceptional tradition of excellence across both men’s and women’s basketball.
7. Tina Charles
Tina Charles was a dominant force for UConn during her time with the program. She was the centerpiece of UConn’s 2009 national championship team and earned numerous individual accolades, including the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2010. Charles was known for her scoring ability, rebounding, and defense. She went on to have a stellar career in the WNBA, where she became one of the top players in the league.
8. Nykesha Sales
Nykesha Sales was one of the best guards in UConn history and was known for her scoring ability, toughness, and leadership. Sales helped lead the Huskies to a national title in 1995 and was a two-time All-American. She left UConn as the program’s all-time leading scorer at the time and was instrumental in putting the Huskies on the map as a national powerhouse.
9. Kia Nurse
Kia Nurse was a dynamic guard who played for UConn from 2014 to 2018. A versatile scorer and defender, Nurse was a key player during UConn’s 2016 and 2017 undefeated seasons, helping the team win back-to-back national championships. Nurse was known for her leadership and clutch play, and she went on to have a successful career in the WNBA.
10. Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi Combo. Both Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi played for UConn at the same time and formed one of the most dynamic backcourt duos in college basketball history. Their chemistry and complementary skills were key to UConn’s success in the early 2000s, and they went on to have long and successful careers in the WNBA.
These ten players represent the pinnacle of UConn women’s basketball. Each of them left an enduring legacy at the school, contributing to the program’s reputation as one of the most dominant forces in women’s college sports. Their achievements on the court have shaped the history of the sport and continue to inspire future generations of players.