UConn women's basketball tops Big East preseason poll, Sarah Strong is Player of the Year

The UConn women's basketball team has solidified its position as the Big East preseason favorite for the 2026-27 season. During a media conference call on Thursday in New York, the Huskies were named the conference's preseason favorite for the seventh consecutive year. This is the fourth consecutive year UConn has swept the preseason individual awards, with senior Sarah Strong being crowned the unanimous preseason Player of the Year and freshman Olivia Vukosa receiving the unanimous preseason Freshman of the Year honors.

Along with Strong and Vukosa, UConn seniors KK Arnold and sophomore Blanca Quiñonez were unanimous selections to the preseason All-Big East Team. Sophomore guard Ashlynn Shade was named to the team's honorable mention list.

Strong, who led UConn with 18.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game last season despite dealing with achilles soreness, begins her upperclassman season as the reigning National Player of the Year. The team has shown improvement in her rehabilitation process, with Auriemma noting she is working harder than ever in practice.

Vukosa, projected as a top recruit in the Class of 2026, brings high expectations to Storrs. The 6-foot-4 center, who was the national Gatorade Player of the Year, led Croatia in the FIBA Under-18 EuroBasket. She is expected to significantly impact the Huskies' frontcourt, particularly with her 3-point shooting ability.

Arnold, who took over as the Huskies' leader last season, has seen growth in her leadership and defensive skills. She led UConn with 4.6 assists per game and was second in the nation with a 4.05 assist-to-turnover ratio. Quiñonez, who made a strong return from shoulder surgery last season, is expected to take on a bigger role as the Huskies' No. 2 offensive threat, especially with her return to health.

Shade, who has increased her defense and rebounding over the past two seasons, returns for her final year with the Huskies. The team was voted the Big East's preseason favorite by coaches once again. Under Auriemma, UConn has lost only three conference games since rejoining the Big East, with a program-record 70-game winning streak in the conference dating back to February 2023.