{
  "id": 6668108,
  "title": "Azzi Fudd joins Ilona Maher's show, reflects on Connecticut roots and Quinnipiac rugby cut",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/azzi-fudd-joins-ilona-mahers-show-reflects-on-connecticut-roots-and",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-11T00:03:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/azzi-fudd-joins-ilona-mahers-000345367.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two prominent women in sports, Ilona Maher and Azzi Fudd, share their experiences from Connecticut and the world of college athletics. Maher, a former rugby player for Quinnipiac University, was drawn to the state because of its strong rugby and nursing programs. Fudd, a former basketball player for the University of Connecticut (UConn), joined Maher for a digital show, Power Hour, where they discussed their college experiences. Maher regretted the recent decision by the university to discontinue the rugby program, while Fudd highlighted the difference between the passion and team spirit of UConn fans and those of other NCAA fanbases. The duo also touched on the influence of Connecticut's location near New York City on their careers, mentioning events like New York Fashion Week and collaborations with designers. Fudd recently underwent surgery for a knee injury that ended her WNBA rookie season.",
  "summary": "Azzi Fudd and Ilona Maher reflected on their Connecticut college careers during a workout on Maher's new digital series.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ilona Maher, former Quinnipiac rugby player, discusses Connecticut roots",
    "Azzi Fudd, UConn basketball alum, joins Maher for Power Hour show",
    "Maher regrets rugby program discontinuation, Fudd notes fan differences"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Azzi Fudd joining Ilona Maher's show highlights the lasting impact of Connecticut's sports culture on its prominent female athletes, particularly those from UConn and Quinnipiac University.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}