AZZI FUDD LEANS INTO THE MOMENT as she sits cross-legged on the floor of UConn’s practice facility, a handwritten set of instructions for a card game called Dinger sprawled before her. Clad in gray sweatpants and a pink sweatshirt, her casual attire contrasts with the focused intensity in her demeanor. Just a year removed from leading the Huskies to their 12th national championship, Fudd reflects on her formative years spent playing card games like Uno and Spades with her grandparents at their lake house in Minnesota. This nostalgic connection with games echoes her competitive spirit, and today, as she glances at her cards, she’s eager to apply her childhood experience to a new challenge.
As the sun rises higher in the sky, casting light through the facility’s windows, Fudd squints at her hand, strategizing her next move. Her hands move quickly, laying down cards with a sense of urgency. It’s a light-hearted moment that momentarily softens the weight of her responsibilities as a student-athlete and a competitor.
Fudd’s basketball journey is an impressive narrative. The 5-foot-11 guard not only led UConn to its national championship but also earned the title of Most Outstanding Player during a standout performance in the Final Four. Since that climactic moment, Fudd has stepped into new realms—wowing audiences at New York Fashion Week, launching a podcast, and collaborating with NBA superstar Stephen Curry during a trip to China. Yet, amidst her rising stardom, her primary focus remains steadfast: sharpening her game.
The summer was busy for Fudd, filled with rigorous training and moments aimed at recovery and growth. After battling through knee and foot injuries that limited her participation in her first three seasons, she is determined to seize every opportunity in her final college season. “I’m back in Storrs,” she declares, “and I want all the minutes I can get.” Fudd’s ambition is not only to shine individually but to help UConn strive for its first repeat championship since their four consecutive titles between 2013 and 2016. She’s not just interested in scoring; she aims to amplify her vocal leadership on the court, ensuring her teammates rally alongside her.
In the midst of our card game, Fudd calls out, “Hearts,” marking her decisive play. Just minutes later, she triumphantly declares, “Done,” with a smile, revealing a playful side that balances her competitive edge.
As March dawns and the NCAA tournament approaches, Fudd finds herself at her grandparents’ cottage in rural Connecticut, discussing her future with her parents. This conversation, steeped in uncertainty, revolves around her decision to stay for one more season or head to the WNBA. Coach Geno Auriemma’s inquiries have pushed her to weigh her options thoughtfully. Throughout the discussion, Fudd realizes she isn’t ready; her pre-college injury setbacks have ignited a fierce desire to play more before delving into professional basketball.
With just 42 games played in her first three seasons due to injuries, Fudd aims to maximize her time on the court. “She expressed feeling like she needed this year to regain her confidence,” Auriemma recounts. “She wants to be truly prepared for the highest level of play.” The past season’s numbers echo her return to health but also candidly reveal a struggle for enjoyment in the game. “There was a phase where I just didn’t enjoy playing,” Fudd shares, an acknowledgment of the psychological weight of her physical battles.
Yet, as she speaks to her parents, Fudd conveys her yearning for growth—a desire to rediscover her joy in basketball while also embracing the responsibilities and leadership that come with it. This candid interaction with her family signifies a transformative moment for her; the tears turn into resolve as she articulates her journey of resilience.
The journey back to form is laden with moments of doubt but also greatly supported by her family. Tim and Katie Fudd are attuned to their daughter’s needs on and off the court, offering insights while allowing her to navigate this complex period independently. As she resolves to return to UConn for one more shot at excellence, conversations laden with affection, support, and tough love help pave her path forward. “The tears, they’re drying up as she talks,” her father observes, witnessing his daughter’s transformation into the confident player she aspires to be.
This rejuvenation is evident as Fudd enters the NCAA tournament, showcasing her newfound confidence with standout performances; alternating between frustrations and breakthroughs. During the tournament, she averages 17.5 points, culminating in a gripping national championship game where she shines, further establishing her prowess as an elite player.
Post-championship, Fudd’s off-season is equally intense. As she trains with esteemed skills trainer Chris Brickley, she immerses herself in rigorous drills that test her physical and mental limits. In these high-energy sessions, she pushes against not just her body but also her mindset, finding ways to excel under pressure. Each successful drill reinforces her confidence and builds her readiness for what lies ahead.
Brickley commends her work ethic, acknowledging her unique talent: “When she’s confident, in a good space, healthy, I really don’t think there’s anyone in women’s basketball who can shoot the ball better than she can.” This affirmation enhances the fire within Fudd to showcase her skills consistently as she looks towards the horizon filled with potential, both in the WNBA and beyond.
Summer adventures also brought family close together. Fudd’s childhood memories of summer trips to Minnesota are cherished, and after a long season, she craves those connections. This past summer, the family embarked on a Caribbean cruise, a joy-filled escape where they shared meals and quality time, bolstering their bond. Moments of laughter, togetherness, and familial love were a welcome reprieve from the pressures of basketball life.
With the future looming and potential uncertainty about her WNBA journey, Fudd remains hopeful. She considers her family moments—camping in Minnesota and playing cards—sentiments deeply rooted in her foundation, where she learned resilience and joy. “I’m still going to try to figure it out, where I can at least make it to the cabin once because that is one of my favorite places, ever,” she muses.
As Fudd navigates her first exhibition game back at UConn, she showcases a different demeanor on the court. With a newfound aggression and a willingness to shoot at any given moment, she leaves behind remnants of hesitation and embraces leadership responsibilities with her teammates. Her growth is evident, with her desire to impact the game and lead by example coming to fruition. Her teammates echo this sentiment, noting her confidence and assertiveness as tangible improvements.
Despite the eagerness to showcase her abilities, Fudd still cherishes the lightheartedness of card games during our time together. “Go fast,” she playfully instructs, as both of us race against time to finish our match. The banter ensues, wrapping up our game with her competitive spirit sparkling through. With conversations transitioning between basketball ambitions and family ties, Fudd’s journey is more than just stats or titles; it’s about growth, resilience, and the moments that shape a champion.