The University of Connecticut’s women’s basketball squad is up for best team at the 2025 ESPY Awards tonight, but for all intents and purposes, they’re already winners.
In April, the Huskies won the NCAA National Championship, representing the program’s 12th title under legendary head coach Geno Auriemma. Led by current WNBA rookie Paige Bueckers, however—who, over the course of five seasons at UConn, became one of the most dominant, visible, and beloved players in women’s basketball—the 2024-2025 team garnered unprecedented popularity. Whether crushing their competition, capitalizing on NIL deals, or sharing TikToks that went viral within moments of being posted, they had legions of enthusiastic fans cheering them on.
“There’s definitely been a huge rise in women’s basketball in the last few years, and it’s really exciting to see and be a part of,” UConn guard Azzi Fudd told Vogue via email earlier this week. “UConn also just has the greatest fans, and we feel so loved and supported by them.” Affectionately nicknamed “The People’s Princess” by those fans, Fudd had yet to land on an ESPYs look when she first spoke to Vogue—but she knew who to run her options by. “I will definitely be consulting with Paige,” she said. “She’s like my own personal stylist.” (Bueckers, who now plays for the Dallas Wings, was unable to attend tonight’s ceremony due to a game against the Las Vegas Aces.)
Earlier today, the UConn women’s basketball team and coaching staff arrived at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, where they got ready for the ESPY Awards and reflected on their stellar season. Ayanna Patterson opted for a black suit with gold accessories, while Aubrey Griffin flexed her fashion IQ. “I used six ties in a creative way to build the look,” she said. “I came up with it myself, and it reflects how I like to approach fashion: as a creative outlet.”
While the team relishes in every opportunity to hang out (“We all just love being with each other,” Morgan Cheli said) and looks forward to supporting fellow athletes (“I’m rooting for everyone,” KK Arnold shared), on the most fashionable night in sports, they do have some opinions on today’s best dressed athletes. Patterson’s pick? “Paige Bueckers.”
Ahead, more from the UConn women’s basketball team as they prepped for the 2025 ESPY Awards.
Evan Rodriguez1/16KK Arnold
Evan Rodriguez2/16Azzi Fudd
Evan Rodriguez3/16“The best part of my freshman year was definitely winning the national championship. Besides that, it was really great to get immersed in the culture of UConn and get to know my teammates and coaches.” —Allie Ziebell
Evan Rodriguez4/16Ashlynn Shade
Evan Rodriguez5/16I’m doing my own makeup for the ESPYs. I want it to look a little chill. I might have a smokey eye or a little wing, but I want it to be not super dramatic.
Evan Rodriguez6/16Morgan Cheli
Evan Rodriguez7/16“I don’t have many occasions where I get to dress up, so I do like getting dressed up. My goal for picking out an outfit for the ESPYs was for it to be simple and elegant.” —Ashlynn Shade
Evan Rodriguez8/16Allie Ziebell
Evan Rodriguez9/16Aubrey Griffin
Evan Rodriguez10/16“Next season I’m looking forward to enjoying all the little moments. It’ll be my last season at UConn so I’m just going to take it all in and focus on having fun with my teammates.” —Caroline Ducharme
Evan Rodriguez11/16“I’m usually into sportswear but for the ESPYs I’m going to wear a more feminine suit.” —KK Arnold
Evan Rodriguez12/16“I think the best part of last season outside the championship was just being with my teammates. We had a really special bond so being together both on the court and off the court was always a good time.” —Ice Brady
13/16Azzi Fudd
Evan Rodriguez14/16“I am excited to see my teammates and hang out with them, I think it’s going to be a fun night.” —Sarah Strong
Evan Rodriguez15/16Ayanna Patterson
Evan Rodriguez16/16“Women’s basketball being on this stage and having this moment is such a testament to so many of the pioneers that paved the way for our sport. We celebrate them and today’s players to the fullest as we continue to grow the game for the future.” —Jamelle Elliott, Assistant Coach
