UConn returned to the pinnacle of women’s college basketball in early April when the program won its first national title in nine years. Wednesday’s massive transfer portal addition could mean the Huskies stay there in 2026.
Forward Serah Williams, the best remaining player in the transfer portal, announced her commitment to UConn on Wednesday, selecting the reigning national champions over LSU and North Carolina, according to ESPN.
Last season at Maryland, Williams averaged 19.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game while shooting 49.3 percent. She joins exceptional 2024-25 freshman 6-foot-2 forward Sarah Strong and rising senior guard Azzi Fudd to give UConn a great shot at winning back-to-back titles.
Strong averaged 16.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per game last season, earning Big East Rookie of the Year honors. During the NCAA Tournament, she averaged 19 points, 11.7 rebounds and two blocks per game while shooting 64.4 percent, including 50 percent (13-of-26) from beyond the arc.
Fudd led the Big East in three-point percentage among qualifying players (43.6 percent) and averaged 13.6 points per game in 2024-25.
By adding a player of Williams’ caliber, UConn is less likely to stumble following guard Paige Bueckers’ departure to the WNBA.
While it’s impossible to replace a player of her magnitude, UConn head coach Geno Auriemma has the talent in place for the team to pick up where it left off in its 82-59 championship game drubbing over South Carolina.
The Huskies last one consecutive championships in 2015-16, capping a stretch of four in a row. UConn’s next dynasty could be coming up soon.
