She gave glory to God.
After leading the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team to a commanding 82-59 win over South Carolina in the NCAA championship game, Paige Bueckers attributed the victory to her faith. In a postgame interview, the 23-year-old star guard emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself despite external pressure and expectations. She noted that people often doubt athletes by assuming they rely solely on personal strength, but Bueckers said she and her team leaned on a higher power.
Bueckers highlighted that their success was grounded in spiritual purpose and divine guidance, stating, “We’re for God’s power, for God’s purposes.” She credited her faith and the support of those around her for helping the team achieve their goals. The championship marked UConn’s first women’s basketball title since 2016 and their 12th overall—more than any other program in the sport’s history.
The victory was especially significant as it came in a rematch of the 2022 championship game, which UConn had lost to South Carolina. This time, however, Bueckers and the Huskies emerged triumphant, reclaiming the top spot after a season filled with challenges. Throughout her career, Bueckers has spoken openly about her faith, describing herself as a “living testimony” in previous interviews and consistently giving credit to God for her accomplishments.
During last year’s tournament, Bueckers reflected on her journey through injury and setbacks, viewing those difficulties as tests meant to strengthen her character and faith. She described advancing through the tournament with a shorthanded roster as a “Godly miracle” and stressed that perseverance, belief, and faith are the keys to overcoming adversity.
Bueckers has long made her spiritual beliefs a central part of her identity, both on and off the court. Her Instagram bio references Proverbs 3:5-6, a Bible verse encouraging trust in God over personal understanding. For Bueckers, success isn’t just about talent and hard work—it’s about using her platform to reflect her faith and inspire others.