This year’s freshman class was one of the most accomplished in recent memory, even before playing a single collegiate game. Entering the 2024-25 season, these freshmen included a 2024 Olympian and the leading scorer on the 2023 U-19 World Cup gold medalist squad. Throughout the season, another first-year went on to set the SEC record — as well as a national freshman record — for points in a game.
Yet, in a testament to the depth of this group, none of those players earned The Athletic’s Freshman of the Year award. That honor, by unanimous vote, goes to UConn’s Sarah Strong.
The star forward finished the regular season averaging 16.1 points and 7.9 rebounds for the Big East champs while leading the country, not just freshmen, in total win shares. She is one of only three first-year players in the last 15 years to average at least 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game.
Despite entering the season as the presumptive sidekick to former national Player of the Year Paige Bueckers, Strong managed to outshine her veteran teammate in a few high-profile matchups. Strong had 21 points and eight rebounds in an absolute drubbing of Louisville during the inaugural Women’s Champions Classic. She had 29 points, nine rebounds and four assists in another rout over Iowa…
