Paige Bueckers, a standout player at UConn, achieved her long-desired goal of securing an N.C.A.A. championship after overcoming significant injuries. At just 23 years old, she led the Huskies to a decisive victory, solidifying her position as the schoolâs top point scorer in women's tournament history. In addition to her athletic prowess, Bueckers has become a marketing powerhouse, being the first college athlete with a Nike shoe and a Gatorade deal. Expected to be the top pick in the 2025 W.N.B.A. draft, her influence transcends sports.
Ms. Bueckers, a 23-year-old point guard, led the Huskies to a blowout victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks, earning UConn its 12th N.C.A.A. women's basketball title.
For some, the win would be a star-making moment. But Ms. Bueckers, whom the Dallas Wings are expected to select first overall in the 2025 W.N.B.A. draft, was already a star by then.
In December, she became the first college athlete to have her own Nike player-edition shoe, the Paige Bueckers G.T. Hustle 3.
According to on3 and SponsorUnited, Ms. Bueckers is the third most valuable woman in college sports, has the second largest social media following.
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