University of Connecticut Athletics
Sarah Strong Tabbed to McClain Award Watch List
10/30/2025 1:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – UConn women's basketball sophomore Sarah Strong was selected to the 20-player watch list for the 2026 Katrina McClain Award, as announced by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Thursday.
The Katrina McClain Award, now in its ninth year, recognizes the top power forwards in women's NCAA Division I college basketball. It is named after the two-time All-American, 1987 National Player of the Year, and Class of 2012 Hall of Famer.
Strong had one of the best rookie campaigns in UConn history. She set the UConn freshman record for rebounding and ranks second in points, assists and steals for a UConn freshman campaign.
Strong was the 2025 WBCA National Freshman of the Year and a WBCA All-American. She was the BIG EAST Freshman of the Year and an AP Second Team All-American.
Strong led the Huskies in rebounds (356), blocks (66) and steals (92), field goal percentage (.586) and double-doubles (12) in her rookie season. She averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 rebounds last season.
The Durham, N.C., native was named the BIG EAST Preseason Player of the Year and a preseason AP All-American.
UConn alumna Napheesa Collier won the Katrina McClain Award in 2019.
Graduate student Azzi Fudd is on the watch list for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (shooting guard) while redshirt senior Caroline Ducharme is on the watch list for the Cheryl Miller Award (small forward).
Fan voting for the Naismith Starting Five awards begins Friday, Oct. 31.
