University of Connecticut Athletics
Arnold, Strong Named to Naismith Defensive POTY Watch List
1/27/2026 12:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
ATLANTA – UConn women's basketball junior KK Arnold and sophomore Sarah Strong were named to the 25-player watch list for the 2026 Naismith Women's College Defensive Player of the Year, as announced by the Atlanta Tipoff Club Tuesday.
The Huskies have the No. 2-ranked scoring defense in the country, allowing just 51.0 points per game. UConn also ranks fourth in steals per game (15.7), fifth nationally in field goal percentage defense (33.5) and seventh in turnovers forced per game (25.0).
Arnold has stepped back into the starting lineup as a junior and UConn's primary point guard. She is second on the team with 54 steals. Arnold ranks third nationally with a 4.45 assist-turnover ratio.
Strong has had a sensational sophomore season, leading UConn in every statistical category, including rebounds (172), blocks (34) and steals (76). She ranks fifth nationally in steals and ninth in steals per game (3.62).
The Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award was first awarded in 2018. UConn is one of two programs with multiple players on the watch list.
