UConn's Sarah Strong cleaned up this week, winning both Naismith National Player of the Year and AP National Player of the Year in a 2026 sweep.
Strong leads the undefeated Huskies in average points (18.6), rebounds (7.6), steals (3.4), and blocks (1.6) per game while returning to the Final Four for the second time in her young college career. She received 25 of 31 votes from the national media panel for the AP award.
An efficient player, Strong shot 59.4% from the field, 40.4% from 3-point range, and 84.8% from the free throw line while averaging 27 minutes per game. Strong's 127 steals rank second in UConn history for most in a single season.
"Anybody that's watched us play would probably tell you that she's the heart and soul of our team," UConn coach Geno Auriemma said of Strong. "She elevates the play of everyone on our team."
Strong is the eighth Husky to win the Naismith Trophy. She joins Rebecca Lobo, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Tina Charles, Breanna Stewart ,and Paige Bueckers.
Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo Wins Defensive Player of the Year
Notre Dame's 5-foot-6 Hannah Hidalgo broke the mold, becoming the first guard since 2020 to win Naismith Defensive Player of the Year — as well as its shortest-ever recipient.
Hidalgo led the nation with 5.6 steals per game, becoming the first player in women's college basketball history to reach 200+ steals in a single season with 202. She subsequently set an NCAA Tournament record with 29 steals.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph took home 2026 Naismith Coach of the Year. She led the Commodores to a 29-5 overall and 13-3 SEC record, tying their program-best conference tally.
