Sarah Strong of Connecticut Wins Wade Trophy, Leads 2026 WBCA All-America Team
Phoenix — On April 2, 2026, Sarah Strong of Connecticut was named the recipient of the Wade Trophy. The UConn standout also headlines the 2026 WBCA All-America Team announced by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.
Presentation and award background
The trophy will be presented in Phoenix by Brandon Schneider. Schneider is the University of Kansas head coach and chair of the WBCA NCAA Division I Awards Committee. WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew will join him for the presentation.
The Wade Trophy is now in its 49th year. It is the oldest national player of the year honor in college women’s basketball. The award commemorates Lily Margaret Wade, the Delta State coach who led three straight national championship teams.
UConn legacy and Strong’s recognition
Strong becomes the eighth player from Connecticut to win the Wade Trophy. UConn’s history of recipients includes several future WNBA stars and multiple-time winners.
- Paige Bueckers — 2025
- Breanna Stewart — 2015, 2016
- Maya Moore — 2009, 2010, 2011
- Diana Taurasi — 2003
- Sue Bird — 2002
- Jennifer Rizzotti — 1996
- Rebecca Lobo — 1995
2026 WBCA NCAA Division I Coaches’ All-America team
The Coaches’ All-America team comprises the ten best NCAA Division I players. Selections are positionless and made by the division’s head coaches.
- Lauren Betts — UCLA
- Mikayla Blakes — Vanderbilt
- Madison Booker — Texas
- Jaloni Cambridge — Ohio State
- Joyce Edwards — South Carolina
- Azzi Fudd — Connecticut
- Hannah Hidalgo — Notre Dame
- Raven Johnson — South Carolina
- Olivia Miles — Texas Christian
- Sarah Strong — Connecticut
Defensive Player of the Year
Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo was honored as the 2026 WBCA Defensive Player of the Year. The award recognizes standout defensive effort, intensity, and teamwork.
Coaches’ All-America honorable mention
- Raegan Beers — Oklahoma
- Zoe Brooks — North Carolina State
- Aaliyah Chavez — Oklahoma
- Shay Ciezki — Indiana
- Audi Crooks — Iowa State
- Jaliya Davis — Kansas
- Maggie Doogan — Richmond
- Gabby Elliott — Arizona State
- Toby Fournier — Duke
- Micah Gray — Oklahoma State
- Rori Harmon — Texas
- Jordan Harrison — West Virginia
- Ava Heiden — Iowa
- Uche Izoje — Syracuse
- Ashlon Jackson — Duke
- Flau’jae Johnson — LSU
- Kymora Johnson — Virginia
- Ta’Niya Latson — South Carolina
- Darianna Littlepage-Buggs — Baylor
- Taina Mair — Duke
- Bailey Maupin — Texas Tech
- Liv McGill — Florida
- Cotie McMahon — Mississippi
- Brooklyn Meyer — South Dakota State
- Mia Moore — Clemson
- S’Mya Nichols — Kansas
- Oluchi Okananwa — Maryland
- Olivia Olson — Michigan
- Khamil Pierre — North Carolina State
- Kiki Rice — UCLA
- Taliah Scott — Baylor
- Sayvia Sellers — Washington
- Hannah Stuelke — Iowa
- Marta Suarez — Texas Christian
- Syla Swords — Michigan
- Riley Weiss — Columbia
- Carleigh Wenzel — Virginia Tech
- Jada Williams — Iowa State
About the WBCA
The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association was founded in 1981. It supports coaches at all competition levels with education and networking. The WBCA also advocates for the sport and honors outstanding contributors each year.
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