Sarah Strong has become the defining talent in women's college basketball, and the UConn sophomore is now chasing a second consecutive national title with an undefeated squad that has won 52 straight games since last season.
The 6ft 2in forward has been named Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 18.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.3 steals per game while shooting 60 per cent from the field. She is the favourite for the National Player of the Year award.
Coach Geno Auriemma praised her versatility: "What makes her unique is her ability to play like a guard and play like a big guy." Unlike Caitlin Clark, who brought flair to the game, Strong's play is understated yet certain. She rarely gives lengthy answers in media appearances, preferring to let her performances speak.
Born to former WNBA All-Star Allison Feaster and ex-North Carolina State forward Danny Strong, she spent her early years in Spain, where Catalan was the primary language at school. Her basketball education, though, was universal. After moving to the United States, she initially struggled with English, prompting her mother to place her in smaller classes for more individual attention.
Now 20, Strong is on the verge of her second championship, having set a freshman tournament record with 114 points last year. Her calm, intelligent approach has made her the cornerstone of UConn's title push.
