In the world of women’s college basketball, few names shine as brightly as Paige Bueckers. But for the UConn Huskies star, the spotlight isn’t about fame or fortune—it’s a platform to glorify God.
Bueckers, who has been vocal about her Christian faith throughout her career, once again showed her strength on and off the court this week as she led the University of Connecticut to yet another Final Four appearance in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
In a thrilling Elite Eight matchup against USC on March 31, Bueckers delivered a dominant performance, finishing with 31 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists. Her leadership helped lift the Huskies to a 78-64 victory and secure their 24th trip to the Final Four—more than any other program in women’s college basketball history.
But for Bueckers, this accomplishment goes far beyond stats or records.
“All glory to God,” Bueckers told reporters after the game. “I’m just so blessed to be in this position and to use the gifts He gave me to glorify Him.”
This isn’t the first time the 22-year-old guard from Minnesota has mentioned her faith. In an interview with Fox News, Bueckers said that embracing Christianity is becoming more common in women’s basketball—and she’s grateful for that.
“I think it’s amazing, and it’s really empowering,” Bueckers said. “In a world where people are trying to silence Jesus, it’s really cool to see people glorifying Him and giving Him the praise that He deserves.”
She added, “It’s not easy to always be vocal about it, but the more people do it, the more people are open about their faith, and it encourages others to share their story as well.”
Bueckers is one of several players in the tournament who have used their platform to speak about their faith. But what makes her stand out is the way she lives it out—whether through her play, her humility, or her willingness to speak about her relationship with God in front of millions.
Bueckers’ journey to this year’s tournament wasn’t without hardship. In August 2022, she suffered a devastating torn ACL, which caused her to miss the entire 2022–23 season. Many wondered if she would ever return to the elite level that made her a household name in women’s sports.
But Bueckers used the setback as a season of spiritual growth.
On Instagram following the injury, she wrote, “It’s hard trying to make sense of it all now, but I can’t help but think that God is using me as a testimony of how much you can overcome with Him by your side.”
Now, not only has she returned—she’s better than ever.
With the Elite Eight victory, UConn is headed back to the Final Four, where they’ll face UCLA.
Bueckers, however, is keeping the focus where it belongs.
“I know who I play for,” she said. “Whether we win or lose, I want to give it my all and honor God with how I play, how I lead, and how I treat people.”