Azzi Fudd

Azzi Fudd is a professional basketball player for the Dallas Wings of the WNBA, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft and signed to a record-setting rookie contract. Fudd, known for her exceptional three-point shooting and quick release, has been recognized as one of the top shooters in women's basketball. Named after Olympic gold medalist Jennifer Azzi, Fudd has established her own legacy in the sport.

Fudd gained national attention at St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C., becoming the first sophomore to win the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award. Ranked the No. 1 recruit in her class by ESPN, she chose UConn over several prominent programs. Before her collegiate career, Fudd won gold medals with the United States at the FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship, FIBA Under-17 World Cup, and FIBA Under-19 World Cup. Her shooting skills attracted the attention of NBA player Stephen Curry, who signed her to his SC30 Inc. brand in a partnership that included personal mentoring.

During her time at UConn, Fudd contributed to the team's appearance in the national title game as a freshman. She faced significant setbacks due to knee injuries, including a torn ACL, but returned to help UConn win a national championship as a redshirt junior and was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player. In her final season, Fudd averaged 17.3 points per game, shooting 48 percent from the field and nearly 45 percent from three-point range, earning first-team All-American honors from the Associated Press, USBWA, and WBCA.

Off the court, Fudd has developed a strong brand presence in women's sports, securing endorsement deals with companies such as Chipotle, Bose, Nerf, Buick, and SC30. She was named Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year, earned a bachelor's degree in communication, and pursued a master's in business administration at UConn.

Joining former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers in Dallas, Fudd becomes the seventh No. 1 pick in UConn history, following players such as Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart. With her shooting ability, championship experience, and perseverance through injuries, Fudd is positioned as a leading figure in professional women's basketball.