College basketball might never see another player like Paige Bueckers again. She’s deservedly the favorite to go No. 1 overall in this year’s WNBA draft. Bueckers averages nearly 20 points per game. To add to her game, she leads her conference with 4.8 assists showing her skills as a complete player and scorer. In 2021, she became one of the most decorated freshmen in NCAA history, becoming the first freshman to win the storied Wooden Award. She won the Naismith Trophy, AP Player of the Year and USBWA Player of the Year.
Bueckers has motivated the UConn Huskies to do amazing things under her guidance. She led the Cardinals to the Final Four and an impressive 28-2 overall record. She finished the season helping her team in points, assists, steals and three-point shooting percentage, as she did not shy away from displaying her multifaceted game on the hardwood. For her extraordinary efforts, Smith was awarded the college athlete of the year at the 2021 ESPYs. Outside of her athletic talent, Bueckers has gained national attention for bravely speaking out on pressing issues away from the hardwood.
Having been raised by her Black stepmother, this powerful connection to Paige Bueckers’ teammates of color has deeply resonated. This recognition is indicative of a bond that extends beyond the hardwood. She proves her devotion to inclusivity by advocating on social issues. As an on-the-field and off-the-field ally, she’s always working to uplift her teammates. Off the track, she gives her Muslim teammate, Jana El-Alfy, support by making breakfast for her during Ramadan. Before games, she pumps the team up by leading them in gospel songs.
From an early age, Bueckers’ skills on the court have made her a standout from her peers. She remains the only player across the NBA, WNBA, and college basketball to achieve a 50/40/90 line and top assist-to-turnover ratio. Her impact goes beyond the numbers. Through her platform, she continues to push for change within sports media and certainly everywhere else.
“With the light that I have now as a white woman who leads a Black-led sport and celebrated here, I want to shed a light on Black women,” – Paige Bueckers
Her words echo loudly today as she grows the power of her platform to emphasize representation and equality in sports journalism. And the thing is, Bueckers knows sports media absolutely shapes narratives in powerful ways. Her plea is for a different way of telling these stories.
“I think it’s time for change. Sports media holds the key to storylines,” – Paige Bueckers
The impact of Paige Bueckers goes far beyond her success on the court. She’s taken her leadership position on the court and off, and run with it. Through her leadership, she uplifts her teammates and fearlessly breaks societal stigmas. Her numerous initiatives to further equity are noteworthy. She is on the front lines, passionately uplifting and educating everyone about underrepresented and marginalized communities.
“To Maria Taylor, Robin Roberts, Maya Moore, Odicci Alexander. To all the incredible Black women in my life and on my teams,” – Paige Bueckers
Her lyrics illustrate the incredible influence and uplifting inspiration that powerful Black women invoke within her. They emphasize her deep commitment to diversity and inclusion.