STORRS, Conn. – She broke down. It was uncharacteristic of her. She’s someone who thrives on competition and winning, never giving in to self-pity. But after five months of putting on a brave face and forcing positivity, Paige Bueckers couldn’t keep it up any longer. Sitting just a few feet away from Thomas-Boling Arena, where the energy buzzed, she couldn’t hold it in. Twenty-eight years ago, UConn coach Geno Auriemma and Tennessee legend Pat Summitt agreed to play a game on Martin Luther King Day, sparking a rivalry that would define women’s basketball. The series ended in 2007, but Bueckers, who was only 5 when the rivalry paused, grew up dreaming of playing in that kind of game, especially on the road. Despite playing at Tennessee as a UConn freshman, the COVID-19 restrictions limited the crowd to only a few thousand fans in the 21,000-seat arena. But this time was different. The stadium was packed with boisterous fans, and Bueckers felt the weight of the moment. As her teammates warmed up on the court, she sat alone in the visiting locker room, overwhelmed with emotion. She wept for what felt like an eternity. Bueckers, now recovered from knee surgery, rubs her left knee absentmindedly as she sits in Connecticut’s theater room. The tears from Tennessee are no more, replaced by her eager anticipation to return to the court. Recovering from a torn ACL is tough both physically and mentally, but Bueckers is cleared to practice and play again. The question posed to her isn’t about her physical state but rather her mental and emotional well-being. Her response will likely determine the trajectory of women’s basketball this season. Last year, while Bueckers was out with her injury, others filled the void and had successful seasons. Bueckers denies any desire to reclaim her spot in the spotlight but her teammates recognize the motivation behind her drive to succeed. UConn’s recent lack of national championships has led some to question the dynasty’s dominance. Bueckers and UConn are intertwined, and her return will greatly impact the team’s success. However, it’s not just about her surgically repaired knee; it’s about the mental and emotional toll her injury took on her. Bueckers’ journey to recovery was tough, both physically and mentally. But she’s determined to come back even better than before. Basketball is a part of her identity, and she finds confidence in the game. Despite facing doubts and setbacks, she has always believed in her abilities. Her rehab process has been painful, but it’s the mental aspect that has been the most challenging. Basketball is everything to her, and not being able to play was a difficult adjustment. Her wild and driven nature pushed her to always give her all on the court. Now, she’s ready to return and show the world what she’s capable of.
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