UConn secures No. 1 ranking after winning 12th national championship
- UConn won its 12th national championship, defeating South Carolina 82-59.
- The Huskies received all 31 votes, marking their first No. 1 finish since 2021.
- This concludes a record-setting season with five teams reaching the No. 1 ranking.
In the United States, the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team, commonly referred to as UConn, finished its season in the top position of The Associated Press Top 25 women's basketball poll. This remarkable achievement came just a day after they clinched their 12th national championship title by defeating the University of South Carolina with a score of 82-59. The outcome solidified UConn's dominance in the sport, as they received all 31 votes from a national media panel, making them the unanimous choice for the top rank. The victory marked a significant return to glory for UConn, as it was their first time finishing the season at No. 1 since 2021. It also accounted for their 17th overall time ending the season as the top team, demonstrating the program's rich history and caliber in women’s college basketball. The season featured a record five different teams holding the No. 1 position at various points: South Carolina, UCLA, Notre Dame, and Texas, alongside UConn. UConn's successful campaign successfully ended a lengthy hiatus from the number one spot, which had previously been unoccupied since their last finish at the top in 2021. This achievement was especially noteworthy considering their previous drought spanned five years from 2003 to 2008, further underscoring the significance of this triumph. UConn's head coach, Geno Auriemma, played a pivotal role in guiding the team through the season, culminating in this prestigious recognition. Along with UConn's soaring success, several other teams also showcased notable performances during the season, particularly during the NCAA tournament. Teams such as UCLA and Texas made significant runs in the tournament as well, securing Final Four positions and contributing to the overall competitiveness of women's basketball. The Southeastern Conference ended the season with eight ranked teams, while the ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12 all featured five teams in the standings.