Chasing Perfection: A UConn WBB Podcast

UConn filled its final roster spot by making one last addition: USC transfer guard Kayleigh Heckel. The Huskies are officially locked and loaded in their quest to repeat. In this episode, we get into why they look like runaway national title favorites, talk about the lingering areas of concern and discuss how Heckel fits into the team. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn's 2025-26 roster got a significant upgrade with the addition of Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams. On this episode, we get into why the Huskies are only adding to their surplus, look at how this move transforms for the team and discuss whether they're changing their style of play in a post-Paige Bueckers world. We also talk about the team's interest in USC guard Kayleigh Heckel, the new additions to the schedule, staff changes and Sue Bird's new role. We wrap up with a preview of the upcoming WNBA season. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

The WNBA Draft has come and gone while the offseason officially kicked off for UConn this week. We discuss Paige Bueckers going No. 1 overall to the Dallas Wings and explain why that doesn't feel as dire as it did six months ago, then get into Kaitlyn Chen and Aubrey Griffin's respective landing spots. We also talk about Qadence Samuels' decision to transfer and look at who the Huskies could potentially add. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

After a nine-year drought, UConn is back on top after winning the 2025 national championship.On this first-ever post-title edition of Chasing Perfection, we talk about how the Huskies' dominance in the Final Four proves they still run the sport, why Azzi Fudd was the perfect pick for most outstanding player, Sarah Strong's incredible run, Geno's coaching job and more. We also make a few way-too-early predictions for next season and discuss where Paige Bueckers fits among the program's all-time greats.Lastly, we want to thank everyone who tuned in this past season, whether you've been listening since the start or only found us recently. We appreciate all the support and are already looking ahead to next year. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball is back in the national championship after a 34-point beatdown of UCLA in the national semifinal. On this episode, we break down the Huskies' historic win and then preview the title game against South Carolina. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn punched its ticket to the Final Four thanks in part to an all-time performance from Paige Bueckers in the regional rounds. She set a program NCAA Tournament record with 40 points against Oklahoma then followed it up with a 31-point outing in an Elite Eight win over USC. On this episode, we talk about why Bueckers has been so good and how it's different than past success. We also recap the weekend in Spokane, look ahead to the Final Four and explain why we think the nightcap on Friday is the real national championship game. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball is through to the Sweet Sixteen after winning its first NCAA Tournament games by a combined 103 points. We dig into the victories over Arkansas State and South Dakota State, discuss whether anyone can stop Paige Bueckers and explain why the Huskies' fate is in their hands alone. We also preview the regionals, talk about the devastating injury to JuJu Watkins and take a quick look ahead to next season after Azzi Fudd announced her return. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

The NCAA Tournament is here. The bracket is out and UConn knows its path to a 12th national championship. The headline matchup is a potential Elite Eight rematch with USC, though there's plenty of other intriguing storylines around the field. This week, we preview March Madness, run through each round and make our predictions for how the next month will pan out. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn is through the Big East Tournament after winning three games in three days to claim its 30th conference tournament title. During the weekend at Mohegan Sun Arena, the Huskies showed off some new and improved aspects of their game — the defense had moments of dominance, Paige Bueckers displayed a takeover ability we haven't seen in years and Sarah Strong took some steps forward. Does that change the outlook for the NCAA Tournament? We also get into bracketology and explain why all the other results this weekend ended up helping UConn out. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

March is here. UConn women's basketball wrapped up its regular season on Sunday and will now turn its attention to the postseason. While there hasn't been much to glean from the Huskies' recent performances, there's still plenty happening with the team. Caroline Ducharme and Ice Brady returned from injuries, Morgan Cheli had her season end and Azzi Fudd remains undecided on her future. We get into all of that and also look at the latest bracketology ahead of the conference tournaments, talk about why this UConn team has such a wide range out outcomes and reminisce about Diana Taurasi's career. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball went down to South Carolina and didn't just come out with a win, it did so in dominant fashion. On this episode, we get into what the different was for the Huskies, whether this changes how they're perceived by the rest of the nation and if some of the program's mystique has returned. We also talk about the first bracket reveal and where UConn stands after Sunday. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

In UConn's three losses this season, something has been missing — it's just hard to pin down exactly what that is. That topic is especially relevant after the Huskies fell to Tennessee last Thursday and are now set to head to South Carolina on Sunday. With their last chance to prove themselves before the regular season ends, can UConn find the “it” factor? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball is finally getting a break from Big East play with a trip to take on old rival Tennessee. While the Huskies should have an edge in talent, the Vols play unlike any other team in the nation: They press all game, make hockey-style substitutions and shooting a ton of 3-pointers. We'll learn a lot about UConn on Thursday night.With the old rivalry back in the spotlight, we also discuss Geno Auriemma's contrite comments about how the matchup became “stupid” because it “become something other than a basketball game.” Lastly, we talk about whether Sarah Strong has wrapped up national freshman of the year. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

There's 10 games left in UConn's regular season and there hasn't been much competition recently. With the Huskies rolling through conference play, we try to find the storylines to watch over the next month to keep things interesting. Along with that segment, we also discuss Paige Bueckers reaching 2,000 career points, Aubrey Griffin's return, the introduction of NCAA Tournament units and the lack of investment in women's basketball from the rest of the Big East. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball survived a major injury scare when Paige Bueckers came out of an awkward collision with only a knee sprain. Since then, the Huskies have played two games without her and acquitted themselves well. They've also been more consistent in the new year — thanks in part to the recent emergence of a few players. We get into all that and more (should the starting lineup change?) in this week's episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

Coming off a loss to No. 7 USC on Saturday night, UConn remains an enigma. The Huskies were terrible in the first half but turned it around and nearly pulled off a comeback win in the second half. On this episode, we discuss:* How to feel about UConn's Jekyll and Hyde performance* When it's reasonable to expect more consistency from the Huskies* Whether they should stick with the small-ball lineup* Is South Carolina a must-win?* Could Paige Bueckers be putting too much pressure on herself?We also touch on the win over Iowa State earlier in the week, try to figure out why UConn isn't a better 3-point shooting team and talk about the latest injury updates.Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn followed up its best performance of the season against Louisville with a step back in a loss at Notre Dame. The Huskies no longer looked like an unstoppable juggernaut. Instead, they reverted to their previous form: A work in progress. On this episode, we discuss reasons for concern and optimism going forward. We also preview the upcoming matchup with Audi Crook and Iowa State, then talk about whether the USC game is a must-win for UConn. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn is coming off its best performance of the season with a 33-point thrashing of No. 22 Louisville, but it also has to deal with the (temporary) loss of Azzi Fudd to a (minor) injury. With Notre Dame looming, we discuss how long the Huskies may be without Fudd, how her absence impacts the team and whether we can really know what their potential is. We also try to figure out the last time UConn looked like genuine national championship favorites and preview the heavyweight matchup with the Fighting Irish. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball has finished the tune-up portion of its schedule and now gets into a defining stretch that features four ranked opponents over the next five games. On this episode, we discuss whether the Huskies will be ready for the challenge or if their inconsistency will come back to bite them. We also get into Azzi Fudd's breakout vs. Ole Miss, the team's disappointing performance vs. Holy Cross and whether Sarah Strong is already in elite company at UConn. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

It's been an eventful week for the Huskies. Geno Auriemma became the all-time wins leader, Azzi Fudd returned and the team traveled down to The Bahamas. On this episode, we dive into the celebration for the head coach — including a review of the special commemorative ice cream — discuss Fudd's performance so far and make sense of where the team currently stands. We also look ahead to No. 18 Ole Miss and talk about what concerns us with the matchup. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn is preparing for one of the most anticipated blowouts in the history of college basketball. On Wednesday, Geno Auriemma will become the all-time wins leader (so long as the Huskies beat Fairleigh Dickinson) with at least 63 program alumni expected in the building. It's going to be a fun night. In terms of basketball, UConn is coming off a win over No. 14 UNC that wasn't always pretty, but gave the team exactly what it needed. We break down the performance and discuss what we want to see in the next couple of contests. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn began its season with two wins over BU and USF, though it's not like either of those contests were ever going to be close. Now, the Huskies will get their first test of the year when they travel down to the Tar Heel State to face No. 14 USF. On this episode, we recap the wins — discussing the notable performers, talking about what stood out between the two games — and look ahead to Friday's matchup. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

It's officially basketball season in Storrs. On Sunday, UConn took the court for the first time with an exhibition and will begin the regular season in earnest against BU on Sunday at the XL Center. On this week's episode, we break down the Huskies' performance against Fort Hays State and then look ahead to the new campaign with our annual season predictions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball will play its first contest in front of a crowd this weekend when it takes on Fort Hays State in exhibition action. To preview the contest, we discuss what we'll be watching for from the Huskies, such as:* Is Paige Bueckers' new approach for real?* Does Sarah Strong match the sky-high expectations from her coach?* How does Jana El Alfy perform in her first game in a UConn uniform?We also get into some eye-catching quotes from Geno Auriemma at Big East Media Day and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn's preseason is in full swung. The Huskies held their First Night festivities last week, will head to New York City for Big East Media Day on Wednesday and are just over a week out from their first exhibition contest. With the new campaign creeping closer, we spend this week's episode breaking down the roster from top to bottom, answering questions such as:* Will Paige Bueckers win national player of the year?* What can UConn expect from Azzi Fudd?* Can Ice Brady replicate her performance at the Big East Tournament across an entire season?* How will Sarah Strong be utilized?And plenty more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball's new season is getting close. The AP Preseason Poll came out on Tuesday, First Night is set for Friday and the first game action is less than three weeks away. On this episode, we recap the offseason, buy/sell some of the team's top storylines and begin our preparations for the upcoming campaign. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

With a month to process everything, we look back at UConn's Final Four loss to Iowa, explain why we're not all that upset and discuss the controversial foul call at the end. We also look at the Huskies' roster moves so far this offseason, from the additions of Sarah Strong and Kaitlyn Chen to the other transfer portal activity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

It's Final Four weekend and UConn women's basketball is still alive. On this episode, we recap UConn's Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight victories then preview the much-anticipated matchup with Iowa in the Sweet Sixteen. We discuss why we feel good (and not so good) about the Huskies' chances against the Hawkeyes and whether they can come home with a 12th national championship trophy from Cleveland. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

The NCAA Tournament is here. On Selection Sunday, UConn found out its path to the Final Four and a 12th national title. On this week's episode, we discuss the Huskies' draw, talk about our favorite matchups and make our predictions about how the next month turns out. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn won the Big East Tournament in dominant fashion, but it did so in an unexpected way. After Aaliyah Edwards suffered a broken nose in the quarterfinals, Ice Brady stepped up in her place and had a long-awaited breakout performance. On this week's episode, we discuss her emergence, Paige Bueckers' dominance and much more from the weekend. We also look ahead to Selection Sunday and preview where the Huskies may end up. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn's 2024-25 roster got a big boost with Paige Bueckers and Aubrey Griffin announcing their return during senior night. On this episode, we break down what that means for the Huskies and discuss whether we think Nika Mühl and Aaliyah Edwards will join them. After that, we get into the loss to South Carolina and look ahead to the NCAA Tournament with our reactions to the initial seed reveal last week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn has bounced back from its last loss with three straight wins on the back of standout performances from Aaliyah Edwards. On this week's episode, we talk about how she's hit another level in her game, if we're concerned about Paige Bueckers' recent rough stretch and preview the upcoming matchup with South Carolina on Sunday. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball's 13-game winning streak came to an end at the hands of Notre Dame on Saturday. Nika Mühl spent most of the night in foul trouble and Paige Bueckers wasn't her usual self. Without those two going, the Huskies didn't have enough to keep up. On this week's episode, we break down the loss and discuss how much stock we should take from UConn's performance. We also preview the upcoming games against Villanova and St. John's while looking way ahead to South Carolina. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

Paige Bueckers is playing her best basketball of the season on both ends of the floor, and UConn just keeps winning. This week, we talk about why Bueckers is even better than before and how this injury-plagued season is different because she's on the floor. We also preview the big matchup with Notre Dame on Saturday and talk about Nika Mühl's quest for history. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball has continued its roll through conference play and is finally getting contributions from Ice Brady. We break down what's working for the Huskies, our fears going forward and how the emergence of the redshirt freshman can completely change the team's outlook going forward. We also look at the upsets around the country and discuss which teams UConn should worry about meeting in March. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball has already been hammered by injuries and it's gotten even worse with Aubrey Griffin going down with a non-contact knee injury at Creighton. How will it affect the Huskies in the short term? In the long term? Who needs to step up in her place? Does UConn still have a shot a national title? All that and more on this week's episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball is officially into the holiday break after winning three games in five days across two different countries. The Huskies played their best game of the year against Louisville, pushed past a hot-shooting Butler team in the Big East opener then went north to Toronto for Aaliyah Edwards' homecoming. We discuss all of that, along the emergence of the freshmen, on this episode while also talking about the absurdity of the AP Poll over the last two weeks. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn came away with a lot to be happy with after beating North Carolina on Sunday at Mohegan Sun. The Huskies won, but they also showed more progress in the victory than at any other point. We discuss what we saw, how that can be used going forward and what this team may look like in February and March. We also talk about which UConn seniors may return, and which could move on. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball's in a bad way right now. The Huskies dropped their third game of the season to Texas, fell to their lowest ranking in the AP Poll in 30 years and have no clear way to fix their problems. With the team now experiencing their third straight season marred by injuries, have they finally reached a breaking point? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball is starting over. After losing Azzi Fudd for the rest of the season to a torn ACL and Caroline Ducharme missing both games in the Cayman Islands, the Huskies are throwing out everything they did during the preseason and doing it all over again. On this episode, we break down the good and bad from the contests in the Caribbean, explain why this team is so volatile and look ahead to the matchup at Texas on Sunday. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

Azzi Fudd is out for the rest of the season after tearing her ACL, so UConn will once again have to chart a course forward without a top player. On this week's episode, we discuss how the Huskies will try to replace Fudd and who needs to step up in her absence. We also break down the wins over Maryland and Minnesota, and look ahead to the Cayman Islands Classic matchups against No. 2 UCLA and Kansas. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball ended up on the wrong end of an upset at NC State on Sunday. Not much went well for the Huskies and now that they've returned home, they don't have much time to bounce back before another big matchup with Maryland. After how poorly UConn played, is it time to be worried? Or is it too early in the season? We discuss that and much more on this week's episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

It's officially a game week. On Wednesday, UConn kicks off the season against Dayton at the XL Center, marking the end to a long offseason. On this week's episode, we recap the exhibition game, discuss who (and what) looked good and also bring up a few of the negatives. We also preview the upcoming campaign by making our predictions: What will Paige Bueckers' return look like, what's the biggest x-factor and do the Huskies win the national championship? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

The offseason is almost over. On Saturday, UConn women's basketball will take the court for its first real game action in an exhibition contest against Southern Connecticut State, the final step before the season begins in earnest. On this week's episode, we discuss Big East Media Day — including what we think about Paige Bueckers taking home the preseason player of the year award — look at some of the most interesting players on the roster and preview the upcoming exhibition. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball's season is just around the corner. The Huskies held First Night on Friday, the preseason awards and polls are starting to come out and there's less than a month until the opener vs. Dayton. On this week's episode, we discuss Nika Mühl's inclusion (and Paige Bueckers exclusion) from the Nancy Lieberman Award list, Bueckers' thumb injury, how those two will work together at the point and look ahead to the AP Preseason Poll. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

On the 100th episode of Chasing Perfection, we begin our preview of the 2023-24 season. We discuss what we learned from the four games in Europe, look at the schedule and which big games intrigue us most, and give our early predictions for the upcoming campaign. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball looked like it had a budding star on its hands as Jana El Alfy dominated competition at the U19 World Cup. Then in her final game, she went down with an injury, later diagnosed as a ruptured Achilles that will keep her out for the entire 2023-24 season. On this episode, we discuss the significance of the loss and figure out where the frontcourt goes from here. We also break down what we learned from summer workouts, talk about at the new assistant coaches and get into much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn women's basketball's 2023-24 non-conference schedule is coming together. The Huskies will travel to the Caribbean for the Cayman Islands Classic and added a game with Ball State so the Mühl sisters could face off. We discuss those matchups as well as the other reported contests to fill out the slate. After that, we get into the WNBA, Morgan Cheli's commitment and close with our thoughts on UConn men's basketball's national championship. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com

UConn's season is somehow over. The Huskies fell in the Sweet Sixteen to Ohio State, their earliest exit since 2005. On the final episode of the regular season, we break down what went wrong in the defeat, look at why UConn couldn't beat the press, how turnovers finally killed them, discuss Aaliyah Edwards' foul trouble and more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingperfection.substack.com