UConn Huskies star guard, Azzi Fudd

The UConn Huskies faced a glaring setback when their star guard, Azzi Fudd, sustained a season-ending injury during practice in Nov. 2023. In an official statement, UConn coach Geno Auriemma announced Fudd’s injury, saying the program will:

“support Azzi through her recovery however we can.”

Did Azzi Fudd have surgery?

Azzi Fudd underwent surgery after tearing her ACL during practice last November, sidelining her for the rest of the season. Although she rejoined the team in January after her surgery, she remained out of action. In her absence, the Huskies won the regular-season conference championship and advanced to the Final Four.

This wasn’t Fudd’s first injury ordeal. In her sophomore year, the junior guard only played 15 games due to injuries to her right knee. Even before her college career, Fudd suffered serious injuries during the U-18 3×3 championships in 2019, where both her ACL and MCL tore.

She had two separate surgeries performed for the torn tendons by an Indianapolis orthopedic surgeon K. Donald Shelbourne, who had years earlier operated on her mother, Katie.

There were concerns about the effect of missing most of the season on her draft prospects. However, before the injury, Fudd had expressed her plan to return to UConn for her senior year in 2024–25. With her rehabilitation in full swing, she is expected to feature prominently for the Huskies’ next season and be a catalyst in their national championship challenge.

Fudd’s best friend, Paige Bueckers, has been an inspiration for her during recovery. Bueckers also tore her ACL before the 2022-23 season and missed the entire season. However, she came back strong and was a projected top pick for the 2024 WNBA draft. Nevertheless, she chose to return to UConn for another season, setting sights on a potential partnership on the hard court with Fudd.

No stranger to setbacks, Fudd is anticipated to return stronger with the guidance of coach Auriemma and the support of friends like Bueckers and her family.