March Madness Legends: How NCAAW Icons Chased Glory and the Rise of Paige Bueckers

March Madness stands as the pinnacle of college basketball, where legends are born and legacies are cemented. For women’s basketball stars, the NCAA tournament is a stage where greatness is tested, and history is made. Unlike their male counterparts, who can leap to the NBA after just one season, women’s players must graduate or turn 22 before entering the WNBA, giving them more opportunities to chase the ultimate prize: a national championship.

The Quest for Glory

From Candace Parker and Breanna Stewart to Sabrina Ionescu and Caitlin Clark, some of the game’s brightest stars have led their teams to the pinnacle of success, while others have fallen just short. Here’s a look at how some of the most iconic women’s college basketball players since 2000 have fared in their pursuit of NCAA glory.

Caitlin Clark, Iowa Hawkeyes

• National Championship: No
• Best Finish: Runner-up (2023, 2024) Caitlin Clark, the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, took Iowa to the title game twice but fell victim to LSU in 2023 and undefeated South Carolina in 2024. Despite the heartbreaks, her legacy as one of the greatest scorers in the game is secure.

Angel Reese, LSU Tigers

• National Championship: Yes (2023) Angel Reese transferred to LSU ahead of her junior year and led the Tigers to a national title in 2023, earning Most Outstanding Player honors. Her dominance in the paint made her one of the most formidable players in the game.

Paige Bueckers, UConn Huskies

After a stellar freshman season in 2020-21, injuries sidelined Paige Bueckers for much of the next two years. Despite the setbacks, she reached 2,000 career points faster than any other UConn player. Now, in her final season, Bueckers has one last shot at adding a championship to her already impressive résumé.

Aliyah Boston, South Carolina Gamecocks

• National Championship: Yes (2022) Aliyah Boston led South Carolina to a national title in 2022, earning Most Outstanding Player honors. Her defensive prowess and leadership were instrumental in the Gamecocks’ historic run.

Sabrina Ionescu, Oregon Ducks

• National Championship: No
• Best Finish: Final Four (2019) Sabrina Ionescu, the NCAA’s all-time triple-double leader, led Oregon to its first Final Four in 2019. Though she didn’t win a championship, her impact on the game is undeniable.

The Next Chapter: Paige Bueckers

As Paige Bueckers gears up for her final NCAA tournament, the spotlight is on her. Can she lead UConn back to the top and add a championship to her legacy? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: her journey will be one to watch.

March Madness is a time of dreams, heartbreaks, and unforgettable moments. For these women’s basketball icons, the tournament has been a proving ground, a place where greatness is not just achieved but celebrated.