INDIANAPOLIS — UConn guard Caroline Ducharme has made her much-anticipated return to the court after a lengthy recovery from a head injury that lasted over 15 months. Her comeback took place during the closing minutes of Saturday’s commanding 86-47 win at Hinkle Fieldhouse, marking a historic moment as it was the first sellout crowd in Butler women’s basketball history.
Head coach Geno Auriemma expressed his relief and excitement about Ducharme’s return, stating, “I know it’s been a long time coming. She’s been through a lot, and I was hoping she could get back in there soon, so everybody was pretty excited.” The enthusiasm was palpable as Ducharme entered the game wearing a headband, eliciting a loud cheer from the audience and a warm hug from a teammate.
Following the game, Ducharme was not available for comments, as a large number of fans had gathered outside the locker room to see Paige Bueckers, prompting Auriemma to enter the press conference from a back entrance.
For Ducharme, this match meant far more than simply contributing to a victory. Over the last three seasons, she had been sidelined multiple times due to head injuries. During UConn’s national runner-up run in 2021-22, she missed five games, and the following season saw her limited to just 23 appearances. After earning a starting position last year, Ducharme found herself needing rehab just four games into the season. She dedicated 2 ½ months to recovery before the decision was made in mid-January to end her season, making her the fifth player on the Huskies sidelined with a season-ending injury.
“I have been working tirelessly with my medical team to make a full return to basketball after sustaining head and neck injuries,” Ducharme said in a previous statement. “It has honestly been a frustrating process with many ups and downs. At this time, the difficult decision was made to take a step back and not play the remainder of the 2023-24 season so I can focus on my recovery full time.”
Despite the challenges, Ducharme’s teammates have excelled this season, currently boasting a record of 25-3 and being on the brink of clinching another outright Big East regular-season title. They have the opportunity to achieve this milestone by defeating No. 23 Creighton on their home court this Thursday.
Although Ducharme only played for a brief two minutes in Saturday’s game—recording one rebound and no points—it marks a significant step forward in her journey. Her presence could provide valuable depth to a UConn team that is gearing up for their remaining regular-season contests, the Big East Tournament, and the highly anticipated March Madness.
