When Azzi Fudd suffered a knee injury 16 months ago, leading to the necessity for surgery, her parents were initially overwhelmed by the daunting task of another strenuous rehabilitation process. At that crucial moment, NBA star Stephen Curry stepped up, offering an invaluable assist by pledging the support of his trainers and medical experts to help the University of Connecticut guard recover from a torn right anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscus.
Curry’s team developed a detailed rehabilitation plan, establishing specific milestones for Fudd’s recovery, and collaborated with UConn’s training staff to ensure she met these targets.
“I was tasked with assembling a top-notch team,” expressed Carl Bergstrom, Curry’s director of performance. “While virtual or remote rehab presents challenges, with the network and resources available to us, I could bring together some of the leading ACL rehabilitation experts in North America.”
Tim and Katie Fudd, Azzi’s parents, acknowledge the pivotal role that Curry’s SC30 team played in their daughter’s recovery journey. Having partnered with Curry’s organization over three years ago, Fudd’s association ensured professional guidance and cross-country trips to esteemed medical practitioners.
Tim Fudd reflected on their initial uncertainty regarding how best to support Azzi and their astonishment at Curry’s intervention. “When Stephen stepped in and offered resources for her year-long rehab, it was simply jaw-dropping. Involvement in this detailed process—the precise workouts and the expertise of the therapists—was truly remarkable,” he stated.
Fudd, who officially became part of Curry’s SC30 brand in November 2021 through a name, image, and likeness agreement, found the extent of support beyond her expectations.
“Beyond rehabilitation, Steph has been an incredible resource,” Fudd said. “His willingness to share his resources has been outstanding, especially during my rehab process. I can’t imagine going through this journey without Steph’s generosity and care.”
Azzi Fudd made her return to UConn in November, poised for what could be her last NCAA Tournament with the second-seeded Huskies as they face Arkansas State.
Fudd’s relationship with Curry began in 2018 when she was one of the first women to attend his elite camp. “She’s family, and when we signed her out of high school, it was about providing resources beyond the court,” Curry mentioned. “Injuries are part of sports, and it was about giving her the best chance to bounce back. So far, so good.”
Throughout the 2023-24 season, as Fudd focused on her recovery, she frequently traveled to Vancouver and Calgary to continue working with experts like Bergstrom, whom they dubbed the “quarterback” of her recuperation.
Together with Curry’s group, aptly named “Team Azzi,” meticulous coordination with the UConn athletic training staff ensured a harmonized approach to her rehabilitation.
“They ensured I was progressing at a suitable pace, avoiding rushing, and preventing overcompensation elsewhere,” Fudd revealed. “The recovery process was strategic and seamless thanks to their incredible support.”
Suffering her injury during practice on November 14, 2023, and undergoing surgery by December 1, Fudd expressed immense gratitude to all who played a pivotal role in her path to recovery, acknowledging, “I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now.”