Key Points Summary:UConn Women Champions
- UConn women finish the season ranked No. 1 in the final AP poll
- Huskies won their 12th national championship over South Carolina
- Parade set for Saturday in Hartford with over 200,000 fans expected
- UConn receives all 31 first-place votes in the AP poll
- South Carolina, UCLA, Texas, and USC round out the top five
- It’s UConn’s first No. 1 finish since 2021 and 17th overall
- SEC finishes with most teams ranked in the final poll
They brought the trophy home—and now they’re getting the celebration they deserve. The UConn women No. 1 AP poll ranking is official, and Connecticut is throwing a massive championship parade to honor the new queens of college basketball.
Just one day after winning their 12th national title, the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team has been crowned No. 1 in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll of the 2024-25 season. The Huskies, led by legendary coach Geno Auriemma, received all 31 first-place votes from the national media panel.
And this Saturday, the state of Connecticut will light up in celebration.
Parade Details: Hartford Goes All In for UConn Women Champions
Governor Ned Lamont made it official on Tuesday, announcing a full-scale parade and rally for the champion Huskies.
- Date: Saturday
- Time: 11:00 a.m.
- Location: In front of the state capitol in Hartford
- Expected Attendance: Over 200,000 fans
The hour-long parade will feature confetti showers, marching bands, giant floats, and plenty of fanfare. The UConn players and coaches will ride through the city before taking the stage for speeches and celebrations.
“This team gave our state everything,” Lamont said. “Now it’s our turn to give back.”
UConn Women Champions – A Title to Remember
UConn’s 82-59 blowout win over South Carolina wasn’t just a championship—it was a statement.
They dominated from start to finish, silencing critics and showing that UConn is still the gold standard in women’s college basketball.
With the win, UConn:
- Secured its 12th national title
- Finished the season at 36-4
- Defeated the previously undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks
- Completed a season that will be remembered for years to come
“We proved who we are,” Auriemma said. “And now we’re back on top.”
UConn Back on Top in Final AP Poll
The Associated Press released its final Top 25 rankings on Monday—just a day after the national championship game—and UConn finished No. 1.
The Huskies received all 31 first-place votes, a unanimous selection after their dominant tournament run.
It’s the first time UConn has finished at the top of the AP poll since 2021 and the 17th time overall, extending their NCAA record.
“This team came together at the perfect time,” Auriemma said. “It’s a special group.”
The Top 10 Final Rankings
Here’s how the final AP Top 10 shaped up:
- UConn
- South Carolina
- UCLA
- Texas
- Southern California
- Tennessee
- Alabama
- Michigan State
- Texas Tech
- Notre Dame
South Carolina, who had been No. 1 nearly all season, finished second. UCLA and Texas, both Final Four participants, claimed the third and fourth spots. Southern California rounded out the top five.
Poll Records and Movement
A record five teams held the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 this season—a sign of how competitive and unpredictable this year’s women’s basketball season really was.
- South Carolina
- UCLA
- Notre Dame
- Texas
- UConn
Each had their moment at the top before UConn finally reclaimed the throne at the very end.
Teams That Climbed
Some teams made big jumps in the final poll.
- Maryland rose to No. 12 after nearly knocking off South Carolina in the Sweet 16.
- Ole Miss climbed eight spots to No. 17 following their Sweet 16 appearance.
- Kentucky and Arizona also rose six spots after making deep tournament runs.
In total, 12 teams moved up in the final poll after March Madness.
Teams That Tumbled
With every winner, there’s a loser. And several big-name programs took a nosedive in the final rankings.
- Louisville dropped 11 spots to No. 21 after a first-round loss to Creighton
- Clemson fell 10 spots to No. 22 after losing to McNeese
- Memphis dropped nine spots after being shorthanded in their tournament loss
- St. John’s fell six places after a disappointing second-round performance
In all, eight teams dropped significantly from the pre-tournament rankings.
Conference Power Rankings
When the final dust settled, the SEC led all conferences with eight teams in the final AP Top 25.
The ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12 each finished with five, while the Big East (UConn’s conference) had just one—but what a one it was.
Other conference notes:
- The Summit League and West Coast Conference each had one team
- UConn’s success gave the Big East its second No. 1 finish in four years
Star Power on Display
UConn’s championship and No. 1 ranking weren’t just about coaching—it was about superstar performances.
- Azzi Fudd delivered in the Final Four, earning Most Outstanding Player honors
- Sarah Strong was a double-double machine all tournament long
- Paige Bueckers capped off her final collegiate season in spectacular fashion
Together, they formed one of the most balanced and unstoppable units in recent memory.
“We had a lot of talent,” said Fudd. “But we also had each other’s backs every single game.”
What’s Next for UConn?
The Huskies are expected to reload next season with another top-five recruiting class and key players returning. Though they’ll lose some veteran leadership, Auriemma and his staff have already set the groundwork for a repeat run.
If history is any guide, don’t be surprised if UConn starts next season ranked No. 1 again.
UConn Women Champions – Legacy and Impact
This national title and AP No. 1 finish solidify UConn’s position as the most dominant program in women’s basketball history.
- 12 national titles
- 17 No. 1 final rankings
- Dozens of All-Americans and future WNBA stars
- A fan base that continues to grow with every win
For a program that once seemed untouchable, this season proved they still are.
UConn Women No. 1 AP Poll and National Champs—The Queens of the Court
UConn women No. 1 AP poll finish is the ultimate cherry on top of a historic season. With a dominant national championship victory, a perfect postseason run, and a massive parade on the way, this year belongs to the Huskies.
They reminded the world who owns women’s college basketball—and they did it with class, fire, and unmatched talent.
The season may be over, but for UConn, the legacy is just getting bigger.
