UConn Retires Azzi Fudd's No. 35 Jersey

Gabby Williams wore a shirt referencing Fudd at the Huskies of Honor ceremony at Gampel Pavilion on Sunday.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a basketball player in navy and white mid-stride across a warm-lit arena, with blurred spectators and a color-field banner overhead. — UConn retired Azzi Fudd's No. 35 jersey and inducted her into the Huskies of Honor at Gampel Pavilion on Sunday, a formal recognition of one of the program's most decorated players. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

UConn retired Azzi Fudd's No. 35 jersey and inducted her into the Huskies of Honor at Gampel Pavilion on Sunday. Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams wore a shirt reading "Evil Azzi vs. Azzi," showing two versions of Fudd.

Why it matters

The ceremony formally recognizes Fudd as the 25th player inducted into the Huskies of Honor, placing her among the program's most decorated figures. Williams's shirt drew attention on X, highlighting the connection between former Huskies teammates now in the WNBA.

Williams appeared in 39 regular-season games for the Valkyries, averaging 14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists, and rose to 21.0 points per game in the playoffs as the team won the 2026 WNBA championship. The sources do not detail how Fudd's own statistics compare with Williams's.

The players

Azzi Fudd

Fudd is a former UConn guard whose jersey was retired and who was inducted into the Huskies of Honor.

Gabby Williams

Williams is a Golden State Valkyries forward and former UConn player who was herself inducted into the Huskies of Honor.

UConn Huskies

The UConn Huskies are the University of Connecticut women's basketball program, which has won multiple national championships.

The details

UConn honored Fudd during a ceremony at Gampel Pavilion, retiring her No. 35 jersey. Williams, who played for the Huskies from 2014 to 2018 and was herself inducted into the Huskies of Honor in 2018, wore a shirt during the event that fans discussed on X.

2014-2018: Williams plays in UConn's women's basketball program.
2018: Williams is inducted into the Huskies of Honor.
2026: The Valkyries win the WNBA championship, with Williams named Finals MVP.
Sunday, November 8, 2026: UConn honors Fudd and retires her No. 35 jersey.

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Season Trajectory

The Huskies of Honor is a long-running UConn tradition, and Fudd's induction as its 25th player places her alongside the program's most decorated former players. Williams's 2026 championship with the Valkyries shows how UConn alumni continue to shape the WNBA landscape.

Fudd's jersey retirement adds a permanent honor to UConn's home court record. Williams's shirt drew reaction online, and the ceremony confirms Fudd's place in the Huskies of Honor.

The takeaway

Honor ceremonies like this one show how college programs keep former players connected to the team long after they leave campus. Fudd's induction as the 25th Huskies of Honor member marks a milestone that current players will see on the arena walls.