UConn Women’s Basketball National Champions Celebrated at Parade and Rally
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Members of the UConn Women's Basketball team take selfies and show off the National Championship trophy as they arrive at the rally following the victory parade. UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The UConn Women’s Basketball Team’s 2025 NCAA Championship victory was celebrated Sunday with a parade and rally in Hartford.
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg
By Ronni Newton. Photos by Ronni Newton and Craig Rosenberg
Cheers and confetti filled the streets of Hartford on Sunday afternoon as an estimated 20,000-plus people turned out to celebrate the 2025 National Champion UConn Women’s Basketball team a week after the Huskies defeated South Carolina, 82-59, in the NCAA Championship game.
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The team waited nine years to win their 12th championship – and had to wait an extra day for the victory parade and rally which was postponed from Saturday due to the forecast of rain, snow, and wind.
More than 30 contingents traversed the parade route from the state Capitol building, through the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, and past cheering onlookers as they made their way to the XL Center for the celebratory rally.
The crowd roared as the UConn Pep Band led the championship bus down Trumbull Street where they were welcomed by more applause and chants of U-C-O-N-N, UConn-UConn-UConn at the rally, emceed by Game Day Connor.
The team – with their National Championship trophy – coaches, and family members arrive at the XL Center. UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz praised the team for their “grit, and grace, and tenacity” in achieving the program’s 12th overall NCAA championship, and “reaffirmed that Connecticut it the collegiate basketball capital of the world.” Gov. Ned Lamont echoed those comments.
Azzi Fudd – named the “Most Outstanding Player” in the Final Four – addressed the crowd, as did superstar Paige Bueckers, who is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft on Monday night.
Azzi Fudd speaks to the crowd. UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
“This championship, it means so much,” Fudd said, expressing her gratitude to the fans for their support. Fudd, who will return to UConn next season, also gave a special shout-out to the Zittoun family and their daughter, Abby. Dan Zittoun, Abby’s father, is the former principal of West Hartford’s Hall High School.
“You guys have been with us every step of the way, and you guys mean the world to us,” said Fudd. Abby Zittoun, who had formed a strong bond with the UConn Women’s Basketball team, passed away in October at age 13 after a seven-year battle with cancer. The Abigail Zittoun Family Foundation was formed shortly thereafter, and members of the team continue to wear their “Love Abby” t-shirts and support the family.
Paige Bueckers speaks to the crowd. UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
“As soon as the tournament started we just had this confident light vibe to us,” Bueckers said. “Thank you guys for all coming out,” she told the crowd.
“So now we are officially the parade capital of the world,” head coach Geno Auriemma said, noting that this is the third year in a row Hartford has had a parade for an NCAA championship basketball team. He thanked the fans for showing up for the team at all times, in all weather. “It took a lot to get here,” he said of this year’s success.
Coach Geno Auriemma speaks to the crowd. UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
“On behalf of everyone on our team, it takes a lot of people to make this happen, all our support staff back home – from our president, our AD, our managers who make things work for us. And I have the best coaching staff, and that’s why we win every year,” Auriemma said.
While things didn’t go exactly as planned for UConn Men’s Basketball coach Dan Hurley’s quest for a three-peat this year, this was a three-peat, Auriemma said. “And I don’t know whether it’s going to be us, or them, but damn, we’re going to try to make it a four-peat.”
Sarah and Jim Falvey of West Hartford have attended every National Championship victory parade for UConn’s basketball, including the parade for the 2025 UConn Women’s team on April 13, 2025. Courtesy photo
“We were thrilled that the UConn women’s basketball team has brought home another national championship to the state of Connecticut,” said West Hartford resident Sarah Falvey, who attended the parade along with her husband, Jim. “The 12th championship seems like the sweetest, especially since it comes after nine years. We haven’t missed a parade yet and being able to attend three years in a row is something the fans don’t take for granted,” she said.
“We were so proud to attend many games this year – wins and losses – and celebrated Geno and CD’s 40th anniversary at Gampel. This 2025 team is a special team and you could see it on the faces of the supporters in Hartford today – sheer pride for all the hard work, dedication, and injuries they have faced with class. This group of champions deserves everything they have earned and a parade is the ultimate way UConn fans have shown what they mean to the fans,” said Falvey.
Sunday’s celebration was produced by the Hartford Business Improvement District, in collaboration with the State of Connecticut, the City of Hartford, and civic and business organizations. The parade and rally were funded by private donations and sponsorships.
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Game Day Connor emceed the rally. UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The team – with their National Championship trophy – coaches, and family members arrive at the XL Center. UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Gov. Ned Lamont. UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Azzi Fudd speaks to the crowd. UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Paige Bueckers. UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Paige Bueckers speaks to the crowd. UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Coach Geno Auriemma speaks to the crowd.. UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Coach Geno Auriemma speaks to the crowd. UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade & Rally in Hartford. April 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
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