Paige Bueckers’ Parents Reflect on Their Daughter’s NCAA Title: ‘She’s Made for These Moments’
Paige Bueckers has always been destined for greatness. From a young age, her immense talent and unwavering work ethic set her apart from her peers, and it was no surprise when she became one of the brightest stars in NCAA women’s basketball. As the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) standout guard helped lead the Huskies to the 2023 NCAA Championship, her parents, Bob and Amy Bueckers, couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey their daughter has taken to reach this monumental achievement.
In a recent interview, Bob and Amy shared their pride, joy, and the unshakable belief they’ve had in Paige since her early years. “She’s always been someone who thrives in big moments,” said Bob, Paige’s father. “From her first game at the local community center to the NCAA finals, you could see it. There’s something about her; she’s made for these moments.”
Paige’s basketball journey began in the suburbs of Minneapolis, where she grew up playing the sport alongside her brothers. From those early days, her parents witnessed a deep passion for the game that would only grow stronger as she got older. Amy remembers watching Paige practice relentlessly, even when no one was looking. “She would always be out there shooting in the driveway,” Amy recalled. “She had this quiet determination. It wasn’t about being the loudest or getting attention; she just wanted to get better.”
Bob also emphasized the incredible mental toughness that Paige has displayed throughout her career. “She’s never shied away from pressure,” he said. “There’s always a calmness about her on the court, and that comes from her ability to stay focused and trust her preparation. That’s one of the things that sets her apart.”
This poise and maturity were on full display during the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Despite a challenging road filled with injuries and high expectations, Bueckers helped guide UConn to the championship, securing her place in NCAA history. Her ability to take over games, especially in critical moments, earned her praise from coaches, teammates, and fans alike.
Her parents were by her side through every step of her recovery process, especially after a torn ACL in 2022 sidelined her for a significant portion of the season. The road to recovery was tough, but Paige’s determination kept her focused. “We were so proud of her not just for her on-court accomplishments but for how she handled her injury,” said Amy. “It wasn’t easy, but she never complained. She worked harder than ever to get back to full strength.”
Bob added, “What made her special in those tough times was her ability to keep a positive attitude. She didn’t focus on what she had lost, but on what she could gain.”
When Paige finally returned to the court, she was even more determined to prove herself, not just for her team but also for the people who had supported her. Her parents witnessed firsthand the incredible drive that propelled her through adversity.
As they watched their daughter lead UConn to victory, Bob and Amy couldn’t have been more proud. “We know how much work she’s put in, but to see her out there, living her dream, it’s surreal,” Amy said with a smile. “She truly is made for these moments.”
For Paige Bueckers, the 2023 NCAA title is just one of many accomplishments in a career that promises even more greatness to come. With the support of her family, her resilience, and her dedication, there’s no telling where this journey will take her next. But one thing is certain – she will continue to rise to the occasion, as her parents have always known she would.
