The magic surrounding the University of Connecticut’s 2001-02 perfect season may never be recaptured, but rest assured that the drive, hunger and determination to continue UConn’s winning tradition still remains. Dubbed "a team of the ‘90s", Connecticut women’s basketball has dominated the game for a full decade winning 15 BIG EAST titles, a national championship and making 10-straight NCAA appearances from 1990-1999. The program has since proven it can stand the test of time after winning its second national championship in just three years of the new millenium. Overall, the Connecticut tradition is three national championships, six Final Fours, 14-straight NCAA Tournament appearances and 23 BIG EAST regular season and tournament championships. UConn has always been a program rich with tradition and, despite its brand new look, the 2002-03 team will look to continue Connecticut’s dominance.

Leading the returnees is guard Diana Taurasi (Chino, Calif.). As a returning First Team All-American, she will be relied heavily upon at the offensive end. Combined with her ability to score from anywhere, her extraordinary court vision and passing skills make her one of the most dangerous offensive players in the game today. Taurasi looks forward to the task of upping her career scoring average and contributing more consistently to the point production. As a sophomore, she was the second leading scorer on UConn’s "Dream Team" averaging 14.5 points per game and dished 5.3 assists per game behind the consensus national player of the year, Sue Bird, who had 5.9 assists per game.

Maria Conlon (Derby, Conn.) was a steady role player at guard for the Huskies seeing action in all 39 games. A sharpshooter from behind the arc, Conlon keeps it simple and gives UConn another weapon from the outside. She made her first career start last season and was invaluable off the bench, averaging 4.1 points per game in 18 minutes of action per game.

The third guard in the junior class is Morgan Valley (Colchester, Vt.). Valley is coming back from offseason procedures done on her feet after missing 23 games last season. She is a fierce competitor who is looking to contribute immediately. A key factor on the defensive end, as Valley’s confidence grows, expect her to be a major offensive threat as well.

Battle saw action in all 39 games for UConn and made one career start versus Boston College (1/26/02). She averaged 5.4 points per game and 4.7 rebounds per game in 16.7 minutes per game. One of UConn’s quickest and most aggressive defenders, Battle has improved on her offensive skills during the offseason and should come back as one of UConn’s most well-rounded players on the court.

Moore showed flashes during her first season of play and will be a huge asset on the offensive and defensive ends for the upcoming season. The lefty has dangerous range in the key and can turn away shots from anywhere in the lane. Moore’s contributions in both the rebounding and scoring columns could be the difference in many games. She made three collegiate starts and played in all 39 games in 2001-02, averaging 5.4 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game off the bench. She scored a career-high 21 points in 25 minutes versus Cal State Northridge.

The younger of the Valley sisters, Ashley, was a reserve point guard averaging 8.4 minutes per game and 2.9 points per game. She saw action in 34 games but was hampered by an old shoulder injury during the second half of the season, limiting her play. An offseason procedure corrected the problem and Valley is ready to become a steady contributor in 2002-03.

Marron, UConn’s only walk-on, played a support role in UConn’s championship season. The guard was a competitor pushing the team day-in and day-out and appeared in 34 games. She hit on 10 of 18 three-point attempts and averaged 3.9 minutes per game.

Guard Ann Strother (Castle Rock, Colo.) was the consensus high school player of the year and has an endless list of accolades that validate her successful high school career. As a player, many have compared her to former UConn All-American Svetlana Abrosimova ‘00. The 6-2 guard can play anywhere on the floor and will be a dangerous offensive weapon. With her size and strength, she can fill any position. The guard averaged 20.0 points per game, 8.0 rebounds per game and 5.0 assists per game as a senior at Highlands Ranch High School.

One of two forwards on the roster, Willnett Crockett (Harbor City, Calif.) comes to UConn from Narbonne High School in California. She was a two-time Nike All-American and played in both the WBCA and McDonald’s All-American games as a senior. Crockett’s strength lies in her physical play and the ability to consistently get great positioning underneath. She is a solid, tenacious defender and will be a huge help on the offensive glass.

UConn’s other incoming forward is Barbara Turner (Cleveland, Ohio). Turner is coming off a 2002 championship season where she led East Technical High School to its first-ever state title. A consensus First Team All-American as a senior, Turner will be one of UConn’s most athletic players on the floor. Her quickness gives her the ability to play either the three or four spot and her style of play will fit nicely within the UConn offense.

UConn’s final newcomer is Nicole Wolff (Walpole, Mass.). Wolff was named the 2002 McDonald’s Player of the Year appearing in both the McDonald’s and WBCA All-American games. She led Walpole High School to the 2002 state title averaging 22.9 points per game, 15.5 rebounds per game and 7.8 assists per game as a senior. The lefty is deceptively quick and can score from anywhere on the court. Wolff has a smooth shot, a strong move to the hoop and great court vision. The daughter of Boston University men’s head coach Dennis Wolff, she is extremely disciplined on the floor.

Some highlights from UConn’s non-league schedule include basketball powerhouses, Tennessee and Duke, both 2002 Final Four participants. UConn will travel to historic Cameron Indoor Stadium on Feb. 2, to take on the Blue Devils, and will host the Lady Vols on Jan. 4, in Hartford. Within the league, UConn will play host to Georgetown, Notre Dame, Seton Hall, Rutgers, Syracuse, Villanova, Virginia Tech and West Virginia and will be traveling to Georgetown, Notre Dame, Seton Hall, Boston College, Miami, Pittsburgh, Providence and St. John’s.