Paige Bueckers ended her college career with a storybook finish. On April 6, 2025, she led UConn to an NCAA title in what was likely her last game as a Husky. Few players get to leave college basketball as champions—but she’s not the only one. Over the years, a handful of women have achieved this perfect ending.
Here, we rank the top 10 American players who won a national championship in their final college game, based on their college success and pro careers.
Top 10 List
Here are the top 10 female college basketball players who ended their NCAA careers with Title:
1. Breanna Stewart – UConn, 2016
Breanna Stewart didn’t just win at UConn – she rewrote history. From 2013-2016, she powered the Huskies to four straight NCAA titles, something no player had ever done. Her game had no weaknesses: 17.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 53%. Defenses couldn’t stop her – they could only watch as she dominated the paint, then kicked out to open shooters.
That 2016 senior year wasn’t just a championship – it was the capstone on the greatest college career in women’s basketball history. When she walked off the court after crushing Syracuse 82-51, she didn’t just leave as a champion – she left as the standard every future player will chase.
2. Breanna Stewart – UConn, 2016
Breanna Stewart made history at UConn. From 2012-2016, she won four straight NCAA titles—something no one had ever done. In her final game (2016), UConn destroyed Syracuse 82-51, and Stewart was named Most Outstanding Player for the fourth year in a row.
She left college with three National Player of the Year awards, over 2,600 points, and 1,000 rebounds. Stewart wasn’t just great—she was unstoppable. Her perfect 4-for-4 championship run set a new standard in college basketball.
3. Candace Parker – Tennessee, 2008
Candace Parker owned the court at Tennessee. From 2005-2008, she carried the Lady Vols to two NCAA championships. Her final game (2008) was a masterclass—a 64-48 blowout against Stanford where she won her second straight Most Outstanding Player award.
She finished with National Player of the Year honors, over 2,100 points, and 1,100 rebounds. Parker could score anywhere and never slowed down. That 2008 title wasn’t just a win—it was the perfect goodbye from a college superstar.
4. Maya Moore – UConn, 2011
Maya Moore was unstoppable at UConn. From 2007-2011, she won three NCAA titles. Her final championship (2011) was a 63-54 victory over Notre Dame, earning her Most Outstanding Player.
She finished with two National Player of the Year awards, over 3,000 points, and 1,200 rebounds. Moore didn’t just play—she dominated. That 2011 title proved she was one of the best ever.
5. Diana Taurasi – UConn, 2004
Diana Taurasi was money at UConn. From 2000-2004, she won three straight NCAA titles. In her final game (2004), she dropped 17 points to beat Tennessee 70-61 and took home Most Outstanding Player.
She finished with two National Player of the Year awards, over 2,100 points, and 600 assists. Taurasi didn’t just show up – she delivered when it mattered most. That 2004 championship proved she was built for big moments.
6. Tamika Catchings – Tennessee, 1998
Tamika Catchings was Tennessee’s heart and soul. From 1997-2001, she helped lead the Lady Vols to a perfect 39-0 season, capped by a 69-64 title win over Louisiana Tech in her final game. Despite injuries, she still put up 1,000+ points and 500+ rebounds, earning All-American honors. Catchings played with unmatched hustle – her defense and toughness made that 1998 championship possible.
7. Alana Beard – Duke, 2002
Alana Beard put Duke on the map. From 1998-2002, she carried the Blue Devils to their first NCAA title, beating Oklahoma 82-70 in her final game. She finished with over 2,600 points and nearly 900 rebounds, later earning National Player of the Year honors.
Beard could score from anywhere and lock down anyone on defense. That 2002 championship wasn’t just a win – it was Duke’s arrival as a powerhouse, thanks to her.
8. Seimone Augustus – LSU, 2006
Seimone Augustus was pure buckets at LSU. From 2002-2006, she dropped 2,702 points and carried the Tigers to their first NCAA title. In the 2006 championship, she torched Florida for 26 points in a 58-45 win, taking home Most Outstanding Player.
With two National Player of the Year awards and that iconic mid-range game, Augustus didn’t just play – she put LSU women’s basketball on the national stage. That 2006 title run was Louisiana basketball history in the making.
9. Tina Charles – UConn, 2009
Tina Charles owned the paint at UConn. From 2006-2010, she powered the Huskies to two perfect NCAA title runs. In her final game (2009), she crushed Louisville 76-54 to cap a 39-0 season. Charles finished with National Player of the Year honors, racking up 2,346 points and a staggering 1,367 rebounds.
She didn’t just play center – she redefined it. That 2009 championship wasn’t just a win – it was the exclamation point on UConn’s most dominant season ever.
10. A’ja Wilson – South Carolina, 2017
A’ja Wilson put South Carolina on top. From 2014-2018, she bulldozed her way to 2,389 points and 1,228 rebounds, carrying the Gamecocks to their first NCAA championship. In the 2017 title game, she dropped 23 points on Mississippi State in a 67-55 victory, earning Most Outstanding Player.
The future National Player of Year didn’t just play – she willed her program to greatness. That 2017 trophy wasn’t just a win – it announced South Carolina as basketball royalty, with Wilson as their crown jewel.
Historical Context
NCAA women’s tournament has created legends since 1982. UConn leads the pack with 12 national championships, including their 2025 title. Their historic run featured 11 crowns from 1995-2016, with stars like Taurasi, Moore, Stewart – and now Paige Bueckers – all winning in their final games. These players didn’t just finish on top – they left as champions who changed women’s basketball forever.
