Sarah Strong, Hannah Hidalgo, Shea Ralph Win Women's Naismith Awards
#Naismith Awards #Sarah Strong #Hannah Hidalgo #Shea Ralph #UConn Huskies #Notre Dame Fighting Irish #Vanderbilt Commodores #2026 season
📌 Key Takeaways
- Sarah Strong wins 2026 Naismith Trophy as Most Outstanding Player, averaging 18.6 points and leading UConn to the Final Four.
- Hannah Hidalgo named 2026 Naismith Women's Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 5.6 steals and 25.3 points per game for Notre Dame.
- Shea Ralph receives the 2026 Naismith Women's Coach of the Year award, leading Vanderbilt to its first NCAA Tournament since 2014.
- All winners are recognized for exceptional individual performances and contributions to their teams' successes in the 2026 season.
📖 Full Retelling
The results are in! Here are the winners of the 2026 women's college basketball Naismith awards: 2026 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy (Most Outstanding Player): UConn Huskies Forward Sarah Strong (Sophomore) Strong is averaging 18.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, a Big East-high 3.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game this season, while shooting 59.4/40.4/84.8. Strong's 59.4% shooting percentage leads the Big East. Of course, Strong and the undefeated Huskies reached this year's Final Four, where they'll play the South Carolina Gamecocks — who they beat in last year's National Championship — on Friday night. Strong has been an All-American and earned All-Big East honors in each of her two collegiate seasons. "It’s an honor to receive the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy," Strong said in a statement. "So many incredible players have received this award before, and I’m humbled to be included with them. I couldn’t do this without the support of my coaches, teammates, and family. Thank you to the Atlanta Tipoff Club for this recognition." 2026 Naismith Women's Defensive Player of the Year Presented by MOLECULE: Notre Dame Fighting Irish Guard Hannah Hidalgo (Junior) Hidalgo averaged 25.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.6 steals and 5.2 assists per game, while shooting 47.5/25.4/83.3. Her 5.6 steals and 25.3 points per contest each led the ACC. She totaled double-digit steals in five games, while Notre Dame reached the Elite Eight round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Tournament. Hidalgo has earned All-American and All-ACC honors in each of her three collegiate seasons and is a two-time ACC Player of the Year Award winner. "MOLECULE takes great pride in recognizing Hannah for an extraordinary season that has rightfully earned her this prestigious honor," SVP and General Manager of MOLECULE Kevin Blossom said in a statement. "Her standout performances and relentless pursuit of greatness on the court reflect an exceptional level of talent and drive. It is truly our pleasure to celebrate everyt
🏷️ Themes
College Basketball Awards, Women's Sports Recognition
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Original Source
The results are in! Here are the winners of the 2026 women's college basketball Naismith awards: 2026 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy (Most Outstanding Player): UConn Huskies Forward Sarah Strong (Sophomore) Strong is averaging 18.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, a Big East-high 3.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game this season, while shooting 59.4/40.4/84.8. Strong's 59.4% shooting percentage leads the Big East. Of course, Strong and the undefeated Huskies reached this year's Final Four, where they'll play the South Carolina Gamecocks — who they beat in last year's National Championship — on Friday night. Strong has been an All-American and earned All-Big East honors in each of her two collegiate seasons. "It’s an honor to receive the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy," Strong said in a statement. "So many incredible players have received this award before, and I’m humbled to be included with them. I couldn’t do this without the support of my coaches, teammates, and family. Thank you to the Atlanta Tipoff Club for this recognition." 2026 Naismith Women's Defensive Player of the Year Presented by MOLECULE: Notre Dame Fighting Irish Guard Hannah Hidalgo (Junior) Hidalgo averaged 25.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.6 steals and 5.2 assists per game, while shooting 47.5/25.4/83.3. Her 5.6 steals and 25.3 points per contest each led the ACC. She totaled double-digit steals in five games, while Notre Dame reached the Elite Eight round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Tournament. Hidalgo has earned All-American and All-ACC honors in each of her three collegiate seasons and is a two-time ACC Player of the Year Award winner. "MOLECULE takes great pride in recognizing Hannah for an extraordinary season that has rightfully earned her this prestigious honor," SVP and General Manager of MOLECULE Kevin Blossom said in a statement. "Her standout performances and relentless pursuit of greatness on the court reflect an exceptional level of talent and drive. It is truly our pleasure to celebrate everyt
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