Paige Bueckers is proving that once a Husky, always a Husky. The Dallas Wings superstar, just one year removed from leading UConn to the 2025 NCAA championship, was on hand in Phoenix to support her former team after their tough Final Four loss to South Carolina. In an exclusive with PEOPLE, Bueckers revealed the heartfelt message she delivered to the heartbroken squad.

"I went to go visit them and just tell them how proud I was of them," Bueckers shared. Drawing from her own collegiate journey, which included its share of setbacks before the ultimate triumph, she offered perspective. "I've been there. I've come up short and it's pretty disappointing, but just to know how great of a season that they had... you can use it as motivation to come back even better."

This tournament season was a new experience for the 2025 No. 1 overall WNBA draft pick, watching from the sidelines instead of dominating on the court. "I've had FOMO for sure," she admitted with a laugh, "just missing being out there with the squad. But it's been fun to support them, fun to just watch them have so much success."

Her bond with the program remains incredibly strong, a testament to the culture built at UConn. "We just have a great bond," Bueckers said of her former teammates, a connection forged through shared battles and that championship glory. It's the kind of loyalty and team-first mentality that defines great athletes, both on the hardwood and off.