UConn guard Azzi Fudd has been enjoying her offseason before she steps into serious business to begin extensive preparations for the Huskies' defense of the national title in the coming women's basketball season.On Sunday, the 5-foot-11 incoming senior was on the beach having fun while carrying a cute baby and watching her friend, Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers, play the Washington Mystics. She posted it on her Instagram stories page with the caption:“Babies, basketball and the cabin. 🩷Heart is full.”A college basketball fan captured and posted the photo on his X page for UConn fans' viewing pleasure.Fudd returned to UConn last season after being sidelined in the previous two due to knee injuries. She suited up for 34 games and was instrumental in helping the Huskies win their first women's basketball title in nine years and 12th overall.Her efforts during the Final Four and the national championship final earned her the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament award, joining UConn legends Shea Ralph, Diana Taurasi, Rebecca Lobo, Swin Cash, Breanna Stewart, Tina Charles and Maya Moore.Fudd will play her final NCAA basketball season under Geno Auriemma before she moves up to the WNBA, where she is expected to be a lottery pick next year.Geno Auriemma lauds preseason efforts of UConn players Azzi Fudd and Sarah StrongUConn coach Geno Auriemma has seen how major contributors Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong matured as the 2024-25 season progressed. The growth of both players, combined with the quality minutes of teammates Kaitlyn Chen, Ice Brady and KK Arnold, eased the burden on Paige Bueckers and contributed to the team winning the national title.Months after winning the championship, Auriemma and the Huskies began plotting their 2025-26 season objective, and primary to this action plan is to upgrade the skills of Strong and Fudd, who will become the team's top two options this year.In an interview, the veteran coach sounded out a warning for teams aspiring to dethrone UConn, as both Fudd and Strong have improved during the offseason. Auriemma noted that Fudd has been more aggressive and engaged in offense, while Strong has improved several notches from her rookie season.UConn will not just rely on the duo's production this season. The program acquired solid transfers Kayleigh Heckel and Serah Williams and highly regarded freshman prospects Kelis Fisher, Gandy Malou-Mamel and Bianca Quiñonez.Egyptian center Jana El-Alfy, Ashlynn Shade, Allie Ziebell, Morgan Cheli, Caroline Ducharme and Ayanna Patterson complete the 2025-26 roster for the Huskies, who will play two exhibition games in October before opening the season in Germany against Louisville on Nov. 4.