Serah Williams’ Priceless Take on Meeting Geno and CD for the First Time

Serah Williams Embraces New Chapter at UConn 

As Serah Williams gears up for her senior season in Storrs, the former Wisconsin standout is bringing more than just impressive stats to Geno Auriemma’s storied UConn program — she’s bringing energy, experience, and a sense of homecoming.¹

After three seasons in the Big Ten, the 6-foot-4 forward is now embracing the challenge of Big East basketball, and she’s quickly adjusting to life in Connecticut with optimism and appreciation.

A Homecoming to the East Coast

For Serah Williams, returning to the East Coast is more than just a geographical move — it’s an emotional one.

Raised in Brooklyn before relocating to Toronto in 2018, Williams feels a deep connection to the region she once called home.

During a recent media availability session following summer workouts, Williams expressed how familiar and comforting it is to be back.

“Yes, it feels very nice,” she said, reflecting on the move. “The way people talk — hearing the East Coast accent — like, coach Geno has a strong accent, so does Coach Dailey. And just hearing the way they say certain words is refreshing. Like they say ‘bagel’ correctly. They say everything right.”

It’s those small, personal details that make her transition feel natural. The Brooklyn native isn’t just stepping onto a new court; she’s stepping back into a world that shaped her, one she left behind years ago.

Letsss Goooo💙💙 https://t.co/GDrgAWlCi9

— Serah Williams (@SerahWilliams25) May 2, 2025

A Productive Career at Wisconsin

Williams enters the UConn program with a track record of productivity and consistency. At Wisconsin, she developed into a dominant force in the paint.

Last season, she led the Badgers with 19.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, establishing herself as one of the Big Ten’s top interior players.

Her ability to score efficiently in the post, rebound at a high rate, and protect the rim made her a standout on a rebuilding Wisconsin squad.

But despite individual success, the team results weren’t where she wanted them to be. Now, with a chance to compete for championships, Williams is eager to contribute to UConn’s winning tradition.

Serah Williams: Building Chemistry in Storrs

Transitioning into a new program can be challenging, but Williams has approached it with a positive attitude.²

She’s been working out with her new teammates over the summer, building chemistry and learning the Huskies’ system. So far, she’s fitting in well — both on and off the court.

UConn’s culture is known for its intensity and commitment to excellence, and Williams appears to be embracing that wholeheartedly. From early-morning practices to team bonding sessions, she’s soaking it all in and appreciating the opportunity to be part of something bigger.

“I feel like I’ve been welcomed with open arms,” she shared. “It’s different here — the expectation to win is so strong, and that’s something I love. Everyone is pushing each other, and that’s how you get better.”

From Brooklyn to Toronto to Storrs: A Unique Journey

Serah Williams’ journey is not a straight line, and that’s part of what makes her story so compelling. After growing up in Brooklyn, her family’s move to Toronto in 2018 marked a significant change.

She played her high school basketball in Canada, developing her skills away from the spotlight that many U.S. recruits receive.

That detour didn’t stop her from making an impact at the college level. At Wisconsin, she proved herself against some of the best post players in the nation. Now, she brings that experience and resilience to UConn, ready to thrive in a new environment.

Her journey has been one of adaptation, persistence, and growth. And each chapter — from New York to Canada to Wisconsin — has prepared her for this moment.

What Serah Williams Brings to the Huskies?

Williams brings several assets to the Huskies beyond her size:

• Interior Scoring: She has soft hands, solid footwork, and a variety of post moves that allow her to finish effectively inside.

• Rebounding: Averaging nearly a double-double last season, she has a knack for reading the ball off the glass.

• Defensive Presence: Her length and timing make her an effective shot-blocker and help-side defender.

• Maturity: As a senior, she provides experience and leadership to a relatively young frontcourt.

If she can transition her Big Ten success into Big East dominance, UConn will be a tougher team to beat.

Excitement Surrounding the 2024-25 Season

Expectations are always high in Storrs, and this upcoming season is no different. With a mix of returning stars, highly-rated freshmen, and experienced transfers like Williams, UConn is once again positioned as a national contender.

Fans are excited to see how Williams complements the existing roster. Her size allows players like Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd — two of UConn’s dynamic perimeter threats — more freedom to operate, knowing there’s a strong post option anchoring the paint.

Williams’ arrival could help restore the physical identity UConn once had in the post with players like Tina Charles and Stefanie Dolson. She may not replicate their exact roles, but she adds a new dimension that the Huskies have been missing.

Adjusting to Geno’s Coaching Style

Playing for Geno Auriemma is not for the faint of heart. The Hall of Fame coach is demanding, intense, and detail-oriented. But for players who embrace the challenge, it can be a transformative experience.

Williams seems up to the task. She has already noted Auriemma’s strong East Coast accent and personality, but more importantly, she respects his basketball knowledge and expects to grow under his guidance.

“I wanted to be coached at the highest level,” she said. “That’s why I came here.”

That mindset — of wanting to be pushed — will go a long way toward helping her succeed.

A Fresh Start, A Final Push

As Williams enters her final year of college basketball, she’s not just looking to end on a high note — she’s looking to evolve.

Her transfer to UConn is about more than wins or statistics. It’s about personal growth, competitive fulfillment, and taking full advantage of her last collegiate opportunity.

She’s already embraced the culture, connected with teammates, and accepted the challenge of playing in one of the most demanding programs in the country. All signs point to her making a big impact, both statistically and emotionally.

Serah Williams Shares Why UConn Was the Right Move

Embracing a Legacy: Why UConn’s Winning Culture Attracted Williams

When Serah Williams announced her commitment to the University of Connecticut, it didn’t take long for fans and analysts to understand why.³

UConn isn’t just another successful basketball school — it is the gold standard in women’s college basketball.

With 12 national championships under legendary head coach Geno Auriemma, including their most recent title this past season, UConn represents the pinnacle of excellence in the sport.

For Williams, a dynamic post player known for her athleticism, court vision, and relentless motor, the decision was both personal and practical.

She wanted her final college season to be special — to be both fun and filled with growth opportunities. And for someone who lives by instinct, as she noted in her own words, the moment she visited the Storrs campus, she felt a spark.

A Home Away From Home: First Impressions That Sealed the Deal

“It’s my last year and I’m very much an instinct person,” Williams said. “So I really thought, like, where can I have the most fun but also take a big jump on the court?”

It’s that balance between joy and ambition that led her to UConn. Williams emphasized how she immediately connected with the team’s culture, from the players’ welcoming personalities to the coaching staff’s supportive energy.

The environment struck her as authentic and comfortable — not just a place to play basketball, but a place to feel at home.

Her description of the team as “really funny” hints at a chemistry often undervalued in high-level sports. But for Williams, team camaraderie is more than just good vibes — it’s essential to performance, trust, and ultimately, winning.

Serah Williams: Championship DNA

The Visual Power of UConn’s Legacy

One of the things that left an impression on Williams was the physical presence of UConn’s history.

The championship banners, the trophies, and the overwhelming evidence of sustained success — all of it was part of what drew her in.

“You see all the championships everywhere and the success of the program, so it’s kind of hard to not want to come here after seeing that,” she admitted.

For a player with aspirations of playing professionally, there’s undeniable value in training within a championship-caliber system.

At UConn, excellence is not a goal — it’s a standard. And that’s exactly the kind of environment that sharpens players and prepares them for the highest levels of the game.

From Wisconsin to UConn: A Strategic Leap

Williams previously played for the Wisconsin Badgers, where she developed into a formidable player, averaging double-digit points and being a defensive anchor in the paint.

While Wisconsin gave her a platform to showcase her talents, UConn gives her a national stage and a roster that complements her strengths.

This isn’t just a transfer — it’s a leap into a brighter spotlight.

The move signals that Williams is ready for the next level of competition. She’ll be tested more at UConn, both in practice and in games, but that’s precisely what she wants.

Her growth in Storrs won’t just be statistical; it’ll be about intangibles — leadership, resilience, and poise under pressure.

 

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Filling the Void: A New Era Without Bueckers and Chen

With two key figures — Paige Bueckers and Kaitlyn Chen — now playing in the WNBA, UConn’s 2025 roster will look different. And that difference opens up an opportunity for Williams to assert herself as a core contributor.

Alongside fellow stars Azzi Fudd and incoming freshman phenom Sarah Strong, Williams adds a powerful interior presence. Her defensive skills, rebounding instincts, and ability to finish around the rim make her a valuable asset on both ends of the floor.

But more than her on-court production, Williams brings a hunger — a drive to compete and win at the highest level.

This mentality aligns perfectly with what UConn values most: toughness, commitment, and a team-first attitude.

The Geno Effect: Playing for a Coaching Legend

• No discussion of UConn is complete without mentioning Geno Auriemma. The Hall of Fame coach has built not just a winning program but a development factory.
• Under his guidance, countless players have grown from talented prospects into WNBA stars.
• For Serah Williams, the opportunity to play under Auriemma in her final year is a career-defining gift.
• The coaching she’ll receive — both tactical and mental — will likely elevate every part of her game. Auriemma’s demanding style isn’t for everyone, but for someone like Williams, who wants to maximize her potential in one year, it’s exactly the kind of challenge that can inspire transformation.
• While UConn’s basketball resume is unmatched, Williams made it clear that the decision went beyond strategy and accolades. It was about people.
• The connection with teammates, the way the staff treated her during the recruiting process, and the atmosphere on campus — all of it contributed to her belief that UConn was more than just a great basketball school. It was a place where she could thrive emotionally and socially as well.
• That kind of support system is crucial for a graduate transfer navigating a new environment.
• And in a high-pressure program like UConn’s, having those emotional anchors can be the difference between merely playing and truly belonging.