Caitlin Clark Claims 2026 Naismith Trophy in Record Vote—See How She Redefined College Hoops

Phoenix, AZ – The Atlanta Tipoff Club has unveiled the 2026 Naismith Award recipients, spotlighting a trio that dominated women’s college basketball all season: UConn sophomore forward Sarah Strong, Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph, and Notre Dame freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo. Strong’s wire-to-wire dominance for the unbeaten Huskies earned her the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy as Women’s College Player of the Year, capping a 34-0 campaign in which she averaged 21.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 57 percent from the field. She is the first UConn player to claim the honor since Breanna Stewart in 2016, and just the second sophomore ever to win it. “Growing up I watched legends lift this trophy,” Strong said after the announcement at State Farm Stadium. “To add my name to that list and keep our program’s tradition alive is surreal.” While Strong paced the hardwood, Shea Ralph engineered Vanderbilt’s stunning renaissance from the sidelines. The former UConn star guided the Commodores to a 29-5 record, their first Sweet 16 since 2009 and the program’s highest AP ranking in 20 years, earning her the Werner Ladder Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year plaque. Ralph becomes the first Vanderbilt coach—men’s or women’s—to win a Naismith coaching honor. “Culture was our first recruit,” Ralph noted. “Once the locker room believed, the wins followed.” Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo rounded out the award sweep by securing the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year crown. The 5-foot-7 rookie led the nation in steals (4.9 spg) and spearheaded the Fighting Irish’s return to the Elite Eight. Her achievement marks the first time a freshman has claimed the women’s defensive honor. Key takeaways for fans and scouts • UConn’s pipeline rolls on: Strong’s trophy gives the Huskies their ninth Naismith winner, more than any other women’s program. • Vandy’s surge boosts SEC depth: Ralph’s rapid rebuild tightens an already stacked Southeastern Conference race heading into 2026-27. • Hidalgo’s historic freshman year positions the ACC for a defensive revival next season. What’s next All three winners now turn their focus to Cleveland, where the Final Four tips off Friday. Strong’s Huskies hunt a perfect season, while Ralph’s Commodores and Hidalgo’s Irish aspire to crash the championship party—all story lines sure to keep the “Naismith” buzz high as March Madness reaches its climax.