The story behind one of college basketball’s most endearing nicknames started with a simple comment from a girlfriend. Azzi Fudd recently revealed how Paige Bueckers, her former UConn teammate and now confirmed romantic partner, played the key role in creating the “People’s Princess” persona that has followed Fudd throughout her career.
What began as an observation about preferential treatment from their legendary coach has transformed into a beloved identity that perfectly captures Fudd’s unique position in women’s basketball.
How Did Paige Bueckers Create Azzi Fudd’s Famous Nickname?
On a recent episode of the “Good Game With Sarah Spain” podcast, Fudd revealed the story behind her now-beloved nickname and the role Bueckers played in creating it.
The origin story is both simple and endearing. “I think Paige made a comment about how I’m the princess because coach [Geno Auriemma] doesn’t yell at me and somehow that morphed into people calling me ‘The People’s Princess,'” Fudd explained. “Yeah, I’m not really sure. I know I’m not mad about it, though.”
The comment Fudd referenced traces back to the 2024 Final Four, when Bueckers was asked about her teammate. Bueckers delivered what would become the foundation for Fudd’s lasting nickname.
“I think she’s one of the most perfect basketball players. There’s not a flaw in her game. There’s nothing you can really yell at her at, which is why she’s like the ‘Princess’ from coach,” Bueckers said.
That observation from Bueckers captured something that fans and teammates had noticed. Fudd’s polished game and composed demeanor seemed to earn her a different kind of treatment from Auriemma, known for his demanding coaching style.
What Has Changed About Geno Auriemma’s Coaching Style?
Spain also mentioned how past UConn players often say Auriemma has mellowed with age. When asked to compare his past coaching style with how he coaches her now, Fudd admitted she had heard plenty of “horror stories” about his older practices and felt fortunate to have avoided them.
“They definitely say that he has gotten a little nicer over the years,” Fudd said. “They tell horror practice stories. And I’m just grateful that I didn’t experience that.”
However, Fudd was quick to point out that while Auriemma may have softened slightly, his competitive edge remains sharp. The legendary coach still knows how to push his players when necessary.
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“Don’t let that fool you,” Fudd said. “He is sweet. He has his moments, but he still has that toughness, that meanness in him. He gets it out. Yeah. He said he’s had to adjust as players have adjusted. And there’s a lot of conversation about that.”
This evolution in Auriemma’s approach reflects broader changes in college athletics, where coaches have adapted their methods to connect with newer generations of student-athletes while maintaining their standards for excellence.
How Did Paige Bueckers Officially Confirm Their Relationship?
Before All-Star Weekend, Bueckers finally confirmed what fans had been guessing for months. On “WAG Talk,” she played a game called “How Well Do You Know Your D1 Girlfriend?” and nailed every question about Fudd, from her biggest basketball moments to small personal details.
The last question was the one that mattered most. When asked to name her girlfriend, Bueckers smiled and said, “Azzi Fudd,” ending all speculation about their relationship status.
IT’S OFFICIAL, PAIGE BUECKERS’ GIRLFRIEND IS AZZI FUDD 🥰🥵
Via wagtalk on TikTok pic.twitter.com/1UuoKNd7G7
— WNBA Got Game (@wnbagotgame) July 18, 2025
Their closeness had been clear since UConn’s championship run, where Fudd was named Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four. She has been there for every big moment since, including walking the WNBA Draft carpet with Bueckers when she was taken No. 1 overall, cheering from courtside at Dallas Wings games, and standing in her corner at every turn.
Fans had already spotted the clues long before the official confirmation. Fudd wore a heart-shaped necklace with Bueckers’ No. 5, then showed up with a phone case that read “Paige Bueckers’ girlfriend.” At the time, it felt like a hint that set the internet buzzing.
Looking back, those moments might have been their subtle way of letting everyone in on the truth before making it official. The relationship confirmation added another layer to the nickname story, showing how their bond extends far beyond the basketball court where it all began.
