When the No. 1 UConn Huskies take the floor on Saturday against the No. 16 USC Trojans, many people will likely be watching standout sophomore Sarah Strong. However, there’s another “Sarah” that fans should know: Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams.
The senior forward was one of the top portal transfers in the nation last year and one of two head coach Geno Auriemma added to his national champion roster in the offseason. She averaged 16.4 points and 8.6 rebounds, with almost 52% shooting, over three seasons with the Badgers. Williams’ 19.2 points a game in her junior year was third in the Big Ten behind UCLA center Lauren Betts and USC guard JuJu Watkins.
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After transferring and leaning into a new role, Williams is still finding her footing with the Huskies. However, it hasn’t stopped UConn from appearing to be primed for a repeat bid, and she could be the missing piece for the team to run it back.
If you’re wondering who Williams is and what you need to know about the senior forward native, here are more facts about the New York native, including her status as a WNBA prospect.
1. Serah Williams was a force at Wisconsin
Williams doesn’t arrive at UConn without her roots with the Badgers. She spent three seasons with the program, where she earned multiple honors, including the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year title and two first-team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Defensive Team selections. She started 30 games for Wisconsin during the 2024-2025 season and had double-doubles in 12 consecutive matchups, a program and Big Ten record. Williams had more than 1,000 career points with the Badgers.
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2. Why Serah Williams chose to play at UConn
Williams entered the transfer portal after three consecutive losing seasons. She recently appeared on teammate Azzi Fudd’s podcast, where she dove into her recruitment process and why she landed with UConn.
“I chose UConn for my own reasons, because it aligned with what I wanted for my last year,” Williams said. ” I think out of my options, it was the best place that I could look back and be like, ‘I gave college basketball my all by pushing myself,’ and to be able to play with some of the best players in the country and be coached by some of the best coaches in the country.”
3. Serah Williams is projected to be a first-round WNBA draft pick
In USA TODAY’s latest 2026 WNBA mock draft, Williams is projected to be a first-round pick. Her production isn’t what it was at Wisconsin, but it doesn’t need to be for the senior forward to be selected. UConn has plenty of options on both sides of the ball, allowing Williams to settle into the Huskies’ system.
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Williams is sound in her footwork and under-the-basket work, and she makes her touches count when called upon. Her strengths are adding rim protection and keeping active hands, which could help her earn minutes as a rookie.
What time is UConn vs. USC?
The UConn Huskies play the USC Trojans at 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California.
UConn vs. USC: TV, streaming
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Time: 5:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. PT)
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Location: U.S, Galen Center (Los Angeles, California)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Serah Williams, UConn meet USC in women’s basketball: How to watch
