Sarah Strong’s recruiting process was far from typical.

Whereas UConn usually has its incoming freshman class wrapped up by the November, Strong took her time. The early signing period came and went without a decision. She played her entire senior season at Christian Sanford uncommitted.

Finally, Strong announced her choice the day after the national semifinal in April: She picked UConn over Duke and UNC. Just like that, the Huskies added the No. 1 prospect in the country to a recruiting class that already featured Allie Ziebell (No. 7) and Morgan Cheli (No. 11).

Even though the entire process took longer than usual, Geno Auriemma never wavered. He knew UConn had put itself in the driver’s seat to land Strong.