Azzi Fudd (center) is formally introduced as the No. 1 overall pick by Wings GM Curt Miller (left) and head coach Jose Fernandez (right) at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. (Photo: Mason Garcia | The Podium Finish)
DALLAS — Azzi Fudd did not overcomplicate her introduction to the WNBA.
“I’m super excited to be here,” she said. “I can’t wait to play.”
That directness defined Thursday’s introductory press conference, where the Dallas Wings formally welcomed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. It was a moment that reflected both the organization’s upward trajectory and Fudd’s readiness to begin her professional career.
A Deliberate Decision
Azzi Fudd poses with her new No. 35 jersey alongside her 2026 Dallas Wings teammates, Grace Berger, Maddy Siegrist, JJ Quinerly, Aziaha James, Li Yueru and Lindsay Allen. (Photo: Mason Garcia | The Podium Finish)
For the Wings, selecting Fudd was the result of an extensive and intentional evaluation process.
“We traveled all over the world watching this incredible draft class, but it all came back always to Azzi,” general manager Curt Miller said.
Miller pointed to her skill set and intangibles as differentiators.
“An incredible shooter, probably one of the quickest releases in the game today,” he said. “A defender with a lot of competitiveness and toughness.”
Wings head coach Jose Fernandez emphasized her overall fit within the roster.
“When you look at a roster and what we did in free agency and the dynamic guards that we have in this organization, she fits right in and she fits the need,” Fernandez said. “She is going to be able to stretch the floor and I know her willingness to be coached because the great ones want to be coached. Her being able to also put the ball down on the floor and the growth that she made from last year to this year defensively, she just stood out for me and she stood out for our front office. This is what we needed and we are fortunate to have the number one pick so we can control that decision.”
Built For The Transition
After a standout collegiate career at UConn, Azzi Fudd expresses confidence in her physical readiness for the professional level. (Photo: Mason Garcia | The Podium Finish)
Fudd enters the WNBA following a deep college season with the UConn Huskies and a quick turnaround into training camp. Rather than viewing that as a concern, she expressed confidence in her preparation.
“This is the best my body has felt,” Fudd said.
She credited a disciplined approach throughout her final collegiate season.
“I think just being super intentional since the beginning of this past season started with my diet, with just my regimen, with my sleep schedule, with everything going on,” she said. “I’m trying to control what I can control because I knew that this next year was going to be chaos.”
That preparation has helped position her for the next step.
“I feel as prepared as I can be going into this,” she said. “I’m excited.”
Focused On Contributing
When asked about expectations for her rookie season, Fudd centered her response on growth and team impact.
“I think what I’m most looking forward to is being here, getting on the court,” she said. “I just got to meet some of my amazing teammates, but I can’t wait to get on the floor with them, learn from them, learn how to play with them, learn from the coaches.”
Her focus remains on how she fits within the team structure.
“And really just see how I can contribute and make this a winning organization,” she said.
That approach extends to her development.
“I feel like I have lots of room to grow in every area,” Fudd said.
Defensive Mindset And Competitive Edge
While Fudd’s offensive ability has drawn national attention, she made it clear she embraces the defensive side of the game.
“It’s a game of who wants it more,” she said.
Her mindset entering the league reflects that competitive edge.
“I’m going in ready to compete,” Fudd said. “I know it’s going to be a challenge and I expect to be challenged every single day, but I’m looking forward to it.”
That willingness to compete aligns with what Dallas values as it builds its roster identity.
Message To Fans And Advice To Herself
Azzi Fudd talks with Sam Gannon of Fox 4 Dallas regarding her goals for the upcoming season with a message to the Dallas sports community. (Photo: Mason Garcia | The Podium Finish)
When asked about her message to Wings fans and what she would tell her younger self, Fudd kept her response simple and honest.
“I would tell Dallas fans, I’m super excited to be here,” she said. “I can’t wait to play. I got a chance to go to some games last year, so I can’t wait to actually be on the court and not in the crowd with everyone, and I can’t wait to be a part of that environment, that atmosphere.”
She then reflected on her own journey.
“I would say, I don’t know, I guess to keep working hard, keep believing,” Fudd said.
Learning From Experience
Fudd credited her time at UConn for preparing her for the professional level.
“Just the standard of excellence that the coaches have and the staff has every single day,” she said. “Whether it is in the weight room, in the training room, on the court, just the level of expectation they hold you to.”
That structure helped shape her approach.
“You don’t skip reps,” Fudd said. “You do everything with purpose, with complete discipline.”
Connecting With The Community
Fudd also spoke about the importance of engaging with the community, particularly younger athletes.
“I’m super excited to just be a part of this culture in Dallas,” she said.
She highlighted her interest in outreach opportunities.
“Just being able to have personal interactions with kids, with young girls, that’s something that I really enjoy,” she said. “So I think that’s something that we’ll definitely have to make a priority.”
Embracing The City
As she begins her professional career, Fudd is also looking forward to experiencing her new surroundings.
“Absolutely everything,” she said when asked what she wants to explore in Dallas.
Her initial plans are straightforward.
“I think my first stops will definitely be barbecue and Tex-Mex places,” Fudd said. “I love to eat.”
She also expressed interest in local attractions.
“I really just want to embrace the culture,” she said. “So I’m looking forward to everything.”
Joining The League At The Right Time
Fudd enters the WNBA during a period of growth and increased visibility.
“It is such a privilege to be joining the league at this time and one that I don’t take lightly,” she said.
She hopes to leave a lasting impact.
“I hope my love of the game shows,” she said. “I hope my competitive spirit, my work ethic, being a great teammate.”
Her long-term vision remains centered on growth.
“I really hope I can just continue to help grow the game,” she said.
A Strong Foundation
Family, namely her parents, Katie Smrcka-Duffy Fudd and Tim Fudd, remain a central pillar throughout Azzi Fudd’s journey from the youth ranks to the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft. (Photo: Mason Garcia | The Podium Finish)
Family has played a central role in Fudd’s journey to this point.
“My family’s support to me has meant everything throughout the years,” she said. “They’re the ones that introduced me to basketball, helped grow and develop me as a player.”
That support continues at the professional level.
“They’re here with me now,” Fudd said. “So being able to share all these moments with them in college, the draft, transitioning to here, it is super special.”
The Beginning Of The Next Chapter
As the press conference concluded, Fudd took a moment to express her appreciation.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone who set this up,” she said. “I feel very welcomed and loved.”
For the Dallas Wings, the addition of Azzi Fudd represents both a present opportunity and a future investment. For a Wings team that struggled with perimeter efficiency last season, Fudd is not just a draft pick but the tactical solution to the organization’s most pressing spacing needs.
For Fudd, it is the start of a new chapter defined by preparation, perspective and possibility.
“I’m excited,” she said. “It is a super quick turnaround, but this is the best my body has felt. I feel as prepared as I can be going into this. I am excited.”
And with that, her WNBA journey is underway.
