Paige Bueckers address the press during an introductory press conference for the 2025 Dallas Wings rookies in Dallas City Hall in Dallas, Texas. (Photo: Rachel Schuoler | The Podium Finish)
DALLAS — Paige Bueckers is living the dream. A day after signing her rookie scale contract with the Dallas Wings, Bueckers joined fellow draftees Aziaha James, Madison Scott, JJ Quinerly and Aaronette Vonleh for their first press conference as the newest members of Texas’ only WNBA team.
For Bueckers, the decorated point guard from Hopkins, Minnesota, this moment represents more than just the next chapter in a stellar basketball journey. At 23, she stands as a symbol of resilience and authenticity — stepping into the spotlight with calm confidence.
As she prepares for her WNBA debut, Bueckers is focused on appreciating each moment. When asked what she’d tell her younger self — the girl who once dreamed of this very moment — her response was thoughtful and deeply introspective.
“[I’d] tell myself, my younger self, to be present, to enjoy every moment, to enjoy the journey,” Bueckers said. “There’s good days and bad days, but always keep the faith, always keep your smile, and remain who you are.
“That kinda goes along with the advice that I’ve been given of being present, of not worrying about the future, not worrying about the past, but continue to build on what you’re doing in that present moment. And also, just be who you are. Don’t care about anybody else’s opinion. Be confident in that, and be the best version of yourself.”
The three-time All-American and two-time Nancy Lieberman Award winner does not just walk the walk — she talks it with purpose and poise. Shining in primetime moments and easily facilitating plays for team success, Bueckers may be one of the keys for the Wings to truly take flight in 2025.
Through all the successes and struggles, Bueckers is also humble and levelheaded. Her faith keeps things in perspective, guiding her through triumphs and setbacks, both on and off the court.
Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings speaks to the press alongside Chris Koclanes, head coach, and Aziaha James, No. 12 overall draft pick, during an introductory press conference in Dallas City Hall. (Photo: Rachel Schuoler | The Podium Finish)
“My faith has really grounded me,” she shared. “It’s kept me in a place where I’ve been grateful for everything that’s happened that’s been thrown my way. It’s keeping me humble to not take anything for granted, and it’s just helped me enjoy the journey and be present in every single moment.
“It hasn’t always been pretty, but we’ve turned it around and everything works for the greater good. And just leaning on his purpose for me, leaning on His plan for me, giving up my own understanding of life, has really helped me just be in a state of peace and joy and gratitude.”
Even with many mock drafts ranking Bueckers as the top pick for the 2025 WNBA Draft, Bueckers was not going to rest on potential laurels or thoughts of the prognosticators. Instead, she continued giving it her all in her fifth and redshirt senior season at UConn, closing out her collegiate career with a national championship while leaving the rest up to fate.
“You don’t wanna take anything for granted, be entitled to anything, so you wanna continue to stay motivated to work, to be in that position, to get drafted,” Bueckers said. “But just excited for whatever the future held wherever I ended up. First pick, last pick, it didn’t really matter to me. But now that we’re here, we’re in the present, we’re in Dallas. Super excited for the future.”
That future includes playing alongside the versatile and dynamic Arike Ogunbowale in the backcourt. As Bueckers acclimates to the faster, more physical play of the WNBA, she knows she can parlay her selfless playing style to not only compliment Ogunbowale, but her veteran and rookie teammates.
“[I’m] obviously excited. She’s electric, can score at all three levels,” she observed. “Obviously, a bucket getter. So looking to assist her a lot, space the floor, get her open looks, play off each other. But just excited for everybody on the team.
“Like Aziaha was talking about, [we’ve] got some dogs. So just excited to build that in camp, build the passion, build the just the excitement of a new system, a new coaching staff, a new team, just a lot of new stuff. So excited to build with everyone.”
Paige Bueckers and Aziaha James of the Dallas Wings hoist their new jerseys with head coach Chris Koclanes meeting the press in Dallas City Hall. (Photo: Rachel Schuoler | The Podium Finish)
Given the rich sports history in the Dallas marketplace, Bueckers understands the significance of her latest opportunity. After all, when the Wings earned the number one pick for the 2025 WNBA Draft, it was a euphoric moment for Curt Miller, the new general manager, and Chris Koclanes, the new head coach.
She enters a league enjoying a surge in engagement, awareness, and sustainable growth — a momentum she hopes to help elevate alongside her teammates.
“I think we’re just looking to be a big name organization, and be a winning organization, continue to build off each other, continue to build off the momentum of women’s sports, and the wave that’s been created,” Bueckers said. “So continue to build off that, and be with each other and build as a organization.”
Beyond donning new colors and acclimating to new teammates, Bueckers welcomes an environmental change with the Texas heat. As Dallas sports fans prepare for the start of the Paige Bueckers era, she brought her along her trademark wit and humor with grace and style.
“I would say the weather’s probably hotter than me, which I’m excited for too,” she quipped. “So different than Connecticut and Minnesota, so I’m excited for that.”
