Just a year ago, UConn’s Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle stood at a life-altering crossroads—debating whether to chase NBA dreams or return for another shot at college glory. But before either made a final call, they chose a third option. One that had nothing to do with arenas or draft boards. They slung chicken fingers. The two NBA hopefuls pulled a celebratory shift at Raising Cane’s in Enfield, Connecticut, right alongside teammate Tristen Newton. Had they started a UConn tradition?
That day, over 100 fans stood in the rain just to catch a glimpse, grab an autograph, or maybe get their combo order handed over by a future NBA star. “It was fun,” Castle admitted after the shift. “But I feel like the best part was just being able to be with the kids and interact with them and sign autographs. It was fun being with the guys again off the court. It was just a good overall experience.”
Fast forward a few months—and history’s repeating itself. This time, though, it’s not the men’s team taking center stage. It’s two of the most recognizable faces in women’s college basketball: Azzi Fudd and KK Arnold.
Fresh off delivering a championship performance in Tampa, where they helped UConn secure a stunning win over South Carolina, Fudd and Arnold are trading their sneakers for aprons. On Wednesday, April 9, from 2 to 3 p.m., the dynamic duo was working a special shift at Raising Cane’s Enfield location—serving fans straight from the front counter and drive-thru window. Hundreds waited in line yet again.
The line to get into Raising Cane’s in Enfield, where Azzi Fudd and KK Arnold are working a shift from 2-3 pic.twitter.com/1yQE5FPX4R
— Daniel Connolly (@DanielVConnolly) April 9, 2025
And honestly why not?? Fudd’s the NCAA Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, dominated the national title game with 24 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Yet, instead of declaring for the WNBA Draft, she made a bold choice: one more year at UConn. “I’m not done yet,” she had said last month. And clearly, she means it.
Off the court, Fudd’s already built a powerhouse brand. With NIL deals from BioSteel, Nerf, Madison Reed, and more, she’s among the highest-paid female college athletes in the country. And often, she has used the opportunity to connect with fans– be it giving an entire rundown of her day in collaboration with JanSport or going bowling with fans for a charitable cause.
“You guys have made this extremely special, and for continuing to believe in us… Your support has never wavered, and we’re so, so grateful for that. And to be able to bring this home and share this with you, because we didn’t do it alone, it means everything. So thank you guys,” she had said, thanking fans and everyone at UConn after they had lifted the trophy. So only natural she gave back with the Raising Cane event.
Oh and don’t count KK Arnold out either. The freshman guard has some experience of her own in serving the community. Last year, she partnered with the Black Fives Foundation to help preserve and educate people about the pre-NBA history of African Americans in basketball.
Two champions giving back in the most down-to-earth way possible. The pair took drive-thru orders, handed out food at the counter, and even climbed onto a small outdoor stage to thank their fans personally. The lines were long, the cameras were everywhere, and time ran out before they could meet every request. But no one left disappointed. “We have such an incredible support system. Since I have been here, the people have shown nothing but love. It is amazing to feel and to have that kind of support,” Fudd says.
One title delivered, the star guard eyes more to reciprocate the love.
Azzi Fudd is ready for the spotlight—even if she doesn’t want to call it that
With Paige Bueckers projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft and JuJu Watkins sidelined for the 2024-25 season due to a knee injury, women’s college basketball is quietly shifting into a new era. It’s the kind of moment that demands a new face. And if you ask around Storrs—or anywhere UConn fans gather—one name keeps popping up: Azzi Fudd.
Still, when asked if she’s ready to take on that responsibility, Fudd doesn’t exactly lean into the spotlight.
“Yeah, I don’t know if I will be the face of women’s basketball or even the face of this team,” Fudd said at a promotional shoot and NIL event at Raising Cane’s in Enfield. “This team is so strong and so powerful in so many ways that I feel like we are going to share that position.” But make no mistake: she’s aware of the moment.
“I do think I am ready to step up,” she added. “And I think every single one of my teammates is also ready to step up and take that extra responsibility.” Fudd’s role is only going to grow larger now that UConn is graduating three veterans—Bueckers, Kaitlyn Chen, and Aubrey Griffin. The leadership vacuum is real, and Fudd knows it.
And if you missed your moment to meet her at Raising Cane’s, don’t worry—you’ve got another chance. She’ll be there at the UConn Championship Parade in Hartford this Saturday, April 12. The celebration kicks off at 11 a.m., followed by a rally outside the XL Center featuring speeches from players, coaches, and university leaders. This marks the third consecutive year that Hartford will host a UConn championship parade—two titles from the men in 2023 and 2024, and now the women’s 12th.
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