Azzi Fudd, the WNBA's 2026 No. 1 overall pick, celebrated earning her MBA with a special ceremony organized by her Dallas Wings teammates. Forward Alysha Clark presented her with a playful 'Master Princess' degree during the event.
The WNBAâs 2026 No. 1 overall pick isnât currently playing, but she still has reason to celebrate.
Azzi Fudd, who earned a masterâs degree from UConn this week, was honored with an additional diploma in a makeshift ceremony from her Dallas Wings teammates on Wednesday.
Forward Alysha Clark, the oldest player in the league, led the charge by presenting Fudd with a âMaster Princessâ degree â a nod to Fuddâs nickname, âThe Peopleâs Princess.â
To accept the playful certificate, Fudd wore a cap and gown as she walked into the teamâs locker room. In true graduation fashion, the 23-year-old shook hands with each of her teammates and thanked them as she made her way to Clark.
âHere we go, Fudd! Congratulations on your degree, master princess," Clark said, a reference to Fudd's "The People's Princess" nickname.
"Thank you," Fudd replied through laughter. "This is the best grad gift ever."
Along with the diploma, Fudd was also gifted a pink bottle of tequila to match the cap and tassel that Clark moved from right to left.
Fudd earned her Bachelorâs in Communication in May 2024, and her Master's in Business Administration. UConnâs commencement ceremony for master's recipients was Monday morning, a day before the Wingsâ home opener.
Fudd was ruled out of that game with what the team described as a right knee injury. Before that, she scored 3 points on 1-of-2 shooting in 18 minutes in her WNBA debut, a 107-104 victory against the Indiana Fever.
Fudd averaged 17.3 points at UConn last season while also earning the Big East women's basketball scholar athlete of the year award.
The WNBA season tips off as Caitlin Clark returns to the court with the Indiana Fever against the Dallas Wings.
See moments from opening night as one of the leagueâs brightest stars begins a new season.
Above, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is introduced Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
Azzi Fudd earned a master's degree from UConn.
Her Dallas Wings teammates organized the celebration.
Azzi Fudd is nicknamed 'The People's Princess.'
The ceremony included a playful 'Master Princess' degree presented by Alysha Clark.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark passes the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts to the action Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark shoots the ball while Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark looks to pass around Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd and Dallas Wings guard Aziaha James on Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark shoots the ball while Dallas Wings guard Odyssey Sims defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
1 / 6
The WNBA season tips off as Caitlin Clark returns to the court with the Indiana Fever against the Dallas Wings.
See moments from opening night as one of the leagueâs brightest stars begins a new season.
Above, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is introduced Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
1 / 6
The WNBA season tips off as Caitlin Clark returns to the court with the Indiana Fever against the Dallas Wings.
See moments from opening night as one of the leagueâs brightest stars begins a new season.
Above, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is introduced Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
2 / 6
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark passes the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
3 / 6
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts to the action Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
4 / 6
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark shoots the ball while Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
5 / 6
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark looks to pass around Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd and Dallas Wings guard Aziaha James on Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever's season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.
6 / 6
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark shoots the ball while Dallas Wings guard Odyssey Sims defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Fuddâs nickname, âThe Peopleâs Princess,â is also often used to reference the late Princess Diana.
During an appearance on the âGood Game with Sarah Spainâ podcast in July 2025, Fudd said she might have earned the moniker from something her Huskies and now Wings teammate Paige Bueckers said about UConn head coach Geno Auriemma.
âI think Paige made a comment about how I'm the princess because coach doesn't yell at me, and somehow that morphed into people calling me âThe People's Princess,ââ  Fudd said with a laugh. âYeah, I'm not really sure. I know I'm not mad about it though.â
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Azzi Fudd gets diploma, tequila from Dallas Wings after earning her MBA