Plus, how putting herself first helps her team during March Madness.

Azzi Fuddis no stranger to this testament.

But there’s good news to this story, too.

photo of UConn basketball player Azzi Fudd holding a basketball while wearing a #35 jersey

The emotional toll that it would take?

In a2020 Instagram post, Fudd explained the emotional challenges of not being able to play with her team.

“Even though I wasnt playing, I still traveled with my AAU team.

photo of ohio state’s cotie mchmahon wearing jersey number 32 and shooting a basketball

Every tournament was hard to watch,” she wrote.

“Social media was hard to go on.

I had to delete my Instagram because I couldnt stand watching one more highlight or basketball clip.”

photo of audi crooks shooting a basketball and hannah hidalgo holding a basketball in hand

But, she didn’t do it alone.

“When I first started playing basketball, I was in first grade.

She later questioned the need for these extra practices.

Tara Davis-Woodhall of Team United States celebrates with husband Hunter Woodhall after winning the gold medal in the Women’s Long Jump Final on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 08, 2024 in Paris, France.

And that wisdom rang even more true when dealing with the mental health aspects of injuries.

Eventually, she found a cocktail ofself-care practicesthat worked for her.

Reaching out to her support system was one of them.

coach kara lawson from duke university

She finds it necessary for people to have an outlet to let it all out and be themselves.

She also handled all the ups and downs by talking, writing, and praying it out.

These days, Fudd has many different wellness practices in her repertoire that allow her to prioritize herself.

photo of juju watkins holding a basketball while wearing a usc jersey with the number 12

By feeding the soul

Fudd loves a good meal, andbreakfast foodsare her absolute favorite.

“I love to eat, and I don’t cook as much during the season.

By making time for fun

Fudd takes her craft very seriously.

And she makes sure she gets it.

“I also love hanging out with the girls,” she says.

(Ahem, this is your sign to DM her your list of favorite horror movies.)

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