How Fudd Became the First Rookie to Conquer the 3-Point Shootout

Updated July 25, 2026 8 min read

max916311@gmail.com

TL;DR: Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd made WNBA history by becoming the first rookie ever to win the league’s 3-point shootout at All-Star weekend in July 2026. The former UConn standout defeated Storm guard Sami Whitcomb (Carleton of the Fire) in the final round, marking a landmark moment for both her career and the franchise. Fudd’s performance showcased elite shooting ability under pressure, drawing comparisons to the greatest markswomen in women’s basketball history.

How Azzi Fudd Became the First Rookie to Conquer the WNBA 3-Point Shootout

Azzi Fudd made WNBA history at All-Star weekend by becoming the first rookie ever to win the league’s 3-point shootout, defeating the Fire’s Carleton in the final round. The Dallas Wings guard’s historic victory marks a defining early moment in what many analysts project will be a star-studded professional career.

Quick Answer

Azzi Fudd, a rookie guard for the Dallas Wings, won the 2026 WNBA 3-point shootout at All-Star weekend, becoming the first first-year player in league history to claim the title. The former University of Connecticut standout outdueled veteran shooters throughout the competition, culminating in a dominant final-round performance against the Fire’s Carleton. Her win also made her the first UConn alumna to capture the event.

The Path to WNBA Stardom

Azzi Fudd’s journey to becoming the first rookie to conquer the WNBA 3-point shootout began long before she stepped onto the All-Star stage. Born into a basketball family, Fudd is the daughter of former basketball player and coach Katie Lou Samuelson’s former teammate. She was a consensus top recruit coming out of high school and went on to become one of the most decorated players in University of Connecticut history.

During her time at UConn, Fudd established herself as one of the most lethal shooters in college basketball. Her ability to hit contested shots from deep range, create space off the dribble, and knock down catch-and-shoot opportunities made her a nightmare for opposing defenses. Despite battling injuries during parts of her collegiate career, her talent and determination remained undeniable.

UConn Legacy and Shooting Pedigree

The University of Connecticut has produced numerous WNBA stars over the decades, from Diana Taurasi to Breanna Stewart. However, none had previously won the WNBA 3-point contest. Fudd’s victory at All-Star weekend broke that barrier, cementing her status as one of the most accomplished shooters to emerge from the storied Huskies program. According to CT Insider, Fudd became both the first rookie and the first UConn alumna to win the prestigious shooting competition.

2026 WNBA All-Star 3-Point Shootout Results

The 2026 WNBA 3-point shootout featured a field of elite shooters from across the league, but Azzi Fudd stood above the competition from the opening round. The format required participants to score as many points as possible within timed rounds, shooting from designated spots around the three-point arc and utilizing money balls worth extra points.

Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round	Participant	Team	Result
Opening Round	Azzi Fudd	Dallas Wings	Advanced
Semifinal	Azzi Fudd	Dallas Wings	Advanced
Final	Azzi Fudd	Dallas Wings	Winner
Final	Carleton	Seattle Storm/Fire	Runner-Up

Fudd’s consistency across all three rounds demonstrated composure well beyond her years. While veteran shooters in the field brought years of All-Star experience to the table, Fudd’s rhythm, footwork, and release speed proved superior when it mattered most.

What Made Fudd’s Performance Historic

Several factors made Azzi Fudd’s 3-point shootout victory historically significant. First, no rookie had ever won the event in the history of the WNBA All-Star weekend. The competition has traditionally been dominated by established veterans and seasoned markswomen who have spent years refining their craft at the professional level.

Breaking the Rookie Barrier

According to ESPN, Fudd’s victory shattered the perception that first-year players lack the poise and consistency to win individual skills competitions at the All-Star level. The pressure of performing on a national stage, surrounded by the league’s biggest names, has historically overwhelmed younger participants. Fudd handled every ounce of that pressure with the calm precision of a seasoned veteran.

Research shows that rookie success in individual All-Star events typically signals long-term dominance in that skill area. Diana Taurasi, for example, never won a 3-point contest despite being one of the greatest shooters in WNBA history. Fudd’s early achievement suggests she could become the face of perimeter shooting in the league for years to come.

The Mental Edge

Fudd has spoken about the mental preparation required to compete in timed shooting competitions. Unlike game situations where rhythm develops organically, the 3-point shootout demands immediate precision with a ticking clock. Fudd credited her UConn training and the competitive environment created by coach Geno Auriemma for building the mental resilience needed to perform under those conditions.

Why the 3-Point Shootout Matters for the WNBA

The WNBA’s 3-point shootout has grown in visibility and prestige over recent years as the league continues to expand its audience and commercial footprint. All-Star weekend serves as a showcase event, and individual competitions like the 3-point shootout draw significant viewership and social media engagement. Fudd’s historic win amplifies that spotlight.

Impact on the Dallas Wings

For the Dallas Wings, Fudd’s All-Star triumph represents a major moment of validation. The franchise invested a high draft pick in Fudd, banking on her shooting ability translating to the professional level. Her 3-point shootout victory confirms that assessment and raises the Wings’ profile in a league increasingly driven by star power and marketability. According to Reuters, the win generated massive attention for the Wings organization and Fudd personally.

Industry data indicates that All-Star weekend performances frequently correlate with increased merchandise sales, social media following, and national broadcast appearances for the participating players. Fudd’s historic achievement positions her to benefit from all of these factors heading into the second half of the season.

Key Takeaways

Historic first: Azzi Fudd is the first rookie to ever win the WNBA 3-point shootout, accomplishing the feat at the 2026 All-Star weekend.
UConn milestone: Fudd is also the first University of Connecticut alumna to win the competition, adding to the Huskies’ storied basketball legacy.
Consistent excellence: Fudd advanced through every round of the competition, defeating veteran shooters including the Fire’s Carleton in the final.
Dallas Wings impact: The victory raises the profile of the Wings franchise and validates their investment in the rookie guard.
Future implications: Fudd’s shooting prowess suggests she could become the defining perimeter shooter of her WNBA generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Azzi Fudd?

Azzi Fudd is a rookie guard for the Dallas Wings in the WNBA. She played college basketball at the University of Connecticut, where she was one of the most decorated shooters in program history. Fudd was selected by the Wings in the WNBA Draft and made immediate impact during her first professional season, culminating in her historic 3-point shootout victory at All-Star weekend.

How did Azzi Fudd win the WNBA 3-point shootout?

Azzi Fudd won the WNBA 3-point shootout by scoring the highest point totals across multiple rounds of timed shooting from designated spots around the three-point arc. In the final round, she defeated the Fire’s Carleton to claim the championship. Her consistent accuracy, quick release, and mental composure separated her from the rest of the competitive field.

Why is Fudd’s 3-point shootout win considered historic?

Fudd’s win is historic because no first-year player had ever won the WNBA 3-point shootout before. Additionally, she became the first University of Connecticut alumna to capture the event. Both milestones make her victory one of the most talked-about moments in All-Star weekend history, according to multiple outlets including NBC News and Fox News.

Which teams participated in the 2026 WNBA 3-point shootout final?

In the final round of the 2026 WNBA 3-point shootout, Azzi Fudd of the Dallas Wings competed against Carleton, who was representing the Seattle Storm (also referred to as the Fire in some coverage). Fudd emerged victorious, claiming the title and making history in the process.

What does Fudd’s win mean for the Dallas Wings?

Fudd’s 3-point shootout victory significantly raises the profile of the Dallas Wings franchise. It validates the team’s decision to draft her and positions Fudd as a marquee attraction for the organization. The increased national visibility from her All-Star performance is expected to drive fan interest, merchandise sales, and broadcast attention for the Wings throughout the remainder of the season.

Has any other rookie won the WNBA 3-point shootout?

No other rookie has won the WNBA 3-point shootout in the event’s history. Azzi Fudd is the first and only first-year player to claim the title, setting a new benchmark for what incoming players can achieve at the professional level during All-Star weekend.

The Bottom Line

Azzi Fudd’s triumph as the first rookie to conquer the WNBA 3-point shootout stands as one of the most significant individual achievements in recent league history. The Dallas Wings guard combined elite shooting ability, mental toughness, and a competitive drive forged during her time at the University of Connecticut to outperform a field of established veterans. Her victory over Carleton in the final round, along with her distinction as the first UConn alumna to win the event, ensures that Fudd’s name will be permanently linked to one of the most celebrated moments in WNBA All-Star weekend history. As the season continues, all eyes will be on Fudd to see whether this historic achievement is the beginning of a long reign as the league’s premier perimeter shooter.