The reigning national champions aren’t slowing down on the recruiting trail. The UConn Huskies, fresh off another NCAA title run, are firmly in the mix for one of the nation’s most coveted prospects: Addison Bjorn, a five-star small forward out of Park Hill South (MO).
According to the 247Sports Composite, Bjorn is the No. 9 overall prospect and No. 2 small forward in the Class of 2026. Standing 6-foot-2 with length, versatility, and a proven track record on the international stage, she is one of the most closely watched names in high school basketball.
The Finalists
Bjorn has trimmed her list to a powerhouse group of programs: UConn, Iowa, Notre Dame, Duke, Texas, Kansas, and North Carolina. Each school offers a different path, but UConn looms large thanks to its championship pedigree and reputation as a springboard to the WNBA.
Her official visits are unfolding in rapid succession:
- North Carolina (Aug. 31–Sept. 2)
- Notre Dame (Sept. 18–21)
- Iowa (Sept. 25–28)
- Duke (Oct. 2–5)
- UConn (Oct. 16–19)
- Texas (Oct. 30–Nov. 2)
- Kansas (Nov. 6–9)
The Huskies will host Bjorn right in the middle of her tour, a prime opportunity for Geno Auriemma and staff to showcase not only their facilities and fan base, but also the championship culture that defines the program.
What Bjorn Brings
Bjorn has already built an impressive résumé. In her junior season at Park Hill South, she averaged 22.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 3.4 steals, and a block per game, shooting an efficient 56.7% from the field and 34.8% from three.
Her impact stretches beyond high school:
- 2023 FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup (Gold, Team USA): 5.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, 1.3 steals per game.
- 2024 FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup (Gold, Team USA): 9.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.9 steals per game.
Her size, skill, and two-way motor make her the type of wing every elite program covets.
Bjorn on Her Decision
While the spotlight shines on rankings and stats, Bjorn has been clear about what matters most in her recruitment.
NEWS: Addison Bjorn, a five-star prospect in the class of 2026, is focused on seven schools with official visits set to each of her finalists.
— Dushawn London (@DushawnLondon1) September 18, 2025
Story with Dates: https://t.co/awJG5rUZVW pic.twitter.com/lmLGw44W5P
“I’m looking for style of play and culture, especially relationships,” Bjorn told 247Sports. “I want to be close with all the coaches because that’s where I’ll be for the next four years.”
It’s a revealing statement: while UConn’s record of national titles and professional development speaks loudly, the personal connection and trust she builds with coaches could ultimately swing the decision.
Why UConn Is a Contender
UConn’s history is unrivaled. From Diana Taurasi to Breanna Stewart to Paige Bueckers, the Huskies have consistently produced college legends and WNBA stars. Just this year, Bueckers added a WNBA Rookie of the Year award to her résumé — another data point in UConn’s pitch that Storrs is the best place to prepare for the pros.
Coming off the program’s latest national championship and a raucous title parade in Hartford last April, the Huskies are recruiting from a position of strength. For a player like Bjorn, who has both the talent and ambition to play at the highest level, UConn represents the proven pathway.
The Bigger Picture
Bjorn’s decision is about more than one program. It’s also a window into how elite recruits weigh their options in 2025:
- Legacy vs. Fit: Does a blue-blood like UConn or Notre Dame still hold the ultimate sway, or can rising powers like Iowa and Texas win with culture and role fit?
- Midwest roots vs. national stage: Staying closer to home (Kansas, Iowa) offers familiarity, while coast programs (UConn, Duke, Notre Dame) provide national spotlight.
- Development vs. exposure: Bjorn already has gold medals with Team USA. Now the question is where she’ll best grow into the star many expect her to become.
What’s Next
Bjorn’s official visit schedule runs into early November, with UConn and Duke in October serving as key turning points in the process. A commitment timeline has not been announced, but her final decision will be one of the most closely followed recruiting stories of the year.
For the Huskies, landing Bjorn would reaffirm their standing as the nation’s premier destination for women’s basketball talent. For Bjorn, it will mark the next step on a journey that could eventually end at the WNBA Draft podium.
One thing is clear: wherever Addison Bjorn chooses, she is poised to make an immediate impact at the college level — and beyond.
