Sarah Strong was on the brink of winning a national championship when things took an unexpected turn during the 2025 FIBA 3×3 World Cup.
The United States team had been steamrolling through the competition, easily overpowering their opponents. In the quarterfinals, they faced Mongolia, a 12th-ranked team, and it seemed like an effortless match-up for the favorites.
However, just over 20 minutes later, Strong and her teammates stood in disbelief after a shocking 18-15 loss. They had let their guard down, underestimated the competition, and it cost them dearly.
A broadcaster on YouTube called it “the biggest upset in Mongolian sports history.”
“It’s disappointing to lose in 3×3,” said Strong’s mother, Alison Feaster, in a recent conversation. “But sometimes, falling short provides valuable lessons.”
This loss served as a powerful reminder that every team deserves respect, a lesson Strong can carry into her upcoming collegiate season as she aims for another championship with Collegiate Con.
“That’s the essence of college basketball; anything can happen,” Feaster, who is the vice president of team operations for the Boston Celtics, shared. “Our team knows they’ve got a target on their backs and must prepare to fight every night.”
Playing for the UW women’s basketball team inherently comes with its pressures, which have only increased now that they are the defending champions.
This marks Strong’s second season, and she feels the weight of rising expectations. She’s often viewed as one of the top players in the country; some even speculate she could be comparable to the legendary Maya Moore.
Strong embraces these comparisons without feeling overwhelmed. “I think it’s more of a challenge for me to rise to,” she expressed at Big East Media Day last week.
Coach Geno Auriemma seems thrilled about her growth this season. “Her performance last year was impressive, but now she seems even better,” he remarked. “It’s hard not to be excited about her development.”
“Control what you can control”
Strong exhibits a quiet confidence that has a positive influence on her teammates. Even at just 19, her skills are remarkable, but it’s her composure that stands out the most.
“You can never tell how she’s doing in a game,” said senior guard Aji Fuad. “It’s impressive to watch. I think I should take notes from her.”
This calmness might come from her grounded upbringing. Feaster has always told Strong, “Don’t let the highs get too high or the lows too low.”
Strong has internalized this advice, making it nearly second nature. So, it was perhaps not surprising when she seemed unflustered on the Final Four stage, showcasing 46 points and 23 rebounds in her final two games and setting a record for total points by a freshman in March Madness.
Feaster couldn’t help but feel in awe of Strong’s mental fortitude. “During the regular season, things aren’t as intense, but as you approach the tournament, it’s a different pressure,” Feaster explained.
Yet, Strong seemed to thrive under that pressure, consistently making crucial plays without getting rattled.
Having teammate Paige Backers around certainly helped, but with Backers gone, Strong is stepping up as a leader and finding her voice.
“Sarah is much more confident this year,” Fuad pointed out. “She’s more vocal now, compared to before when she would just listen. It’s great to see.”
“Moor” is coming
While many parents might overlook their child’s talents, Feaster recognized Strong’s exceptional skills from an early age, especially during her time in Spain when she demonstrated remarkable techniques.
“I knew she had potential even then, but the work ethic has played a huge role too,” Feaster noted. “And she just continued to improve.”
The comparisons to Moore started early, with friends noting Strong’s resemblance to the Hall of Famer, and now it’s exciting to see her mentioned as a talented player.
Feaster, who played alongside Moore in Spain, commented, “It’s an incredible honor to be compared to her in any way.”
In the offseason, when not competing in 3×3, Strong focused on improving her shot with her father, Danny, and training with other players.
Strong has just begun to tap into her potential, and it shows. “You can see by the way she moves that she’s confident in her space,” Fuad remarked. “I love it.”
