Tina Charles

Tina Charles won the John R. Wooden Award in 2010 as the best player in women’s college basketball while leading the University of Connecticut (UConn) to an undefeated season and a second consecutive national championship. The 6-4 center was a dominant force in the paint, averaging 18.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game during her senior year. Her elite footwork, rebounding ability, and defensive presence made her one of the most dominant post players in NCAA history. Charles played a crucial role in UConn’s 78-game winning streak, a record-breaking run that extended across multiple seasons. In the 2010 NCAA Tournament, she led the Huskies to another championship, earning Most Outstanding Player honors in the Final Four. Her leadership and dominance on both ends of the floor made her a clear choice for the Wooden Award. After winning the Wooden Award, Charles was selected first overall in the 2010 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun.