“Kind of just heartbreaking”: Emotional KK Arnold reminisces Nika Muhl and Aaliyah Edwards’ last game with UConn
KK Arnold emerged as one of the strongest freshmen for UConn in the 2023-24 season. Besides excelling on the court, she also showed her immense passion for the Huskies, letting her emotions come to the fore on certain occasions.
One instance was immediately after the Huskies' narrow defeat to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Final Four last season. During the post-game interview, Arnold was visibly upset, shedding tears while addressing what it meant for her and her former teammates Nika Muhl and Aaliyah Edwards, who played their last game in the Huskies blue.
During Sunday's episode of the "Listen Up" podcast, Arnold recalled that interview and the pain experienced.
"After that game, just having the mindset of, we lost and everything we did up to coming to that part was just kind of heartbreaking," Arnoldsaid.
"It's going to hurt when you lose. But, it was just big for me because it was our last games with Aaliyah and Nika. So, just kind of, having that as well was kind of heartbreaking."
KK Arnold acknowledges her emotional side
An unprecedented injury crisis hit UConn during the season. The team lost key players like Azzi Fudd and Caroline Ducharme among others. However, the Huskies fought back, with KK Arnold and the rest of the freshman class playing their part in their strong postseason run.
Arnold appreciated the Huskies for making it that far and admitted she sometimes lets her emotions get her.
"We got further than what expected, but at that moment, everything was, kind of just falling apart and it was very emotional for me. I'm a very, kind of emotional person, so after that game, I was like, dang, it's over, and you know, things like that," she said.
Arnold earned a spot on the Big East All-Freshman Team after playing a key part in the Huskies' run to the regular season title with a perfect conference record.
In 32 starts, Arnold averaged 8.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists, while cementing herself as the program's season leader in steals (90). She will look to build on a strong freshman season in 2024-25 and help the Huskies make another push for the national championship under the guidance of veteran coach Geno Auriemma.