Paige Bueckers’ Playbook: The Comeback Code

Paige Bueckers is back and better than ever, and let’s be real—her comeback isn’t just about talent (although she's a beam of this as well). It’s about the work she’s putting in behind the scenes. After tearing her ACL, she completely revamped her training and recovery routine, making sure her body is stronger, more resilient, and ready to dominate. And lucky for us, we get a peek into the game plan that’s keeping her on top.

 

Pilates: The Secret Weapon

Paige swears by Pilates (we do too), so she ensures she hits classes 4-5 times a week. And trust her, it’s no joke. She says it’s even harder than lifting or running. Why? Because it forces her to engage her core like never before, building the strength and stability that keep her balanced and explosive on the court. A strong core means fewer injuries, better control, and an overall more powerful game.

 

Warming Up the Right Way

Back in the day, Paige admits she wasn’t big on warm-ups. She used to roll up to practice and jump right in. But now? She’s all about preparing her body the right way. Her routine includes biking, band work, stretching, and yoga—stuff that gets her muscles warm, her joints moving, and her body ready to perform. The takeaway? A solid warm-up is a non-negotiable if you want to avoid injuries and play at your best.

 

Strength Training for Longevity

Paige has put on about 15 pounds of muscle since her freshman year, and it’s all intentional. With UConn’s Director of Sports Performance, Andrea Hudy, she’s lifting smart, making sure she’s not just strong, but balanced and durable. More muscle means better support for her knees, stronger landings, and less risk of getting sidelined again.

 

A Nutrition Glow-Up

Gone are the days of candy and hot Cheetos (RIP). Paige has totally cleaned up her diet, making sure she’s fueling her body with real, nutrient-packed meals. She’s all about getting the right balance of proteins, carbs, and fats to keep her energy up and her recovery on point. It’s a reminder that what we eat directly impacts how we feel, move, and perform.

 

Sleep is the MVP

Once a night owl, Paige has made sleep a top priority—aiming for 8 to 10 hours a night. Good sleep isn’t just about feeling rested; it’s when the body recovers, muscles rebuild, and energy stores reset. If you’re not getting enough, you’re setting yourself up for fatigue and a higher risk of injury.

 

Nighttime Stretching and Mental Reset

Before bed, Paige unwinds with stretching and devotionals, making sure her body and mind are both relaxed. Stretching helps with recovery, keeping her flexible and reducing soreness. And taking time for herself mentally? Just as important. It’s a reminder that self-care isn’t just about what you do physically—it’s about finding peace too.

 

Recovery Tools (Even the Uncomfortable Ones)

Even though she’s not a huge fan of saunas (hello, claustrophobia), Paige still makes time for recovery tools that help her body heal. Whether it’s ice baths, compression therapy, or massage guns, she knows the key to staying on the court is taking care of her muscles after the game.

 

Mindset is Everything

At the end of the day, Paige’s faith keeps her grounded. She’s been through the toughest challenges, but her belief in something bigger than basketball keeps her focused and resilient. When setbacks happen, she leans into her faith, and that mental strength is just as important as physical strength.

 

Paige’s routine is more than just workouts and recovery—it’s a full lifestyle shift. It’s proof that taking care of your body (and mind) isn’t optional if you want to perform at your best. Whether you’re an athlete or just trying to level up in life, there’s so much to take from her comeback. Work hard, take care of yourself, and never skip your warm-up. So, that leaves us with one question. What if prior to any injury we incorporate this lifestyle change and perform preventive measures that aid and abet in proper body form? Stay tuned...

 

Stay Saucy,

Saucemeup

 

*Picture: (Associated Press)