Paige Bueckers honored as hometown celebrates WNBA debut with city rename

Paige Bueckers, the Dallas Wings’ No. 1 draft pick, steps onto the WNBA stage tonight, May 16, 2025, against the Minnesota Lynx. Her hometown of Hopkins, Minnesota, is marking the occasion with an unprecedented gesture: renaming itself “Paige Bueckers, Minnesota” for the day. The city, just west of Minneapolis, is buzzing with pride for the former UConn star who led her high school to a state championship and her college to a national title. Local businesses, schools, and residents are uniting to celebrate a player whose journey from Hopkins High School to professional basketball has inspired a community.

This temporary rebranding, approved unanimously by the Hopkins City Council, goes beyond symbolic gestures. Streets will bear the name “Bueckers Boulevard,” and local establishments are offering themed food and drinks, from a Paige Bueckers sushi roll to a signature ice cream flavor. A ribbon-cutting ceremony at City Hall will kick off the festivities, culminating in a watch party at Hopkins High School, where Bueckers once dominated the court. The event underscores the deep connection between the 23-year-old guard and her hometown, a bond that has only strengthened as her career skyrockets.

• Key celebrations in Hopkins:
  • Ribbon-cutting ceremony at City Hall to officialize the city’s temporary name change.
  • Local brewery debuts a Paige Bueckers-themed beer.
  • Ice cream shop introduces a signature flavor inspired by the basketball star.
  • Watch party at Hopkins High School to cheer on Bueckers’ WNBA debut.

The day’s events reflect a community effort to honor a player who has remained deeply engaged with her roots, even as her national profile has grown. From her high school days to her triumphant college career, Bueckers’ story is one of resilience, talent, and community pride, now celebrated on a scale few athletes ever experience.

City council’s unanimous decision
The decision to rename Hopkins for a day came swiftly after Bueckers was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14. At a city council meeting the following day, special projects manager Laila Imihy proposed the resolution, citing Bueckers’ remarkable achievements and her enduring ties to the community. Council member Aaron Kuznia shared memories of her final high school game in 2020, a state semifinal victory cut short when the championship was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The council’s vote was unanimous, reflecting the city’s collective admiration for its hometown hero.

Mayor Patrick Hanlon emphasized Bueckers’ role as a community leader, noting her contributions both on and off the court. He described the renaming as a fitting tribute to a player who embodies teamwork and excellence, qualities that resonate with Hopkins’ identity. The proclamation also invited local businesses to join the celebration, encouraging them to create themed specials and broadcast the Wings’ season opener. This collaborative spirit has turned the event into a city-wide spectacle, with nearly every business participating in some form.

A high school legacy that shaped a star
Bueckers’ journey began at Hopkins High School in Minnetonka, where she quickly rose to national prominence. As a seventh-grader, she played for the junior varsity and tenth-grade teams, showcasing a basketball IQ and versatility that set her apart. By her senior year, she was averaging 21.0 points, 9.2 assists, 5.2 steals, and 5.1 rebounds per game, leading Hopkins to a 30-0 record before the state championship was halted. Her accolades included three Gatorade Minnesota Player of the Year awards and the 2020 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year honor.

Her high school coach, Brian Cosgriff, often recounted how Bueckers’ presence drew crowds, with fans lingering for autographs long after games. Her ability to connect with supporters, even as a teenager, laid the foundation for her widespread popularity today. Cosgriff nicknamed her “Olive Oyl” for her slender frame, but her on-court dominance belied her appearance, earning her the moniker “Paige Buckets” for her scoring prowess. These early years in Hopkins shaped not only her skills but also her commitment to giving back to the community that raised her.

• High school highlights:
  • Led Hopkins to the 2019 Class AAAA state championship.
  • Set school records with 2,877 points, 795 assists, and 574 steals.
  • Named Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2020.
  • Averaged 21.0 points and 9.2 assists as a senior.

UConn triumphs fuel national fame
Bueckers’ transition to the University of Connecticut was seamless, despite the weight of being the program’s most hyped recruit since Breanna Stewart. In her freshman year of 2020-21, she became the first freshman to win the Wooden Award and led UConn to the Final Four. Her college career, however, was not without challenges. A knee injury in December 2021 sidelined her until the NCAA Tournament, and a torn ACL in August 2022 forced her to miss the entire 2022-23 season.

Despite these setbacks, Bueckers returned stronger, leading UConn to the 2022 national title game and the 2025 national championship, the program’s 12th. Her final season stats—19.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game—underscored her versatility. She earned three unanimous first-team All-American selections and the 2025 Wade Trophy, cementing her status as a generational talent. Her performance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, where she scored a record 477 points for a UConn player, made her the top prospect for the WNBA Draft.

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Dallas Wings’ new era begins
The Dallas Wings selected Bueckers with the No. 1 pick on April 14, 2025, a move that general manager Curt Miller described as a no-brainer. The franchise, which has struggled in recent seasons, sees Bueckers as the cornerstone of a new era under first-year head coach Chris Koclanes. Paired with four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale, Bueckers brings a high basketball IQ and unselfish playstyle that could transform the Wings’ backcourt. Her preseason performances, including 15 points, five rebounds, and six assists against the Toyota Antelopes, have already generated buzz.

Koclanes praised Bueckers’ adaptability, noting her ability to play both on and off the ball. This flexibility allows the Wings to experiment with lineups, reducing defensive pressure on the rookie while maximizing Ogunbowale’s scoring. Miller highlighted Bueckers’ composure under pressure, citing her leadership in UConn’s 2025 championship run as evidence of her readiness for the professional stage. The Wings’ season opener against the Minnesota Lynx marks the start of a highly anticipated rookie campaign.

Community pride drives celebration
Hopkins’ decision to rename itself reflects a broader pride in Bueckers’ achievements and her ongoing connection to the city. She has remained active in the community, opening a free grocery store at Hopkins West Junior High in 2023 through an NIL partnership with Chegg and Goodr. In 2022, she collaborated with StockX to revitalize a basketball court at her elementary school. Her Nike GT Hustle 3 sneaker, released in December 2024, features Hopkins’ 612 area code, a nod to her roots.

Residents recall Bueckers as a humble star who never shied away from engaging with fans. Mayor Hanlon described her as a champion not just in basketball but in community involvement, noting her ability to inspire young athletes. The watch party at Hopkins High School is expected to draw hundreds, with local businesses airing the game and offering Bueckers-themed specials. This collective effort underscores the city’s desire to make May 16 a memorable day for both Bueckers and her supporters.

• Community contributions:
  • Opened a free grocery store at Hopkins West Junior High in 2023.
  • Revitalized a basketball court at her elementary school in 2022.
  • Featured Hopkins’ 612 area code on her Nike GT Hustle 3 sneaker.
  • Organized youth basketball clinics in Minnesota and Montana.

Local businesses join the festivities
Hopkins’ business community has embraced the celebration with enthusiasm, creating a festive atmosphere for Bueckers’ debut. A local brewery has crafted a special beer in her honor, while an ice cream shop debuted a flavor inspired by her favorite treats. Restaurants are offering a Paige Bueckers sushi roll, blending creativity with local pride. These specials not only honor Bueckers but also draw attention to Hopkins as a hub for women’s sports fans.

Laila Imihy, the city’s special projects manager, encouraged businesses to think beyond the game itself, promoting the WNBA season opener as a community-wide event. The response has been overwhelming, with nearly every establishment participating. This collaborative effort highlights Hopkins’ vibrant business scene and its commitment to supporting one of its own. The themed specials are expected to attract both locals and visitors, boosting the city’s economy on May 16.

A full-circle moment against the Lynx
Bueckers’ debut against the Minnesota Lynx carries special significance, as she grew up watching the team’s dynasty led by UConn legend Maya Moore. The Lynx, who won four WNBA titles between 2011 and 2017, were a formative influence on Bueckers, who attended their games as a child. Facing them in her first professional game feels like a full-circle moment, especially with her hometown cheering her on.

The Lynx, runners-up in the 2024 WNBA Finals, present a formidable challenge for the Wings. Bueckers’ ability to handle their experienced roster will be a key storyline, particularly as she navigates the transition from college to professional basketball. Her familiarity with the Lynx’s style, gained from years as a fan, could give her an edge, though the team’s veteran players will test her defensive skills. The matchup is poised to be a highlight of the WNBA’s opening weekend.

WNBA’s rising star power
Bueckers enters the WNBA at a time of unprecedented growth for the league, joining a talented rookie class that includes players like Dominique Malonga, selected No. 2 by the Seattle Storm. Her national profile, built through UConn’s storied program and her engaging personality, positions her as a potential face of the league alongside players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Her investment in Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league, announced in April 2025, further underscores her influence in women’s basketball.

The WNBA’s 2025 season is expected to build on last year’s momentum, with increased viewership and attendance. Bueckers’ debut, coupled with Hopkins’ celebration, adds to the league’s narrative of rising stars and passionate fanbases. Her ability to draw crowds, evident since her high school days, is likely to translate to the professional level, making her a key figure in the WNBA’s marketing efforts.

• WNBA’s 2025 rookie class:
  • Paige Bueckers (No. 1, Dallas Wings).
  • Dominique Malonga (No. 2, Seattle Storm).
  • Sonia Citron (No. 3, Washington Mystics).
  • Kiki Iriafen (No. 4, Washington Mystics).

Fan anticipation builds in Hopkins
As the watch party at Hopkins High School approaches, excitement is palpable among residents. Students, families, and alumni are expected to pack the gymnasium, recreating the electric atmosphere of Bueckers’ high school games. The event will feature live commentary, giveaways, and a video tribute to her career, from her state championship to her NCAA title. Local media outlets are covering the festivities, amplifying Hopkins’ pride on a national stage.

Fans like Sarah Thompson, a Hopkins High School teacher, recall watching Bueckers dominate as a teenager. Thompson plans to attend the watch party with her students, many of whom see Bueckers as a role model. The event is not just a celebration of basketball but a testament to the impact of a local hero who has inspired a new generation of athletes. For Hopkins, May 16 is a day to honor a star whose journey is just beginning.

Bueckers’ off-court influence grows
Beyond basketball, Bueckers has emerged as a savvy businesswoman and philanthropist. Her investment in Unrivaled, reported to be more lucrative than her four-year WNBA rookie contract, highlights her foresight in capitalizing on the growth of women’s sports. She has also secured endorsements with brands like Nike and Gatorade, building a brand that resonates with fans and sponsors alike.

Her community initiatives, such as the free grocery store and youth clinics, demonstrate a commitment to social impact. These efforts have endeared her to Hopkins residents, who see her as more than an athlete. As she prepares for her WNBA debut, Bueckers’ influence extends far beyond the court, positioning her as a leader in both sports and philanthropy.

• Off-court achievements:
  • Investor in Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women’s basketball league.
  • Secured endorsements with Nike, Gatorade, and others.
  • Launched “Buckets With Bueckers” youth clinics in multiple states.
  • Partnered with Chegg and Goodr for a free grocery store in Hopkins.

A historic day for Hopkins
The renaming of Hopkins to “Paige Bueckers, Minnesota” is a historic moment for the city of under 20,000 residents. While the change is honorary and won’t affect official documents, it symbolizes the community’s unwavering support for its most famous resident. City Hall’s ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature speeches from Mayor Hanlon and local leaders, emphasizing Bueckers’ role in putting Hopkins on the map.

As the Wings take on the Lynx, Hopkins will be watching, united in its celebration of a player who has already achieved so much. The day’s events, from themed specials to the watch party, reflect a community coming together to honor a star whose legacy continues to grow. For Bueckers, it’s a chance to make her professional debut with the full support of the city that shaped her.