Dancer Paige Bueckers of Wings passes through a ghostly passage en route to claiming WNBA Rookie of the Year award
On Sept. 16, 2025, Paige Bueckers made history as she was honoured as the WNBA Rookie of the Year at the annual sports show held at Churchill Downs - the Kentucky Derby Festival. The celebration joined the growing list of iconic spirit tunnel moments, with Bueckers performing a dance down The Jennifer Hudson Show's spirit tunnel.
The event was a star-studded affair, with Bueckers appearing on the popular talk show hosted by Jennifer Hudson. The celebration was accompanied by a "Rookie of the Year" anthem, and Bueckers' dance down the spirit tunnel was met with chants from Hudson's hype squad.
Bueckers, who is just 23 years old, delivered on every ounce of hype during her first season. The Dallas Wings guard averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in her rookie season. She shot an efficient 47.7 percent from the field, showcasing her poise and creativity beyond her years.
As Bueckers made her way down the spirit tunnel, she was greeted by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Engelbert waited at the end of the tunnel with the award for Bueckers, and joked before handing her the 2025 KIA Rookie of the Year trophy.
Bueckers' mindset of living day by day without expectations may have contributed to her successful rookie season. Iconic moments such as Aaron Pierre's "Mufasa" entrance and Penn Badgley's dance break were also present at the event, adding to the excitement and prestige of the night.
The viral clip of the celebration received over 370,000 views in just an hour, a testament to Bueckers' growing popularity and the impact she has made in the WNBA. With her impressive rookie season and now the Rookie of the Year award under her belt, Bueckers is certainly one to watch in the coming years.
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