UConn standout Paige Bueckers is continuing to make history.

On Monday, Nike announced Bueckers as the first athlete to design and release a player edition sneaker as part of its name, image, and likeness (NIL) program. The brand launched Bueckers’ Nike G.T. Hustle 3 on Saturday.

“It’s definitely inspiring to wear your own shoe,” Bueckers said in a statement. “I grew up wearing Nikes and all the signature shoes, so it feels surreal to have my own player edition. I just want to shine in it.”

The design of the sneaker incorporates elements that are meaningful to the 2021 Naismith Player of the Year. The left tongue features the area codes for both Storrs, Connecticut, and Bueckers’ hometown in Minnesota, while the left heel showcases a text bubble with the phrase “Be You, Be Great,” a motivational message she receives from her father before every game. The right heel is emblazoned with “Bueckers.”

Bueckers signed an NIL deal with Nike in September 2023, adding to a roster of partnerships with major brands like Gatorade, Dunkin’, Bose, and Chegg.

In August, Bueckers also entered an NIL agreement with Unrivaled, a new professional 3×3 winter league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. She made history as the first NCAA athlete to gain ownership equity in a league and is expected to compete in the league next year.

Bueckers’ professional future has been a hot topic following the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery in mid-November. The Dallas Wings secured the top pick in the lottery, meaning they would be able to select Bueckers No. 1 overall if she decides to declare for the 2024 draft.

As a redshirt senior, Bueckers still has the option to return to UConn for another season, thanks to an additional year of eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, she told The Athletic earlier this summer that she plans to make this her final college season, and she confirmed on social media that she participated in her last UConn media day this fall.

Bueckers joins an expanding group of women’s basketball stars involved in Nike sneaker design. WNBA players like Jewell Loyd and Jonquel Jones launched Nike player-exclusive sneakers last season, while Sabrina Ionescu has her own signature model, and A’ja Wilson’s signature sneaker is set to launch by the 2025 WNBA season. Caitlin Clark has also debuted several player-exclusive sneakers, with reports indicating she will receive a signature sneaker in the near future as part of her endorsement deal signed last spring.

So far this season, Bueckers is averaging 22 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in the first six games. UConn remains undefeated, with a matchup against Holy Cross on Tuesday before facing Louisville in the Women’s Champions Classic at Barclays Center on Saturday.