Colorado University Athletics
Newcomer Spotlight Series: Claire O’Connor
January 21, 2026 | Women's Basketball
BOULDER - The Colorado Women's Basketball team added 10 new players to the roster ahead of the 2025-26 season. In order to get to know them all a little better, we're introducing the Newcomer Spotlight Series to highlight the five freshmen and five transfers on our squad.
Next up is junior guard Claire O'Connor.
Why did you choose CU?
I really chose CU because of the people. I love the coaching staff and team culture. I love Boulder, so I wanted to live here.
What do you like about living in Colorado so far?
I love how outdoorsy it is, how you can just drive 15 minutes and go for a hike. I think that's super fun. It's nice to take advantage of on the weekends.
Growing up, did you play any other sports?
When I was a kid, I played everything. But by high school, I just played basketball.
Why did you pick basketball?
I just always loved it.
What's been one of your favorite memories with the team so far?
We had a team bonding playing pickleball, that was a lot of fun. Just played a little bit, had fun with everyone. I was playing to win, and I think a lot of other people were.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to get outside when I can. Hiking, biking, walking. I like to read, I like to paint.
What do you like to read?
Kind of anything, I read in different stages.
Do you have any favorite pregame or postgame snacks?
I love a banana pregame. It's definitely a go-to. Other than that, it's whatever.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
I want to keep playing basketball. I'd love to go overseas, but I'm open to wherever it takes me.
Do you have anywhere you want to travel?
I've always wanted to go to Italy; it's definitely on the bucket list.
Do you have any cities you want to see in Italy?
No, I actually know nothing about Italy, but I've heard great things, so I would love to go.
What are you most excited for this season?
We have a really good group, so it will be fun to go out and compete, get better, and see how good we can be. We've got a lot of potential, so just seeing where that takes us.
For more information on the Colorado women's basketball team, a complete schedule and results, please visit CUBuffs.com. Fans of the Buffs can follow the team on Instagram and on Twitter @CUBuffsWBB.
Next up is junior guard Claire O'Connor.
Why did you choose CU?
I really chose CU because of the people. I love the coaching staff and team culture. I love Boulder, so I wanted to live here.
What do you like about living in Colorado so far?
I love how outdoorsy it is, how you can just drive 15 minutes and go for a hike. I think that's super fun. It's nice to take advantage of on the weekends.
Growing up, did you play any other sports?
When I was a kid, I played everything. But by high school, I just played basketball.
Why did you pick basketball?
I just always loved it.
What's been one of your favorite memories with the team so far?
We had a team bonding playing pickleball, that was a lot of fun. Just played a little bit, had fun with everyone. I was playing to win, and I think a lot of other people were.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to get outside when I can. Hiking, biking, walking. I like to read, I like to paint.
What do you like to read?
Kind of anything, I read in different stages.
Do you have any favorite pregame or postgame snacks?
I love a banana pregame. It's definitely a go-to. Other than that, it's whatever.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
I want to keep playing basketball. I'd love to go overseas, but I'm open to wherever it takes me.
Do you have anywhere you want to travel?
I've always wanted to go to Italy; it's definitely on the bucket list.
Do you have any cities you want to see in Italy?
No, I actually know nothing about Italy, but I've heard great things, so I would love to go.
What are you most excited for this season?
We have a really good group, so it will be fun to go out and compete, get better, and see how good we can be. We've got a lot of potential, so just seeing where that takes us.
For more information on the Colorado women's basketball team, a complete schedule and results, please visit CUBuffs.com. Fans of the Buffs can follow the team on Instagram and on Twitter @CUBuffsWBB.
Players Mentioned
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