Podcast Summary: Fudd Around And Find Out

Episode: "The Silent Assassin Speaks w/ Caroline Ducharme"

Date: October 31, 2025
Host: Azzi Fudd (with Ashanti Plummer)
Guest: Caroline Ducharme

Episode Overview

In this episode, Azzi Fudd and co-host Ashanti Plummer are joined by UConn teammate Caroline Ducharme—nicknamed the "Silent Assassin." The conversation dives into Caroline's journey from her reserved freshman days to becoming a central, nurturing force on the UConn women’s basketball team. The trio covers Caroline’s basketball upbringing, injury struggles and recovery, leadership growth, and fun personal stories, all with a light, supportive, and authentic tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Welcoming Caroline Ducharme: The “Silent Assassin”

(03:05)

• Ashanti introduces the episode, remarks on Halloween, and highlights Caroline’s presence as an “extra special” guest.
• Caroline explains the origin of her nickname:
  • “Honestly, it probably started our freshman year when we both got here. And I don’t think I said, like, three words, like, till like four months in, maybe...” (Caroline, 05:19)
  • Both hosts agree: Caroline is no longer truly “silent.”

2. Caroline’s Basketball Background and Family

(07:00)

• Caroline is from Milton, MA, with basketball-playing siblings and parents who coached her.
• Grew up idolizing UConn women’s basketball:
  • “I was obsessed with them when I was younger. But then when I started actually going through the recruiting process ... I just was always coming back to coach and UConn, and, yeah, it just felt right.” (Caroline, 10:40)
• Other top schools considered: Oregon, Tennessee, North Carolina.

3. The Power of Friendship: Azzi & Caroline’s Roots

(14:25)

• Azzi and Caroline met at a camp in 7th grade and have been close ever since.
  • “She was the first person I met in my class that played basketball and was high level, had the same mindset, and we just clicked.” (Azzi, 15:50)
• Caroline helped recruit Azzi to UConn; their bond has eased their college journey.

4. Overcoming Adversity: Injuries and Recovery

(23:15)

• Caroline’s extensive injury history, including ACL tear and multiple concussions.
  • “Concussions are really scary. I think they’re very under talked about in sports, especially at a young age ... I would say I’m trending up. So I’m feeling good. This is the best I felt in years.” (Caroline, 24:50)
• Describes concussion recovery process:
  • Initially rest, but after repeated injuries, specialized brain rehab in Florida (Aviv).

5. Returning to Play: Confidence and Growth

(27:30)

• Azzi notices Caroline’s renewed confidence on the court: “You really look like you’re getting back to your old self...not worrying about things, being able to just play more free.”
• Caroline’s perspective:
  • “I definitely think that I’m thinking about it less... I feel like I’ve come a long way with it.” (Caroline, 29:45)
  • Wears a headband for minor protection—a “little safety.”

6. Championship Rings: The Design Process

(33:30)

• Azzi and Caroline were involved in designing the team’s National Championship rings.
  • “Honestly, a lot more than I was expecting...so many details that I didn’t even think about. But it was really cool.” (Azzi, 34:10)

7. Evolving Roles & Team Leadership

(36:30)

• Fifth-year status brings new responsibilities.
  • Caroline emphasized supporting teammates, especially while sidelined: “I made a concerted effort to be super involved off the court...I still have that and then also be playing.” (Caroline, 38:15)
  • Azzi: “Caroline is that teammate that anyone and everyone goes to whenever they’re sad, happy, upset, needs something...that always impresses me.” (Azzi, 39:05)
• Caroline reflects on the “mom of the team” reputation despite being a middle child.

8. Boston Basketball Community & COVID Pickup Games

(42:10)

• Caroline describes playing with Boston-area players, including top college and pro athletes, especially during COVID:
  • “We’d play pickup literally every day. And it was just really fun...to come together and play.” (Caroline, 43:10)

9. Childhood Passions: Musical Theater to Basketball

(45:05)

• Caroline shares her early interest in musical theater, playing “the rose” in Beauty and the Beast.
  • “It was a very huge role, and I took it very seriously.” (Caroline, 45:35)
• Ultimately, basketball won out.

10. Academics and Future Plans

(47:00)

• Recently graduated with a degree in Human Development, Family Studies.
  • “It’s all about relationships and people and how...people interact with each other and how to work with other people.” (Caroline, 47:50)
• Now pursuing certificate courses.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Resilience:
  • “I was throwing up everywhere, but I got my 30 seconds of fame, and then I went back to the trash can.” (Caroline, childhood basketball story, 12:35)
• On Injury Recovery:
  • “With concussions, you can’t really do that so much. It’s so much about rest and not doing too much and letting your brain heal.” (Caroline, 25:10)
• On Team Leadership:
  • “That is a draining job. There’s 15 of us. That’s 14 other people on this team that you basically take care of. So to have that energy and always be there for everyone always impresses me.” (Azzi, 39:15)
• On Friendship:
  • “We were best friends since I was pretty immediate...Going through everything we’ve done or we’ve been through, being able to have each other by our sides through it has definitely made it a lot, not easier, but just being able to handle it has been easier...” (Azzi, 17:05)

Fun & Games

Segment: “What the Fud of the Week”

(50:05)

• Caroline: Reunion with Paige and Aubrey (“my what the fud!”).
• Azzi changes her “what the fud” to the same, and the duo laughs about being tagged on Instagram for practice antics.

Segment: “Who’s More Likely To...”

(54:00)

• Fun rapid-fire questions with playful banter:
  • Dressing up for Halloween: Azzi
  • Best cook: Azzi (“Little Chef Boyardee!”)
  • Better driver: Caroline (“It’s the Boston in her.”)
  • Biggest gift-giver: Caroline (“Professional gift basket maker right here.”)
  • More likely to get in a fight: Neither—both are calm and level-headed.

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 03:05 — Caroline joins the show, “Silent Assassin” nickname
• 07:00 — Caroline’s family, early years, basketball journey
• 14:25 — Azzi & Caroline’s 10-year friendship, recruiting stories
• 23:15 — Injuries & concussion journey
• 27:30 — Confidence, return to play, headband
• 33:30 — Designing the championship rings
• 36:30 — Stepping into leadership roles, “mom of the team”
• 42:10 — Boston basketball community
• 45:05 — Musical theater days
• 47:00 — Degree and academic side
• 50:05 — "What the Fud of the Week"
• 54:00 — “Who’s More Likely To...” game

Summary

This episode provides listeners an inside look at the character, resilience, and camaraderie that defines championship women’s basketball at UConn. Caroline’s humility, humor, and vulnerability shine as she recounts her unconventional path, injury battles, leadership, and evolution as a player and person, while Azzi and Ashanti balance heartfelt praise with playful teasing. It’s a warm, relatable dialogue full of insights for student-athletes and fans alike.