Ducharme, a former five-star recruit who battled injuries throughout her five-year career in Storrs, signed a training camp contract with the Valkyries after going unselected in the 2026 WNBA Draft. She joined Bailey Maupin in being cut by Golden State this preseason as the Valkyries work to trim their roster size to 12 by the May 8 deadline. 

Golden State’s decision came despite Ducharme’s relatively productive WNBA debut in the Valkyries’ preseason opener against Seattle on Saturday. Ducharme logged seven minutes off the bench, knocking down her only 3-point attempt while recording a rebound and an assist in a 78-76 win. 

Ducharme and Azzi Fudd, who also began her WNBA journey this week in Dallas, arrived at UConn together as part of the 2021 recruiting class. The 6-foot-2 guard was selected as a McDonald’s All-American after achieving high school stardom at Noble and Greenough School in Massachusetts, and she began her college career on a similarly promising trajectory, averaging nearly 10 points per game as a freshman. 

Initially enjoying an expanded role as a sophomore, Ducharme averaged 29 minutes and shot 40% from 3-point range during a 10-game stretch that culminated with a New Year’s Eve victory over Marquette, but suffered a concussion in practice two days later. Ducharme was held out of action for the following six weeks and suffered another head injury in the Big East Tournament after colliding with Aaliyah Edwards. 

Ducharme played in just 13 games over the next two years and opted for a medical redshirt during the 2023-24 season, citing a “frustrating” recovery from her head and neck injuries. She rounded out her collegiate career as an end-of-bench option for Geno Auriemma’s squad this past season, appearing in 25 games. 

Despite waiving Ducharme, the Valkryies still have a notable collection of former UConn players expected to play key roles for the fledgling franchise this season. Kiah Stokes and Gabby Williams joined Golden State in free agency this offseason, while Kaitlyn Chen and Tiffany Hayes will return for another year.