All bs and banter aside (and I've propagated quite a bit of both on this subject):
We went through this exact same thing with Kathryn Westbeld. UConn was thought to be interested but pulled back in the closing stretch. Link for reference:
Kathryn Westbeld
UConn won 2 national titles and made 4 final fours during Kathryn's time in college. Meanwhile, Kathryn led ND to a National Championship as a senior. It worked out for all parties.
I think there are other players that UConn has passed on that have done well at ND. I believe, for example, Michaela Mabrey wanted but did not receive a UConn offer.
It was reported by multiple sources that Brunelle had a UConn offer. It appears that early this year they backed off of recruiting Sam. Meanwhile, ND kept up their pursuit and won Sam's commitment. ND got a commitment from a player they coveted. It doesn't hurt my feelings as an ND fan if UConn decided she wasn't a fit for the Huskies.
(I do think it's gross how quick the Courant was to emphasize that she didn't have a UConn offer, but that's another subject).