After a season filled with drama and broken records in 2023-24, women’s college basketball is bound to bring more to the table this year. With rising viewership and engaging storylines, fans are ready for another eventful season.
South Carolina’s recent success is undeniable. Decorated coach Dawn Staley has led the program to two titles in the last three years, completing an undefeated season in 2024. Although losing last year’s seniors and changes in the starting lineup may cause trouble, they still have momentum. Highlighted by Chloe Kitts, Te-Hina Paopao, and Ashlyn Watkins, the Gamecocks are 4-0 and ranked first in the most recent AP poll.
With the most successful college basketball program ever, UConn is always bound for glory. The Huskies have the most popular collegiate player right now in Paige Bueckers, who is predicted to go first overall in the upcoming WNBA draft. Headed into her fifth season in Connecticut, she remains determined after battling injuries.
“Pressure is a privilege,” explains Bueckers for NBC Sports “I try to be a great role model and somebody for the younger generation to look up to.”
Head coach Geno Auriemma has 11 national titles under his belt and has the talented players to shoot for another this year. Azzi Fudd is nearing the end of her ACL recovery and will return to the court soon alongside star sophomores KK Arnold and Ashlyn Shade. Freshman Sarah Strong has shown her reliable scoring ability in the first few games and is proving to be an important part of the team. Standing at 3-0 and ranked second in the most recent AP poll, the Huskies are prepared for a great season.
USC is another consistent program with their eyes set on a title. Sophomore and leader Juju Watkins had a breakout season her freshman year, scoring 51 points in a game, and is destined to do the same this year. The team had an unfortunate loss in the Elite Eight last March but gained experience they need to make it further in the tournament this season. As new members of the competitive Big 10 conference, the talented roster will be put to the test. The Trojans are 4-0 so far and are ranked third in the most recent AP poll.
LSU is expected to bounce back after also losing in the Elite Eight last year. After winning it all in 2023, head coach Kim Mulkey is looking for her fifth trophy in her coaching career. Flau’jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow put up great numbers last year and are expected to do the same in 2024-2025. The Tigers were one of the most entertaining teams to watch last season when Angel Reese, now in the WNBA, and Hailey Van Lith, now at TCU, were on the roster. Despite losing star players, the team stands at 4-0 and is ranked seventh in the most recent AP poll.
Overall, the talent continues to grow in women’s college basketball and viewership is growing with it. Every team is determined to make it to the March Madness tournament and bring a championship to their school. The 2024-25 season will bring highs and lows for every team and will certainly be fun to watch.
