Women’s College Basketball Season Kicks Off with High Stakes

UPDATE: The women’s college basketball season has officially launched, bringing a wave of excitement and anticipation as teams gear up for a competitive year. No. 15 Notre Dame emerges as a frontrunner, but can they overcome past disappointments?

In a season marked by significant roster changes and high expectations, all eyes are on Hannah Hidalgo, a preseason All-American and the ACC Player of the Year favorite. The Irish, who suffered a 71-62 defeat to TCU in last year’s Sweet 16, are eager to make a deeper run this time. With key players like Olivia Miles transferring and others drafted into the WNBA, the stakes are higher than ever.

Notre Dame faces three ranked opponents in less than a month: No. 13 Michigan on November 15, No. 18 USC on November 21, and No. 12 Mississippi on December 4. Coach Niele Ivey remains resolute, stating, “Notre Dame is the standard,” emphasizing that despite a new lineup, the expectations remain unchanged.

Meanwhile, the Illinois Illini are looking to build on their recent NCAA Tournament success, but challenges loom. After losing five seniors, including leading scorer Kendall Bostic, the team’s average age is a mere 19.91. Coach Shauna Green is counting on returnees like junior guards Gretchen Dolan and Jasmine Brown-Hagger to step up, alongside promising freshmen like Destiny Jackson, last season’s Ms. Basketball of Illinois. Green embraces the challenge, stating, “They’re so coachable. They want to be great.”

At Northwestern, the spotlight is on Joe McKeown, who announced his retirement at the end of this season. With a record of 40 years as a head coach, McKeown aims to leave on a high note after three seasons of nine wins. Top returnee Grace Sullivan is expected to lead the Wildcats, showcasing her potential to be one of the Big Ten’s best.

In Chicago, DePaul has appointed Jill Pizzotti as head coach, taking over from the legendary Doug Bruno, who steered the program for 39 years. Pizzotti, who was the interim coach last season, is looking to revitalize the Blue Demons, despite a challenging preseason ranking of eighth in the Big East. The team aims for a postseason bid with a roster that includes several newcomers and returning players like Kate Clarke.

As the Big Ten Conference heats up, six teams are ranked in the preseason AP Top 25, including No. 3 UCLA and No. 10 Maryland. The spotlight shines on UCLA’s Lauren Betts, last season’s All-American, as the Bruins aim for a championship following their Final Four appearance. Coach Cori Close is optimistic, noting Betts’ impressive stats and the return of senior guard Kiki Rice, who is back in form after shoulder surgery.

With the season underway, fans and analysts alike are eager to see which teams will rise to the occasion and secure their place in the NCAA Tournament. The next few weeks promise thrilling matchups and pivotal moments that will shape the trajectory of the season. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting journey unfolds!