The Women’s College Basketball Season is Here: Meet the Game-Changers!
As the official start of practice approaches, excitement builds for the women’s college basketball season. First Night, taking place across the country on Friday, offers a sneak peek at teams before the season tips off on November 4. This year, fans will get to see new faces, including top recruits and high-level transfers, making their debut on new teams.
Powerhouses like USC, UConn, and Maryland have revamped their rosters, adding talented players to challenge for the national title. But which newcomers will have the most significant impact on the season?
Meet the 12 Players Who Will Shape the Season:
Kiki Iriafen: The Transfer Who Could Upset the Balance
Iriafen’s decision to join USC has massive implications for the national title race. With her impressive scoring average and rebounding skills, she’ll form a formidable duo with JuJu Watkins, making the Trojans a serious contender.
Raegan Beers: The Size and Strength Oklahoma Needed
Beers brings much-needed size, interior defense, and finishing skills to Oklahoma. Her unselfishness and passing ability will elevate the Sooners’ shooters, making them a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.
Georgia Amoore: The Proven Leader Kentucky Needed
Amoore’s arrival in Lexington gives Kentucky instant credibility. As a proven leader, scorer, and All-American-caliber point guard, she’ll help the Wildcats compete against the loaded backcourts of the SEC.
Charlisse Leger-Walker: The Missing Piece for UCLA
Leger-Walker’s experience and skills make her the perfect replacement for Charisma Osborne. She’ll form a dynamic backcourt duo with Kiki Rice, giving the Bruins a legitimate shot at a national championship.
Kaitlyn Chen: The Playmaker UConn Needs
Chen’s playmaking and scoring abilities will fill the void left by Nika Muhl. If she produces at a high level and Azzi Fudd stays healthy, the Huskies will boast one of the country’s most polished backcourts.
Lucy Olsen: The Scorer Iowa Needs
Olsen’s scoring prowess will help Iowa navigate the post-Caitlin Clark era. If she duplicates her Villanova production, the Hawkeyes will be just fine in the first year under Jan Jensen.
Sarah Strong: The Freshman Phenom UConn Needs
Strong represents the missing piece to a 12th national championship for UConn. Despite being a freshman, her impressive credentials suggest she might be ready to fill the void in the Huskies’ frontcourt.
Aaronette Vonleh: The Center Baylor Needed
Vonleh’s size and skills address Baylor’s need for a dominant center. If she defends the paint and rebounds effectively, the Lady Bears could win the Big 12 title for the first time since 2022.
Hailey Van Lith: The Star Power TCU Needs
Van Lith brings attention and scoring punch to TCU. With a strong supporting cast, she could lead the Horned Frogs to new heights.
Jaloni Cambridge: The Dynamic Playmaker Ohio State Needs
Cambridge’s speed and playmaking abilities fit Ohio State’s up-tempo style. If she pairs well with Cotie McMahon, the Buckeyes could live up to their preseason AP poll ranking.
Joyce Edwards: The Freshman Forward South Carolina Needs
Edwards’ rebounding and work ethic make her a natural fit for South Carolina. With the Gamecocks’ frontcourt depth thin, she’ll have a significant opportunity to contribute.
Liza Karlen: The Crucial Addition for Notre Dame
Karlen’s scoring and rebounding skills will help Notre Dame navigate Maddy Westbeld’s injury. While not a shooter or defender like Westbeld, Karlen’s comparable numbers make her a valuable asset.
These 12 players will shape the women’s college basketball landscape this season. Get ready for an exciting ride!
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