UPDATE: The women’s college basketball season kicked off this week, and all eyes are on No. 15 Notre Dame as they aim to overcome past disappointments and lead local teams back to the NCAA Tournament. With crucial matchups on the horizon, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Hannah Hidalgo is poised to take center stage this season, returning as a preseason All-American and ACC Player of the Year. The Irish, under coach Niele Ivey, face a critical test following their fourth straight Sweet 16 exit last year. With a revamped roster—losing stars like Olivia Miles and Kate Koval—the pressure is mounting. Hidalgo averaged 23.8 points per game last season and will need to elevate her game further. Upcoming challenges include ranked opponents like No. 13 Michigan on November 15 and No. 18 USC on November 21.
Meanwhile, Illinois faces a different kind of challenge as they rebuild with a significantly younger team. Coach Shauna Green aims to guide her squad back to the NCAA Tournament after a successful run last season, which included their first tournament win under her leadership. However, the loss of five key seniors, including leading scorer Kendall Bostic, leaves a gap. The team’s average age is just 19.91, putting the spotlight on returning players like Gretchen Dolan and promising freshmen like Destiny Jackson, last year’s Ms. Basketball of Illinois.
As Northwestern prepares for their season, coach Joe McKeown has announced his retirement after this year. His legacy includes 40 years of coaching, and the Wildcats are determined to send him off with a strong performance. Key players like Grace Sullivan and Tayla Thomas are expected to lead the charge, with McKeown expressing confidence in their potential.
At DePaul, new head coach Jill Pizzotti is stepping into the massive shoes of Doug Bruno, who retired after 39 seasons. Pizzotti aims for a top-four finish in the Big East, despite the challenge of injuries sidelining key players early in the season. The Blue Demons have retained seven players and welcomed seven newcomers, including several impactful transfers.
The spotlight also shines on the Big Ten, where six teams are ranked in the preseason AP Top 25. With No. 3 UCLA leading the pack, senior center Lauren Betts is a player to watch after an impressive season last year, averaging 20.2 points and 9.5 rebounds. Coach Cori Close emphasizes the importance of Betts’ performance as they aim for a championship run.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these storylines develop. Will Notre Dame reclaim its status? Can Illinois’ youth step up? The answers await as the action unfolds on the court.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season heats up!
