Get ready for a thrilling women’s basketball season, because Maryland is back and better than ever, starting the year ranked No. 10 in the Associated Press preseason poll. But here’s where it gets exciting: after a 23-7 regular season and a heart-stopping double-overtime win against Alabama in the NCAA Tournament, the Terrapins nearly dethroned the defending champions, South Carolina, in the Sweet 16. Falling just short, 71-67, Maryland proved they’re a force to be reckoned with. And this is the part most people miss: they’re returning two of their top scorers, senior guards Kaylene Smikle and Bri McDaniel, and adding transfer guard Yarden Garzon, who averaged 14.4 points per game at Indiana. Could this be their year to make a deeper run? Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, UConn sits atop the poll at No. 1, a position they’ve held 13 times since 1995. Led by the dynamic duo of sophomore Sarah Strong and super senior Azzi Fudd, the Huskies are favorites once again. But here’s the controversial part: while UConn has won the national championship eight out of the 12 times they’ve been ranked No. 1 preseason, Coach Geno Auriemma admits it’s not just about talent—it’s about leadership, luck, and staying healthy. Do you think UConn’s dominance is a sure thing, or is this the year someone else takes the crown?
Speaking of contenders, South Carolina, last year’s runner-up, is ranked No. 2, followed by UCLA and Texas. The poll also highlights the Southeastern Conference’s dominance, with eight teams in the Top 25, including five in the top 10. But let’s not forget the rising stars: Michigan, ranked No. 13, is expected to build on last year’s success with their talented freshman trio. Vanderbilt, at No. 19, is back in the rankings for the first time since 2012, thanks to sophomore phenom Mikayla Blakes. And Richmond, ranked No. 24, is making history as the first Atlantic-10 team in a decade to crack the Top 25.
But here’s a thought-provoking question: With so many powerhouse teams and rising programs, is women’s college basketball more competitive than ever, or are the usual suspects still the ones to beat? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
