South Carolina Gamecocks have claimed the top spot in the Associated Press preseason women’s college basketball poll, continuing their dominance from last season. Receiving 27 out of 30 first-place votes, the Gamecocks remain formidable contenders, especially after an extraordinary season where they secured the national championship undefeated against Iowa. Their return with four starters signifies a promising continuation of their prowess on the court.
Trailing South Carolina are the UConn Huskies, positioned at number two, with two first-place votes in the rankings. Despite battling significant injuries last year, UConn enters the season healthier and remains a strong contender under the leadership of coach Geno Auriemma. The top five spots also include the University of Southern California, Texas, and UCLA, indicating a highly competitive landscape this season.
Iowa State garners attention with a respectable eighth place in the poll, attributable to their solid squad, including key players such as Audi Crooks, Addy Brown, and Emily Ryan. The Cyclones bring additional strength to their lineup with notable additions from the transfer portal, particularly enhancing their 3-point shooting capabilities.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) showcases its strength with numerous teams in the Top 25, including South Carolina, LSU, and newcomers Texas and Oklahoma. This gives the SEC a total of seven teams within the rankings, further highlighting the conference’s competitiveness.
In a notable shift, Stanford is absent from the preseason rankings for the first time since 1999, marking the end of an era following the retirement of their Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer, succeeded by Kate Paye. Meanwhile, Alabama reappears in the rankings, signaling their resurgence since their last presence in 1999.
With the season set to begin, teams are gearing up for intense competition and striving for excellence in the pursuit of championship glory. The return of star players and strategic new additions set the stage for a thrilling women’s college basketball season.
Eve Bailey is a writer, producer, and pro-Am hooper. She is a writer for WHN and helps with our community basketball outreach efforts.
