Get ready, basketball fans! The Maryland Terrapins women's basketball team is kicking off the season with a bang, landing at No. 10 in the Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll. This ranking sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting year for Brenda Frese and her squad.
Last season, the Terps showed their grit, finishing with a 23-7 regular season record. They battled through a double-overtime thriller against Alabama in the NCAA tournament, earning a spot in the Sweet 16. There, they faced the formidable defending national champions, No. 1 South Carolina. Maryland put up a fight, even leading at halftime, before ultimately falling to the Gamecocks with a score of 71-67.
The team is returning key players, including senior guards Kaylene Smikle and Bri McDaniel. Adding to the team's firepower is transfer guard Yarden Garzon, who averaged 14.4 points per game last season for Indiana.
Mark your calendars! The Terps will tip off their regular season at home against Loyola University Maryland on November 3rd.
Now, let's talk about the top dogs. UConn, led by sensational sophomore Sarah Strong and super senior Azzi Fudd, has claimed the No. 1 spot in the preseason poll. This marks the 13th time since 1995 that Geno Auriemma's Huskies have been ranked No. 1 in the preseason. But here's where it gets interesting...
UConn's coach, Geno Auriemma, seems to be keeping things in perspective. He said, “Hopefully it’s a little bit of a confidence builder and not, ‘Oh my God!’” He acknowledges the pressure that comes with the top ranking, emphasizing that the team isn't focused on proving their worth but on playing their best game.
Did you know? Eight of the 12 previous times UConn was picked first, they went on to win the national championship. Auriemma believes his team has a good shot this year.
And this is the part most people miss... For the first time in the 50-year history of the women's poll, the top four teams in the final poll from last season are the same in the preseason Top 25 the next year.
Conference Supremacy
The Southeastern Conference boasts an impressive presence in the Top 25, with eight teams, including five in the top 10. The Big Ten follows with six schools, the ACC with five, and the Big 12 with four.
High Expectations and Rising Stars
Michigan is ranked No. 13, its highest ranking since 2021. Big things are expected from the trio of Syla Swords, Mila Holloway, and Olivia Olson. No. 19 Vanderbilt, led by sophomore Mikayla Blakes, returns to the preseason rankings for the first time since 2012.
Making History
No. 24 Richmond has earned its first-ever ranking, a testament to their progress. They are the first team from the Atlantic-10 to achieve a Top 25 ranking in a decade.
What do you think? Are you excited about the upcoming season? Which teams do you think will make a run for the championship? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
