In a remarkable turn of events, the Texas Christian University (TCU) women’s basketball team has burst onto the national scene, entering the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 poll at No. 19. This marks the Horned Frogs’ highest ranking in 16 years, a testament to their grit, determination, and stellar play on the court.
TCU’s Triumphant Rise
Under the guidance of head coach Mark Campbell, the TCU women’s squad has orchestrated a dramatic turnaround. Just a few short years ago, the program found itself in dire straits, struggling with a dismal 1-17 conference record. However, through unwavering commitment and a relentless work ethic, the Horned Frogs have clawed their way back to prominence.
It means a lot as we build this program. We’ve come a long way. I inherited a program that was 1-17 (in the conference) and at rock bottom. Last year’s group laid an incredible foundation to springboard into this season.
– TCU head coach Mark Campbell
The catalyst for TCU’s meteoric rise was a stunning upset victory over then-No. 13 NC State on Sunday. This triumph marked the Horned Frogs’ first win over a ranked opponent since 2021 and their first top-15 conquest in six years. The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated, as it solidifies TCU’s position among the nation’s elite women’s basketball programs.
South Carolina Maintains Dominance
While TCU celebrates its newfound success, the top of the AP poll remains firmly in the grasp of the South Carolina Gamecocks. Coach Dawn Staley’s squad, the reigning national champions, received all 31 first-place votes, showcasing their unquestioned dominance over the women’s college basketball landscape.
South Carolina’s two victories last week were nothing short of emphatic, with the Gamecocks dismantling their opponents by an average margin of 36.5 points. This weekend, they face a formidable challenge as they hit the road to battle No. 5 UCLA, a matchup that promises to be a tantalizing clash of women’s basketball titans.
Familiar Faces Round Out Top 10
The rest of the AP Top 10 features a who’s who of perennial powerhouses:
- No. 2 UConn
- No. 3 USC
- No. 4 Texas
- No. 6 Notre Dame
- No. 7 LSU
- No. 8 Iowa State
- No. 9 Oklahoma
- No. 10 Kansas State
These teams have consistently proven their mettle, serving as the gold standard in women’s college basketball. As the season progresses, the jockeying for position among these elite squads will undoubtedly captivate fans and pundits alike.
Mountaineers Ascend, Wolfpack Descend
Beyond the top 10, several notable storylines have emerged. The West Virginia Mountaineers climbed to No. 13, their highest ranking since 2018. With a perfect record in nonconference home games dating back to the 2018-19 season, the Mountaineers have established themselves as a formidable force.
On the flip side, the NC State Wolfpack, who reached the Final Four last season, have stumbled out of the gates. After losses to both South Carolina and TCU, the Wolfpack find themselves at No. 20, a precipitous drop from their preseason expectations. Coach Wes Moore’s team will look to right the ship as they potentially face LSU in the Bahamas during Thanksgiving week.
Auriemma Poised to Make History
As the women’s college basketball season unfolds, all eyes will be on legendary UConn head coach Geno Auriemma. With 1,216 victories under his belt, Auriemma stands on the precipice of surpassing retired Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer as the all-time winningest coach in women’s basketball history. The Huskies will host Fairleigh Dickinson on Wednesday, providing Auriemma with his first opportunity to claim sole possession of this prestigious record.
A Season of Intrigue and Excitement
As the AP Top 25 undergoes its early-season shakeup, one thing remains crystal clear: the 2024-25 women’s college basketball season is shaping up to be a captivating affair. With upstarts like TCU making waves and established powers like South Carolina asserting their dominance, fans are in for a treat as the drama unfolds on the hardwood.
From coast to coast, the women’s game is thriving, showcasing the immense talent, skill, and competitive fire that burns within these exceptional student-athletes. As the season marches on, the battles for conference supremacy and postseason glory will only intensify, making each game a must-watch event.
So, buckle up, basketball enthusiasts. The TCU Horned Frogs have crashed the party, and the AP Top 25 will never be the same. With twists, turns, and jaw-dropping performances on the horizon, the 2024-25 women’s college basketball season promises to be one for the ages.
