Star Players Poised for NCAA Tournament Success
It’s been a banner year for women’s college basketball, with Caitlin Clark becoming a household name and viewership up 60% across national networks. Now, with March Madness upon us, we’ve talked with some of the other star players poised for a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Here’s what they told us — and what you should look out for this tournament.
Hannah Hidalgo: Rising Star of Notre Dame
Hannah Hidalgo, the top player for second-seeded Notre Dame, is Division I basketball’s third-leading scorer this season and leads all players in steals as a freshman. Inspired by WNBA player Aari McDonald, Hidalgo remains grounded through faith and pre-game gospel music rituals.
JuJu Watkins: Rising Star of USC Trojans
USC freshman guard JuJu Watkins, mentored by legends like LeBron James and Cheryl Miller, values her community roots in L.A. and aims to continue growing as a player. Leading her team to a PAC-12 championship, Watkins is focused on success in the upcoming tournament.
Te-Hina Paopao: Long-Range Shooter from South Carolina
Te-Hina Paopao, known for her long-range shooting, emphasizes faith and family heritage as her sources of inspiration. Choosing to return for a fifth season at South Carolina, Paopao aims to further improve under Coach Dawn Staley’s guidance.
Alissa Pili: Competitive Spirit from Utah
Alissa Pili, a senior player of Utah, rediscovered her competitive edge after transferring from USC to Utah. Motivated by past tournament experiences, Pili thrives on challenging matchups and aims to showcase her skills against the best in the upcoming games.