Get ready for a thrilling season of women's college basketball, because the ACC championship race is heating up! Duke is poised to defend its title, but the real buzz is around Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo, who's been crowned the Preseason Player of the Year. But here's where it gets interesting: while Duke sits comfortably at No. 7 in the AP Top 25 and snagged 40 out of 70 first-place votes from media experts, there's a fierce pack of contenders nipping at their heels. North Carolina State, fresh off a heart-wrenching loss to Duke in last year's championship, isn't backing down—they grabbed 25 first-place votes and are projected to finish ahead of powerhouses like North Carolina, Louisville, and even Notre Dame. And this is the part most people miss: a whopping five schools received at least one vote to claim the conference crown, proving this season is anyone's game.
Stanford, Virginia, Miami, and the rest of the ACC pack are gearing up for a battle, but let's circle back to Hidalgo. Last season, she averaged a jaw-dropping 23.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 steals, and 3.6 assists per game. Now, she's stepping into an even bigger leadership role with the Fighting Irish. But here’s a bold question: Can she lead Notre Dame past Duke and the rest of the ACC elite? It’s a debate that’s sure to spark opinions.
The preseason All-ACC team is a who’s who of talent, featuring Hidalgo alongside stars like Virginia’s Kymora Johnson, Duke’s dynamic duo Toby Fournier and Ashlon Jackson, and NC State’s Zoe Brooks, who came in a close second to Hidalgo in the voting. And let’s not forget the preseason All-Freshman team, where Duke’s Emilee Skinner, Stanford’s Hailee Swain, and Notre Dame’s Leah Macy are ready to make their mark. This season promises drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments. So, here’s the big question: Who do you think will rise to the top? Let’s hear your predictions in the comments—agree or disagree, the floor is yours!
