Rising Stars: 10 Players Set to Shine in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has long been a platform where emerging talents captivate the nation, transforming standout players into household names. As the 2025 tournament unfolds, several athletes are poised to make significant impacts. While figures like JuJu Watkins of USC and Paige Bueckers of UConn are already well-recognized, here are ten other players ready to seize the spotlight:

1. Georgia Amoore, KentuckyStanding at 5-foot-6, senior guard Georgia Amoore exemplifies that exceptional talent transcends size. Leading Kentucky with an average of 19.1 points per game and 6.9 assists, her dynamic playmaking draws parallels to legends like Dawn Staley. citeturn0search0
2. Lauren Betts, UCLAAt 6-foot-7, Lauren Betts dominates the paint for UCLA. Averaging 19.6 points on an impressive 63.4% shooting and 9.7 rebounds per game, her defensive prowess was pivotal in UCLA’s Big Ten tournament victory, where she earned Most Valuable Player honors. citeturn0search0
3. Kendall Bostic, IllinoisKendall Bostic’s consistent double-doubles have been instrumental for Illinois. Averaging 15.9 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, her expanded offensive range this season adds a new dimension to her game, making her a formidable presence on the court. citeturn0search0
4. Alyssa Durazo-Frescas, Grand CanyonAlyssa Durazo-Frescas is a sharpshooter extraordinaire. Leading Division I with 124 made three-pointers this season at a 47% success rate, her ability to ignite Grand Canyon’s offense makes her a potential game-changer in the tournament. citeturn0search0
5. Azzi Fudd, UConnAfter overcoming injuries, Azzi Fudd has returned to form, shooting 43.4% from beyond the arc. Her sharpshooting complements teammate Paige Bueckers, positioning her as a critical asset in UConn’s quest for their 12th national championship. citeturn0search0
6. Kiki Iriafen, Southern CaliforniaKiki Iriafen’s veteran savvy and physical tenacity make her an invaluable asset to USC. Her ability to deliver 20-point, 10-rebound performances alleviates pressure on star teammate JuJu Watkins, bolstering the Trojans’ championship aspirations. citeturn0search0
7. Chloe Kitts, South CarolinaWithin South Carolina’s balanced framework, Chloe Kitts shines. Averaging 10.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, her standout performance in the SEC Championship, including a 15-point, nine-rebound, and three-assist showing, underscores her ability to elevate her game when it matters most. citeturn0search0
8. Olivia Miles, Notre DameSenior guard Olivia Miles is a triple-double threat, averaging 16.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. As she approaches the end of her collegiate career, her all-around play is pivotal to Notre Dame’s tournament success. citeturn0search0
9. Aneesah Morrow, LSUTransitioning from DePaul to LSU, Aneesah Morrow has continued her dominance. Leading the nation with 13.6 rebounds per game and contributing 18.5 points per game, her defensive tenacity and scoring ability are central to LSU’s title defense. citeturn0search0
10. Hailey Van Lith, TCUSince transferring to TCU, Hailey Van Lith has elevated her game, averaging 17.9 points and 5.3 assists per game. Her leadership and offensive versatility have propelled the Horned Frogs to unprecedented success, making them a formidable contender in the tournament. citeturn0search0

As March Madness unfolds, these ten players are poised to leave an indelible mark on the tournament, captivating fans and solidifying their status among college basketball’s elite.