Rising Stars: Meet the Freshman Powerhouses Shaping the Future of Women’s Basketball.
UConn’s Sarah Strong finds inspiration close by as she prepares to start college.
Strong mentioned that upon entering the gym, one can observe banners recognizing national players of the year, WBCA All-Americans, and Olympic gold medalists from UConn’s renowned past. “I use that as motivation because that’s my goal for the future.”
Strong was crowned the top recruit in her class by the nation and was honored as the 2024 Naismith national high school player of the year. The 6-foot-2 forward is the offspring of ex-N.C. State player Danny Strong and ex-Harvard star Allison Feaster, a former WNBA player from 1998-2008.
Following a decade in Spain, Strong relocated to North Carolina and assisted Grace Christian in achieving three state titles in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association. She is starting her college journey with the Huskies ranked second, aiming for their first national title since 2016.
According to UConn coach Geno Auriemma, Strong is reserved, timid, and academic outside of games. Auriemma mentioned that in September and early October, Strong was cautious on the court, but recently she has become more assertive, displaying the skills that made her a highly sought-after recruit.
He is eager to find out her upcoming projects.
Auriemma mentioned that he can confidently state that she is as impressive as any freshman we have had in a while, considering all her abilities on the court. I feel enthusiastic as she surprises me daily with new things she does. Every day, I eagerly anticipate going to practice to witness the small progress she makes each time.
Here are some other first-year players expected to make a difference this season, after two freshmen (JuJu Watkins from USC and Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame) were named first-team Associated Press All-Americans in the 2023-24 season.
Vanderbilt appeared in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014 last season. Blakes’ coming might assist the Commodores in progressing further. The 5-foot-8 guard from New Jersey is a McDonald’s All-American and the Gatorade player of the year in 2024. During her senior year at Rutgers Prep, Blakes had an average of 20.4 points, 3.6 steals, and 3.2 assists per game. Rutgers Prep made it to the state final in each of her last three seasons, winning the title during her sophomore year.
Cambridge earned the title of Gatorade’s Tennessee player of the year while in her junior year at The Ensworth School in Nashville before she moved to Montverde (Florida) Academy. The 5-7 guard arrives at No. 14 Ohio State after being named Gatorade’s Florida player of the year and a McDonald’s All-American as a senior. Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff described Jolani as a talented player. She is truly skilled at playing. I believe she will be able to assist us immediately. Cambridge’s sibling, Devan, is a player at Texas Tech.
Number 4 Texas has two freshmen, Carlton and guard Jordan Lee, who were ranked in the top 15 players in their class. Both players are expected to have significant impacts this season, but Carlton may have a greater opportunity to contribute due to Texas’ need for more frontcourt depth. During her junior year at Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas, Carlton maintained an average of 25 points and 10 rebounds. The 6-1 forward suffered ACL and MCL injuries in the summer of 2023, but made a comeback to compete in the McDonald’s All-American Game during her senior year of high school.
South Carolina may need assistance in the frontcourt after Kamilla Cardoso, the top scorer and rebounder for the Gamecocks’ 2024 national championship squad, has finished her eligibility. Edwards, standing at 6-3, is expected to provide assistance in that aspect. Edwards and Strong were named co-MVPs of the McDonald’s All-American Game after Edwards scored 19 points. She has been successful in exhibition matches until now.
“We will be extending her,” coach Dawn Staley stated. If she has the capability to accomplish everything, we will request that she accomplish everything. She possesses the right attitude. She has the necessary skills and intelligence to accomplish it.
Koval, who stands 6-foot-5, relocated to the US from Ukraine in 2021 and received the 2022-23 Gatorade player of the year award in New York while representing Long Island Lutheran. She is considered an exceptional passer despite her small stature. Koval had a solid performance, logging close to 30 minutes and contributing 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four blocks in No. 6 Notre Dame’s 101-41 exhibition win against Davenport. Koval’s presence will provide a lift to a frontcourt that is currently struggling with injuries to Kylee Watson and Maddy Westbeld.
Swords competed for the Canadian Olympic squad this summer, posting an average of 3.3 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. She was the most youthful individual to ever compete for Canada’s Olympic women’s basketball squad. Swords, standing at 6 feet, teamed up with Koval at Long Island Lutheran where he was awarded the Gatorade player of the year in New York for his senior season performance, scoring an average of 17.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 3 steals. Shawn Swords, Swords’ father, works as an associate head coach for the Long Island Nets in the NBA G League.