Top 5 Breakout Stars in Women’s College Basketball 2025
Every new women’s college basketball season brings a rush of excitement. There’s something special about watching fresh faces step up and established players take on new roles for their teams.
Last year, we saw several athletes break out in big ways. This season? There’s even more to look forward to. With players bouncing back from injuries and others joining new programs, the stage feels set for unexpected stars to emerge.
Let’s dig into the names you’ll want to keep an eye on—athletes who could shape their leagues and maybe even steal the spotlight entirely.
Top Players to Watch This Season
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Fans and analysts are already buzzing, wondering who’s going to step up and grab the spotlight. Here are some of the most intriguing talents who could take their game up a notch and lead their teams on deep runs.
Zoe Brooks – North Carolina State Wolfpack
Zoe Brooks put together a fantastic sophomore year, grabbing the ACC’s Most Improved Player award. Her shooting got a real boost across the board—field goals, threes, and free throws.
With leaders like Aziaha James, Saniya Rivers, and Madison Hayes all gone, Brooks is about to step into a starring role as a junior. She’s already flashed some serious leadership, dropping 33 points in a win over Notre Dame and posting 21 points, seven boards, and seven assists at Florida State. Honestly, it’s hard not to see Brooks as the heartbeat of Wes Moore’s Wolfpack now.
Olivia Woolston – BYU Cougars
Olivia Woolston missed last season while on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but she’s ready to jump back in. As a freshman, she was one of just two players nationwide to shoot over 45% from deep while making at least 2.5 threes per game.
Her shooting touch is elite, and she could easily rank among the nation’s best from long range. Pairing up with Delaney Gibb, last year’s Big 12 Rookie of the Year, should make BYU’s backcourt a lot of fun to watch.
Mary Koval – LSU Tigers
Mary Koval came in as the fifth-best recruit in her class and started 10 games for Notre Dame last season. She averaged 5.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, showing flashes of what she can do.
Her minutes dipped as Notre Dame got healthier, but now she’s at LSU under Kim Mulkey, who’s got a real knack for developing post players. Koval should get plenty of touches inside, especially with playmakers like MiLaysia Fulwiley and Flau’Jae Johnson feeding her the ball.
Joyce Edwards – South Carolina Gamecocks
Joyce Edwards earned honorable mention All-American honors last season and seems ready for a true breakout. The 6-foot-3 South Carolina native kept getting better as a freshman, including a 21-point game against Oklahoma in the SEC Tournament semifinals and a double-double in the Final Four win over Texas.
She had a strong summer, too, suiting up for the U.S. at the AmeriCup and the FIBA 3×3 Nations League. With Ashlyn Watkins and Sania Feagin out of the picture, Edwards is about to take on a much bigger role for the Gamecocks.
Hannah Turner – Gonzaga Bulldogs
Hannah Turner picked up WCC Freshman of the Year honors and could be Gonzaga’s next big star. She ranked 11th nationally in threes made per game as a rookie, shooting 45.7% from distance and averaging 13.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
Gonzaga went 5-1 when Turner scored at least 19 points, and the same when she hit five or more threes. Her continued growth will matter a lot for the Bulldogs this year.
Impactful Transfers and Returning Players
Transfers and returning players coming off injuries could also shake things up this season. Some names are already generating buzz.
Gal Raviv and Amarachi Kimpson – Miami Hurricanes
Miami added two versatile scorers from the transfer portal. Gal Raviv (Quinnipiac) led all freshmen in minutes last season, averaging 17.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. She even set the FIBA U19 World Cup scoring record for Israel with 26.3 points per game this summer.
Amarachi Kimpson (UNLV) put up 14.5 points per game, shooting 50.7% from the field and 37.4% from deep. Both could make a difference for the Hurricanes right away.
Katie Collins – Penn Quakers
Katie Collins swept Ivy League Rookie of the Year honors last season. Her play will be vital if Penn wants to compete in a tough mid-major conference.
Cierra Toomey and Blanca Thomas – North Carolina Tar Heels
Cierra Toomey and Blanca Thomas are stepping in to fill the void left by Maria Gakdeng as post scorers and rim protectors. Their progress could shape how far North Carolina goes this year.
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Bri McDaniel – Maryland Terrapins
Bri McDaniel is back from injury at Maryland. She brings much-needed depth and skill to the Terrapins’ lineup.
Hannah Stuelke – Iowa Hawkeyes
Hannah Stuelke looks set for a big senior season at Iowa. Her experience and leadership could be just what the Hawkeyes need to handle whatever comes their way.
Conclusion
The women’s college basketball season coming up looks like it’s going to be a wild ride. There are so many players itching to make a name for themselves.
Zoe Brooks and Joyce Edwards are just a couple of the fresh faces everyone’s buzzing about. Then you’ve got transfers like Gal Raviv and Amarachi Kimpson, adding even more depth to the mix.
If you’re hungry for more details on these players—or want to see who else might break out—take a peek at the full article on SBNation.