Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Named ACC Favorite for 2024 Season
- Notre Dame is the preseason favorite in the ACC women's basketball race, receiving 70 out of 79 first-place votes.
- Key players include Hannah Hidalgo, the preseason player of the year, and Olivia Miles, returning from injury.
- The competitive landscape of the ACC is highlighted by multiple teams ranked in the AP Top 25, setting the stage for an exciting season.
In the United States, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has announced its preseason favorites for women's basketball, with Notre Dame ranked sixth nationally and recognized as the reigning champion. The Fighting Irish secured 70 out of 79 first-place votes, reflecting their strong performance last season under coach Niele Ivey, who led the team to its first ACC Tournament title. Key players include sophomore Hannah Hidalgo, who was named the league's preseason player of the year after averaging 22.6 points last year, and point guard Olivia Miles, returning from a serious knee injury. N.C. State, ranked ninth, finished second in the preseason voting with eight first-place votes, following their historic run to the Final Four last season. Duke, Louisville, Florida State, and North Carolina also made the AP Top 25, showcasing the competitive nature of the conference. The preseason all-ACC team features standout players, including Hidalgo, Miles, and others from Florida State and North Carolina, highlighting the talent within the league. This recognition sets the stage for an exciting season ahead, as teams prepare to compete for the conference title. The announcement follows the ACC Tipoff preseason media days, where media members cast their votes, indicating the high expectations for the upcoming season. With strong contenders and returning stars, the ACC women's basketball landscape promises to be thrilling as teams vie for supremacy.