Hannah Hidalgo, Lauren Betts, and Madison Booker Headline AP Preseason All-America Women’s basketball Team for 2024-25 Season

In a blockbuster announcement that has Women’s basketball fans buzzing, Notre Dame’s explosive guard Hannah Hidalgo, UCLA’s dominant center Lauren Betts, and Texas’ versatile forward Madison Booker have been named the leaders of the Associated Press preseason All-America team. This elite squad, unveiled on Wednesday, sets the stage for what promises to be an electrifying 2024-25 college basketball season, where emerging stars and proven talents collide in a quest for national supremacy.

The selection underscores the depth and talent in Women’s basketball, with Hidalgo’s lightning-quick scoring, Betts’ towering presence in the paint, and Booker’s all-around game earning them top billing. As the AP All-America honors recognize players expected to shine brightest before the season tips off, these three stand out not just for their individual brilliance but for the high-stakes narratives they’ll carry into arenas across the country.

Hannah Hidalgo Emerges as Notre Dame’s Speedy Scoring Sensation

Hannah Hidalgo’s inclusion as the lead name on the AP preseason All-America team is no surprise to those who witnessed her meteoric rise as a freshman last season. The 5-foot-6 guard from Newark, New Jersey, averaged an astonishing 22.0 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, helping propel Notre Dame to a 28-7 record and a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Her ability to weave through defenses like a point guard in a video game earned her the ACC Rookie of the Year award and a spot on multiple freshman All-America lists.

“Hannah is a once-in-a-generation talent,” Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey said in a statement following the announcement. “Her speed and basketball IQ make her unguardable, and we’re excited to see her lead this team deeper into March.” Hidalgo’s summer was spent honing her craft, including stints with USA Basketball’s U19 team, where she dazzled in exhibition games against international foes. Off the court, she’s become a vocal advocate for mental health in athletics, sharing her journey on social media to inspire young players.

What sets Hidalgo apart in the crowded field of women’s basketball guards is her efficiency. She shot 48.9% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc, numbers that rival seasoned pros. As Notre Dame aims to reclaim its status as a national powerhouse—last winning a title in 2018—Hidalgo’s leadership will be pivotal. Teammates like junior forward Maddy Westbeld have already noted her infectious energy in practices, predicting a breakout sophomore campaign that could land her on All-America first teams by season’s end.

The broader context of Hidalgo’s selection highlights the growing parity in women’s basketball. With the transfer portal and NIL deals reshaping rosters, Notre Dame’s retention of Hidalgo signals stability in South Bend. Fans are already snapping up tickets for the Fighting Irish’s home opener against Purdue on November 4, eager to see if she can eclipse her freshman stats and push for Player of the Year honors.

Lauren Betts Anchors UCLA’s Rebuilt Dynasty with Interior Dominance

Lauren Betts’ journey to the top of the AP preseason All-America team reads like a transfer portal success story. The 6-foot-7 center from Grand Junction, Colorado, transferred from Stanford to UCLA after a standout freshman year where she averaged 14.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Her decision to join the Bruins was a game-changer for coach Cori Close, who has been rebuilding after back-to-back Final Four appearances.

“Lauren brings a presence we’ve missed,” Close remarked. “Her skill set around the rim is elite, and she’s only scratching the surface of her potential.” Betts’ summer included weight room sessions that added muscle to her frame, preparing her for the physicality of Pac-12 play. Last season at Stanford, she posted a double-double in the NCAA Tournament win over NC State, showcasing her poise under pressure.

In women’s basketball circles, Betts is compared to NBA bigs like Rudy Gobert for her shot-blocking instincts. She altered 12.5% of opponents’ shots during her time with the Cardinal, a figure that could rise in UCLA’s faster-paced system. The Bruins, who finished 17-15 last year, now boast a frontcourt tandem with Betts and returning star Kiki Rice, setting up intriguing matchups against rivals like USC.

Betts’ AP All-America nod also reflects the evolving landscape of college hoops. As a top recruit from the class of 2022—ranked No. 4 overall by ESPN—she chose Stanford for its championship pedigree but sought a fresh start at UCLA to chase rings closer to home. Her off-court pursuits include environmental advocacy, partnering with UCLA’s sustainability initiatives to promote green practices in athletics. As the season approaches, Betts is projected to average 18 points and 10 rebounds, fueling UCLA’s aspirations for a Pac-12 title and another deep tournament run.

Madison Booker’s Multi-Faceted Game Fuels Texas’ National Ambitions

Madison Booker’s versatility makes her a cornerstone of the AP preseason All-America team and a key piece in Texas’ reloaded roster. The 6-foot-1 guard from Cincinnati, Ohio, averaged 12.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists as a freshman, earning Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors. Her poise in clutch moments, including a game-winning three-pointer against Kansas State, caught the eye of national scouts.

“Maddie is our Swiss Army knife,” Texas coach Rodney Terry praised. “She can score, defend multiple positions, and elevate her teammates— that’s why she’s leading this honor.” Booker’s offseason focused on perimeter shooting, where she improved her three-point percentage to 38% in scrimmages. With Texas integrating transfers like Aaliyah Moore from Millersville, Booker’s role as a facilitator becomes even more crucial.

In the realm of women’s basketball, Booker’s all-around stats place her in rare company. She ranked in the top 20 nationally for steals per game (1.8), using her length and anticipation to disrupt offenses. Texas, fresh off an NCAA second-round exit, enters 2024-25 with a revamped lineup aiming to end a 20-year title drought. Booker’s leadership, honed from captaining her high school team to a state championship, will be tested early against powerhouses like UConn on December 1.

Beyond the court, Booker is involved in community outreach, hosting basketball clinics for underprivileged youth in Austin. Her AP All-America recognition boosts Texas’ recruiting profile, drawing comparisons to past Longhorn greats like Diana Taurasi. Projections have her doubling her scoring output, positioning Texas as a top-10 contender and Booker as a frontrunner for conference MVP.

Unpacking the Complete AP Preseason All-America Roster and Selections

The AP preseason All-America team extends beyond its headliners, featuring a balanced mix of guards, forwards, and centers from powerhouse programs. First-team selections include Hidalgo, Betts, Booker, alongside Iowa’s Gabbie Marshall (guard) and South Carolina’s Raven Johnson (guard). Marshall’s defensive prowess—holding opponents to 32% shooting—complements Hidalgo’s offense, while Johnson’s playmaking (6.2 assists per game last season) adds depth.

Second-team honorees highlight under-the-radar talents like LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson, who averaged 13.2 points and could explode in a post-Reese era, and North Carolina’s Deja Kelly, a sharpshooter with 40% three-point accuracy. Third-team spots went to emerging stars such as Duke’s Oluchi Okananwa (forward) and Stanford’s Talana Queen (guard), reflecting the AP’s emphasis on potential over past accolades.

The selection process involved a panel of 20 AP-member voters, including coaches and journalists, who weighed summer league performances, statistical projections, and team fit. Notably, no player received unanimous votes, underscoring the talent parity—a shift from eras dominated by a few superstars. Historical context adds weight: Past AP preseason picks like Caitlin Clark (2023) and A’ja Wilson (2017) went on to national acclaim, suggesting this year’s group could define the season.

Statistics from last year paint a picture of the team’s firepower. Collectively, the first team averaged 18.5 points per game, with a field-goal percentage over 45%. In women’s basketball, where pace and space rule, this group’s shooting efficiency (37% from three) could lead to high-scoring thrillers. Voter Jim O’Connell noted, “This is the most guard-heavy preseason team in years, signaling a shift toward perimeter dominance.”

Team affiliations span conferences: ACC (Hidalgo), Pac-12 (Betts), Big 12 (Booker), Big Ten (Marshall), and SEC (Johnson). This diversity promises intense rivalries, with non-conference games like Notre Dame vs. Texas on November 15 already circled on calendars.

Season Outlook: How These Stars Could Reshape Women’s Basketball Landscape

As the 2024-25 women’s basketball season looms, the AP preseason All-America team’s impact ripples far beyond individual stats. Hidalgo, Betts, and Booker’s leadership could catalyze their teams’ title runs, challenging South Carolina’s quest for a repeat championship. Notre Dame eyes a return to the Elite Eight, UCLA targets Pac-12 redemption, and Texas pushes for Big 12 supremacy—each narrative fueled by these stars’ growth.

Broader implications include heightened viewership, with ESPN projecting a 20% uptick after last year’s record 18.7 million viewers for the NCAA final. NIL opportunities abound: Hidalgo has deals with Nike, Betts with Under Armour, and Booker with local Austin brands, amplifying women’s basketball’s economic boom. Challenges ahead include injury risks—Hidalgo’s slight frame draws concern—and conference realignments, with the Pac-12’s dissolution scattering talents.

Experts like ESPN analyst Rece Davis foresee a “star-driven season,” where AP All-America players account for 40% of tournament points. For underclassmen like these three, sophomore jumps are common; Hidalgo could join the 25-5-5 club (points-assists-rebounds), Betts dominate rebounds (national leader potential), and Booker notch triple-doubles. International scouts are watching, with WNBA drafts in mind—Betts is mocked as a top-5 pick in 2026.

Looking forward, this team sets precedents for inclusivity, with more international players (e.g., Australia’s Betts) enriching the sport. Fan engagement surges via social media, where #APAllAmerica trends with fan art and predictions. As tip-off nears on November 4 for most teams, the question isn’t if these stars will shine, but how brightly they’ll illuminate the path to March Madness glory.

In the end, Hidalgo, Betts, and Booker’s selections affirm women’s basketball’s golden era. With deeper benches, savvier coaching, and global appeal, the sport is poised for unprecedented heights, driven by talents ready to seize the spotlight.