2025-26 Women’s College Basketball Freshman Rankings: Top Impact Players

Rising Stars: Tracking the Breakout Performances in Women’s ‍College​ Basketball

The early season in women’s college basketball has already delivered a wealth of exciting performances and emerging talent. Beyond the ​established stars,⁣ several players are rapidly‌ elevating their games, becoming​ pivotal contributors for⁢ their⁢ teams. Here’s a deep dive into four standouts who are exceeding expectations and poised for even ⁢greater impact, offering insights into their strengths and areas for continued growth.

Hailey​ Van Lith (Louisville) ⁢- Sharpshooter Finding Her Range

Preseason ranking: ⁢ 2nd

hailey Van Lith is proving to be a dynamic force for Louisville. While already known for her scoring ability,​ she’s focusing on refining her efficiency. Specifically, she’s working to improve her ⁣3-point ‍consistency (currently 6-for-20) and ‌drawing more fouls to get⁣ to⁣ the free throw line.

* ‌ Key to​ Watch: ‌Increased free throw attempts will be crucial as she continues ​to attack the basket.
* ‌ Impact: Expect Van Lith to become an even more potent offensive threat as ‌her shooting ‍stabilizes.

Blanca Brooks (North Carolina) – The Two-Way Threat

Preseason ‌ranking: 6th

Don’t let Blanca Brooks’ role off the bench fool you – she’s making a meaningful impact​ for the No. 18 Tar Heels. She embodies the modern “3-and-D” player, excelling on both ends of ‌the ‍court.‌

* Defensive Prowess: Brooks⁢ consistently guards the opponent’s top perimeter player.
* Offensive‌ Efficiency: She’s ⁤knocking down a remarkable 41.4% of her 3-pointers, averaging two ⁣makes per​ game.
* ‍ All-Around Game: A three-level scorer⁤ with a reliable pull-up jumper and ​a team-first⁢ attitude, she’s quickly ‌becoming a fan favorite.
* Future Outlook: ⁣ ​Like ​her high school career,her game will continue to improve with consistent shooting and increased trips to the free throw line.

Kiki Somfai (Stanford) – A Double-Double Threat

Preseason ranking: 10th (tied)

Kiki Somfai is a ⁢dominant force ​for‌ a young Stanford team,⁣ consistently flirting with a⁤ double-double.She’s a stretch forward who isn’t afraid to take – and make – shots.

* Usage Rate: ‍Leading this group⁣ with‌ a 30.2% ⁣usage rate, she’s clearly a​ focal⁣ point of⁣ the Cardinal offense.
* ‌ ⁣ Inside-outside Game: Somfai shoots 59.6% ⁢on 2-point attempts and isn’t‍ shy about launching from beyond the arc (four attempts per‌ game).
* Rebounding & Aggression: Averaging 10.7 points and 9.0 rebounds, her size, rebounding,⁢ and offensive aggressiveness are key strengths.
* Positive Indicator: Her 72% free ‌throw percentage ​suggests improved perimeter shooting is on the ⁢horizon.

Aalyah Francis (Alabama) – Athleticism and Defensive impact