Welcome to the Sweet 16 of the 2023 women’s NCAA tournament — and to our latest iteration of the top 25 players remaining in the field. Due to stunning upsets in the first weekend, we bid adieu to some of the game’s biggest names. Farewell to the likes of Cameron Brink, Mackenzie Holmes and Ashley Joens, among the stars whose seasons have ended.
So many departures allowed for new players to make their way into ESPN’s ranking for the first time in a while. So welcome back, Azzi Fudd, the UConn junior who looked to be closer to her usual self on Monday versus Baylor, and Hailey Van Lith, who earned her spot once more after tearing it up for Louisville in the first weekend.
And then there are those who break into our list for the first time ever, such as Maryland‘s Shyanne Sellers and Ohio State‘s Cotie McMahon, youngsters who have been impressive in the NCAA tournament, along with Colorado‘s Jaylyn Sherrod and Ole Miss‘ Angel Baker, seniors who helped their teams orchestrate big upsets.
ESPN’s Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou and M.A. Voepel rank their top 25 players heading into the regional semifinals, which open Friday and will be played in Seattle and Grenville, South Carolina.
(Note: Notre Dame star Olivia Miles is not included, as she has been ruled out for the remainder of…
