The Harvard women's basketball team is gearing up for an exhilarating 2024-25 campaign, poised to build on their impressive performance from the previous season. As the Crimson prepare to host their season opener against UMass-Amherst on November 4th, the anticipation is palpable among fans and players alike.

Elevating the Game: Harvard Women's Basketball Aims to Soar to New Heights

Preseason Predictions and Returning Talent

The Crimson have been picked to finish third in the Ivy League Preseason Poll, a testament to the team's growing strength and potential. With 101 points and one first-place vote, Harvard trails only powerhouses Princeton and Columbia in the eyes of the league's coaches. This lofty ranking is a reflection of the team's impressive roster, which boasts a wealth of returning talent.Leading the charge is the dynamic Harmoni Turner, who is poised for another dominant season. As a junior, Turner emerged as a force to be reckoned with, leading the Crimson in points, assists, and steals, and earning a well-deserved spot on the first-team All-Ivy roster for the second consecutive year. Ahead of the 2024-25 season, Turner has been named to the prestigious 2025 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Preseason Watch List, further solidifying her status as one of the conference's premier players.Complementing Turner's brilliance is a deep and experienced supporting cast. The Crimson return four of their top five scorers from last season, including Katie Krupa, Elena Rodriguez, and Abigail Wright, ensuring a well-rounded offensive attack. Additionally, the team's three leading rebounders – Rodriguez, Turner, and Saniyah Glenn-Bello – will provide a formidable presence on the glass.

Newcomers Infusing Fresh Energy

Harvard's roster has also been bolstered by the arrival of five highly touted first-year players, including Nina Emnace, Alayna Rocco, Hana Belibi, Lydia Chatira, and Asani Ceaser. These talented newcomers bring a wealth of potential and promise, adding depth and versatility to the Crimson's lineup. Their integration into the team's system will be a key factor in the squad's success this season.

Coaching Continuity and Proven Track Record

Guiding the Crimson's charge is head coach Carrie Moore, who has already made a significant impact in her first two seasons at the helm. Moore's 36 wins in her initial two years are the most in program history, a testament to her coaching prowess and the team's ability to adapt and thrive under her leadership.The Crimson's season opener against UMass-Amherst promises to be an exciting affair, as the two teams have a storied history. While the Minutewomen hold a slight 11-14 advantage in the all-time series, Harvard has won 10 of the last 12 meetings, including a dominant 78-57 victory last season. The Crimson will look to continue their recent dominance and set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling 2024-25 campaign.

Challenging Non-Conference Schedule

The Crimson's season opener is just the first of 13 non-conference contests before they dive into their annual 14-game Ivy League slate in January. Harvard will host six of these out-of-conference matchups at the historic Lavietes Pavilion, including high-profile clashes with Boston College, Northeastern, Rhode Island, Boston University, and Delaware.These non-conference games will provide the Crimson with valuable opportunities to hone their skills, test their mettle against formidable opponents, and build momentum heading into the Ivy League portion of their schedule. The team's ability to navigate this challenging slate will be a crucial factor in their quest for Ivy League supremacy and a potential postseason berth.

Ivy League Aspirations and Postseason Hopes

The Crimson's ultimate goal this season is to capture the Ivy League crown and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. With their wealth of returning talent, the addition of promising newcomers, and the steady guidance of Coach Moore, Harvard is poised to make a strong push for the conference title and a return to the Ivy Madness tournament.As the Crimson embark on their 2024-25 campaign, the excitement and anticipation within the Harvard community are palpable. Fans and supporters eagerly await the team's season opener, eager to witness the Crimson's quest for greatness unfold on the hardwood. With a talented roster, experienced coaching staff, and a challenging schedule, the Harvard women's basketball team is primed to soar to new heights and cement their status as one of the Ivy League's premier programs.