Complete the mission.
After falling just short of an Ivy League Championship a season ago, Penn women’s basketball returns with one goal in mind — clinch a March Madness berth.
Coming off the heels of a promising 2024 season campaign with a 15-13 overall record including going 7-7 in Ivy League play, the Quakers were able to sneak into the last spot of the Ivy League tournament. Penn ended the regular season winning four out of its last six games to clinch a spot. At the tournament, the Red and Blue showed out and almost pulled off the upset against top-ranked Princeton during the semifinal round, where the Tigers would end up winning the tournament. Despite a questionable charge foul against former Penn forward Jordan Obi, the Quakers had the game within reach.
This time around, the Quakers are hoping to finish off what they couldn’t last season. Despite losing its second-leading scorer from last season and all-time great Jordan Obi to the transfer portal, Penn will return a plethora of familiar faces. Among these include standout sophomore guard Mataya Gayle and senior guard Stina Almqvist. Ranked No. 4 in the Ivy League preseason poll, the Quakers look to exceed expectations and begin their season how they ended the last one — neck to neck with some of the best teams in the conference.
Mataya Gayle steals the show
The reigning Ivy League Rookie of the Year looks to continue her ascension in her second season. She was the only freshman to start in all 28 games for the Quakers and was also a seven-time Ivy League Rookie of the week. Leading the team in three-pointers last season with 51, this Quaker offense will be powered by Gayle’s three-point shooting ability. A focal point for the offense last season, Gayle looks to do the same this season and be a reliable option when her team needs her the most down the stretch. Although setting individual records is great to Gayle, she looks forward to contributing to her team’s accolades as well.
Stina Alqmvist’s experience and leadership
The senior guard from Sweden will look to finish her career with Penn on a high note. As the leading scorer for the Quakers last season, she put up stellar numbers including one of the highest field goal percentage and point total with 429. With a second-team all-Ivy achievement under her belt from 2023, look for Alqmvist to continue to be a force on the boards as well with her 6-foot-1 frame. Alqmvist and Gayle represent a fierce one-two guard that will be critical to the team’s success.
A notable freshman class
The 2024 freshman class will welcome six new players. Coming from all over the country, these new Quakers will hope to replicate what Gayle did in her freshman season and make a name for themselves. I expect the newcomers to make an immediate impact on the Quakers in their quest for an Ivy League championship.
What to expect from this season
There are clearly high hopes for Penn women’s basketball this season. The team has kept most of its core players intact while also introducing new players that can create a difference right away. It is worthy to note that some teams like Princeton and Columbia will be without some of their top players from last season, with former Princeton 2023 Ivy League Player of the Year Kaitlyn Chen leaving for UConn and former Columbia star Abby Hsu now in the WNBA.
With a talented roster once again, I fully expect the Quakers to make some noise this season and compete for that illustrious sixth Ivy League women’s basketball championship in program history.
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