The Virginia Tech Hokies women’s basketball team is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in the 2024-25 season. With a talented roster led by returning All-ACC guard Georgia Amoore, the Hokies are poised to make a run at their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019. The Hokies’ non-conference schedule features a mix of challenging matchups and winnable games. They will open the season with a home game against Radford on November 7th, before traveling to face a tough Florida Gulf Coast team on November 11th. Other notable non-conference matchups include a home game against powerhouse UConn on December 17th and a road game at ACC foe NC State on December 21st.
The Hokies’ ACC schedule is also full of challenges, with the team set to face all 15 conference opponents at least once. They will open ACC play on December 30th at home against Boston College, before traveling to face Syracuse on January 4th. Other key ACC matchups include a home game against defending national champion Louisville on February 10th and a road game at Duke on February 24th. The Hokies will close out the regular season with a home game against Georgia Tech on March 2nd.
The Hokies are hoping to build on their success from the 2023-24 season, when they finished 19-12 overall and 9-9 in the ACC. Amoore, who was named to the All-ACC third team, led the Hokies in scoring (16.1 ppg) and assists (5.0 apg). Other key players returning for the Hokies include forwards Elizabeth Kitley and Cayla King, and guards Aisha Sheppard and D’asia Gregg. With a talented roster and a challenging schedule, the Hokies are poised for a successful 2024-25 season.
Non-Conference Slate: Building a Foundation
Home Cookin’
Cassell Coliseum will play host to several marquee non-conference matchups in 2024-25, providing an early test for the Hokies. The schedule features a diverse slate of opponents, including in-state rivals Old Dominion and Radford, as well as powerhouses such as UConn and Maryland.
Road Warriors
The Hokies will also embark on several challenging road trips during their non-conference schedule. They will face a tough test in the Lone Star State with a game against Texas in Austin. Additionally, they will travel to Gainesville to take on Florida and to Nashville for a matchup with Vanderbilt.
Tournament Time
Prior to the start of ACC play, Virginia Tech will participate in several multi-team events to prepare for the rigors of conference competition. They will travel to the Charleston Classic in South Carolina, the Junkanoo Jam in the Bahamas, and the Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands. These tournaments will provide the Hokies with opportunities to gauge their progress against a variety of opponents.
Opponent | Date | Location |
---|---|---|
Old Dominion | November 12, 2024 | Cassell Coliseum |
Texas | November 20, 2024 | Austin, TX |
UConn | December 8, 2024 | Cassell Coliseum |
Road Warriors: Embracing the Challenge
The Virginia Tech Hokies women’s basketball team will embark on a rigorous road schedule during the 2024-2025 season. With 12 of their 29 regular-season games taking place away from home, the Hokies will face a daunting challenge in their pursuit of ACC success.
Non-Conference Tests
The Hokies’ non-conference schedule features several challenging road games, including trips to perennial powerhouses like Duke and North Carolina. They will also face tough competition from regional rivals such as West Virginia and James Madison.
ACC Battles
Within the ACC, the Hokies will face a gauntlet of tough road games. They will travel to defending national champions Boston College, as well as ACC heavyweights Louisville and Notre Dame.
Breakdown of Road Games
Opponent | Date |
---|---|
Duke | November 25, 2024 |
North Carolina | December 1, 2024 |
West Virginia | December 10, 2024 |
James Madison | December 17, 2024 |
Boston College | January 7, 2025 |
Louisville | February 1, 2025 |
Notre Dame | February 20, 2025 |
Overcoming Adversity
Facing such a tough road schedule will require the Hokies to embrace the challenge and develop a resilient mindset. They will need to perform well in hostile environments, adjust to different playing surfaces, and maintain their composure under pressure. By meeting these challenges head-on, the Hokies can build character and improve their overall performance.
Key Players to Watch: Emerging Leaders
Samantha “Sammy” Brunelle
Samantha Brunelle, a 6’2″ sophomore forward from Roanoke, Virginia, is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. Her impressive athleticism and tireless work ethic make her a force to be reckoned with in the paint. In her freshman year, Brunelle averaged 6.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, showcasing her ability to contribute on both ends of the court.
Ashley Owusu
Ashley Owusu, a 5’9″ junior guard from Newport News, Virginia, is a dynamic playmaker with exceptional ball-handling skills. Her ability to create shots for herself and teammates makes her a constant threat to opposing defenses. In the previous season, Owusu averaged 10.5 points and 4.8 assists per game, establishing herself as a key player in the Hokies’ backcourt.
Sydney Clayton
Sydney Clayton, a 6’0″ senior forward from Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a versatile player who can contribute in multiple areas. Her size and athleticism allow her to play both inside and outside, while her leadership qualities make her a valuable asset to the team. In her career at Virginia Tech, Clayton has averaged 8.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
Additional Emerging Leaders
Player | Position | Class |
---|---|---|
Kayana Singleton | Guard | Freshman |
Laila Acox | Forward | Sophomore |
Amari Smith | Center | Junior |
Newcomers to Make an Impact: Fresh Faces in the Fold
The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team will welcome a handful of talented newcomers to the roster in 2024-25. These players will be expected to make an immediate impact and help the Hokies compete for a championship.
Incoming Recruits
The Hokies will welcome four incoming freshmen in 2024-25:
- Shakira Austin, a 6-5 center from Maryland
- Gabby Elliott, a 6-2 forward from California
- Kayana Traylor, a 6-0 guard from New Jersey
- Aaliyah Pitts, a 5-9 guard from Florida
These players are all highly touted recruits who have the potential to be stars at Virginia Tech.
Transfers
In addition to the incoming freshmen, the Hokies will also welcome two transfers in 2024-25:
- Jazmine Massengill, a 6-2 forward from Kentucky
- Ashley Owusu, a 5-9 guard from Maryland
Massengill and Owusu are both experienced players who will provide the Hokies with much-needed depth and leadership.
Player | Position | Hometown | Previous School |
---|---|---|---|
Shakira Austin | C | Maryland | High School |
Gabby Elliott | F | California | High School |
Kayana Traylor | G | New Jersey | High School |
Aaliyah Pitts | G | Florida | High School |
Jazmine Massengill | F | Kentucky | Kentucky |
Ashley Owusu | G | Maryland | Maryland |
Impact on the Team
The newcomers will have a major impact on the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team in 2024-25. They will provide the Hokies with much-needed depth and talent, and they will help the team compete for a championship.
Rivalries to Fuel the Fire: Fierce Battles on the Horizon
Pitt Panthers: A Resurgent Force
The Pitt Panthers have emerged as a formidable opponent for Virginia Tech in recent seasons. From 2020-23, the two teams split their meetings four times and pushed each other to the limit in every contest. With a veteran-laden team, Pitt will be looking to maintain their dominance in the rivalry.
Syracuse Orange: A Storied Rivalry
Virginia Tech and Syracuse have a long and competitive history, dating back to 2004. The Orange boast a 17-14 record against the Hokies, but recent years have seen Virginia Tech make significant strides in the rivalry. In 2022-23, the Hokies swept the Orange for the first time since 2012-13.
North Carolina State Wolfpack: A Test of Wills
The North Carolina State Wolfpack have been a constant thorn in Virginia Tech’s side. Since 2014, the Wolfpack have held an 8-6 advantage over the Hokies. These matchups have showcased some of the most intense and physical battles in the ACC.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A Rising Power
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have quickly established themselves as a top program under head coach Niele Ivey. Since joining the ACC in 2013, Notre Dame has posted a 10-9 record against Virginia Tech. The Hokies will need to bring their A-game to compete with the talented Fighting Irish.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: A Familiar Foe
Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech have faced off 28 times, with the Yellow Jackets holding a slim 15-13 advantage. These matchups have often been decided by narrow margins, making each game a potential nail-biter.
Virginia Cavaliers: The Commonwealth Classic
The annual Commonwealth Classic between Virginia Tech and the Virginia Cavaliers is one of the most anticipated events in the state. The Cavaliers boast a 9-7 record against the Hokies, but Virginia Tech has won two of the past three meetings. This rivalry is sure to provide plenty of drama and excitement.
Duke Blue Devils: A Rivalry in the Making
The Virginia Tech Hokies and the Duke Blue Devils have met just four times in women’s basketball history, but the rivalry is quickly heating up. In their last meeting in 2023, the Hokies upset the top-ranked Blue Devils. Expect this rivalry to continue to grow in intensity in the years to come.
Boston College Eagles: A Consistently Competitive Matchup
Virginia Tech has faced Boston College 25 times, with the Hokies holding a slim 13-12 advantage. The Eagles have been a consistent thorn in Virginia Tech’s side, often challenging the Hokies in key conference matchups. This rivalry promises to remain competitive for years to come.
Wins | Losses |
---|---|
17 | 14 |
10 | 9 |
8 | 8 |
9 | 7 |
Championships on the Line: Postseason Aspirations
The Virginia Tech Hokies women’s basketball team will be looking to make a deep run in the postseason in the 2024-25 season. After reaching the NCAA Tournament in each of the past two seasons, the Hokies will be hungry to make a run at the ACC title and beyond. With a talented roster led by All-ACC performer Cayla King, the Hokies have the potential to be a force to be reckoned with.
– 9. ACC Tournament –
The ACC Tournament will once again be a key goal for the Hokies. The Hokies have won the ACC Tournament championship four times in the past, and they will be looking to add to that total in 2025. The ACC Tournament will be held in Greensboro, North Carolina, from March 11-15, 2025.
The Hokies will face a tough challenge in the ACC Tournament, as the conference is home to some of the best teams in the country. However, the Hokies have proven that they can compete with anyone. They will be looking to make a deep run in the tournament and earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Year | Result |
---|---|
2019 | Quarterfinals |
2020 | Semifinals |
2021 | Championship |
2022 | Runner-up |
Beyond the Court: The Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball Experience
Campus Events and Activities
Attending Virginia Tech women’s basketball games is not just about the on-court action. Throughout the season, the university hosts various events and activities that enhance the game-day experience. These include:
- Pregame tailgates
- Alumni receptions
- Fan appreciation nights
- Halftime entertainment
Community Connections
The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team is deeply involved with the local community. Players and coaches participate in:
- Youth clinics
- School visits
- Community service projects
International Travel
In recent years, the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team has embarked on several international trips, providing players with an opportunity to represent their university and the United States on a global stage.
Community Partnerships
Virginia Tech women’s basketball has partnered with various organizations to enhance the student-athlete experience. These partnerships include:
- Blacksburg community organizations
- Military organizations
- School systems
Academic Support
Virginia Tech provides exceptional academic support for its student-athletes, including:
- Academic advisors
- Tutoring services
- Study halls
Career Exploration
Virginia Tech offers resources to help student-athletes explore career paths and prepare for life after basketball. These resources include:
- Career counseling
- Internship opportunities
- Mentoring programs
Social Media Engagement
Virginia Tech women’s basketball maintains a strong presence on social media, keeping fans connected with the team. Fans can follow the team on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Fan Appreciation Events
The Virginia Tech women’s basketball program hosts various fan appreciation events throughout the year. These events provide opportunities for fans to meet players and coaches, receive autographs, and enjoy special promotions.
Hokie Club Benefits
Hokie Club members receive exclusive benefits when attending Virginia Tech women’s basketball games. These benefits include:
Membership Level | Benefits |
---|---|
Standard | Season tickets, priority seating, Hokie Club events |
Premium | Luxury seating, VIP parking, access to team events |
Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball 2024-2025 Schedule
The Virginia Tech Hokies women’s basketball team will play a challenging schedule in the 2024-2025 season. The Hokies will face several nationally ranked opponents, including defending national champion South Carolina, ACC rival Louisville, and perennial NCAA tournament participant Baylor. Virginia Tech will also play a number of tough non-conference games, including a road game against No. 1 Tennessee and a home game against No. 5 Mississippi State.
The Hokies will be led by a talented group of returning players, including All-ACC guard Aisha Sheppard and All-ACC forward Elizabeth Kitley. Virginia Tech will also welcome a highly touted recruiting class that includes McDonald’s All-American guard Kayana Traylor and five-star forward Jada Boyd.
The Hokies’ schedule will provide them with plenty of opportunities to prove themselves against top competition. If they can play to their potential, they have the talent to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
People Also Ask
When does the 2024-2025 Virginia Tech women’s basketball schedule start?
The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team will open the 2024-2025 season on November 7, 2024, against the Radford Highlanders at Cassell Coliseum.
Who are the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team’s biggest rivals?
The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team’s biggest rivals are the Virginia Cavaliers, Duke Blue Devils, and North Carolina Tar Heels.
How many national championships has the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team won?
The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team has never won a national championship.