The college basketball talent pool is as deep as ever this 2022-23 season, despite a few star players going down with injuries in the offseason, including UConn’s Paige Bueckers and Oregon’s Sedona Prince.

Before the games tip off Monday, Just Women’s Sports ranks the top 25 players in the women’s game. Get ready for the season with our experts’ picks for individual awards, national champion and other categories here.

1. Aliyah Boston, senior, F, South Carolina

Last year’s Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Final Four Most Outstanding player is the most impactful player in college basketball. Boston’s ability to control a game on both sides of the floor led the Gamecocks to the national championship last season and makes them the favorites once again. The 6-foot-5 forward averaged 16.8 points and 12.5 rebounds a game last season while shooting 54 percent from the field. Boston is an offensive asset both when she has the ball and when she doesn’t. The senior’s footwork and strength allow her to score at will, and her dominance on the offensive glass means the rest of the Gamecocks can be aggressive, knowing their star forward will be there to clean up misses.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Boston is the way she performs in high-pressure situations. See her impressive 2022 NCAA Tournament as an example. Who could forget how she scored 28 points and grabbed 22 rebounds to lead her team past a pesky North Carolina squad and into the Elite Eight?

2. Caitlin Clark, junior, G, Iowa

Boston and Clark are basically the 1A and 1B players on this list, and the two will likely lead the Player of the Year race this season, just like they did in 2022. Clark is a sniper when it comes to shooting the ball. Nowhere on the floor is off limits to her (hello, logo 3s), and I’ve yet to see a defender or even double team that can slow her down. At 6-foot, Clark is long-limbed and strong, so she is able to finish through contact, which is sometimes the only strategy to stopping the dynamic scorer. And when she gets to the line, Clark hits 88.1 percent of her free-throw attempts.

The Hawkeyes star led the nation in scoring (27) and assists (eight) per game last season, marking the first time in history a player ranked first in both categories. She also grabbed eight rebounds per game, meaning she was dangerously close to averaging a triple-double.

3. Haley Jones, senior, G, Stanford

As a truly positionless player, Jones is defining basketball for the younger generations as the game trends in that direction. Her ability to break down opponents off the dribble allows her to score on bigger defenders, and her post skills make her a mismatch for guards. Jones led Stanford to a national title two years ago and a Final Four last season, showing tremendous poise in high-pressure situations. Her one flaw is 3-point shooting, but if she devoted time this offseason to improving from long range, Jones will be an even bigger problem for opposing defenses.

4. Diamond Miller, senior, G, Maryland

The basketball world didn’t get a true look at Miller last season, as a knee injury limited the guard to 18 games and a drop in production. But those who saw Miller play during her sophomore season (when she averaged 17.3 points and 5.8 rebounds a game) and at the end of the 2022 season (when she had 23 and 24 points in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament) know that she’s an elite talent.

At 6-3, Miller is a tall guard who knows how to use her body. She’s excellent on the fast break, with or without the ball, and is skilled at finding cutting lanes to the rim. A big chunk of Miller’s cohort transferred in the offseason, so the Terrapins will be her team this season. Expect big things from the lanky combo-guard.

5. Ashley Joens, senior, G/F, Iowa State

Iowa State fans rejoiced when Joens announced she was returning for a fifth year. The two-time Cheryl Miller award winner is Iowa State’s all-time leading scorer, a mark she reached last season against Texas. She averaged 20.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game during her junior season and recorded 18 doubles-doubles. That rebounding number is particularly impressive when you take into account that the 6-1 Joens is undersized for a forward.

She has a high-basketball IQ and a versatility that allows her to score from a multitude of positions. Joens is particularly impressive in the paint, where she uses a series of pivots and up-and-unders to score around bigger defenders.

6. Cameron Brink, junior, F, Stanford

Stanford wouldn’t have won the 2021 national title without Cameron Brink, whose six blocks and overall defense helped the Cardinal secure a close win over Arizona. Brink’s talent was clear then, and she was even better last season, averaging 13.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. The 6-4 Brink covers more ground than almost any other post in the game. The one concern with the forward is foul trouble, but if Brink can increase her minutes, she’s going to be a top player this season. Offensively, she has a soft touch around the rim and can extend to the midrange. Her 3-point shot is improving, which means more openings for her teammates.

7. Elizabeth Kitley, senior, C, Virginia Tech

The Hokies senior has perfected the art of the seal and score. Kitley has great body control, footwork and awareness under the basket, and she doesn’t overuse the dribble — something that leads to turnovers for bigs. She scores in a variety of ways, from turn-and-face jumpers to slicing between defenders with a well-placed step or around them with a pivot. Last season, she averaged 18.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game for a near double-double and ended her season with a school-record 42 points in an NCAA Tournament loss to Florida Gulf Coast. At 6-6, she already has the physical skills to block shots, but Kitley’s body control and awareness mean she’s able to do it without fouling, averaging 2.4 blocks per contest.

8. Azzi Fudd, sophomore, G, UConn

The 2021 No. 1 recruit didn’t get a chance to show off her full skill set last season as injuries limited her playing time. But coach Geno Auriemma says she’s “as good as anybody we’ve had at this point,” which is quite the statement when you consider the plethora of talent that’s come out of UConn. Last year, Fudd averaged 12.1 points per game while shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc and 91.2 percent from the free-throw line.

The sophomore has picture-perfect shooting form, with a quick release and a high-release point. And though her 3-point shooting was a highlight last season, Fudd is much more than a long-range shooter — she’s an athletic playmaker whose decision-making off the dribble is outstanding. Fudd’s potential this season is virtually limitless, and the Huskies will count on her to lead the offense in the absence of the injured Paige Bueckers.

9. Olivia Miles, sophomore, G, Notre Dame

As a freshman, Miles took Notre Dame to the Sweet 16 and led her team in both points per game (13.7) and assists per game (7.4). That assist mark was also second in the country, behind Iowa’s Clark. Even more impressive was Miles’ near 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. The Fighting Irish have already counted on Miles to make the right decisions, and that skill will only improve this season. The rising sophomore is a true floor general, whose ability to read defenses and create for herself and others make her difficult to contain both on the fastbreak and in a halfcourt setting. Expect more of the same from Miles this time around.

10. Aneesah Morrow, sophomore, F, DePaul

As a freshman, Morrow led the country in rebounding with 13.8 per game and led DePaul with 21.9 points per game. The 6-1 forward attacks the paint with equal parts strength and speed. Her first step is quick, allowing her to beat defenders off the dribble or off a post move with her back to the basket. Her understanding of spacing and body control makes her an ideal target for guards when she’s in the paint or when she dives off a screen. Morrow was dominant against tough competition last season, including a 30-point, 14-rebound performance against Connecticut in January. With a season of experience under her belt, basketball fans should expect the Second Team All-American to be even better this year.

11. Ashley Owusu, senior, G, Virginia Tech

After three seasons at Maryland, the senior guard found a new home in the offseason. Last year, Owusu’s production dipped from 17.9 points, 5.9 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore to 14.3 points, 3.7 assists and 3.1 rebounds a game. Now, with a fresh start, all eyes will be on the 6-foot guard to reach her potential. Owusu’s unique build and athleticism make her a force on the attack. She’s powerful but also speedy, with a combination of finesse and pure strength around the rim that makes her tough to guard. When she’s at her best, Owusu is also an excellent playmaker and floor general, which should be even more evident this season with Kitley as her teammate in the post.

12. Rori Harmon, sophomore, G, Texas

Texas plays a fast-paced, intense style on offense and defense, and at the heart of that system is Harmon. The guard wasted no time establishing herself as Texas’ floor general last season, playing 30 minutes a game and averaging 11.4 points, five assists and 4.4 rebounds per contest. Her 5:2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio was particularly impressive for a first-year player. The Big 12 Freshman of the year has top-level speed and athleticism and is effective going to the rim because of the way she changes speeds. Harmon is difficult to contain off the dribble and is a pesky on-ball defender, something that pushed Texas to the Elite Eight last season.

13. Shaylee Gonzales, grad, G, Texas

Texas already had a strong backcourt with Rori Harmon leading the way, and the Longhorns lucked out even further when they signed BYU transfer Gonzales. The 2021-22 WCC Player of the Year averaged 18.3 points (third in the WCC), 5.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists (second in the WCC) and 2.3 steals last season. Gonzales is a dynamic scorer who, despite being 5-10, thrived for BYU in the post. The guard could beat defenders in the paint with her understanding of space and body control and her slew of acrobatic moves. She’s also strong for her size and able to finish through contact or get to the line, where she makes 83 percent of her attempts.

14. Hailey Van Lith, junior, G, Louisville

The Louisville guard averaged 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists while leading the Cardinals to the Final Four last season. Van Lith, who averaged 31 minutes per game, is the ultimate competitor whose fiery nature drives her team. The 5-7 lefty is craft going to the rim and quick off the bounce, with excellent handles. Van Lith has also mastered the mid-range jumper, a skill that helps her avoid bigger defenders when necessary. The guard is a shot hunter who also understands how to run an offense and make her teammates better.

15. Grace Berger, grad, G, Indiana

The fifth-year guard does a little bit of everything for her team, averaging 16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game last year. The past two seasons were two of the most successful in Indiana’s recent history, and much of that has to do with Berger. The dynamic player recorded an NCAA-high three triple-doubles in 2020-21, further cementing her status as a player who can do it all. But where she really shines is off the dribble and going to the basket. Berger reads what the defense gives her and isn’t afraid to use back-to-back dribble moves to get to the rim. She also thrives in the midrange, adding another element to her already strong attack.

16. Angel Reese, sophomore, F, LSU

After a stellar sophomore season at Maryland, during which she averaged 17.8 points and 10.6 rebounds a game, Reese made the decision to transfer to LSU. At 6-3 with long limbs, Reese has the ideal body type for s stretch forward. She spent most of her time in the paint at Maryland, but she is also capable of playing on the perimeter and running the floor. Reese has a nose for the ball on the boards and finishes well around the rim. That lanky frame also allows her to block shots (1.1 per game last season) and get her hands in passing lanes (1.7 steals per game).

17. Maddy Siegrist, senior, F, Villanova

A 6-1 forward with guard skills, Siegrist was second in the country in scoring last season, averaging 25.3 points per game. The senior is a creative scorer who’s strong inside and deft at cutting to the hoop, always moving to find the best angle to catch the ball. Siegrist can shoot from outside, too — making 34.6 percent of her attempts last season — and is equipped with a strong step-back jumper. She also contributes on the glass, averaging 9.2 rebounds per game, a number that has been consistent over her three seasons with the program.

18. Zia Cooke, senior, G, South Carolina

South Carolina is stacked with talent, and Cooke is a key piece to that puzzle. Her numbers decreased last season, from 15.9 points per game to 10.7 (her lowest number in three seasons), but her talent remains. Cooke was playing alongside Boston in a year when the POY exploded offensively and the guard took a secondary role. Still, Cooke is a major offensive weapon who shows up when her team needs her, such as scoring 15 points against North Carolina to help the Gamecocks advance to the Elite Eight last year. Cooke is aggressive off the dribble and understands how to use angles to create scoring opportunities for herself. She’s also smart enough to defer to Boston, because she knows that’s how her team wins big games.

19. Monika Czinano, grad, C/F, Iowa

As positionless basketball becomes more common, Czinano is a true center, and that works perfectly for Iowa. Her 21.1 points per game were 12th in the country last year, but it’s her efficiency that is most impressive. Czinano is selective, making an NCAA-leading 67.9 percent of her attempts last season. The 6-3 center has textbook positioning and good hands, making her an ideal target for Clark and the other Iowa guards. Her best performance last season came in the Big Ten tournament title game, when Czinano had 30 points and 10 rebounds to help Iowa top Indiana, and she is capable of that every time she steps on the court.

20. Deja Kelly, junior, G, North Carolina

Kelly lived up to her potential as the No. 4 guard in the Class of 2020, leading her team to the Sweet 16 last year. She was a consistent play-maker for the Tar Heels all season, showing poise uncharacteristic of a sophomore. Kelly averaged 16.5 points, 2.6 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game, while showcasing her vision and court awareness at the guard spot. The All-ACC player shot 36 percent from beyond the arc and 85 percent from the free-throw line. She ran the show for the Tar Heels and will take on the same responsibilities this time around.

21. Charisma Osborne, senior, G, UCLA

As a junior, Osborne led UCLA in scoring with 16.4 points per game despite battling a nagging ankle injury. She had nine 20-point games and was a steadying force on an inconsistent team. Now a senior, Osborne is healthy and ready to take her game to the next level. The 5-9 guard’s skill set starts on the defensive end, where she uses her quick hands to frustrate ball-handlers and her speed and high-IQ to get in passing lanes. Her 3.9 assists per game also led her squad, and despite being undersized, Osborne grabbed 5.1 rebounds per game. The Bruins have plenty of young talent coming in this season, but Osborne will bring the maturity and experience that this team needs to be successful.

22. Jordan Horston, senior, G, Tennessee

Tennessee was without Horston for a good chunk of the season after she suffered an elbow injury on Feb. 17, and the Vols clearly missed her in the postseason. The 6-2 guard averaged 16.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and four assists per game, emerging quickly as the team’s top player. Horston is an athletic guard who can elevate and finish around the rim. The senior takes Tennessee to another level, making everything happen for the Vols when she drives to the hoop and finds space for herself or for an open teammate. Horston is also a strong defender who plays with contagious energy.

23. Charlisse Leger-Walker, junior, G, Washington State

Having played for the New Zealand national team since she was 16 years old, Leger-Walker isn’t afraid of big moments. She was the Pac-12 Player of the Year in 2021 and put up similar numbers last year, averaging 16.1 points per game to lead Washington State. She saw her shooting percentages dip because of increased defensive pressure, but the rising junior is too skilled not to bounce back. She’s fearless going to the basket, with a slew of acrobatic moves that help her finish around the rim.

24. Jacy Sheldon, senior, G, Ohio State

Coming off a season in which she averaged 19.7 points and 4.2 assists per game, Sheldon did more than her fair share for Ohio State. The rising senior dictates the Buckeyes offense, knowing when to speed up on the break or when to slow the attack. She gets to the rim with urgency and knows how to use her body to shield shot blockers. An excellent passer, Sheldon also knows how to set up her teammates, making everyone around her better. And she still finds enough energy to play elite defense — Sheldon was named to the All-Big Ten First Team and the All-Big Ten Defensive Team last season.

25. Kaitlyn Chen, junior, G, Princeton

Princeton lost leading scorer Abby Meyers to the transfer portal, but they are in good shape with Chen, who is poised for a breakout season. She averaged 10.5 points, 3.2 assists and 2.9 rebounds a game and really hit her stride in the Ivy league tournament, where she was named Most Outstanding Player. The junior has one of the best pull-up jumpers in the country and uses it frequently after she beats the initial defender off the dribble. Because the Ivy League didn’t play in 2020 due to COVD-19, last year was Chen’s first season of action. With Princeton ranked 24th to start the season, expectations are high for the Tigers. They will need Chen to be at the top of her game.

Honorable mentions

Lauren Betts, freshman, C, Stanford
Kiki Rice, freshman, G, UCLA

I didn’t include any freshmen on this list because, despite how well they might have played at the high-school level, they have yet to prove anything in college. But as the No. 1 and 2 recruits, respectively, Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice have enough talent to make a top-25 list, and I expect them to be there next season.

Eden Laase is a Staff Writer at Just Women’s Sports. Follow her on Twitter @eden_laase.

The new-look New York Sirens continue to impress in the early stages of the 2024/25 PWHL season, most recently notching a big 4-2 win over Toronto in the the team home opener on Wednesday.

All four of New York's goals came in the second period — the most in a single period all season — and all were the first goals of the season by each scorer.

Finland international Noora Tulus opened the game's scoring with her first PWHL goal, with teammates Emmy Fecteau, Micah Zandee-Hart, and Jaime Bourbonnais following suit. Both Fecteau's goal and team captain Zandee-Hart's were the first of their PWHL careers.

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Sirens rookie Sarah Fillier and teammate Alex Carpenter both assisted on Tulus's game-opening goal, with each booking a point in their fourth straight contest. Fillier remains in the PWHL's lead with two goals and five assists for a total of seven points, while Carpenter is just behind with six points — though her three goals make her the league's scoring leader.

As for the Sceptres, forwards Hannah Miller and former Siren Emma Woods each made a dent in the scoresheet with goals of their own in the third period, but it wasn't quite enough as Toronto failed to complete the comeback.

Last-place Toronto has now allowed their opponents to breach the scoresheet first in each of their 2024/25 matchups, ultimately losing their last three games in regulation.

New York Sirens to face Minnesota Frost in top matchup

New York's shifting fortune highlights the second-season league's rapidly growing parity. With only one loss through their first four games, the Sirens sit in second place to stake an early season claim on "most improved" after finishing last in the PWHL's inaugural season.

Just above New York on the league's table are the Minnesota Frost. The reigning Walter Cup champions are holding strong as the team to beat, but New York has already proved that it's possible after handing Minnesota an overtime 4-3 season-opening loss on December 1st.

The Sirens' will officially take aim at the top of the PWHL table on Sunday, when New York will try to gift Minnesota a second season loss in the league's pre-Christmas closer. This time, the Sirens will have the crowd on their side as the Frost visit New York's home ice.

How to watch New York Sirens vs. Minnesota Frost in PWHL action

The puck is set to drop on New York vs. Minnesota at 12 PM ET on Sunday, with live streaming coverage on YouTube.

Despite being populated by all four No. 1 seeds, Thursday's 2024 NCAA volleyball semifinals served up the bracket's biggest upsets, as heavily favored Nebraska and overall top seed Pitt were sent packing by their conference foes.

In front of 21,726 fans — a new record for college volleyball's postseason — Louisville shocked Pitt with a 3-1 victory before Penn State ousted Nebraska in a five-set instant classic.

Louisville books second national championship ticket

After dropping their first set to Pitt on Thursday night, it seemed the deck was stacked against the Cards, who had already lost twice to the Panthers in the regular season.

However, buoyed by their raucous home crowd, Louisville surged back, sweeping the next three sets to book their first trip to the national championship match since 2022, when they became the first and only ACC team to ever compete in the collegiate final.

As for Pitt, Thursday's loss was just their second all season, and not even 2024 AVCA Player of the Year Olivia Babcock's astounding 33 kills could extend their title chase. Notably, their national semifinal curse continues, with the Panthers now falling in the NCAA tournament's penultimate round for four straight years.

On the other hand, Louisville's victory was a true team effort, with three senior outside hitters — Anna DeBeer, Charitie Luper, and Sofia Maldonado Diaz — leading the offensive charge with 14 kills each.

The Cardinals' roster was also required to step up in unexpected ways. Just two points into the fourth set, Louisville star DeBeer crumbled to the court with an ankle injury and did not return to the match. The visibly shocked Cards looked to freshman Payton Petersen, who made a massive statement by recording two kills and four clutch digs to help seal the win.

"I wanted to do this for her," Petersen said of DeBeer. "She's meant so much to me."

Penn State roars back to top Nebraska

In Thursday's battle between two Big Ten titans, the message was clear: Never count out the Nittany Lions.

After falling behind the Cornhuskers 2-0 in what increasingly looked like an inevitable Nebraska victory, Penn State emerged from the brink of defeat to pull off the first reverse sweep of the Huskers in the NCAA tournament since 1982.

Following a 5-0 run that helped the Nittany Lions stay alive with a third set win, they flipped a 22-16 deficit into a match-point battle that ended the fourth set 28-26 in Penn State's favor. With the match now equalized, Penn State took control in the fifth, holding off Nebraska 15-13 to clinch their first championship trip since winning their seventh title in 2014.

Star Jess Mruzik led the Nittany Lions' charge with a 26-kill, 12-dig double-double, putting together what Nebraska head coach John Cook called "one of the best performances [he's] ever seen by an outside hitter." 

Like Louisville's Petersen, freshmen also stepped up for Penn State, with Izzy Starck recording six key blocks and redshirt freshman Caroline Jurevicius hammering 20 kills against her former team, having transferred from Nebraska in December 2023.

As for the Huskers, their stacked roster showed out, with outside hitter Harper Murray leading the charge with a 20-kill, 15-dig double-double, plus three aces — the most by any player in either match on Thursday. Middle blocker Andi Jackson also had a standout night, putting together a near-errorless performance to finish with 19 kills.

Four-time All-American libero Lexi Rodriguez added program history to Thursday's mix, closing out her NCAA career as the Huskers' all-time digs leader with 1,896.

Sunday's court will make NCAA history

Louisville and Penn State's semifinal victories have guaranteed that Sunday's 44th NCAA volleyball championship match will go down in the history books.

With Dani Busboom Kelly leading the Cardinals and Katie Schumacher-Cawley coaching the Nittany Lions, a woman head coach will lift the national championship trophy for the first time.

Only two women have ever coached their teams into the college volleyball final, with Florida's Mary Wise doing so in 2003 and 2017 before Busboom Kelly followed in 2022.

For context, the last seven Division I basketball trophies came under women head coaches.

The fact that this glass ceiling still exists is partially due to volleyball having less women in head coaching positions than other NCAA sports. Less than half of Division I's 334 teams are led by a woman, while basketball boasts nearly 68% female leadership and softball claims almost 74%.

Busboom Kelly's ACC exceeds that 50% stat, but the Schumacher-Cawley remains one of only six women leading the Big Ten's 18 teams.

Both of Sunday's sideline leaders know what it takes to win the national championship, with Schumacher-Cawley taking the 1999 title while playing for Penn State and Busboom Kelly doing the same with Nebraska in 2006.

Even so, in some ways, this year's title will mean even more, as the coaches pave the way for future generations of volleyball leaders.

"[There’s] just honestly no better feeling than being led by a female because that could be me someday, that could be one of my teammates someday," Mruzik noted. 

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How to watch the 2024 NCAA volleyball championship match

Sunday's final won't just make women's coaching history, it could see Louisville earn the ACC's first-ever NCAA volleyball title. But to do so, the Cardinals, who fell to Penn State 3-0 in early September, will have to deny the Nittany Lions an eighth national championship.

NCAA volleyball will crown its Division I champion in Sunday's 3 PM ET match, with live coverage on ABC.

For the first time, USWNT and Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman is opening up in unprecedented detail about her famous father, NBA legend Dennis Rodman, discussing him on Wednesday’s episode of the popular podcast "Call Your Daddy."

While having previously discussed their estranged relationship in brief, the 22-year-old enters "new territory" in sharing this amount of detail. 

Speaking to host Alex Cooper, Rodman described a financially controlling, partying alcoholic who was mostly absent after her parents’ divorce, and at one time left his children and their mother to briefly live in their car.

"I think he's an extremely selfish human being," Rodman told Cooper. "I think everything has always been about him."

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An NWSL breaking point

In 2021, Dennis unexpectedly showed up to Rodman’s NWSL quarterfinal match — the first and only he ever attended — causing the then-19-year-old to become emotional.

"I was so mad. I was like 'You took this happy moment from me. You f***ed with my head again,'" Rodman said. "I’m walking over [to him] so mad... he grabs my head and I just start bawling into his arms as if it’s a daddy-daughter [moment]."

That embrace was captured in a viral photo that was misconstrued as familial joy, rather than anger and overwhelm.

After Dennis expressed that he wanted to see her more in what Rodman calls a "wholesome" post-match catchup, she once again grew optimistic about building a relationship, but instead received total "radio silence" that lasted until late 2023.

"I think after that was when I lost hope in ever getting him back," she said. "Even at that game, I don’t think that was for me. I think he wanted to have a good conscience and then be like, headline, Dennis Rodman showed up to his daughter's game."

Today, Rodman has almost no relationship with her father, though she does answer when he calls.

"If something does happen, God forbid, I want to know that I did that. Or if he needed to hear my voice," she said. "That’s why I answer the phone, not for me."

"He's not a dad. Maybe by blood but nothing else. Hearing his voice is painful."

Gotham FC and USWNT forward Lynn Williams is being traded to the Seattle Reign, according to multiple reports late Wednesday.

Sports Illustrated reports that Williams and goalkeeper Cassie Miller will join the Reign in exchange for midfielder Jaelin Howell and an undisclosed transfer fee. 

Though still unconfirmed, the move reportedly comes at Williams’s request, with the 31-year-old Olympic gold medalist hoping to close out her club career on the West Coast, closer to her California home.

In her two seasons at Gotham, Williams scored 11 goals and tallied four assists en route to back-to-back NWSL Playoff runs.

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Williams is a major score for Seattle

The addition of Williams — the NWSL’s all-time leading scorer and third on the career assists list — would be a massive win for the Reign, who are in desperate need of firepower after posting the league’s fourth-worst goal count and finishing in 13th place last season.

Plus, Williams knows how to win, arguably more than nearly any other player in the league.

Since entering the NWSL in 2015, Williams has lifted trophies with all three of her clubs, earning championships with the Western New York Flash (2016), the NC Courage (2018, 2019), and Gotham FC (2023). Those four titles surpass every other NWSL athlete except McCall Zerboni, who coincidentally was Williams's teammate for all of those championships.

That title-winning aptitude would be clutch for Seattle, who are still hunting a franchise-first NWSL championship despite competing in three league finals.

Howell, Miller on the move again

Both Howell and Miller will exit their respective clubs after short tenures.

Miller joined Gotham from Kansas City in January as a replacement for starting goalkeeper Abby Smith, who suffered a season-ending injury in August 2023. In April, however, the NJ/NY club snagged German international Ann-Katrin Berger — one of the best keepers in the world and the NWSL's 2024 Goalkeeper of the Year — leaving Miller in a backup role.

Logging an even shorter time at Seattle than Miller's 11-month Gotham stretch is Howell, who will join her third club in five months with this trade. The midfielder began her NWSL career with Racing Louisville in 2022, but was sent to Seattle in August in exchange for striker Bethany Balcer and $50,000.

The 25-year-old, who captained her Louisville team, has struggled to stay in form. That said, if Gotham can help Howell unlock consistency in her top-level play, her on-pitch potential and off-pitch leadership could be a boon for the NJ/NY side.

Ultimately, trading Williams for a player with more potential than top form reads as a possible rebuild for a club who entered a so-called superteam era just one year ago — particularly in light of Gotham's flood of defectors this offseason, which includes star midfielder Delanie Sheehan.