USF Women’s Basketball Team Leads American Conference
In the ever-competitive landscape of the American Conference, the University of South Florida’s women’s basketball team continues to assert its dominance as they are named the favorites to clinch the championship for the sixth consecutive season.
With standout players like senior forward Carla Brito earning the Preseason Player of the Year accolade and graduate forward L’or Mputu making the All-Conference First Team, the team is poised for another successful run.
This article delves into the preseason rankings, player accolades, and the new tournament format for the upcoming season, highlighting the exciting journey that lies ahead for USF women’s basketball.
USF Tipped to Rule American for Sixth Straight Season
On October 9, 2025, the University of South Florida’s women’s basketball team continued to assert their dominance in the American Conference as the preseason poll crowned them the favorites for the sixth consecutive season.
With an impressive tally of 143 points and 11 first-place votes, USF showcased a dynasty-level performance that left no doubt about their standing at the pinnacle of the league.
This tremendous acknowledgment comes as no surprise, particularly with USF’s continued excellence driven by star players like senior forward Carla Brito, the Preseason Player of the Year, and graduate forward L’or Mputu.
Their prowess and strategic gameplay have created a powerful narrative of ambition and success, propelling them relentlessly forward and setting the stage for yet another season at the forefront of American women’s college basketball.
Preseason Stars Set the Tone
Senior forward Carla Brito’s selection as Preseason Player of the Year sets an ambitious tone for the USF women’s basketball team.
Her standout performances have become a hallmark of resilience and skill on the court, earning her a unanimous spot on the All-Conference First Team.
Brito’s previous season, marked by seven double-double performances and recognition as the AAC Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, underscores her invaluable presence.
Her leadership fuels immense expectations for USF in the upcoming season, and her ability to drive the team forward signals her crucial role in steering them towards another victorious campaign.
For more information, visit the USF Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll News.
Sharing the spotlight, graduate forward L’or Mputu, noted for her journey as the AAC’s Most Improved Player, also secures her place on the All-Conference First Team.
With 14 games of double-digit scoring and a presence marked by five double-doubles in the previous season, Mputu embodies determination and growth, reinforcing the team’s strength.
Her evolution is not just a testament to her hard work but also an indication of the depth and potential within the USF roster.
This combination of talent and perseverance makes Mputu an essential pillar for the team’s strategy this year, pushing them further in their quest for dominance.
How the Coaches Voted
The 2025 American Conference preseason poll highlights the strong positioning of the University of South Florida’s women’s basketball team as the favorite to win the conference for the sixth consecutive season, according to the coaches’ preseason poll.
| Team | Points | First-Place Votes |
|---|---|---|
| USF | 143 | 11 |
| UTSA | 119 | 1 |
| Rice | 113 | 1 |
With 143 points and 11 of the 13 first-place votes, the USF Bulls are clearly poised as the dominant team to beat.
UTSA secured second place with 119 points and one first-place vote, while Rice followed closely with 113 points and one first-place vote.
This significant point differential further emphasizes USF’s excellence and establishes them as the team setting the competitive standard in the conference.
USF’s commanding lead is a testament to their consistent high performance and the strong vote of confidence from the coaches.
New Five-Day Championship Format
The American Conference women’s basketball championship in 2026 introduces a dynamic five-day bracket format, bringing excitement to teams and fans alike.
This redesigned structure ensures that the competition remains intense and strategic, with automatic semifinal berths for the top two seeds, providing them a crucial advantage in their quest for the title.
The championship action unfolds at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere, from March 10-14, 2026.
This period marks a high-stakes moment for participating teams, as the conference’s new approach brings fresh challenges and opportunities.
The anticipation builds as the top seeds leverage their immediate pathway to the semifinals, adding an element of strategy to how teams approach initial rounds.
For more details, the conference’s website provides further insights into this revamped championship format.
Building on Last Season’s Brilliance
Building on last season’s brilliance, the University of South Florida’s women’s basketball team carries high expectations into the upcoming season.
With Carla Brito earning the AAC Tournament MVP honor last season, she has set an exemplary standard on the court.
Brito recorded an impressive seven double-doubles, showcasing her all-around capabilities and dominance.
Her teammate, L’or Mputu, was recognized as the Most Improved Player, reflecting significant growth in her performance.
Mputu’s contributions were substantial, scoring in double digits in 14 games and achieving five double-doubles.
Both players’ performances have cemented them as key figures in the team, laying a strong foundation as USF aims for conference excellence once more.
- AAC Tournament MVP for Brito
- Seven double-doubles by Brito
- Most Improved Player for Mputu
- 14 double-figure games and five double-doubles for Mputu
As the University of South Florida women’s basketball team prepares for the 2026 season, their achievements and expectations set a high bar in the American Conference.
Fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding of a thrilling season filled with competition and determination.
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