GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Atlantic Coast Conference released its 10-player women’s basketball Preseason All-ACC list on Wednesday morning as the reigning ACC Rookie of the Year Maddy Westbeld made the prestigious list.
However, Westbeld wasn’t the only Notre Dame hooper honored as both freshmen, Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron, made the five-player ACC Newcomer Watch List.
In addition to being named Rookie of the Year last season, Westbeld was also an ACC First-Team selection along with being a WBCA All-America Regional finalist. Her 15.2 ppg ranked third all-time for a freshman at Notre Dame.
Amongst all ACC freshmen last season, Westbeld finished first in scoring, second in rebounding, second in steals, fourth in assists and fourth in blocks. Furthermore, she was the only freshman in the country to average at least 15 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.4 steals.
Fans and media alike, got a sneak peek at freshman Olivia Miles last winter, for she was the program’s first-ever early enrollee. Miles ended the season with five straight games in double figures, averaging 10.4 ppg in that span. She ultimately averaged 3.5 apg as well.
Then there’s fellow freshman Sonia Citron who had a productive summer winning gold with the U19 USA Team during the 2021 FIBA World Cup. Citron made the All-Star Five Team and averaged USA second bests of 14.3 ppg and 7.7 rpg overall in Hungary.
The 2021-22 home slate kicks off (after an exhibition contest on Nov. 1) with Ohio on Tuesday, November 9, followed by Western Illinois on Thursday, Nov 11, and another pair of non-conference opponents in Fordham (Thursday, Nov. 18) and Bryant (Sunday, Nov. 21).
The Irish host nine ACC opponents at home, with visits from Pitt, NC State, North Carolina, Syracuse, Boston College, Virginia Tech, Miami, Clemson and Louisville.
To purchase tickets, visit UND.com/BuyTickets.
Blue Ribbon Panel Preseason All-ACC Team (57 voters)
Taylor Soule, Boston College, Sr., F (1)
Delicia Washington, Clemson, Gr., G
Lorela Cubaj, Georgia Tech, Sr., F (1)
Lotta-Maj Lahtinen, Georgia Tech, Sr., G
Hailey Van Lith, Louisville, So., G (1)
Jakia Brown-Turner, NC State Jr., G (1)
Elissa Cunane, NC State, Sr., C (42)
Maddy Westbeld, Notre Dame, So., F
Elizabeth Kitley, Virginia Tech, Jr., C (10)
Aisha Sheppard, Virginia Tech, Gr., G (1)
() Indicates preseason player of the year votes
Blue Ribbon Panel Newcomer Watch List
Payton Verhulst, Louisville, Fr., G
Teonni Key, North Carolina, Fr., F
Diamond Johnson, NC State, So., G
Olivia Miles, Notre Dame, Fr., G
Sonia Citron, Notre Dame, Fr., G
Blue Ribbon Panel Predicted Order of Finish (57 voters)
NC State (50 first-place votes) – 847 points
Louisville (7) – 789
Georgia Tech – 691
Virginia Tech – 644
Florida State – 607
Notre Dame – 580
North Carolina – 488
Duke – 464
Miami – 355
Clemson – 324
Boston College – 297
Wake Forest – 250
Syracuse – 227
Pittsburgh – 160
Virginia – 117
— ND —