The NCAAW Final Four is officially set. The LSU Tigers, Iowa Hawkeyes, South Carolina Gamecocks, and Virginia Tech Hokies make up the semi finals bracket of the NCAAW Tournament. For any college basketball player, the Final Four is a dream and these four teams have made it a reality. Being in the Final Four means that you’re only one game away from acheiveing the pinnacle of college basketball, a national championship title.

The 2023 NCAAW Final Four is nothing short of history in the making. All four of these teams have impressive winning records and are all equally contendors for the coveted national trophy. These teams have managed to outlast 60 other teams and are one step closer to the dream of any basketball player.

The first team to make their way into the Final Four are the Louisiana State Tigers (LSU). The 3 seeded Tigers blew past Hawaii and Michigan in the the first and second round, before facing a tough oppenent in the Sweet 16, the Utah Utes. They managed to escape with a score of 66 -63, and moved on to play the Miami Hurricanes in the Elite Eight. The Miami Hurricanes had an impressive tournament run, but the LSU Tigers were able to win yet another close game. This year makes the sixth time that the Tigers have advanced to the Final Four. Under the guidance of head coach, Kim Mulkey, it’s their first one since their 2007-08 season. They have yet to claim a national title, but with a big roster this year, it might be a possibility. One of the biggest names on the LSU Tigers is that of Angel Reese. Angel Reese is a finalist for the Naismith Women’s College Basketball Player of the Year and holds a record of 32 double doubles in a single season. She averages 20 points a game and is a beast in the paint. Reese definitley poses as a threat to other teams and could be the edge that gives LSU their first national championship.

Following LSU, the Iowa Hawkeyes are the next team to make the Final Four. This is only the second time in Iowa Hawkeye program history they’ve advanced to the semi finals. Coached by Lisa Bluder, the Iowa Hawkeyes are ranked number 2 in the nation and are one of the biggest teams this year. In order to make it to the Final Four, the Hawkeyes played the Southeastern Louisiana Lions, the Georgia Bulldogs, the Colorado Buffaloes, and the Louisville Cardinals. They defeated each team by double digit points, which is no suprise considering they have the top offense in the nation. This offense is led by Iowa’s star player, Caitlin Clark, a junior guard who averages 27.3 points a game. Clark is known for her incredible shooting range, from deep threes at the logo to one handed layups in the paint. During the game against Louisville, she scored 41 points, had 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, becoming the first person ever to have a 40 point triple double in the NCAA tournament. But even without Caitlin Clark, the Iowa Hawkeyes doesn’t lack offense. Monika Czinano averages 17 points per game, all which come from inside the paint. Point guard Gabbi Marshall and guard McKenna Warnock each average around 10 points and are solid around the three point line. The Iowa Hawkeyes are definitley a team to look out for in the Final Four.

The third team in the bracket is the Virginia Tech Hokies. The Virginia Tech Hokies have already had a historic season so far. They won their first ever ACC championship title and were ranked one of the highest seeds in the NCAA tournament. But they aren’t finished quite yet. The Virginia Tech Hokies have had an impressive tournament run, and just like the Iowa Hawkeyes, they beat each team by a double digit deficit. The Hokies, led by head coach Kenny Brooks, defeated Ohio State to make their first ever Final Four appearance. While the Hokies aren’t quite as popular as the other teams, they are not a team to be underestimated. Post player Elizabeth Kitley is a huge threat under the basket and has a total amount of 56 double doubles, a Virginia Tech record. The team’s second leading scorer, Georgia Amoore, has an average amount of 20 points per game. The Virginia Tech Hokies are a force to be reckoned with.

The final team to advance to the Final Four are the South Carolina Gamecocks. This makes the third year in a row. Anyone familiar with women’s college basketball is familiar with the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Gamecocks are ranked number 1 in the nation and have won 41 straight games. South Carolina blew past the first three rounds, holding their opponents under 50 points. Their Elite Eight game was a bit closer, whereas they only beat Maryland by 11 points. South Carolina is an impressive team and a lot of this comes from their seriously talented senior class. Some big names on that roster are Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke. Aliyah Boston was named the 2022 Naismith Trophy National Player of the Year. Even though she only averages around 13 points a game, she has more than 10 rebounds and 2 blocks each game and is a huge threat defensively. Zia Cooke averages around 15 points per game and is one of the strongest ball handlers in women’s basketball. Under the guidance of their head coach, 2 time national champion, Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks are looking to repeat their national tite. There is no doubt they are the team to beat.

The games will take place at the American Airlines Center in Houston, Texas. The Final Four games will begin on Friday, March 31st. The first teams to play will be the LSU Tigers and the Virgina Tech Hokies. They will play at 7:00pm and will be followed by the South Carolina Gamecocks and Iowa Hawkeyes who play at 9:00pm.

The two winners will advance to the national championship on Sunday, April 2nd. The Final Four games will be broadcasted on ESPN. The national championship game will be on the ABC Network.