UNC Women's Basketball Unveils Electrifying 2024-25 Schedule: A Path to Glory

Get ready, Tar Heel Nation! The University of North Carolina Women's Basketball team has officially dropped its highly anticipated 2024-25 schedule, promising a gauntlet of thrilling matchups designed to forge a championship-caliber squad. Coach Courtney Banghart has once again curated a non-conference slate that demands excellence, preparing her team for the rigors of ACC play and a deep run into March.

The season kicks off with an exciting in-state clash on Friday, November 8, as the Tar Heels welcome Elon to Carmichael Arena.

But the real test arrives swiftly, with a monumental road trip to Columbia, South Carolina, on Tuesday, November 12, to face the reigning national champions. This early-season showdown against Dawn Staley's formidable Gamecocks is a true barometer, providing an immediate opportunity for Carolina to measure its mettle against the nation's best.

Coach Banghart emphasized the importance of such challenges, stating, “If you want to be a championship team, you have to play championship teams.”

The non-conference journey continues with home games against Hampton (November 16) and Florida Gulf Coast (November 22), interspersed with a trip to Gardner-Webb (November 19).

The highlight of November, however, will undoubtedly be the legendary showdown against UConn on Friday, November 29. Hosted at the Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase in Uncasville, CT, this clash against Geno Auriemma's Huskies is a classic rivalry reborn, promising elite basketball and a packed house.

December doesn't offer any respite.

The Tar Heels head to Minnesota on December 5 for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, followed by a home battle against Oklahoma on December 10. A highly anticipated neutral-site game awaits in Portland, Oregon, on December 16, where UNC will face the Oregon Ducks. This West Coast venture adds another layer of national exposure and a diverse challenge before returning home for final non-conference tune-ups against Western Carolina (December 20) and UNC Asheville (December 22).

Coach Banghart's strategic scheduling philosophy shines through every game.

“Our non-conference schedule is always an intentional mix of some of the best teams in the country and programs that will test our ability to bring our ‘A’ game every night,” she explained. This approach isn't just about wins and losses; it's about growth, resilience, and developing the toughness needed for postseason success.

The intensity ratchets up even further as the Tar Heels dive into ACC play, beginning on December 31 against Clemson at home.

The conference schedule features formidable foes and storied rivalries, with 16 conference games spread from New Year's Eve through March. Key matchups include two games against Duke, NC State, Virginia, and Florida State, alongside challenging road trips to Louisville, Notre Dame, and Virginia Tech.

Each ACC game presents a unique strategic puzzle and a chance to solidify their standing in one of the toughest conferences in women's basketball.

This isn't just a schedule; it's a meticulously crafted narrative for a team with high aspirations. From the early tests against national powerhouses to the relentless grind of ACC competition, every game is a stepping stone.

As Coach Banghart puts it, “Every game on our schedule is a championship game to us.” Tar Heel fans can expect a season filled with high-stakes action, incredible talent, and the unwavering spirit of a team determined to etch its name in history.