The Indiana University (IU) women’s basketball team has been selected to finish fifth in the 2023-2024 Big Ten preseason poll, marking a vote of confidence in the Hoosiers’ ability to compete at the top of the conference. After a historic 2022-2023 season, where the team reached new heights under head coach Teri Moren, expectations remain high as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Ranked behind perennial powerhouses like Iowa, Ohio State, and Maryland, the Hoosiers find themselves in the upper echelon of a very competitive conference. Despite the fifth-place prediction, Indiana enters the season with a strong and experienced roster that is capable of exceeding expectations. Headlining the team is All-American forward Mackenzie Holmes, who returns for her senior season. Holmes has been the cornerstone of the program’s success, dominating both offensively and defensively, and her leadership will be crucial as the Hoosiers look to build on their previous accomplishments.
Another key returner is guard Sydney Parrish, whose perimeter shooting and defensive intensity provide balance to Holmes’ presence in the paint. Combined with the arrival of several promising freshmen and transfers, Indiana’s depth and versatility make them a formidable opponent in what is expected to be a highly competitive Big Ten race.
The Big Ten is considered one of the strongest conferences in women’s basketball, with multiple teams vying for national prominence. While Iowa, led by National Player of the Year Caitlin Clark, remains the top favorite, Indiana’s blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent gives them a legitimate shot at contending for the title.
As the season approaches, the Hoosiers are poised to prove that their fifth-place ranking might just be a starting point, rather than a ceiling. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how Indiana performs in one of the toughest leagues in the nation.