28

Feb

Aussies in NCAAW

Amelia Hassett anchors Aussie March Madness push

Written By

Peter Brown

Senior Editor

Amelia Hassett anchors Aussie March Madness push
Amelia Hassett anchors Aussie March Madness push

Amelia Hassett #32 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Memorial Coliseum on January 30, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo: Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Twelve Australian women's basketball stars projected in 2026 NCAA Women’s Tournament field.

Twelve Australians are projected in the 2026 NCAA Women’s Tournament field, with seven playing for AP Top 25 programs.

Freshman Monique Williams is part of No. 5 Vanderbilt, the highest-ranked Aussie-linked team. Senior Amelia Hassett (No. 16 Kentucky), sophomore Isla Juffermans (No. 10 Louisville), freshman Sarah Portlock (No. 11 TCU) and junior Ella Brow (No. 18 Baylor) strengthen the top-seed push.

Freshman Sienna Harvey (No. 8 Washington) and junior Jessica Petrie (No. 8 Nebraska) are also on ranked programs.

With more than 20 Australians either locked in or on the bubble, the women’s presence in March Madness remains strong heading toward Selection Sunday.

🇦🇺 Teams in the Projected Women’s NCAA Tournament

Top Seeds (2–4 Range)

  • Vanderbilt – Monique Williams (Freshman)
  • Kentucky – Amelia Hassett (Senior)
  • Louisville – Isla Juffermans (Sophomore)
  • TCU – Sarah Portlock (Freshman)
  • Baylor – Ella Brow (Junior)

Other Projected Teams

  • Nebraska – Jessica Petrie (Junior)
  • Oregon – Mia Jacobs (Senior)
  • Illinois – Erica Finney (Freshman)
  • Washington – Sienna Harvey (Freshman)
  • UC Irvine – Summah Hanson (Junior)
  • Syracuse – Sophie Burrows (Junior) – First Four
  • Syracuse – Madeline Potts (Sophomore) – First Four

All seven AP Top 25 programs featuring Australians are projected to make the tournament.

basketball.com.au will track every Australian throughout the 2026 March Madness tournament.

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