March Madness 2024 bracket: NCAA tournament women's teams - ESPN

The 2024 women's NCAA tournament bracket is here. The games are right around the corner. The anticipation and excitement around women's college basketball has never been higher.

Let the dancing begin.

ESPN is here to get you situated and prepared on all things March Madness as competition gets underway this week, starting with the First Four games Wednesday and Thursday. First-round action tips off Friday.

Whether you're late to the party and catching up on the tournament field or looking to learn more about your favorite team's first-round opponent and others in its path to Cleveland, look no further than our 68-team guide.

We break down what you need to know about each program, those appearing in play-in games, the first-timers, the sleepers, the perennial powers and everyone in between.

South Carolina Gamecocks

It has been South Carolina's season, and everyone else is just living in it. The Gamecocks lost five starters from last year's squad — including No. 1 WNBA draft pick Aliyah Boston — that went undefeated until the national semifinal, where they fell to Caitlin Clark and Iowa. Dawn Staley didn't need to rebuild, but rather revamped, retooled and reloaded. Guards Bree Hall and Raven Johnson, as well as forwards Ashlyn Watkins and Chloe Kitts, have shined in larger roles, as has senior forward Kamilla Cardoso, a full-time starter and first-team All-SEC selection.

Senior guard Te-Hina Paopao was a perfect addition from the portal and freshman guard MiLaysia Fulwiley is a dynamic addition whose ceiling is even more exciting. The latter is playing her best basketball and last week became the first freshman since Candace Parker to take home the SEC tournament's most outstanding player award.

Altogether it means the