Louisville women’s basketball players are receiving a lot of preseason attention heading into the 2021-22 season.
The Louisville women’s basketball team enters the 2021-22 season with no clear favorite to fill the shoes of former star Dana Evans.
After an Elite Eight run, the Cards come in preseason number 6. The Cards were also voted preseason number 2 in the ACC.
We are beginning to see the Cards’ potential as preseason watchlists begin to be announced.
Let’s take a look at what the Cards are looking toward in the preseason.
Freshman Payton Verhulst named to All ACC Newcomer Watchlist
Freshman star Payton Verhulst has been named to the ACC Newcomer Watchlist.
Verhulst, who is out of Bishop Miege High School in De Soto, Kansas came to school as a decorated high school player.
Verhulst was the number 4 guard and number 12 player in the 2021 class. In her senior year, Verhulst was named a McDonald’s All American, and a National POY Semifinalist.
Senior Kianna Smith named to 2022 Meyers-Drysdale Watchlist
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and WBCA announced Smith as one of 20 watchlist candidates for the 2022 Ann Meyer-Drysdale Award.
The transfer started 20 games in her junior year last season. Smith was second on the team in scoring with 11.4 points per game, and third in assists with 2.2 per game.
As a junior, Smith was named to the ACC All-tournament team, and All-Academic team.
Sophomore Hailey Van Lith named to 2022 Lieberman Award Watchlist
Sophomore standout Hailey Van Lith has been named to the 2022 Lieberman Award Watchlist by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the WBCA.
Van Lith started every game for the Cards last season. Van Lith was named to the ACC All-Freshman team, ACC All-Tournament Team, and All ACC Academic Team.
As a freshman, Van Lith averaged 11.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
Additionally, Van Lith was named an All-ACC Honoree.
Senior Emily Engstler named to 2022 Miller Award Watchlist
Emily Engstler, a senior transfer from Syracuse, has made the watchlist for the 2022 Cheryl Miller Award.
The Miller Award goes to the top small forward in college basketball. Engstler transferred to Louisville this season after playing three seasons at Syracuse.
In her junior campaign, Engstler was named ACC Sixth Player of the Year. Engstler nearly averaged a double-double with 10.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Engstler finished the season with seven double-doubles total.
