UNC Women's Basketball releases non-conference schedule for the 2024-2025 season

On Tuesday, the UNC women's basketball program officially released its non-conference schedule for the 2024-2025 season.

The Tar Heels will open up the season with a morning contest against Charleston Southern on November 4. In total, the UNC women's basketball program is scheduled to play 13 non-conference games, seven of which will be held at Carmichael Arena.

Former Tar Heel Alexandra Zelaya will make her return to Chapel Hill on November 7 when UNCW comes to town. That contest will end a two-game homestand before the Tar Heels play two contests in Greensboro, North Carolina before heading to the Bahamas for the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament.

UCONN, Kentucky (ACC/SEC Challenge and the return of Teonni Key), and Florida (Jumpman Invitational) are the headliners of the non-conference slate, as the UNC women's basketball program will also see some steady competition during the trip to the Bahamas.

Courtney Banghart's team will look a bit different than it did a season ago, but some key returners are expected to lead the program towards another NCAA Tournament berth. Fifth-year seniors Alyssa Ustby and Lexi Donarski are the clear-cut leaders of this group, while fellow veterans Maria Gakdeng, Kayla McPherson and Indya Nivar will look to guide the team's young talent and transfer additions.

A competitive non-conference schedule can be very beneficial, especially if you can win some games against quality opponents. While March is still months away, teams are focused on building their NCAA Tournament resumes, as the UNC women's basketball program will look to prove that they can compete (and beat) some of the country's top teams.