March Madness is upon us, and while top seeds dominate the headlines, it’s often the underdogs who steal the show. Remember when Florida Gulf Coast knocked off a giant in the men’s tournament? Or when Arizona stunned UConn in 2021?
The magic of March is fueled by teams that defy expectations. This year, several lesser-known squads are poised to make a splash. Could one of them be the Cinderella story of 2025?
5 Potential Cinderella Teams in Women’s March Madness
Every year, the NCAA Women’s Tournament offers a stage for teams that may not have received much attention throughout the regular season but are built to surprise. These teams thrive on momentum, chemistry, and the belief that anything is possible.
While top seeds like South Carolina, UConn, and LSU are favorites to make deep runs, the tournament’s history suggests that we should keep our eyes on some overlooked squads that could send brackets into a frenzy.
With that in mind, here are five teams flying under the radar but primed to shake up the bracket.
1. Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State has been a team on the rise, and if you haven’t paid attention yet, now’s the time. Sophomore forward Addy Brown has emerged as a dominant force, dropping 41 points in the Big 12 Tournament and proving she can take over games singlehandedly.
The Cyclones’ offensive versatility and ability to knock down threes make them a nightmare for any high seed they may face. If Brown continues her hot streak and the team rallies around her, Iowa State could easily upset a few higher-seeded teams en route to a deep tournament run. Surprisingly, the Cyclones are 12-1 when Brown scores 20-plus points.
2. Clemson Tigers
Clemson has had an up-and-down season, but first-year head coach Shawn Poppie has the peaking at just the right time. Their 63-46 victory over Stanford in the ACC Tournament raised eyebrows, showcasing their ability to lock down elite offenses.
With a defensive-minded approach and a roster that embraces the underdog mentality, Clemson has the tools to knock off a higher seed that overlooks them. Defense wins championships, and in a single-elimination tournament, a gritty team like Clemson could grind out big wins.
3. Green Bay Phoenix
The Horizon League champions have quietly built one of the best defenses in the country. With a 19-1 conference record, Green Bay has suffocated opponents all season long. Their ability to slow the game down and force teams into uncomfortable situations makes them a dangerous matchup for any offensive powerhouse.
The Phoenix also have experience on their side. This isn’t their first tournament, and they’ve proven they can compete with bigger programs in past seasons. If they can dictate the pace of play, they’ll be in a prime position to pull off an upset or two.
4. James Madison Dukes
The Dukes are riding an 18-0 run in the Sun Belt Conference, making them one of the hottest teams entering March Madness. A well-balanced squad with multiple scoring options, James Madison plays with confidence and energy.
Teams that enter the tournament on winning streaks tend to carry that momentum into the early rounds. If they get a favorable matchup, don’t be surprised if the Dukes become a fan-favorite Cinderella team.
5. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga is no stranger to March Madness, but this year, they might be overlooked compared to past seasons. With a 17-3 record in the WCC, they’ve proven they can handle adversity and win close games.
Their mix of veteran leadership and efficient offense makes them a dark horse candidate to go further than many expect. If they can get past the first weekend, they’ll be a dangerous team for anyone in their path.
What Makes an Underdog Dangerous?
Several factors contribute to a team’s potential to bust brackets.
- Momentum: Teams that enter the tournament on a winning streak carry confidence and chemistry.
- Coaching: A great coach can out-strategize higher seeds.
- Experience: Teams with veteran players tend to handle pressure better.
- Defense: Lockdown defenses frustrate offensive powerhouses.
- Star Power: Players like Addy Brown can single-handedly win games.
These teams have at least one, if not multiple, of these attributes, making them prime candidates to pull off surprises.
RELATED: 2025 Women’s March Madness Bracket Predictions — Who’s In, Who’s Out, and the Biggest Surprises
One of the best things about March Madness is that anything can happen. While the favorites will get most of the attention, history tells us that upsets are inevitable. Iowa State, Clemson, Green Bay, James Madison, and Gonzaga have the tools to shake up the tournament, and all they need is one big win to start their Cinderella story.
So, the real question is: Who will be this year’s biggest bracket-buster?
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