O is for O’Leary: Amanda O’Leary has helmed Florida since its inaugural 2010 season, laying down a blueprint for how to turn a program into an immediate success story that’s since served as inspiration for upstart Power 5 conference schools like Clemson, Pitt and others. O’Leary’s Gators have made 14 NCAA tournament appearances and are in the final four for the third time. A national title would be a first — and a capstone.
P is for Patillo: The nation’s No. 1-overall recruit for the class of 2024, Addison Patillo has almost quietly put together a solid freshman campaign. Patillo has played in every game and scored 29 goals for North Carolina’s top-ranked offense (17.60 goals per game).
Q is for Quarterback: No, not Tom Brady, though perhaps the GOAT will grace us with his presence. If he does, he’ll be treated to UNC’s Ashley Humphrey (82A), BC’s McKenna Davis (75A) and Florida’s Frannie Hahn (32G, 59A), who have served as primary quarterbacks of their respective offenses this season.
R is for Revenge: All four teams are seeking it in some way. Florida lost to Northwestern in last year’s national semifinal and to UNC earlier this year, but it knocked out the Tar Heels in the first round of the NCAA tournament last season. The Wildcats would love to upend BC and UNC, both of which beat them in the regular season, and the Eagles topped them for the 2024 NCAA title. UNC won nail-biters against the Eagles in the regular season and ACC championship game but has made no secret about wanting to take the NCAA by storm after last year’s injury-riddled down year in 2024. Sunday will be sweet for someone.
S is for Shea: Baker or Dolce? Pick your poison. Both Sheas are first-team All-Americans, ACC major award winners and leaders for the Boston College defense. Shea Dolce (7.64GAA, .555SV%) famously made a kick save, and it was a beauty, to seal BC’s NCAA championship last season. Baker (96DC, 40CT, 31GB) is the ACC Defender of the Year and part of a legacy of standout defenders that have stabilized Boston College during its eight-season run of success.
T is for Taylor: Two-time Tewaaraton Award finalist Madison Taylor is currently the NCAA single-season record holder for goals (105), having surpassed Hormes in Northwestern’s NCAA quarterfinal win over Penn. She also leads the NCAA in goals per game (5.25).
U is for Umbrella: It’s supposed to rain Friday, so you’ll want to pack one if you’re headed to Gillette. Hopefully, you won’t have to endure what Swifties did back in 2023. Weather has famously played a role in another recent semifinal, with the North Carolina contingent in 2022 crediting a lightning delay for resetting a slow start and leading to an epic finish in a come-from-behind win over Northwestern.
V is for Vergano: Virginia Tech graduate transfer Olivia Vergano is fourth on UNC in goals (36) and points (49).
W is for Walker: Walker-Welch or Walker-Weinstein? We couldn't choose between Brooklyn Walker-Welch (UNC defender) or Acacia Walker-Weinstein, the Boston College head coach. Your pick will likely depend on which ACC team you prefer.
X is for X factor: It was Sam Geiersbach for North Carolina in 2022, Sammy White for the Wildcats in 2023 and Shea Dolce’s foot for BC in 2024. Who — or what — will serve as this year’s unexpected X-factor in 2025?
Y is for Younger: After years of fifth-year players dominating playing time and headlines, this year’s final four is flush with key players who will return next year — Chloe Humphrey, Monaco and Taylor, just to name a few.
Z is for Zenk: Betty Nelson (7.54GAA, .491SV%) has been stellar for North Carolina this season. But Levy isn’t shy about pulling a goalie for a reset or momentum shift (See: Taylor Moreno’s quick “benching” in the 2022 national semifinals). Freshman Lexi Zenk is Nelson’s primary backup, having seen action in nine games and producing a 5.10 goals against average and .575 save percentage.