Alabama women’s basketball is already receiving recognition to start the 2024-25 season.

For the first time in 25 years, the Crimson Tide is ranked in the AP top 25 preseason poll. Alabama owns the No. 24 spot.

The Crimson Tide is fresh off a season in which it made the NCAA Tournament for the third time in the past four seasons. Coach Kristy Curry led the team to a 23-9 season.

The last time Alabama was ranked to start the season was 1998-99.

“There is a lot of well-deserved preseason excitement around our program,” Curry said in a statement. “We all understand it’s about the finish and are just focused on getting better each day. This is a talented, special group who have helped us elevate the program in so many ways.”

This year’s team will have three returning starters in Sarah Ashlee Barker, Aaliyah Nye and Essence Cody. The top four scorers overall are back.

The Crimson Tide is set to start the season on Monday, Nov. 4 at Coleman Coliseum. Curry is entering her 12th season leading the program.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.