The names to know ahead of this weekend's women's Final Four

A star-studded women’s Final Four takes place this weekend in Tampa, Fla. Here’s who to know about before you tune in to Friday’s semifinals: South Carolina vs. Texas (7 p.m., ESPN, ESPN+) and Connecticut vs. UCLA (9:30 p.m., ESPN, ESPN+).

South Carolina's star: Chloe Kitts

The reigning champions don’t have a singular phenom like they have in the past, but Kitts has been essential at both ends of the floor. She’s the team’s leading rebounder and third-leading scorer and also does plenty defensively.

South Carolina's X-factor: MiLaysia Fulwiley

For as much buzz as the sophomore guard gets, you might be surprised that she comes off the bench. It’s true, but she’s a brilliant scorer and also leads the team in steals with 1.6 per game.

South Carolina's revered coach: Dawn Staley

When the pride of North Philly won her third national championship last season with a perfect 39-0 record, it was hailed as her greatest accomplishment. Winning it all this time might be even tougher.

This will be the Gamecocks’ fourth meeting with Texas this season — and all three other teams in this Final Four are the only ones to beat South Carolina this season.

Texas’ star: Madison Booker

The sophomore forward is a scoring powerhouse. She's scored 20 or more points in a game 14 times this season, including in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. She had double-doubles against South Carolina in the last two meetings.

Texas' X-factor: Rori Harmon

Her scoring might not wow you, but her other skills will: 6.0 assists and 2.2 steals per game. This showdown likely will be defense-first, to put it politely, and if Harmon matches up with Fulwiley, that will be a must-watch.

Connecticut's star: Paige Bueckers

In her final college season, one of the sport’s superstars has gone off on the biggest stage. She piled up more than 30 points in each of the Huskies’ last three games, and the fire in her eyes shows she wants a long-awaited title.

Connecticut’s X-factor: Kaitlyn Chen

The former Princeton guard hit some huge shots down the stretch of the Elite Eight win over Southern Cal, stopping a comeback and putting the game out of reach. UConn has bigger stars, but the difference is Chen is clutch.

Connecticut's coach: Geno Auriemma

As remarkable as it is that the Huskies have made 24 Final Fours in his 40 years in charge, they haven’t won it all in nine years. This feels like the year for the Norristown product to finally get back on the ladder and cut down the net.

UCLA's star: Lauren Betts

The famed Pauley Pavilion has seen plenty of post-powerhouses wear Bruin blue over the years. Now, the women’s team has a star to add to the legacies of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton.

The 6-foot-7 junior tallies 20 points per game — on 64.9% field-goal shooting — and 9.6 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, and 2.8 assists.

UCLA's X-factor: Kiki Rice

A big-time center needs a big-time guard to pass the rock, and Rice qualifies. She tallies 5.1 assists per game and is the Bruins’ No. 2 scorer with 12.9 points per game. Expect UConn to have a heavy focus on denying entry passes to Rice.

UCLA's coach: Cori Close

Now in her 14th year in charge in Westwood, she has come close to this point before. But after making the Elite Eight in 2018 and three Sweet 16s, this is her first Final Four. In fact, it’s UCLA’s first since the AIAW era in 1979.