Alabama women’s basketball looks completely new in Pauline Love’s inaugural season; the Crimson Tide lost 73 percent of its roster to ineligibility or transfers, and along with it went the leadership.
For any team to be successful, disciplined, and establish an identity, having leaders on a team is key. Despite a major roster shift, Alabama was fortunate to find leadership in sophomore guard Ace Austin, who really began making a strong campaign over the summer.
Austin is one of four players who chose to return to Alabama to help build something new, the "Love era." As an Alabama native who grew up just 149 miles from the University of Alabama, she has spent her entire life immersed in a competitive environment. Her prior experience at the Capstone, deep understanding of what it means to represent the Script A, and lifelong ties to the state make her an ideal candidate for a leadership role.
Since taking on a bigger role in her second season, Austin has been grateful for the opportunity and expressed her gratitude following Alabama’s 92-56 victory over Queens in their season opener on Monday.
“I think that’s been a big thing since the summer, them forcing me to lead this team. It wasn’t an easy process; it’s supposed to be hard. College is hard. It means a lot that they trust me, but most importantly, that my teammates trust me. I just have great people around me that make it easy to lead, and it’s been a great process. I’ve still got to grow a lot, but I’m blessed to be with these coaches and these players and that I’m able to lead," said Austin.
Regardless of the recent coaching and staff change, Austin was destined to take on a bigger role after playing in 32 of the Tide's 35 games last season, averaging 19.9 minutes per game and leading Alabama's bench with seven double-digit games, including a career-high 21 points against Samford on Nov. 19.
Her freshman campaign set her apart, establishing her as a pivotal force on the roster. This reputation was solidified during the 2026 NCAA Tournament, where she recorded a career-high five three-pointers and a team-high 17 points against Louisville, in an effort to help Alabama advance to its first Sweet 16 since 1998.
That specific outing was a turning point in Austin’s career, proving she could excel against elite opponents on the national stage. By stepping up when it mattered most, she laid the groundwork for the leadership she now commands.
On Monday, it took Austin no time to pick up where she left off. In the dominant victory, she posted 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals, and was one of five players to post double figures.