Syla Swords’ stellar freshman season elevates the Michigan Wolverines.
March 13, 2025.
Syla Swords, Michigan Wolverines’ rookie guard, has had an outstanding first season, notably contributing to the team’s success and receiving individual awards. While she did not set a new record, her effort helped Michigan maintain a competitive position in women’s college basketball.
Impressive freshman debut.
Swords had an immediate impact on her collegiate debut on November 4, 2024, against the top-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks. She had a game-high 27 points and 12 rebounds, her first double-double. This accomplishment made her only the third player since the 2009-10 season to score at least 27 points and 12 rebounds versus South Carolina. Furthermore, her 27 points were the highest ever scored by a Michigan rookie in their NCAA debut.
Consistent performance across the season.
Swords maintained strong statistics throughout the 2024-25 season, averaging 15.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in 28 games. She scored double digits 21 times, with eight 20-point games and one 30-point game. Her field goal percentage was 42.6%, with a three-point shooting accuracy of 35.1% and an impressive free-throw percentage of 88.9%.
Recognition & Awards.
Swords’ amazing performance was not overlooked. She was chosen to both the Second Team All-Big Ten and the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, recognizing her outstanding impact in her first season. Notably, she received Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors three times this season, demonstrating her constant performance on the court.
Team Contribution and Tournament Performance
Swords played an important role in Michigan’s run to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. In the quarterfinals, she scored 22 points to lead the squad to a 98-71 victory over Maryland. In the quarterfinals against the top-seeded USC Trojans, Swords and teammate Jordan Hobbs helped Michigan take a nine-point halftime lead. Despite their efforts, USC’s depth and resilience led to a comeback, culminating in a 14-point run that sealed the victory.
Background and Recruitment
Swords was a standout at Long Island Lutheran High School before coming to Michigan, where she averaged 17.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 3.0 steals per game in her final season. She was named a McDonald’s All-American and the No. 4 recruit in the class of 2024, the best season-ending ranking for a Wolverine in the program’s history.
Looking ahead.
Syla Swords’ outstanding freshman season has established a high benchmark for her collegiate career. Her contributions have been critical to the Wolverines’ success, and her ongoing development promises to raise Michigan’s profile in women’s collegiate basketball in the coming seasons.