It is usually unclear about the specific criteria for these kind of ratings. The most influence might be someone who starts for a division 1 program that significantly upgrades a previously weak position. For a mediocre team that might have the biggest impact. In terms of impact for women's basketball, a very good player who is a super-sub for a top ranked team, might impact national ratings, championship odds, etc. more than someone who puts up big numbers as a freshman on a team that isn't in the championship hunt.
DT was behind Shea Ralph as a freshman but clearly was beyond influential, as was Gabby on the 2015 championship team, and Napheesa on the 2016 winners. Any freshman who becomes a very good player in the rotation for a ranked team is pretty influential in my book. Natalie Butler was an influential player if not star in her two years she wasn't at Uconn, but only the 8th or 9th player on the 2016 champs. She was sometimes used in games against the top competition and sometimes not.
There are many Uconn alums who did not start their freshman year, but still wound up in the WNBA. They generally were major contributors to a contending team their first year, usually top 6 or 7 players getting significant minutes.
Defining the most influence is difficult to do, but for me making a difference on a team that is already a contender, has more influence on women's basketball than someone becoming the leading scorer on a team with no national significance.
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