Oklahoma Women’s Basketball: A Tradition of Excellence
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Oklahoma Women’s Basketball is a tradition of excellence. From the early pioneers who started the program to the modern-day superstars, the Sooners have always been a force to be reckoned with.
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Introduction
Oklahoma Women’s Basketball is one of the most successful programs in the nation. They have won numerous conference championships and have made several appearances in the NCAA tournament including two Final Fours. The team is currently coached by Sherri Coale, who has been at the helm since 1996. Coale has led the Sooners to 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, eight Sweet Sixteens, five Elite Eights, and two Final Fours. Under her guidance, the team has become one of the most feared programs in the country.
The Early Days
Oklahoma women’s basketball has a long and storied history, dating back to the early days of the sport. The Sooners have been one of the most successful programs in the country, winning numerous conference and National Championships
In the early days of Oklahoma women’s basketball, the Sooners were one of the most dominant teams in the country. Led by legendary coach Ivy Williamson, the Sooners won eight conference championships and four national championships in her tenure. Williamson retired in 1947 as the winningest coach in Oklahoma history, a record that still stands today.
The Sooners continued their success under new Head Coach Jody Conradt, winning another National Championship in 1974. Conradt would go on to have a Hall of Fame career, winning more than 900 games and leading the Sooners to 23 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
Today, Oklahoma women’s basketball is one of the premier programs in the country. The Sooners have won four conference championships and made eight NCAA tournament appearances in the last decade. Under head coach Sherri Coale, the Sooners are once again contenders for a National Championship
The Big 12 Era
Since the inception of the Big 12 Conference in 1996, the Oklahoma women’s basketball team has been one of the most successful programs in the conference. The Sooners have won a total of 11 conference championships in the Big 12 era, including five regular season titles and six conference tournament championships. Oklahoma has also made 14 appearances in the NCAA tournament including four Sweet Sixteen appearances and one trip to the Elite Eight. In addition, the Sooners have produced 29 All-Big 12 selections and six Academic All-Americans during the Big 12 era.
The National Championship Years
Since the OU women’s basketball team’s inception in 1973, the Sooners have claimed ten national championships. Those championship teams are as follows:
1978-1979: Led by Head Coach Ladell Andersen, the Sooners ended the season with a 27-4 record and claiming their first National Championship with a 68-60 victory over Old Dominion University in the AIAW National Championship game.
1980-1981: The Sooners went 30-3 under Head coach Ladell Andersen and won their second consecutive National Championship with a 72-65 win over Louisiana Tech in the AIAW National Championship game.
1985-1986: The Sooners went 32-4 under head coach Sherri Coale and won their third National Championship with a 74-59 victory over Auburn in the NCAA National Championship Game
1994-1995: The Sooners went 34-3 under head coach Sherri Coale and won their fourth national championship with an 84-82 overtime victory against Georgia in the NCAA National Championship game This was also the first women’s basketball National Championship to be decided in overtime.
2000-2001: The Sooners went 35-4 under head coach Sherri Coale and won their fifth National Championship with a 82-72 victory over Purdue in the NCAA National Championship game.
2002-2003: The Sooners went 30-4 under head coach Kelvin Sampson and won their sixth National Championship with an 82-73 victory over Tennessee in the NCAA National Championship game This was also Coach Kelvin Sampson’s first year as head coach of the OU women’s Basketball team
2003-2004: The Sooners went 29-5 under head coach Kelvin Sampson and won their seventh National Championship with an 80-61 victory over Tennessee in the NCAA National Championship game This was also Coach Kelvin Sampson’s second year as Head Coach of the OU women’s basketball team
2004
The Post-National Championship Years
Since their back-to-back national championships in 2002 and 2003, the Oklahoma Women’s Basketball team has experienced a bit of a dry spell. They have made the NCAA Tournament every year since 2004, but have only made it past the first weekend twice. In 2009, they lost in the Sweet Sixteen to eventual National Champion Connecticut, and in 2010 they lost in the Elite Eight to Stanford. With a young and talented team, head coach Sherri Coale is hopeful that her squad can return to the glory years of 2002 and 2003.
The Current Team
The current team is composed of twelve talented and ambitious student athletes who are committed to upholding the tradition of excellence that Oklahoma women’s basketball is known for. Under the leadership of head coach Sherri Coale, the team has won four conference championships and made nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including two trips to the Final Four. The team is also proud to have produced eight Academic All-Americans.
The Future
The Oklahoma Women’s basketball team has a long tradition of excellence, and the future looks bright for the program. With a talented young core of players, the Sooners are poised to continue their success for years to come.
The team is led by guard Shaina Pellington, who was recently named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year. Pellington is a dynamic player who can score from anywhere on the court, and her tireless work ethic has earned her the respect of her teammates and coaches. Along with Pellington, guards Gazley McClain and Madi Williams form a dangerous backcourt that can light up the scoreboard.
In the frontcourt, center Natalie Chou is one of the best Defensive Players in the country. Chou is a force on both ends of the court, and she provides a steadying presence for her younger teammates. Forward Taylor Robertson is another player to watch, as she has a knack for scoring in transition and hitting Big Shots in crunch time.
With a wealth of talent and experience, the Oklahoma Women’s basketball team is poised for continued success in the years to come.
The Fans
Any discussion of the Oklahoma Women’s basketball team would be incomplete without mentioning the fans. The fans are some of the most diehard and loyal in all of college basketball They have been known to pack the stands for both home and away games, resulting in a sea of crimson and white no matter where the team is playing.
There is a great sense of camaraderie among the fan base, and they are always there to support their team, no matter what the circumstances. This support has helped propel the team to new heights in recent years as they have won back-to-back national championships.
If you’re looking for a group of passionate and dedicated fans, you’ll find them cheering on the Oklahoma Women’s basketball team
The Rivalries
Oklahoma women’s basketball has a long tradition of excellence, and that is largely due to the fierce rivalries the program has built up over the years. Some of the most intense rivalries in women’s college basketball are between Oklahoma and Texas, Louisiana State University Baylor, and Kansas. These rivalries have led to some of the most exciting games in recent memory, and they are sure to continue for many years to come.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma Women’s Basketball team has a long tradition of excellence, and they continue to be one of the best teams in the country. They have won numerous championships and have produced some of the best players in the game. The team is well-coached and always competitive, and they are a force to be reckoned with on the court. If you’re a fan of women’s basketball, or if you’re just looking for a great team to follow, the Oklahoma Women’s Basketball Team is a Great Choice
