Helena Frye
The Texas Lady Longhorns basketball team has enjoyed a rich history of success in the NCAA Division I, with an impressive record of 52-35 in the tournament. They have made 33 appearances in the NCAA tournament, reaching the Final Four three times and the Elite Eight on ten occasions. In the 1986 season, they achieved the AP No. 1 ranking and went undefeated, winning every game and posting a remarkable 34-0 record. The Lady Longhorns have continued to build on this legacy, recently achieving the No. 2 ranking and earning accolades such as the U.S. Basketball Writers Association National Team of the Week. With a strong roster, including veteran point guard Rori Harmon and talented freshmen, the team is poised to continue its winning tradition and compete for championships.
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What You'll Learn
Texas Longhorns women's basketball history
The Texas Longhorns women's basketball team has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. The University of Texas held its first basketball competition in 1900, six years before the establishment of the men's team. Initially, the games were intramural, but by 1906, the school started playing against other institutions, albeit only in home games.
Full varsity intercollegiate competition for women's basketball began in 1974, marking a significant transition for the team. In the 1974 season, the team played their games in Gregory Gymnasium and benefited from the support of trainers, the Longhorn Band, and cheerleaders for the first time. This period also witnessed the passage of Title IX in 1972, which prohibited discrimination based on sex and had a profound impact on intercollegiate sports.
The Texas Longhorns women's basketball team has achieved notable success over the years. They have recorded 16 Top 10 finishes and 10 Top Five finishes in the final polls. As of March 2, 2017, Texas teams have been ranked in a significant percentage of weekly AP and Coaches polls since their inception. The Longhorns have also won 22 total conference championships, including 12 regular-season conference titles and 10 conference tournament titles.
The team has made 33 appearances in the NCAA tournament, reaching the Final Four three times (in 1986, 1987, and 2003) and the regional finals (Elite Eight) on 10 occasions. The 1986 season stands out as a landmark year when the Longhorns, under head coach Jody Conradt, won the national championship, achieving an undefeated season with a remarkable record of 34-0.
The Texas Longhorns women's basketball program has produced numerous talented players who have gone on to play in professional leagues and represent their countries in international competitions. As of 2021, 19 Longhorn women's basketball players have been selected in the WNBA draft, with several players making it to the first round. Additionally, five Longhorn women's basketball players have competed in the Olympic Games, with three of them winning gold medals and one claiming a bronze medal.
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Lady Longhorns' rankings in 2025
The Lady Longhorns, the women's basketball team of the University of Texas, have enjoyed historic success in the 2024-25 season. As of February 19, 2025, the Lady Longhorns were ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press rankings, behind Notre Dame. This came after they became the first women's basketball team in 20 years to win three straight games over top-ten opponents: South Carolina, Kentucky, and LSU.
The Lady Longhorns have a rich history in basketball, with varsity intercollegiate competition in the sport beginning in 1974. They have recorded 16 Top 10 finishes and 10 Top Five finishes in one or more of the final polls. As of March 2, 2017, Texas teams had been ranked in 587 of 822 total weekly AP polls (third all-time in AP poll appearances). The team has also made 33 total appearances in the NCAA tournament, reaching the Final Four three times (1986, 1987, 2003) and the Elite Eight 10 times.
The University of Texas held its first basketball competition in 1900, six years before the men's team was established. By 1906, the school was playing other institutions, although only in home games. The Lady Longhorns achieved the AP No. 1 ranking in 1986 and went on to win every single game, achieving a record of 34-0. This was the first undefeated season in women's basketball during the NCAA era (since 1982) and the fourth overall in women's college basketball.
In the 2024-25 season, the Lady Longhorns are seeking their first national title since 1986. They have a strong squad, including veteran point guard and all-American candidate Rori Harmon, and star player Madison. With a record of 26-2 this season, the team is poised to finish the regular season on a high note ahead of the SEC and NCAA tournaments.
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Lady Longhorns' players
The Lady Longhorns are the women's basketball team of the University of Texas. The university held its first basketball competition in 1900, six years before the men's team was established. Full varsity intercollegiate competition in women's basketball began in 1974. The Lady Longhorns have since recorded numerous impressive achievements.
As of March 2, 2017, Texas teams have been ranked in 587 of 822 total weekly AP polls (71.4%) since the inception of the poll in 1976–77. This places them third all-time in AP poll appearances. They have also been ranked in 445 of 687 total weekly Coaches polls (64.8%) since the 1985–86 season. The Lady Longhorns have recorded 16 Top 10 finishes and 10 Top Five finishes in one or more of the final polls. They have appeared in the NCAA tournament 37 times, with an overall record of 52–35. In the 2021–22 season, they ranked sixth in total victories and eighth in all-time win percentage among all NCAA Division I women's college basketball programs, with an all-time win–loss record of 1161–424 (.732). They have won 22 total conference championships and made 33 total appearances in the NCAA tournament, reaching the Final Four three times (1986, 1987, 2003) and the regional finals (Elite Eight) 10 times.
The Lady Longhorns achieved the AP No. 1 ranking in 1986 and went on to win every single game, achieving a record of 34–0. This was the first undefeated season in women's basketball during the NCAA era (since 1982) and the fourth undefeated season in women's college basketball overall. The team's success was due in part to players like Clarissa Davis, the 1987 NCAA Final Four MVP, and 1988 Olympian Andrea Lloyd. In 1988, Davis suffered a knee injury that limited her to just nine games, but the team still rallied for another undefeated Southwest Conference championship season and SWC Tournament title. Another notable player is Retha Swindell, a 6' 2" rebounder with defensive skills who joined the team following their successful 1986 season. On September 7, 2019, the Longhorns retired their first number in program history: Kamie Ethridge’s number 33. Ethridge became the first female Longhorn athlete to receive this honor.
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Lady Longhorns' coaches
The Lady Longhorns, otherwise known as the Texas Longhorns women's basketball team, represents the University of Texas at Austin in the NCAA Division I intercollegiate women's basketball competition. The team has seen a number of coaches throughout its history, with each coach bringing their own contributions and achievements to the team's overall success.
One notable coach is Jody Conradt, who led the Lady Longhorns to victory in the 1986 national championship. Conradt's impressive career as a head coach included a 900-win record, making her the second NCAA Division I basketball coach to reach this milestone. Under her leadership, the Lady Longhorns achieved significant success, including an undefeated season in 1986 with a perfect 34-0 record. Conradt's tenure with the team lasted until the 2006-07 season, after which she retired and passed the baton to the next coach.
Following Conradt's retirement, Duke head coach Gail Goestenkors stepped in to lead the Lady Longhorns. Goestenkors's tenure with the team spanned five seasons, during which she brought her own style and strategies to the team. While the specific achievements during her tenure are not mentioned, her impact on the team's overall development is undeniable.
After Goestenkors's departure, Karen Aston took over as head coach. Aston's contract was not renewed following the 2019-20 season, indicating a shorter tenure with the team. The reasons for her departure are not specified, but it is safe to assume that she contributed to the team's growth and success during her time as head coach.
In April 2020, Vic Schaefer was named the program's fifth head coach, marking a new chapter in the Lady Longhorns' history. Schaefer inherited a rich legacy and was tasked with continuing the team's winning tradition. It is worth noting that the Lady Longhorns have a long history of determined coaches, each of whom has played a pivotal role in shaping the team's success and reputation in women's college basketball.
The team's coaches have navigated challenges, such as injuries and losses, while also celebrating triumphs like the undefeated season in 1986 and multiple appearances in the NCAA tournament. The Lady Longhorns' success is a testament to the dedication and strategic guidance provided by their coaches throughout the years.
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Lady Longhorns' tournament appearances
The Texas Lady Longhorns basketball team has a rich history of tournament appearances, dating back to the early years of women's college basketball.
The team first participated in the AIAW women's basketball tournament in 1982, where they fell to Rutgers in the championship game. The following year, in 1983, the Lady Longhorns began their journey in the NCAA Tournament. Since then, they have appeared in the NCAA tournament an impressive 36 out of 41 times, with an overall record of 49-32. Their performance in the NCAA tournament includes reaching the Final Four three times (in 1986, 1987, and 2003) and the Elite Eight on ten occasions.
In addition to their success in the NCAA Tournament, the Lady Longhorns have also achieved notable accomplishments in regular-season conference play. They have won a total of 22 conference championships, with 12 regular-season conference titles and 10 conference tournament titles. Their success has placed them among the top NCAA Division I women's college basketball programs in terms of total victories and win percentage.
The Lady Longhorns have also experienced their share of setbacks and surprises. In 1984, they suffered injuries, and in 1985, despite a strong 28-3 record, they were upset in the NCAA tournament by Western Kentucky. In 1988, their star player Clarissa Davis, who had led the team to the Final Four in 1987, suffered a knee injury that limited her playing time. Despite these challenges, the Lady Longhorns have consistently demonstrated their resilience and fighting spirit, always rallying for a comeback.
The team's success in tournament appearances can be attributed to strong leadership and talented players. Under the guidance of coaches like Jody Conradt, who took over in 1975, the team improved significantly. Players like Clarissa Davis, a two-time NCAA Final Four MVP, and Andrea Lloyd, a 1988 Olympian, have also contributed to the team's success, leading them to victory and achieving undefeated seasons.
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Frequently asked questions
As of February 19, 2025, the Lady Longhorns are ranked No. 2.
The Lady Longhorns achieved the AP No. 1 ranking in 1986, going on to win every single game and achieve an undefeated season. They have recorded 16 Top 10 finishes and 10 Top Five finishes. As of March 2, 2017, they have been ranked in 587 of 822 total weekly AP polls.
The Lady Longhorns have made 33 appearances in the NCAA tournament, reaching the Final Four three times (1986, 1987, and 2003) and the Elite Eight 10 times. They have also appeared in the AIAW National Division I basketball tournament three times, with a combined record of 6-3.
