Ayrton Oneill
Girls' basketball in the Pac-12 conference includes some of the top women's college basketball programs in the country. The Pac-12 is a competitive conference with a rich history and a bright future. With schools spread across the country, the Pac-12 showcases a diverse range of talented players and teams, all vying for the top spot in the highly competitive NCAA Women's Basketball landscape. The conference includes a variety of public and private universities, each with its own unique history and contribution to the sport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Schools | 8 |
| Names of Schools | Oregon State, Washington State, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, and Utah State |
| Year of Formation | 1959 |
| Former Members | UCLA, USC, Stanford, California, Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, and Washington |
| Sponsoring Body | Pac-12 |
| Location | Pacific Northwest |
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What You'll Learn
Oregon State and Washington State
The Pac-12 Conference, which began sponsoring women's athletics in the fall of 1986, includes Oregon State and Washington State among its members. In the past, the conference has been split into two divisions for basketball: a Southern Division comprising the four California schools, and a Northern Division comprising the six schools in the Pacific Northwest.
The Washington State Cougars women's basketball team has its own website and ESPN page, which includes scores, stats, and highlights. Oregon State, on the other hand, has a YouTube channel dedicated to their women's basketball team.
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California schools
California is home to four schools that are part of the Southern Division of the Pac-12 Conference for women's basketball. These schools are:
University of California, Berkeley (CAL)
The University of California, Berkeley, often referred to as Cal, has a strong women's basketball team. In the 2022-23 season, two of their players, Evelien Lutje Schipholt and Leilani McIntosh, were named to the Pac-12's All-District Team by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA). McIntosh was also selected to represent the team at the 2022 Pac-12 media days in San Francisco, California.
Stanford University
Stanford University has a highly successful women's basketball programme, with their team winning the Pac-12 tournament an impressive 14 times between 2003 and 2022 under the leadership of coach Tara VanDerveer. In 2023, Dr. Luella Lilly, the former California Athletic Director, was inducted into the Pac-12 Hall of Honor, recognising her outstanding contributions to women's sports.
University of Southern California (USC)
The University of Southern California, often referred to as USC, has a women's basketball team that competes in the Pac-12 Conference. In the 2022-23 season, their player Rayah Marshall was chosen to represent the team at the 2022 Pac-12 media days. Additionally, Okako Adika and Kayla Williams were named to the Pac-12's All-District Team by the USBWA.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The University of California, Los Angeles, commonly known as UCLA, is another member of the Pac-12 Conference for women's basketball. In the 2022-23 season, their player Kiki Rice was selected to attend the 2022 Pac-12 media days. Charisma Osborne was also named to the Pac-12's All-District Team by the USBWA. However, it is worth noting that UCLA announced its departure from the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2024-25 academic year, along with USC.
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Arizona and Arizona State
The Pac-12 Conference first started sponsoring women's athletics in the fall of 1986. In 1978, the conference added Arizona and Arizona State from the Western Athletic Conference, becoming the Pacific-10 Conference or Pac-10. Arizona and Arizona State have been members of the Pac-12 Conference for women's basketball since its inception. The conference has a rich history in women's basketball, with the 2023 class of the Pac-12 Hall of Honor being the first-ever all-female class inducted, recognising the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX.
Arizona
The Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team represents the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. The team has a strong tradition in the Pac-12 Conference and has experienced success over the years. The Wildcats have made multiple appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2004 and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2021. Arizona has also produced several standout players, such as All-American and WNBA draftee Aari McDonald, who led the team to new heights during her time with the Wildcats.
The team plays their home games at the McKale Memorial Center, a vibrant and passionate atmosphere that can accommodate up to 14,655 fans. The arena, named after J.F. "Pop" McKale, a football and basketball coach, and athletic director at the university, has been the home of Arizona women's basketball since 1973. The Wildcats are known for their energetic fan base, with the "Wild Roar" student section providing enthusiastic support throughout the games.
Arizona State
The Arizona State Sun Devils women's basketball team represents Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. They have been a consistent presence in the Pac-12 Conference and have forged a competitive rivalry with their in-state counterparts, the Arizona Wildcats. The Sun Devils have made several appearances in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing their talent and determination. Arizona State has also produced notable players, such as Kym Hampton, a former WNBA star and Olympic medalist, who excelled during her time with the Sun Devils.
The Sun Devils call the Desert Financial Arena their home court, creating a lively environment for their passionate fans. The arena, located on the Arizona State University campus, has a capacity of 14,198 and provides a unique setting for their women's basketball games. The student section, known as "The Inferno," is known for their spirited chants and unwavering support for the team.
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USC and UCLA
The Pac-12 Conference has a long history, with several schools joining and departing since its inception in 1959. The conference has sponsored women's athletics since 1986.
Two of the most well-known schools in the Pac-12 Conference are the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins. Both schools have had successful women's basketball programs over the years and have competed against each other in the same division for many years.
The USC women's basketball team has had its fair share of challenges. In 2010, the NCAA sanctioned the program for violations, which resulted in the vacation of several wins and conference titles. Despite this setback, the Trojans have continued to rebuild and compete in the Pac-12 Conference. The team has a roster of talented players, with some hailing from as far as Tampa, Florida.
Meanwhile, the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team has also enjoyed a strong presence in the Pac-12. The Bruins have a rich history, with players coming from diverse backgrounds, including New Zealand. The Bruins have a strong following and are known for their competitive spirit and athletic achievements.
However, in a surprising move, both USC and UCLA announced their departure from the Pac-12 Conference in 2022. The two schools will be joining the Big Ten Conference beginning in the 2024-25 academic year. This decision has had significant implications for the Pac-12, as they have lost two of their most prominent programs and the Los Angeles television market, which has complicated their media rights negotiations.
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Stanford
The Stanford Cardinal women's basketball team has a rich history of success, including numerous conference championships and deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. The team is known for its strong defence and dynamic offence, utilising a fast-paced style of play that excites fans and challenges opponents. Stanford's commitment to excellence is evident in their recruitment of top-tier coaching staff and talented players from across the country.
One of the most notable figures in Stanford women's basketball is legendary coach Tara VanDerveer. Coach VanDerveer has led the Cardinal for over three decades, establishing a winning culture and amassing an impressive number of victories. Under her guidance, the team has consistently ranked among the nation's best, appearing in the NCAA Tournament year after year and capturing multiple national championships. VanDerveer's impact extends beyond the court, as she has also played a pivotal role in advancing women's basketball as a whole, advocating for greater recognition and support for the sport.
The 2024-25 Stanford Cardinal women's basketball team roster includes a mix of talented returning players and promising newcomers. While specific player names are not readily available, the team is likely to be led by a core of experienced upperclassmen who provide leadership and consistency. The incoming freshman class also adds depth and talent, with recruits known for their exceptional skills and potential. The team's success is a testament to the strong basketball culture at Stanford, where players are supported by top-notch facilities, dedicated fans, and a passionate community that values athletic excellence.
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Frequently asked questions
The PAC 12 is a conference of schools that compete in various sports, including women's basketball.
As of 2025, there are eight schools in the PAC 12, with only seven playing football.
The schools in the PAC 12 include Oregon State, Washington State, Stanford, UCLA, and USC.
In the 2024-25 season, Washington State finished third and Oregon State finished fourth in the WCC, which is generally considered a step below the MW.
The Pioneer Athletic Conference (PAC) is a high school athletic conference with twelve members located in southeastern Pennsylvania.
