Baylor Lady Bears basketball

Baylor Lady Bears basketball
Name	Baylor Lady Bears
University	Baylor University
Conference	Big 12 Conference
Arena	Foster Pavilion
Capacity	7,000
City	Waco, Texas
Colors	Green and Gold
Head coach	Nicki Collen
Tenure	2021–present
NCAA titles	3 (2005, 2012, 2019)
NCAA final four	4 (2005, 2010, 2012, 2019)
NCAA tourney apps	20
Conference tourney titles	11
Conference regular season titles	15

Baylor Lady Bears basketball represents Baylor University in women's college basketball and competes in the Big 12 Conference. The program, based in Waco, Texas, has risen to national prominence in the 21st century, establishing itself as a perennial powerhouse under the leadership of legendary coach Kim Mulkey. The Lady Bears are renowned for their defensive intensity and have captured three NCAA national championships, cementing their legacy among the sport's elite.

History

The program's modern era of success began with the hiring of Kim Mulkey in 2000, who transformed the team from a struggling entity into a national contender. A pivotal moment came in 2005 when, led by stars like Sophia Young, the Lady Bears won their first national championship, defeating Michigan State in the title game. This victory marked the first national title for a Big 12 Conference team. The program sustained excellence, making subsequent Final Four appearances in 2010 and 2012. The 2011-12 season, featuring the unparalleled Brittney Griner, culminated in a perfect 40-0 record and a second national title, a feat that placed the team among the greatest in the sport's history. A third championship followed in 2019, led by Lauren Cox and Chloe Jackson, defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Following the 2021 championship game, Mulkey departed for LSU, and Nicki Collen, formerly of the Atlanta Dream, was hired to lead the program into a new era within a competitive Big 12 Conference.

Championships and achievements

The Lady Bears have won three NCAA national championships (2005, 2012, 2019) and have made four Final Four appearances. They have captured 11 Big 12 tournament championships and 15 regular-season conference titles. The 2012 team's 40-0 season stands as one of only a handful of perfect seasons in NCAA Division I history. The program has produced numerous individual honors, including Naismith College Player of the Year awards, Wade Trophy winners, and over 20 Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-Americans. Players and coaches have also earned gold medals with USA Basketball, including at the FIBA World Cup and the Summer Olympics.

Notable players

The program's legacy is built by iconic players who have excelled professionally and internationally. Center Brittney Griner, a three-time All-American and the 2012 Naismith College Player of the Year, is arguably the most dominant player in program history. Forward Sophia Young, the 2005 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, was a foundational star. Other standout post players include Lauren Cox and NaLyssa Smith, both high WNBA draft picks. Guards such as Odyssey Sims, the 2014 Wade Trophy winner, DiJonai Carrington, and Sarah Andrews have been instrumental in the team's success. Alumni have had significant careers in the WNBA, with teams like the Phoenix Mercury, Indiana Fever, and Los Angeles Sparks, and in leagues across Europe and Asia.

Coaches

Kim Mulkey (2000–2021) is the defining figure in program history, building it from the ground up and winning three national championships en route to induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Her tenure established a culture of winning and toughness. Nicki Collen, who had prior head coaching experience in the WNBA with the Atlanta Dream, succeeded Mulkey in 2021. Earlier coaches who led the program before its rise to prominence include Pam Bowers and Sonja Hogg, the latter being the first head coach when the team began varsity competition.

Home arenas

The Lady Bears played for decades at the Ferrell Center, which opened in 1988 and seated over 10,000 fans, hosting numerous NCAA Tournament games. In 2024, the program moved into the state-of-the-art Foster Pavilion, a 7,000-seat arena located on the Baylor University campus in the heart of Waco, Texas. This modern facility provides a dedicated, intimate venue designed to enhance the game-day experience and solidify the program's future.

Rivalries

The program's primary and most intense rivalry is with the Texas Longhorns, a fierce Big 12 Conference showdown that often has conference title implications. Games against the Iowa State Cyclones and the Oklahoma Sooners are also significant conference contests. On a national scale, matchups against other elite programs like the UConn Huskies, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Stanford Cardinal have developed into high-profile, non-conference rivalries that draw national television audiences.

Category:Baylor University women's basketball Category:Big 12 Conference women's basketball Category:NCAA women's basketball teams