USC Trojans women's basketball

USC Trojans women's basketball
Name	USC Trojans women's basketball
University	University of Southern California
Conference	Pac-12 Conference (1976–2024), Big Ten Conference (2024–future)
Arena	Galen Center
Capacity	10,258
City	Los Angeles
State	California
Colors	Cardinal and Gold
Head coach	Lindsay Gottlieb
Tenures	2021–present
NCAA titles	2 (1983, 1984)
NCAA final four	3 (1983, 1984, 1986)
NCAA tourney apps	20
Conference tourney titles	2 (2009, 2014)

USC Trojans women's basketball represents the University of Southern California in NCAA Division I competition. The program is a historic powerhouse, having won consecutive NCAA championships in the 1980s under legendary coach Linda Sharp. Competing primarily in the Pac-12 Conference before a 2024 move to the Big Ten Conference, the Trojans have produced numerous All-America players and Olympians.

History

The program's modern era began with the hiring of Linda Sharp in 1977, who swiftly built a dynasty. Anchored by stars like the Miller twins, Pam and Paula McGee, and Cheryl Miller, USC captured back-to-back national titles in 1983 and 1984, defeating Louisiana Tech and the University of Tennessee respectively. A third consecutive Final Four appearance followed in 1986. The program experienced a resurgence under coach Fred Williams and later Michael Cooper, reaching the Elite Eight in 1994. After a period of modest results, a new era began with the hiring of Lindsay Gottlieb, who led the team to the 2024 NCAA tournament.

Notable players

The roster of illustrious alumni is headlined by three-time Naismith College Player of the Year Cheryl Miller, considered one of the greatest players in history, who later coached the team. Other All-America selections include Lisa Leslie, a three-time WNBA MVP and four-time Olympic gold medalist with USA Basketball, and Tina Thompson, the first overall pick in the 1997 WNBA draft and a Women's Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. Standout guards Cynthia Cooper-Dyke and Rhonda Windham were instrumental in the championship runs, while more recent stars include Juju Watkins, the 2024 Naismith College Player of the Year finalist, and Maya Dodson. Many have been enshrined in the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Coaches

Linda Sharp is the program's defining figure, compiling a 269-89 record and delivering both national championships during her tenure from 1977 to 1989. She was succeeded by Marianne Stanley, who had previously won a title at Old Dominion University. Fred Williams guided the team to its 1994 Elite Eight finish. Michael Cooper, a former Los Angeles Lakers star, served as head coach from 2009 to 2013. The current leader is Lindsay Gottlieb, hired in 2021 after a successful stint with the California Golden Bears and as an assistant for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Season-by-season results

The Trojans' season records are documented through media guides and NCAA publications. The pinnacle seasons were the championship years of 1982–83 and 1983–84, both culminating in national titles. Other highlight seasons include the 1985–86 Final Four campaign, the 1993–94 Elite Eight run under Fred Williams, and the 2005–06 season which ended in the Sweet Sixteen. The program has secured multiple bids to the NCAA tournament and the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

Championships and honors

USC claims two NCAA championships (1983, 1984). The program has made three Final Four appearances and numerous Elite Eight and Sweet Sixteen showings. In conference play, the Trojans have won four Pac-12 Conference regular-season titles and two Pac-12 Tournament championships (2009, 2014). Individual honors for players include the Naismith College Player of the Year, the Wade Trophy, and multiple Pac-12 Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Year awards. Coaches Linda Sharp and Cheryl Miller have been recognized as Naismith College Coach of the Year and Pac-12 Conference Women's Basketball Coach of the Year.

Rivalries

The program's most significant historic rivalry is with the UCLA Bruins, a fierce Los Angeles crosstown confrontation known as the Battle of Los Angeles. Games against the Stanford Cardinal have often decided Pac-12 Conference supremacy and featured high-stakes matchups in the NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament. A notable non-conference rivalry existed with the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters, whom USC defeated in the 1983 national championship game. The move to the Big Ten Conference is expected to foster new competitive series with schools like the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Facilities

Since 2006, the team has played its home games at the Galen Center, a 10,258-seat arena on the University of Southern California campus shared with the USC Trojans men's basketball team. Prior to this, the Trojans hosted games at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, which also served as the venue for their Final Four victories. The team's practice and training facilities are located within the Galen Center, which also houses the John McKay Center for athletic training and academics.

Category:USC Trojans basketball and the Arena and#Galen Center and the|Galen Center, providing state-of-the-