CONGRATULATIONS: Texas Women’s Basketball Inks No. 1 AP Poll Spot for the First Time in 21 Years
Austin, Texas – March 8, 2025
In a historic moment for Texas women’s basketball, the Longhorns have officially claimed the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 poll for the first time in 21 years. This marks an incredible achievement for the program, as head coach Vic Schaefer has led Texas to new heights in his fourth year at the helm, bringing the team to the pinnacle of college basketball for the first time since the 2003-2004 season.
The Longhorns, who have been dominant throughout the 2024-2025 season, have not only captured the top spot but have done so with a mix of stellar individual performances, exceptional team chemistry, and an airtight defense that has made them nearly unbeatable. Their ascent to No. 1 reflects the hard work and commitment from every player and coach involved in Texas women’s basketball.
This achievement is a huge milestone for a program that has been a consistent contender but has not reached the top of the polls in nearly two decades. The last time Texas earned the No. 1 spot was during the 2003-2004 season under the leadership of former head coach Jody Conradt, when the Longhorns were a dominant force in women’s college basketball. Since then, the team has been close to the top many times but had not broken through to reclaim the top ranking until now.
Texas Women’s Basketball: A Team Built for Success
Under Schaefer, Texas has emerged as a national powerhouse. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to build well-rounded teams, Schaefer has reshaped the Longhorns’ program, turning them into one of the most formidable squads in college basketball. Texas has excelled in all facets of the game — offense, defense, and rebounding — and has consistently outplayed opponents in every area.
Key to their success this season has been the incredible play of senior guard Rori Harmon, who has been one of the nation’s most consistent and dynamic players. Harmon, who was a unanimous All-American last year, has continued to be the catalyst for Texas, contributing as a scorer, distributor, and leader. Her presence on the floor has elevated the team’s performance, and she has helped push Texas to new heights.
Alongside Harmon, standout performances from players like junior forward Taylor Jones, who is known for her defensive intensity and rebounding ability, have been instrumental in Texas’ rise to the top. Jones has been a dominant force in the paint, and her efforts on both ends of the floor have made a massive impact.
Furthermore, the Longhorns’ recruiting efforts have allowed them to continually add high-caliber players, ensuring that the team stays competitive year after year. The depth of talent, combined with Schaefer’s coaching acumen, has led to a well-rounded team that can compete with anyone.
Victories That Secured the Top Spot
Several key victories helped propel Texas to the No. 1 ranking, including a thrilling win over their archrivals, the Baylor Bears, in early February. The Longhorns also secured impressive victories over top-ranked teams such as Stanford, UConn, and LSU — three programs that have consistently been in the national title picture for the last several years.
These wins, combined with Texas’ dominant performance in the Big 12 Conference, have showcased the team’s ability to compete with the best of the best. The Longhorns have held strong defensively and displayed offensive balance, making them a difficult matchup for any opponent.
In addition to the on-court successes, the team’s commitment to hard work and togetherness has helped foster an environment of excellence. Schaefer has often spoken about his belief in the importance of defense and toughness, and his emphasis on both has paid off in spades.
Vic Schaefer: The Architect of Texas’ Rise
For Schaefer, the No. 1 ranking is a testament to his vision for the program and his ability to get the best out of his players. Having previously led Mississippi State to back-to-back Final Four appearances, Schaefer is no stranger to building championship-caliber teams. His tenure at Texas has been marked by his commitment to defense, his emphasis on team-first play, and his ability to recruit elite talent.
Under Schaefer’s leadership, the Longhorns have gone from strength to strength, developing into a team that not only wins but dominates. The program has become a national contender, and this No. 1 ranking is proof of his ability to turn Texas into one of the most feared programs in women’s college basketball.
“It’s an honor to be No. 1, but this is a team effort,” Schaefer said after the announcement. “The players have worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and I’m just fortunate to be along for the ride. We’ve got a great group of young women who have bought into what we’re trying to build here, and they’ve earned every bit of this ranking.”
What’s Next for the Longhorns?
With the No. 1 ranking officially under their belt, the Longhorns now have to maintain their focus as they head into the postseason. The road to the NCAA tournament will be filled with challenges, especially with teams like Stanford, UConn, and South Carolina still fighting for a chance to take the top spot. Texas, however, is more than ready for the competition.
The Longhorns will now look to solidify their place as the top seed in the NCAA tournament. With an experienced and talented roster, as well as a coach who knows what it takes to win at the highest levels, Texas is poised for a deep run in the tournament. For fans and players alike, the excitement is palpable as the team enters this pivotal stretch of the season.
As the Big 12 Tournament approaches, the Longhorns will look to close out the regular season strong and prepare for the intense challenges that await in the postseason. Schaefer’s squad has shown they have the potential to go all the way, and now, as the No. 1 team in the country, they have set the stage for what could be a historic run.
The Impact on Texas Women’s Basketball
The significance of Texas reaching the No. 1 spot cannot be overstated. For a program that has a rich history but had not reached the top of the AP Poll for over two decades, this is a monumental achievement. It speaks to the growth of women’s sports, the continued rise of Texas women’s basketball, and the dedication of everyone involved in the program.
The Longhorns’ success will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to future generations of athletes, and it will likely have a lasting impact on the recruiting landscape for years to come. The combination of high-level coaching, elite talent, and a winning culture makes Texas an attractive destination for future players hoping to compete for championships.
Fans of Texas women’s basketball have every reason to celebrate this historic moment. The Longhorns have reached the top, and they aren’t looking back. With the NCAA tournament on the horizon, Texas will look to continue its dominant play and aim for the ultimate prize: a national championship.