Vic Schaefer Wins 2025 SEC Coach of the Year for Texas Women’s Basketball
In the ever-competitive world of women’s college basketball, few names are as synonymous with success as Vic Schaefer. In 2025, Schaefer earned one of the most coveted honors in his career, being named the SEC Coach of the Year for his exceptional work as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team. This recognition not only celebrates his leadership and tactical brilliance but also highlights his remarkable ability to turn around a program and lead it to new heights of success.
A Coaching Journey Rooted in Dedication
Born on November 13, 1965, in Edna, Texas, Schaefer was immersed in basketball from an early age. His father, a high school basketball coach, instilled a deep love for the game, setting Schaefer on a path to becoming one of the most respected coaches in women’s basketball. After playing at the University of Arkansas-Monticello, Schaefer’s coaching journey began in the high school ranks before transitioning into college basketball. He initially made a name for himself as an assistant coach at Texas A&M and LSU, two prominent programs in the SEC.
However, Schaefer’s true breakthrough came when he took the reins at Mississippi State in 2012. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs went from a middling program to one of the top teams in the country. His coaching acumen, particularly in defensive schemes, transformed Mississippi State into a formidable force. In 2017, Schaefer guided Mississippi State to the national championship game, securing an SEC title and multiple NCAA tournament appearances in the process.
Taking Over at Texas: A New Chapter Begins
In 2021, Schaefer left the SEC and took over as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team, a program with a storied history but one that had struggled to reclaim its former glory in recent years. Texas had once been a dominant force in college basketball, winning a national championship in 1986 and consistently reaching the NCAA tournament. However, by the time Schaefer arrived, the team had not advanced past the Sweet 16 in several years, and their Big 12 dominance had slipped. The program needed a change, and Schaefer was the man tasked with revitalizing Texas women’s basketball.
At the heart of Schaefer’s strategy was a strong emphasis on defense, which had been the cornerstone of his success at Mississippi State. Known for his ability to teach players how to defend with intensity and discipline, Schaefer’s defensive-first philosophy quickly took root in Austin. His approach was not just about getting stops, but about creating a culture of toughness and resilience—traits that are foundational to his coaching style.
In his first season, Schaefer led the Longhorns to a competitive finish in the Big 12 and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament, signaling a successful start to his tenure. However, it was the 2025 season that truly showcased the transformation he had overseen at Texas, culminating in his earning the SEC Coach of the Year award.
The 2025 Season: Schaefer’s Masterpiece
The 2025 season was a breakthrough year for Texas women’s basketball, and it was clear that Schaefer’s system was working to perfection. Despite competing in the ultra-competitive SEC, a conference known for its dominance in women’s basketball with teams like South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee, Schaefer’s Longhorns not only competed—they thrived.
A significant part of the Longhorns’ success in 2025 was their ability to blend experience with young talent. Senior guard Rori Harmon, one of the best point guards in the country, took her game to new heights under Schaefer’s tutelage. Harmon’s leadership on the floor was undeniable, as she became the catalyst for the Longhorns’ offense while also anchoring their defense. Her ability to control the tempo, facilitate for her teammates, and shut down opposing guards made her one of the standout players of the season.
Alongside Harmon, sophomore guard Shay Holleman emerged as one of the most promising talents in women’s basketball. Holleman’s explosive scoring and versatility made her a dynamic threat for Texas. Junior forward Aaliyah Moore, with her size and skill set, provided a scoring presence inside while also being an intimidating force on defense. Together, this trio of players formed the backbone of Schaefer’s 2025 squad, and their collective success reflected Schaefer’s ability to develop players and put them in positions where they could thrive.
Schaefer’s defense remained a hallmark of his team’s identity. Texas became known for its aggressive, physical man-to-man defense, which often led to turnovers and transition opportunities. Schaefer’s teams are always relentless on the defensive end, and in 2025, the Longhorns were no exception. Whether it was forcing steals or making key stops in crunch time, Texas’s defense played a pivotal role in their victories, particularly in high-stakes SEC matchups.
One of the most significant victories of the season came when Texas defeated the defending national champions, South Carolina. Schaefer’s defensive game plan completely stifled South Carolina’s offense, and Texas capitalized on every opportunity. This victory was not just a milestone in the season but also an affirmation that Schaefer had successfully brought his winning formula to Texas.
The Longhorns also triumphed over other SEC powerhouses, including LSU and Arkansas, showcasing their versatility and ability to perform under pressure. Texas’s success in the 2025 season earned them a top seed in the NCAA Tournament and solidified Schaefer’s reputation as one of the top coaches in the country.
The Philosophy Behind Schaefer’s Success
What truly sets Schaefer apart from other coaches is his philosophy—particularly his emphasis on building a culture of discipline and accountability. Schaefer’s players buy into the idea that success is earned, not given. His approach to coaching is rooted in trust, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. Schaefer has always been a taskmaster, pushing his players to their limits and demanding the highest level of effort at all times.
On the court, Schaefer’s teams are known for their gritty defense and unselfish offense. His defensive schemes are designed to overwhelm opponents with relentless pressure, often forcing them into uncomfortable situations and creating turnovers. Offensively, Schaefer encourages ball movement, unselfish play, and smart decision-making. The result is a balanced team that can lock down defensively and score efficiently when needed.
But Schaefer’s impact goes beyond the X’s and O’s. He is a master motivator and knows how to bring out the best in his players, both on and off the court. His players speak often of his commitment to helping them grow not just as athletes but as individuals. Schaefer’s focus on mental toughness, resilience, and leadership has become a hallmark of his coaching style, and it is these qualities that have helped build a strong team culture at Texas.
Recruiting and Player Development: A Long-Term Vision
Schaefer’s coaching prowess extends to his ability to recruit and develop top talent. In 2025, Schaefer’s recruiting efforts bore fruit as several highly-ranked recruits joined the Texas program. Schaefer’s reputation for developing players—particularly defensively—has made Texas an attractive destination for some of the top prospects in women’s basketball.
His success on the recruiting trail has ensured that the Longhorns’ future remains bright. Schaefer’s ability to identify and develop talent is a major reason why Texas is poised to be a national contender for years to come. With his continued focus on building a program that emphasizes defense, discipline, and player development, Schaefer is laying the foundation for sustained success at Texas.
Schaefer’s Legacy and Impact on Texas Women’s Basketball
As Schaefer continues to lead Texas, his legacy as a coach is already being solidified. His 2025 SEC Coach of the Year honor is a reflection of the hard work he has put into building a championship-caliber team. What Schaefer has accomplished at Texas in just a few short years is remarkable, and it’s clear that his impact will be felt for many years to come.
Beyond the accolades and victories, Schaefer’s true legacy will be defined by the culture he has established at Texas. His focus on defense, accountability, and player development has transformed the program into a perennial contender in the SEC and on the national stage. The Longhorns are back in the conversation as one of the top programs in women’s college basketball, and much of that success is due to Schaefer’s leadership.
In conclusion, Vic Schaefer’s journey to becoming the 2025 SEC Coach of the Year is a story of persistence, dedication, and transformation. From his early days as an assistant coach to his time at Mississippi State and now at Texas, Schaefer has proven time and again that he has the ability to build successful programs. His work at Texas has not only revived the program but has positioned it for long-term success. As the Longhorns continue to rise, Schaefer’s legacy as a coach, mentor, and leader will only continue to grow.