In a defining moment for both the Texas Longhorns and Southeastern Conference history, Vic Schaefer has been named the 2025 SEC Coach of the Year, a well-deserved honor that underscores the remarkable transformation he has orchestrated since taking over the Texas women’s basketball program. In a league packed with elite coaches and powerhouses like Dawn Staley’s South Carolina, Brenda Frese’s Maryland (which joined the SEC this season), and Georgia’s rejuvenated squad under Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, Schaefer rose above the rest, delivering excellence, culture, and results.
This season marked Texas’ second official year in the SEC after transitioning from the Big 12, and it was nothing short of dominant. Under Schaefer’s leadership, Texas not only adjusted to the increased intensity of SEC play but thrived in it, establishing themselves as a juggernaut that could go toe-to-toe with any program in the country.
A Culture of Toughness, Discipline, and Results
From the moment Schaefer arrived in Austin in 2020, his emphasis has been clear: defense, toughness, and relentless effort. A protégé of legendary defensive minds, Schaefer built his reputation by turning Mississippi State into a national contender, and he has used the same formula to elevate Texas.
This season, his philosophy paid off in spectacular fashion. The Longhorns finished 28-3 overall and 15-1 in SEC play, claiming a share of the regular season conference title and advancing deep into the SEC Tournament. Their only conference blemish came in a double-overtime thriller against South Carolina, and they responded by ripping off nine straight victories to close the regular season.
What made this season special was not just the record, but the way Texas played. They boasted the SEC’s top-ranked defense, allowing just 54.2 points per game. Opponents were frequently held to season lows in scoring, field goal percentage, and three-point shooting. Texas combined that defensive ferocity with offensive precision, powered by a balanced lineup and selfless ball movement.
Schaefer’s Coaching Acumen on Display
The 2024–25 season was a masterclass in coaching adaptability. Despite dealing with injuries to key players during the non-conference stretch, Schaefer kept his team focused and growing. The emergence of sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley—a transfer from South Carolina—was a storyline of its own, as Schaefer helped harness her explosive talent into a more disciplined, team-oriented game.
He also developed sophomore post player Aaliyah Moore into a dominant force in the paint and mentored freshman sensation Jayla Jackson, whose ability to contribute immediately was a testament to Schaefer’s recruitment and player development skills. The bench unit—often a forgotten aspect of many programs—was equally prepared, making Texas one of the deepest teams in the country.
Schaefer was also masterful in key in-game situations. In narrow wins over LSU and Ole Miss, his timeouts, substitutions, and defensive switches sealed victories that defined Texas’ title run. It was no coincidence that the Longhorns were the best team in the conference in second-half adjustments—a hallmark of elite coaching.
Beating the Best to Become the Best
Winning the SEC Coach of the Year award in 2025 meant more than just winning games. It meant outcoaching some of the best minds in college basketball. Let’s take a look at the other top contenders and why Schaefer’s achievement is even more impressive:
Dawn Staley – South Carolina
Dawn Staley’s South Carolina team once again had national title aspirations, finishing 27-4 and boasting one of the most talented rosters in the country. However, the Gamecocks finished second behind Texas in the SEC standings. While Staley’s program is the gold standard, this year Schaefer had the upper hand, both in record and in head-to-head competitiveness.
Niele Ivey – Notre Dame (Affiliate Competitor)
Notre Dame played a hybrid SEC schedule this year as part of a broader NCAA scheduling agreement but wasn’t a full SEC member. Still, Niele Ivey was included in Coach of the Year discussions because of her team’s strong performances. While the Irish posted a solid 26-5 record, their inconsistency in big games kept Ivey from surpassing Schaefer in the voting.
Katie Abrahamson-Henderson – Georgia
“Coach Abe” engineered a surprising turnaround at Georgia, leading the Bulldogs to a 22-win season after missing the NCAA Tournament a year ago. She got the most out of an underrated group, but Georgia’s inability to beat the top-tier SEC teams left her just behind Schaefer in the final voting.
All three coaches are elite in their own right, but Vic Schaefer stood tallest this season—both literally in the standings and figuratively in the eyes of voters, players, and peers.
Building a National Title Contender
This honor is not just about 2025. It is the culmination of a five-year journey that began when Schaefer returned to his home state to restore Texas to national prominence. He has succeeded—and then some.
Since taking over, Schaefer has guided the Longhorns to:
- Four straight NCAA Tournament appearances
- Two Elite Eight finishes
- A Big 12 Tournament title in 2022
- Now, a share of the 2025 SEC regular season title
Recruiting has also exploded under his tenure. Texas has landed top-10 classes in each of the last three years, including commitments from McDonald’s All-Americans and international standouts. Schaefer’s ability to mix youth with experience and role players with stars has been central to the Longhorns’ success.
Players React: A Team United
Following the announcement, Texas players took to social media to celebrate their coach’s achievement.
“Coach Schaefer believed in us from day one. This is our award. Hook ‘em forever!” – MiLaysia Fulwiley (@FulwileyHoops)
“Couldn’t ask for a better leader. He pushed us, loved us, and made us winners. Congrats Coach! ” – Aaliyah Moore
“He made me a better person, not just a player. Coach of the Year for real.” – Jayla Jackson
It’s clear Schaefer’s impact goes far beyond the court. His players speak of accountability, family, and resilience. That emotional foundation was evident in how Texas closed out tight games and handled adversity throughout the season.
SEC Commissioner’s Statement
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey praised Schaefer’s work in an official statement:
“Vic Schaefer exemplifies the values and excellence of SEC athletics. In just two years in the league, he has built a championship-level program and elevated the level of competition across the board. We congratulate him on being named our 2025 Coach of the Year.”
This sentiment was echoed throughout the coaching ranks, with several peers acknowledging that Texas has not only arrived but may very well be the team to beat for years to come.
What’s Next for Schaefer and Texas?
With the regular season accolades in the bag, Texas now sets its sights on a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Currently projected as a No. 1 seed, the Longhorns are well-positioned to make their first Final Four since 2003 and potentially challenge for their first national title since 1986.
Vic Schaefer, for his part, remains humble.
“This isn’t about me. It’s about these young women, this staff, and this university. We’re building something special at Texas, and we’re just getting started,” Schaefer said during the award press conference. “I’m honored, but the real trophy we want is still out there.”
With Schaefer at the helm, there’s little doubt that Texas will remain a fixture atop the SEC and the national landscape.
Final Thoughts
Vic Schaefer’s 2025 SEC Coach of the Year award is not just a testament to a great season—it’s a reflection of years of hard work, vision, and unwavering belief. As Texas continues to climb the ranks of women’s college basketball, one thing is clear: with Schaefer leading the charge, the Longhorns aren’t just participating in the SEC—they’re redefining it.