Women’s college basketball has seen a remarkable transformation over the last few years. What once seemed like a sport in the shadow of its male counterpart has evolved into one of the most thrilling, competitive, and celebrated athletic showcases in the country. At the heart of this transformation are the queens of college hoops — the teams and players who have redefined the game and led their respective programs to new heights.
From NCAA tournament champions to unforgettable individual performances, the past several years have belonged to a select group of elite teams and players. This article takes a deep dive into the incredible women’s basketball programs and the players who have cemented their legacies as the queens of college hoops.
The Rise of UConn: A Dynasty Reborn
For much of the 2000s, the University of Connecticut was the undisputed powerhouse in women’s college basketball. Under the leadership of legendary head coach Geno Auriemma, UConn won 11 NCAA championships, including four consecutive titles from 2013 to 2016. This dominance, characterized by their trademark high-intensity defense and unselfish offense, established UConn as the standard for excellence in women’s basketball.
The Huskies, though, entered a brief rebuilding phase around 2017, when they fell short of winning their 12th national championship. However, UConn quickly bounced back, led by a combination of experienced upperclassmen and highly talented freshmen. The team’s resurgence was spearheaded by star players such as Paige Bueckers and Christyn Williams.
Bueckers, a standout guard, won the prestigious Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2021 as a freshman, despite the Huskies falling short in the Final Four. Her ability to score from anywhere on the court, her vision as a playmaker, and her leadership in clutch moments made her one of the most hyped players in recent years. Even as UConn’s championship window opened and closed in the early part of the 2020s, the team’s ability to consistently contend for titles and its ability to attract top-tier recruits kept the program relevant and dominant in the eyes of fans, media, and scouts.
The South Carolina Gamecocks: Dawn Staley’s Historic Rise
If there’s one team that’s emerged as the true queen of college hoops in the past few seasons, it’s the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Under the guidance of head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks have become the dominant force in women’s college basketball, claiming NCAA titles in 2017 and 2022.
Dawn Staley, once a player who left her mark on the sport as a dynamic point guard, has turned South Carolina into an intimidating powerhouse. The Gamecocks’ defense is a hallmark of their success, but their offense is no slouch either. They play with intensity, intelligence, and unrelenting passion — a reflection of Staley herself.
South Carolina’s 2022 NCAA Championship win stands out as one of the most impressive team performances in recent memory. With a roster full of top-tier talent such as Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Victaria Saxton, the Gamecocks were simply unbeatable, culminating in a dominant performance over UConn in the championship game. Aliyah Boston, who was named the 2022 Naismith College Player of the Year, was the embodiment of South Carolina’s unrelenting physicality. She dominated both ends of the floor, securing rebounds, blocking shots, and scoring efficiently in the paint. Boston’s presence made the Gamecocks nearly impossible to defend, and her leadership allowed them to reassert their position as the top team in women’s college hoops.
The Stanford Cardinal: A Program of Consistency and Excellence
Another perennial contender in women’s college basketball has been the Stanford Cardinal. Stanford has long been one of the premier programs, with its combination of elite coaching, academic excellence, and basketball talent. Head coach Tara VanDerveer has built a program that consistently contends for national championships, with the pinnacle being their 2021 NCAA title.
Stanford’s success is a testament to VanDerveer’s longevity and her ability to adapt to the evolving nature of the game. The Cardinal’s 2021 title was a significant milestone, as it marked their first national championship since 1992. Despite facing challenges throughout the tournament, including a thrilling victory over Arizona in the national championship game, Stanford’s resilience and deep roster led them to the top.
At the forefront of Stanford’s resurgence was the sensational senior guard, Lexie Hull, who was a key contributor in the team’s march to the title. Alongside Hull was Cameron Brink, a towering force in the paint, and Haley Jones, a versatile forward capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor. Stanford’s team-oriented approach, which emphasizes ball movement, defensive tenacity, and depth, has kept them as one of the most consistent programs in women’s basketball.
The Rise of the LSU Tigers: Kim Mulkey’s Instant Impact
In recent years, one of the most intriguing stories in women’s college basketball has been the rise of the LSU Tigers, under the leadership of head coach Kim Mulkey. Hired in 2021, Mulkey wasted no time turning the program into a legitimate national championship contender. Her arrival brought immediate success, and in just her second season with LSU, Mulkey led the Tigers to the 2023 NCAA championship.
The 2023 LSU Tigers were a well-rounded team with an explosive offense and an aggressive defense. Leading the charge was the unstoppable Angel Reese, whose rebounding and scoring ability made her one of the most dominant players in the country. Reese’s relentless work ethic and strong leadership qualities were key to LSU’s title run. Alongside her was a talented supporting cast, including star guard Alexis Morris and forward LaDazhia Williams, who contributed to the Tigers’ well-rounded and dynamic playstyle.
Kim Mulkey’s ability to build a championship-caliber program in such a short amount of time has made LSU a major contender in women’s basketball. Her success at LSU follows her previous title-winning stints at Baylor, cementing her as one of the best coaches in the sport’s history. Her coaching prowess and ability to recruit elite talent have helped elevate LSU into the conversation for college hoops supremacy.
The Phenomenon of Caitlin Clark: Iowa’s Historic Superstar
When discussing the best players in women’s college basketball, it’s impossible to overlook Caitlin Clark, the electrifying guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Clark has taken college basketball by storm with her incredible scoring ability, deep three-pointers, and dynamic playmaking. As one of the most accomplished players in NCAA history, she has transformed Iowa into a legitimate contender for the national title.
Clark’s shooting range is otherworldly, and her ability to score in transition or in the half-court sets her apart from almost every player in the history of women’s college basketball. Her performances during the 2023 NCAA tournament were historic, including a legendary 54-point outing in the Elite Eight, making her the most prominent figure in women’s basketball during the 2022-2023 season. She led Iowa to the 2023 NCAA championship game, and although they ultimately fell short to LSU, Clark’s individual brilliance solidified her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Caitlin Clark is a player who will be remembered for years to come. Her passion, skill, and ability to perform under pressure have made her the face of women’s college basketball. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of players.
The Future of College Hoops: A Changing Landscape
As the game continues to evolve, so too do the faces of college basketball. The past few years have been dominated by a few elite teams, but as with any era, new challengers are constantly emerging. Teams like the Arizona Wildcats, with head coach Adia Barnes, and the Maryland Terrapins, with coach Brenda Frese, are poised to continue competing at a high level.
The NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) movement has also changed the landscape of college basketball, providing more financial opportunities for student-athletes and potentially altering recruiting dynamics. Programs that adapt to this new environment will likely maintain their success, while new programs might rise quickly in the ranks.
At the individual level, players like Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese will continue to shape the narrative of women’s college basketball. Their talent and determination will push the boundaries of what is possible on the court, inspiring future stars to aim for greatness.