Gonzaga Bulldogs women’s basketball

The Gonzaga Bulldogs women’s basketball team represents Gonzaga University in NCAA Division I college basketball. The program was founded in 1981 and is a member of the West Coast Conference (WCC).

History

Founded by coach Lynn Kennedy, the program began playing its first season as an independent during the 1982–83 school year. After numerous successful seasons competing against local schools and clubs, they joined up with their men’s counterparts to enter into Division II play within the Big Sky Conference beginning with 1985-86 season. During this time period they were able to capture three regular-season conference titles and two tournament championships which allowed them to make four consecutive trips to post-season play culminating with a trip all way NCAA Elite Eight in 1987 under head coach Lisa Fortier who took over for Coach Kennedy prior that same season.. In 1993, Gonzaga moved up from DII back into DI at which point it became affiliated as part of WCC where it has remained ever since. Under current Head Coach Kelly Graves, who took over leadership duties before start 1997–98 campaign; Bulldog have been consistently one nation’s best mid major programs reaching 20+ wins each years while also making twelve straight trips national postseason tournaments including seven Sweet Sixteen appearances since 2003 and five Elite Eights showings highlighted 2014 Final Four berth when lost eventual National Champion UConn Huskies just single possession late fourth quarter overtime classic game.

Rivalries

While many consider St Mary Gaels perennial powerhouse be primary rival due close proximity between two universities rivalry Washington State Cougars can not overlooked especially considering heated battles witnessed last decade plus along fact both teams members Pac 12 . Additionally there less intense but still noticeable competition great deal other WCC rivals such San Diego , BYU Portland Santa Clara . Also keep eye out possible future matchups newly added Pacific Tigers potentially developing new cross state showdown similar seen Oregon Ducks Civil War series involving former PAC 10 foes Oregon Ducks Oregon State Beavers .

                            
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