Discover the rich history, current state, and future outlook of the uc riverside highlanders women’s basketball team in this comprehensive article.
UC Riverside Highlanders women’s basketball team has been a force to reckon with in the NCAA Division I since its founding in 1970. The team has a rich history of success, with numerous milestones and achievements to its name. This section takes a look at the history of the UC Riverside Highlanders women’s basketball team.
Founding of the Team
The UC Riverside Highlanders women’s basketball team was founded in 1970, with the first official game played against Cal State Fullerton. In the early years, the team struggled to find its footing, but with the arrival of Coach John Masi in 1977, the team began to turn things around. Coach Masi led the team to its first winning season in 1979-80, with a record of 14-10.
Milestones and Achievements
The UC Riverside Highlanders women’s basketball team has achieved numerous milestones over the years. In the 1999-2000 season, the team won the Big West Conference championship and made its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The team has also won several conference championships, including the Big West Conference regular-season title in 2006-07 and 2010-11. In addition, the team has qualified for the WNIT tournament six times.
The team has also produced several outstanding players over the years. One of the most notable is current WNBA player Brittany Crain, who played for the Highlanders from 2012-16. Crain is the all-time leading scorer in UC Riverside women’s basketball history, with 2,415 career points.
Notable Players and Coaches
Over the years, the UC Riverside Highlanders women’s basketball team has been led by several notable coaches, including John Masi, Nancy Simpson, and Linda Sharp. The team has also produced several outstanding players, including Kemie Nkele, a two-time Big West Conference Player of the Year, and Brittany Waddell, who was the Big West Conference Freshman of the Year in 2006-07.
As the history of the UC Riverside Highlanders women’s basketball team shows, the team has a long and storied tradition of excellence. With numerous milestones and achievements to its name, the team has established itself as one of the top programs in the NCAA Division I.
Current UC Riverside Highlanders Women’s Basketball Team: Roster, Coaching Staff, and Recent Performances
The current UC Riverside Highlanders women’s basketball team is a talented and competitive group of players. Led by head coach Nicole Powell, the team has a strong roster of players and has been performing well in recent seasons.
Current Roster and Statistics
The UC Riverside Highlanders women’s basketball team currently has a roster of 15 players, including several talented freshmen and sophomores. The team is led by senior guard Jannon Otto, who was named to the 2020-21 All-Big West First Team. Other key players on the team include sophomore guard Keilanei Cooper and freshman forward Chantel Horvat.
In the 2020-21 season, the team finished with a record of 14-9 overall and 7-5 in conference play. The team’s strong performance earned them a spot in the Big West Conference Tournament, where they advanced to the semifinals before falling to UC Davis.
Coaching Staff and Their Impact on the Team
Head coach Nicole Powell has been with the UC Riverside Highlanders women’s basketball team since 2016 and has had a significant impact on the program. Powell is a former WNBA player and has brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team. Under her leadership, the team has continued to improve and has become one of the top programs in the Big West Conference.
In addition to Coach Powell, the coaching staff includes assistant coaches Dominique Banks and Christina Gilbert. Both coaches bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the team and have played a significant role in the team’s success.
Recent Performances and Record
The UC Riverside Highlanders women’s basketball team has been performing well in recent seasons. In the 2019-20 season, the team finished with a record of 17-14 overall and 10-6 in conference play, earning them a spot in the WNIT tournament. The team’s strong performance was due in large part to the outstanding play of Jannon Otto, who was named the Big West Conference Player of the Year.
In the 2020-21 season, the team continued to perform well, finishing with a winning record and earning a spot in the Big West Conference Tournament. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, the UC Riverside Highlanders women’s basketball team looks poised for continued success in the seasons to come.
Facilities and Resources for UC Riverside Highlanders Women’s Basketball Team
The UC Riverside Highlanders women’s basketball team has access to a variety of top-notch facilities and resources to support their training and development.
Home Court and Its Amenities
The team’s home court is the SRC Arena, a state-of-the-art facility that seats 3,168 fans. The arena features a regulation court, as well as a scoreboard, video board, and sound system. In addition, the arena has locker rooms, training rooms, and offices for the coaching staff.
Training Facilities and Equipment
The UC Riverside Highlanders women’s basketball team has access to several training facilities to support their development. The team has a weight room, which includes a variety of equipment to help players build strength and endurance. The team also has access to a practice court, as well as film and meeting rooms to review games and analyze opponent strategies.
Support from the University and Community
The UC Riverside Highlanders women’s basketball team receives strong support from the university and local community. The team has access to academic support services to help players balance their academic and athletic responsibilities. In addition, the team receives support from boosters and fans, who attend games and provide financial support to the program. The team also participates in community outreach events, such as clinics and camps, to help promote the sport and engage with fans.