Texas Longhorns women’s basketball is one of the most storied programs in college basketball history. Consequently, the program that won the 1986 national championship under legendary coach Jody Conradt has returned to national prominence under Vic Schaefer with consistent deep NCAA Tournament runs. This guide covers the full program history, SEC competition, key players, and how to follow Texas women’s basketball through the season.
Texas Women’s Basketball Program History
The University of Texas women’s basketball program has competed at the highest level of college basketball for decades. Furthermore, Jody Conradt built the program into a national power, culminating in the 1986 NCAA national championship — the program’s only title and one of the defining moments in Texas women’s sports history. As a result of that championship tradition, Texas women’s basketball carries historical weight that attracts elite recruits who want to compete at a program with proven championship pedigree.
The Vic Schaefer Era
Vic Schaefer joined Texas as head coach in 2020 after building Mississippi State into a national power, twice reaching the national championship game. Furthermore, Schaefer immediately elevated Texas back to the national conversation with recruiting classes that brought McDonald’s All-Americans and elite prospects to Austin. As a result, the Longhorns have made consistent Elite Eight and Final Four runs under Schaefer, reestablishing Texas as one of the programs that competes for national championships each season.
SEC Women’s Basketball Competition
Texas’s move to the SEC in 2024 placed the Longhorns in the most competitive women’s basketball conference in the country. Therefore, the Longhorns now face South Carolina — the perennial national champion under Dawn Staley — along with Tennessee, LSU, and other powerhouse programs every season. In contrast to the Big 12, where Texas was consistently the top program, the SEC presents weekly challenges from programs with equal or greater national profiles. As a result, the SEC schedule has elevated the visibility and competitiveness of Texas women’s basketball.
Moody Center — Home of the Longhorns
Texas women’s basketball plays home games at the Moody Center on the UT Austin campus. The arena opened in 2022 and holds approximately 15,000 fans, providing a modern facility that matches the program’s ambitions. Furthermore, the Moody Center has hosted sellout crowds for premium matchups as Texas women’s basketball popularity has grown with national championship contention. As a result, home games at the Moody Center have become significant events in the Austin sports calendar.
Key Players to Watch
Texas women’s basketball consistently recruits top-five recruiting classes nationally. Therefore, the Longhorns roster features multiple McDonald’s All-Americans and players projected to be WNBA draft picks. Additionally, the program’s track record of developing players for professional careers in the WNBA and international leagues gives Texas a recruiting advantage with elite prospects who prioritize professional development alongside winning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Texas women’s basketball won a national championship?
The University of Texas women’s basketball team won the NCAA national championship in 1986 under coach Jody Conradt. The Longhorns have made multiple Final Four appearances and are consistently one of the top programs in the country.
What conference does Texas women’s basketball play in?
Texas Longhorns women’s basketball competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) after Texas joined in 2024. The Longhorns previously competed in the Big 12 and now face SEC powerhouses including South Carolina, Tennessee, and LSU.
Who is the Texas women’s basketball head coach?
Vic Schaefer has served as the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball head coach since 2020. Under Schaefer, Texas has returned to national prominence with multiple Elite Eight and Final Four appearances.
Where does Texas women’s basketball play home games?
Texas women’s basketball plays home games at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The Moody Center opened in 2022 and holds approximately 15,000 fans for basketball events.
When does the Texas women’s basketball season start?
The college women’s basketball season typically begins in early November and runs through March or April for teams that advance to the NCAA Tournament. Check texassports.com for the current season schedule.
Follow Texas Longhorn sports in our Texas Sports section. You can also read our Texas Basketball guide for coverage of the men’s program alongside the women’s team. Additionally, check our Texas Softball guide for another elite Longhorn women’s program.
