Delta State University Women's Basketball National Champions
Delta State University Women's Basketball team has a rich history in the sport and has won multiple national championships. The program has been so successful that it has become one of the most respected women's basketball programs in the country.
The Beginnings of the Delta State Women's Basketball Team
The Delta State University Women's Basketball team was formed in 1975. The program was started by Margaret Wade, who was an accomplished player and coach. Wade played on the first women's basketball team at Delta State and also coached the team to its first national championship in 1976. Under her guidance, the team became one of the top programs in the country and set a standard for excellence that continues to this day.
The First National Championship
The Delta State Women's Basketball team won their first national championship in 1976. The team went undefeated that season and posted a 28-0 record. They defeated Immaculata University in the national championship game by a score of 71-68. This was the first national championship for the program and set the tone for future success.
The Dominant Teams of the 1990s
The Delta State Women's Basketball team was dominant in the 1990s. The team won five national championships during the decade and became the first team in NCAA Division II history to win three consecutive national championships. The team was led by head coach Lloyd Clark, who had an impressive 350-58 record during his tenure. The team was so successful that they were inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.
The Return of Margaret Wade
In 1995, Margaret Wade returned to the Delta State Women's Basketball program as an assistant coach. Wade had retired from coaching in 1979 and had never returned to the game. Her return to the program was a huge boost for the team and helped them win two national championships. Wade was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986.
The Legacy of the Delta State Women's Basketball Program
The Delta State Women's Basketball program has left a lasting legacy in the sport. The team has won ten national championships, the most of any NCAA Division II team. They have also produced numerous All-American players and have had four different players named the NCAA Division II Player of the Year. The program has also had two head coaches inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame - Lloyd Clark and Margaret Wade.
The Future of the Delta State Women's Basketball Program
The Delta State Women's Basketball program looks to continue its success in the future. The team is currently coached by Craig Roden, who has a 111-38 record during his tenure. The team has made the NCAA Division II tournament in each of the last three seasons and looks poised to make another deep run in the tournament this year.
Overall, the Delta State Women's Basketball program has established itself as one of the best in the country. The team's success has been built on a tradition of excellence that began with Margaret Wade in 1976. With the current coaching staff, the team looks to continue its success and add even more national championships to its impressive resume.