University Of St Thomas Houston Women's Basketball
The University of St Thomas (UST) is a private Catholic university in Houston, Texas, United States. It is known for its outstanding liberal arts and professional programs, including its women's basketball team. The UST Celts women's basketball team is an integral part of the college's athletics program which competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC).
The UST Celts women's basketball team has a rich history of success and has been a dominant force in collegiate basketball over the years. The team was established in 2008 and has been going strong ever since. The team has had numerous successful seasons and boasts an impressive win-loss record. The team has consistently been ranked among the top teams in the NAIA and has made it to the NAIA National Tournament numerous times in recent years.
A Brief History of UST Women's Basketball
The UST Celts women's basketball team was established in 2008, led by head coach Mike Ricks. The team's inaugural season was a learning experience, finishing with a record of 7-20. However, the team quickly showed its potential and became a dominant force in collegiate basketball.
In the 2011-2012 season, the Celts won their first conference championship and made their first appearance in the NAIA National Tournament. The team continued its success in the 2012-2013 season, finishing with an impressive 25-7 record and another conference championship.
The Celts have continued to dominate over the years and have made it the NAIA National Tournament six times since 2011. The team has also won four conference championships during this time making them one of the most successful collegiate basketball programs in the country.
Recent Seasons
The UST Celts women's basketball team has had a successful last few seasons under the leadership of Head Coach Raven Justice. In the 2017-2018 season, the team finished with a record of 22-7 and made it to the RRAC Championship game.
The 2018-2019 season was even more successful for the Celts. They finished with a 25-7 record and made it to the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Tournament. The team also won the RRAC Conference regular-season title and advanced to the RRAC Championship game for the second year in a row.
The 2019-2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic but the Celts still managed to have a successful season finishing with an impressive 24-6 record.
Key Players
The UST Celts women's basketball team has had some exceptional players over the years. One such player is Britney Joseph. Joseph, a 5'11" forward, played for the Celts from 2011-2015 and is the all-time leading scorer in UST women's basketball history with 1,998 points. Joseph was a three-time NAIA All-American and led the Celts to three conference championships and three NAIA National Tournament appearances.
Another standout player for the Celts was Jada Roberts. Roberts, a 5'9" guard, played for the Celts from 2017-2020 and was a key player during the team's successful run in recent years. Roberts was named to the All-RRAC First Team in her junior and senior seasons and was also named to the NAIA All-American Honorable Mention team in her senior season.
Conclusion
The UST Celts women's basketball team has a rich history of success and continues to be a dominant force in the NAIA. With numerous conference championships and appearances in the NAIA National Tournament, the team has cemented its place as one of the most successful collegiate basketball programs in the country. The team's success can be attributed to its exceptional coaching staff, talented players, and a fierce determination to succeed. With its strong performance in recent seasons, the UST Celts women's basketball team looks set to continue its winning ways in the years to come.
