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The Michigan Wolverines have been a dominant force in the Big Ten for years, but they are still looking for their first national championship. The team has a strong core of players, but they will need to find a way to replace some key departures if they want to compete for a title this season.
The Wolverines lost three starters from last year's team, including All-American Naz Hillmon. Hillmon was a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year, and she led the team in scoring and rebounding. The Wolverines will also need to replace Leigha Brown and Maddie Nolan, who were both key contributors.
The good news for the Wolverines is that they have a lot of talented players returning. Senior guard Laila Phelia is one of the best players in the Big Ten, and she will be looked upon to lead the team this season. Sophomore guard Cameron Williams is also a rising star, and she is expected to take on a bigger role this year.
The Wolverines have a tough schedule this season, but they are confident that they can compete for a Big Ten championship. The team will be tested early on, as they open the season against the No. 1-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks. The Wolverines will also face tough non-conference games against the Louisville Cardinals and the Baylor Bears.
The Wolverines are looking to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament this season. The team has the talent and experience to make it to the Final Four, and they are determined to bring home a national championship.
Michigan Women's Basketball: A History of Success
Michigan women's basketball has a long and storied history, dating back to the early 1900s. The program has won two national championships, 12 Big Ten regular season championships, and 10 Big Ten tournament championships. Michigan has also made 28 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 10 Sweet 16s, five Elite Eights, and two Final Fours.
The Early Years
The Michigan women's basketball program was founded in 1916. The team played its first game on December 1, 1916, against Olivet College. Michigan won the game, 22-14.
The team struggled in its early years, but it began to improve in the 1920s. In 1924, the team won its first Big Ten championship. Michigan went on to win three more Big Ten championships in the 1920s.
The Betty Jean Corwin Era
Betty Jean Corwin was the head coach of the Michigan women's basketball team from 1930 to 1972. She is the winningest coach in Michigan women's basketball history, with a record of 667-333.
Corwin led Michigan to its first national championship in 1969. The Wolverines defeated Illinois State, 78-62, in the championship game. Michigan won its second national championship in 1972. The Wolverines defeated Immaculata College, 73-64, in the championship game.
The Cheryl Reeve Era
Cheryl Reeve was the head coach of the Michigan women's basketball team from 1995 to 2010. She is the second-winningest coach in Michigan women's basketball history, with a record of 349-140.
Reeve led Michigan to five Big Ten regular season championships and three Big Ten tournament championships. She also led the Wolverines to six NCAA Tournament appearances, including two Sweet 16s.
The Kim Barnes Arico Era
Kim Barnes Arico is the current head coach of the Michigan women's basketball team. She has been the head coach since 2012.
Barnes Arico has led Michigan to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including two Sweet 16s. She has also led the Wolverines to two Big Ten tournament championships.
Michigan's Greatest Players
Michigan women's basketball has a long history of great players. Some of the most notable players include:
- Sue Bird: Bird is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time WNBA champion. She is considered one of the greatest women's basketball players of all time.
- Katelynn Flaherty: Flaherty is the Michigan women's basketball all-time leading scorer. She was a two-time All-American and was drafted by the Indiana Fever in the 2019 WNBA Draft.
- Naz Hillmon: Hillmon is a two-time All-American and was the 2022 Big Ten Player of the Year. She was drafted by the Atlanta Dream in the 2022 WNBA Draft.
Michigan's Rivalry with Michigan State
Michigan women's basketball has a long and heated rivalry with Michigan State. The two teams have met 80 times, with Michigan holding a 47-33 advantage.
The rivalry is one of the fiercest in women's college basketball. The two teams are located just 60 miles apart and they compete for the same recruits. The games between Michigan and Michigan State are always intense and competitive.
Conclusion
Michigan women's basketball is one of the most successful programs in the country. The Wolverines have won two national championships, 12 Big Ten regular season championships, and 10 Big Ten tournament championships. Michigan has also made 28 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 10 Sweet 16s, five Elite Eights, and two Final Fours.
The Wolverines have a long history of great players, including Sue Bird, Katelynn Flaherty, and Naz Hillmon. Michigan also has a long and heated rivalry with Michigan State.
The future is bright for Michigan women's basketball. The Wolverines have a talented roster and a great coach in Kim Barnes Arico. Michigan is poised to make another run at a national championship in the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Michigan women's basketball's record?
Michigan women's basketball has a record of 1,316-678.
- How many national championships has Michigan women's basketball won?
Michigan women's basketball has won two national championships, in 1969 and 1972.
- Who is the greatest player in Michigan women's basketball history?
Sue Bird is considered the greatest player in Michigan women's basketball history.
- Who is the current coach of Michigan women's basketball?
Kim Barnes Arico is the current coach of Michigan women's basketball.
- What is the name of Michigan women's basketball's rivalry with Michigan State?
The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry is known as the "Battle of the Mitten."