In Huntington, West Virginia, a momentous occasion has arrived for Marshall’s women’s basketball team. For the first time since 1997, they are set to participate in the NCAA Tournament. The announcement on Selection Sunday revealed that the Thundering Herd would face off against Virginia Tech.
The team discovered their next challenge on Sunday evening, learning they would play in their second NCAA Tournament game ever. Positioned as the No. 13 seed in the Blacksburg Regional, they are up against the No. 4 seed Hokies. This matchup marks the second consecutive game for Marshall against a team from Virginia.
This opportunity follows a significant achievement for the Herd, as they secured a Sun Belt Conference Tournament Championship trophy. Their victory in an overtime game against James Madison last month guaranteed their spot in the tournament.
The only other time Marshall participated in the pinnacle of women’s college basketball was under the leadership of Sarah Evans Moore. That appearance was also the result of winning the Sun Belt Conference Tournament title. Unfortunately, Marshall’s journey in the NCAA Tournament ended with a loss to Colorado.
This year’s tournament appearance caps off a record-breaking season for Marshall. The team set a new program record with 26 wins and only 6 losses. They dominated the Sun Belt, finishing with a 17-1 record, their sole conference defeat coming at the hands of James Madison.
The remarkable season was guided by head coach Kim Stephens, in her debut year leading the Herd. Stephens came to Marshall with a successful track record, having led Glenville State to the NCAA Division II national title in 2022. Her leadership has now steered Marshall to new heights, promising an exciting performance in the NCAA Tournament.