Celebrating LGBTQ+ Head Coaches in D1 Women’s College Basketball

In the evolving landscape of NCAA Division 1 women’s college basketball, openly gay head coaches have become far more visible in the past decade. There was a time when only one publicly out head coach, Sherri Murrell of Portland State, stood alone.

Now, at least 18 out coaches lead programs across the country. LGBTQ+ representation in sports leadership has grown, and it’s about time.

The Rise of LGBTQ+ Representation in NCAA Women’s Basketball

A decade ago, Sherri Murrell was the only publicly out head coach in D1 women’s college basketball. After she left Portland State in 2015, for a while nobody was out in that role.

Things shifted when Jennifer Azzi of San Francisco came out. Soon, more coaches started embracing their identities publicly.

Today, at least 18 openly gay women lead NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball programs. That’s real progress, and honestly, it feels overdue.

Trailblazers and Their Journeys

Each coach brings a unique story and path to their current job. Colleen Mullen is in her eighth season with the Albany Great Danes and has led her team to four straight winning seasons.

She’s racked up an impressive 96-36 record over the last four years. Off the court, Mullen and her wife, Lauren, juggle raising three kids.

Becky Burke is another name to know. She took over at the University of Arizona after leading Buffalo to a WNIT title.

Burke’s Wildcats kicked off the 2025-26 season with a 6-0 streak. She and her wife Savannah, along with their son Banks, show that you can chase wins and have a rich family life too.

Impact on Teams and Conferences

These coaches influence not just their teams, but their conferences as well. Jan Jensen made a splash in her first season as Iowa Hawkeyes head coach, starting the 2025-26 season with eight straight wins and a first-round tournament victory.

Kristen Gillespie led the Illinois State Redbirds to seven consecutive winning seasons. She picked up a Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year award in 2023, which is no small feat.

Creating a More Inclusive Environment

Openly gay coaches in women’s basketball aren’t just numbers on a list. They’re shifting the culture toward something more open and accepting.

These women serve as role models for young athletes. Their visibility matters, especially for players figuring out who they are.

Challenges and Triumphs

The road hasn’t always been smooth. Doshia Woods of the Denver Pioneers, for example, hasn’t yet led her team to a winning record in her first five seasons.

Still, their perseverance and willingness to keep going set a powerful example. That kind of grit? It sticks with you.

Meanwhile, Heather Ezell at Wyoming has found early success, posting winning records and postseason berths in each of her first three seasons. She also recently welcomed a new baby girl, which adds a sweet layer to her story.

Support and Community

There’s a real sense of community among these coaches. Many share their experiences and cheer each other on.

Allison Guth of Loyola Chicago, for instance, often posts about family life with her wife Jessie and their two sons. That openness helps humanize these coaches and builds solidarity within the LGBTQ+ sports community.

Looking Ahead: The Future of LGBTQ+ Representation in Sports

Women’s basketball is only getting more popular, and the visibility of LGBTQ+ coaches will help shape its future. The stories of these 18 coaches go beyond wins and losses—they’re about living authentically and giving others the courage to do the same.