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HBCU Women’s Basketball: Complete NCAA Tournament History

ByCoach

The journey of HBCU women’s basketball programs in the NCAA tournament is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the rich history of these institutions. With a legacy that began in 1982, these programs have made significant strides, despite often being seeded towards the bottom of the bracket.

This blog delves into the history, achievements, and challenges faced by HBCU women’s basketball teams in the NCAA tournament, highlighting their remarkable contributions to the sport.

The Inaugural Appearance and Early Years

Howard, Jackson State, and Cheyney made history by participating in the inaugural DI women’s basketball tournament in 1982. This marked the beginning of a long journey for HBCU women’s basketball programs.

Cheyney, in particular, stood out by advancing to the Final Four and even reaching the title game, a feat unmatched by any other HBCU to date.

Cheyney’s Historic Run

Cheyney University’s women’s basketball team set a high standard with their performance in the early 1980s. Their most notable achievement came in 1984 when they advanced to the Final Four and eventually the title game.

Cheyney’s record of 8-3 in the tournament remains the best among HBCUs, showcasing their dominance during that period.

Performance Over the Decades

Since the inception of the tournament, a total of 19 HBCU women’s basketball programs have graced the March Madness bracket. Hampton leads the pack with the most appearances, although they have yet to secure a win.

Bethune-Cookman was the latest to make its debut in 2019, adding to the rich tapestry of HBCU participation.

Hampton: A Legacy of Appearances

Hampton University holds the record for the most NCAA tournament appearances by an HBCU women’s basketball program, with nine entries.

Despite their frequent appearances, the Pirates have struggled to advance, holding an 0-9 record. Their last appearance was in 2017, and they continue to strive for that elusive first win.

Recent Entries and Wins

Bethune-Cookman made its debut in 2019, while Howard and Southern have been the only HBCUs to secure wins since the tournament expanded to 64 teams.

Howard’s victory in the First Four in 2022 and Southern’s win in 2025 highlight the ongoing potential of these programs.

Challenges and Seeding

HBCU women’s basketball teams have often faced the challenge of being seeded towards the bottom of the bracket. Out of 66 participations in the Round of 64, they have been seeded 16th—the lowest possible seed—35 times.

The highest seed achieved by an HBCU in the Round of 64 has been No. 12, reached three times.

Seeding Struggles

The seeding history reflects the uphill battle faced by HBCU teams. The highest seeds—No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3—were achieved by Cheyney in the early 1980s.

More recent teams have mostly been seeded 15th or 16th, which often pits them against the top teams in the nation, making victories harder to come by.

Notable Performances

  • Cheyney: Advanced to the Final Four and title game in 1984.
  • Howard: First Four win in 2022.
  • Southern: First Four win in 2025.

All-Time Records and Statistics

Examining the all-time records of HBCU women’s basketball teams in the NCAA tournament provides a clearer picture of their performance. Cheyney boasts the best win percentage at .727, followed by South Carolina State at .500.

Most other programs have struggled to secure wins, reflecting the competitive nature of the tournament.

Win-Loss Records

Here is a look at the all-time records of HBCU women’s basketball teams in the NCAA tournament:

  • Cheyney: 8-3 (.727)
  • South Carolina State: 1-1 (.500)
  • Howard: 1-7 (.125)
  • Southern: 1-7 (.125)

Recent Tournament Results

Recent years have seen a mix of tough losses and significant wins for HBCU teams. In 2025, Southern secured a win against UC San Diego in the First Four before falling to UCLA.

Similarly, Howard’s 2022 win against Incarnate Word was followed by a loss to South Carolina.

The Road Ahead

The future of HBCU women’s basketball in the NCAA tournament looks promising. With increasing visibility and support, these programs have the potential to break new ground and achieve greater success.

Continued investment in coaching, facilities, and recruitment will be key to their future achievements.

Building on Success

Programs like Howard and Southern have shown that victories are possible, even against the odds. Building on these successes will require a focus on developing talent and creating competitive schedules that prepare teams for the intensity of the NCAA tournament.

Support and Recognition

Greater support from alumni, fans, and the broader basketball community can help elevate HBCU women’s basketball programs. Recognizing their achievements and providing the necessary resources will be crucial in helping these teams compete at the highest levels.

Conclusion

The journey of HBCU women’s basketball programs in the NCAA tournament is a story of resilience and determination. Despite the challenges, these teams have made significant contributions to the sport, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations.

With ongoing support and investment, the future holds promise for even greater achievements.

To learn more about the history and achievements of HBCU women’s basketball programs in the NCAA tournament, visit the official NCAA article.

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