The James Madison University women's basketball team has a rich history of excellence, with a commitment to developing student-athletes who excel both on and off the court. As a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the Dukes have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Division I ranks.
Team History and Achievements
The James Madison University women's basketball program was established in 1920, making it one of the oldest programs in the country. Over the years, the Dukes have experienced their fair share of success, including 10 CAA championships, 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, and a trip to the Sweet 16 in 1991.
One of the most notable periods in program history came under the leadership of legendary coach Karen Barefoot, who led the Dukes to five CAA titles and six NCAA Tournament appearances during her 13-year tenure. The team's success during this period was marked by the play of standout athletes such as Dawn Evans, who was named the 2011 CAA Player of the Year and went on to play professionally in the WNBA.
Current Team and Coaching Staff
The current James Madison University women's basketball team is led by head coach Sean O'Regan, who took over the program in 2020. Coach O'Regan brings a wealth of experience to the sidelines, having previously served as an assistant coach at several NCAA Division I programs, including the University of Virginia and the University of Maryland.
The Dukes' roster features a talented group of student-athletes from across the country, including several players who have earned All-CAA honors. The team is led by a strong senior class, which includes guards Jackie Benitez and Lexie Barrier, as well as forward Kayla Cooper-Williams.
Facilities and Support Staff
The James Madison University women's basketball team plays its home games at the Atlantic Union Bank Center, a state-of-the-art facility that features a seating capacity of over 8,500. The arena is equipped with a variety of amenities, including a video scoreboard, a sound system, and a concessions area.
The team's support staff includes a strength and conditioning coach, an athletic trainer, and a sports information director, all of whom work together to provide the student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed both on and off the court.
Community Engagement and Outreach
The James Madison University women's basketball team is committed to giving back to the local community through a variety of outreach and engagement initiatives. Each year, the team participates in several charity events, including the annual "Pink Game" to support breast cancer research and awareness.
The team also offers a variety of youth basketball camps and clinics, which provide young players with the opportunity to learn from the Dukes' coaching staff and players. These camps are designed to promote the development of fundamental skills, as well as sportsmanship and teamwork.
Recruiting and Academics
The James Madison University women's basketball team has a strong commitment to academic excellence, with a team GPA that consistently ranks among the highest in the CAA. The team's academic support staff includes a dedicated academic advisor, who works with each student-athlete to ensure that they are meeting their academic goals.
In terms of recruiting, the Dukes look for student-athletes who possess a strong combination of athletic ability, academic achievement, and personal character. The team's coaching staff attends several national recruiting events each year, including the NCAA-certified girls' basketball camps and showcases.
Schedule and Results
The James Madison University women's basketball team competes in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), which features 10 member institutions from across the Mid-Atlantic region. The team's schedule typically includes 18 conference games, as well as several non-conference matchups against teams from across the country.
Each year, the Dukes participate in the CAA Tournament, which determines the conference champion and automatic qualifier for the NCAA Tournament. The team's results can be found on the James Madison University athletics website, which includes game recaps, box scores, and statistics.
Gallery of James Madison University Women's Basketball
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the James Madison University women's basketball team's conference affiliation?
+The James Madison University women's basketball team competes in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).
Where does the James Madison University women's basketball team play its home games?
+The James Madison University women's basketball team plays its home games at the Atlantic Union Bank Center.
What is the James Madison University women's basketball team's record in the NCAA Tournament?
+The James Madison University women's basketball team has made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances and has a record of 5-12 in tournament play.
We hope you've enjoyed learning more about the James Madison University women's basketball team. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just starting to follow the team, we encourage you to stay up-to-date with the latest news, scores, and highlights from the world of Dukes basketball.