FEATURES • Summer 2001

Photos by Joe Angeles

The Washington University women's basketball team won its fourth-consecutive NCAA Division III National Championship, defeating Messiah College, 67–45, on March 17, 2001, in Danbury, Connecticut. The Bears became the second team in NCAA women's basketball history to win four consecutive national titles. Along the way, the team also broke the women's consecutive-wins record for all NCAA divisions with 81 straight victories. Only the UCLA Bruins men's team of the early ’70s went further, winning 88 games. Under the tutelage of 15-year head coach Nancy Fahey, the team has established itself as one of the most successful in NCAA women's basketball history.
Senior forward Tasha Rodgers, the NCAA Division III Player of the Year, soars over two defenders.

 

Sporting new T-shirts, the Bears gather around the championship trophy during the victory rally in Bowles Plaza. Members of the University community in attendance also received free T-shirts as part of the celebration.

 

 

 
Head coach Nancy Fahey relishes another championship at the University-wide victory rally in Bowles Plaza on April 6.

 

 

 
Sophomore forward Jennifer Rudis readies herself to dribble past the defense.

 

 

 

Senior center Lindsey Merrill drives to the basket.