Top 10 Most Memorable Moments in Iowa State Women's Basketball History
Sports
Iowa State women's basketball has built a proud tradition over decades of competition in the Big 12 Conference. From tournament upsets to record-breaking performances, the Cyclones have created countless memorable moments that have thrilled fans in Hilton Coliseum and beyond.
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1. 2019 NCAA Tournament Second Round Victory Over Missouri
The Cyclones stunned the college basketball world with their thrilling 78-68 victory over Missouri in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament. This breakthrough win marked Iowa State's first NCAA Tournament victory since 2001 and propelled them to the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history.
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2. Reaching the 2019 NCAA Sweet 16
Iowa State made program history by advancing to their first-ever Sweet 16 appearance in 2019. The magical tournament run captured the hearts of Cyclone fans nationwide and established the program as a legitimate contender on the national stage.
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3. Bill Fennelly's 500th Career Victory
Head coach Bill Fennelly reached the milestone of 500 career wins during his tenure with the Cyclones. This achievement solidified his status as one of the most successful coaches in program history and recognized his decades of dedication to Iowa State women's basketball.
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4. 2000 Big 12 Tournament Championship
The Cyclones captured their first and only Big 12 Tournament title in 2000, defeating top-seeded Texas Tech in the championship game. This victory earned Iowa State an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and remains one of the program's greatest achievements.
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5. Angie Welle's All-American Career
Angie Welle became Iowa State's first consensus All-American in 2001, leading the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Her dominant post play and leadership helped establish the foundation for the program's future success in the early 2000s.
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6. The Hilton Coliseum Upset of UConn in 2005
In one of the biggest upsets in program history, Iowa State defeated the heavily favored UConn Huskies at Hilton Coliseum during the 2005 season. The victory over the perennial powerhouse demonstrated that the Cyclones could compete with college basketball's elite programs.
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7. Ashley Joens Breaking Multiple Program Records
Ashley Joens rewrote the Iowa State record books during her stellar career from 2018-2022. She became the program's all-time leading scorer and established herself as one of the greatest players to ever wear the cardinal and gold uniform.
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8. 2001 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight Appearance
The 2001 Cyclones advanced all the way to the Elite Eight, coming within one game of the Final Four. Led by Angie Welle and a talented supporting cast, this deep tournament run remains one of the program's most memorable postseason achievements.
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9. Multiple Big 12 Regular Season Championships
Iowa State has claimed multiple Big 12 regular season titles throughout their conference history. These championships showcase the program's consistent excellence and ability to compete at the highest level of collegiate women's basketball.
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10. The Passionate Hilton Coliseum Crowd
Hilton Coliseum has become known for its electric atmosphere during women's basketball games, with passionate Cyclone fans creating one of the best home court advantages in the Big 12. The loyal fan support has been instrumental in the program's success and memorable moments.
Iowa State women's basketball has created a rich tapestry of memorable moments that continue to inspire current and future generations of Cyclones. From historic tournament runs to individual achievements, these top moments represent the heart, determination, and excellence that define the program's proud tradition in Ames.