Gonzaga Women's Basketball: A Dynasty in the Making

Gonzaga University's women's basketball program has soared to unprecedented heights in recent years, becoming a dominant force in the West Coast Conference. Led by the visionary head coach Lisa Fortier, the Bulldogs have captured four consecutive WCC regular-season and tournament championships, earning NCAA Tournament berths each year.
The Bulldogs' rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. In the 2020-21 season, they made history by achieving a perfect 16-0 record in the WCC, securing their first conference title since joining Division I in 1999. The following year, they defended their crown with a 15-3 conference record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, knocking off No. 15 seed Creighton in the process.
Success continued to follow the Bulldogs in the 2022-23 season, as they once again claimed the WCC regular-season and tournament titles with a 14-2 conference record. Their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance saw them upset the sixth-seeded Texas Longhorns in the first round, before falling to the eventual national champion Stanford Cardinal in the second round.
"The Gonzaga women's basketball program is a true inspiration to our university and the Spokane community," said Gonzaga Athletic Director Chris Standiford. "Coach Fortier and her staff have built a winning culture that emphasizes hard work, determination, and teamwork. We couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments."
The Bulldogs' success on the court is not limited to their team achievements. They have also produced several outstanding individual players, including the 2023 WCC Player of the Year, Kaylynne Truong. The senior forward led the Bulldogs in scoring (15.9 ppg), rebounding (9.6 rpg), and assists (4.6 apg) during the 2022-23 season.
Another key contributor to the Bulldogs' success has been graduate student guard, Brynna Maxwell. The All-WCC Second Team selection finished her career at Gonzaga as the program's all-time leader in three-pointers made (247) and assisted (471). Maxwell's perimeter threat helped stretch opposing defenses and create scoring opportunities for her teammates.
As the Bulldogs prepare for the 2023-24 season, they aim to extend their reign at the top of the WCC. With a talented roster led by Truong, Maxwell, and several promising newcomers, Gonzaga is poised to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Fortier credits her team's success to their unwavering commitment to defense and their ability to play together as a unit. "Defense is the cornerstone of our program," said Fortier. "We want to make it as tough as possible for our opponents to score."
Offensively, the Bulldogs rely on a balanced attack that emphasizes ball movement and efficient shot selection. "We don't have any one player who we rely on to carry us," said Fortier. "We have a lot of players who can contribute on any given night."
The Bulldogs' newfound success has generated an unprecedented level of excitement and support in the Spokane community. The McCarthey Athletic Center, Gonzaga's home arena, is consistently packed with enthusiastic fans who cheer on their team with unwavering passion.
Gonzaga's women's basketball program is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that can be achieved through a shared vision. Under the leadership of Lisa Fortier, the Bulldogs have established themselves as a national powerhouse and a source of pride for the entire Gonzaga community. As the Bulldogs continue to soar to new heights, one can't help but wonder what the future holds for this budding dynasty.