New York, NY—In a conference defined by excellence, the Big East women’s basketball landscape continues to shine with some of the sport’s brightest stars. Programs like the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies — led by legendary coach Geno Auriemma and headlined by top-tier talent such as Paige Bueckers — have long set the standard. This season, Georgetown University hopes to join those ranks.
The Big East’s reputation speaks for itself. UConn captured last season’s national championship, marking another milestone for the storied program. Auriemma, who has guided the Huskies to all 12 of the Big East’s national titles, became the winningest coach in college basketball history — men’s or women’s — in November, reaching an unprecedented 1,250 career victories.
UConn’s dominance continues at the professional level as well. Star guard Paige Bueckers was selected first overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, becoming the sixth No. 1 pick in Huskies history. Last season, two Big East teams earned spots in the NCAA Tournament, while three more competed in the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT) — a testament to the league’s depth and competitive strength.
The conference’s annual Media Day took place Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Madison Square Garden, where coaches, athletes, administrators, and media gathered to discuss the season ahead. The event began with remarks from Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman, who emphasized the continued rise of women’s basketball and the importance of recognizing its growing impact.
Ackerman highlighted the work of Villanova senior administrator Lynn Tighe, who serves on the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee. Tighe helped develop the new NCAA Women’s Basketball Performance Fund, which will financially reward programs for tournament bids and wins — a move Ackerman called “a reflection of the sport’s tremendous growth.”
A longtime advocate for equality in college basketball, Ackerman reiterated her belief that the men’s and women’s Final Fours should eventually be held in the same city on the same weekend.
“I’ve been somewhat of a lone wolf on this topic,” Ackerman said. “But combining the events would reduce costs, ensure shared support, and create new revenue opportunities for both tournaments.”
This season, the Big East returns to its traditional double round-robin format, with each team playing a 20-game conference schedule — one home and one away game against every opponent.
At Georgetown, new head coach Darnell Haney is embracing the challenge of building a contender in a conference filled with powerhouses. The Hoyas’ roster includes seven returning players — two coming off season-long injuries — along with seven transfers and one freshman. Haney said the influx of experienced players will bring valuable maturity to a competitive league.
“We’re playing in a league that’s older,” Haney said. “To compete, you need maturity — and we made sure to go out and get it.”
Haney expressed excitement about the group’s chemistry and potential.
“I’m just excited about our team,” he said. “I think we have a chance to put something on the floor that Georgetown, the Big East, and our community can be proud of.”
When asked about replacing standout point guard Kelsey Ransom, who graduated last year, Haney was candid.
“You can’t replace a revolutionary player like that,” he said. “It’s going to be a little different without Ransom, of course.”
Sophomore point guard Khadee Hession, one of three Hoyas who attended Media Day alongside senior guard Victoria Rivera and graduate forward Brianna Scott, echoed her coach’s confidence — even when facing elite competition like UConn.
“You don’t play a national championship team every day,” Hession said. “But honestly, I approach every game the same, regardless of who the opponent is.”
As the season approaches, Haney believes his team has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
“I’ve got my group of young women in,” he said. “They’re going to help us grow, and they’re going to help this program reach elite status in the Big East. It takes people who love the game — and who love being Georgetown Hoyas.”
