In just a few short years, Lindsay Gottlieb has transformed the USC Trojans women’s basketball program into a dominant force. With a relentless commitment to excellence, she has guided the Trojans to a historic season. Her leadership has now earned her the prestigious title of Big Ten Coach of the Year.
This has solidified her status as one of the most influential figures in women’s college basketball.
Lindsay Gottlieb Achieves Big Ten Triumph
USC’s remarkable resurgence under Gottlieb reached a new peak this season as she led the team to an impressive 26-2 regular-season record. This included a dominant 17-1 run in the Big Ten.
The Trojans clinched the Big Ten regular-season title outright in their very first year in the conference. It’s a feat that had not been accomplished by the program in three decades. This level of success had not been seen since the early 1980s when USC won back-to-back national championships.
The achievement did not go unnoticed. USC Women’s Basketball’s official X page celebrated the milestone with an emphatic post featuring a beaming Gottlieb and the caption:
“THAT’S OUR COACH! COACH GOTTLIEB IS THE BIG TEN COACH OF THE YEAR.”
THAT’S OUR COACH!
COACH GOTTLIEB IS THE BIG TEN COACH OF THE YEAR ✌️ pic.twitter.com/0kVBQ7BEyZ
— USC Women’s Basketball (@USCWBB) March 4, 2025
Gottlieb’s impact on the program cannot be overstated. The Trojans had not experienced a conference title win in 30 years. Under her guidance, they have now secured back-to-back 26-plus win seasons—something that had not happened since the 1982-83 and 1983-84 championship years.
Her ability to restore USC’s women’s basketball team to prominence in such a short time is a testament to her skill, dedication, and leadership.
After receiving the Big Ten Coach of the Year honor, Gottlieb appeared on the Big Ten Network, expressing both gratitude and humility.
“It’s truly humbling,” Gottlieb said. “We have an 18-team league, with 13 NCAA tournament teams and so many great coaches, so to be singled out by my peers and the media is really something I’m grateful for.”
She made it clear that the award was not just an individual accolade but a reflection of the hard work and commitment of her coaching staff and players.
“It’s a staff award, a team award,” Gottlieb added. “None of this happens unless the team wins a championship. Unless the staff I have comes to work every day with the right mindset. I’m really grateful.”
Gottlieb’s path to becoming one of the nation’s most respected coaches has been marked by determination and a passion for the game. After concluding her playing career at Brown University in 1999, she quickly transitioned into coaching.
She started as an assistant at Syracuse and steadily climbed the ranks, taking on coaching roles at UC Santa Barbara (2008-2011), California (2011-2019), and ultimately, USC in 2021.
The Future of USC Women’s Basketball Under Gottlieb
Her love for basketball and her analytical mind made her an ideal fit for coaching.
“I always loved sports… I was a big X’s and O’s nerd… and at the same time felt like there was an opportunity to have an impact on people,” Gottlieb shared. “This is the profession for me…. I’ve been very lucky to have a job that I feel so passionate about.”
When she took over the USC program in 2021, the Trojans had not won an NCAA tournament game in 15 years. Her first season saw the team struggle to a 12-16 finish, but instead of letting that deter her, she laid the foundation for long-term success.
Each subsequent year saw improvement, and by surrounding superstar guard JuJu Watkins with a carefully recruited blend of top-tier transfers and high-caliber recruits, she turned USC into a powerhouse.
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The Trojans’ 27-2 regular-season record this year tied for the program’s best mark, matching the legendary 1982-83 team. USC’s dominance was highlighted by its ability to win under pressure, securing high-stakes victories over top-ranked opponents and proving that they belonged among the nation’s elite.
Gottlieb’s success in revitalizing USC women’s basketball has positioned the program for sustained excellence. With a core of talented players and a coaching staff that embraces a culture of growth and competitiveness, the Trojans are primed for continued dominance in the Big Ten and beyond.
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