In the thrilling world of women’s basketball, March Madness often lives up to its name. Especially by delivering unexpected twists and turns that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
While the men’s tournament has witnessed Cinderella stories with lower-seeded teams clinching the championship, the women’s tournament has its unique narrative. But who is the lowest-seeded team to win the women’s “Big Dance?”
The Lowest-Seeded NCAA Women’s Tournament Winner
Who’s the lowest-seeded team to ever win the NCAA Women’s Tournament? The answer, as it turns out, is both intriguing and reflective of the competitive landscape of women’s college basketball.
Established in 1982, the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament has grown exponentially in popularity and competitiveness. Each year, 64 teams vie for the coveted national championship, battling through a single-elimination format that tests their skill, endurance, and mental fortitude.
The tournament is seeded from 1 to 16 in four regional brackets, with higher seeds generally reflecting stronger regular-season performances.
Lowest Seed Teams to Win the Championship
In the history of the NCAA Women’s Tournament, the lowest-seeded teams to clinch the national championship have been No. 3 seeds. This remarkable feat has been achieved on three occasions.
- 1994 North Carolina Tar Heels: Under the guidance of Coach Sylvia Hatchell, the Tar Heels entered the tournament as a No. 3 seed. Their journey to the championship was marked by culminating in a dramatic 60-59 victory over Louisiana Tech. Charlotte Smith’s buzzer-beating three-pointer secured North Carolina’s first national title.
- 1997 Tennessee Lady Volunteers: Led by the legendary Coach Pat Summitt, the Lady Vols faced a challenging season, reflected in their No. 3 seed. However, their postseason performance was nothing short of spectacular. They defeated Old Dominion 68-59 in the championship game, securing the program’s fifth national title.
- 2023 LSU Tigers: Coached by Kim Mulkey, the Tigers entered the tournament as a No. 3 seed. Their relentless pursuit of excellence led them to the championship game, where they triumphed over Caitlin Clark and Iowa with a score of 102-85, marking LSU’s first national title in women’s basketball.
These instances highlight that while lower-seeded teams have made significant strides in the tournament, the championship title has been elusive for teams seeded lower than third.
While a No. 3 seed is the lowest to have won the championship, the tournament has witnessed impressive runs by even lower-seeded teams.
- 1998 Arkansas Razorbacks: As a No. 9 seed, Arkansas made an extraordinary run to the Final Four. Their journey included a notable victory over No. 2 seed Duke in the Elite Eight, showcasing the unpredictability of March Madness.
- 2016 Washington Huskies: The seventh-seeded Huskies defied expectations by advancing to the Final Four. Syracuse halted their remarkable journey in the semifinals, but their performance remains a testament to the potential for lower-seeded teams to make deep tournament runs.
- 2022 Creighton Bluejays: Entering the tournament as a No. 10 seed, Creighton advanced to the Elite Eight, marking the program’s deepest run in tournament history. Their journey included an upset victory over No. 2 seed Iowa, underscoring the potential for surprises in the tournament.
The Rise of Competitiveness
In recent years, the competitive landscape of women’s college basketball has evolved, with more programs emerging as formidable contenders. This shift is attributed to increased investment in women’s sports, improved visibility, and a broader distribution of talent.
RELATED: 2025 Women’s March Madness Bracket Predictions
For instance, the 2025 season has seen remarkable performances from teams outside the traditional powerhouses. Northwood University’s women’s basketball team secured its first-ever home playoff victory, defeating Findlay 71-66 in the GMAC Tournament quarterfinals.
Similarly, the women’s basketball scene in the Bay Area has experienced unprecedented changes. California earned an impressive 24-7 record and looks towards a favorable NCAA Tournament seed, while Stanford aims to extend their streak of NCAA appearances.
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