Women’s Basketball Team Shines as Champions
Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball is celebrating a remarkable milestone this season, marking the 50th anniversary of its women’s basketball program. This season of celebration comes with great anticipation, as the Yellow Jackets have experienced significant growth over the years, building a rich tradition of success. From their early years in the Georgia Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (GAIAW) to becoming a prominent force in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Georgia Tech’s journey has been one of steady progress, producing standout athletes and achieving notable accomplishments along the way.
The 2023-24 season is a special one for Georgia Tech, as it pays tribute to the history and progress of the women’s basketball program. In 1974-75, Georgia Tech’s women’s basketball team made its debut in the Georgia Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, setting the foundation for what would become a storied program. Just five years later, in 1979-80, Georgia Tech made the transition to compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference, marking the beginning of an era where the team would consistently compete at the highest levels of college basketball.
The growth of the program has been impressive. Over the last five decades, Georgia Tech women’s basketball has reached a number of key milestones that have shaped its legacy. The Yellow Jackets have participated in the NCAA Tournament 11 times, which is no small feat in the competitive landscape of women’s college basketball. Among those 11 appearances, two Sweet 16 berths stand out: one in 2012 and another in 2021. These performances placed Georgia Tech among the nation’s elite teams, further cementing the program’s place in the sport’s upper echelon.
Moreover, Georgia Tech has made its mark by producing several notable players who have gone on to professional careers. Nine players from the program have been selected in the WNBA Draft, including first-round picks like Alex Montgomery and Sasha Goodlett. Their success in the professional ranks has not only brought recognition to the individual players but has also highlighted the caliber of coaching and training that the program offers. The talent pipeline established at Georgia Tech is a testament to the program’s success in developing players who can thrive at the highest levels of competition.
One of the most significant achievements in Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball history came in 1992, when the team captured its first postseason title by winning the National Women’s Invitational Tournament (NWIT). This victory was a breakthrough moment for the program, showcasing the Yellow Jackets’ potential and setting the stage for future success in NCAA postseason play. Since that time, the team has continued to make strides, and in recent years, under the leadership of head coach Nell Fortner, the Yellow Jackets have reached the postseason three times in the past five years, further establishing their competitive prowess in the ACC and beyond.
This year, the Yellow Jackets are off to an exceptional start, which only adds to the excitement surrounding their 50th anniversary celebration. In their latest game against No. 21 Oregon at the Hawaii North Shore Showcase, Georgia Tech demonstrated its potential to compete with the best in the country. The Yellow Jackets secured a 74-58 victory, pulling away in the fourth quarter after a tightly contested game. Ariadna Termis played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring eight of her 13 points in the decisive fourth quarter. She was not alone in her efforts, as Zoesha Smith added 12 points, contributing to both the offense and defense with two blocks and two steals. Ines Noguera also made her presence felt, contributing 11 points, seven assists, and three steals, while Tonie Morgan posted a stat line of 10 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
A key factor in Georgia Tech’s dominant performance was its ability to control the boards, out-rebounding Oregon 53-31, with 23 of those rebounds coming on the offensive glass. Kara Dunn grabbed 12 rebounds, while Kayla Blackshear added 10, both helping to limit Oregon’s second-chance opportunities while giving the Yellow Jackets extra possessions. This dominant performance on the glass speaks to the tenacity and team-first mentality that Coach Jim Culpepper, who is now leading the program, has instilled in the team.
The fourth quarter saw Georgia Tech capitalize on a momentum shift, with Termis and Noguera hitting back-to-back 3-pointers to open the period. The team then went on a 10-0 run to extend its lead to 56-43, a margin that Oregon was never able to recover from. Termis’ deep shot and Chazadi White’s contributions helped push the lead to 21 points with just over two minutes remaining. The victory was a statement win, showcasing Georgia Tech’s potential as a serious contender in women’s basketball this season.
The Yellow Jackets’ strong start this season is reminiscent of their impressive 2017-18 campaign, when they began the year by winning their first six games. It is clear that under Coach Culpepper’s leadership, Georgia Tech has the tools to compete with some of the best teams in the country. The win over Oregon was a clear example of the team’s growth and ability to play together as a unit, with everyone contributing to the victory.
While the victory against Oregon was certainly a highlight, it also served as a reminder of the challenges that Georgia Tech faces over the course of a season. Despite their impressive first-quarter play, where they opened with a 14-2 run to take a 16-7 lead, the Yellow Jackets struggled at times with offensive consistency. They missed their final six shots of the first quarter and then missed nine consecutive shots early in the second quarter. This allowed Oregon to capitalize on the cold stretch and take a one-point lead before Georgia Tech regrouped and took a 29-27 lead into halftime. These moments of adversity are part of the process, and they provide learning opportunities for the team as they continue to build chemistry and cohesion under Coach Culpepper’s guidance.
In addition to the strong team play, individual performances were crucial to the win. Smith’s offensive output, along with her contributions on the defensive end, helped to keep the pressure on Oregon throughout the game. Noguera’s all-around playmaking, evidenced by her seven assists, also stood out as she facilitated the offense while also contributing defensively. The balance of scoring and defense was evident in the way the Yellow Jackets were able to stifle Oregon’s offensive attack in the second half, limiting them to just 15 points in the fourth quarter.
The win against Oregon continues to build momentum for Georgia Tech as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The team’s combination of experienced players and new talent, along with the leadership of Coach Culpepper, has created a strong foundation for future success. As the season progresses, the Yellow Jackets will continue to aim for the postseason, hoping to make a deep run in both the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
Coach Culpepper, who has led the team with a focus on teamwork and accountability, has been instrumental in steering the Yellow Jackets into a new era. His emphasis on building a cohesive unit, where every player has a defined role and is expected to contribute, has been key to the team’s early success this season. Under his leadership, Georgia Tech is not just playing for victories—they are playing for the legacy of the program, which is celebrating 50 years of excellence. The players, coaches, and staff are all aware of the historical significance of this season and are determined to make it one to remember.
As the Georgia Tech women’s basketball team celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is clear that the program has come a long way since its inception. From its humble beginnings in the GAIAW to its current position as a powerhouse in the ACC, the Yellow Jackets have built a strong tradition of excellence. The milestones they’ve reached, the players they’ve produced, and the accomplishments they’ve achieved are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of everyone involved in the program. The next chapter of Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball promises to be just as exciting, as the team continues to push the boundaries of what is possible and strives for even greater success in the years to come.
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