Florida's starting five for the 1997 season. Arguably the best season in school history, the team earned an elite eight trip in the NCAA Tournament.

Women's Basketball 50 Years Celebration

By Andrew Hile

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Florida women's basketball made their debut on the court during the 1973-74 school year as a club organization, posting an 11-8 record under coach Darlene Wyrnak who was a graduate assistant at the school.

The Gators made their first appearance as a varsity squad on Jan. 13, 1975 with Sue Chambers, the first woman to receive a scholarship at UF, leading the way. Now in their 48th season of competition, the Gators have tallied numerous postseason awards and appearances.

Here’s a look at what Florida Women's Basketball has accomplished over the years.

In the NCAA Tournament

Florida Women's Basketball has appeared in the NCAA Tournament 15 times throughout their history, including a stretch of seven-consecutive from 1993-1999. The Gators' top finish came in the form of an elite eight run during the 1997 season when they finished 24-9.

Florida's 15 NCAA Tournament teams - L-R (2016, 2014, 2012, 2009, 2006, 2004, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993)

Women's Basketball All-Americans

Bridget Pettis

Basketball Times All-American (HM), 1991 & 1992

Merlakia Jones

WBCA All-American (HM), 1994 & 1995
AP All-American (HM), 1995
Basketball Times All-American (HM), 1993 & 1994
Basketball Times All-American (3rd), 1995

DeLisha Milton

Wade Trophy Winner, 1997
WBCA All-American (1st), 1997
AP All-American (1st), 1997
USBWA All-American (2nd), 1997
Basketball Times All-American (1st), 1997

Murriel Page

WBCA All-American (1st), 1998
AP All-American (HM), 1997
AP All-American (2nd), 1998
USBWA All-American (1st), 1998
Basketball Times All-American (HM), 1997
Basketball Times All-American (1st), 1998
The Sporting News All-American (1st), 1998

Brandi McCain

WBCA All-American (HM), 2001 & 2002
Womenscollegehoops.com All-American (1st), 2001

Vanessa Hayden

WBCA All-American (HM), 2002 & 2004
AP All-American (2nd), 2004
AP All-American (HM), 2002 & 2003
Womenscollegehoops.com All-American (HM), 2002

Sha Brooks

WBCA All-American (HM), 2009
AP All-American (HM), 2009

Ronni Williams

WBCA All-American (HM), 2017

Academic All-Americans

Florida's seven COSIDA Academic All-Americans - L-R (Amanda Butler, Kerry Cremeans, Brittany Davis, Jordan Jones, Sarah Lowe, Danielle Santos, Lily Svete)

Gators in the WNBA

Florida Women's Basketball is no stranger to the WNBA, with 12 athletes representing Florida at the next level. Bridget Pettis is still currently coaching, serving as an assistant in Chicago.