Texas Women’s basketball Coach Vic Schaefer wins 2025 SEC Coach of the Year award beating several other contenders like Notre Dame’s coach, South Carolina coach and Georgia Coach foe the Honor…
In a remarkable achievement, Texas women’s basketball coach Vic Schaefer has been honored with the 2025 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Coach of the Year award. This accolade underscores Schaefer’s exceptional leadership and the significant strides made by the Texas Longhorns under his guidance. Notably, Schaefer surpassed esteemed contenders such as South Carolina’s coach, Georgia’s coach, and Notre Dame’s coach to secure this prestigious recognition.
Vic Schaefer’s Coaching Journey
Born on March 2, 1961, in Austin, Texas, Vic Schaefer’s coaching career spans several decades, marked by consistent success and a commitment to excellence. After serving as an assistant coach at Sam Houston State from 1987 to 1989, he became the head coach there from 1990 to 1997. Subsequent roles included assistant and associate head coach positions at Arkansas and Texas A&M, respectively. In 2012, Schaefer took the helm at Mississippi State, leading the Bulldogs to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and two national runner-up finishes. His tenure at Mississippi State also included two SEC Championships and an SEC Tournament Championship. In 2020, Schaefer returned to his home state to become the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, aiming to elevate the program to national prominence.
Transforming the Texas Longhorns
Since his arrival at Texas, Schaefer has implemented a culture of discipline, resilience, and competitiveness. His coaching philosophy emphasizes defensive intensity and teamwork, principles that have been instrumental in the Longhorns’ resurgence. Under Schaefer’s leadership, Texas secured the Big 12 Tournament titles in 2022 and 2024 and clinched the Big 12 Regular Season Championship in 2023. The 2024–2025 season marked Texas’s inaugural participation in the SEC, where they shared the regular-season title with South Carolina, ultimately earning the No. 1 seed in the SEC Tournament due to a tiebreaker.
The 2024–2025 Season Highlights
The Longhorns’ transition to the SEC was met with both anticipation and skepticism. However, Schaefer’s squad exceeded expectations, finishing the regular season with a stellar record and demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level. A pivotal moment came in January when Texas faced South Carolina, a game that resulted in their sole conference loss. Undeterred, the Longhorns embarked on a 13-game winning streak, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.
Individual Accolades and Team Dynamics
Sophomore guard Madison Booker emerged as a standout player, leading the team in scoring and earning the SEC Player of the Year award. Despite Booker’s recognition, Schaefer expressed disappointment that only one player received all-conference honors. He believed that senior point guard Rori Harmon, known for her defensive prowess, and other contributors like Taylor Jones and Kyla Oldacre were deserving of accolades. Schaefer’s advocacy for his players highlights his dedication to acknowledging their efforts and fostering a team-centric environment.
Surpassing Esteemed Contenders
The SEC Coach of the Year award is highly competitive, with numerous coaches leading successful programs. Schaefer’s recognition is particularly noteworthy given the caliber of his counterparts. South Carolina’s coach, for instance, has guided the Gamecocks to multiple national championships and SEC titles, establishing a legacy of excellence. Similarly, Georgia’s coach has revitalized their program, leading them to significant tournament runs. Notre Dame’s coach, though outside the SEC, has also been a formidable presence in women’s basketball, making Schaefer’s achievement even more commendable.
Looking Ahead
As the Longhorns prepare for the SEC and NCAA tournaments, Schaefer remains focused on maintaining the team’s momentum. He emphasizes the importance of energy, focus, and execution, understanding that postseason play presents unique challenges. The recognition as SEC Coach of the Year serves as a testament to Schaefer’s effective leadership and the collective effort of the team. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, the Texas Longhorns are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming tournaments, further solidifying their place among the elite programs in women’s college basketball.
In conclusion, Vic Schaefer’s receipt of the 2025 SEC Coach of the Year award reflects his transformative impact on the Texas women’s basketball program. His ability to navigate the challenges of a new conference, elevate player performance, and foster a winning culture underscores his status as one of the premier coaches in the sport. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Longhorns to see how they capitalize on their regular-season success in pursuit of championship glory.
