Rome wasn't built in a day.

A phrase that is used often when talking about building a championship caliber program. Much like Rome, the UTPB's women's basketball team's success is a result of consistent effort and steadfast commitment to the journey.

Season	UTPB overall record
2023-24	13-3 *Best start in UTPB history
2022-23	13-15
2021-22	8-20
2020-21	6-12

 If you have followed the Falcons over the last four seasons, you probably saw this historic run coming.  Every year since the 2020-21 season, the team has increased their win total.

"I've been part of the program for the past four years, and it's been really great to be on the team and see the growing success. We've come a long way since my freshman year," said Junior Morgan Helgesen.

So, what's the reason behind the success? There's no question the team is putting in the hard work during practice and the off season. But, unlike most NCAA teams, the Falcons have stuck together over the years and not hit the portal. Giving the team the opportunity to grow and build off previous seasons.

 

Fun Fact

At the end the 2023 women's basketball season, 747 women's basketball players hit the portal in Division II.

"This year wasn't the year it happened. This is just the year people are seeing it," said Head Women's Basketball coach Rae Boothe. "The foundation has been there, the right people have been in place, we just needed time to make it all come together. It was huge that we didn't have anyone enter the portal, so this year's success, at least to date, is based on experience we've had together and all the things we've been through."

Coach Boothe also noted that the amount of experience they have on the team this year is special and their motivation to not miss out on the goals they have missed in the past and the adversity they have faced in recent years…

"Losing on the backend of a three-way tie and the year before that missing the tournament by one game has definitely fueled our ability to stay focused, disciplined, and enjoy the process."

When a team sticks together, not only does the added experience help in times of adversity during games, but it also leads to team chemistry growing over time which is huge because the Falcons aren't worried about individual accolades.

"I think this is probably the closest our team has been since I've been here. We are so connected on and off the court," said Helgesen. "Being able to move the ball, read each other, and know what each teammate does best has helped our team. We play very unselfishly, and we move the ball a lot. d We pass up shots we could take, but we know there is a better one coming."

"I completely agree with Morgan. I think we do know each other's next move," said Senior Andreea Mancha. "One of the reasons why I transferred here from my junior college is because I could see the chemistry, the family, and the culture here from the girls. The team just brought me in right away and made me feel like I was one of them."

The Falcons return home this week and have an opportunity to achieve another historical achievement.  The team is just two home victories away from winning 10 straight games at home. –  Winning their final two homes during the 2022-23 season would be something that hasn't been done since the 2012-13 season.

Currently, the Falcons are 6-0 at home and will face eighth place (4-6 in LSC play) St. Edwards on Thursday (Jan. 25), then they will take on 11^th place (3-7 in LSC play) St. Mary's on Saturday (Jan. 27) at 1 p.m.

"Everybody on this team is just so special and they're going to do whatever it takes to make sure this team is successful," said coach Boothe. "I'm pretty proud of them. But we got work to do. We are just over halfway and it would be pretty disappointing if this was the highlight. St. Edwards is the biggest game of our lives and we are going to prepare that way so we have no regrets."