James Madison University Womens Basketball Team Profile

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The James Madison University women's basketball team, also known as the JMU Dukes, has a rich history of excellence in the NCAA Division I. As a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the team has consistently demonstrated its prowess on the court, with numerous conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.

The Program's History and Success

The JMU women's basketball program was established in 1920, and since then, it has evolved into one of the most successful programs in the CAA. The team has won 11 conference championships, including six CAA titles, and has appeared in the NCAA Tournament 11 times. In 2014, the Dukes reached the WNIT semifinals, where they ultimately fell to Rutgers.

The team's success can be attributed to its strong coaching staff, talented players, and a commitment to excellence. Head coach Sean O'Regan has been at the helm since 2001 and has led the team to seven NCAA Tournament appearances. Under his guidance, the Dukes have developed a reputation for their tenacious defense and high-powered offense.

Notable Players and Alumni

The JMU women's basketball program has produced numerous talented players who have gone on to achieve great success at the collegiate and professional levels. Some notable alumni include:

• Kirby Burkholder, who played for the Dukes from 2010 to 2014 and was a two-time CAA Player of the Year.
• Precious Hall, who played for the Dukes from 2011 to 2015 and was a three-time CAA All-Conference selection.
• Lauren Okafor, who played for the Dukes from 2013 to 2017 and was a two-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year.

The Team's Seasonal Performance

The JMU Dukes have consistently performed well in their conference and have made numerous appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Here's a breakdown of the team's seasonal performance over the past few years:

• 2019-2020: The Dukes finished the season with a 22-9 overall record and a 14-4 conference record. They won the CAA regular season championship and appeared in the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to North Carolina State.
• 2018-2019: The Dukes finished the season with a 20-11 overall record and a 13-5 conference record. They appeared in the WNIT, where they lost to Virginia Tech.
• 2017-2018: The Dukes finished the season with a 23-9 overall record and a 15-3 conference record. They won the CAA regular season championship and appeared in the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to West Virginia.

Home Court Advantage

The JMU Dukes play their home games at the JMU Convocation Center, which has a seating capacity of 6,426. The Convocation Center is known for its electric atmosphere, and the Dukes have a strong home court advantage, with a winning percentage of over 70% at home.

Recruiting and Player Development

The JMU women's basketball program is committed to recruiting and developing talented players who can contribute to the team's success. The coaching staff actively scouts and recruits players from across the country, and the team has a strong reputation for developing players who can compete at the highest level.

The team's recruiting efforts are focused on finding players who are not only talented but also fit the program's values and culture. The coaching staff looks for players who are dedicated, hardworking, and passionate about the game.

Community Involvement and Outreach

The JMU women's basketball program is committed to community involvement and outreach. The team regularly participates in charity events, youth basketball clinics, and other community activities.

The team's community involvement efforts are designed to promote the game of basketball, support local youth, and give back to the community.

Conclusion

The James Madison University women's basketball team is a program with a rich history of excellence and a commitment to success. With a strong coaching staff, talented players, and a dedication to community involvement, the Dukes are poised for continued success in the NCAA Division I.