History of Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 23, 2025

The Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team represents the University of Wisconsin–Madison in NCAA Division I competition, as a member of the Big Ten Conference. They play their home games at the Kohl Center, located on the university's campus in Madison, Wisconsin, after previously playing at the Wisconsin Field House.

1982: Start of Big Ten Conference

In 1982, the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team joined the Big Ten Conference.

1983: Best Season Thus Far

In the 1982–1983 season, the Wisconsin Badgers achieved their best season up to that point, with a record of 19–8.

1992: First NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 1992, coach Murphy led the Wisconsin Badgers to their first appearance in the NCAA tournament.

1992: Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year

In 1992, coach Murphy was named Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year with an overall record of 20-9 and a Big Ten record of 13-5.

1995: Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year

In 1995, coach Albright was named Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year.

1999: WNIT Runners-Up

In 1999, the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team were the WNIT runners-up.

2000: WNIT Champions

In 2000, the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team became WNIT champions.

2006: Record 23 Wins

The 2006 season produced a record of 23 wins for the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team.

2007: WNIT Championship Appearance

In 2007, the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team fell in the WNIT championship to the University of Wyoming, 72–56.

2008: WNIT Second Round Loss

In 2008, the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team made another trip to the WNIT, but lost in the second round to Villanova University.

2009: 21-11 Record

In 2009, the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team achieved a 21-11 record.

2009: WNIT Third Round Appearance

In 2009, the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team went to the WNIT for the third consecutive year, but lost in the third round to St. Bonaventure.

2010: NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 2010, the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team went to the NCAA tournament for the first time, but lost in the first round to Vermont, 64–55.

April 11, 2011: Bobbie Kelsey Hired as Head Coach

On April 11, 2011, Bobbie Kelsey was hired as the new head coach for the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team, signing a five-year contract.

2011: WNIT Second Round Exit

In 2011, the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team finished with a 16-15 record and bowed out of the WNIT in the second round to Illinois State 62–59.

2013: Taylor Wurtz and Morgan Paige Reach 1,000 Points

In 2013, Taylor Wurtz and Morgan Paige became the 22nd and 23rd players to reach the 1,000 point plateau for the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team.

2014: Kelsey's Contract Extended

At the end of the 2013–2014 season, coach Bobbie Kelsey's contract was extended three years, ending in the spring of 2019.

March 4, 2016: Bobbie Kelsey Let Go

On March 4, 2016, Bobbie Kelsey was let go as head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team, after finishing with an all-time record of 47–100.