On Tuesday, Nov. 1, several of the top head coaches and players in women’s college basketball made their way to Bristol, Conn., for the NCAA Women’s Basketball National Media Day, which serves as the tip-off event for the 2016-17 season.
“As the exclusive home of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, ESPN was thrilled to host the second annual NCAA National Media Day,” said Vice President of Women’s Sports Programming, Carol Stiff. “Hosting this event allows us to capture and showcase the stars and stories in women’s basketball, as coaches and players set their sights on the Final Four in Dallas, beginning the journey right here in Bristol.”
Head coaches Karen Aston (Texas), Geno Auriemma (UConn), Cori Close (UCLA), Muffet McGraw (Notre Dame), Dawn Staley (South Carolina) and Jeff Walz (Louisville), and student-athletes Diamond DeShields (Tennessee), Kelsey Mitchell (Ohio State), Kelsey Plum (Washington), Leticia Romero (Florida State), Brianna Turner (Notre Dame) and A’ja Wilson (South Carolina) traveled around campus for a day-long “car wash” to discuss the upcoming season.
Several coaches and players made appearances on SportsCenter, Mike & Mike, First Take and SEC Now, and did several interviews with espnW, Rebecca Lobo and Doris Burke.
“What better way to start another women’s basketball season than to celebrate with our friends at ESPN,” said Rick Nixon, NCAA associate director. “Women’s Basketball National Media Day has become must-see TV for all involved in the game and is a coveted invitation for those considered to participate. Our second annual Media Day included the top student-athletes and coaches in the game and has become a great way for the sporting public to meet the next wave of stars that they will be watching over the next five months, culminating at the Women’s Final Four next April in Dallas. We have received an overwhelming response from our stakeholders on how important the day has become and appreciate the time, effort and coordination it took by everyone involved at ESPN to make the day special. Let the games begin.”
This season’s schedule opens on Monday, Nov. 14, with four-time defending champion UConn at Florida State as part of the annual Tip-Off Marathon (6 p.m. ET, ESPN2). Following that game, Stanford takes on Texas as Marathon coverage continues. A full schedule is available here.
Join the conversation throughout the season on social by following @espnW, @ncaawbb and using the hashtag #OurGameOurStory.
