A Milestone for Rice Women's Basketball
Lindsay Edmonds, the architect of Rice University’s resurgence in women’s basketball, has agreed to a contract extension that will keep her at the helm through the 2031 season. The agreement, announced this week, locks in the coach who has transformed the program into a perennial contender.
Under Edmonds’ guidance, the Owls captured the 2026 American Conference regular‑season championship and posted a school‑record 29 victories, highlighted by a 22‑game winning streak that defined the 2025‑26 campaign. The team’s dominance was underscored when senior forward Victoria Flores earned Player of the Year honors, while fellow standouts Shelby Hayes, Louann Battiston and Hailey Adams contributed to a roster that amassed 17 all‑conference selections.
Edmonds’ impact extends beyond win totals. In just five seasons she compiled a 102‑60 record, becoming the fastest coach in program history to reach 100 wins. The Owls have secured three postseason berths under her, advancing to the second round on two occasions, and her athletes have collected six major conference awards.
The coach’s excellence was recognized league‑wide, as she was named unanimous Coach of the Year by the American Conference and placed among eight finalists for the WBCA National Coach of the Year award. Such accolades reflect not only the team’s on‑court success but also the culture of excellence she has cultivated.
Looking ahead, Edmonds aims to sustain Rice’s upward trajectory, leveraging the program’s momentum to attract top talent and expand its national footprint. The extension signals a long‑term commitment from both the university and the coach to maintain Rice’s ascent in the competitive landscape of women’s college basketball.