Victoria Vivians, a Mississippi State legend whose tenure from 2014 to 2018 helped the Bulldogs compile a staggering 126‑win stretch and four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, is set to bring that winning pedigree to the University of Texas women's basketball program.
Championship pedigree meets new challenges
During her four seasons in Starkville, Vivians led the team to back‑to‑back appearances in the national championship game in 2017 and 2018, a feat that underscored the program’s rise under her contributions. She earned First Team All‑American honors, collected multiple All‑SEC selections, and was recognized on Senior CLASS, WBCA and USBWA All‑American teams, cementing her status as one of the most decorated players in school history.
After being drafted eighth overall by the Indiana Fever in 2018, Vivians spent seven seasons in the WNBA, averaging 7.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Her professional experience also included stints with the Portland Trail Blazers, where she honed her coaching skills while still an active player.
Now, as an assistant coach for Texas, Vivians joins a staff eager to infuse the program with championship DNA. Her arrival follows a storied career that includes a 37‑2 record in the 2017‑18 season, the best in program history, and a reputation for developing talent that consistently competes at the highest level.
The move marks the fourth time a Mississippi State standout has been selected in the first round of the WNBA Draft, highlighting the pipeline of elite talent that continues to shape women's basketball. With Vivians on board, Texas hopes to translate her proven leadership into sustained success on the national stage.
Vivians' transition from player to coach reflects a broader trend of former stars shaping the next generation of women's basketball. Her deep understanding of high‑pressure moments and strategic nuance positions her to make an immediate impact on recruiting, player development and game planning for the Longhorns.