Charleston Women’s Basketball Secures Second Consecutive WNIT Bid After Record 24-Win Season

The College of Charleston women’s basketball team has earned its second consecutive bid to the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), a testament to its growing prominence in collegiate hoops. With a record-breaking 24-win season under their belts, the Cougars have secured a first-round bye and now await the victor of the Siena-Howard matchup. Anchored by the dynamic play of Taryn Barbot, the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Player of the Year, Charleston is poised to make waves in the postseason.

A Season of Milestones for Charleston and a Fresh Start for Siena

For the Cougars, this season has been nothing short of historic. Their 24 victories mark the most ever in the program’s Division I history, a feat underscored by the brilliance of Barbot, who has emerged as a cornerstone of the team’s success. Averaging 17.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, the junior guard has been the engine driving Charleston’s offense, her versatility and poise setting her apart as one of the nation’s premier players. The team’s depth and resilience have also played a pivotal role, with contributions across the roster ensuring that Charleston remains a formidable opponent on any given night.

This year’s WNIT bid offers the Cougars a chance to build on last season’s second-round finish, a result that left the program hungry for more. With a first-round bye, they’ll have the advantage of extra preparation time as they await their opponent, a luxury that could prove crucial in the high-stakes environment of postseason play.

Meanwhile, Siena’s story is one of revival. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Terry Primm, the Saints have clawed their way back to the postseason for the first time since the 2014-15 campaign. Their matchup against Howard on March 21 in Washington, D.C., promises to be a compelling contest, with both teams eager to extend their seasons. For Siena, this year represents a turning point, a chance to reestablish itself as a competitive force after years of rebuilding.

Howard, on the other hand, brings its own brand of determination to the table. As a team with postseason experience and a history of gritty performances, the Bison will be no easy out. The winner of this clash will have the unenviable task of facing a rested and confident Charleston squad, but the opportunity to test themselves against one of the tournament’s top teams could serve as a galvanizing moment.

A Broader Look at the WNIT Landscape

The WNIT, often overshadowed by the NCAA Tournament, offers a unique platform for programs like Charleston and Siena to showcase their growth and ambition. For mid-major teams in particular, it serves as a proving ground, a space where emerging programs can gain valuable experience and measure themselves against comparable competition.

Charleston’s participation for a second straight year signals a program on the rise, one that is beginning to carve out a niche in the broader landscape of women’s college basketball. With a core of talented players and a coach who has instilled a winning culture, the Cougars are well-positioned to make deeper runs in future tournaments, perhaps even earning an NCAA berth in the near future.

For Siena, the mere act of qualifying for the WNIT is a victory in itself, a validation of the strides made under Primm’s leadership. Postseason exposure can be transformative for a program, boosting recruitment efforts and energizing the fan base. Whether or not the Saints advance past Howard, their return to relevance is a story worth celebrating.

As the tournament unfolds, the spotlight will shine on players like Barbot, whose individual brilliance has elevated her team to new heights. But the WNIT is also about the collective—the teams, the coaches, and the communities that rally behind them. It’s a reminder that success in sports is rarely a solitary achievement; it’s built on the shoulders of many, from the athletes on the court to the staff and supporters who make it all possible.

The Cougars, with their record-breaking season and marquee talent, enter the WNIT with momentum and purpose. Whether they can translate that into a deep run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Charleston is a program on the rise, and the WNIT is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey.