Tarleton State Women's Basketball has recorded over 1,000 senior-college victories on the l courts in Texas and across the nation since 1968. Going from an intramural sport to a full-fledged NCAA Division I program, Texan Women's Basketball is growing. In just its fifth year of NCAA Division I, the Texans won 20 games, earned a No. 2 seed in its conference tournament, and received its first-ever D1 postseason tournament bid. While Tarleton State Women's Basketball has made history, the Texans' story is just beginning.
The 1994-95 season marked a new chapter in the program’s history as it began play in NCAA Division II as a member of the Lone Star Conference. Tarleton State qualified for the NCAA Regional tournament nine times during their Division II history with two LSC Tournament Championships and one regular season title. A historic decision was announced in November 2019 that would change the course of Tarleton State University for years to come. Newly-named President Dr. James Hurley accepted an invitation to join the Western Athletic Conference and take Tarleton State to the highest level – NCAA Division I. Tarleton State joined the league on July 1, 2020. With 3-time NCAA Division I National Champion Bill Brock now leading the way as head coach, the future of Texan Women's Basketball has never been brighter.
Since 1899, Tarleton State University has set out on a single path: Ever forward, ever onward. For well over a century, our campus, our capabilities, our reach and our impact have evolved; our path forward must evolve as well. At Tarleton State, we empower each other with resources that are among the best in the world. We instill passion and conviction to become heroes, trailblazers and champions. We share opportunities to unlock the greatness within. We wish for everyone who studies here and teaches here, who works here and graduates from here to tap into the infinite wells of potential.
Tarleton Texans pursue greatness in all efforts, promoting a spirit of leadership, adaptability, and innovation for exceptional outcomes and a better world.
Build Your Brand
Tarleton State Athletics, in partnership with INFLCR, is taking the next step for its student-athletes in the era of N. I. L. Tarleton partners with the global leaders in content and compliance software to assists student-athletes with personal branding, financial literacy, compliance and more.
Tarleton State Athletics and INFLCR have partnered to provide N.I.L opportunities for student-athletes.
Tarleton State is a proud partner of INFLCR for all its N.I.L. opportunities. INFLCR provides a school-customized N.I.L. exchange as an extension to their athletics website where the school can send any business, individual or collective seeking to bring N.I.L. opportunities to its student-athletes. Once registered, businesses can search, communicate, pay and report on behalf of student-athletes they're transacting with, streamlining the student-athlete's compliance and tax reporting responsibilities in their existing INFLCR app experience.
Our Head Coach
Bill Brock has built a reputation as one of women's basketball's most respected coaches. Brock holds an over 40-year coaching resume and a national championship pedigree. Most notably, he was an integral part of the Baylor women’s basketball coaching staff for 18 seasons from 2000-06 and 2009-21, serving as associate head coach for 16 seasons after two years as an assistant coach. Brock helped engineer three national championships in 2019, 2012 and 2005, along with a berth in the 2010 Final Four, seven Elite Eight appearances and 23 Big 12 Conference titles (12 regular season, 11 tournament). The Lady Bears went 552-83 (.869) in Brock's 18 seasons, posting 20+ wins each year, 30+ wins 10 times, and a perfect 40-0 campaign in 2011-12. The team made it to the NCAA Tournament in all but two of Brock's seasons, one because the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019-20. In charge of coaching post players, nine centers and forwards tallied 46 all-America awards under Brock's watch. He also helped develop 10 WNBA draft picks that include seven first rounders, a No. 1 and No. 2 overall pick and nine All-Americans.
Brock guided Tarleton State to its best season in Division I history in 2024-25. The Texans set the Division I Era single season program record for wins (20) while obtaining their first postseason bid since moving to Division I (WNIT). They did so enduring their toughest strength of schedule in program history, facing four 2025 NCAA Tournament Teams opponents that included a future Final Four team, Texas. After starting the year 4-5, the Texans won five of their next six games before going on a 7-1 stretch from Jan. 23-Feb. 22. Tarleton State dominated California Baptist 75-44 in their final regular season home game on March 6, to cap off Wisdom Gym's Farewell Tour in front of the largest crowd for a Division I game. Brock led Tarleton State into the WAC Tournament as the No. 2 seed, where they advanced to their first conference tournament semifinal in the Division I Era. The Texans received a first-round bye in the Women's National Invitational Tournament, making Brock the first head coach in program history to guide the team to an NCAA postseason event within their first two years on the job. This gave them the honor of playing the last basketball game at Wisdom Gym.
Coaching Staff
Geoff Golden began his third year as an associate had coach with the Texans women’s basketball program in 2025-26. Golden joined the Tarleton State WBB program as an assistant coach on April 19, 2023. Golden owns an extensive coaching resume covering the professional, collegiate, prep and developmental ranks over the past 20-plus years. Including his 2023-24 campaign at Tarleton, Golden has now spent three years coaching at the NCAA Division I level, one at Northern Colorado (2021-22) as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, and one as an assistant coach at Montana State (2020-21).
Monique Whaley-Briggs enters her fourth season on the Tarleton State coaching staff. The 2026-27 season marks her third year as Assistant Women's Basketball Coach/Director of Player Development. She spent her first season as an assistant in 2023-24. A former guard as a player, Whaley-Briggs plays a key role leading the development of the Texans' guards while assisting with scouting and recruiting. Under Whaley-Briggs' guidance, guard Jakoriah Long earned her second All-WAC Second Team honor and also became the 23rd 1,000-point scorer in program history. Long also finished her career fifth on the program's career 3-pointers list.
Gee Lawler joined Tarleton State Women’s Basketball’s staff as an Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator in 2025-26 and enters her second season on the staff. Lawler, a former student-athlete and coach for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, helped the Islanders to a pair of Southland Conference championships before her arrival in Stephenville. She works with Texan post players and oversees the program’s recruiting efforts. Her impact was immediate with Tarleton State's post players, with center Elodie Lutbert having one of the best freshman seasons by a Texan. Lawler helped Lutbert break the program’s all-time single season blocks record and the D1 era single season rebounds record. Lutbert was also named to the All-WAC Freshman and Defensive Teams. Lutbert became the first WAC freshman to be named on the All-WAC Defensive Team since 2012-13 (Riana Byrd, San Jose State).
Ashleigh DeBoue Entering the 2026-27 season, Ashleigh DeBoue will be in her fourth year as the director of basketball operations for Tarleton State Women’s Basketball. DeBoue handles all aspects of the day-to-day operations for the Texans including but not limited to team travel, budgeting, scheduling and managing team apparel and inventory. Head coach Bill Brock and DeBoue worked together at Baylor, where Brock was the associate head coach and DeBoue was a student manager for the team for four years. At Baylor she helped supervise the daily roles and responsibilities of five student managers, managed inventory of team apparel and equipment, aided the team’s recruiting coordinator with design and distribution of printed materials and organized trip information and tournament schedules for coaches.
The EECU Center
The EECU Center is a state of the art, two-story, multipurpose arena spanning 148,000 square feet, hosting concerts, commencements and other major university events along with men's and women's basketball games. It holds up to 8,000 people for basketball games and nearly 10,000 for concerts. The courts have portable, mable-wood flooring, making the space versatile in hosting different events. There is also a space for conferences and film study. The building broke ground in August 2023 for $110 million and has been conducting full operations since fall 2025.
The EECU Center lies in the heart of the university's main campus. It even lights up purple on game nights.
The locker room features custom Longhorn lockers equipped with personalized storage, shoulder pad dryers and integrated charging stations.
The EECU Center hosts "Midnight Madness" to kick off basketball season, where men's and women's basketball teams are introduced to fans. There's also on-court activities featuring students and players and special performances.
The EECU Center has propelled the Tarleton State Men's Basketball brand to an all-time high. Features include custom locker rooms, an integrated nuitrition center, a sports medicine suite and a dedicated entrance for coaches and players.
Community Involvement
Giving back to the Stephenville community is one of the most important elements of the Tarleton State women’s basketball program.
Tarleton State lent a helping hand to the Stephenville Optimist Club at their 2024 Toy Distribution.
Service-Learning Day provides an excellent opportunity to participate in the high impact practice of extending student learning beyond the classroom and into the community. For this day, faculty and staff are encouraged to engage students in community-based learning experiences that relate to the course or broader discipline.
Strength and conditioning
The Texans Athletic Performance Center is an 8,000-square foot space with 32-foot ceilings that offers resistance training, cardiovascular options, a plyometric area, injury accommodation, technology for assessment, technology for databasing, athlete hydration, plus office space for Tarleton State Athletic Performance staff.
Bre Eldridge completed her first season at Tarleton State as Assistant Director for Athletic Performance in 2025-26. She is responsible for the athletic development of the women’s basketball and softball programs. Eldridge joins the Texans after spending the last two years at Colgate, including a 2023-24 season spent with Tarleton State Director of Athletic Performance, Bryan Klobucar. At Colgate, Eldridge was Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, serving the women’s basketball, field hockey, women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse programs.
Athletic Training
The sports medicine staff at Tarleton State University consists of 12 licensed, certified athletic trainers (10 full-time staff and two graduate assistants). They provide prevention, assessment, emergency care, therapeutic intervention, and administration of athletic injuries and illnesses. The sports medicine staff works closely with Cross Timbers Orthopaedics, Tanglewood Pharmacy, HomeTown Physical Therapy, and the Student Health Center to provide comprehensive care for student-athletes in 17 intercollegiate sports, plus cheer and dance. The athletic training staff also serves as preceptors for Tarleton’s entry-level Masters of Science in Athletic Training program.
When the 2026-27 season begins, Tyler Gilmore will begin his sixth season as an athletic trainer for Tarleton State University. In 2025-26, Gilmore’s primary programs are women’s basketball and cheer. Previously, Gilmore worked with the track and field and cross country teams. Gilmore earned his undergraduate degree in sports medicine at Tarleton State in 2016, then went on to receive a master’s of athletic training degree from Texas Tech. He spent three years as a contract AT with Lubbock Sports Medicine and an AT for Borger ISD.
The united athletic conference
As of July 1, 2026, the Western Athletic Conference has been officially rebranded to the United Athletic Conference, which is the brand previously used to recognize the ASUN-WAC Football Alliance. This rebrand will better recognize the new membership composition of the conference with all seven football members housed within one conference, plus the addition of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This is a groundbreaking alliance, creating a consortium of two conferences to innovate and improve operational efficiency.
United Athletic Conference members include Tarleton State, Abilene Christian, Austin Peay, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama, UT Arlington, West Georgia and Little Rock.
The Consortium will allow for the consolidation and reduction of expenses, enhanced collective external revenue generation and bargaining opportunities, increased in-season scheduling opportunities, enhanced geographic alignment, governance support in anticipation of a deregulated NCAA Division I governance structure, and elevated student-athlete experiences with less missed class time and opportunities for rivalry development. Tarleton State Football has been in the UAC for the past three years and has had great success, going 17-5 in conference play and winning a share of the UAC title in 2025.
About stephenville
Stephenville was first patented by John M. Stephen on February 24, 1853. After over 160 years, this city has transformed into one of the fastest growing “college towns” in the State of Texas, and has so much to offer its residents whether they be college students, senior citizens, or families. Tarleton State University is located in the Heart of Stephenville, and has several outreach programs that give the community a special, close-knit feeling.
As the ‘Cowboy Capital of the World’, Stephenville is uniquely home to more professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls than any other place in the world. And the equine industry continues to grow throughout the surrounding County. The ‘City of Champions’ designation reflects the commitment as a community to excellence in youth and civic organizations. Our community strongly believes that investing in our youth is a wise and worthwhile endeavor. Families seeking a positive place to raise kids will find an excellent school system, civic organizations dedicated to youth programs, numerous sports leagues, and family fun events at parks, museums and churches throughout the year. Stephenville is a special place that reflects pride in the community’s rich heritage and commitment to the future. We feel confident you will soon see why Stephenville has been listed as one of 'The 100 Best Small Towns in America!'
About Fort worth
Fort Worth — the most typically Texan of all Texas cities — began as a tiny outpost on a lonely frontier. Today, this metropolitan area of more than 900,000 people blends its cattle and oil heritage seamlessly with an ever-growing, diverse array of new businesses and industries. Fort Worth was established through the efforts, the courage and the sacrifices of countless men and women; and the story, even in barest outline, is an American saga.
Less than an hour and half drive from Stephenville, Fort Worth offers a number of attractions that make for a fun get away. Whether you're visiting the Stockyards, attending a concert, or looking for a day full of fun, food and shopping, Fort Worth offers everything a Texan could want.
About Dallas
In recent decades, Dallas has experienced significant economic growth and urban revitalization and has become a prominent center for technology, telecommunications, healthcare, and other industries. Today, Dallas stands as one of the largest and most influential cities in the United States, known for its booming economy, diverse cultural scene, and welcoming atmosphere. It is a testament to the spirit of progress and resilience that has defined Dallas throughout its remarkable history.
Just a two-hour drive from Stephenville, Dallas is home to various cultural institutions, including the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Meyerson Symphony Center.
Dallas is also a sports lover’s paradise. The city has several professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Texas Rangers. Whether you enjoy football, basketball, or baseball, there is always a game to watch in Dallas.
Academics
The ultimate goal of Tarleton State University student-athletes is graduation, and Tarleton State's student-athletes have one of the finest facilities to pursue their academic goals in the Tarleton Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Center. The Student-Athlete Academic Center was officially opened in the spring of 2018 to the student-athletes of Tarleton State University. The facility provides a strong study environment for student-athletes to achieve their academic goals. It includes 20 computers and free copying and printing services for student-athletes to utilize.
The Student Success Program includes three full-time academic coordinators and two graduate assistants, all housed within athletics, who oversee advising and registration, one-one-one mentoring, which focuses primarily on time management and study skills, and tutoring services.
Life On Campus
The Tarleton State campus sits in the center of Stephenville and enriches the lives of students with a traditional college experience, offering more than 18 on campus living options, a gym, study areas and variety of student organizations that meet on campus. Students at the Stephenville campus have the opportunity for field learning and internship experience with many of the local businesses. Stephenville allows students to earn a high quality education, while staying in an area that feels just like home and with a lot of history.
As a Tarleton State University student, you will have many opportunities to get involved throughout your time here. Tarleton offers recreational sports, clubs, fraternities/sororities, and over 100 different student organizations! There are plenty of organizations on campus that will fit exactly what you are looking for when wanting to get involved.
Traditions Hall is one of 18 on campus living centers, located directly across from the Tarleton State Events Center.
Family atmosphere
The Tarleton State Women's basketball program is a family-focused environment, with coaches and players emphasizing a strong bond and support system, both on and off the court. The Texans made a memorable appearance a the Big Easy Classic in New Orleans in 2025. Amid the intense competition, players and staff found time to explore the iconic sights, including a visit to the legendary Cafe du Monde.
New Orleans' Bourbon Street was one of many stops on the Texans' off the court road tour in 2024-25.
Whether in times of triumph or challenge, the Tarleton State Women's Basketball team embodies the true meaning of unity and togetherness.
Life After Basketball
In terms of Student Athlete success, Tarleton State boasts a student-athlete academic success rate of 71%. After basketball, Texans embark on diverse career paths, supported by the institutions comprehensive Career Services.
Tarleton State Alumni successfully transition into various professions, contributing significantly to their communities and industries.
Tarleton State University is proud to celebrate high graduation rates, empowering students to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.
Tarleton State women's basketball is supportive of any and all majors a student-athlete wants to pursue. Some student-athletes are in extensive majors such as engineering, business, kinesiology and more. No matter what field student-athletes decide to pursue, Tarleton State women's basketball will do everything to help its players be successful both on and off the court.
Credits:
Editorial/Design: Maggie Miller, Gavin Patrick, Grant Cohen