50 Years on the Court: From First Tip-Off to Full-Court Legacy

In 1975, women’s basketball became one of the earliest varsity sports for women at Randolph-Macon College—marking the start of a movement.

What began with determination, borrowed gym time, and hand-me-down uniforms has grown into a program defined by grit, growth, and generations of trailblazers. Over five decades, the Yellow Jackets have built a legacy of athletic achievement, academic excellence, and lifelong sisterhood.

This is a story of buzzer-beaters and breakthroughs. Of players who became leaders, coaches who became mentors, and moments that became memories.

Explore our timeline, celebrate the championship seasons, revisit iconic photos, and hear directly from the women who shaped—and continue to shape—RMC basketball.

Because this isn’t just a history. It’s a heritage.

🏀 Women’s Basketball Highlights

1975-76:

First organized team, Billy Wood coaches while working in Admissions

1976-77:

Club-level team, no JV opponents to play, team played opposing varsity programs, first program win at Virginia Wesleyan, first home win vs. Liberty

1977-78:

First Varsity Team, first winning season, first win over Richmond, other notable wins: Liberty Baptist, and Christopher Newport, finishing this first year with an 11-6 record.

1978-79:

Linda Sheppe becomes head coach

1979-80:

Linda Lerch becomes head coach, team reclassified to Division III. Team played in first playoff game.

1981:

Cindy Crabill becomes first 1,000 point scorer in program history, finished as state runner up in Division III in the AIAW. Postseason, Linda Lerch departs postseason for a coaching position at Cornell University, Billy Wood returns as head coach for 1981-82 season

1982:

Carroll LaHaye transitions from assistant coach to head coach while also coaching women’s soccer, women’s lacrosse and teaching in the physical education department

1983:

First Season as Division II

1990:

First season in NCAA DIII, first ODAC win

RMC Women's Basketball Team - First ODAC championship

1996:

First ODAC Championship, ODAC Regular Season Champions, First NCAA Tournament Appearance, First Sweet 16, first 20-win season

1998:

ODAC Regular Season Champions, NCAA Tournament Appearance

1999:

ODAC Regular Season Champions, NCAA Tournament Appearance

2003:

ODAC Tournament Champions, NCAA 2nd Round

2005:

ODAC Regular Season Champions (20-0), ODAC Tournament Champions, First Elite 8, First Final Four, First NCAA Championship Game, Megan Silva wins Jostens Trophy and National Player of the Year