Teri Moren’s unprecedented achievement of being named the Associated Press (AP) Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the third consecutive year underscores her exceptional leadership and the remarkable ascent of Indiana University’s women’s basketball program under her guidance.
A Record-Breaking Season
In the 2022-2023 season, Moren led the Indiana Hoosiers to a 28-4 overall record, setting a new benchmark for the program. The team clinched its first Big Ten regular-season championship in four decades with a 16-2 conference record and secured the program’s first-ever No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. This historic run was highlighted by victories over nine Top 25 opponents, including five against Top 5 teams.
Moren’s Impact on Indiana Women’s Basketball
Moren’s influence extends beyond the win-loss column. She has transformed Indiana’s women’s basketball into a nationally recognized powerhouse, consistently ranking in the AP Top 25 for 75 consecutive weeks starting from the 2019-2020 preseason. This sustained excellence is a testament to her strategic acumen and ability to inspire her players.
National Recognition and Awards
The AP Coach of the Year award, presented to Moren at the Final Four, reflects her outstanding contributions to the sport. She received 12 votes from the 28-member national media panel, surpassing South Carolina’s Dawn Staley, who garnered eight votes. This accolade not only honors Moren’s coaching prowess but also highlights the Hoosiers’ remarkable season under her leadership.
A Storied Coaching Career
Moren’s journey to this pinnacle is rooted in a rich coaching history. Prior to joining Indiana, she served as the head coach at Indiana State University, where she guided the Sycamores to a Missouri Valley Conference championship and multiple postseason appearances. Her tenure at Indiana has been marked by continuous growth, including multiple NCAA Tournament berths and a Big Ten title, solidifying her status as the program’s all-time winningest coach.
International Success
Beyond collegiate achievements, Moren has excelled on the international stage. In June 2024, she led the USA U18 national team to a gold medal at the FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup, marking her third gold medal with USA Basketball. This success underscores her exceptional coaching abilities and her impact on developing young talent.
Looking Ahead
Moren’s contract extension through the 2028-29 season, announced in 2021, reflects Indiana University’s commitment to sustaining the program’s upward trajectory. The extension includes performance-based incentives tied to conference championships, NCAA Tournament success, and national accolades, aligning with Moren’s demonstrated excellence.
In summary, Teri Moren’s third consecutive AP Coach of the Year award is a well-deserved recognition of her transformative impact on Indiana women’s basketball. Her leadership has propelled the Hoosiers to unprecedented heights, fostering a culture of excellence that promises continued success in the seasons to come.