Missouri State Lady Bears basketball

The Missouri State Lady Bears basketball team represents Missouri State University in NCAA Division I women's basketball. The team has a storied history making 2 NCAA Final Fours, reaching 17 NCAA Tournaments, and claiming 13 conference regular season titles. The Lady Bears compete in the Missouri Valley Conference.

History
Missouri State, known as Southwest Missouri State (SMSU) until 2005, began play in women's basketball in 1969. The Lady Bears played in the Missouri AIAW state tournaments from 1970 to 1982, post-season AIAW regional tournaments in 1974, 1975 and 1981, and the AIAW Division II national tourney in 1981. In 1982, the Lady Bears joined the ranks of Division I programs in the NCAA. From 1982 to 1992, the Lady Bears played in the Gateway Collegiate Athletic Conference before that conference was absorbed by the Missouri Valley Conference in 1992.

Missouri State has made 17 appearances in the NCAA Tournament including six straight appearances from 1991 to 1996, four straight appearances from 1998 to 2001, as well as appearances in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2022. The Lady Bears' tournament success is highlighted by two trips to the Final Four (1992, 2001), two Elite Eight appearances (1992, 2001) and five trips to the Sweet Sixteen (1992, 1993, 2001, 2019, 2021).

The Lady Bears have made 8 appearances in the WNIT (2002, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018). They won the 2005 WNIT, 78–70, over West Virginia.

As of the end of the 2019–2020 season, they have an all-time record of 902–606 (.598).

1992 Final Four
In 1992, Missouri State as an 8-seed became the lowest women's seed at the time to make the Final Four. The Lady Bears beat Kansas 75–59, Iowa 61–60 in overtime, UCLA 83–57 and Ole Miss 94–71. They were defeated 84–72 by Western Kentucky in the National Semifinals.

2001 Final Four
In 2001 Missouri State earned a 5-seed in the West Region. The Lady Bears went to the Final Four in St. Louis after winning the West Region Missouri State defeated Toledo 89–71, Rutgers 60–53, Duke 81–71, and Washington 104–87. They were beaten in the National Semifinals by Purdue 81–64.

AIAW Division II tournament results
The Bears made one appearance in the AIAW National Division II basketball tournament, with a combined record of 0–1.

Retired Numbers
Missouri State has retired 3 numbers, which now hang in the rafters of the Lady Bear's home, Great Southern Bank Arena. Additionally, former head coach, Cheryl Burnett was honored with a retired jersey in recognition of her leadership of the Lady Bear's program.

(#10) Jackie Stiles

 * AP Player of the Year (2001)
 * 3x- All American
 * Wade Trophy Winner (2001)
 * Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2016)
 * Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame
 * Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
 * WNBA Rookie of the Year (2001)
 * 3x- Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year


 * Player of the Year Award in MVC now bears her name

(#35) Melody Howard

 * 2x- All-American
 * 3x- All Conference
 * MVC Player of the Year (1994)
 * Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame
 * Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

(#42) Jeanette Tendai

 * 2x- All American
 * 3x- All Conference Pick
 * MSU Hall of Fame
 * Springfield Area Sport Hall of Fame
 * MVC All-Centennial Team

(HC) Cheryl Burnett

 * Missouri State's winningest women's basketball coach
 * 319–136 (.711) in 15 season
 * 10 NCAA Tournaments
 * 2 Final Fours
 * 15 Conference Titles
 * Led NCAA in attendance in 1992–1993
 * Mentored 8 All-Americans, 6 Academic All-Americans, 5 League MVPs and 26 first-team all MVC selections