BW women's basketball soars with top national ranking

Baldwin Wallace University’s women’s basketball team continues to demonstrate dominance, currently ranked No. 8 nationally and maintaining a 30-game regular season winning streak in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). This streak, dating back to February 17, 2024, was extended with a recent victory over Mount Union on February 4, bringing their season record to 19-2 with a perfect 12-0 record within the OAC.

Winningest OAC Basketball Coach

Leading the Yellow Jackets is head coach Cheri Harrer, who holds the distinction of being the winningest coach – male or female – in OAC basketball history. In her 36th season at Baldwin Wallace, Harrer has amassed an impressive record, including 12 OAC Regular Season Championships, nine OAC Tournament titles, and 19 NCAA Division III National Tournament appearances.

Harrer’s success extends to deep postseason runs, with eight Sweet 16 appearances and four Elite Eight finishes. She was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame on March 20, 2017, and surpassed 700 career wins on January 11, 2025, a number that continues to grow.

Did You Know? Coach Cheri Harrer has led the Yellow Jackets to 19 NCAA Division III National Tournament appearances.

Hoops Record Marked with Achievement

Beyond on-court success, the Baldwin Wallace women’s basketball team excels academically. In July, the team received the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Academic Top 25 Team Award for the 13th time in program history, and the fifth time in the last six seasons. This award recognizes programmes with the highest combined team grade point averages across all NCAA divisions, NAIA, and two-year colleges.

The Yellow Jackets achieved a 3.797 team GPA, tying for ninth nationally in the 2024-25 academic year. They were the sole OAC team represented in the Top 25, one of only two teams from Ohio, and one of four from NCAA Region 7. Last year, the team finished with a program-best 29-2 overall record, securing their 12th OAC regular-season title and ninth OAC Tournament championship.

Expert Insight: The consistent academic and athletic achievements of the Baldwin Wallace women’s basketball team demonstrate a commitment to excellence that extends beyond the court, fostering a well-rounded student-athlete experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many OAC Regular Season Championships has Cheri Harrer led the Yellow Jackets to?

Cheri Harrer has led the Yellow Jackets to 12 Ohio Athletic Conference Regular Season Championships, including eight outright.

What was the team’s overall record last year?

The team finished last year with a program-best 29-2 overall record.

How many times has the team received the WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Award?

The team has received the prestigious Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Academic Top 25 Team Award 13 times in program history.

As the Yellow Jackets continue their impressive season, what impact will their academic achievements have on their pursuit of postseason success?

BW women’s basketball soars with top national ranking