The Wade Trophy is esteemed award that is presented annually to the best upperclass women's basketball player in NCAA Division I competition. Named after the Delta State University coach Lily Margaret Wade, who led her team to three national championships, the trophy recognizes the skills and achievements of talented athletes throughout the season.
Starting in 2001, Wade Trophy has been presented by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). This association, composed of women's basketball coaches from across the country, is dedicated to promoting and advancing the sport at all levels. The WBCA plays a pivotal role in recognizing and honoring the achievements of women's basketball players, as well as providing resources and support to coaches.
The Wade Trophy History
The Wade Trophy is named after the renowned basketball coach Lily Margaret Wade, who achieved great success as player and coach. Coach Wade, a three-time national champion at Delta State University, had a significant impact on the world of women's basketball.
Her contributions to the sport were recognized when she was inducted into the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame in 1992, the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985, and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.
The Wade Trophy, which recognizes the top women's college basketball player of the year, was first awarded in 1978. This award holds significance in the basketball community. The trophy is sponsored by State Farm Insurance and is presented annually at the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) National Convention.
The Wade Trophy Eligibility and Criteria
To be eligible for the Wade Trophy, a player must meet certain criteria outlined by Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
Firstly, all academically eligible women's basketball athletes, excluding freshmen, in NCAA Division I are eligible to be candidates for Wade Trophy.
In addition to academic eligibility, candidates are evaluated based on several factors. Game and season statistics are considered to assess a player's performance and impact on their team.
The effect a player has on their team is also taken into account during the evaluation process. Factors such as team success, leadership abilities, and the player's impact on team chemistry and dynamics are considered. Character is another important aspect of evaluation processes. The WBCA looks for candidates who exemplify integrity, sportsmanship, and a positive attitude both on and off the court.
The Wade Trophy Winners List
The Wade Trophy, awarded annually to the top women's college basketball player in the United States, first awarded during the 1977-1978 season. The inaugural recipient of the award was Carol Blazejowski from Montclair State University. At the time, Blazejowski was in senior class and had played the entire season for the college as a forward.
Over the years, several players have been honored with this award. One standout player, Maya Moore, holds the record for being the only player to have won the Wade Trophy three times in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
And the most Wade Trophy winners by university is the University of Connecticut (UConn) and had nine winners throughout the history of the award as of the 2022–23 season.
| Season | Player | School | Position | Class |
| 1977–78 | Carol Blazejowski | Montclair State | Forward | Senior |
| 1978–79 | Nancy Lieberman | Old Dominion | Guard | Junior |
| 1979–80 | Nancy Lieberman | Old Dominion | Guard | Senior |
| 1980–81 | Lynette Woodard | Kansas | Guard | Senior |
| 1981–82 | Pam Kelly | Louisiana Tech | Center | Senior |
| 1982–83 | LaTaunya Pollard | Long Beach State | Guard | Senior |
| 1983–84 | Janice Lawrence Braxton | Louisiana Tech | Forward | Senior |
| 1984–85 | Cheryl Miller | USC | Forward | Junior |
| 1985–86 | Kamie Ethridge | Texas | Guard | Senior |
| 1986–87 | Shelly Pennefather | Villanova | Forward | Senior |
| 1987–88 | Teresa Weatherspoon | Louisiana Tech | Guard | Senior |
| 1988–89 | Clarissa Davis | Texas | Forward | Senior |
| 1989–90 | Jennifer Azzi | Stanford | Guard | Senior |
| 1990–91 | Daedra Charles | Tennessee | Center | Senior |
| 1991–92 | Susan Robinson | Penn State | Forward | Senior |
| 1992–93 | Karen Jennings | Nebraska | Forward | Senior |
| 1993–94 | Carol Ann Shudlick | Minnesota | Forward | Senior |
| 1994–95 | Rebecca Lobo | UConn | Center | Senior |
| 1995–96 | Jennifer Rizzotti | UConn | Guard | Senior |
| 1996–97 | DeLisha Milton | Florida | Forward | Senior |
| 1997–98 | Ticha Penicheiro | Old Dominion | Guard | Senior |
| 1998–99 | Stephanie White | Purdue | Guard | Senior |
| 1999–00 | Edwina Brown | Texas | Guard | Senior |
| 2000–01 | Jackie Stiles | Southwest Missouri State | Guard | Senior |
| 2001–02 | Sue Bird | UConn | Guard | Senior |
| 2002–03 | Diana Taurasi | UConn | Forward | Junior |
| 2003–04 | Alana Beard | Duke | Guard | Senior |
| 2004–05 | Seimone Augustus | LSU | Guard | Junior |
| 2005–06 | Seimone Augustus | LSU | Guard | Senior |
| 2006–07 | Candace Parker | Tennessee | Center | Junior |
| 2007–08 | Candice Wiggins | Stanford | Guard | Senior |
| 2008–09 | Maya Moore | UConn | Forward | Sophomore |
| 2009–10 | Maya Moore | UConn | Forward | Junior |
| 2010–11 | Maya Moore | UConn | Forward | Senior |
| 2011–12 | Brittney Griner | Baylor | Center | Junior |
| 2012–13 | Brittney Griner | Baylor | Center | Senior |
| 2013–14 | Odyssey Sims | Baylor | Guard | Senior |
| 2014–15 | Breanna Stewart | UConn | Forward | Junior |
| 2015–16 | Breanna Stewart | UConn | Forward | Senior |
| 2016–17 | Kelsey Plum | Washington | Guard | Senior |
| 2017–18 | A'ja Wilson | South Carolina | Forward | Senior |
| 2018–19 | Sabrina Ionescu | Oregon | Guard | Junior |
| 2019–20 | Sabrina Ionescu | Oregon | Guard | Senior |
| 2020–21 | NaLyssa Smith | Baylor | Forward | Junior |
| 2021–22 | Aliyah Boston | South Carolina | Forward | Junior |
| 2022–23 | Caitlin Clark | Iowa | Guard | Junior |
FAQ's On The Wade Trophy
A. The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) presents The Wade Trophy. The WBCA is the professional association for coaches of women's and girls' basketball in the United States.
A. This trophy is named after Lily Margaret Wade, a coach who led Delta State University to three AIAW national championships in the 1970s.
A. The Wade Trophy typically awardedThe Wade Trophy is awarded annually at the end of the women's college basketball season, usually during the NCAA Women's Final Four or around that time.
A. The winner is chosen by a committee comprising coaches, administrators, and media members, considering factors like on-court performance, leadership, and sportsmanship.
