Los Angeles, CA (News4usOnline) – When the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament bracket was announced on March 16, the energy in Los Angeles split like a double-overtime thriller.
UCLA and USC—two SoCal powerhouses with elite seasons—got top seeding. However, only one walked away feeling like the selection committee truly respected their journey.
Coach Lindsay Gottlieb of USC wasn’t exactly throwing confetti when the bracket was revealed. Despite leading her team to a 28–3 record, a Big Ten Conference title, and a No. 3 national ranking, USC was dropped into what many dubbed the “region of death.” Their side of the bracket features juggernauts like UConn, Kansas State, and South Dakota State—a gauntlet of top-tier competition.
Gottlieb didn’t mince words in her initial reaction: she felt it was “disrespectful.” The implication? Her team’s accomplishments weren’t reflected in the seeding or the competition they were handed.
Still, by the eve of tournament play, Gottlieb had turned the page.
“If you don’t win Game One, you’re done,” she said in her pregame interview. “I don’t care what anyone thinks really… it’s just about getting wins.”
Meanwhile, across town, Charmin Smith, the head coach of California, has a different outlook. Her Bears returned to the NCAA Women’s Tournament for the first time under her leadership, and her tone was celebratory:
“Wherever we end up, we’re happy we’re dancing,” she said with a smile.
For Smith, this wasn’t just basketball—it was about breaking barriers. She became one of the few Black women head coaches to make an NCAA Tournament appearance—a historic milestone.
Just before Cal’s game, I had a chance to speak personally with Coach Charmin. I shared how deeply inspirational her journey has been, particularly as another Black woman navigating her own path through adversity.
Smith smiled brightly, reached out her hand, and warmly replied, “I appreciate that.” Her response was heartfelt and genuine—a powerful exchange of mutual acknowledgment and encouragement.
Smith is someone the world needs to see—because people like me need her story. Unfortunately, California fell to Mississippi State, 59–46, ending Smith’s run sooner than hoped. Yet, her perseverance and representation left a lasting impression, resonating far beyond the final score.
From Colleagues to Trailblazers
Gottlieb and Smith aren’t just competitors—they share a meaningful history. Having coached together at Cal, their paths briefly intersected again at tournament practice, where they shared a heartfelt moment—a beautiful acknowledgment of their journey.
While Gottlieb faced the bracket with pressure and expectations, Smith entered with pride and gratitude. Two coaches. One city. Shared history. Distinct paths. Both showed a generation what’s possible.
Spotlight: Black Women in Coaching
These stories matter.
As of 2024, fewer than 15% of Division I women’s basketball head coaches are Black women. Coach Charmin Smith stands as a testament to the power of representation—leading, inspiring, and creating opportunities for those who follow.
In a city like Los Angeles, her presence isn’t merely powerful—it’s essential.
JuJu Watkins: Center Stage at Galen Center
Back at USC, as the Trojans took the court against UNC Greensboro, all eyes were on sophomore sensation JuJu Watkins—a Naismith Trophy finalist. She did what stars do best—she set the tone. Watkins led USC in a dominant performance, overwhelming UNCG 71–25 with a defensive showcase.
Despite the impressive victory, Assistant Coach Wendell Farrow acknowledged it wasn’t a flawless performance when we spoke postgame:
“We didn’t start particularly well,” Farrow said. “But we really grinded down on defense and ended up playing a pretty good 40 minutes.”
He praised the full-team effort, highlighting contributions from the entire roster:
“We were able to get everybody in, and those people at the end of the bench made good plays. We were super proud of them.”
Looking ahead, USC faces a tougher road, but Farrow sees endless possibilities:
“I think we’re going to execute better on offense, continue to rebound, and have a really great week in the game.”
Most importantly, Farrow highlighted his team’s diversity—of talent, playing styles, and resilience:
“This group shows how much range we have—different people can step up at different moments. That’s how we keep winning.”
With Watkins spearheading their charge, backed by elite defense and a deep, versatile roster, USC isn’t just surviving March—they’re building something special, game by game, and story by story. The second-round game at Galen Center (Los Angeles) between [1] USC (29-3) and [9] Mississippi State (22-11) will tip off at 7 p.m.
Feature Image: LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 22: USC Trojans forward Kiki Iriafen (44) goes up for a shot as UNC Greensboro Spartans forward Yacine N’Diaye (5) defends during the UNC Greensboro Spartans game versus the USC Trojans in the first round of the NCAA Division I Women’s Championship on March 22, 2025, at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire)
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.