ROCHESTER, Mich. – Oakland University Athletics announced the induction of the 2001-02 Oakland Women's Basketball team into the Oakland Athletics Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor, recognizing one of the most historic and influential teams in Golden Grizzlies history.
The 2001-02 squad delivered a landmark season that helped define Oakland's rise at the Division I level. Competing just years after the program's transition to Division I, the Golden Grizzlies captured the 2002 Mid-Continent Conference Tournament title as the No. 2 seed, earning the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in the Division I era - a milestone not only for women's basketball, but the first for any Oakland athletic team.
That postseason breakthrough was fueled by efficiency, discipline, and balance. The team set a program record for highest single-season free throw percentage (.780) and put together a six-game winning streak during the year. Oakland also excelled off the court, receiving an Academic Progress Rate (APR) Award for ranking in the top 10 percent nationally, underscoring the team's commitment to excellence in both athletics and academics.
During their dominant run to start the century, the Golden Grizzlies went on two separate four-game winning streaks, including a six game streak, going without a loss for nearly a month from late January to February, setting up a historic run through the Mid-Con Tournament, beating IUPUI, Oral Roberts, and Valparaiso en route to the Big Dance. In three Mid-Con Tournament games, Oakland won two by double-digits setting a precedent of dominance, where through the season 12 of their 17 total wins came by 10 or more points.
Individually, the Golden Grizzlies were led by standout performances across the roster, producing three All-Mid-Con All-Conference selections. Headlining that group was Sarah Judd, who was named Mid-Continent Conference Player of the Year after averaging 20.2 points per game while shooting .498 from the field. Judd's remarkable season earned her All-America honors, further elevating the national profile of Oakland women's basketball.
More than two decades later, the impact of the 2001-02 team continues to resonate throughout the program. Their success laid the foundation for future generations of Golden Grizzlies and remains a defining chapter in Oakland Athletics history.
The 2001-02 Oakland Women's Basketball team now takes its rightful place among the legends of the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor, celebrated for its competitive excellence, academic achievement, and lasting legacy at Oakland University.
They will be officially inducted at the 2026 Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2025 in the Oakland Center Ballrooms.
