The UBC Thunderbirds women's basketball team represent the University of British Columbia in the Canada West Universities Athletic Association of U Sports women's basketball. The Thunderbirds (originally known as the Thunderettes) have won the Bronze Baby a total of five times, including the first three championships, spanning from 1972 to 1974. The last two national championships took place in 2004 and 2008. Both victories took place against the Regina Cougars. In 2004, the Thunderbirds defeated the Cougars by a 60âÂÂ53 mark, while the 2008 triumph resulted in a 67âÂÂ46 final.
The 2003âÂÂ04 season marked a breakthrough for Carrie Watson. In addition to All-Canadian honours, Watson also won the Canada West and Canadian Interuniversity Sport Defensive Player of the Year Awards. She would also earn a pair of university honours, capturing the Marilyn Pomfret Trophy, recognizing the university's Female Athlete of the Year, along with the Thunderbirds Performance Leadership Award. Winning the Bronze Baby National Championship Trophy, the program's first since 1974, ending a 30-year drought, Watson's efforts resulted in National Championship MVP honours. In June 2007, Watson would become the program's first full-time assistant coach.
From 2007 to 2020, the Thunderbirds would enjoy a 152âÂÂ58 won-loss mark in Canada West league play. Capturing the national championship in 2008, the program would reach the national championship game once again in 2012, settling for a silver medal. At the 2015 CIS Women's Basketball Championship, the program emerged with a bronze medal.
Retiring in 2021, Debbie Huband was the longest serving coach in the history of Thunderbirds basketball. As the Thunderbirds head coach, Huband captured three national titles (2003âÂÂ04, 2005âÂÂ06, 2007âÂÂ08) and four conference championships (2006âÂÂ07, 2007âÂÂ08, 2011âÂÂ12, 2014âÂÂ15).
Peter Ennis Award (awarded to the Coach of the Year)
Sylvia Sweeney Award (awarded to the Outstanding student-athlete)
Kathy Shields Award (awarded to the Rookie of the year)
In celebration of the centennial anniversary of U SPORTS womenâÂÂs basketball, a committee of U SPORTS womenâÂÂs basketball coaches and partners revealed a list of the Top 100 women's basketball players. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the first Canadian university womenâÂÂs contest between the QueenâÂÂs Gaels and McGill Martlets on February 6, 1920, the list of the Top 100 was gradually revealed over four weeks. Culminating with the All-Canadian Gala, which also recognized national award winners. A total of 14 UBC players were named to the list. Although she played for Bishop's University, eventual Thunderbirds head coach Debbie Huband was also part of this list.