Big 12 Women’s Sports: Power, Grit & the Rise of Something Bigger

In case you haven’t been paying attention, and let’s be honest, you should believe that the Big 12 women’s sports are thriving. From buzzer-beaters on the basketball court to powerhouse swings on the softball field, the women of the Big 12 have been quietly (and sometimes loudly) rewriting the narrative.

Sure, there’s been plenty of noise around football expansion and men’s hoops lately, but step into a spring softball game or a packed arena for women’s basketball and you’ll feel the energy. It’s real. And it’s growing fast.

Let’s start with a name that’s been everywhere lately: Texas Tech softball. The Red Raiders made serious waves this year, making their first-ever Women’s College World Series appearance and, oh yeah, they didn’t just show up, they dominated. Led by ace pitcher NiJaree Canady and a gritty, hard-hitting lineup, they’ve gone from good to flat-out scary. There’s something about the way that team carries itself like they’ve got nothing to prove but still play like they have everything to earn.

Speaking of dominance, Iowa State’s women’s golf program deserves a standing ovation. Back in May, they clawed their way to the NCAA Championships, finishing top five in their region and sending three golfers into the individual top ten. It’s not just a feel-good underdog story it’s a testament to how consistent investment and coaching can turn a mid-tier program into a real contender.

And then there’s BYU, which has hit the ground running since joining the Big 12. Their women’s track and field team came out swinging, setting conference records and racking up medals left and right. James Corrigan shattered the 3,000-meter steeplechase record, while the women’s squad led the standings heading into the final day of the Big 12 Outdoor Championship. The Cougars aren’t just participating they’re leading.

Let’s talk hoops for a second because wow Kansas State and Baylor have been putting on a show. Baylor, with its deep postseason pedigree, continues to flex in March, but Kansas State is building something special too. There’s youth, there’s talent, and there’s belief. These programs aren’t just trying to be good in a tough conference they’re aiming to take over.

Meanwhile, TCU tennis had themselves a moment, reaching the NCAA Final Four with a dramatic 4–3 win over Virginia. The deciding match? Won by sophomore Duncan Chan, yes, a men’s result, but the women’s side has been equally competitive, climbing the rankings with poise and smart play all season. The Horned Frogs are quietly building a well-rounded athletic department across both genders.

Over in the pool, West Virginia’s women’s swim and dive team is finding its rhythm again. They’ve been making gains with every meet, thanks in large part to revamped training programs and some hungry young talent. They’re not the flashiest squad out there, but they grind, and they’re coming.

What’s also worth mentioning perhaps more important than any box score is the atmosphere. These events are starting to pull real crowds. Kids are showing up in school colors. Student sections are louder. Local communities are rallying around these teams. It feels like the moment is here, finally, where Big 12 women’s sports aren’t just respected they’re celebrated.

Sure, there’s still work to do. Not every facility is equal. Some programs are still chasing consistency. And let’s be real media coverage could be better. But progress? Yeah, we’re seeing it.

Credit also goes to the coaches many of whom have been pushing for this moment for years. Folks like Baylor’s Nicki Collen or Iowa State’s Christy Johnson-Lynch in volleyball, who keep raising the bar for what excellence looks like in their programs. Their impact stretches far beyond wins and losses. They’re building cultures that attract recruits, inspire alumni, and challenge the rest of the conference to elevate their standards.

And if you’re wondering what the future holds? Just look at recruiting. Big 12 schools are now landing top-50 prospects across multiple sports. The pipelines are forming, and if the recent results are any sign, those pipelines are about to burst wide open.

So, whether it’s a cool spring evening under the lights for softball or a packed house for a Top 25 hoops showdown, one thing’s clear: Big 12 women’s sports aren’t just “on the rise.” They’re here, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

Keep watching. You’re going to want to say you saw it all before the bandwagon filled up.