‘He’ll always be a Bull’

After 25 years leading USF’s winning women’s basketball program, Jose Fernandez left Tampa in early November to take over as head coach of the WNBA’s Dallas Wings.

“It was not an easy decision by any means, but I am excited,'' he said.

As head coach from 2000 to 2025, Fernandez, Life Member, transformed USF’s program from one with just one winning season (14-13) to a consistent winner.

His teams earned 10 trips to the NCAA Tournament, captured league championships in the regular season and conference tournament, and had had 20 victories against teams ranked in the top 25, including a 2021 victory against Stanford, the defending national champion. There was a 2009 WNIT championship and 79 weeks ranked in the top 25.

Taking over for Fernandez is interim head coach Michele Woods-Baxter, who served as his chief assistant for 17 seasons.

"We're excited for Jose and we'll always root for him,'' said Rob Higgins, CEO of Athletics. "What he accomplished at USF speaks for itself and he'll always be a Bull.''
USF women's basketball will continue to thrive, he added, because it's built on a solid foundation.