The USC Trojans secured a No. 1 seed in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament after an impressive 28-3 season. Despite this achievement, the Trojans finished as the No. 4 ranked team in women’s college basketball following their loss to UCLA in the Big Ten championship game.
While most teams would be satisfied with a No. 1 seed, USC’s head coach, Lindsay Gottlieb, expressed frustration over the Trojans being ranked as the fourth overall top seed. Speaking to the media on Sunday, Gottlieb admitted she felt disrespected by the selection committee’s decision.
Lindsay Gottlieb was not happy with USC being the 4th overall No. 1 seed.
“I never thought I’d be a 1 seed and feel disrespected,” Gottlieb said.
“Sometimes I don’t understand the people who make decisions in women’s college basketball and why they do what they do.” pic.twitter.com/hErcL8Dzw3
— Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) March 17, 2025
“I never thought I’d be a one-seed and feel disrespected, but I do,” Gottlieb said. “I thought there was very little chance we would be the fourth No. 1 overall. We have a big game against UNCG on Saturday, and we’ll handle it accordingly. But look at our bracket—does it seem right to you? I can’t speak for the players; I think they’re excited to play. However, I never expected to feel frustrated after being named a one-seed. It’s not about arrogance—there are a lot of great teams, and we know we have to earn our way forward. But I just don’t understand some of the decisions made in women’s basketball, especially by this committee. I’d love to ask them some questions.”
Given that USC lost to UCLA just a week ago, it would have been difficult for the committee to place the Trojans ahead of their rival. That leaves UConn and South Carolina as the other teams in question—both of whom won their respective conference tournaments and have remained undefeated in the past month.
While teams frequently express concerns about seeding and regional placement, feeling disrespected as a top seed is an unusual stance. If USC fails to win its region, this reaction from Gottlieb may become an unfortunate moment to reflect upon when the season comes to an end.