University of South Florida CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins has appointed longtime SEC head coach Kristy Curry as the sixth head coach of the USF Bulls women’s basketball program. Curry arrives in Tampa with a national reputation for building consistent winners and guiding programs deep into the postseason.
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A championship‑level resume
Curry previously led Purdue to the 2001 NCAA championship game and now takes over a South Florida program that has reached eight NCAA Tournaments and claimed four conference titles since 2015. She spent the last 13 seasons at Alabama, where she guided the Crimson Tide to five NCAA Tournament appearances in the last six years and delivered 20‑win seasons in each of the last five campaigns.
Her 2025–26 Alabama team finished 24‑11 and narrowly fell 69‑68 to No. 3 seed Louisville in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Higgins praises Curry’s track record
“I’m thrilled to welcome Kristy Curry to our Bulls family as the leader of our outstanding women’s basketball program,” Higgins said. “Kristy is a proven winner at the highest levels, with head coaching success across the Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC. She has guided her teams to the NCAA championship game and built an exceptional resume that includes 16 20‑win seasons and 21 postseason appearances over 27 years as a head coach. I’m incredibly excited about the future of South Florida women’s basketball under her leadership.”
Higgins also thanked longtime assistant Michele Woods‑Baxter for nearly two decades of service to the program, noting her impact on players, staff, and the broader USF community.
A career built on sustained success
Curry has compiled a 554‑322 record across 27 seasons as a collegiate head coach, with stops at Purdue, Texas Tech, and Alabama. She has taken three programs to the NCAA Tournament and owns 21 postseason appearances, including 14 NCAA bids and seven WNIT trips.
Her Purdue tenure included the 2001 Final Four, two Elite Eight runs, four Sweet 16 appearances, two Big Ten regular season titles, and three Big Ten Tournament championships. She reached 100 career wins faster than several of the sport’s legendary coaches.
Curry embraces the opportunity at USF
“I would like to thank Rob Higgins for the tremendous opportunity to lead a proud South Florida women’s basketball program,” Curry said. “A strong foundation is in place, and I look forward to building on it as we pursue conference championships and NCAA Tournament success. Rob and the University’s commitment to competing at the highest level—along with the clear vision and alignment at USF—are truly exceptional. I can’t wait to meet Bulls Nation and experience a rocking Yuengling Center.”
Impact at Alabama and earlier stops
Curry went 245‑173 at Alabama, earning nine postseason appearances and the program’s first NCAA Tournament berth in more than 20 years. Her 2024–25 team earned the Tide’s first preseason ranking since 1999 and reached 20 wins faster than any squad in program history.
Five of her Alabama players were selected in the WNBA Draft, including two first‑round picks in 2025.
Before her time in Tuscaloosa, Curry posted a 130‑98 record at Texas Tech with five postseason appearances and an upset of No. 1 Baylor in 2011.
A foundation built over decades
Curry began her coaching career in Louisiana high schools before moving into the college ranks as an assistant at Tulane, Stephen F. Austin, Texas A&M, and Louisiana Tech. She worked under Hall of Fame coach Leon Barmore at Louisiana Tech, helping the program reach two NCAA Final Fours.
