University of West Florida Basketball Program
The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university located in Pensacola, Florida. The school is a member of the NCAA Division II and competes in the Gulf South Conference (GSC). The UWF Argonauts have been competing in men’s and women’s basketball since the 1970s and have enjoyed success in both programs over the years.
UWF Men’s Basketball
UWF’s men’s basketball program has been competing since 1975 and has made the NCAA Division II Tournament eight times since then. The Argos have won four GSC Tournament Championships and have made two appearances in the Elite Eight. The team is currently coached by Jeff Burkhamer and has won two GSC regular season championships in the past three years.
UWF Women’s Basketball
The UWF women’s basketball program has also been competing since 1975 and has made the NCAA Division II Tournament seven times since then. The Argos have won two GSC Tournament Championships and have made two appearances in the Elite Eight. The team is currently coached by Stephanie Yowell and has won two GSC regular season championships in the past three years.
UWF Basketball Facilities
UWF is home to the UWF Field House, which serves as the home of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. The Field House features a seating capacity of over 4,000, a training room, locker rooms, and a full-size practice court. The Field House also hosts other events including concerts and various community activities.
UWF Basketball Coaching Staff
The UWF men’s basketball team is currently coached by Jeff Burkhamer, who was hired in 2016. Burkhamer has led the team to two GSC regular season championships in the past three years. The UWF women’s basketball team is currently coached by Stephanie Yowell, who was hired in 2019. Yowell has led the team to two GSC regular season championships in the past three years.
UWF Basketball Rivalries
The UWF men’s basketball team has several rivalries, the most notable being with the Valdosta State Blazers. The two teams have met in the GSC Tournament Championship game seven times, with UWF winning four of those meetings. The UWF women’s basketball team has a rivalry with the Delta State Statesmen, with the two teams meeting in the GSC Tournament Championship game four times, with UWF winning three of those meetings.
UWF Basketball Records
Men’s Basketball
- Most Wins in a Single Season: 24 (2019-2020)
- Most Points in a Single Game: 115 (vs. West Georgia, 2020)
- Most Points in a Single Season: 2,521 (2019-2020)
Women’s Basketball
- Most Wins in a Single Season: 25 (2018-2019)
- Most Points in a Single Game: 111 (vs. West Georgia, 2020)
- Most Points in a Single Season: 2,619 (2018-2019)
UWF Basketball Players in the Pros
A number of UWF basketball players have gone on to have successful professional careers. The most notable of these players is forward Joe Prunty, who played for the Argos from 1975-1979 and was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1979 NBA Draft. Prunty played four seasons in the NBA and was a part of the Lakers’ 1985 NBA Championship team.
UWF Basketball in the Community
UWF basketball is heavily involved in the Pensacola community and hosts several events each year to benefit local residents. The team hosts a summer basketball camp for local children and frequently visits local schools and hospitals to spread awareness of the UWF basketball program. The team also hosts a number of charity events throughout the year to benefit local charities and organizations.
UWF Basketball in the News
UWF basketball is frequently featured in the news, both locally and nationally. The team is often featured in stories about the success of the program, the players, and the coaches. The team also receives coverage when they participate in tournaments and make appearances in the NCAA Division II Tournament.
Conclusion
The University of West Florida basketball program is a member of the NCAA Division II and competes in the Gulf South Conference. The men’s and women’s teams have enjoyed success over the years and have made the NCAA Division II Tournament multiple times. The program is heavily involved in the community and is frequently featured in the news.