CEDAR CITY, Utah - Southern Utah Women's Basketball Head Coach Tracy Mason has always believed that the game belongs to the players. So when her team secured her 100th career win at SUU against Cal Poly on the road just before the Thanksgiving break, her mind didn't jump to the milestone itself; it went straight back to the beginning. "I think the first win came to mind for me," she recalled, a 69–59 victory over the University of San Diego. "That first win is always a little extra special."

The achievement, she says, isn't about personal accolades. It's a tribute to every athlete who has put on a Thunderbirds jersey during her tenure. "I told my team after Cal Poly, I didn't score one point or get one rebound," Mason said. "You can't win without players, and I've been blessed to coach some pretty amazing young ladies."

Moments That Defined a Program

Among the 100 victories, a few stand out as turning points in the rise of SUU Women's Basketball. Mason immediately points to her team's first conference tournament win in 2019, a gritty upset over Montana, as a moment that shifted the program's trajectory. "It was a group that had completely bought in. The season was rocky, but they always stuck together."

Another defining moment came early in her SUU career: a three-point win at home over BYU. Playing with edge and intensity, her team announced that they belonged. "We played with so much heart," she said. "I'm a firm believer that any team can win on any night."

And then there are the unforgettable battles, none more dramatic than the comeback against New Mexico State in the WAC Tournament. Down 16 at halftime and struggling, SUU clawed its way back until a late three-pointer from Cherita Daugherty shocked even Mason. "Not only did the shot go in, but we won the game and advanced. I think it reminded me that you're never out of it. Crazy things happen in the game, and you just have to have faith and a no-quit mentality."

Players Who Built the Foundation

As Mason reflected on the milestone, she was quick to credit the players who helped get the program there. The 2022–23 WAC Championship team stands out as a cornerstone, anchored by Daugherty's unshakable leadership. "She just would not accept losing, and she held her teammates accountable. If you needed a basket or a rebound, she was going to go get it."

She also highlighted longtime guard Becca Cardenas (Bourgeois), whose competitiveness and accountability helped shape SUU's culture. And then there are the athletes who stayed four or even five years, players who, Mason says, "built the culture" simply by committing to the grind every single season.

The Spirit Behind the Scenes

The heartbeat of Mason's teams extends beyond wins and box scores. Practices are intense, but when the balls stop bouncing, the dancing and laughter begin. Gratitude, she says, is at the center of everything.

One moment in their overtime game at Cal Poly perfectly captured who they are. During a timeout, Mason overheard a junior encouraging a freshman: "Keep your head up, we need you right now. We're only in this game because of you." That mixture of grit, belief, and genuine support is exactly what Mason hopes to instill.

A Journey of Growth and Gratitude

Mason's coaching philosophy has evolved over time. From win one to win one hundred, she has learned to let go of what she can't control and lean into hard work, high standards, and relationships. Mentors shaped her along the way, her high school coach, the late Scott Espinosa-Brown, who made her fall in love with the game, and Kelly Graves at Saint Mary's, who instilled confidence and joy. Both remain foundational figures in her coaching identity.

Leaving her hometown and longtime assistant role to take the job at SUU was a leap of faith. But the moment she stepped off the airplane in Cedar City, she felt clarity. "I just knew it was where I was supposed to be."

What Comes Next

With 100 wins behind her, Mason is already focused on the future. Her vision is both bold and simple: return SUU Women's Basketball to the NCAA Tournament, and make it a tradition.

"I want to continue to build a culture that works hard, competes every day, is selfless, servant-minded, and grateful for the opportunity to play a sport we love."

A hundred wins later, it's clear that culture has already taken root. And under Coach Mason's leadership, the next hundred victories might come even quicker than the first.

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