Ohio women’s basketball had one of the youngest rosters in the Mid-American Conference in 2024-25. But the team carries the rich traditions set by its predecessors. 

The program is known for its success in different eras – most recently with its back-to-back MAC titles in 2015 and 2016 under the guidance of its current head coach, Bob Boldon.

Before that, Ohio completed its climb to the top in 1995 – which included a 15-3 record in conference play.   

But there is one team whose story must be told – a group who delivered the school’s first championship in women’s basketball. 

This is the story of the 1986 Ohio Bobcats  ... 

the team that started it all.

Prichard earned her master's degree from Ohio University in 1984, but that was not the only thing she secured during her time in Athens. That same year, at 23 years old, Prichard was hired to become the head coach of the Bobcats women’s basketball team. Ohio finished with an 11-16 record in Prichard’s inaugural season at the helm ('84-85).  

Heading into the 1985-86 campaign, Prichard told the media that she believed in “intense, competitive basketball.” She also emphasized the following:

“I hope to provide a positive atmosphere whereby each individual can feel successful enough on the court to have confidence in other facets of her life.” 

Little did Prichard know, that success came at a level Bobcats women’s hoops had never seen before. 

Prichard and her squad tipped off the '85-86 campaign with nine straight victories. After a loss to conference foe Central Michigan on Jan. 4, the Bobcats reeled off 14 consecutive wins – improving their record to a convincing 23-1. 

The Bobcats entered the MAC Tournament with a 24-2 mark and 14 victories in conference play, capturing the top seed. Ohio handled business in the first leg of the competition in a tight three-point win over Western Michigan.  

And then came the championship.  

Ohio faced a 14-point deficit with just 4:30 left on the clock against Central Michigan. But with everything on the line, Prichard and her squad did not cave in. Ohio forced overtime – led by the sensational senior Caroline Mast and her 33 points.

The Bobcats took over in the extra period, eventually securing a 92-85 win. It was the program’s first ever MAC title and one of the greatest comebacks in tournament history.  

Ohio capped off its most successful season and earned its first ever trip to the NCAA Tournament, which ended in a one-point defeat to Illinois. Prichard also became the first female basketball coach at O.U. to win the MAC Coach of the Year award.

Mast finished with a team-high 33 points while Detillion scored 16 of her own. Pam Pullie and Shelly Jorgenson also reached double figure scoring to boost the Bobcats in the most important match in program history. 

“It was the most fabulous game I’ve ever been a part of,” Prichard remarked afterwards. 

“Praise the Lord – and thank Mom.”  

Left: Prichard and Nancy Evans (right) celebrate on the sidelines. 

Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries. 

Fifth-year guard Cece Hooks scored a reverse layup in a road win over Central Michigan. With that deuce, she earned her 2,550th point to surpass Mast as the green and white’s all-time leading scorer. 

One week later, Hooks became the Mid-American Conference’s all-time leading scorer with a 27-point outing against Bowling Green. This time she got to do it in front of her fans.

“How many kids that when they become the school’s all-time leading scorer wouldn’t take a victory lap around the school so everybody could applaud them? She could care less about that, she really could,” Head Coach Bob Boldon said in 2022.  

“I will never coach someone like her again.” 

Hooks' final season was that same year. She ended her college career with three MAC Defensive Player of the Year awards and was recognized as the conference’s top player for the 2020-21 season. 

Right: Hooks listens to Bob Boldon in a team huddle. Photo Credit: Eli Burris