TOWSON, Md. - As the Landmark Conference counts down to the start of the 2026-27 academic year, the Conference will revisit some of the best stories from its member institutions through the Landmark Rewind series.
Running August 3-14, Landmark Rewind will spotlight one Landmark institution each weekday by featuring two stories originally produced by that school's athletics department. From student-athlete features and championship moments to community impact and campus initiatives, the series gives fans another opportunity to discover the people and programs that make the Landmark Conference special before fall competition begins.
The 2025–26 season will be remembered as one of the greatest in University of Scranton women’s basketball history. The Lady Royals finished 32–1, setting a new program mark for wins while completing the first undefeated regular season in program history and finishing as the National Runner-Up.
Under the leadership of head coach Ben O’Brien, Scranton continued its tradition as a national powerhouse while elevating its standard on the biggest stage. The Lady Royals captured the Landmark Conference title and carried that momentum into the NCAA Tournament, where they earned dominant wins over Concordia-Moorhead, Bates, Otterbein, and Framingham State before defeating New York University in the national semifinal.
The run to the Final Four marked the 10th appearance in program history, and Scranton advanced to its first national championship game since the 1984–85 season. Along the way, the program extended its streak to 13 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and recorded a third straight Elite Eight showing.
From the opening weeks of the season, the Lady Royals stood out through consistency, discipline, and composure. That identity carried through every stage of the year, with strong defensive play, balanced scoring, and execution in key moments helping define their historic run.
"I think the heartbreak from the previous two years is what really drove the different level of determination had by the players and coaching staff this past year," senior Jenna Sloan said. "The hard work started as soon as we lost the Elite Eight game last year against Wisconsin-Stout. We came back this year with a National Championship in mind, and although we fell a little short of our goal, I think that goal and the drive we all had allowed us to make the run that we did."
The semifinal win over NYU stood as a defining moment, as Scranton delivered a complete performance on both ends of the floor to secure its place in the national championship game.
"I think the chemistry and relentlessness of this year's team allowed us to make the run we had," senior Kaeli Romanowski said. "After the loss to Stout last year, we all committed to our roles and to each other. Our coaches did an amazing job of creating a culture where everyone felt valued and had the confidence to be themselves. We trusted one another, embraced the sacrifices that came with being part of something bigger than ourselves, and stayed connected through every challenge."
While the season ultimately ended one step short of a national title, the 2025–26 Lady Royals raised the standard for Scranton women’s basketball and set a benchmark for future teams.
"This year was a very special year, especially being my senior year," senior Kaci Kranson said. "We had a great group of not only talented players but girls who were very hard working and goal oriented. Every girl on the team put in the extra work in the summer during the offseason to come prepared for that first day of practice. Incoming players see the work that is needed in order to be successful as a Lady Royal. There is nothing better than being a Lady Royal."