Nancy Lieberman Believes Her Old Dominion Squad Could Go Toe-to-Toe with UConn Legends
Nancy Lieberman boldly compares her legendary Old Dominion squad to UConn’s powerhouse teams, citing back-to-back national titles and a roster full of Hall of Famers. Discover why she believes ODU could take on any team, any era.
When discussing the most dominant women’s college basketball programs of all time, the University of Connecticut (UConn) is always at the forefront.
UConn has set the gold standard with 12 national championships, legendary coaching under Geno Auriemma, and a history of elite WNBA talent like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Breanna Stewart.
According to Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman, her Old Dominion University (ODU) team from the late 1970s and early 1980s should be considered.
In a recent interview with LandonBuford.com, Lieberman boldly claimed:
“Well, UConn clearly has 12 national championships, but there’s no doubt — I would match them up against Old Dominion. We won back-to-back national championships, and Inge Nissen was 6’5”, and Anne Donovan was 6’8 “. We had such an athletic group… I would put Old Dominion up against anybody, any team, any time. We have so many Hall of Famers.”
Let’s explore why Nancy Lieberman’s claim is substantial and why the Old Dominion Lady Monarchs are more than just a nostalgic powerhouse.
Old Dominion’s Historic Dominance in Women’s Basketball
Old Dominion was building a dynasty before the NCAA sanctioned women’s basketball. Marianne Stanley’s leadership and Nancy Lieberman, Anne Donovan, and Inge Nissen’s exceptional performance made the Lady Monarchs untouchable.
In 1979 and 1980, ODU won the AIAW national championships for the second time, defeating elite competitors like Louisiana Tech and Tennessee. The team exhibited a combination of toughness, grace, and innovation in their playing style. Lieberman, known as “Lady Magic,” brought flash and court vision rarely seen in women’s hoops at the time. With Donovan and Nissen controlling the paint, their height advantage alone would make them a formidable challenge for any era.
Comparing Legends: Old Dominion vs. UConn
Let’s examine a fantasy game that involves Lieberman’s ODU and Auriemma’s UConn.
Point Guard: Nancy Lieberman vs. Sue Bird
Lieberman, who won the Wade Trophy twice, was a player who brought about a transformational change. She had leadership qualities and an ability to read defenses decades ahead. Sue Bird has won four Olympic gold medals and multiple NCAA titles, making her one of the most decorated players in history. The duel would be memorable because of Lieberman’s determination and pace control.
Frontcourt: Anne Donovan and Inge Nissen vs. Breanna Stewart and Tina Charles
Donovan, a future Naismith Hall of Famer, took control of the low post by blocking shots and rebounding. Inge Nissen, a 6’5″ Danish forward, had an offensive advantage over any defender. Stewart and Charles from UConn, who have both been dominant in college and the WNBA, would face off in a battle of finesse. Power vs. Length, and agility.
UConn’s bench is dominated by future WNBA stars like Maya Moore and Diana Taurasi, but ODU’s athleticism and chemistry were unmatched in their prime. This wasn’t just a team that won games — they revolutionized women’s sports.
The Pre-NCAA Era Argument: Why It Shouldn’t Be Dismissed
Critics frequently downplay Old Dominion’s championships by pointing out that they took place before the NCAA officially ruled women’s basketball. This argument falters when you consider the elite level of competition and the absolute dominance of the Lady Monarchs. In the 1970s, AIAW was the top organization for women’s college sports. Louisiana Tech, Tennessee, Texas, and Rutgers competed at the highest levels. The level of play was top-notch, and the championships were genuine. Lieberman and her team could have had multiple NCAA banners hanging in their gym if the NCAA had taken over a year earlier.
Hall of Famers Galore: The ODU Legacy
Old Dominion has many players who have been enshrined in various halls of fame. Nancy Lieberman, Anne Donovan, and Inge Nissen forever changed the sport.
Nancy Lieberman was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 1996. She was among the first women to play professionally in men’s leagues and later coached in the NBA.
Anne Donovan dominated in college, won two Olympic gold medals, and coached the WNBA’s Seattle Storm to a championship.
Inge Nissen transitioned into coaching, contributing to the sport long after her playing days.
UConn has a large Hall of Fame roster, but ODU’s core trio created their dynasty during an era where resources, visibility, and support were much lower than today.
A Team That Changed the Game
Lieberman and her ODU teammates’ achievements transcend the realm of championships. They set the stage for today’s women’s basketball stars. Their actions included advocating for equal treatment, filling arenas, and inspiring young girls to dream big, making them true trailblazers. Their swagger was not arrogance—it was confidence that stemmed from years of hard work, overcoming gender bias, and defeating the top players on the court.
Legacy and Impact: Why the Debate Matters
It’s always difficult to compare generations in sports. Nancy Lieberman isn’t just exercising her competitive side – she’s preserving the legacy of a team that helped establish the foundation for the modern women’s game.
Old Dominion‘s Lady Monarchs didn’t just win titles—they also altered the landscape. UConn built the empire, but ODU forged the blueprint.
If we’re talking about raw talent, basketball IQ, competitiveness, and team chemistry, Lieberman’s squad deserves a seat in any discussion about the greatest of all time.
Conclusion: A Matchup for the Ages
Although UConn’s legacy is secure, Nancy Lieberman’s brave challenge reminds us to remember the legends who preceded us. The Old Dominion teams of the late 1970s and early 1980s were stacked with talent, driven by purpose, and led by one of the greatest minds in the game. If it were possible to reverse history and re-watch Lieberman vs. Taurasi, Donovan vs. Stewart, and Nissen vs. Charles, we wouldn’t just be watching a game — we would be witnessing a clash of eras, philosophy, and greatness. Old Dominion vs. UConn isn’t just a fantasy match-up. Women’s basketball is celebrated at its highest level, both past and present.
