Elite NCAA Schools That Sent Both Men's and Women's Teams to the Final Four: A Historic Journey

Snagging a spot in the NCAA tournament is a dream for many college basketball teams, but what’s even more impressive is sending both the men’s and women’s teams to the Final Four in the same year. It’s a rare achievement that only a handful of schools have managed to pull off—and it often leads to unforgettable moments in March Madness history. Let’s dive into the schools that have made this elite list and relive their incredible runs.

2024: NC State Wolfpack and UConn Huskies

In 2024, NC State cemented their place in history by sending both their men’s and women’s teams to the Final Four for the first time ever. Their men’s team, led by standout performances, faced tough competition but made waves throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, the women’s team showcased resilience and skill, proving they were a force to be reckoned with.

Not to be outdone, UConn also achieved this milestone in 2024, marking the fifth time in their school’s history. The Huskies have a storied basketball legacy, and this year was no exception. Their deep tournament runs once again highlighted their dominance in both the men’s and women’s games.

1983: Georgia Bulldogs

It all started in 1983 when Georgia became the first school to achieve this feat. Their men’s team, a No. 4 seed, had an impressive run but ultimately fell to NC State, who went on to win the national championship. The women’s team, a No. 2 seed, faced a similar fate, losing to USC in the Final Four. Both teams fell to the eventual champions, but their historic runs paved the way for future schools.

1999: Duke Blue Devils

In 1999, Duke nearly clinched both titles. Their men’s team, a No. 1 seed, advanced to the championship game but lost to UConn in a nail-biter, 77-74. The women’s team, a No. 3 seed, also reached the final but fell to Purdue, 62-45. Despite falling short, Duke’s dual Final Four appearances solidified their place in college basketball lore.

2004: UConn Huskies (Both Won the Championship)

UConn made history in 2004 by becoming the first school to win both the men’s and women’s NCAA championships in the same year. The men’s team, led by future NBA stars like Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon, defeated Duke and Georgia Tech en route to the title. The women’s team, featuring Diana Taurasi, took down Minnesota and Tennessee to claim their championship. This was a monumental achievement that showcased UConn’s basketball dominance.

2014: UConn Huskies (Repeat Feat)

A decade later, UConn did it again. In 2014, they became the only school to win both titles in the same year twice. The women’s team, led by Breanna Stewart, dominated their competition to secure their second of four consecutive national titles. The men’s team, a No. 7 seed, pulled off an incredible Cinderella run, defeating Kentucky to claim the championship. This historic repeat cemented UConn’s legacy as a basketball powerhouse.

Other Notable Schools

Here’s a quick rundown of other schools that have achieved this rare feat:

• 2005: Michigan State Spartans
• 2006: LSU Tigers
• 2009: UConn Huskies
• 2011: UConn Huskies
• 2013: Louisville Cardinals
• 2016: Syracuse Orange
• 2017: South Carolina Gamecocks

Each of these schools had unforgettable tournament runs, showcasing the depth and talent of their basketball programs.

Why This Feat Is So Rare

Sending both teams to the Final Four requires a perfect combination of talent, coaching, and a bit of luck. The grueling nature of March Madness—where one loss can end your season—makes this achievement even more remarkable. Schools like UConn and NC State have proven that with the right mix of determination and skill, anything is possible.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on these historic runs, it’s clear that the legacy of these programs will continue to inspire future generations of basketball players and fans. Who will be the next school to join this elite list? Only time will tell—but one thing’s for sure: the journey to the Final Four is always full of surprises.