Lisa Fortier
{{short description|American basketball coach|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox college coach
| name = Lisa Fortier
| image = Lisa Fortier 2025 (cropped).jpg
| alt =
| caption = Fortier in 2025
| current_title = Head coach
| current_team = Gonzaga
| current_conference = WCC
| current_record = {{Winning percentage|289|74|record=y}}
| contract =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|04|05}}
| birth_place = Grass Valley, California, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| player_years1 = 2000–2002
| player_team1 = Butte CC
| player_years2 = 2002–2004
| player_team2 = Cal State Monterey Bay
| player_positions = Guard
| admin_years1 = 2004–2006
| admin_team1 = Gonzaga (coord. of basketball ops.)
| coach_years1 = 2006–2007
| coach_team1 = Northern Colorado (asst.)
| coach_years2 = 2007–2014
| coach_team2 = Gonzaga (asst.)
| coach_years3 = 2014–present
| coach_team3 = Gonzaga
| overall_record =
| bowl_record =
| tournament_record = 4–7
({{Winning percentage|4|7}})
| championships =
| awards = * Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year (2024)
- Maggie Dixon Award (2015)
- 7× West Coast Conference Coach of the Year (2015, 2017–2019, 2023–2025)
| coaching_records =
}}
Lisa Mispley Fortier (born April 5, 1981) is an American basketball coach, currently the head coach of the women's basketball team at Gonzaga University.
Early life and education
Fortier, born Lisa Mispley, is the oldest of three children to Bill and Tami Mispley. Fortier played basketball at Placer High School before playing at both Butte Community College and California State University, Monterey Bay. At Cal State, she earned honorable mention All Cal-Pac Conference honors as a junior and was named to the NAIA Academic All-America list in 2003. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cal State, Monterey Bay, in 2004 with a B.A. in human communication. As a junior in 2002–03, Fortier averaged 12.1 points,. 4.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.{{cite web |url=http://sports.csumb.edu/athletics/W_basketball/statistics/02-03wbb_statistics.HTM |title=Archived copy |website=sports.csumb.edu |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040325000114/http://sports.csumb.edu/athletics/W_basketball/statistics/02-03wbb_statistics.HTM |archive-date=25 March 2004 |url-status=dead}} As a senior in 2003–04, Fortier averaged 9.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists {{cite web |url=http://sports.csumb.edu/athletics/W_basketball/statistics/wbbstats_022104.HTM#TEAM.IND |title=Archived copy |website=sports.csumb.edu |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040904170908/http://sports.csumb.edu/athletics/W_basketball/statistics/wbbstats_022104.HTM#TEAM.IND |archive-date=4 September 2004 |url-status=dead}}
Coaching career
After two years as director of operations at Gonzaga, where she earned her master's degree in Sport and Athletic Administration in 2006,{{cite web |url=http://www.gozags.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/lisa_fortier_955410.html |title=Lisa Fortier |date=April 14, 2014 |publisher=Gonzaga University |access-date=July 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907005750/http://www.gozags.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/lisa_fortier_955410.html |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |url-status=dead }} Fortier was an assistant coach at Northern Colorado in the 2006–07 season, then an assistant at Gonzaga from 2007 to 2014.
On April 14, 2014, Fortier was hired as Gonzaga women's basketball head coach, succeeding Kelly Graves, who accepted the head coaching position at Oregon the week before.{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/apr/07/graves-leaving-gu-oregon/|title=Kelly Graves leaving Gonzaga for Oregon| publisher=Spokesman.com| date= 2014-04-08|access-date=2014-04-08}}{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/apr/14/gonzaga-hires-womens-coach//|title=Lisa Mispley Fortier replaces Graves at Gonzaga| publisher=Spokesman.com| date= 2014-04-14|access-date=2014-04-14}} Prior to becoming head coach, she was director of basketball operations for the Zags from 2004 to 2006 and assistant coach from 2007 to 2014, where she focused on the team's defense.{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/apr/14/gonzaga-hires-womens-coach/|title=Lisa Mispley Fortier replaces Graves at Gonzaga|last1=Clouse|first1=Thomas|date=April 14, 2014|work=The Spokesman-Review|publisher=Cowles Publishing Company|access-date=April 14, 2014}}
2014–2015 season
Fortier picked up her first win as a head coach with a 75–65 over the Dayton at the Kennel on November 16, 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/|title=Gonzaga roars back to top No. 22 Dayton, 75–65| publisher=ESPN|date=2014-11-16|access-date=2014-11-16}} The biggest highlight in non-conference play was the Eastern Washington game at Reese Court on December 3, 2014, where Elle Tinkle shot the game-winning jumper to lead the Zags to a 61–60 win.{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/dec/04/gonzaga-women-sneak-past-ewu-on-elle-tinkles//|title=Gonzaga women sneak past EWU on Elle Tinkle's buzzer-beater| publisher=spokesman.com|date=2014-12-04|access-date=2015-01-23}} The Zags finished non-conference play with a 7–4 record.
Fortier picked up her first conference win as a head coach with a 78–62 over Jeff Judkins' BYU team at the Kennel on December 27, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.gozags.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=26400&ATCLID=209824100|title=WBB Ease to Conference Season-Opening Win|publisher=gozags.com|date=2014-12-27|access-date=2014-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228070756/http://www.gozags.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=26400&ATCLID=209824100|archive-date=2014-12-28|url-status=dead}} The biggest conference game came against the San Francisco Dons on February 7, 2015, at the Kennel, where the Zags won 91–84 in a 4-overtime thriller.{{cite web|url=http://www.gozags.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=26400&ATCLID=209880379|title=Four Overtime goes to WBB|publisher=GoZags.com|date=2015-02-07|access-date=2015-02-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208081638/http://www.gozags.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=26400&ATCLID=209880379|archive-date=2015-02-08|url-status=dead}} The Zags clinched their 11th consecutive WCC regular-season crown on February 19, 2015, with an 80–72 win over the Saint Mary's Gaels.{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/feb/20/gonzaga-women-claim-11th-consecutive-wcc-title/| title=Gonzaga women claim 11th consecutive WCC title|publisher=spokesman.com|date=2015-02-20|access-date=2015-02-22}} It also marked the first regular-season crown under Fortier's head coaching tenure. Gonzaga finished WCC regular-season play with a 16–2 record with losses against Pacific at home and San Diego on the road.
In the conference tournament, the Zags defeated the Loyola Marymount Lions 70–50 before losing to BYU 61–55.{{cite web|url=http://www.yakimaherald.com/sports/college/latestcollege/2974951-8/college-basketball-roundup-gonzaga-women-turn-the-heat/|title=College basketball roundup: Gonzaga women turn the heat up against Loyola Marymount|publisher=yakimaherald.com.com|date=2015-03-07|access-date=2015-03-09}}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|url=http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2270533-155/byu-basketball-cougar-women-stun-top-seeded/| title=BYU basketball: Cougar women stun top-seeded Gonzaga|publisher=sltrib.com|date=2015-03-09|access-date=2015-03-09}} It was the Zags first non-appearance in the WCC Tournament Final game since the 2006 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.gozags.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPID=90847&DB_OEM_ID=26400&ATCLID=205172108/|title=Bulldogs Fall In WCC Tournament|publisher=gozags.com|date=2006-03-02|access-date=2015-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402115738/http://www.gozags.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPID=90847&DB_OEM_ID=26400&ATCLID=205172108%2F|archive-date=2015-04-02|url-status=dead}} However, Gonzaga still received an #11 seed in the Spokane region, the second at-large bid in school history and the third in West Coast Conference play.{{cite web|url=http://www.krem.com/story/sports/ncaa/2015/03/16/gonzaga-woman-clinch-spot-in-ncaa-tournament/24876165/| title=Gonzaga women land spot in NCAA tournament|publisher=KREM.com|date=2015-03-16|access-date=2015-03-17}}
In the NCAA tournament, Fortier led the Zags to an 82–69 first round win over the George Washington Colonials and a 76–64 second round win over the Oregon State Beavers.{{cite web|url=http://www.thestate.com/2015/03/20/4059429/albanez-leads-gonzaga-to-82-69.html/|title=Albanez leads Gonzaga to 82–69 upset of George Washington|publisher=thestate.com|date=2015-03-20|access-date=2015-03-20}}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2015/03/no_11_seed_gonzaga_upsets_no_3.html/| title=No. 11 seed Gonzaga upsets No. 3 seed Oregon State Beavers 76–64 in second round of NCAA Tournament: Game at a glance |publisher=oregonlive.com|date=2015-03-22|access-date=2015-03-22}} Both games were held at the Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Oregon. In the next game, the Zags led the Tennessee Volunteers 57–40 before Tennessee went on a 23–6 run to end regulation and force the game into overtime. The Zags season came to an end with a 73–69 overtime defeat to the Volunteers, in front of mostly Zags fans at the Spokane Arena.{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/mar/28/gonzaga-bulldogs-v-tennessee-lady-vols-ncaa-tourna/| title=Lady Vols rally to eliminate Gonzaga in Sweet 16 |publisher=spokesman.com|date=2015-03-28|access-date=2015-03-28}}
On April 6, 2015, it was announced that she was named the Maggie Dixon Award Rookie Coach of the Year.
2015–2016 season
On June 18, 2015, the WBCA announced that Fortier would serve as part of the board of directors for the West region.{{cite web|url=http://www.gozags.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=627539&SPID=90847&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=210159988&DB_OEM_ID=26400/|title=Fortier Named to WBCA Board of Directors|publisher=gozags.com|date=2015-06-19|access-date=2015-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623061451/http://www.gozags.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=627539&SPID=90847&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=210159988&DB_OEM_ID=26400%2F|archive-date=2015-06-23|url-status=dead}}
Fortier's Zags finished non-conference play with an 8–4 record. Their most significant non-conference game was against Wyoming, where the Zags won 61–57 in overtime.{{cite web|url=http://www.gozags.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/120315aaa.html|title=Women's Basketball Holds off Wyoming in Overtime|publisher=gozags.com|date=2015-12-03|access-date=2015-12-13}} The Zags finished 10–8 in West Coast Conference play, finishing fifth place, ending Gonzaga's 11 consecutive West Coast Conference regular season titles, where the BYU Cougars women's basketball team won the outright title.{{cite web|url=http://universe.byu.edu/2016/02/19/byu-womens-basketball-wins-first-wcc-regular-season-championship//| title=BYU women's basketball wins first WCC regular-season championship|publisher=UniverseBYU.edu|date=2016-02-19|access-date=2016-03-08}} Gonzaga earned its biggest conference win against #22 BYU in front of a sold-out crowd of 6,000 at the McCarthey Athletic Center, where the Zags outscored BYU 33–13 in the fourth quarter to defeat the WCC regular season champs 73–55 on Senior day.{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/feb/27/zags-women-use-fourth-quarter-outburst-to-put-away/| title=Zags women use fourth-quarter outburst to put away WCC champion BYU|publisher=Spokesman.com|date=2016-02-27|access-date=2016-03-08}} In the WCC tournament, the Zags lost to Santa Clara 59–58, their earliest tournament exit since the 2005–06 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.gozags.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=627539&SPID=90847&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=210159988&DB_OEM_ID=26400/|title=Gonzaga Women Drop Heartbreaker in Quarterfinals|publisher=GoZags.com|date=2016-03-04|access-date=2016-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623061451/http://www.gozags.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=627539&SPID=90847&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=210159988&DB_OEM_ID=26400%2F|archive-date=2015-06-23|url-status=dead}}
The Zags received an at-large bid for the WNIT, their first since the 2007–08 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/mar/15/gonzaga-hosts-wnit-ewu-snubbed//| title=Gonzaga hosts WNIT; EWU snubbed|publisher=Spokesman.com|date=2016-03-15|access-date=2016-03-17}} They hosted the UC-Riverside Highlanders; the Big West regular season champs at the McCarthey Athletic Center on March 17, with the Zags defeating the Highlanders 88–54. The Zags next hosted Utah, losing to the Utes 92–77 to end their season at 19–14. The Zags finished one game shy of playing against their former coach, Kelly Graves and his Oregon Ducks, when his Ducks won 84–59 on the same night the Zags lost to the Utes.{{cite web|url=http://registerguard.com/rg/sports/34190070-81/oregon-ducks-womens-basketball-team-leads-fresno-state-44-36-at-halftime-in-wnit.html.csp|title=Oregon Ducks women's basketball team tops Fresno State in WNIT second round|publisher=RegisterGuard.com|date=2016-03-21|access-date=2016-03-21}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
2016–2017 season
The Zags finished non-conference play for the 2016–17 season with a 9–2 record, including upset victories over #11 ranked Stanford at their homecourt on November 18 and over Northwestern at the McCarthey Athletic Center on December 19. The Zags started the WCC conference schedule with losses to Pepperdine in Malibu and Pacific at home.{{cite web |url=http://www.gozags.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/122916aab.html/ |title=Offensive Boards Doom (RV) Zags In WCC Opener |publisher=GoZags.com |access-date=December 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302181218/http://www.gozags.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/122916aab.html |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |url-status=dead }}
After losing their first two conference games, the Zags finished conference play winning 14 of the last 16 games. They won the WCC regular season title by defeating San Diego 62–57 on "Senior Night" in front of a sellout crowd of 6,000 at McCarthey Athletic Center. This marked the Zags' 12th regular season title and the second title in the Fortier era.{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/feb/23/gonzaga-women-rally-on-senior-night-beat-san-diego/ |title=Gonzaga women rally on Senior Night, secure WCC title |publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=February 24, 2017}}
The Zags were rewarded with the #1 seed in the WCC tournament and they responded by defeating 9th seeded Pacific 91–59 on March 3, 4th seeded San Francisco 77–46 on March 6, and 3rd seeded Saint Mary's 86–75 to win their 7th WCC tournament title in program history and the first tournament title under Fortier. After winning the WCC tournament, the Zags were selected as an #11 seed to face Sherri Coale's Oklahoma Sooners at the Hec Edmundson Pavilion. This marked the ninth NCAA tournament appearance for the Zags and the second under Fortier.{{cite web|url=http://www.gozags.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/030717aaa.html/|title=Gonzaga Women Win WCC Tournament Title|publisher=GoZags.com|access-date=March 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314112321/http://www.gozags.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/030717aaa.html|archive-date=March 14, 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gozags.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/031317aaa.html/|title=No. 11 Zags Set To Play No. 6 Oklahoma Saturday in Seattle In NCAA First Round|publisher=GoZags.com|access-date=March 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706110305/http://www.gozags.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/031317aaa.html|archive-date=July 6, 2017|url-status=dead}} The Zags season ended with a 75–62 loss to Oklahoma to finish their season with a 26–7 record.{{cite web|url=http://www.gozags.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/031817aab.html/|title=No. 11 Gonzaga falls to No. 6 seed Oklahoma 75–62 in NCAA First Round|publisher=GoZags.com|access-date=March 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323101904/http://www.gozags.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/031817aab.html|archive-date=March 23, 2017|url-status=dead}}
2017–2018 season
The Zags began their season with a 7–4 non-conference record.{{cite web |url=http://www.gozags.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/122117aab.html// |title=Zags Bounce Western Illinois 80–65 In Impressive Display |publisher=GoZags.com |access-date=December 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225092019/http://www.gozags.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/122117aab.html |archive-date=December 25, 2017 |url-status=dead }} They finished regular season conference play with a 17–1 record, with the lone loss against St. Mary's at home.{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/feb/10/gonzaga-women-clinch-share-of-wcc-title-despite-di/#/0|title=Gonzaga women clinch share of WCC title despite disheartening loss|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=February 24, 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://www.gozags.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/022318aab.html|title=Bulldogs Go For Conference-Record 17th Win Against BYU On Senior Day|publisher=GoZags.com|access-date=February 24, 2018}} The Zags clinched their 13th WCC regular season title and the third under Fortier in the process.{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/feb/15/gonzaga-women-claim-another-west-coast-conference-/|title=Gonzaga women claim another West Coast Conference basketball title|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=February 24, 2018}}
The Zags won their 8th WCC tournament title and their second under Fortier with wins over Pepperdine, San Francisco, and San Diego.{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/mar/06/jill-barta-scores-32-points-to-lead-gonzaga-women-/#/0|title=Jill Barta scores 32 points, leading Gonzaga women to repeat WCC Tournament title|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=March 6, 2018}} They were selected as the 13th seed in the Lexington region, and slated to face the 4th seeded Stanford Cardinal at Maples Pavilion. This marked the tenth NCAA tournament appearance for the Zags and the third under Fortier.{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/mar/12/live-find-out-the-draw-for-gonzaga-womens-basketba/|title=Gonzaga will play Stanford in first round of NCAA women's tournament|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=March 18, 2018}} The Zags' season ended with an 82–68 loss against Stanford to finish their season with a 27–6 record.{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/mar/17/stanford-dominates-on-the-glass-to-eliminate-gonza//|title=Stanford dominates on the glass to eliminate Gonzaga women from NCAA tournament, 82–68|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=March 18, 2018}}
2018–2019 season
The Zags finished nonconference play with an 11–1 record with the lone loss coming against top-ranked Notre Dame at the Vancouver Showcase Thanksgiving Day.{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/nov/22/gonzaga-falls-to-no-1-notre-dame-in-opener-at-vanc/ |title=Gonzaga falls to No. 1 Notre Dame in opener at Vancouver Showcase |publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=November 25, 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/dec/20/no-21-gonzaga-gets-off-to-quick-start-uses-offensi// |title=No. 21 Gonzaga gets off to quick start, uses offensive balance to topple Idaho in nonconference finale |publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=December 20, 2018}} The biggest win in nonconference came against then #8 ranked Stanford Cardinals, where the Zags upset the Cardinals 79–73 at the Kennel on December 2.{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/dec/02/gonzaga-women-upset-no-8-stanford-behind-chandler-/ |title=Gonzaga women upset No. 8 Stanford behind 20 points by Chandler Smith, Jill Townsend's 15 |publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=December 3, 2018}} The Zags finished conference play with a 16–2 record, with both losses coming against BYU, both at Marriott Center on January 17 and the Kennel on February 16.{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/jan/17/byu-ends-no-13-gonzaga-womens-12-game-win-streak/ |title=BYU ends No. 13 Gonzaga women's 12-game win streak |publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=January 18, 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/feb/16/byu-women-top-no-13-gonzaga-again-66-64/ | title= Gonzaga's comeback attempt comes up short as BYU tops Bulldogs again| publisher= Spokesman.com| access-date= February 16, 2019}} The Zags clinched their 14th regular season WCC title and the fourth under Fortier.{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/mar/02/gonzaga-women-clinch-outright-conference-title-wit/ | title= Gonzaga women clinch outright conference title with hard-fought win over Loyola Marymount| publisher= Spokesman.com| access-date= March 7, 2019}} The Zags started off WCC Tournament play with a 78–77 win over St. Mary's on a game-winning shot by Zykera Rice at the buzzer.{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/mar/11/zykera-rices-buzzer-beater-lifts-top-seeded-gonzag/ | title= Analysis: Gonzaga women overcome pair of injuries, rally for double-overtime victory against Saint Mary's in WCC semifinals| publisher= Spokesman.com| access-date= March 21, 2019}} The Zags lost the championship game to BYU 82–68.{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/mar/12/second-seeded-byu-women-top-gonzaga-to-claim-wcc-t/ | title= Analysis: WCC championship loss to BYU 'a step in the journey' for Gonzaga women| publisher= Spokesman.com| access-date= March 21, 2019}} However, the Zags received an at-large bid in the Albany, New York region, where they were selected as the #5 seed. This marked the eleventh NCAA tournament appearance for the Zags and the fourth under Fortier. In the first round, the Zags defeated Arkansas-Little Rock 68–51 on March 23 at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Oregon. It was their first NCAA tournament victory since 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/mar/23/gonzaga-women-get-off-to-quick-start-top-little-ro/ | title= Gonzaga women get off to quick start, top Little Rock in NCAA Tournament opener| publisher= Spokesman.com| access-date= March 24, 2019}} The Zags suffered a 76–70 loss to Oregon State in the second round to finish the season with a 29–5 record.{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/mar/25/updates-fifth-seeded-gonzaga-takes-on-oregon-state/ | title= Recap and highlights: Oregon State uses late surge to top fifth-seeded Gonzaga in second round of NCAA Tournament| publisher= Spokesman.com| access-date= March 26, 2019}}
=USA Basketball assistant coach=
In May 2019, Fortier was named one of the four assistant coaches for 2019 USA Basketball Junior National Team trials.{{cite web |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/may/07/usa-basketball-selects-gonzaga-coach-lisa-fortier-/|title=USA Basketball selects Gonzaga coach Lisa Fortier for junior national team trials|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=June 8, 2019}}
2019–2020 season
The Zags finished non-conference for the second year in a row with a 11–1 record, including winning the Gulf Coast Showcase tournament Thanksgiving weekend, and defeating #20 Missouri State on December 20. The lone loss came on November 17 at then #3 Stanford in overtime.{{cite web |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/dec/01/melody-kempton-scores-18-to-lead-way-as-gonzaga-de/|title=Melody Kempton scores 18 to lead way as Gonzaga defeats Purdue for Golf Coast title|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=December 21, 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/dec/20/gonzaga-women-get-marquee-win-to-close-nonconferen/|title=Gonzaga women get marquee win to close nonconference play against No. 20 Missouri State|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=December 21, 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/nov/17/lexie-hull-scores-20-points-in-stanfords-ot-win-ov/|title=Lexie Hull scores 20 points in Stanford's OT win over Gonzaga|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=November 20, 2019}}
The Zags finished conference play with a 17–1 record, with the lone loss coming on February 8 at Saint Mary's, ending the Zags 21-games win streak, which was the longest in NCAA women's basketball at the time.{{cite web |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/feb/08/gonzaga-women-have-21-game-win-streak-snapped-in-7/|title=Gonzaga women's 21-game win streak snapped in 70–60 loss at Saint Mary's|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=February 10, 2020}}
The Zags clinched their 15th regular season WCC title and the fifth under Fortier.{{cite web |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/feb/20/gonzaga-women-use-second-half-surge-to-top-loyola-/|title=Gonzaga women use second-half surge to top Loyola Marymount, claim outright WCC regular-season title|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=March 1, 2020}} The 28–2 record is the best start in Gonzaga women's basketball history.{{cite web |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/feb/29/no-11-gonzaga-women-down-portland-56-42/|title=Jenn Wirth, LeeAnne Wirth help No. 11 Gonzaga women down Portland 56–42|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=March 1, 2020}} The Zags lost to the Portland Pilots 70–69 on March 9 in the semifinals of the WCC tournament at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas after leading 29–9 towards the end of the first quarter.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/mar/09/top-seeded-gonzaga-stunned-by-fourth-seeded-portla/|title= Top-seeded Gonzaga stunned by fourth-seeded Portland, 70–69, in semifinals of WCC Tournament| publisher=SpokesmanReview.com| date=2020-03-09|access-date=2020-03-09}} On March 12, it was announced that the Lady Zags basketball season abruptly comes to an end, due to the coronavirus issue and the cancellation of postseason play, including NCAA basketball tournaments.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2020/03/12/ncaa-tournament-canceled-amid-coronavirus-concerns-march-madness/5030185002/|title= NCAA cancels men's and women's basketball tournament due to coronavirus concerns| publisher=USAToday.com| date=2020-03-12|access-date=2020-03-12}} The Lady Zags finished the season with a 28–3 record.
2020–2021 season
The Zags finished non-conference play with a 5–2 record, with wins over the South Dakota Coyotes, Wyoming Cowgirls, Montana Grizzlies, Eastern Michigan Eagles, and North Alabama Lions, along with a near upset of then #1 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks, only losing to them by 7 and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits by 3.{{cite web|url=https://www.swxrightnow.com/stories/2020/nov/29/gonzaga-women-hang-tough-with-top-ranked-south-car/|title= Gonzaga women hang tough with top-ranked South Carolina before falling 79–72| publisher=SWXrightnow.com| date=2020-11-29|access-date=2020-11-29}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/dec/06/gonzaga-women-lose-in-overtime-thriller-at-south-d/|title= Gonzaga women lose 75–72 in overtime thriller at South Dakota State| publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2020-12-06|access-date=2020-12-08}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/dec/21/gonzaga-women-dominate-boards-north-alabama-in-87-/|title= Gonzaga women dominate boards, North Alabama in 87–57 rout| publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2020-12-21|access-date=2020-12-26}} The Zags finished conference play with a 16–1 record, with the lone loss coming on February 18 at BYU.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/feb/18/gonzaga-women-have-17-game-winning-streak-snapped-/|title= Gonzaga women have 17-game winning streak snapped at BYU|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2021-02-18|access-date=2021-02-20}} The Zags clinched their 16th regular season WCC title and the sixth under Fortier.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/feb/27/jenn-wirth-jill-townsend-lead-no-21-gonzaga-women-/|title= Jenn Wirth, Jill Townsend lead No. 21 Gonzaga women past Loyola Marymount, to WCC title|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2021-02-27|access-date=2021-02-28}} The Zags defeated the Santa Clara Broncos 72–62 on March 8 and defeated the BYU Cougars 43–42 on a game-winning jump shot by Jill Townsend as time expired on March 9. It was the Zags' 9th WCC tournament title and their third under Fortier.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/mar/08/top-seeded-gonzaga-women-beat-santa-clara-72-62-to/|title= Top-seeded Gonzaga women beat Santa Clara 72–62 to advance to WCC title game|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2021-03-08|access-date=2021-03-08}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/mar/09/updates-no-16-gonzaga-women-play-byu-in-wcc-champi/|title= Recap and highlights: Jill Townsend scores at the buzzer, No. 16 Gonzaga women come back to beat BYU for WCC Tournament title|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2021-03-09|access-date=2021-03-09}} The Zags were selected as the 5th seed, as they faced 12th seed Belmont at Strahan Coliseum in San Marcos, Texas. It marked the 12th NCAA appearance for the Zags and the fifth in the Fortier era. The Zags' season came to an end with a 64–59 defeat to the Belmont Bruins, as they ended their season with a 23–4 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/2021/03/22/belmont-women-vs-gonzaga-ncaa-tournament-live-updates-first-round/4776927001/|title= Recap and highlights: Belmont women beat Gonzaga to claim first NCAA Tournament win|publisher=Tennessean.com| date=2021-03-22|access-date=2021-03-22}}
2021–2022 season
The Zags finished nonconference play with a 9–4 record with three of the four losses decided by 4 points or less.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/nov/21/gonzaga-women-drop-first-game-of-the-season-in-nar/|title= We have moved past the time for moral victories: Gonzaga women drop narrow loss to No. 7 Stanford|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2021-11-21|access-date=2021-11-22}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/dec/07/washington-state-women-edge-gonzaga-51-49/|title= Washington State women edge Gonzaga 51–49|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2021-12-08|access-date=2021-12-10}}{{cite web|url=https://www.khq.com/sports/gonzaga/gonzaga-women-fade-in-fourth-quarter-lose-69-66-in-major-upset-to-uc-davis/article_ebe36ce0-b3f1-5414-8096-dbf0f155ca5b.html|title= Gonzaga women fade in fourth quarter, lose 69–66 in major upset to UC Davis|publisher=KHQ.com| date=2021-12-19|access-date=2021-12-19}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/dec/20/gonzaga-women-end-nonconference-slate-with-win-aga/|title= Gonzaga women end nonconference slate with win against Eastern Washington 76–48|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2021-12-21|access-date=2021-12-26}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/jan/09/gonzaga-women-falls-in-second-meeting-with-no-2-st/|title= Gonzaga women falls in second meeting with No. 2 Stanford 66–50 after game was scheduled two days earlier|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2022-01-09|access-date=2022-01-10}}
The Zags finished conference play in second place in the WCC with a 15–2 record, with both losses coming against the BYU Cougars at home and at the Marriott Center.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/feb/05/gonzaga-women-unable-to-keep-halftime-lead-lose-to/|title= Gonzaga women unable to keep halftime lead, lose to No. 16 BYU 62–50|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2022-02-05|access-date=2022-02-06}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/feb/19/gonzaga-women-struggle-to-match-offense-of-no-10-b/|title= Gonzaga women struggle to match offense of No. 20 BYU in 63–39 loss|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2022-02-19|access-date=2022-02-21}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/feb/26/gonzaga-women-rout-loyola-marymount-celebrate-seni/|title= Gonzaga women rout Loyola Marymount, celebrate seniors at final regular season game|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2022-02-26|access-date=2022-02-27}}
The Zags defeated the San Francisco Dons 69–55 on March 7 and the Zags upset #15 BYU Cougars 71–59 on March 8 to clinch their 10th tournament title and the 4th under Fortier.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/mar/07/gonzaga-women-hold-off-san-francisco-for-berth-in-/|title= Gonzaga women hold off San Francisco for berth in WCC championship game|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2022-03-07|access-date=2022-03-08}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/mar/08/officially-ncaa-bound-gonzaga-women-beat-15th-rank/|title= Officially NCAA bound: Gonzaga women beat 15th-ranked BYU for WCC championship|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2022-03-08|access-date=2022-03-08}} The Zags were selected as the 9th seed in the Wichita region.
It was the 13th NCAA appearance for the Zags and the sixth in the Fortier era. The Zags defreated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 68–55 on March 18 at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville to go to 27–6 on the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/mar/18/gonzaga-women-make-up-for-last-years-early-exit-be/|title= Gonzaga women make up for last year's early exit, beat Nebraska 68–55 in first round of NCAA Tournament|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2022-03-18|access-date=2022-03-20}}
The Zags faced the Louisville Cardinals on March 20. The Zags lost to the Cardinals 68–59. The Zags finished their season with a 27–7 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/college/louisville/basketball/recap-wbb-2022-ncaat-second-round|title= Louisville Defeats Gonzaga, Punches Ticket to Sweet Sixteen|publisher=si.com| date=2022-03-20|access-date=2022-03-20}}
2022–2023 season
The Zags finished nonconference play with a 10–2 record, including the biggest upset in program history defeating the #6 Louisville Cardinals, but losing to Marquette in the Bahamas and at Stanford.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/nov/15/yvonne-ejims-career-high-26-points-leads-gonzaga-o/|title= Gonzaga women upset No. 6 Louisville in overtime|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2022-11-19|access-date=2022-11-24}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/nov/20/gonzaga-women-lose-close-game-to-marquette-in-batt/|title= Gonzaga women lose close game to Marquette in Battle 4 Atlantis semifinals|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2022-11-20|access-date=2022-11-24}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/dec/04/gonzaga-women-with-seven-players-fall-84-63-at-no-/|title= Gonzaga women, with seven players, fall 84–63 at No. 2 Stanford|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2022-12-04|access-date=2022-12-07}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/dec/21/gonzaga-women-enter-holiday-break-with-good-cheer-/|title= Gonzaga women enter holiday break with good cheer after beating Montana 82–67|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2022-12-21|access-date=2022-12-21}} The Zags finished WCC play with a 17–1 record, with the lone loss coming at Santa Clara on February 2.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/feb/02/gonzaga-womens-14-game-win-streak-snapped-at-santa/|title= Gonzaga women's 14-game win streak snapped at Santa Clara 77-72|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2023-02-02|access-date=2023-02-04}} The Zags won their 17th regular season conference title overall and the seventh under Fortier.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/feb/25/gonzaga-women-beat-byu-on-the-road-58-51-clinch-ou/|title= Gonzaga women beat BYU on the road 58-51, clinch outright WCC championship|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2023-02-25|access-date=2023-02-26}}
The Zags announced that they are going to have Kayleigh and Kaylynne Troung, Eliza Hollingsworth, and Brynna Maxwell back for the 2023–24 season during the pregame festivities against St. Mary's.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/feb/18/were-back-kaylynne-and-kayleigh-truong-announce-th/|title= 'We're back!': Gonzaga's Kaylynne and Kayleigh Truong announce they will return for another season|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2023-02-18|access-date=2023-02-19}} The Zags defeated the BYU Cougars 79–64 on March 6 and ended up losing to Portland 64–60 on March 7 in the WCC tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/mar/06/top-seeded-gonzaga-women-roll-past-byu-79-64-in-wc/|title= Top-seeded Gonzaga women roll past BYU 79-64 in WCC tournament semifinals|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2023-03-06|access-date=2023-03-06}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/mar/07/portland-women-upset-top-seeded-gonzaga-64-60-to-w/|title= Portland women upset top-seeded Gonzaga 64-60 to win WCC Tournament championship|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2023-03-07|access-date=2023-03-08}} The Zags were selected as the 9th seeded in the Seattle region 4, where they took on 8th seeded Ole Miss.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/mar/12/gonzaga-women-get-9-seed-will-face-ole-miss-in-nca/|title= Gonzaga women get 9 seed, will face Ole Miss in NCAA Tournament opener|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2023-03-12|access-date=2023-03-13}} It was the 14th appearance for the Zags and the seventh under Fortier. The Zags ended their season at 28–5 with a 71–48 loss to Ole Miss at Stanford.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/mar/17/ole-miss-shuts-down-gonzaga-women-as-rebels-roll-t/|title= Ole Miss shuts down Gonzaga women as Rebels roll to 71-48 NCAA Tournament win|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2023-03-17|access-date=2023-03-17}}
2023–24 season
The Zags finished non-conference play with a 13–2 record, including the biggest upset in program history of a 96–78 victory over then #3 Stanford Cardinals on December 3, 2023, and losses to Washington State on the road and Louisville at the Betty Chancellor classic in Katy, Texas.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/dec/03/gonzaga-women-come-out-confident-pull-off-historic/|title= Gonzaga women come out confident, pull off historic upset of No. 3 Stanford 96-78|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2023-12-03|access-date=2023-12-04}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/nov/09/no-24-washington-state-outlasts-gonzaga-in-overtim/|title= No. 24 Washington State outlasts Gonzaga in overtime 77-72|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2023-11-09|access-date=2023-11-14}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/nov/26/turnovers-doom-gonzaga-women-in-81-70-loss-to-no-2/|title= Turnovers doom Gonzaga women in 81-70 loss to No. 20 Louisville at Betty Chancellor Classic|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2023-11-26|access-date=2023-12-02}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/dec/22/gonzaga-women-welcome-back-two-players-close-nonco/|title= Gonzaga women welcome back two players, close nonconference with 67-56 win over New MexicoClassic|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2023-12-22|access-date=2023-12-24}} The Zags finished conference play undefeated for the first time in the Lisa Fortier era.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/feb/28/no-16-gonzaga-uses-balanced-scoring-to-complete-pe/|title= No. 16 Gonzaga uses balanced scoring to complete perfect West Coast Conference season|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2024-02-28|access-date=2024-02-29}} It also marked the first undefeated conference season for the Zags since the 2010–11 season. The Zags clinched their 18th regular season conference title overall and the eighth under Fortier.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/feb/17/no-17-gonzaga-women-overcome-slow-start-beat-pacif/|title= No. 17 Gonzaga women overcome slow start, beat Pacific to clinch West Coast Conference championship|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2024-02-17|access-date=2024-02-18}} During the starting lineup against the San Francisco Dons, The Zags announced that Yvonne Ejim will be returning for her fifth and final year of eligibility for the 2024–25 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/feb/22/yvonne-ejim-announces-return-for-another-year-befo/|title= Yvonne Ejim announces return for another year before Gonzaga routs San Francisco 74-48|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2024-02-22|access-date=2024-03-03}} The Zags started off the WCC tournament with a 72–61 victory over the Pacific Tigers on March 11 to move to 30–2 on the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/mar/11/eliza-hollingsworth-scores-20-as-gonzaga-women-bea/|title= Analysis: Sloppy Gonzaga overcomes 'lost focus' to beat Pacific 72-61, advance to WCC women's title game|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2024-02-22|access-date=2024-03-03}} The Zags lost to the Portland Pilots in the championship game on March 12 for the second consecutive year with a 67–66 loss to fall to 30–3 on the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/mar/12/portland-stuns-gonzaga-women-67-66-to-win-second-s/|title= Portland stuns Gonzaga women 67-66 to win second straight WCC tournament championship|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2024-03-12|access-date=2024-03-16}} Despite the loss to Portland in the championship game, the Zags were selected the #4 seed in the NCAA tournament, which will be the first time they will host the tournament since the 2013 season and the first under Fortier's head coaching career.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/mar/17/gonzaga-women-earn-no-4-seed-will-host-first-two-r/|title= 'Such an amazing feeling': Gonzaga women earn No. 4 seed, will host first two rounds of NCAA Tournament|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2024-03-17|access-date=2024-03-23}} The Zags defeated the UC Irvine Anteaters 75–56 on March 23 to advance to the second round.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/mar/23/gonzaga-women-start-slow-storm-past-uc-irvine-75-5/|title= 'Such an amazing feeling': Gonzaga women start slow, storm past UC Irvine 75-56 in first round of NCAA Tournament|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2024-03-23|access-date=2024-03-30}} The Zags defeated Utah 77–66 on March 25 to advance to the Sweet 16 in Portland.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/mar/25/how-sweet-it-is-gonzaga-women-knock-off-utah-in-th/|title= How sweet it is: Gonzaga women knock off Utah in the NCAA Tournament, head to Sweet 16|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2024-03-25|access-date=2024-03-30}} This marks the first Sweet 16 appearance for the Zags since 2015. The Zags season come to a close with a 69–47 defeat to Texas on March 29 at the Moda Center in Portland to finish their season at 32–4.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/mar/29/gonzaga-women-go-cold-in-first-half-of-69-47-loss-/|title= Gonzaga women's historic season sends in Sweet 16 loss to Texas 69-47|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2024-03-29|access-date=2024-03-30}}
After the season, she was named by the women's basketball analytics website Her Hoop Stats as the inaugural recipient of the Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year Award, presented to the top Division I women's head coach outside the so-called "power conferences" (the Power Five conferences of college football plus the Big East Conference).{{cite web |url=https://herhoopstats.substack.com/p/lisa-fortier-named-2024-kathy-delaney |title=Lisa Fortier Named 2024 Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year |work=Her Hoop Stats |date=April 3, 2024 |access-date=April 3, 2024}}
2024-25 Season
The Zags finished nonconference with a 5-6 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/dec/14/gonzaga-women-lean-on-yvonne-ejim-3-point-shooting/|title= Gonzaga women lean on Yvonne Ejim, 3-point shooting to beat Eastern Washington 79-50|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2024-12-14|access-date=2024-12-15}}
The Zags finished tied for first place with the Portland Pilots in WCC play with a 17-3 record, winning 16 out of their last 17 games after starting conference play with a 1-2 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/mar/01/gonzaga-women-beat-santa-clara-68-61-to-clinch-no-/|title= Gonzaga women beat Santa Clara 68-61 to clinch No. 1 seed at WCC Tournament, share of regular-season title|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2025-03-01|access-date=2025-03-07}}
The Zags lost in the WCC tournament semifinals to the Oregon State Beavers 63-61 to fall to 22-10 on the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/mar/10/kennedie-shuler-oregon-state-stun-top-seeded-gonza/|title= Kennedie Shuler, Oregon State stun top-seeded Gonzaga women 63-61 in WCC Tournament semifinals|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2025-03-10|access-date=2025-03-12}}
The Zags were selected as the #4 seed to host the UTSA Roadrunners on March 20, where they defeated the Roadrunners 67-51 to go to 23-10 on the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/mar/20/gonzaga-women-surge-past-utsa-67-51-in-wbit-opener/|title= Gonzaga women surge past UTSA 67-51 in WBIT opener|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2025-03-20|access-date=2025-03-22}}
The Zags defeated top seeded Colorado Buffaloes 64-55 on March 23 at CU Events Center to go to 24-10 on the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/mar/23/gonzaga-women-march-on-beat-colorado-64-55-to-reac/|title= Gonzaga women march on, beat Colorado 64-55 to reach WBIT quarterfinals|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2025-03-23|access-date=2025-03-30}}
The Zags season came to a close with a 82-77 overtime loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Williams Arena on March 27 to finish the season with a 24-11 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/mar/27/minnesota-rallies-for-82-77-ot-win-over-gonzaga-wo/|title= Minnesota rallies for 82-77 OT win over Gonzaga women in WBIT quarterfinals|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2025-03-27|access-date=2025-03-30}}
Personal life
Fortier is married to Craig Fortier, whom she met when they both attended Placer High School and Cal State Monterey Bay.{{cite web|url=http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/9/08/14/married-placer-alums-coaching-gonzaga-women%E2%80%99s-college-basketball-team-together|title= Married Placer alums coaching Gonzaga women's college basketball team together| publisher=auburnjournal.com| date=2014-09-08|access-date=2014-11-16}}
Craig was formerly the associate head coach for Jim Hayford's Whitworth Pirates and Eastern Washington Eagles men's basketball teams before being hired as an assistant to his wife at Gonzaga.
They have two sons and a daughter.{{cite web |url=https://gozags.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/lisa-fortier/405/ |title=Lisa Fortier|publisher=GoZags.com|access-date=November 25, 2022}}
Fortier was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2024. Eight months later, she is declared cancer free.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/nov/03/weve-felt-enormous-love-cancer-conquered-gonzaga-c/|title= 'We've felt enormous love': Cancer conquered, Gonzaga coach Lisa Fortier grateful for her family and friends, her team and a future with long hair|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2024-11-03|access-date=2024-12-29}}
Milestones
As Gonzaga head coach
- 100th career win/100th win at Gonzaga- November 11, 2018 at Eastern Washington University{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/nov/11/gonzaga-outlasts-eastern-washington-63-51-in-women/|title= Gonzaga outlasts Eastern Washington 63–51 in women's basketball|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2018-11-11|access-date=2022-02-27}}
- 100th WCC win as head coach- January 30, 2021 at St. Mary's{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/jan/30/jill-townsend-no-18-zag-women-start-fast-sink-sain/|title= Jill Townsend, No. 18 Gonzaga women start fast, sink Saint Mary's|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2021-01-30|access-date=2022-02-27}}
- 200th career win/200th win at Gonzaga- February 21, 2022 vs. Santa Clara{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/feb/21/gonzaga-women-bounce-back-from-loss-to-byu-with-bl/|title= Gonzaga women bounce back from loss to BYU with blowout 74–58 win over Santa Clara|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2022-02-21|access-date=2022-02-27}}
- Biggest ranked opponent upset in program history (96–78 victory over the #3 Stanford Cardinals on December 3, 2023)
- 250th career win/250th win at Gonzaga- January 18, 2024 at Loyola Marymount{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/jan/18/no-17-gonzaga-women-roll-past-loyola-marymount-72-/|title= No. 17 Gonzaga women roll past Loyola Marymount 72-48 for coach Lisa Fortier's 250th career win|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2024-01-18|access-date=2024-01-21}}
- Most 3 pointers in a single game (19)- February 3, 2024 against Pacific.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/feb/03/no-19-gonzaga-women-make-program-record-19-3-point/|title= No. 19 Gonzaga women make program-record 19 3-pointers in rout of Pacific 104-39|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2024-02-03|access-date=2024-02-11}}
Previous record was 17 (twice; Liberty on November 24, 2023{{cite web|url=https://gozags.com/news/2023/11/24/womens-basketball-wbb-scores-over-100-to-defeat-liberty.aspx|title= WBB Scores Over 100 to Defeat Liberty|publisher=GoZags.com| date=2023-11-24|access-date=2024-02-11}} and BYU on February 2, 2017).{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/feb/02/gonzaga-women-score-record-breaking-17-3s-top-byu-/|title= Gonzaga women hit record 17 3-pointers in rout of BYU|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2017-02-02|access-date=2024-02-11}}
Notable players under Fortier as assistant coach and head coach
- Jill Barta (2015–2018){{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/mar/22/jill-barta-gonzagas-leading-scorer-and-west-coast-/ |title=Jill Barta, Gonzaga's leading scorer and West Coast Conference MVP, to forgo final season of eligibility|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=March 22, 2018}}
- Heather Bowman, formerly Gonzaga women's basketball all-time leading scorer from 2010-2025 before being surpassed by Yvonne Ejim in February 2025. (played from 2006–2010).
Inducted into the WCC Hall of Fame in 2020 for women's basketball.{{cite web |url=https://wccsports.com/news/2020/3/4/general-wcc-hall-of-honor-heather-bowman-gonzaga.aspx|title=WCC Hall of Honor: Heather Bowman, Gonzaga|publisher=WCCSports.com|access-date=April 26, 2020}} - Yvonne Ejim (2020–2025). First WCC women's basketball player to score 2,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds in their career.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/jan/30/gonzaga-forward-yvonne-ejim-makes-history-in-win-o/|title= Gonzaga forward Yvonne Ejim makes history in win over San Diego 64-48|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2025-01-30|access-date=2025-01-31}} Ejim became the all-time leading scorer against St. Mary's in February 2025, surpassing Heather Bowman's career points record.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/feb/06/yvonne-ejim-becomes-gonzagas-all-time-leading-scor/|title= Yvonne Ejim becomes Gonzaga's all-time leading scorer in 69-58 win over Saint Mary's|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2025-02-06|access-date=2025-02-09}}
- Vivian Frieson (2006–2010). First ever Zags women's basketball player to be drafted in the WNBA draft (3rd round, 7th pick).{{cite web |url=https://www.gonzagabulletin.com/frieson-becomes-first-female-basketball-player-drafted-in-school-history/article_7922e5d3-44fc-50da-97da-6497694b064a.html |title=Frieson becomes first female basketball player drafted in school history|publisher=GonzagaBulletin.com|access-date=February 4, 2023}}
- Brynna Maxwell (2022–2024). Previously played for the Utah Utes from 2019 to 2022 before transferring to Gonzaga.{{cite web|url=https://gozags.com/news/2022/4/20/womens-basketball-wbb-zags-add-utah-transfer-brynna-maxwell.aspx|title= WBB: Zags Add Utah Transfer Brynna Maxwell|publisher=GoZags.com| date=2022-04-20|access-date=2024-04-28}}
Second round, 1st pick in the 2024 WNBA draft for the Chicago Sky.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/apr/15/chicago-sky-select-gonzagas-brynna-maxwell-with-13/|title= Chicago Sky select Gonzaga's Brynna Maxwell with 13th pick in WNBA draft; Kaylynne Troung goes 21st to Washington|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2024-04-15|access-date=2024-04-28}} - Katelan Redmon (2009–2012). Last pick of the 2012 WNBA draft for the New York Liberty.{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/apr/16/minnesota-selects-standish-second-round/|title= Minnesota picks Standish; Redmon to New York|publisher=Spokesman.com| date=2012-04-16|access-date=2024-04-28}}
- Kayla Standish (2008–2012). Second round, 7th pick of the 2012 WNBA draft for the Minnesota Lynx.
- Laura Stockton (2015–2019){{cite web |url=http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/sports/bobcats/womens-basketball/lindsay-stockton-to-face-sister-at-gonzaga/article_99b00aff-ed77-5453-81f6-cbbb37e902d4.html/ |title= Lindsay Stockton to face sister at Gonzaga|publisher=BozemanDailyChronicle.com|access-date=March 18, 2017}}
- Elle Tinkle, Gonzaga women's basketball player (2012–2017). Daughter of Oregon State Beavers men's basketball coach Wayne Tinkle.{{cite web |url=https://www.gonzagabulletin.com/sports/article_2190ded2-6add-11e4-b173-37a7bc53860e.html/ |title=Living by the Tinkle standard|publisher=GonzagaBulletin.com|access-date=January 28, 2018}}
- Kaylynne Truong (2019–2024). Second round, 9th pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft for the Washington Mystics.
Twin sister Kayleigh also played for the Zags from 2019 to 2024.{{cite web|url=https://gozags.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kayleigh-truong/4757|title= Kayleigh Truong|publisher=GoZags.com|access-date=2024-04-28}} - Courtney Vandersloot (2007–2011). Gonzaga women's basketball all-time assists leader and second-all-time leading scorer.
Highest WNBA draft pick in team history (first round, 3rd pick){{cite web |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/feb/02/courtney-vandersloot-former-gonzaga-star-and-four-/ |title=Courtney Vandersloot, former Gonzaga star and four-time WNBA All-Star, leaves for the New York Liberty|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=February 4, 2023}}
The only women's basketball player to have number retired (#21).{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/35639796/gonzaga-women-basketball-retires-courtney-vandersloot-no-21-jersey?platform=amp |title=Gonzaga women's basketball retires Courtney Vandersloot's No. 21 |publisher=ESPN.com |date=2023-02-11 |access-date=2023-02-11}}
Awards and honors
- Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year – 1 time (2024); inaugural recipient
- WCC Co-Coach of the Year- 1 time (2015) – She was one of three coaches selected for the honor, along with St. Mary's Gaels women's basketball coach Paul Thomas and Pacific Tigers women's basketball coach Lynne Roberts.{{cite web|url=http://www.wccsports.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/030315aaa.html/|title=BYU's Morgan Bailey named Player of the Year; Lisa Fortier (Gonzaga), Lynne Roberts (Pacific) & Paul Thomas (Saint Mary's) share Coach of the Year honors|publisher=wccsports.com|date=2015-03-03|access-date=2015-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402145535/http://www.wccsports.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/030315aaa.html|archive-date=2015-04-02|url-status=dead}}
- Maggie Dixon Award Rookie Coach of the Year (2015){{cite web|url=http://www.gozags.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=26400&ATCLID=210005190/|title=Fortier Named National Rookie Coach of the Year|publisher=gozags.com|date=2015-04-06|access-date=2015-04-06|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413225632/http://www.gozags.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=26400&ATCLID=210005190%2F|archivedate=2015-04-13}}
- WCC Coach of the Year- 6 times (2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024, & 2025){{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/feb/28/gonzagas-fortier-is-wcc-coach-of-the-year-kudron-b/ |title= Gonzaga's Lisa Fortier named WCC Coach of the Year; Kudron, Barta make first team|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=March 5, 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/feb/27/gonzagas-lisa-fortier-named-wcc-coach-of-the-year-/ |title= Gonzaga's Lisa Fortier named WCC Coach of the Year and Jill Barta is MVP|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=February 27, 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/mar/05/fortier-named-wcc-coach-of-the-year-rice-smith-sto/ |title= Gonzaga's Lisa Fortier named WCC Coach of the Year; senior trio on first team|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=March 7, 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/mar/01/gonzagas-kaylynne-truong-lisa-fortier-earn-wcc-pla/ |title= Gonzaga's Kaylynne Truong, Lisa Fortier earn WCC player and coach of the year awards|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=March 3, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/mar/05/wcc-names-yvonne-ejim-top-player-lisa-fortier-top-/ |title= WCC names Yvonne Ejim top player, Lisa Fortier top coach as Gonzaga women dominate awards|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=March 5, 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/mar/04/gonzagas-yvonne-ejim-allie-turner-and-coach-lisa-f/ |title= Gonzaga’s Yvonne Ejim, Allie Turner and coach Lisa Fortier dominate WCC awards|publisher=Spokesman.com|access-date=March 7, 2025}}
- Hall of Fame{{cite web |url=https://gozags.com/news/2022/8/18/womens-basketball-lisa-fortier-named-to-three-hofs.aspx |title= Lisa Fortier Named to Three HOFs|publisher=GoZags.com|access-date=November 24, 2022}}
-Placer High School- inducted in 2020
-Cal State Monterey Bay- inducted in 2020
-Butte College- inducted in 2022
Head coaching record
{{CBB Yearly Record Start
|type=coach
|conference=
|postseason=
|poll=
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Subhead
|name=Gonzaga Bulldogs
|startyear=2014
|conference=WCC
|endyear=present
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| season = 2014–15
| name = Gonzaga
| overall = 26–8
| conference = 16–2
| confstanding = 1st
| postseason = NCAA Sweet Sixteen
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Entry
| season = 2015–16
| name = Gonzaga
| overall = 19–14
| conference = 10–8
| confstanding = 5th
| postseason = WNIT Second Round
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = confboth
| season = 2016–17
| name = Gonzaga
| overall = 26–7
| conference = 14–4
| confstanding = 1st
| postseason = NCAA First Round
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = confboth
| season = 2017–18
| name = Gonzaga
| overall = 27–6
| conference = 17–1
| confstanding = 1st
| postseason = NCAA First Round
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| season = 2018–19
| name = Gonzaga
| overall = 29–5
| conference = 16–2
| confstanding = 1st
| postseason = NCAA Second Round
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| season = 2019–20
| name = Gonzaga
| overall = 28–3
| conference = 17–1
| confstanding = 1st
| postseason = Postseason not held
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = confboth
| season = 2020–21
| name = Gonzaga
| overall = 23–4
| conference = 16–1
| confstanding = 1st
| postseason = NCAA First Round
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference tournament
| season = 2021–22
| name = Gonzaga
| overall = 27–7
| conference = 15–2
| confstanding = 2nd
| postseason = NCAA Second Round
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| season = 2022–23
| name = Gonzaga
| overall = 28–5
| conference = 17–1
| confstanding = 1st
| postseason = NCAA First Round
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| season = 2023–24
| name = Gonzaga
| overall = 32–4
| conference = 16–0
| confstanding = 1st
| postseason = NCAA Sweet Sixteen
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| season = 2024–25
| name = Gonzaga
| overall = 24–11
| conference = 17–3
| confstanding = T-1st
| postseason = WBIT Quarterfinals
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Subtotal
| name = Gonzaga
| overall = {{Winning percentage|289|74|record=y}}
| confrecord = {{Winning percentage|171|25|record=y}}
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record End
| overall= {{Winning percentage|289|74|record=y}}
}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}{{West Coast Conference women's basketball coach navbox}}{{Gonzaga Bulldogs women's basketball coach navbox}}
{{Maggie Dixon Award}}{{West Coast Conference Women's Basketball Coach of the Year navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fortier, Lisa}}
Category:American women's basketball coaches
Category:California State University, Monterey Bay alumni
Category:Gonzaga Bulldogs women's basketball coaches
Category:Junior college women's basketball players in the United States