Women 's intercollegiate varsity basketball at the University of Pittsburgh began during the 1914 – 1915 season and found early success until 1926 – 1927 after which it was disbanded in favor of intramural sports programs . Varsity basketball for women was reinstated during the 1970 – 1971 season . Although participants were awarded varsity letters and competed intercollegiately , the program was n't taken over by the Athletic Department until the 1974 – 1975 season . During the 1970s , the team earned several EAIAW regional tournament appearances . Pitt began competing in the Big East Conference in 1982 , and the Panthers won the Big East regular season championship in 1984 . Pitt appeared in the National Women 's Invitational Tournament in 1981 and 1994 as well as the Women 's National Invitation Tournament in 2000 and 2006 before earning its first ever NCAA tournament appearance in 2007 , where they advanced to the second round before losing to eventual national champion Tennessee . The Panthers then advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in 2008 and 2009 , and made their fifth straight post-season tournament appearance in the WNIT in 2010 . On April 12 , 2013 , Pitt hired Suzie McConnell-Serio to replace Berenato as head coach . Pitt moved to the Atlantic Coast Conference ( ACC ) beginning with the 2013 – 14 season
Big East Conference
Big East Conference (1979–2013)
Pittsburgh Panthers women's basketball