BREAKING: Amanda Braun has just been appointed as the chair of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee, marking a pivotal moment for women’s athletics. Braun, a former basketball star from Brodhead High School and currently the Director of Athletics at UW-Milwaukee, is set to lead the committee during the important 2025-26 season.
In a stunning full-circle moment, Braun recalls her first NCAA Women’s Final Four experience in 1995 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, where she witnessed UConn secure the championship. Now, as chair, she is positioned to influence the future of women’s basketball in a time of unprecedented growth for the sport.
“It means a lot to me personally, and professionally it’s a cool opportunity,” Braun stated, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring the best teams are selected for the tournament. The committee will meet from March 11-16, 2026, in Indianapolis to determine the 68 teams for the NCAA tournament, a task Braun insists is taken seriously. “We want to get it right for all the teams that work so hard all year,” she asserted.
As the committee evaluates teams, they will analyze crucial data including wins above bubble and NET rankings. “It’s splitting hairs,” Braun explained, as members debate seed placements to create a fair tournament bracket. Her dedication to accuracy stems from her own experiences as an athlete and administrator, having faced significant challenges during her collegiate basketball career.
Growing up in Brodhead, Braun excelled both academically and athletically, earning accolades as a two-time first-team selection on the Beloit Daily News All-Area Girls Basketball Team. Despite injuries limiting her collegiate playing time at Siena College, where she graduated summa cum laude, Braun transitioned into a successful career in athletic administration.
Before her role as athletic director at UW-Milwaukee, Braun served as the associate director at UW-Green Bay and the Executive Senior Associate Director at Northeastern University. Her leadership was recognized in 2023 when she was named the NCAA Division I Nike Executive of the Year by Women Leaders in College Sports.
With a decade of experience on NCAA committees, Braun’s tenure will conclude after the Women’s Final Four, scheduled for April 3-5, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. “It has been an honor, and I like challenges,” she remarked, highlighting her enthusiasm for the role while acknowledging the need for a break once her term ends.
Amanda Braun’s appointment is a significant milestone for women’s sports, reflecting the growing recognition and support for female athletes. As the committee prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Braun as she leads the charge in shaping the future of NCAA women’s basketball.
Stay tuned for further updates on Amanda Braun’s leadership and the upcoming NCAA tournament selections!