The squad was led by sixth-year head coach Linda Sharp and superstar freshman Cheryl Miller.

The Trojans played their home games at the L.A. Sports Arena and were an NCAA independent.

1 and two-time defending champion (1 AIAW, 1 NCAA), Louisiana Tech, winning 69–67 to break the Lady Techsters championship hold and earn the program's first NCAA title.

The 1981–82 USC Trojans women's basketball team finished with an overall record of 23–4 and a No.

They reached the Elite Eight of the inaugural women's NCAA tournament before losing to No.