In a remarkable season that culminated in a thrilling victory over Iowa, the South Carolina Gamecocks have entered the prestigious "perfect" club in Division I women's college basketball. With a flawless 38-0 record in Cleveland, the Gamecocks have become the tenth team and the fifth women's program to achieve an unbeaten season since the NCAA began governing women's sports in 1981-82.

While attempting to rank these undefeated teams in women's NCAA basketball history is a challenging task, it is undeniable that perfection is the ultimate achievement. Among the perfect programs, the University of Connecticut (UConn) has dominated with six impeccable seasons. Baylor, Tennessee, and Texas each had one unbeaten campaign.

The 2014-15 UConn team, led by Breanna Stewart, stands out as one of the most memorable in women's basketball history. This squad recorded the most victories of any of the perfect UConn teams, but their path to glory was not without significant challenges. In the championship game, they faced off against a formidable Notre Dame team, which had also remained undefeated until that point. Unfortunately for the Fighting Irish, they fell short, losing 79-58 to the powerhouse Huskies. The absence of standout player Natalie Achonwa due to a season-ending knee injury weakened Notre Dame's chances, but UConn's dominance was evident regardless.

The South Carolina Gamecocks showcased their outstanding depth throughout their championship season. The NCAA title game saw contributions from nine players on the scoring sheet and solid rebounding from seven. Head coach Dawn Staley emphasized versatility and talent, constructing a team that could adapt to various lineups.

Although South Carolina had its fair share of nail-biting moments, including a last-second victory against Tennessee in the SEC tournament semifinals and close contests against Indiana and Oregon State in the Region 1, the Gamecocks always delivered under pressure. In the Final Four, they dominated NC State before taking control of the game against Iowa, never allowing the Hawkeyes to mount a comeback.

Looking ahead, South Carolina may face the departure of Kamilla Cardoso to the WNBA draft, but the team is brimming with confidence, and expectations are high for another remarkable season in the future.

Baylor University also etched their name in the annals of women's basketball history with an unbeaten season in 2011-12. Led by Brittney Griner and Odyssey Sims, the Bears had an unwavering determination to succeed. They avenged their previous year's loss with a victory over Tennessee in the regional final and went on to defeat Stanford and Notre Dame in the Final Four to secure the national championship.

The University of Texas entered the NCAA as a formidable force after bidding farewell to the AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women). The Longhorns' triumph in the 1986 season was fueled by their defeat in the Sweet 16 the previous year, with a heartbreaking loss denying them a chance at the Final Four on their home court. Driven by Clarissa Davis, the most outstanding player at the Final Four, Texas exacted revenge on Western Kentucky and triumphed over USC to capture the championship title.

The UConn Huskies, with their now-legendary players Maya Moore, Tina Charles, and Renee Montgomery, left an indelible mark on women's college basketball. With a staggering 90-game winning streak, they secured back-to-back unblemished seasons and claimed multiple NCAA titles. Led by Moore's spectacular performance, they overcame a halftime deficit to triumph over Stanford in the NCAA final.

Tennessee also makes its mark on the list of perfect women's basketball programs, particularly the 1994-95 team featuring stars like Rebecca Lobo, Jennifer Rizzotti, and Kara Wolters. This group captured the hearts of fans as they clinched victory over archrival Tennessee in the national championship game.

These perfect seasons are testaments to the greatness of women's college basketball, showcasing the extraordinary level of talent, determination, and teamwork that can achieve the impossible.

The pursuit of perfection continues to inspire future generations of athletes, and South Carolina's recent achievement serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in the game.