The win at Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday night was more than just another Big 12 victory for Iowa State. It marked head coach Bill Fennelly’s 300th win with the Cyclones, and even more importantly, Iowa State landed its 20th victory of the season.

“I have been very, very lucky that they have allowed me to be here 14 years,” Fennelly said. “That’s the core of it.”

Having the win at home was a unique aspect to the milestone for Fennelly, who tossed the basketball to his wife in the crowd after the presentation.

“I’m flattered by it. I’m honored by it, but I am really honored to say that I could do it at a place like this,” Fennelly said.

This is the third consecutive season a Cyclone team has had a 20-win season. In the past, 20-win seasons have meant Elite Eight and Sweet 16 appearances, Big 12 tournament championships and record-breaking home crowds.

“It’s a benchmark that every program looks at,” Fennelly said. “To win 20 games in the league that we play in and the schedule that we play, says a lot about the kids.”

The players at Iowa State can see the passion from Fennelly, fueling the team into the same passion he has for a victory.

“He’s just so passionate and you want to win so badly for him,” junior guard Alison Lacey said. “He is by far the best coach I’ve ever had.”

Kelsey Bolte grew up watching Fennelly when she was young and is glad to be playing for him.

“It makes everyone else feel just as passionate and want to win for him,” Bolte said. “Just to be a part of that is a really big deal.”

In his third season at Iowa State, Fennelly produced a 25-8 record and the following year led the Cyclones to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament. In 2000 and 2001, the Cyclones notched over 20 wins, appeared in the Sweet 16 and won the conference tournament.

“Just to be coached by someone who is so passionate, we’ll do anything for him,” Lacey said.

Three Cyclone players: Heather Ezell, Nicky Wieben and Alison Lacey, with over 1,000 career points stood on the court and were honored before the game as a testament to the type of players coach Fennelly has produced at Iowa State.

“I haven’t scored a basket or rebounded since I’ve been here,” Fennelly said jokingly after the game. “The players have to do that and they’ve done it.”

This season at the Cyclones’ Pink Zone game against Texas, ISU rolled in 12,242 fans which ranks 18th in Cyclone women’s basketball history. Iowa State is ranked third in the nation in attendance this season with an average of 9,515 fans per game.

“We have had the best fan base in America that has allowed us to win some games,” Fennelly said.

Ten teams in school history have had seasons with 20 or more wins, nine of which were under Fennelly’s leadership. Fennelly is now 300-139 in his 14th season at ISU and 466-192 in his total head coaching career that began in Toledo in 1988.

“It’s a very, very important milestone and I think it puts you in a unique level,” Fennelly said.