CONGRATS: Rori Harmon Named 2025 National Player of the Year
In what has been an already remarkable season for Texas women’s basketball, sophomore point guard Rori Harmon has been awarded the prestigious title of 2025 National Player of the Year, cementing her status as one of the brightest stars in the sport. This honor highlights her incredible skills, leadership, and impact on the court, marking a monumental achievement not just for Harmon, but also for the entire Texas Longhorns program.
Harmon, who has been the catalyst for the Longhorns’ meteoric rise to the top of women’s college basketball, has captivated fans and analysts alike with her dazzling performances throughout the 2024-2025 season. As the team’s floor general, she has been a dynamic force on both ends of the court, leading Texas to an exceptional record, including a No. 1 ranking in the AP Poll — the first time in 21 years for the program.
This recognition as National Player of the Year comes on the heels of a breakout season for the sophomore, who has not only dominated in terms of scoring and playmaking but has also been a true leader for the Longhorns, both on and off the court. Her vision, basketball IQ, and relentless work ethic have made her a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing teams.
Rori Harmon’s Journey to National Player of the Year
The journey to becoming the 2025 National Player of the Year has been a steady rise for Harmon, who has been one of the most talked-about players in college basketball since her arrival at Texas. Known for her ability to run the offense with precision and creativity, Harmon has developed into one of the most complete point guards in the nation.
In her sophomore season, Harmon has averaged impressive numbers, including 19.7 points, 8.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. What makes her truly exceptional, however, is her ability to elevate the play of her teammates, creating scoring opportunities for others while still maintaining the balance of being a scoring threat herself. Her court vision is unparalleled, and her unselfishness has been a key factor in Texas’ offensive success.
Her defense has also been a standout aspect of her game. Harmon has been a relentless on-ball defender, harassing opposing guards and consistently disrupting offensive flows. She’s become known for her ability to lock down opposing players and create turnovers, often leading to fast-break points for her team. This combination of offense and defense has made her a dual-threat and one of the most well-rounded players in the nation.
It’s clear that Harmon’s leadership goes beyond her individual accolades — she has been the driving force behind Texas’ rise to prominence, guiding the Longhorns to victories over top-ranked teams and positioning them as strong contenders for the NCAA Tournament. Whether it’s her clutch performances in high-pressure moments or her ability to make everyone around her better, Harmon’s impact cannot be overstated.
Vic Schaefer’s Praise for Rori Harmon
Vic Schaefer, head coach of the Texas Longhorns, has been effusive in his praise for Harmon throughout the season. Schaefer, known for his defensive coaching prowess, has guided Harmon to greater heights, and his belief in her abilities has been evident all season long.
“Rori has been incredible this season,” said Schaefer. “Her work ethic, her understanding of the game, and her ability to lead this team are what make her so special. She’s not just a great player; she’s a great teammate, and that’s something that really sets her apart. This recognition is so well-deserved, and I couldn’t be prouder of the way she’s represented Texas basketball.”
Schaefer also emphasized the importance of Harmon’s maturity and leadership in her sophomore season, noting that she has truly taken on the responsibility of being a leader for the team, guiding them to both individual and collective success.
What This Award Means for Texas Women’s Basketball
For Texas women’s basketball, this award is a monumental milestone. Harmon’s recognition as the National Player of the Year is not just a personal achievement, but also a reflection of the program’s rise to national prominence under Coach Schaefer. The Longhorns have been a force in women’s college basketball for decades, but with this title, they’ve taken another step toward establishing themselves as one of the true elite programs in the nation.
This honor also adds to the legacy of the Longhorns’ historic 2024-2025 season, which has already seen them reach the No. 1 spot in the AP poll for the first time in over two decades. With Harmon leading the way, Texas has become a team that is capable of competing for a national championship. The combination of Harmon’s individual brilliance and the team’s collective effort has made Texas one of the most dangerous teams in the country heading into the postseason.
The award also has a broader significance for the future of the program. With Harmon still just a sophomore, she will likely remain at Texas for another season, and this recognition is sure to elevate the program’s recruiting efforts. The Longhorns will be an even more attractive destination for top high school prospects who want to play alongside one of the best players in the country.
The Longhorns’ Success and the Road to the NCAA Tournament
As the Longhorns look toward the postseason, the spotlight will continue to be on Harmon, who has proven she can handle the pressure of big games. Texas is poised to be a top contender for the NCAA Tournament, and Harmon’s leadership and poise will be critical as they look to make a deep run.
As of now, the Longhorns are heavily favored to secure a high seed in the tournament, with Harmon leading the charge. She will have the opportunity to continue her remarkable journey and potentially lead Texas to its first NCAA Championship since 1986. With her talent, leadership, and relentless drive, there’s no limit to what Harmon can achieve.
Rori Harmon’s Future in the WNBA
Given her exceptional performances, Harmon’s future in professional basketball is bright. The WNBA will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on her progress, as she is expected to be one of the top draft picks when she eventually enters the league. But for now, Harmon’s focus remains squarely on helping her team win a national championship and finish her collegiate career on the highest note possible.
Her success at Texas has been a testament to her work ethic, dedication, and natural talent. But more than that, it speaks to her ability to make everyone around her better — a trait that will serve her well at the next level.
A Well-Deserved Honor
Rori Harmon’s recognition as the 2025 National Player of the Year is a well-deserved honor for one of the most talented and impactful players in women’s college basketball. Her incredible skill set, leadership, and ability to perform in the clutch have made her one of the best players in the game today.
For Texas women’s basketball, this achievement is another step toward cementing the program as one of the elite forces in women’s sports. With Harmon at the helm, the future is bright for the Longhorns, and they will continue to be a team to watch as they chase a national title.
Congratulations to Rori Harmon on being named National Player of the Year, and here’s to many more milestones as she leads Texas into the postseason! The Longhorns are truly a team to be reckoned with, and Harmon is at the heart of it all.