For the first time since 2003, Texas women’s basketball is headed to the Final Four.
Texas Women’s Basketball has secured its place in the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four, marking the program’s first trip to the prestigious event since 2003. The Longhorns, under the leadership of head coach Vic Schaefer, have been building toward this moment for years, and now they are on the verge of making history. The road to the Final Four has been filled with challenges, but Texas has shown resilience, talent, and heart, earning a spot among the nation’s elite teams.
The Longhorns’ journey to this milestone began with high expectations. Schaefer, who took over the program in 2020, inherited a team with a strong foundation, but it was clear that there were areas for improvement. He immediately set about implementing his defensive-first philosophy, which quickly took shape in Austin. Schaefer’s defensive schemes allowed Texas to become one of the toughest teams in the nation, and the Longhorns’ performance in the NCAA Tournament showed just how far they had come since his arrival. Texas played with intensity, determination, and a sense of purpose throughout the tournament, and the team’s grit was ultimately rewarded with a ticket to the Final Four.
One of the key players in Texas’ successful tournament run has been senior guard Rori Harmon. Harmon, who has been a star for the Longhorns since her freshman season, has taken her game to another level this year, proving herself to be one of the best players in the country. Harmon’s ability to score, distribute, and defend has made her a constant threat on both ends of the floor, and her leadership has been invaluable to Texas’ success. In the NCAA Tournament, Harmon has been a steadying presence, often taking over games when her team needed her most. Her playmaking ability and basketball IQ have been critical in helping Texas advance through some tough competition.
Alongside Harmon, junior forward Taylor Jones has also been a standout performer for Texas. Jones’ size, athleticism, and versatility have made her a matchup nightmare for opponents. Whether she’s scoring in the paint, pulling down rebounds, or blocking shots, Jones has been a force on both sides of the ball. Her physicality and presence in the post have given Texas a significant advantage, and she’s often been the catalyst for the Longhorns’ offensive execution. In the tournament, Jones has shown her ability to rise to the occasion, stepping up in key moments to make plays that have helped propel her team to the Final Four.
While Harmon and Jones have garnered much of the attention, Texas’ success has been a team effort. The Longhorns have had contributions from players up and down the roster, and the depth of the team has been one of the reasons for their success. Players like senior guard Audrey Warren, junior guard Sonya Morris, and sophomore forward Aaliyah Moore have each played pivotal roles in the team’s tournament run. Warren, known for her defensive tenacity and leadership, has been the heart and soul of the Longhorns’ defense. Her ability to lock down opposing players and create turnovers has been invaluable in helping Texas maintain its defensive dominance. Morris, an offensive threat with the ability to score from anywhere on the floor, has provided much-needed scoring and offensive balance. Moore, a rising star in her own right, has emerged as a key contributor in the paint and on the glass.
In addition to the players, Schaefer’s coaching has been instrumental in guiding the Longhorns to the Final Four. Schaefer, who previously led Mississippi State to the NCAA championship game in 2017, is no stranger to success on the big stage. His defensive-oriented coaching philosophy, combined with his ability to get the best out of his players, has helped Texas become one of the top teams in the country. Schaefer’s attention to detail and his ability to adjust in-game have been critical in Texas’ victories during the tournament. His calm demeanor and experience have helped keep the team focused and composed, even in high-pressure situations.
Texas’ path to the Final Four was not without its challenges. The Longhorns faced a tough field of competition, with each opponent offering a different set of challenges. However, Texas handled each game with poise, relying on its defense and the clutch performances of its star players. The team’s ability to close out games and execute in the final minutes was one of the key factors in their success. In particular, their victory over a highly-ranked team in the Elite Eight was a testament to their resilience. Despite facing adversity and a talented opponent, Texas stayed composed and executed when it mattered most, securing a hard-fought win that sent them to the Final Four.
For the Longhorns, reaching the Final Four is a moment of redemption and pride. The program has a rich history, and for years, Texas women’s basketball has been one of the top programs in the country. However, it had been two decades since the Longhorns last made it to the Final Four, and many believed that they had lost their edge in recent years. This trip to the Final Four is a statement that Texas is back among the elite, and that the future of the program is bright. It is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the players, coaches, and staff, and it marks the culmination of years of effort to return Texas to national prominence.
For the players, this journey has been a dream come true. Many of them, particularly the seniors, have been working toward this moment for years. They’ve experienced the ups and downs of college basketball, but they’ve never given up on their goal of reaching the Final Four. The feeling of making it to the sport’s biggest stage is one that they will remember for the rest of their lives, and they are determined to make the most of this opportunity.
As the Longhorns head into the Final Four, they are fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead. The teams remaining in the tournament are some of the best in the country, and each one will present a different set of challenges. However, Texas has proven time and again throughout the season and tournament that they are more than capable of competing with the best. They have the talent, the depth, and the coaching to make a run at the championship. And with players like Harmon, Jones, and others leading the way, the Longhorns will be a tough team to beat.
The road to the Final Four has been a long and difficult one, but Texas has embraced the journey. From the beginning of the season, the Longhorns set their sights on this moment, and now that it’s finally here, they are ready to seize the opportunity. For Schaefer, this is a moment of validation and pride. His vision for the program has come to fruition, and he has his team poised to achieve greatness. For the players, the Final Four is a chance to solidify their place in Texas basketball history and to show the world that they are ready to compete at the highest level.
In the end, the 2023 Final Four is not just a destination for the Texas women’s basketball team, it’s the beginning of a new era of success. The Longhorns have shown that they are capable of competing with the best, and their future is brighter than ever. As they take the court in the Final Four, Texas will not only be playing for a championship, but also for the legacy they have built and the pride of representing one of the most storied programs in college basketball.