The Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team’s remarkable journey to the Final Four in the 2025 NCAA Tournament has ignited a wave of enthusiasm and pride among fans and the university community. This achievement marks the Longhorns’ first appearance in the Final Four since 2003, underscoring a significant milestone for the program.
The path to the Final Four was paved with resilience and determination. In the Elite Eight, Texas faced TCU in a hard-fought battle. The Longhorns’ defense was instrumental, forcing 21 turnovers and holding TCU to just 27% shooting. Senior point guard Rori Harmon played a crucial role, shadowing TCU’s Hailey Van Lith throughout the game, while Madison Booker led all scorers with 18 points. This collective effort secured a 58-47 victory, propelling Texas to the national semifinals.
The excitement culminated in a spirited send-off event on April 1, 2025, as fans gathered to support the team before their departure to Tampa for the Final Four. The event featured free admission, limited-edition posters for the first 250 attendees, and official merchandise, fostering a communal atmosphere of anticipation and support.
In the Final Four matchup against South Carolina, the Longhorns started strong, with forward Madison Booker hitting her first three shots to lead the team to a 12-4 advantage in the first quarter. However, early foul trouble for Booker disrupted the team’s offensive rhythm. Despite a valiant effort, Texas fell to South Carolina with a final score of 74-57, concluding their impressive tournament run.
Freshman guard Jordan Lee emerged as a standout performer during the semifinal, leading the team with 16 points. Her contributions, along with the team’s overall performance, have instilled optimism for the future of Texas women’s basketball. The experience gained from this deep tournament run is expected to serve as a foundation for continued success in the coming seasons.
Reflecting on the season, the Longhorns’ journey to the Final Four has not only revitalized the program but also galvanized the fan base. The collective support and enthusiasm demonstrated by the university community underscore the profound impact of this achievement. As the team looks ahead, the experiences and lessons from this season are poised to propel Texas women’s basketball to new heights.