Okon Ekpenyong, with On The Moves With SportzKelzMedia 

The Texas Christian University Women’s Basketball team has achieved a historic underdog victory, securing their inaugural Elite Eight appearance in the program’s history. Defeating Notre Dame, a team with a 70% likelihood of winning, while TCU stood at just a 30% chance, TCU triumphed in both matchups, showcasing their resilience and determination.

Hailey Van Lith, a true star, scored 26 points to lead her team and established a new single-season scoring record for TCU. Her journey from Louisville to LSU and now TCU is a testament to her continuous pursuit of history for the university and every college team she has played for, propelling them into the elite eight.

The team’s collective effort, resilience, maturity, and ability to build on the season’s successes brought them to this point. Their unity was evident in their strategy to limit Notre Dame to just 39.1% shooting from the field and holding them to 3 of 15 from three-point range. This true team achievement emphasizes TCU’s defensive strategy throughout the game.

The transfer portal is undoubtedly one factor that led to the team’s accomplishments; Sedona Prince, a transfer student like Van Lith but who came from Oregon, has made a significant contribution. She wrapped up her first season in Fort Worth with averages of 19.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. Her consistent performance during the regular season, where she was the sole college women’s basketball player to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks per game, has been a game-changer for the team.

Sedona Prince remarked on the team’s chemistry, describing them as “the closest-knit group you could find in college athletics.”

Coach Mark Campbell credited the team’s skills and personalities for their success. He explained, “We take our culture seriously. We prioritize having the right personalities, egos, and leaders.” This culture of teamwork and leadership has been a driving force behind the team’s achievements. Campbell also acknowledged Van Lith’s defensive abilities, calling her “an elite defender” capable of guarding the opposition’s top player.

Coming up for TCU is a highly anticipated showdown against Texas in the Elite Eight on Monday night as they strive for their first-ever Final Four appearance. This matchup promises to be a true Texas rivalry, featuring TCU from Fort Worth and Texas from Austin. With their impressive victory, the Horned Frogs have firmly positioned themselves as a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball.

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