Texas Students Rally to Support Longhorns at Final Four

TAMPA, Fla. — The University of Texas women’s basketball team is set to ignite excitement at the NCAA Final Four, and thanks to the efforts of players Rori Harmon and Madison Booker, 25 students will be cheering them on live from Amalie Arena. The students, traveling over 1,000 miles by bus, will support the Longhorns as they take on the defending champions, South Carolina, on Friday night.

Harmon shared, “Me and Madison decided to put our money together to pay for these students’ way to come support us. I think that just shows we’ll do anything to help our students get here and for them to cheer us on. I’m just super glad we have some students coming… I think that’s cool.” The initiative showcases not only the athletes’ commitment to their team but also their connection to the student body.

Harmon and Booker organized the logistics of the bus trip with assistance from head coach Vic Schaefer and the Texas athletic department. The bus was scheduled to depart Austin at 5 p.m. local time on Thursday for the 17-hour journey to Tampa. Schaefer emphasized the importance of student support, stating, “We’ve got Booker and Rori have really ramrodded this deal. Bought the tickets. Got them some hotel rooms. So we’re excited that we’re going to be able to have some University of Texas students come to the Final Four and enjoy cheering on their team.”

Giorgette Ruiz, president of the student section known as “The Charge,” expressed enthusiasm for the planned attendance. Collaborating with Texas assistant marketing director Reagan Neely, Ruiz was instrumental in generating interest among students. She remarked, “When I got the email that it was confirmed, I jumped out of my seat in such excitement.” Ruiz believes that the support from students plays a critical role in the team’s success, highlighting the atmosphere created during the home game where the Longhorns beat South Carolina.

The matchup against South Carolina is particularly significant as the Longhorns are making their first Final Four appearance since 2003. Historically, the Longhorns last competed for the national championship in 1986. Schaefer, who took over the program in 2020, has guided the team to four NCAA Elite Eight appearances but aims to lead them to a national title.

This season, Texas split their regular season encounters with the Gamecocks, who claimed victory in the conference tournament championship held in Greenville, South Carolina. As both teams head into this pivotal game, the Longhorns are confident in their shared experiences and the backing of their fans. Ruiz noted, “Our student section went from having less than 30 people to being packed out and so loud. We beat South Carolina at home and I truly believe that it was because of the energy of the fans and our players.”

The game, which tips off at 6 p.m. Central on ESPN, is more than just another match; it represents a historic moment for the Longhorns, as their supporters, including former head coach Jody Conradt, watch proudly. Schaefer aims to honor the legacy of Conradt and to ensure that the students feel part of this remarkable journey. “I know the history and tradition at Texas… It’s a tremendous responsibility for me to be entrusted with the keys to the program,” Schaefer stated.

As the Longhorns gear up for this critical match, the excitement is palpable both on the court and among the students who will be present, showcasing the heartfelt bond between the players and their supporters.