PHOENIX — While Texas women’s basketball chases a national championship this weekend, a few notable fans will be rooting on the Longhorns from afar.
Members of UT’s 1986 national championship team have written messages of support for a 2026 Texas team that is set to play UCLA at the Mortgage Matchup Center in a national semifinal game on Friday evening. The messages were delivered to the Longhorns by former Texas coach Jody Conradt.
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More: Is this Texas team the best that Vic Schaefer has ever coached? We’ll find out in Phoenix.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of UT’s only national championship. Texas went 34-0 during the 1985-86 season, which was capped by a 97-81 win over USC in the NCAA title game. Back in February, that 1986 championship team was recognized at halftime on Texas’ home game against Mississippi State.
Here are the messages that the 1986 Longhorns sent to the 2026 Longhorns. Almost every player from that 1986 title team and two of its assistant coaches sent along words of encouragement (former Texas guard Paulette Moegle was killed in a car accident in 1997):
The 1986 Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team poses for a photo on the court at halftime in the game against Mississippi State at the Moody Center on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
F/C Clarissa Davis (#24)
Sending my best wishes to the women’s basketball team and staff. I’m cheering you on as you chase that NCAA national championship!
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C Michele Eglinger (#45)
You are living moments right now that you will carry with you for the rest of your lives. Embrace them. Enjoy them. Let them fuel you. You are a special team – we all see it, and more importantly, you feel it.
This moment chose you. We know exactly where you are, because we stood there ourselves in 1986. Trust what brought you here. Trust each other. Let the excitement sharpen your edge, and let the bond you share become your strength.
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Lock in on your goal. Commit to it together. Play for one another. And when it’s time—go do what you do best.
We believe in you. We stand with you. And we cannot wait to watch your dreams become reality.
Texas’ 1986 women’s basketball team was honored by the lighting of the UT Tower for winning the national championship. Kamie Ethridge is on the bottom row, second from left, right between fellow Longhorns notables Yulonda Wimbish and Fran Harris.
Contributed by Texas Athletics Department
G Kamie Ethridge (#33)
Congrats to the Lady Longhorns !! Congrats to Coach Schaefer and staff!! The way you played in the elite 8 game, you look like you are peaking at the perfect time. I hope that you feel like the WEIGHT OFTHE WORLD is off your shoulders. You are at the Final Four and prepared to play your BEST!! Don’t be satisfied! The Best is yet to come!!! Go win that NATTY!!! Hook ’em.
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G Kriss Ethridge (#23)
I wanted to take a moment to reach out and express my massive congratulations on making it to the Final Four. What an incredible accomplishment!
Watching your journey this season has been nothing short of spectacular. The grit, determination, and teamwork you’ve displayed on the court have been truly inspiring, and you’ve earned every bit of this success.
Being a part of the program, and having gone through the experience of a deep tournament run myself, I know the commitment it takes to get here. The intensity, the pressure, and the sheer joy of each win – it all culminates in this incredible moment. You are now among the elite, and you should take immense pride in what you have achieved together.
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The work isn’t done, of course, but for now, soak it in. Enjoy this victory, recharge, and get ready for the fight ahead. I have complete faith in every single one of you, your coaches, and your system. You have the talent, the heart, and the camaraderie to go all the way.
Go out there, play your game, and leave absolutely everything on the court. Make history. We are all rooting for you back here. Bring home the championship! Hook Em
File photo of Fran Harris, University of Texas women’s basketball player, circa 1986. CREDIT: University of Texas Athletics, 1986. Received 04/19/10 for 0503Harris.
Austin American-Statesman
F Fran Harris (#20)
Some amazing things have happened on Easter! So, I’ll just leave ya’ll with this: Get Up and Rise Up with your Horns Up! Hook Em
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F/C Gay Hemphill (#22)
To the 2026 Lady Texas Longhorns: Well done! I believe this year’s championship belongs to you and UT and all of you! Good luck, I will be watching and cheering! Hook Em
F C.J. Jones (#32)
You said you guys are not ready to go home OK! We said the same thing back in our day! So let’s do the Damn Thing. Good luck AND Hook Em!
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Andrea Lloyd cuts the net as one of the members of the University of Texas Women’s Basketball National Championship team. Photo by Susan Allen Sigmon
Austin American-Statesman
F Andrea Lloyd (#25)
No “good luck” wishes from me. You’ve put in the work, earned every moment, and built this opportunity brick by brick. Now go take what’s yours. Bring home a Natty for Texas WBB.
C Cara Priddy (#44)
Congratulations to my Texas Lady Longhorns on making it to the NCAA Final Four! So proud to call myself a Longhorn. Now let’s finish the job, win your first game and then bring home the title!! Hook ‘Em
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G Audrey Smith (#11) and C Annettee Smith-Knight (#15)
Congrats on making it to the final four! Have fun playing the next two games and bring home the TROPHY! Hook Em
Texas’ head coach Jody Conradt, left, is hugged by former players, Annette Smith, Beverly Williams and Clarissa Davis all members of the Longhorns’ 34-0 team that played in 1985 and 1986 after Conradt won her 800th career victory on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2003, at the Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Austin American-Statesman, Rodolfo Gonzalez)
Austin American-Statesman
G Beverly Williams (#10)
So proud of you! Keep it rolling. Words from a former point guard (and Austin native). Continue to communicate on defense for 40 minutes…control those offensive boards… limit turnovers on offense… stay aggressive and play for each other. Have fun! Hook Em.
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G/F Yulonda Wimbish (#34)
Congratulations on advancing to the final four! You are playing amazing basketball and have been a joy to watch. Go get that championship!!!! Hook Em
Assistant coach Lynn Davis Pool
Defense, defense, defense and more defense wins a National Championship. Oh and a little offense also helps. GO HORNS!!! It is time.
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Assistant coach Jill Rankin Schneider
There’s nothing I would enjoy more than to celebrate together in 2036, our 50th and your 10th! Good luck and Hook Em