{"id":234698,"date":"2026-04-04T07:02:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T07:02:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/234698\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T07:02:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T07:02:09","slug":"texas-basketball-fans-enjoy-final-four-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/234698\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas basketball fans enjoy Final Four experience"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Marcia Kirkland and Evelyn\u00a0Barron needed to fill their days with something once they retired from teaching to fight any boredom.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-channels-pixel.ex.co\/events\/0012000001fxZm9AAE?integrationType=DEFAULT&amp;template=design%2Farticle%2Fplatypus_two_column.tpl\" alt=\"\" class=\"x1px y1px vh abs\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet\u2019s start following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/hookem\/womens-basketball\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Texas women\u2019s basketball<\/a>,\u201d Kirkland recalls.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Since they started following the team in 2004, the pair have missed a total of 30 games. They have traveled to Europe, Hawaii, Canada or \u201cwherever\u201d the Longhorns are playing to support the Longhorns.<\/p>\n<p>Now they are in Phoenix for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/sports\/college\/longhorns\/womens-basketball\/article\/texas-final-four-cover-austin-statesman-22187578.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Final Four<\/a> to support the Longhorns.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) takes a photo with the NCAA Fort Worth Regional Championship trophy after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) takes a photo with the NCAA Fort Worth Regional Championship trophy after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) dribbles the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) dribbles the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns forward Breya Cunningham (25) is guarded by Michigan forward Ashley Sofilkanich (15) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns forward Breya Cunningham (25) is guarded by Michigan forward Ashley Sofilkanich (15) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer watches guard Rori Harmon (3) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer watches guard Rori Harmon (3) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"A Texas Longhorns fan holds up the sign of the horns ahead of the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A Texas Longhorns fan holds up the sign of the horns ahead of the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The Texas Longhorns celebrate a score and drawn foul by center Kyla Oldacre (00) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Texas Longhorns celebrate a score and drawn foul by center Kyla Oldacre (00) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Michigan guard Kendall Dudley (22) fights for control of the ball with Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Michigan guard Kendall Dudley (22) fights for control of the ball with Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) ahoots the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) ahoots the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) pushes past Michigan guard Kendall Dudley (22) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) pushes past Michigan guard Kendall Dudley (22) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) lies on the ground after a foul during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) lies on the ground after a foul during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns forward Rori Harmon (3) dribbles the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns forward Rori Harmon (3) dribbles the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) celebrates a score during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) celebrates a score during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Michigan guards Syla Swords' (12) hair covers her face during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against the Texas Longhorns at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Michigan guards Syla Swords&#8217; (12) hair covers her face during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against the Texas Longhorns at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns center Kyla Oldacre (00) blocks a shot attempt by Michigan forward Ashley Sofilkanich (15) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns center Kyla Oldacre (00) blocks a shot attempt by Michigan forward Ashley Sofilkanich (15) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Michigan guards Syla Swords (12) and Kendall Dudley (22) guard Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Michigan guards Syla Swords (12) and Kendall Dudley (22) guard Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) and Michigan guard Kendall Dudley (22) follow the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) and Michigan guard Kendall Dudley (22) follow the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) is guarded by Michigan guard Brooke Quarles Daniels (5) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) is guarded by Michigan guard Brooke Quarles Daniels (5) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) and forward Madison Booker (35) celebrate a score during a Michigan timeout during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) and forward Madison Booker (35) celebrate a score during a Michigan timeout during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer reacts to a call during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer reacts to a call during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) pushes past Michigan guard Olivia Olson (1) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) pushes past Michigan guard Olivia Olson (1) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) and forward Madison Booker (35) celebrate a score during a Michigan timeout during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) and forward Madison Booker (35) celebrate a score during a Michigan timeout during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) celebrates a score during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) celebrates a score during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) celebrates a score during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) celebrates a score during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns players check on guard Bryanna Preston (1) after a fall during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns players check on guard Bryanna Preston (1) after a fall during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) celebrates a score during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) celebrates a score during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) shoots the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) shoots the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guards Bryanna Preston (1) and Sarah Graves (6) celebrate winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guards Bryanna Preston (1) and Sarah Graves (6) celebrate winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) points to the crowd after a score during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) points to the crowd after a score during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Michigan guard Te'Yala Delfosse (33) blocks a shot by Texas Longhorns center Kyla Oldacre (00) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Michigan guard Te&#8217;Yala Delfosse (33) blocks a shot by Texas Longhorns center Kyla Oldacre (00) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) pushes past Michigan guard Mila Holloway (3) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) pushes past Michigan guard Mila Holloway (3) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) celebrates a score and drawn foul by center Kyla Oldacre (00) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) celebrates a score and drawn foul by center Kyla Oldacre (00) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns center Kyla Oldacre (00) shoots the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns center Kyla Oldacre (00) shoots the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) passes the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) passes the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) shoots the ball over Michigan guard Syla Swords (12) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) shoots the ball over Michigan guard Syla Swords (12) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) shoots a free throw during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) shoots a free throw during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Michigan guard Syla Swords (12) shoots the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against the Texas Longhorns at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Michigan guard Syla Swords (12) shoots the ball during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against the Texas Longhorns at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Michigan guard Olivia Olson (1) is guarded by Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Michigan guard Olivia Olson (1) is guarded by Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Sarah Graves (6) shoots a 3-pointer during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Sarah Graves (6) shoots a 3-pointer during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The Texas Longhorns celebrate a score during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Texas Longhorns celebrate a score during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Sarah Graves (6) celebrates after a 3-pointer during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Sarah Graves (6) celebrates after a 3-pointer during the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Sarah Graves (6) celebrates as time expires in the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Sarah Graves (6) celebrates as time expires in the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns center Kyla Oldacre (00) pours confetti on head coach Vic Schaefer after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns center Kyla Oldacre (00) pours confetti on head coach Vic Schaefer after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker wipes confetti off of head coach Vic Schaefer's head after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker wipes confetti off of head coach Vic Schaefer&#8217;s head after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker throws confetti on head coach Vic Schaefer after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker throws confetti on head coach Vic Schaefer after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker places a cowboy hat on head coach Vic Schaefer after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker places a cowboy hat on head coach Vic Schaefer after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guards Bryanna Preston (1) celebrates winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guards Bryanna Preston (1) celebrates winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) cuts down the net after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) cuts down the net after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer puts the net over his head after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer puts the net over his head after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Former Texas Longhorns head coach Jody Conradt congratulates coach Vic Schaefer after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Texas Longhorns head coach Jody Conradt congratulates coach Vic Schaefer after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Kirkland and\u00a0Barron were traveling with other longstanding Austinites: David Wheeler, who graduated from UT, and\u00a0Cassie Campbell.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"The Texas Longhorns take a photo with the NCAA Fort Worth Regional Championship trophy after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Texas Longhorns take a photo with the NCAA Fort Worth Regional Championship trophy after winning the NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Tournament Elite 8 game against Michigan at Dickies Arena on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Wheeler was a member of the Texas pep band and went to all the home games as a student. The band didn\u2019t travel except for the postseason but because Wheeler was a freshman, he couldn\u2019t make the trip to Lexington, Ky. to watch Jody Conradt\u2019s team hoisted the championship trophy in 1986.<\/p>\n<p>He and his friends hope to see the Longhorns do it again.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s kind of a full-circle moment because I was a student at the time but it makes you realized how much the women\u2019s game has advanced and grown,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"MM_onlineOnly\" title=\"CCI Online Only\">MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/sports\/college\/longhorns\/womens-basketball\/article\/texas-1986-championship-team-final-four-2026-22187556.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">1986 Texas champs send message to Final Four team<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"MM_onlineOnly\" title=\"CCI Online Only\">MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/hookem\/womens-basketball\/#:~:text=How%20to%20watch%20Texas%20vs%20UCLA%20in%20Final%20Four%3A%20March%20Madness%20schedule%20for%20Friday\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">How to watch Texas vs UCLA in Final Four: March Madness schedule for Friday<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Campbell, remembers what it was like watching games at the old venue, the Frank Erwin Center \u2014 a group of maybe 2,000 people she estimates watching games in a place with a maximum capacity of nearly 18,000.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve been a supporter for women\u2019s sports, especially women\u2019s basketball\u2026 I think it\u2019s good that we can support them,\u201d Campbell said.<\/p>\n<p>Wheeler was hopeful he could see the success the team amassed four decades ago.\u00a0But he wasn\u2019t the only Longhorn alum that remembers the squad that went undefeated.<\/p>\n<p>Cheryl Zaremba was a law student and started watching the team in 1980. Thinking about falling in love with basketball as and seeing Texas win a championship is the root of her fandom.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause hopefully I\u2019ve lived long enough to see them win two national championships,\u201d she said this week, resting her hand over her heart.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>But it isn\u2019t just a special moment for the more seasoned UT fans.<\/p>\n<p>Lauren Cortinas and her mother Jennifer are from Texas, but Lauren is a law student at the University of Arizona. in Tuscon, Ariz. The pair are from the Dallas Fort-Worth area\u00a0and her mom watched the Longhorns win in the Elite Eight.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c&#8217;I have to go. You\u00a0gotta come out here for the Final Four\u2019,\u201d Lauren said<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Lauren is a former basketball player from UT-Tyler and her mom played college soccer. They have a devout love as women&#8217;s sports and they are seeing other people enjoy the game as well because, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/espnpressroom.com\/us\/press-releases\/2026\/02\/espns-womens-and-mens-college-basketball-are-on-pace-for-their-best-seasons-in-more-than-a-decade\/#:~:text=9%2C%20women%27s%20college%20basketball%20games,watched%20season%20in%2011%20years.\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ESPN Press Room viewership<\/a>, women&#8217;s basketball viewership has increased up to 33% year-over-year.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The fact that they&#8217;re getting so much love from the community is just amazing,&#8221; Lauren said.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Marcia Kirkland and Evelyn\u00a0Barron needed to fill their days with something once they retired from teaching to fight&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":234699,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[27,29,28],"class_list":["post-234698","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-texas","tag-texas","tag-texas-headlines","tag-texas-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/234698","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=234698"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/234698\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/234699"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=234698"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=234698"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=234698"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}