TCU Women’s Basketball Makes History with Elite Eight Berth: A Remarkable Turnaround Under Coach Mark Campbell

In an exhilarating game that will be remembered for years to come, the TCU Horned Frogs secured their first-ever Elite Eight appearance, marking a historic milestone for the program. With a thrilling victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, TCU’s win capped off an incredible season of resilience and growth under the leadership of head coach Mark Campbell, whose rebuild of the team has already yielded impressive results.

The Horned Frogs’ victory not only symbolizes the team’s remarkable transformation from an NCAA Tournament absence last season to a deep run in this year’s tournament, but it also showcases the success of Campbell’s strategic use of the transfer portal and his focus on building a strong team culture. The win sends TCU to the Elite Eight for the first time in program history, where they will face the winner of the Texas vs. Tennessee matchup, with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

A Strong Start and a Stronger Finish

What was expected to be a competitive back-and-forth game between the Horned Frogs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish quickly turned into a hard-fought battle of attrition. Notre Dame, with its depth and experience, jumped to a nine-point lead with 5:51 remaining in the third quarter. But instead of folding under pressure, TCU showed the resilience and grit that have defined their season, cutting into the deficit with calmness and precision from the free-throw line. The Horned Frogs converted 8 of 8 free-throws during this crucial period, showing their ability to capitalize on critical moments.

At the end of the third quarter, TCU had clawed its way back into contention, outscoring the Irish 14-6. The Horned Frogs found themselves only one point behind heading into the final stretch, with all the momentum on their side. Hailey Van Lith, who finished the game with 26 points, was instrumental in TCU’s third-quarter comeback, contributing key plays such as a crucial steal and block that ignited the team’s late-game push.

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The final quarter saw TCU’s seasoned players step up, maintaining their composure under pressure and turning the game in their favor. It was an impressive display of teamwork and resilience, cementing their place among the elite teams in women’s basketball.

Hailey Van Lith: The Spark That Ignited TCU’s Historic Run

Hailey Van Lith, the graduate senior guard, continued to shine in the NCAA Tournament, playing a pivotal role in TCU’s breakthrough victory. Van Lith, who had already experienced success in previous years, leading Louisville to multiple Elite Eights and a Final Four, proved that she was the missing piece for TCU’s rise.

Van Lith’s performance in the second half was nothing short of spectacular, leading TCU’s charge with 26 points. Her ability to take over the game and create opportunities for herself and her teammates has been critical to TCU’s success this season. As the team’s leader, Van Lith’s clutch plays and leadership have inspired those around her to elevate their performances, making her one of the most influential players on the court.

Her journey through the NCAA Tournament has been a testament to her winning mentality and determination to guide her team to greatness. With her impressive resume of NCAA Tournament appearances, including three Elite Eights and a Final Four, Van Lith is now on the brink of achieving her biggest goal yet with TCU: taking them to the Final Four and beyond.

Sedona Prince: The Inside Force Behind TCU’s Victory

While Van Lith was the standout player on the perimeter, center Sedona Prince provided the necessary inside presence that helped TCU secure its spot in the Elite Eight. Prince contributed 21 points and six rebounds, serving as the offensive catalyst inside. Her physicality in the post and ability to finish around the basket were critical to breaking down Notre Dame’s defense and creating scoring opportunities in the paint.

Prince’s performance was a reminder of the importance of having a balanced team, one that can dominate both on the inside and the outside. TCU’s combination of Van Lith’s perimeter shooting and Prince’s inside scoring has made them a formidable team in the tournament.

The Power of the Transfer Portal

Coach Mark Campbell’s strategic use of the transfer portal has been instrumental in TCU’s success this season. After taking over the program and inheriting a team that had never reached the Sweet 16 and had been absent from the NCAA Tournament for over a decade, Campbell knew that rebuilding would take time. Rather than starting from scratch, Campbell chose to bring in key transfers who could immediately make an impact.

With the addition of players like Van Lith and Prince, Campbell has successfully revamped the team’s roster, creating a squad capable of competing at the highest level. This approach has allowed TCU to compete with some of the best teams in the country, as evidenced by their success in the NCAA Tournament.

In his post-game comments, Campbell gave credit to his staff and the team’s culture, which he emphasized has been crucial to their turnaround. “We value our culture,” Campbell said. “We work hard to get the right personalities in the locker room, and I think that’s what’s been key to our success.”

The Future of TCU Women’s Basketball

As TCU moves forward into the Elite Eight, the future looks incredibly bright. The team has proven that it has the talent, drive, and leadership to compete with the best in women’s basketball. With a strong core of veteran players and a steady influx of talent through the transfer portal, the Horned Frogs are set to continue their ascent in the coming years.

TCU’s success this season has already made waves in the college basketball world, and their historic run to the Elite Eight is just the beginning. The team has set a new standard for excellence and has positioned itself as a rising power in women’s sports. If they can continue to build on this momentum, TCU could become a fixture in the upper echelons of women’s basketball.

Conclusion: A Historic Achievement

TCU’s victory over Notre Dame and their first-ever Elite Eight appearance is a landmark achievement in the history of the program. Coach Mark Campbell’s leadership, combined with the star power of Hailey Van Lith and Sedona Prince, has set the stage for continued success. Whether the Horned Frogs can take the next step and reach the Final Four remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: TCU is no longer just an underdog in women’s basketball. They are a force to be reckoned with.

For now, fans and players alike can savor this historic achievement as they look ahead to what promises to be an exciting and bright future for TCU women’s basketball. The Horned Frogs are just getting started, and their journey is far from over.