Basketball | 3/14/2025 3:35:00 PM

DENTON, Texas (March 14, 2025) – Home sweet home has a special ring to it this March.

After just winning their second straight Lone Star Conference Tournament Title, the Texas Woman's basketball returns home to Kitty Magee Arena for the 2025 NCAA South Central Regional Tournament.

Special just does not even seem to encompass the feelings surrounding this weekend ahead. It's nostalgic, it's exciting and the Pioneers are ready.

The Pioneers are 16-0 at home dating back to the 2024 NCAA South Central Regional Tournament.

For senior Leila Patel, she said she would not want to start the postseason run anywhere else.

"It is so great to be able to play at home this weekend in front of our families and fans," Patel said. "Playing in our own gym and being able to have all the support of TWU and Denton around us is amazing!"

Senior Ashley Ingram echoed Patel's sentiments, and said she knows the home crowd will make a big difference in all the games.

"To be at home this week is special," Ingram said. "The chance for all of our friends, family and fans to come out and support is amazing. The crowd cheering and being loud has helped us in other games, and I can't wait for this weekend to see them show out!"

It's the postseason moments in front of your home crowd which also allow you to reflect on the journey of your basketball career. For many of the Pioneers, these are the moments they dreamed of when they started dribbling a ball and lacing up their shoes; yet, it's the entire process which brought them to these moments, which truly inspire them.

"I would tell my younger self to embrace the process," senior Kayla Glover said. "There is so much to enjoy in the journey itself. Every challenge, setback and success you face will help shape you into the person you are. You only live once, so it's important you live in the moment and have fun while doing it. Cherish the growth, the learning and the small wins along the way!"

Sometimes the process can be hard, but it's in those moments that you grow and learn. Every basketball game is so much more than just putting the ball in the hoop it's life lessons learned and transformative growth that occurs.

"I would tell my younger self to keep going and keep working hard no matter what life throws at you," senior Caroline Glud Rasmussen said. "Sports do not define who you are as a person. Bad games, bad practices, bad days - none of those can ever change who you are as a person. It is all about showing up and doing your best! I know my younger self would be so proud of me and how far I have come, so give yourself grace and know that doing your best is good enough!"

Through the entire process of this season, one thing has remained unwavering – the togetherness and family aspect of this team.

"I have never been a part of a team like how I am with this team," senior Jada Celsur said. "They are all like my family, and I couldn't imagine going through this journey without them."

Together the team has continued to display a bigger than basketball mentality, which has been their mantra throughout the entirety of the season.

"A moment that truly showed this team is bigger than basketball happened during our kid's clinic after a game," senior Scout Huffman said. "The girls were so excited to work out with us, and in that moment, I realized that our mission goes beyond the sport. It's about inspiring the next generation of women to be confident, hardworking and to enjoy the journey!"

"This team embodies the statement "it's bigger than basketball," senior Ariyanna Hines said. "After every home game, there is someone on the team who will make sure to speak to and spend a little time with some of our younger fans. Each and every one of us on this team loves to be involved with our community, especially the younger kids that look up to us and want to be like us. It is not only such a privilege, but it means so much to us to know that we are roles models, and we never take that for granted!"

A special weekend, a dream still to be realized and remembering it's all about more than the orange ball and the hoop.

The Texas Woman's basketball team is ready for the 2025 NCAA South Central Regional Tournament.