CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Columbia University women’s basketball team is making strides in its quest for a memorable NCAA Tournament experience. The team’s journey from New York to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, reflects their dedication and hopes of clinching their first-ever tournament win.
Head coach Megan Griffith has been strategic in preparing her team for March Madness ever since the Lions secured their tournament slot. With Columbia’s emerging status as an Ivy League powerhouse, she has guided the team to consecutive regular-season conference victories, with this year’s win being especially significant as an outright title.
After making history last season with their first NCAA bid, the team, seeded 11th, is once again set to compete, gearing up to face off against Washington in the play-in game on Thursday. The atmosphere carried a sense of anticipation as the players faced the media on Tuesday morning before departing for their pivotal encounter.
While typically a select few journalists cover Columbia, their sendoff attracted significant attention from major TV stations—a testament to the team’s growing influence in a busy sports metropolis. Despite the media buzz, the absence of the bustling student body—due to spring break and ongoing protests—lent a quieter tone to the farewell.
After final practice sessions and interviews, the Lions embarked on a journey to Newark Airport, their spirits buoyed by the occasion of flying on a chartered plane—a luxury only previously experienced during last year’s inaugural tournament participation. Upon arrival in Chapel Hill, the team was greeted by the vibrant decor marking March Madness season.
A snippet of leisure time was afforded following the flight, allowing the team a respite before regrouping for dinner and intensive film review focusing on their forthcoming opponents. The preparation embodies the balance between savoring the unique experience and maintaining focus on their competitive goals.
Wednesday morning brought a new wave of enthusiasm as the players entered Carmichael Arena to find personalized locker rooms adorned with motivational March Madness signs alongside an array of NCAA-themed gear and snacks. The morning excitement was contagious as players donned their new swag, posed with banners, and basked in the event’s prestige.
Eager to practice but slightly preemptive, the team was momentarily reigned back as they began stretching ahead of the NCAA-stipulated time, quickly adjusting by continuing their warmups in the hallway. The determination mirrored the commitment to optimize every moment.
Seeking additional shooting practice, seniors Cecelia Collins and Kitty Henderson took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Dean Smith Center—a significant venue in college basketball lore. Here, under Griffith’s guidance, they spent time honing their skills, making the most of access to the esteemed court.
Back at their hotel, the team transformed a conference room into a quasi-basketball court, engaging in a creative walk-through using tape for positioning and a tennis ball stand-in. Despite the space constraints, their focus on strategy and teamwork shone through, culminating in a light-hearted communication drill to bolster team cohesion.
Taking a momentary pause from their preparations, the Lions joined in on the excitement from afar, cheering for fellow Ivy League contenders Princeton as they played Iowa State. Unfortunately for Princeton, despite a strong first-half performance, they fell short in the latter half of the game.
Amid all the hustle, players like Collins and Henderson are intent on cherishing their final appearances in Columbia’s colors. These moments hold profound significance for them, with appreciation extending beyond the competition to embrace communal connections established over the years.
As game day dawned, the Lions maintained their composure, starting the day in serenity with a thorough review of strategies against Washington. This grounded approach has been key to the team feeling both prepared and motivated, embodying both a desire for success and an enjoyment of the journey focusing on the exhilarating challenge ahead.