W&M Women’s Basketball Shocks NCAA Tournament with Historic Win

William & Mary’s women’s basketball team has taken the NCAA Tournament by storm, making history with their first-ever CAA championship and NCAA Tournament bid. The Tribe’s impressive victory over High Point has set the stage for an exciting showdown against top-seeded Texas.

This blog post explores their journey, the memorable experiences, and the incredible support from fans and alumni.

William & Mary’s Unprecedented Journey

The William & Mary Tribe women’s basketball team has shattered expectations this season. Their journey began with clinching the CAA championship, which earned them their first NCAA Tournament bid.

The team’s determination and skill were on full display when they triumphed over High Point in the First Four of the NCAAs. They secured a 69-63 victory and advanced to the first round of the Big Dance.

The Thrill of Victory

On a thrilling Thursday night in Austin, Texas, the Tribe faced off against High Point in a battle of 16 seeds. The game was a nail-biter, but William & Mary showed poise under pressure, especially in the fourth quarter.

They made all 10 of their foul shots while holding off a late charge from High Point, ultimately securing the win. Freshman forward Natalie Fox ’28 played a key role, contributing 12 points and 12 rebounds.

*I will definitely always remember this team, my teammates, and just the excitement everyone has to be able to play in this environment and do all of these fun things,* she said.

Fan Support and Unforgettable Moments

The Tribe’s journey has been marked by extraordinary support from fans, alumni, and the university community. Fans lined up outside the team hotel to send off the players, coaches, and staff.

The pep band played as the team boarded the bus, creating an electric atmosphere. At the arena, a lively fan section filled the seats behind the Tribe’s bench, applauding loudly throughout the game.

President Katherine A. Rowe was one of the most vocal supporters, leading cheers and showing excitement with each key moment. The contest was broadcast to a national television audience on ESPN2.

Hundreds of fans gathered at a watch party at the Sadler Center on the school’s campus, chanting *We want Texas!* as the final seconds ticked down.

Coach Dickerson Davis’s Reflections

William & Mary coach Erin Dickerson Davis was thrilled with the team’s performance and the support they received. *I want to give a special shoutout to everybody’s bracket that we busted today,* she said after the game.

The coach also expressed her gratitude for the fans who came to the sendoff, some of whom were alumni who flew in from across the country. When the final buzzer sounded, the players sprinted toward the bench, some jumping into the arms of their teammates.

Dickerson Davis hugged her assistants before going through the handshake line. She was then brought over to press row for a national TV interview with the ESPN2 announcers.

*It was insane,* she said. *The camera is in your face, and you see these moments on ESPN after games. To be a part of it, for my kids to be up there with the March Madness signage in the back, is just so crazy to me. I’m so elated. I’m so filled with joy and pride, I could cry… again.*

Preparing for the Next Challenge

William & Mary now faces a formidable opponent in top-seeded Texas. The game will take place in the Longhorns’ 10,763-seat home venue, promising a spirited crowd and another national ESPN2 television audience.

The university will host a watch party at Kaplan Arena, with doors opening at 9:15 p.m.

Embracing the Experience

Guard Bella Nascimento ’25, who scored a game-high 24 points, shared her excitement for the upcoming game. *We’re excited to step on this floor again. It’s another opportunity to play basketball, which we all love and which we are here to do,* she said.

Coach Dickerson Davis encouraged the team to embrace the experience, acknowledging the strength of their opponent. *You’re about to play against a team that, respectfully to every other basketball coach, should get to the Final Four. They’re an amazing team,* she said.

*It’s going to be such a fun time, a fun environment. I have to assume it is going to be wild in here, and so to be able to have that kind of experience, how could you be mad?*

Creating Lifelong Memories

The NCAA Tournament is not just about the games. It’s about creating lifelong memories for the players and the William & Mary faithful.

The team’s journey has been filled with unforgettable moments. These include the sights and sounds at the team hotel, the arena, and the excitement of the game.

*Being able to spend all this time together, it’s been a great experience,* said Natalie Fox.

As the Tribe prepares to take on Texas, they carry the support and pride of their university community. The team is determined to make the most of every moment.

For more details on William & Mary’s journey in the NCAA Tournament, visit the [official article](https://news.wm.edu/2025/03/21/bracket-busters-wms-womens-basketball-continues-to-make-history/).