FORT WORTH, Texas — Excitement is building in Fort Worth as the NCAA Women’s March Madness tournament kicks off, featuring the No. 2 seed TCU Horned Frogs. The Horned Frogs will host their first-ever home women’s NCAA tournament game since 2006, marking a significant moment for the program.
This tournament appearance is particularly special for TCU, as they have not made it to March Madness in 15 years. With this weekend’s games taking place at Schollmaier Arena, TCU will not only entertain their home crowd but also aim for a victory that could propel them into the next round.
On March 21, 2025, the Horned Frogs will face off against the No. 15 seed Fairleigh Dickinson Knights in the opening game with tip-off set for 2:30 p.m. CT. The matchup promises to be an exciting duel, especially as both teams come in with strong performances this season. Fairleigh Dickinson enters the tournament on a 22-game winning streak, boasting an overall record of 29-3 under the guidance of Northeast Conference Coach of the Year, Stephanie Gailey.
Standing out for the Knights are their key players, starting with Tenesia Brown, who averages 15.0 points and leads her team in rebounds with 9.8 per game. Ava Renninger and Abigael Babore add valuable contributions on the court, with Renninger making a name for herself in three-point shooting and Babore excelling in playmaking. FDU's attacking style, marked by proficient ball maneuverability and passing, positions them as significant contenders in this first-round clash.
TCU has its fair share of talent as well. Star point guard Huiley Van Lith, an Olympic bronze medalist, leads the Horned Frogs. "I always knew this was waiting for us," Van Lith stated during a media session, echoing the confidence of her team as they prepare for their first tournament game in over a decade and a half.
Under the leadership of second-year coach Mark Campbell, who recently signed a contract extension to remain with TCU until 2030, the team's development has been noteworthy. Campbell recognizes their journey to the tournament as just the beginning. "What we’ve already accomplished is unique and special, but it’s truly just the beginning," said Campbell. With hopes of establishing an elite women’s basketball program, the coach emphasizes the organization’s growth and commitment to excellence.
As the Horned Frogs prepare to face Fairleigh Dickinson, they bring a season full of accolades. TCU has averaged 77.6 points per game, holding a field goal percentage of 47.5%, which positions them as one of the most potent offenses in the tournament. Additionally, the Frogs are undefeated this season when four or more teammates reach double-digit points, a testament to their teamwork and depth.
The winners of this matchup will play again in the second round on either March 23 or 24, facing off against the winner of the other game in Fort Worth, pitting No. 10 seed Nebraska against No. 7 seed Louisville. Should TCU advance, ESPN analytics gives them an impressive 99% chance of winning their initial game, a number that may ignite even more enthusiasm among local fans.
Television audiences can catch the action as TCU takes on Fairleigh Dickinson, airing live on ESPN2 during the early afternoon. The buzz surrounding this tournament is palpable, not just in Fort Worth but across the nation, as fans rally around their teams in pursuit of glory.
As the tournament unfolds, followers can expect thrilling outcomes and unexpected surprises—much like the spirit of the game itself. For TCU, this is more than just basketball; it is a chance to prove that hard work pays off and to bring home the pride of their community.
With a blend of talent, determination, and local admiration, TCU is not just participating in March Madness—they are ready to leave their mark in NCAA history.
