TAMPA, Fla. — It’s not every day you get to meet your hero. 11-year-old Harper LaMarre loves basketball. "I've known how to shoot a basketball since maybe I was four?" she said. The Tampa Prep student bleeds for the UConn Women's Basketball team. Her favorite player? Without a doubt, Paige Bueckers. "She's just a great player and just a great role model for young athletes, and then off the court, she's just such a good person, and she brings laughter to everybody,” said LaMarre.
When UConn punched their ticket to the Women's Final Four in Tampa, one thing was on this superfan's mind. "I need tickets because I need to go watch Paige play,” LaMarre said. On Tuesday, when UConn landed in Tampa, LaMarre was there. "They told us no pictures, no autographs, nothing, but if they come up to you, you could,” she said. “So they were coming off the plane. I just see Paige come down, and I just start crying so much because I love her so much."
Then the unthinkable happened. "I screamed hi Paige, and then she said hi back, and then I just started bawling even more, and then she came over because she saw me crying, and she asked if I wanted a picture, so then I got a picture, and it was such a good moment for me,” said LaMarre. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the video that captured the moment truly speaks for itself. The video went viral on social media as LaMarre melted while meeting her hero. "It's just a blackout moment,” she said. “Like my mom said, in Inside Out 2, it's like a core memory."
LaMarre hopes to get tickets to see the game between UConn and UCLA on Friday, but regardless, she'll be watching. After the video went viral, LaMarre became somewhat of a celebrity herself. "Like every second, people are showing me the video, showing me pictures,” said LaMarre. “Like everybody in my grade knows about it.” And just maybe in a few years, people will see her on the court in the Final Four, too.
“Do you hope to be a player like her?” asked ABC Action News reporter Mary O’Connell. “Yes,” answered LaMarre. “If they're saying Harper LaMarre instead of Paige Bueckers?” O’Connell asked. “Yes,” LaMarre said while laughing. “Do you think that could happen?” O’Connell asked. “If I keep on putting the work in, yes,” said LaMarre.
The excitement surrounding the UConn vs. UCLA game is palpable as fans gear up for the Final Four clash tonight, April 4, 2025. UConn, boasting a stellar 35-3 record, is looking to reclaim its spot at the top of women's college basketball, while UCLA enters with a formidable 34-2 record. This matchup not only represents a battle of two powerhouse teams but also features some of the brightest stars in the sport.
UConn's roster includes standout players such as Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, Kaitlyn Chen, KK Arnold, and breakout freshman Sarah Strong. Meanwhile, UCLA counters with its own stars, including Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, and Gabriela Jaquez. The stakes are high as both teams aim for a coveted spot in the national championship game.
The two teams have had impressive runs to reach this stage. UConn defeated No. 1 USC 78-64 in the Elite Eight, while UCLA eliminated No. 3 LSU 72-65. The matchup is particularly intriguing as the last time the two teams faced off was in 2023, resulting in a 78-67 victory for UCLA. However, they have yet to meet this season, raising the anticipation for tonight's game.
The game is set to be broadcast on ESPN, with coverage starting at 9 p.m. ET, while the official tip-off is listed for 9:30 p.m. ET. For those unable to access cable, several streaming options are available, including ESPN Plus, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream.
As the game approaches, the narrative surrounding Paige Bueckers intensifies. The senior guard, who is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, has made it clear that winning a national championship is her ultimate goal. Bueckers, who has faced her share of challenges, including significant injuries in previous seasons, is determined to leave a lasting legacy at UConn.
"Before you even get here, you kind of know the pressures that exist by committing to UConn," Bueckers said. "And once you walk inside the practice facility, you see all the history, all the names, all the banners, it’s just motivation. Obviously there’s expectations here. And anything less than a national championship is really a disappointment."
Her recent performances have demonstrated her urgency and determination. In the tournament, she has been leading her team with an impressive scoring average, showcasing her ability to take charge when it matters most. UConn's head coach, Geno Auriemma, has praised her leadership and work ethic, noting how her sense of urgency rubs off on her teammates.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, the excitement is building not just for the players on the court but also for fans like Harper LaMarre, who dream of following in their footsteps. The UConn vs. UCLA game promises to be a thrilling encounter, filled with high stakes, intense competition, and the potential for unforgettable moments.
With the national championship on the line, both teams know that every possession counts. UConn is looking for redemption after falling short last year and aims to secure its first title since 2016. Meanwhile, UCLA is eager to make its mark in history, having reached its first Final Four in program history.
The women's NCAA tournament has seen record viewership numbers in recent years, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport. As fans tune in tonight, they will not only witness a highly competitive game but also be part of a cultural moment that continues to elevate women's basketball.
As the teams prepare to take the court, the anticipation is palpable. Will UConn's star-studded lineup lead them to victory? Or will UCLA rise to the occasion and pull off an upset? One thing is for sure: the women's Final Four is set to deliver an unforgettable night of basketball.
