TITLE: Congratulating The University of Texas women's basketball team on advancing to the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Division I tournament.

SUMMARY: Congratulating The University of Texas women's basketball team on advancing to the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Division I tournament.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The University of Texas women's basketball team enjoyed an exceptional 2024-2025 season that culminated in a Final Four berth in the NCAA Division I tournament; and WHEREAS, Texas finished the regular season with a record of 29-2, including a 15-1 mark in conference play and a perfect ledger of 15 wins and no losses at home; the Longhorns notched a share of the Southeastern Conference regular-season championship with their win over the University of Florida; along the way, the team secured its first No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press poll in 21 years; national voting put UT atop the weekly poll for the 49th time dating to its inaugural appearance at No. 1 in 1980; and WHEREAS, Entering the "Big Dance" as a top seed, the Longhorns bested William & Mary in the opening round and defeated the University of Illinois in the round of 32; moving on to the Sweet 16, UT dispatched conference foe Tennessee 67-59 to set up an Elite Eight showdown against second-seeded Texas Christian University; Madison Booker and Rori Harmon combined for 31 points, leading UT to a 58-47 victory over the Horned Frogs as the Longhorns punched their fourth all-time ticket to the Final Four; while Texas ultimately fell short to South Carolina in the semifinals, the team furthered the program's legacy of excellence and ended with an outstanding overall record of 35 wins and only 4 losses; and WHEREAS, Texas had numerous heroes during its 2024-2025 campaign; Ms. Booker was dubbed the SEC Player of the Year, Ms. Harmon was selected for the All-Defensive Team, and Jordan Lee collected All-Freshman honors; the Longhorns also received valuable contributions over the course of the season from the other members of the roster: Kyla Oldacre, Bryanna Preston, Laila Phelia, Shay Holle, Justice Carlton, Jordana Codio, Aaliyah Moore, Sarah Graves, Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, Taylor Jones, and Abbie Boutilier; the team was ably guided by head coach Vic Schaefer, who was named the SEC Coach of the Year; and WHEREAS, Playing with exemplary skill, determination, and teamwork, the UT women's basketball squad has earned a place among the best Division I teams in the country, and their achievements are a source of great pride for the university's students, alumni, and fans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate The University of Texas women's basketball team on advancing to the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Division I tournament and extend to the team's players, coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Hinojosa Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 892 was adopted by the House on May 23, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House