Your heart and mind are racing. You’re excited, and probably a little anxious about what’s about to unfold. Will this finally be THE YEAR?! The last several months you’ve seen all the behind the scene hard-work and preparation come to life, all for this moment. You’ve seen heartbreaking defeats, incredible wins and accomplishments, and cheered for every moment in between…but there can only be one left standing, one champion. This is the greatness of March madness. 

I’d consider myself as a basketball (and WVU) fanatic. I played basketball in high school, albeit not well (my friends could attest to this), but from November to March basketball is on my television A LOT! Yesterday’s women’s championship game was so fun! Congratulations to LSU, but Caitlin Clark, AM I RIGHT?! Every year my mom and I go on a mother-daughter beach trip, but in March, it’s father-daughter bonding. We take in basketball together 24/7 for 4 days straight! My family and I bleed gold and blue. If asked to do something and plans overlap with a game, there is a high probability I will be watching the game! West Virginia University men’s basketball team went to the final four in 2010, and while no I was not on the floor, I felt every made shot, miss, turnover, and charge. The injury to Da’Sean Butler was absolutely heartbreaking, and I felt this to my core like I suspect the players and all of Mountaineer nation did. I have high hopes that the Mountaineers will bring home the national championship during my lifetime, led by the GOAT and my favorite, Bob Huggins, but this year the title of champion will go to another deserving school.

Tonight, either the UConn Huskies or San Diego State Aztecs will be able to call themselves champions. Even though us as fans aren’t the ones playing, I hope all the players know we are with them during every high and low during those 40 minutes. In the words of the great Taylor Swift, “baby let the games begin!”