The Texas Woman's University Pioneers women's basketball team is already making history, appearing at their first-ever NCAA Division II Women's Elite Eight.
Head Coach Beth Jillson and her team try to secure a spot in the DII National Championship on Wednesday Night. TWU (33-4) faces Ferris State (26-5) at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Civic Arena in St. Joseph, Missouri on CBS Sports Network. Ferris State is also making its first Elite Eight appearance.
"It's definitely really exciting for us to represent Texas Woman's University and the community of Denton," Jillson said. "It's overwhelming the amount of support that we have felt from so many people."
Jillson, a Fort Worth native, is in her 16th year as the head coach at TWU. She's by far the winningest head coach in Texas Woman's basketball history. But until this season, appearing in the Elite Eight had eluded her squad.
On Monday, in the quarterfinals against Daemen, TWU made up for lost time, blowing out the Wildcats 76-44.
"Big credit to our players," Jillson said. "They just came out ready to go and executed the game plan perfectly."
Division II players may not get the national media attention of some of their Division I counterparts, but they are just as dedicated. And most of the TWU roster is from Texas. 11 of the 13 players are from the Lone Star State. Eight are from DFW.
Hmm...eight players from North Texas...Elite Eight...coincidence?
"These young ladies are just so much fun to watch on the floor, because they play together. They're extremely connected. The way they share the basketball...I just think it's a high level of basketball," Jillson said. "They want to continue to grow each and every game."
So, about Wednesday night. 40 minutes separate TWU from playing for a title. What is it going to take to make that dream a reality?
After all, both TWU and Ferris State are elite defensively and extremely solid on the offensive side.
"It's going to be who executes the best...all those little things are gonna make the difference," Jillson said.
As the last North Texas-area NCAA basketball team left in any of the tournaments, they'll have a lot of fans behind them.
If you're not able to make the trip, the university is hosting watch parties tonight at Bridges Auditorium in Hubbard Hall and the Dining Hall. Bridges Auditorium will have door prizes, and the Dining Hall will feature sports bar-style food.
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