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Author: Amaria Fields

Quiet Strength, Loud Impact: The Steady Rise of Ariel Atkins

Written by Amaria Fields on . Posted in WNBA.

It’s funny how, as much as things change, some things do not. On a 2019 Instagram post,
Ariel Atkins described her younger self as a “quiet, lanky, determined kid.” She still moves
through life much like she commands the court—calm, deliberate, and always in control. Off the
floor, there’s an almost Zen-like serenity about her: she rarely seeks the spotlight, preferring
quiet consistency to flashy statements. The only shift? She is now a WNBA champion, an
Olympian, and a vocal leader in one of the best sports leagues in the world.

It was a long road to get there though, starting in her hometown of Duncanville, Texas. A
teacher at Atkins’ elementary school saw her potential in basketball very early. At five years old,
to be exact. “I would probably say like it was my kindergarten coach,” she said when asked how
she got her start in the game. For her formative years, basketball was what it is for most kids: a
way to have fun, exercise, and to meet new friends. Atkins is known to be humble, so it is not
surprising that those around her saw something in her she did not see in herself until way later.
“I feel like a lot of people would say we knew earlier, but I personally, honestly didn’t
know up until high school, that I was pretty good at it,” she admits. “But I think the biggest thing
about it was that I just felt myself getting better. I think I didn’t necessarily know if I was just
like, I’m just good at basketball, but I did feel myself progressing.”

She credits her high school varsity coach and fellow UT-Austin alum, Cathy Self-
Morgan, as someone who not only taught her the X’s and O’s but also showed her what it meant
to care for young women beyond the court. When asked about Self-Morgan, Atkins seemed
overcome with gratitude and emotion.

“I could talk about [her impact] all day…I think the biggest thing about Coach Self is she
cares about young women at the core of who she is. I think that was the biggest thing that she
preached to us is about being independent young women, but also being appreciative of the
things that have been given to us, and going out and doing what we need to do and being great.”
Self encouraging Atkins to be great is an understatement; the guard graduated from
Duncanville High School with two state championships in her sophomore and junior seasons.
She was part of a legacy that amassed an incredible 105-game winning streak from December
2011 to February 2014, in addition to a myriad of personal accolades. But when asked about her
favorite moment with her high school coach, she did not mention the championships or eighty-
point blowouts.

“At basketball every day for the four years that I played for her, there was never a day
that she wasn’t waiting at the door for every single one of us to come from class to the locker
room to go to practice. She met every single player at the door every single day for literally four
years straight.”

What stuck with her most from her time playing in red and blue went far beyond the
scoreboard: “A lot of people talk about how you learn to be a pro in college. I really learned how
to be a pro coach. She taught me how to be selfless…she taught me how to be organized, but she

also taught me to never back down, to be tough, and to believe in who I am as a person. I
honestly credit a lot of my mental toughness and my approach to the game to her — she taught
me so much.”

WNBA PLAYER STATS: 2025

Before she became a standout at Texas, Atkins had dozens of options for college — but
her heart never wavered far from home. Family ties and a deep sense of Lonestar state pride
shaped her decision long before she ever stepped onto the Forty Acres.

“I felt like Texas had the best of both worlds — a world-class education and a world-class
athletic program. It wasn’t too far for my family to visit me, and I’m a Texas kid who wanted to
stay in Texas. I didn’t really take a lot of other visits because I knew I didn’t want to go out of
state. I wanted [my family] to be able to drive to see me instead of having to take a flight.”
Atkins’ first year in burnt orange and white was solid: she averaged 9.7 points, 3.4
rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while logging nearly 24 minutes on the court each
contest. Her impressive all-around play earned her Big 12 All-Freshman honors, signaling her as
a rising talent in college basketball.

Her main adjustments had to be made off the floor. The diversity of a college team that
recruited nationally was a culture shock, vastly different from the demographics of Duncanville.
“Duncanville is a small town and all my classmates, teammates, we all lived around the
same city. So, when I [was] at UT, it was different. 
You had a lot of people from a lot of
different backgrounds, which I necessarily wasn’t used to. I played on the same AAU team since
I was seven. So, I was just used to being around the same type of people. I think my transition to
UT was a little tough in the sense of I was away from family.”

Atkins began to make a national name for herself at UT as a defensive stopper, but before
she wore a Texas uniform or guarded the best scorers in the WNBA, defense was always a
priority. That tenacity started at home and was sharpened by every coach who demanded she
play fearless and tough. Today, it’s the same grit and relentless energy that have made her one of
the league’s most respected perimeter defenders, someone teammates trust to guard the best
player on the floor when it matters most.

Defense was a chess match for Atkins and was not just about stopping the other team
from scoring; it fueled other aspects of the game, too. “We didn’t want to have to take shots, we
didnt want to have to use screens. We wanted to shoot layups, and that came from defense to get
steals.” This matched a Coach Karen Aston’s high energy and up-tempo style of play she was
known for while coaching in Austin.

“All of the coaches as a whole, that was something that they really preached about us is
that we wanted to be the hardest working team on the floor, and we wanted to push ourselves on
a day in and day out…[mindset of] there’s nobody in the country working harder than us. There
are probably teams that were better than us. But I think that we were really in practice grinding
and out every day.”

Atkins left UT with her name firmly etched in the record books, graduating as one of the
program’s all-time leaders in steals, games played, and defensive impact — a legacy that
eventually transferred over to the WNBA.

“Tactically, it’s always the same when you move up levels — the pace changes, the speed
of the game changes, and then there’s the physicality, which is a whole different thing. The
physicality is not something anybody can really prepare you for — you’re getting hit, getting
knocked upside the head a little bit. Honestly, my first two years, even now, I’m still working on
getting over and under screens. My first two years, I ran into every screen possible,” she laughed.
“I went from being kind of a go-to option in college to run corner to corner and being open on a
kick-out or being open if somebody helps down [low]…”

She cites her teammates helping her with the pro transition and how they encouraged her
to be herself. Additionally, Atkins also found a mentor who shaped her game in a new way in
Washington — longtime Mystics head coach Mike Thibault, known around the league as one of
the great basketball minds.

“I mean, he’s like the coaches of all coaches. I pretty much would kind of compare him to
my [high school] coach. For me, he just taught me a lot about the game and just seeing the little
nuances of it. His ability to hype you up or calm you down was huge for me. I’m sort of an
over-thinker sometimes, so he was good at just being like, ‘Hey, this is what it is…’ He was just
phenomenal coach, to be honest.”

She left the Mystics as a WNBA champion and an Olympian — and now in Chicago,
Atkins is carrying that same fearless edge and proven pedigree to a new locker room determined
to make its mark. Her confidence, once quiet and reserved, has grown into something bigger than
her stat line. When she stood beside rookie Angel Reese in a press conference, defending her
teammate against critics, she showed that her leadership isn’t just on the court — it’s at the
microphone, too.

“I just enjoy it because so many people have poured into me, so many people have given
me so much knowledge and joy and like love when it comes to this game. And so, I love just
passing it on as much as I can, but also just getting to know them and getting to know our team,
to make sure that the things that I give them are not only good for them, but it also actually helps
us move forward.”

Atkins is still that quiet, determined kid at heart — but now her game, her voice, and her
presence speak volumes. She’s proof that you don’t have to be loud to lead, but you do have to
stand firm. And wherever her career takes her next, one thing is certain: Ariel Atkins will keep
showing up, ready to do the work — calmly, deliberately, and always in control.

 

Amaria Fields – Covers sports for Texas Sports Monthly and Hook Em News. She played at Boston College and the University of Detroit Mercy, and Is a McKinney North alum where she hold several offensive records and scored over 1,900 career points. Ms. Fields also worked in NBA Player Development and with both the Mavericks and Celtics organizations.

The Glue Girl: How Sarah Graves Earned Her Place at Texas

Written by Amaria Fields on . Posted in College Baseball, NCAA BASKETBALL.

Sarah Graves’ path to a scholarship at the University of Texas wasn’t a straightforward one.
Starting as a determined walk-on from Keller, Texas, she faced long odds and fierce competition,
but her relentless work ethic and unshakable belief in herself propelled her forward. From the
moment she stepped onto the Forty Acres, she committed to proving that heart and hustle could
earn a place on one of college basketball’s most competitive teams.

Out of high school, Graves had numerous Division I offers, but something was different
about the burnt orange. What guided her through her decisions was a simple yet powerful piece
of advice: find a program and coaches that align with who you are as a person.
“The biggest advice everybody told me in high school was to find somewhere where you
felt like the program fit you… I was just looking for a coach that reflected who [I was] in my
process, and none of my offers really felt like it was a perfect fit for me. I had a lot of doubts
going into [my recruiting process].”

On a “whim,” Graves turned down all her other offers and applied to UT Austin — as a
regular student. She ended up being accepted to the McCombs School of Business (top 20 in the
country, we may add), and sent a direct message on social media to current Associate Head
Coach Elena Lovato. The contents of the message were cut and dry: a highlight reel and a
request for an opportunity to earn a roster spot.

“In a couple of weeks, I was in a whole new life, honestly,” she admits. That DM led to a
tryout that she describes as “really, really difficult.” UT is known for playing tough defense, so
she was led through conditioning and defensive exercises after the fundamentals. “Obviously,
you start with ballhandling and shooting, but that’s a baseline requirement for basketball players,
and they were just having me guard guys — full grown 6’3″ men — full court, honestly. It’s just
a grind. They were trying to see, I think, how tough you were.”
Then, she made the team.

However, the work was just beginning. Showing up every day as a walk-on meant
constantly proving she belonged — not just to others, but to herself. The challenge of earning
playing time at one of the country’s top programs demanded an unwavering mindset, especially
as Texas prepared to transition from the Big 12 to the SEC.

“It was just working towards a standard. I held myself to a certain standard, even though I
didn’t think I could play and make an impact in my freshman year. It was more so just, how can I
focus on details and urgency and making sure that I push myself, even though I didn’t think I
could be an immediate impact on the court. Now that I’m a senior, that’s something that has kind
of come full circle for me because I see people come in — redshirts, freshmen, things like that —
people that don’t think they can make an immediate impact. And I think it’s an awful mindset to
have, to coast.”

Texas has long had a reputation for tough, detail-oriented coaches who push players far
beyond their comfort zones, especially those bold enough to bet on themselves without a
scholarship guarantee. Vic Schaefer is no different.

“Our coaches have a skill at making you feel seen and pushing at the same time. They’re
not going to let you coast in practice, so while I didn’t think I could make an immediate impact
on the court, that was never my focus. It was like, ‘How can I win this practice? How can I prove
myself every day?’” The “trenches” is a modest way to describe UT Austin women’s basketball
workouts. Instagram clips can be found of the team lifting heavy weights and running sprints in
the Texas heat. Their on-court practices are meticulous, with teammates and coaches alike
holding everyone accountable.

Preseason conditioning was a time those off-court bonds grew through struggling together.
“I look over and [I] see people gasping for air, and I’d look over at someone I’m close with —
like Rori Harmon — and we’re always locked in, trying to push each other because we’re super
competitive… we’d look over kind of like, ‘Alright, let’s do this.’ I’d get a quick head nod —
that’s all I need. I’d give full credit to my teammates because I genuinely couldn’t stay in it day
after day without them.”

The preseason grinds, late nights, and early mornings paid off. A video went viral of Graves
receiving a full scholarship. She can be seen bounding in excitement when getting the news and
being swarmed by teammates who were now her family. It was something she was not
expecting, but she recounts the memory with a huge smile.

“So, we read the quote of the day at the end of every practice and the beginning of every
practice, and so I’d done that a couple times… I think it was something about hard work… I was
reading a quote and at the end of it just said, ‘Sarah, you’re now on full ride.’ I had no idea at all.
It is something I will remember forever.”

Her financial aid situation transformed with her game. There are many things she has gotten
better at, but the main thing she cites is the increase in toughness. She says this shift is courtesy
of Coach Schaefer. She said with a laugh, “You know, he loves defense… You only imagine
how it is three hours of practice here with us pushing each other being physical… he’s so smart.
There’s no room for shortcuts. And so, if you take a shortcut in any aspect of your life, it’s going
to come back to get you, like, you can’t escape that, can’t escape the hard work.”

When the now senior talks about what sets her apart, she doesn’t point to her stat line or just
her on-court hustle — instead, she comes back to the intangibles that don’t show up in the box
score. “What I’ve heard from them [the coaches] is, one, leadership — like being a connector
and taking things seriously outside just the court and just basketball,” she explains. “People call
you the glue player or the glue girl — that’s a common term I hear — but being very intentional
about the relationships that you build with the coach and with your teammates, that’s very
important to your team. I feel like that’s something that kind of goes overlooked a lot.”

But there’s more to Graves than holding people together — she brings a level of discipline
that lifts the standard for everyone around her. “And then two is just attention to detail. I didn’t

really notice that was uncommon, but for them [the coaches], they really said they like how I
treat every rep like it’s the last one. Like, you really focus on detail and urgency and help push
other people.”

There is one quote Graves will hold close to her heart forever. One that Vic Schaefer can be
seen saying on national TV repeatedly.

“How you do anything is how you do everything,” she says with finality. “It’s about life.
It’s not about basketball; it’s about who you are as a person. What you do every day in practice,
how you perform every rep — that’s going to determine how successful you’re going to be in
five years, ten years, whether you’re in basketball, business, just anything in life… that’s a
reflection of who you are and your character.” In the end, Sarah Graves shows that leadership is more than words — it’s the daily

commitment to doing things the right way, no matter how small. She’s a connector, a standard-
setter, and a reminder that how you approach every detail shapes what you achieve far beyond

the game. For Sarah, it’s never just about basketball — it’s about who you choose to be, every
single day. And that’s why her impact will echo far beyond the court.

 

 

Amaria Fields – Covers sports for Texas Sports Monthly and Hook Em News. She played at Boston College and the University of Detroit Mercy, and Is a McKinney North alum where she hold several offensive records and scored over 1,900 career points. Ms. Fields also worked in NBA Player Development and with both the Mavericks and Celtics organizations.

Joyner Holmes: Longhorn Legacy

Written by Amaria Fields on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL.

A Longhorn Legacy . . . . Rooted in Grit, Faith, and Giving Back

UT alum Joyner Holmes, the talented, multi-faceted athlete, grew up in Cedar Hill, Texas—a
basketball obsessed suburb south of Dallas. Her roots are deeply planted in the game. From a
young age, she could be found on the neighborhood blacktops, battling older boys, and matching
their energy with her raw talent and athleticism. “I was just always outside as a kid,” she recalls
fondly. “So, I feel like my dad was always pushing me, kind of to play basketball and I was
pretty good at it…I played with boys older than me or guys the same age as me. I was always
taller and more athletic than the people around me, so I used that to my advantage.”

But raw skill was only one part of the equation. Behind her growth was a household filled with
discipline, guidance, and sometimes tension. “My parents were a big influence. I’d describe our
relationship as love-hate at times,” Holmes admits. “My dad pushed me constantly, and my
mom—she knows a lot because she’s been on this journey with me every step of the way.”
As much as her story is grounded in family and physical grit, the forward is also rooted in faith.
“As I’ve gotten older, my faith and trust in God have become a bigger part of who I am. It’s not
always easy, but I think my journey really speaks for itself.”

Long before Holmes reached UT Austin and the WNBA, she had mentors with her best interest
at heart. When asked about her youth coaches, she did not hesitate to give raving remarks. Coach
Andrea Robinson and Nicole Collins, both of whom coached the superstar in high school, were
instrumental to her success.

“My first two years I played for Coach Robinson, and I think that really shaped my
mentality—just work, work, work with her. Collins was under Robinson for a couple years at
Guyer… that helped her [coaching], obviously. When the coaching change happened, it was still
the same role. They always pushed me, and in the back of my mind, I always wanted to be one of
the best women’s basketball players to ever come out of Cedar Hill—and I think I accomplished
that.” It is fair to say the coaching paid off. Holmes competed for USA in the FIBA U17 World
Championships, where she won a gold medal in 2014. Per ESPN, Holmes was the number two
women’s basketball player in the country at the time of her graduation. In 2016, she was named a
McDonald’s All-American—one of the highest honors in high school basketball—before taking
her talents to the Forty Acres.

A player of Holmes’ caliber had dozens of offers to choose from (ESPN lists her final three as
Notre Dame, University of Tennessee, and UT-Austin), but it was bonds and the close drive to
Cedar Hill that made her elect to be a Longhorn for another four years. Fittingly, Cedar Hill High
School shares the same Longhorn mascot as her alma mater, making her transition from high
school to college feel like something written in the stars even more.

One of the biggest influences in the decision? Fellow WNBA standout and Longhorn legend
Ariel Atkins. Atkins is etched in the UT history books in her own right and is currently starter for
the Chicago Sky.

“Multiple individuals that were at Texas at the time that I really trusted. I would say Ariel Atkins
is a big one of the biggest reasons why I attended the University of Texas because I just know
her leadership. She has been a pro since day one.”

Photo: UT Athletics
UT Athletics –

Joyner’s first year in burnt orange was what most would call seamless—in starting almost every
game her first year, she averaged 12.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in 26.5
minutes of play. “The transition wasn’t too bad,” Holmes says. “But the biggest shock was time
management—just figuring out how to balance everything on and off the court…it’s like having
a full-time job while also being in school. You’ve got basketball, classes, meetings, and
everything scheduled day in and day out.”

Under head coach Karen Aston, the Longhorns maintained a culture of high standards and elite
development (Holmes’ fondest UT memory is beating Baylor in Waco), and it started with the
staff. They were not just experienced—they had been around greatness, and they expected
nothing less from their players. One of the most influential figures in Holmes’ college journey
was assistant coach Tina Thompson, a WNBA icon, and Hall-of-Famer.

“You know, like having Tina Thompson on my staff. I mean it’s actually unbelievable. Some
days when I think about it and like being able to just contact her, you know, now still to this day.
Tiffany Jackson, you know, is the ultimate Pro. Everything at Texas was ran at a pro level.”
After four years at Texas, Holmes declared for the 2020 WNBA Draft, ready to take her game to
the next level. Though the draft process was altered by the COVID-19 pandemic and held
virtually, she still achieved a lifelong dream when she was selected by the Seattle Storm with the
19th overall pick in the second round. Her time in Austin—full of high-level competition, elite
coaching, and relentless structure—had prepared her for the challenges of the pros. Eventually,
Holmes signed with the New York Liberty, where she began her rookie season. The transition
wasn’t without its learning curves, but Holmes brought the same grit, athleticism, and hunger
that made her a standout at Texas. One of the biggest lessons she carried into the league was the
importance of mental toughness and self-belief.

“I think building my confidence,” Holmes shares. “I think just going around, listening to people,
and having my own experiences—confidence is key. And I think that’s something we, as women,
kind of struggle within this league…”

Beyond the physical game, she has remained deeply committed to giving back—especially to the
communities that shaped her. “When I’m home, I frequently try to go to my [high] school…So
just, you know, helping them and being able to [always] tell them that I’m a resource. And [they
can] call me any time. I went down to Texas in November, and I spoke to some of the other
girls…I’m a resource and I’m here and willing to help.”

In the near decade since she has graduated high school, Holmes has learned tons. When asked
the most impactful lesson, she was not slow to reply.

“…Basketball is what I do it’s not who I am. It doesn’t define me. Like, I am like human being
outside of just my job title, you know? So just being able to know who [I am]. Just stay true to
that.”

As of now, Holmes is continuing her professional journey with the Las Vegas Aces—one of the
WNBA’s most competitive and high-profile franchises. Surrounded by championship culture and
elite talent, she’s embracing every opportunity to grow, contribute, and compete at the highest
level. Her journey—from blacktop battles in Cedar Hill to the bright lights of the
WNBA—remains a testament to her resilience, faith, and unshakable belief in who she is, on and
off the court.

 

 

rs sports for Texas Sports Monthly and Hook Em News. She played at Boston College and the University of Detroit Mercy, and Is a McKinney North alum where she hold several offensive records and scored over 1,900 career points. Ms. Fields also worked in NBA Player Development and with both the Mavericks and Celtics organizations.  

The Rise of Madison Booker

Written by Amaria Fields on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL.

Madison Booker’s rise has been nothing short of outstanding. From her days as a
five-star recruit and two-time Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year to becoming the
centerpiece of the Texas Longhorns, Booker has delivered on every expectation, and then
some. As a freshman in 2023–24, she stepped into the spotlight earlier than expected,
taking over point-forward duties after Rori Harmon’s injury. Her poise, vision, and scoring
instinct were on full display as she averaged 16.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per
game her first year in Austin. She became the first freshman in Big 12 history to win both
Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year honors in the same season.

Booker’s sophomore campaign in 2024–25 was somehow even more dominant. She
adapted to the Longhorns’ transition into the SEC, leading them to notable wins while
elevating her own game. She was named SEC Player of the Year and a unanimous First
Team All-American after averaging 16.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
Her efficiency improved too, as she shot 46.4% from the field and an elite 40.3% from

three. In critical games against top-ranked teams, she often took over late, whether it was
with a clutch bucket, a key assist, or a stop on defense. Booker’s basketball IQ and
leadership on and off the court helped lift Texas to a No. 1 national ranking—their first
since 2004—and solidified her as one of the best players in the country.

What makes Booker’s ascent more impressive is the way she elevates those around
her. Whether it’s drawing double teams to create open looks for teammates or setting the
tone with her work ethic in practice, she’s become the heartbeat of Vic Schaefer’s squad.
Her unselfishness and calm under pressure have turned her into a coach on the floor. As
Texas enters the new season with national championship expectations, Booker’s
leadership, versatility, and relentless competitiveness will be central to their pursuit. With
her skill set and maturity, she’s not only one of the most complete players in college
basketball but also the kind of leader who can turn a great team into a championship one.
Heading into the 2025–26 season, Booker is entrenched as the face of Texas
women’s basketball and a front-runner for National Player of the Year honors.

She returns as the team’s leader in scoring, and with Harmon healthy again, the Longhorns boast one
of the most dynamic back-courts in the nation. With a strong supporting cast and the sting
of last season’s early tournament exit still fresh, Texas enters the season focused and
hungry. Booker’s continued evolution as a scorer, defender, and facilitator will be the key
to a deep March run. As she begins her junior year, Madison Booker isn’t just rising.
She’s leading a national title push.

 

Amaria Fields – Covers sports for Texas Sports Monthly and Hook Em News. She played at Boston College and the University of Detroit Mercy, and Is a McKinney North alum where she hold several offensive records and scored over 1,900 career points. Ms. Fields also worked in NBA Player Development and with both the Mavericks and Celtics organizations.  

UT GOLF SOMETHING TO REBUILD

Written by Amaria Fields on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS.

The 2025 season was an eventful year for the University of Texas at Austin men’s
golf team. With a strong mix of experienced players and talented newcomers, the
Longhorns steadily built momentum throughout the spring, posting solid finishes that kept
them ranked among the nation’s elite. Freshman Daniel Bennett quickly made a name for
himself at The Ford Collegiate, where his 3-under 67 in the final round helped the team
rally from behind to claim the title. As the NCAA postseason arrived, Texas showed
resilience by advancing through the Reno Regional and earning a spot in the NCAA
Championship.

 

There, the team battled hard, reaching the quarterfinals of match play
before a narrow 3-2 loss to Florida ended their run. Juniors Luke Potter and Tommy
Morrison earned key match wins, demonstrating the team’s competitive spirit on the big
stage. The 2025 campaign reinforced UT Austin’s reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate
golf, blending emerging talent with strong teamwork and character.

The team’s success was no accident; Coach John Fields worked year long to foster
a culture of discipline and camaraderie. Practices emphasized not only skill and strategy,
but also mental toughness and sportsmanship. This allowed players like Bennett and
Potter to thrive under pressure and develop into well-rounded athletes. The program’s
strong support system, including athletic trainers and academic advisors, also ensured
that the student-athletes excelled both on the course and in the classroom. The
Longhorns’ commitment to excellence created an environment where players could push
their limits while staying grounded.

Another highlight of the season was the emergence of underclassmen who showed
promise for the future. Alongside Bennett, sophomore Tommy Morrison made strides with
impressive performances in both regular season and postseason play. Their development
bodes well for the program’s continued success in the coming years, especially as veteran
leaders provide guidance and mentorship. The blend of youth and experience on the roster
gave the Longhorns versatility and depth, allowing them to adapt to different courses and
conditions throughout the season.

Looking ahead, the Longhorns aim to build on their 2025 achievements by targeting
a national championship soon. The team’s blend of talent, leadership, and resilience
positions them well to compete at the highest levels of collegiate golf. With a solid
foundation and strong recruiting classes on the horizon, UT Austin men’s golf looks poised
to remain a dominant force and a source of pride for the university and its fans.

 

SWINGS AND THINGS
Daniel Bennett burst onto the collegiate golf scene in 2025 as one of the most
promising freshmen in the country, quickly establishing himself as a key player for the
University of Texas at Austin men’s golf team. Known for his calm demeanor and steady
nerves under pressure, Bennett impressed coaches and teammates alike with his ability to
deliver clutch performances in important moments. His breakthrough came at The Ford
Collegiate, where his final-round 3-under-par 67 was instrumental in leading the
Longhorns to an elite comeback victory.

Over the course of the 2024–25 season, Bennett posted a stroke average of 71.4
across 30 competitive rounds and recorded six top-20 finishes, including three in the top
10. He ranked among the team’s leaders in birdies and par-5 scoring, with a par-5 average
of 4.61, demonstrating his aggressive yet controlled play. His performance at the NCAA
Reno Regional was another high point, where he carded rounds of 71-72-70 to finish inside
the top 15 individually, helping Texas secure a berth to the NCAA Championship.
Hailing from South Africa, Bennett developed his skills from an early age, honing a
smooth, consistent swing and a smart mind on the course. His work ethic and dedication
were evident even before arriving at UT Austin, where he quickly adapted to the
competitive college environment. Bennett’s approach to the game combines precision
with thoughtful course management, allowing him to minimize mistakes and capitalize on
scoring opportunities.

Beyond his individual talents, Bennett has earned a reputation as a team player and
leader. His humility and positive attitude have made him a favorite among teammates and
coaches, fostering a supportive atmosphere that elevates the entire squad. As a freshman
stepping into a storied program, Bennett has not only lived up to expectations but has also
shown the potential to become one of the next great Longhorn golfers. With his blend of
skill, maturity, and competitive fire, Daniel Bennett’s future in collegiate golf—and
beyond—looks exceptionally bright.

 

 

Amaria Fields – Covers sports for Texas Sports Monthly and Hook Em News. She played at Boston College and the University of Detroit Mercy, and Is a McKinney North alum where she hold several offensive records and scored over 1,900 career points. Ms. Fields also worked in NBA Player Development and with both the Mavericks and Celtics organizations.

The Wave of Name, Image, and Likeness

Written by Amaria Fields on . Posted in NCAA.

The wave of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has completely altered the nature of
high school recruiting and no program has been more active in taking advantage of this
shift than the UT-Austin. The recruiting process has now become dubious in terms of
focusing more on the aspect of the business opportunity as opposed to focusing more on
coaching stacs, facilities, and tradition. As UT Austin has embraced this new reality, it has
developed among the most sophisticated NIL support systems in college sports. The
university has its system of support with in-house NIL departments, legal facilities, and

branding education, which allows recruits to be confident that they can develop as an
athlete and a personal brand.

Playing time is no longer the only factor that recruits view when considering
schools, but the ability to create an NIL value as well has become a factor in play. UT
provides the money to match entry-level professional wages with deep-pocketed donor
collectives and organized funds, such as Texas One Fund and Horns With Heart. Such
groups make it clear to recruits that to be a Longhorn is more than playing on the field it is
about creating a business. This has raised the state of Texas in the national recruiting wars,
particularly in football and basketball when NIL can take in the range of six or seven figures
before a player takes a single minute of college play.

The pitch from Texas to high school athletes now includes not just tradition, but
opportunity: a chance to partner with global brands, appear in national media campaigns,
and build long-term wealth. Some athletes arrive on campus with existing NIL deals and
are immediately slotted into curated marketing strategies tailored to their personal stories
and goals. Even official visits have become NIL showcases, featuring luxury cars, private
dinners, and social media exposure—all to give prospects a glimpse of the lifestyle and
business network they can access at UT.

For UT, the NIL era is not a disruption—it’s an extension of its brand. The university’s
size, location, alumni network, and reputation already made it a recruiting giant. Now, with
NIL reshaping the game, Texas is proving it can lead not just in sports performance, but in
building athlete entrepreneurs. As NIL continues to evolve, UT Austin remains at the
forefront, treating high school recruitment not just as a pathway to trophies, but as a
gateway to long-term success for the athletes themselves.

 

Amaria Fields – Covers sports for Texas Sports Monthly and Hook Em News. She played at Boston College and the University of Detroit Mercy, and Is a McKinney North alum where she hold several offensive records and scored over 1,900 career points. Ms. Fields also worked in NBA Player Development and with both the Mavericks and Celtics organizations.
Photo: UT Athletics

UT Women’s Basketball 2026 Season Preview

Written by Amaria Fields on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL.

The Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team are poised for an elite 2025-2026 season

Led by head coach Vic Schaefer, the Longhorns’ superstar, forward Madison Booker, who is the reigning SEC Player of the Year , and longtime point guard Rori Harmon brings back one of the most experienced back-courts in the country. The two are rounded it out by sophomore forward Justice Carlton, who can give the team another sure-thing post option and rim protector.

 

Although Texas suffered some roster losses through the transfer portal—most

notably Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda (now at Vanderbilt) and Laila Phelia (now at

Syracuse)—the Longhorns reloaded with a blend of transfers and incoming freshmen.

Among the biggest additions are Breya Cunningham, Teya Sidberry, and Kyla Oldacre, both

forwards with experience in Power 4 programs.

 

They also have a promising class that includes Ashton Judd and Irish sharpshooter Grace Prenter. This new wave of talent is expected to address one of Texas’ key weaknesses from last season: perimeter shooting. With a deep and versatile roster, Texas is poised to be more well-rounded and dangerous from beyond the arc—something that proved to be a limitation in the 2024–25 NCAA Tournament.

 

In the tournament, the Longhorns made just 12 three pointers across

four games. The Longhorns will face a tough schedule, including a high-profile SEC/ACC

Challenge match-up against North Carolina at the Moody Center in December. Within the

SEC, they’ll compete with national powerhouses LSU, South Carolina, and Big XII rivals

Baylor, making for a season full of top-tier match-ups and tournament-level intensity.

 

Early national rankings by ESPN place Texas among the top four teams in the

country, alongside perennial powerhouses South Carolina, UConn, and UCLA. With

veteran leadership, improved depth, and a hunger to build on last season’s success, Texas

is not only a serious contender for another Final Four—but also a legitimate threat to win

its first national title since 1986.

 

Amaria Fields – Covers sports for Texas Sports Monthly and Hook Em News. She played at Boston College and the University of Detroit Mercy, and Is a McKinney North alum where she hold several offensive records and scored over 1,900 career points. Ms. Fields also worked in NBA Player Development and with both the Mavericks and Celtics organizations.

2026 UT VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW

Written by Amaria Fields on . Posted in Texas Vollyball.

The Texas Longhorns women’s volleyball team heads into the 2025 season with a
superb mix of transition and promise, reshaping its identity following the graduation of core
veterans and the addition of high-profile transfers.

Longtime head coach Jerritt Elliott, now entering his 25th season in Austin, is once
again tasked with blending new talent into a winning culture. This year, however, marks a
significant turning point: not only did the team lose All-Americans, such as outside hitter
Madisen Skinner and middle blockers, Reagan Rutherford and Soah Franklin, but it also
saw the departure of assistant coach Erik Sullivan, who left to take over the U.S. Women’s
National Team. The transition has left gaps—mainly offensive production and leadership—
but Texas has reloaded with one of the most dynamic transfer classes in the NCAA.
Leading the newcomers is Torrey Stafford, a powerful outside hitter who transferred
from Pitt after two elite seasons. At Pitt, Stafford helped guide the Panthers to deep NCAA
Tournament runs with her athleticism and versatility at the net. In her debut season with
the Panthers, Stafford was a consistent force on the court, starting all 34 matches and
finishing second on the team in both total points (425.5) and kills (372). She posted a .273

hitting percentage, recorded double-digit kills in 22 matches, and achieved four double-
doubles, including two in the NCAA Tournament.

She is expected to immediate production and one of Texas’s star hitters. In the back
row, the Longhorns added Ramsey Gary, a junior Libero from Indiana who finished top-10 in
the Big Ten in digs per set last season. Gary does not just bring skill to the Longhorns but
also a fiery competitiveness that fits into Elliot’s defensive system. Veteran Libero from
VCU, Anja Kujundzic, will provide the longhorns with consistency and serve-receive efforts.
These additions, along with a top-tier freshman class that includes Abby Vander Wal, Addy
Gaido, Callie Krueger, and Macaria Spears, ensure that the team will have depth across
numerous positions. Returning starters like setter Ella Swindle and libero Emma Halter will
be critical to the team’s leadership core, with Swindle being responsible for leading an
offense that will need to develop new identity.

The 2025 schedule reflects the high expectations placed on the program. After
opening the season at the Opening Spike Classic in Madison, Wisconsin—where the
Longhorns will face Creighton and Wisconsin—they’ll return home for a historic showdown
with Stanford on September 7.

With a mix of new faces, established stars, and a coaching staff focused on
continuity and evolution, the Longhorns are poised for another strong SEC campaign and a

potential deep NCAA Tournament run. The 2025 season may be one of transition, but in
Austin, the bar remains championship-level.

 

Amaria Fields – Covers sports for Texas Sports Monthly and Hook Em News. She played at Boston College and the University of Detroit Mercy, and Is a McKinney North alum where she hold several offensive records and scored over 1,900 career points. Ms. Fields also worked in NBA Player Development and with both the Mavericks and Celtics organizations.

UT SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP – “Fuel the Fire”

Written by Amaria Fields on . Posted in TEXAS SOFTBALL.

The Texas Longhorns softball team made history this June by capturing the
program’s first-ever national championship with a 10–4 victory over Texas Tech in Game 3
of the Women’s College World Series. Texas came out hungry with a five-run first inning,
sparked by a three-run homer from Leighann Goode. The Longhorns kept the pressure on
with doubles from Reese Atwood and Katie Stewart in the third inning. Mia Scott delivered
the final blow with a grand slam in the fourth, putting Texas up 10–0.

On the mound, sophomore Teagan Kavan was dominant once again, pitching seven
complete innings without allowing an earned run. Her command was superb, issuing no
walks and striking out three, which earned her the Women’s College World Series Most
Outstanding Player honors. Kavan’s performance capped off a remarkable postseason in
which she set a WCWS record with 31 2⁄3 consecutive innings without allowing an earned
run.

The Longhorns’ championship run was defined by a combination of veteran
leadership and clutch performances from various stars. Atwood and Stewart had two hits a
piece in the title game, while Kayden Henry added three more from the leadoff spot. Scott,
in her final collegiate game, finished with two hits and four RBIs, leaving a legacy as a
foundational piece of Texas’s rise to the top.

This victory was the culmination of a resilient season for Texas. Despite mid-season
stumbles and tough losses, including a sweep by Oklahoma, the Longhorns rallied under
head coach Mike White’s leadership. With their “Fuel the Fire” mantra, they embraced
adversity and delivered when it mattered most. Their final performance left no doubt that
Texas softball has officially arrived among the elite in the nation.

 

Amaria Fields – Covers sports for Texas Sports Monthly and Hook Em News. She played at Boston College and the University of Detroit Mercy, and Is a McKinney North alum where she hold several offensive records and scored over 1,900 career points. Ms. Fields also worked in NBA Player Development and with both the Mavericks and Celtics organizations.

Horns Swimming Leaving no stone Unturned,

Written by Amaria Fields on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS, Texas Swimming.

Leaving no stone un-turned, the Texas Longhorns men swimming and diving team
culminated with the 2024 25 season by making the 16th NCAA Championships through the
watch of a different remarkable head coach, Bob Bowman. A highly successful coach,
Bowman gained momentum on a well-established program with the signature coaching of
Olympic icon Michael Phelps. The Longhorns got 490 points at the national meeting in
Federal Way, Washington and just defeated their ever-present rival California by 19 points.
It marked the 10th NCAA title that Texas had won since 2015 and the continued streak of
finishing in the top 10 at the national level of the program.

Texas did not only adapt to their first year as a member of SEC; they ruled. In winning
their 46th straight conference title, the Longhorns blew away Florida and dominated the
team standings. Sophomore Rex Maurer shot to prominence with the victories in the 400-
yard individual medley and 500-yard freestyle. He won the SEC Swimmer of the Year, and
his times produced a school record of 3:34.00 in the 400 IM. Senior Luke Hobson
contributed to the scoring artillery with a win in the 200- yard freestyle in a smoking fast
time of 1:28.33.

The ties were again a good point to the Horns. Texas won the 200-medley relay, 400
medley relay, and 800 freestyle relay proving that it was not just speed but the chemistry of
the team. Junior transfer Chris Guiliano had a significant part in these victories,
contributing to critical strokes in addition to assisting to drive the 800 free relay past the six
minute mark. Guiliano had the fastest score of the team in the 50 free at 19.04 and
provided the necessary depth to the sprints in the Texas pool.

Veteran coach Matt Scoggin kept the tradition of greatness on the diving boards.
Texas divers were always in the top eight giving crucial points that led to the difference
within the conference and national competitions. Swimming and diving attack balanced,
young and veteran leadership all combined and Texas once again showed why it is the
model of collegiate aquatics.

The future is quite bright. Bowman has Olympic experience, a fantastic recruiting
class is coming in, and he has a culture of winning installed in Texas, which means that he
stands a good chance to head that school to the top of the pyramid once again in the
foreseeable future. Not only is the Longhorns body winning titles; they are defining the
standard.

 

Amaria Fields – Covers sports for Texas Sports Monthly and Hook Em News. She played at Boston College and the University of Detroit Mercy, and Is a McKinney North alum where she hold several offensive records and scored over 1,900 career points. Ms. Fields also worked in NBA Player Development and with both the Mavericks and Celtics organizations.