Vic Schaefer, a Coin Toss, and the Texas Women’s Basketball Team’s Journey to a National Title

In sports, the path to success is rarely linear. There are twists, turns, and moments of uncertainty. However, for Vic Schaefer and the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team, their journey to the pinnacle of college basketball—a national title—was marked by strategic moves, unforeseen challenges, and, in one unforgettable instance, a coin toss that set the stage for the remarkable journey that was about to unfold.

A New Beginning: Vic Schaefer’s Arrival at Texas

The story begins with a new era for Texas women’s basketball. In 2020, after five seasons of tremendous success with the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Vic Schaefer was hired to take the reins of the Texas program. Schaefer had established himself as one of the top coaches in the country, having guided Mississippi State to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a national runner-up finish in 2017.

But despite his stellar reputation, Schaefer inherited a Texas team that, while talented, had not reached the ultimate goal—the national title. The Longhorns were a team with potential, but there was a sense of something missing. They had a solid foundation with players like Charli Collier, a dominant force in the paint, and an ever-growing group of talented freshmen and sophomores. However, they lacked the consistency and championship pedigree that a program like Texas demands.

Schaefer knew he would have to build something special. He took over a team that had underperformed in recent NCAA tournaments, and it was clear from the start that his philosophy would center on defense, discipline, and a relentless commitment to improvement.

The Coin Toss: The Turning Point

It was the spring of 2021 when an unexpected moment would shift the team’s fortunes. The NCAA Tournament was underway, and with the pandemic still very much in the background, the tournament had been altered from its traditional format. The games were being held in a bubble in San Antonio, Texas, to minimize risks.

As the Longhorns entered the tournament as a No. 6 seed, there was optimism, but also the understanding that the road to a title would be challenging. The tournament was unpredictable, with upsets happening across the board. Yet, in what would become one of the most significant moments of the season, a simple coin toss would serve as a symbolic reflection of the team’s journey.

During the early rounds, a minor dispute between the Texas coaching staff and tournament officials regarding scheduling conflicts with game times prompted a coin toss to determine which team would get the earlier start in a critical second-round match-up. It seemed like an inconsequential matter, but as the ball was tossed in the air, it symbolized the sense of chance and destiny that often governs the madness of March Madness.

The Longhorns won the toss, and while the outcome of the coin flip itself was trivial, it set the tone for the team. This small victory—having the schedule go in their favor—was a harbinger of what was to come. The Longhorns were ready to take control of their fate, and though the coin toss was a minor detail, it was a reminder that in basketball, as in life, sometimes success comes down to small moments that build momentum.

A Resilient March: The Longhorns’ Tournament Run

The tournament began with the Longhorns facing off against an upstart Bradley team that had been a surprise package. Texas had no trouble advancing to the next round, where they faced the Maryland Terrapins—a team that had been one of the best in the country all season. In what was a thrilling and back-and-forth game, the Longhorns showcased their defensive prowess, with Schaefer’s system beginning to take full effect. Texas’ suffocating defense held Maryland to just 56 points, and the Longhorns advanced to the Elite Eight.

In that game, Charli Collier’s dominance in the post and a well-balanced offensive attack from guards like Celeste Taylor and Kyra Lambert were on full display. But it wasn’t just the talent on the court that had changed—it was the mentality. The Longhorns believed in themselves. Schaefer’s defense-first mentality had transformed them into a team that played with tenacity and grit.

With each passing game, the Longhorns seemed more unstoppable. In the Final Four, they faced off against a highly talented South Carolina team, led by the dominant Aliyah Boston. The game was a battle of defensive giants, but Texas prevailed in a gritty 66-61 win, largely due to the outstanding play of Collier, who anchored the defense and controlled the paint. The win propelled the Longhorns into the national championship game against a formidable Stanford squad, who had been one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.

The National Championship Game: An Unforgettable Finish

April 2021 was the setting for one of the most memorable national championship games in recent history. Stanford, led by head coach Tara VanDerveer, had been dominant all season long. The team had an incredible mix of experience and youth, with players like Haley Jones and Lexie Hull stepping up on the national stage. For Texas, the final game of the tournament was a culmination of their hard work, resilience, and the bond that Schaefer had fostered throughout the season.

The national title game was a test of wills. Stanford had the advantage in size and experience, but Texas had something just as valuable: a fierce competitive drive and a defensive mentality that refused to break. The game was a tense back-and-forth affair, with every possession feeling crucial. Collier was once again a force in the paint, and the Longhorns’ defense kept Stanford on their toes.

But it wasn’t just the stars that shone. It was the collective effort. Players like Taylor and Lambert stepped up when needed, hitting clutch shots and making crucial defensive plays. Schaefer’s game plan was evident—shut down the passing lanes, stifle the transition game, and put pressure on every Stanford player who touched the ball.

With the score tied in the closing minutes, the game came down to a single possession. Texas had fought tooth and nail for every point, and now, with the clock winding down, they had one final chance to secure the title. In the last seconds, Taylor, who had been brilliant all night, found herself with the ball at the top of the key. With Stanford’s defense closing in, she made a move toward the basket and dished the ball to an open Collier. The big woman, with ice in her veins, drained a mid-range jumper to give Texas a two-point lead with just a few seconds left on the clock.

Stanford’s final attempt was blocked by Collier, and the horn sounded. The Longhorns had done it. They were national champions for the first time since 1986.

The Aftermath: Legacy of Vic Schaefer and the Longhorns

Vic Schaefer’s first season at Texas had culminated in the ultimate victory, but it wasn’t just about the title—it was about the transformation of the program. Schaefer had instilled a new culture in the team, one built on defense, discipline, and togetherness. The Longhorns had become a reflection of their coach: tough, resilient, and hungry for success.

The national championship was a validation of everything Schaefer had worked toward. But perhaps more importantly, it set the stage for the future of Texas women’s basketball. Schaefer’s ability to get the most out of his players, his knack for making the right adjustments, and his relentless drive for excellence would ensure that Texas would remain a force in the NCAA for years to come.

In the end, the coin toss that had seemed like a trivial moment in the tournament became a metaphor for the Longhorns’ season. They had earned every break, and when the time came to make their own luck, they did so with conviction. From the arrival of Schaefer to the unforgettable national title, the Texas women’s basketball team had completed one of the most remarkable journeys in the history of the sport. And for Vic Schaefer, this was just the beginning.