William & Mary’s Historic March Madness Run: A Story of Resilience and Leadership

William & Mary, a university steeped in history and academic excellence, had long been absent from the most electrifying stage in college basketball: the NCAA Tournament. Until 2025, neither the men’s nor women’s program had ever tasted the March Madness spotlight. That all changed thanks to an improbable conference tournament run orchestrated by a team fueled by unwavering determination and the galvanizing leadership of senior guard Bella Nascimento. Their journey is a testament to the power of belief, resilience, and the impact a single player can have on a team’s trajectory.

The season began with promise for the Tribe, as they notched a solid 7-3 record in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play. However, the tide began to turn after a heartbreaking 59-58 overtime loss to Drexel on Valentine’s Day. The defeat seemed to drain the team’s spirit, and they subsequently stumbled, losing eight of their final nine regular-season games. The team’s confidence waned, and the prospect of a successful season seemed to slip through their fingers.

Despite the adversity, William & Mary entered the CAA tournament as a No. 9 seed, a team with a losing record (15-18, 8-10) and seemingly little hope of making a deep run. Their chances of earning an NCAA Tournament bid appeared slim, but destiny had other plans.

Head coach Erin Dickerson Davis acknowledged the team’s struggles, reflecting on the impact of the Drexel loss. "We fell on some hard times to finish the regular season," she said. "We lost a heartbreaker around the middle of conference play that really just rocked us to our core. We couldn’t find our footing after that."

The turning point came on a bus ride following a particularly demoralizing 73-55 loss to Campbell on March 8. In that moment, Nascimento, a senior guard with a burning desire to achieve something special, took charge. She challenged her teammates, questioning their commitment and resolve. "Is this who we are? Are we quitters? Are we just going to lay down and fold?" she demanded, her voice filled with a fierce determination.

Dickerson Davis recalled the intensity of Nascimento’s words. "She started calling out herself and all of her teammates on the bus on the way back to William & Mary. She said, ‘This is what I need from you, but we’re not quitters. Don’t quit on me. Don’t lay down.’"

Nascimento’s impassioned plea resonated deeply with the team. It served as a wake-up call, igniting a fire within them that had been dormant for too long. Her leadership sparked a newfound energy and focus as they prepared for the conference tournament.

The Tribe embarked on an unforgettable run, defying expectations and rewriting their own narrative. They became the first team with a losing record to qualify for the NCAA Tournament since Incarnate Word in 2022, a testament to their remarkable turnaround.

Their journey began with a hard-fought victory, setting the stage for a series of improbable triumphs. They faced top-seeded North Carolina A&T in the second round, emerging victorious after a thrilling 74-66 overtime battle. The win propelled them into the championship game, where they would face the very same Campbell team that had dealt them a crushing defeat just weeks before.

In the title game, William & Mary faced an early deficit, falling behind 14-0. However, they refused to be discouraged. Nascimento, playing with an unwavering will to win, led the charge. She poured in 20 of the team’s 40 points in a stunning second-half comeback, willing her team to victory.

Nascimento finished the game with a career-high 33 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing her dominance on both ends of the court. She shot an impressive 14-of-26 from the field, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. Her performance was a masterpiece of skill, determination, and leadership.

The final buzzer sounded, and William & Mary had done it. They had overcome adversity, defied the odds, and captured the CAA championship. The celebration was euphoric, a culmination of hard work, perseverance, and the transformative power of Nascimento’s leadership.

Dickerson Davis, overcome with emotion, reflected on the team’s journey. "The emotions that I was filled with," she said. "One of the clips that I see over and over is people just giving me a hug and me bursting into tears because this group has been through so many things. We’ve done it together. We’ve been resilient. We fell down seven times and we got back up the eighth time."

William & Mary’s historic conference tournament run earned them a spot in the NCAA Tournament, a dream realized after decades of waiting. They were slated to face High Point in a First Four matchup, a game that would determine their fate in the tournament.

High Point, a team with a strong 21-11 record and a nine-game winning streak, represented a formidable challenge. They had secured their second-ever NCAA Tournament bid by dominating the Big South Conference.

Dickerson Davis acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead. "That is the same mindset that we have going into this game versus a very good, well-coached High Point team," she said. "We have another game and you have to treat it as the last one you’re going to get. What do you want that to look like and how do you want it to go? Make sure you leave everything out on the floor and more than anything, remember that you cannot do it alone.”

The odds were stacked against William & Mary. Upsets are rare in women’s March Madness, and teams seeded Nos. 14-16 have a dismal 1-360 record in tournament history. Moreover, the winners of the First Four games have historically struggled in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

If William & Mary were to overcome High Point, they would face a daunting challenge in the form of a No. 1 seed Texas in the first round. The path to a Cinderella story was paved with obstacles.

Despite the challenges, the team remained undeterred. They drew inspiration from Harvard’s improbable victory over a No. 1 seed in 1998, a reminder that anything is possible. They also leaned on the lessons they had learned throughout the season, particularly the importance of resilience and teamwork.

William & Mary’s journey to the NCAA Tournament was a story of transformation, leadership, and the unwavering belief in the face of adversity. Bella Nascimento emerged as a pivotal figure, her impassioned plea serving as the catalyst for the team’s remarkable turnaround. Their story is a reminder that with determination, resilience, and a collective spirit, anything is possible, even in the unpredictable world of March Madness. Their legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of William & Mary athletes to pursue their dreams with unwavering passion and a belief in the power of the team.