TCU women don’t get home cooking they wanted for NCAA Tournament
TCU women’s basketball didn’t get its dream Fort Worth path for the NCAA Tournament.
The Horned Frogs received a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday and will host the first two rounds at Schollmaier Arena, but they were placed in the Sacramento regional instead of the one in Fort Worth at Dickies Arena.
TCU had hoped that it wouldn’t have to leave Fort Worth to reach the first Final Four in school history. Despite landing in Sacramento, the Horned Frogs still were appreciative of reaching another NCAA Tournament and hosting the first two rounds in Fort Worth.
“There’s no disappointment. These things, the margin of error is razor-thin,” TCU coach Mark Campbell said. “Dickies was booked four or five years ago and TCU, we weren’t even in consideration that our program would even be at a point to play there. In June that was a goal we chased, and while you chase that, the margin of error is tiny.
“Coming into today I knew it was a 50-50 chance with Sacramento and Fort Worth. At the end of the day, it’s March Madness. I don’t care who we play, where we play. To play in this tournament, you’ve got to be mentally locked in and excited for wherever they put you and against whatever opponent.”
TCU (29-5) will face No. 14 UC San Diego (24-8) in a first-round game at 11 a.m. Friday at Schollmaier on ESPN. The Horned Frogs are massive 34.5-point favorites.
If TCU advances, it will face the winner of No. 6 Washington (21-10) and No. 11 South Dakota State (27-6) in the second round Sunday at Schollmaier.
That margin of error for TCU might’ve been just one game. One of the No. 3 seeds to land in Fort Worth was Ohio State, which defeated TCU 71-69 on Jan. 19 in Newark, New Jersey.
The players echoed Campbell’s message about not being disappointed. Big 12 Player of the Year Olivia Miles said the snub could benefit the Horned Frogs.
“Everything happens for a reason,” Miles said. “Who knows, it may be a blessing in disguise for us. Just grateful that we heard our name called, first of all. We’re ready to play anywhere. I’m just excited to be on a hardwood court. That’s all that matters.”
Miles is referring to the glass court the Horned Frogs played on in Kansas City, Missouri, during the Big 12 Tournament. The court went back to hardwood for the men’s tournament semifinals and championship game after numerous complaints.
The Horned Frogs are hoping to bring in a similar crowd as last year when Schollmaier was sold-out for TCU’s second-round win over Louisville. It was arguably the best basketball environment the program has ever had, and a memory that returning guard Donovyn Hunter remembers fondly.
“Anyone that gets a chance to play in March knows the advantage you have playing at your home site,” Hunter said. “The fans, the community they all showed out for us last year. I’m super excited that we were able to do it again. It’s a testament to that work that our team has done to be able to host.”
The Horned Frogs reached the Elite Eight last season in their second year under Campbell. He successfully rebuilt the team this season after the loss of several top players, including Big 12 Player of the Year Hailey Van Lith.
Transfers Miles and Marta Suarez propelled TCU to a repeat Big 12 regular-season championship and will be the key to making a second straight trip to the Sweet 16 and beyond. Suarez is especially eager to get back on the court after the emotional loss to West Virginia in the Big 12 Tournament title game.
“I’m excited, so excited, at the opportunity to compete again with these girls,” Suarez said. “To host, to play at home. Our last [home] game [vs. Baylor] was phenomenal. The community showed up in such a tremendous way. I’m excited to live that again.”
South Carolina (31-3) is the No. 1 seed in TCU’s region, and Iowa (26-6) is the No. 2.
This story was originally published March 15, 2026 at 7:41 PM.
