Texas Coach Defends Rori Harmon After Emotional Loss

Vic Schaefer praises his star point guard's historic career after Texas' season-ending defeat.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:34pm

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In the aftermath of Texas' 51-44 loss to UCLA in the NCAA Tournament, Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer delivered an impassioned defense of senior point guard Rori Harmon, who was visibly emotional after the game. Schaefer highlighted Harmon's remarkable career statistics and argued that she has not received the recognition she deserves, including never being named an All-American. Harmon's teammates also praised her leadership, work ethic, and impact on the team both on and off the court.

Why it matters

Rori Harmon's college career has been defined by her outstanding play and leadership, helping guide Texas to back-to-back Final Four appearances. However, her lack of individual accolades has been a point of frustration for her coach and teammates, who believe she has not received the recognition she deserves. Schaefer's passionate defense of Harmon shines a light on the challenges female athletes can face in gaining the same level of acclaim as their male counterparts, even when their on-court accomplishments are truly exceptional.

The details

In the postgame press conference, Schaefer rattled off Harmon's impressive career stats - 1,616 points, 977 assists, 659 rebounds, and 388 steals - and argued that no other player in the history of women's basketball has achieved those numbers. Despite her historic production, Schaefer said Harmon has never been named an All-American by any agency. After the loss, Harmon was visibly emotional on the sideline, with Schaefer embracing her as she processed the end of her college career. Harmon's teammates, including center Kyla Oldacre and forward Madison Booker, also spoke glowingly about Harmon's leadership, work ethic, and the immense impact she has had on the program.

  • Harmon played her final game for Texas on April 1, 2023.
  • The 2023 WNBA Draft will be held on April 13, 2023, where Harmon could be selected by a professional team.

The players

Vic Schaefer

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns women's basketball team, who passionately defended Rori Harmon's legacy and lack of individual accolades.

Rori Harmon

The senior point guard for the Texas Longhorns, who finished her college career with historic statistical achievements but without receiving the recognition Schaefer believes she deserves.

Kyla Oldacre

The center for the Texas Longhorns, who called Harmon 'one of the greatest teammates' she has played with.

Madison Booker

The forward for the Texas Longhorns, who became emotional while discussing the impact Harmon has had on her as a teammate and person.

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What they’re saying

“Rori Harmon has scored 1,616 points, 977 assists, 659 rebounds, and 388 steals. Not one agency has ever voted her All-American. There's not another player in the history of our game ― you hear me? ― not another player in the history of our game that has had those stats, those four statistics. Not one. She's won 137 games. You might as well get rid of whatever awards you got if she ain't good enough to get one of 'em.”

— Vic Schaefer, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns

“That's my sister … I've learned so much from her. Impact on and off the court. Our relationship we built. There's not many words to describe it. I mean, I will always root for Rori no matter what. I still think she's one of the best defenders in the country. Like Coach Schaefer was saying, I don't think people give her her flowers enough. I think she deserves 'em.”

— Madison Booker, Forward, Texas Longhorns

“She led this team to back-to-back Final Fours. That should not go unnoticed at all. I wouldn't be me without Rori Harmon. That's a fact. When I first got here, I didn't know what real work ethic was until I met Rori Harmon. We always tell you this story. She's always the first one in the gym, first one anywhere. Work ethic is off the charts. Her passion for her game is off the charts. That's the one thing that really stuck out to me as a freshman.”

— Madison Booker, Forward, Texas Longhorns

What’s next

Rori Harmon will now look to continue her basketball career in the WNBA, where she could be selected in the upcoming draft on April 13, 2023.

The takeaway

Rori Harmon's historic college career has been defined by her outstanding play and leadership, but she has not received the individual recognition that her coach and teammates believe she deserves. This story highlights the challenges female athletes can face in gaining the same level of acclaim as their male counterparts, even when their on-court accomplishments are truly exceptional.