Texas walk-on senior Sarah Graves shines in Longhorns' legendary Final Four run

Graves, a Fort Worth native, has become a fan favorite with her energy and clutch shots during the NCAA Tournament.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:59am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the raw energy and emotion of a basketball player in mid-motion, with the court and crowd blurring into a dynamic, colorful backdrop.Sarah Graves' heroics have ignited a celebratory spirit around the Texas women's basketball team as they continue their historic NCAA Tournament run.Fort Worth Today

Sarah Graves, a senior walk-on for the Texas women's basketball team, has emerged as an unlikely hero during the Longhorns' run to the Final Four. Despite limited playing time during the regular season, Graves has stepped up in the NCAA Tournament, hitting key shots and providing infectious energy off the bench. Her most memorable moment came in the Elite Eight when she drilled a long two-pointer in the final moments to seal Texas' victory over Michigan and send the Longhorns back to the Final Four.

Why it matters

Graves' story is a testament to the power of perseverance and team spirit. As a walk-on, she has had to work tirelessly to earn her place on the roster, and her contributions have become invaluable to the Longhorns' success. Her breakout performance in the tournament has captured the hearts of Texas fans and showcases the depth and camaraderie of the team.

The details

Graves, a Fort Worth native, joined the Texas women's basketball team as a walk-on after drawing offers from lower-level Division I programs. Despite limited playing time in her first two seasons, Graves impressed head coach Vic Schaefer with her work ethic and knowledge of the team's playbook. She was rewarded with a scholarship in 2023. This season, Graves has seen her role expand, and she has made the most of her opportunities, scoring key baskets and providing energy off the bench. Her most memorable moment came in the Elite Eight when she hit a long two-pointer in the final seconds to seal Texas' victory over Michigan and send the Longhorns to the Final Four.

  • Graves joined the Texas women's basketball team as a walk-on prior to the 2020-21 season.
  • She earned a scholarship with the Longhorns in 2023.
  • Graves has seen increased playing time this season, making key contributions during Texas' run to the Final Four.

The players

Sarah Graves

A senior walk-on guard for the Texas women's basketball team, Graves has become a fan favorite with her energy and clutch shots during the NCAA Tournament.

Vic Schaefer

The head coach of the Texas women's basketball team, Schaefer has praised Graves' work ethic and basketball IQ, rewarding her with a scholarship in 2023.

Madison Booker

An All-American-caliber talent and key player for the Texas women's basketball team, Booker has helped lead the Longhorns to back-to-back Final Four appearances.

Rori Harmon

Another standout player for the Texas women's basketball team, Harmon has been instrumental in the Longhorns' success this season.

Rebekah Graves

Sarah Graves' younger sister, who is a redshirt freshman on the Louisville women's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“There's a hack to having infinite energy, and it's just to stop keeping it for yourself.”

— Sarah Graves

“She had gone on film, watched film, knew the plays. So when she got here, when she went through a workout or tryout, she knew most of my playbook.”

— Vic Schaefer, Texas Women's Basketball Head Coach

“She does the little things some people don't want to do.”

— Vic Schaefer, Texas Women's Basketball Head Coach

What’s next

Graves and the Longhorns will face off against the winner of the other Elite Eight matchup in the Final Four, with a chance to compete for the national championship on the line.

The takeaway

Sarah Graves' inspiring journey from walk-on to key contributor for the Texas women's basketball team has captured the hearts of fans and showcases the power of dedication, teamwork, and seizing opportunities when they arise. Her clutch shots and infectious energy have been instrumental in the Longhorns' remarkable tournament run.