TCU women forfeited games and had open tryouts a year ago. They are now a top-10 team atop Big 12

The TCU women's basketball team, which had to forfeit two games and hold open tryouts last January due to a shortage of healthy players, has made a remarkable turnaround. Now sitting at 18-1 and enjoying a nine-game winning streak, the Horned Frogs are ranked in the top 10, a significant leap from their struggles just a year ago. Key players Sedona Prince and Madison Conner are back to full health, and they’ve added standout transfer Hailey Van Lith to the mix, sparking this impressive season.

Under the leadership of second-year coach Mark Campbell, the team initially won 14 consecutive games but faced injuries that left them with only six available scholarship players. In a desperate bid to fill the roster, about 40 students participated in tryouts, resulting in four walk-ons being added to the team. This challenging period led to the birth of the so-called "Underfrogs," who played pivotal roles in keeping the team afloat. TCU's first victory after the turmoil came against UCF last January, a match that Campbell highlighted as foundational for the program’s current success.

Against UCF this week, Prince dominated the game with 27 points, while Van Lith scored 20 and Conner added 14. TCU displayed exceptional teamwork, assisting on 29 of their 32 field goals and hitting a record 15 three-pointers in a Big 12 game. This recent victory served as a reminder of their journey from forfeitures to top-10 contenders, showcasing the growth and resilience of the team.

Reflecting on the team's experiences, Prince noted how their challenging loss to South Carolina earlier in the season served as a critical learning opportunity. She described her current teammates as the most enjoyable group she's ever played with in her career, emphasizing the joy of collaboration and growth as a unit. With the Frogs aiming for their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2010, they are gaining momentum.

Looking ahead, TCU faces a tough schedule, including three ranked opponents in their next five games. They will host No. 23 Utah and then take on No. 24 Oklahoma State before welcoming Baylor and traveling to a formidable Kansas State team. As they aim to continue their success, TCU has not only rehabilitated their roster but also fostered a culture of resilience and ambition within the team.