Columbia Lions Celebrate First NCAA Tournament Victory Ever/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Columbia’s women’s basketball team made history by earning its first NCAA Tournament victory, beating Washington after a dramatic comeback. The Associated Press followed the Lions from New York to Chapel Hill, capturing behind-the-scenes moments on their tournament journey. Coach Megan Griffith and her team balanced focus and fun during a high-stakes business trip.
Columbia NCAA Victory Journey: Quick Looks
- Columbia wins its first NCAA Tournament game, beating Washington 63-60
- Coach Megan Griffith has built an Ivy League powerhouse
- The team traveled from NYC to Chapel Hill by charter flight
- Players received March Madness swag and practiced at iconic venues
- A makeshift hotel court helped them prep for game day
- Columbia rallied from 13 points down to clinch historic win
- Teammates celebrated back at the hotel, filling in the bracket spot
- Ivy League pride ran high with three schools in the tournament
Columbia Lions Celebrate First NCAA Tournament Victory Ever
Deep Look
Columbia’s Historic NCAA Victory: A Behind-the-Scenes Journey
When Columbia women’s basketball saw its name announced on Selection Sunday, coach Megan Griffith didn’t waste a moment. She began strategizing for the team’s NCAA Tournament return—this time with bigger goals. One year after the Lions made their tournament debut and suffered a heartbreaking play-in loss to Vanderbilt, they returned determined to make history. And they did, earning their first NCAA win by defeating Washington 63-60 in a thrilling play-in contest.
The Associated Press was granted exclusive access to Columbia’s journey from New York City to Chapel Hill, North Carolina—a trip that was part business, part dream come true.
On Tuesday, the Lions wrapped up a final practice and media session in New York. Unlike their usual modest media turnouts, the team found itself in the spotlight, drawing nearly every major outlet in the nation’s largest media market. Despite the excitement, the departure was quiet—campus was on spring break, and ongoing pro-Palestinian protests limited activity at the university.
The Lions boarded a charter flight for only the second time in program history, arriving directly at the tarmac at Newark Airport.
Junior Perri Page captured the team’s sentiment: “It’s cool going to the charter and we’ve been taking it all in. But it’s a business trip and we have a goal in mind.”
Upon arrival in Chapel Hill, the Lions settled into their hotel, greeted by March Madness signs and an air of excitement. With no classes due to the break, players took time to rest and recharge before diving into preparations.
Wednesday morning’s visit to Carmichael Arena brought smiles and awe. The locker room was adorned with personalized nameplates and March Madness branding. On their seats, players found an array of NCAA swag—sweatshirts, hats, socks, playing cards, and banners.
“I have one of these at home from last year,” Page said. “Now I can put this next to it.”
After a brief media session, the Lions were so eager to hit the court they began stretching early—only to be asked by officials to wait for their designated time slot. They passed the time stretching in the hallway, maintaining their readiness and focus.
For senior guards Cecelia Collins and Kitty Henderson, time was precious. Wanting extra shots, the duo, along with Griffith and staff, visited the Dean Smith Center, home to UNC’s men’s team. There, in the iconic 21,750-seat arena, they shot around and soaked in the history. “I grew up watching college basketball—it was cool to see that place,” Collins said.
Wednesday evening brought another adjustment: with no available court, the Lions held a walkthrough in a conference room at their hotel. Using taped floor markings and a tennis ball in place of a basketball, the team rehearsed defensive plays in the tight space—making use of every inch, including the hallway. They ended with a communication game to keep morale high and sharpen their teamwork.
During dinner, the Lions watched fellow Ivy League team Princeton take on Iowa State, cheering loudly as Princeton went on a run. Though Princeton eventually lost, Columbia’s spirit was high. “Are we good luck?” Griffith joked.
Game day arrived, and with it, a sense of calm confidence. The team reviewed more film on Washington, ate breakfast, and mentally prepared for their moment.
“We feel good, we’re focused and ready,” said leading scorer Riley Weiss, whose points per game jumped from 7.1 as a freshman to 17.8 this season.
Columbia’s performance that night proved just how ready they were. The Lions clawed back from a 13-point halftime deficit, led by Weiss and the poise instilled by Griffith, to defeat Washington and secure their first NCAA Tournament win—on the one-year anniversary of last year’s loss.
In the locker room postgame, players erupted in celebration.
“We belong, we belong,” Griffith told the team. “I can’t reiterate how proud I am of you and the way you represent the name across your chest.”
Back at the hotel, the celebration continued. Fans, cheerleaders, and supporters gave the team a roaring welcome in the lobby. Kitty Henderson proudly walked up to the hotel’s March Madness bracket and wrote Columbia’s name in the space opposite their next opponent, West Virginia, while her teammates cheered each letter.
For seniors like Collins and Henderson, this victory was more than a win—it was a memory they’ll carry forever.
“We’re just trying to soak in every possible thing,” Collins said. “Even the small moments—team dinners, warmups—we’re enjoying it all.”
Columbia’s journey continues, but no matter what happens next, the Lions have already made school history.
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