Longhorns motivated to win for beloved coach Vic Schaefer: ‘He’s why we came to Texas

Plus, Madison Booker and the Horns get the red carpet treatment at the NCAA Women’s Final Four.

TAMPA, Fla. — Texas Longhorns coach Vic Schaefer said he’s “chasing the final game.”

He has reached his first NCAA Women’s Final Four at Texas. Twice at Mississippi State (2017-18), Schaefer’s teams played in the championship game.

As the Longhorns (35-3) prepare for Friday night’s national semifinal against the South Carolina Gamecocks (34-3) at Amalie Arena, Texas players said they’re motivated to win a national title for their beloved head coach.

How close has he been? Schaefer’s teams have reached the Elite Eight in seven of the last eight seasons.

“He’s why we came to Texas — because he knows how to win,” Longhorns point guard Rori Harmon said. “He’s quite legendary. We want it for ourselves, but we want it for someone [Schaefer], who sacrifices his sleep most times. We just want to do it for him.”

Staley On Booker: Longhorns sophomore Madison Booker has earned plenty of accolades, including SEC Player of the Year and All-American honors. Count South Carolina coach Dawn Staley as one of Booker’s greatest admirers. Staley said Booker will be a major problem for the Gamecocks