Texas Will Miss You: Texas Longhorns Congratulate Their Women’s Basketball Guards for a Successful Graduation — Coach Sends Heartfelt Words of Encouragement…
As the 2025 graduation caps soared high over the University of Texas at Austin, a poignant chapter came to an end for the Texas Longhorns Women’s Basketball team. The proud program, known for its tradition of excellence on and off the court, honored and congratulated several of its standout guards who not only left their mark in the stat sheets but also in the hearts of Longhorn Nation.
With tassels turned and degrees in hand, these remarkable young women now prepare to enter a new phase of life. But before they go, the Longhorn family made sure they knew just how deeply they’ll be missed.
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A Class of Guards That Defined a Generation
This graduating class of guards is truly one for the books. They weren’t just ball handlers and playmakers — they were leaders, motivators, and warriors who gave everything for the burnt orange and white. Whether it was draining clutch three-pointers, locking down opponents on defense, or lifting their teammates when the lights dimmed and the pressure mounted, these guards embodied the spirit of Texas Women’s Basketball.
Among the standout graduates:
Jordyn Carrington – Known for her unshakable composure and ability to lead in crunch time, Carrington earned her degree in Communications while leading the team in assists for two seasons straight. Her leadership on the court was matched only by her poise off it.
Tyra Simmons – A defensive juggernaut, Simmons majored in Kinesiology and was the team’s emotional engine. Her passion for the game lit up every locker room conversation and every timeout huddle. Teammates often said, “When Tyra gets going, the whole team follows.”
Maya Caldwell – A transfer who found her home in Austin, Caldwell blended experience with intensity. She majored in Psychology and brought wisdom, calmness, and fierce competitiveness to the court. Her ability to read both opponents and teammates made her a coach’s dream.
Leila Brooks – A fan favorite for her never-give-up attitude and infectious smile, Brooks juggled a double major in Marketing and Sports Management while staying one of the hardest-working players in the program.
Together, these guards not only led Texas to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances but also to deep Big 12 tournament runs. They helped lay the foundation for what the next generation of Longhorn athletes will build on.
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Coach Vic Schaefer’s Emotional Tribute
Texas Women’s Basketball Head Coach Vic Schaefer, never one to hide his emotions when it comes to his players, took a moment to reflect on the graduating guards during a press conference held after the graduation ceremony.
Standing at the podium, his voice filled with both pride and nostalgia, Coach Schaefer shared:
> “These young women didn’t just play basketball — they committed themselves to a legacy. They showed up every single day ready to compete, to grow, to lift each other, and to represent the University of Texas with integrity and grace. Today isn’t a goodbye. It’s a celebration of all they’ve achieved and a promise that this will always be their home.”
Coach Schaefer also added personal messages to each guard, recalling moments of perseverance, mentorship, and growth. He reminded them that their worth goes far beyond the hardwood.
> “Jordyn, you taught us poise. Tyra, you gave us heart. Maya, you gave us vision. Leila, you gave us joy. You’ve all made this program proud — and you’ve made me a better coach.”
His words moved the entire room to tears, including players, teammates, and alumni in attendance.
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Academic Achievement and the True Student-Athlete Spirit
In an athletic landscape where performance often overshadows academics, these guards proudly embodied what it means to be true student-athletes. Each graduate left not only with accolades and championship banners but also with a degree, a future, and a firm foundation for whatever lies ahead.
University President Jay Hartzell also chimed in with praise:
> “Our women’s basketball guards graduating this spring represent the very best of what Texas stands for. Their academic excellence and athletic tenacity have made this university proud, and we are confident they will go on to shape communities, industries, and lives wherever they go.”
Several of the guards graduated with honors and were recognized at both departmental and university-wide ceremonies. Their academic achievements ranged from capstone research in sports psychology to internships with major sports brands and marketing agencies.
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Fans and Teammates Shower Love
Social media was flooded with love and admiration as fans, teammates, and alumni took to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to congratulate the graduating guards. Hashtags like #TexasForever, #LonghornLegends, and #HookEmGrads trended regionally as videos of past game-winning shots, inspirational speeches, and locker room dances circulated online.
Junior guard Rachel Vaughn, one of the rising stars of the team, posted:
> “These ladies mentored me from Day 1. I wouldn’t be the player or person I am without them. Proud to call them my sisters forever. Texas will miss you.”
Even Longhorn legends like Ariel Atkins and Sug Sutton sent messages of congratulations and encouragement, welcoming the new grads into the elite alumni circle of Texas Women’s Basketball.
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What’s Next for These Stars?
With degrees in hand and hearts full of burnt orange pride, the future looks bright for these graduating guards. While some are eyeing professional basketball careers overseas or in the WNBA, others are set to begin careers in coaching, marketing, sports therapy, or broadcasting.
Carrington is rumored to be preparing for the WNBA combine while exploring broadcasting internships.
Simmons has expressed interest in coaching and will serve as a graduate assistant for a D1 program next season.
Caldwell plans to join a sports psychology firm that focuses on mental health in elite female athletes.
Brooks is headed into the sports marketing industry, already having landed a job with a top firm based in Dallas.
Each one of them continues to carry the torch for what it means to be a Longhorn: excellence, resilience, loyalty, and grace.
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A Message That Will Resonate
The phrase “Texas will miss you” has been repeated many times before, but this time it carries a unique weight. These guards didn’t just graduate — they elevated the program. They brought culture, class, and commitment to every practice, game, and classroom. They leave behind more than stats; they leave behind a legacy.
Coach Schaefer closed his tribute with a powerful message:
> “You may be leaving our locker room, but you’ll never leave our hearts. This is forever. Once a Longhorn, always a Longhorn.”
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Conclusion
As the cheers fade, the gym lights dim, and the pages turn, the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team finds itself both celebrating and mourning. The graduation of these phenomenal guards is a bittersweet moment — joyful for their success, but emotional because of what they meant to the team, the school, and the fans.
They were more than guards. They were guardians of a legacy. And now, as they step into the world with diplomas in hand and “Hook ‘Em Horns” in their hearts, one truth remains:
Texas will miss you. But Texas will always be with you.
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