Another layer of respect was added to University of Louisville women’s basketball Sunday when Jeff Walz’ team eliminated Baylor from the NCAA tournament.
Walz was the person under the gun, the man charged with doing the impossible, the coach for whom people were shrugging their shoulders.
Now he has the team on the cusp of a second Final Four appearance in five years. The only hurdle is Tennessee, one of the great programs in NCAA women’s history. Tipoff 9 p.m., Oklahoma City.
“We know we’re going to have our hands full. We’re going to have to come out and play another great game,” said Walz. “But why not? I mean, no one expected us to be here today anyway. So what do we have to lose? I mean, again, I don’t think the pressure is on us.”
He has a team of players believing in themselves, thinking anything is possible. A resurging Shoni Schimmel with a chip on her shoulder and a return of her long distance shot; a rapidly improving, impossible to catch Jude Schimmel; out of her shooting slump Antonita Slaughter; still untapped potential in Bria Smith; playing stronger and willing to use her muscle in Sara Hammond; and a born shooter in Monique Reid.
Finally. Finally getting it together, finally having a reason for being, a dream, going after it.
After Sunday night, who could argue otherwise?