As March comes to a close, one thing is on every basketball fan’s mind: March Madness. The tournament is a rollercoaster of buzzer-beaters, upsets and unforgettable moments, making it one of the most exciting events in sports. While the men’s tournament has traditionally gained more media attention, women’s college basketball is surging like never before. This year’s tournament showcases elite talent, fierce competition and intensity, proving the women’s game is just as electrifying, if not more, than their male counterparts’.
One team making a historic run is No. 1 UCLA, with a dynamic mix of veteran experience and rising stars, including freshman Avary Cain, a five-star recruit making her mark on the biggest stage.
I first met Cain at our gym in high school?, Sports Academy in Los Angeles, where we pushed each other through our summer conditioning workouts. Even then, her work ethic was unmatched. As a friend and a fan, it is thrilling to see her thrive at UCLA.
I messaged with Cain to discuss the tournament, her team and the growing excitement around NCAA women’s basketball.
Kaplan: What does March Madness mean to you and UCLA?
Cain: “Making it to March Madness means everything to me and to our team. It’s the culmination of all the hard work, long practices, and sacrifices we’ve made. We’ve pushed each other every single day with this goal in mind…now that we’re here, it’s a chance to prove what we’re capable of. It’s not just about representing UCLA anymore… it’s about competing with pride and heart, knowing that this is the moment we’ve all dreamed of.”
Kaplan: Who has stepped up this season, and what makes this squad special?
Cain: “Kiki Rice has stepped up in a big way. Her growth as a leader on and off the court has been incredible…just being that steady presence we can rely on. What makes this squad special is our chemistry and how much we trust each other. Everyone knows their role, but we also lift each other up constantly.”
Kaplan: With women’s college basketball gaining more attention, what do you wish more people knew about the women’s game?
Cain: “I wish more people knew just how competitive, skilled and intense the women’s game really is. The level of talent, the basketball IQ, the physicality, it’s all there. We play with passion, precision and heart. It’s not just about highlights, it’s about strategy, grit and team play.”
Kaplan: What would it mean to you and your teammates to make the Final Four?
Cain: “Making the Final Four would mean everything. It would be a dream come true for us. We’ve poured so much into this season, early mornings, late nights, pushing through injuries. To reach that stage would reflect all the belief, trust and fight we’ve put into each other…We know what kind of legacy we want to leave, and making the Final Four would be a huge step toward that.”
Cain’s words capture the true essence of March Madness: the passion, the stakes and the sense of something bigger than the game itself. UCLA’s journey is just one of many unfolding in the women’s bracket, each game packed with drama and elite-level play.
Collegiate women’s basketball is becoming a powerhouse sport, with other programs, like University of South Carolina’s continuing to dominate. The Gamecocks are not only a force on the court, but they also represent the growing recognition of the women’s game on the national stage. Defending champions LSU, with the unstoppable Mikaylah Williams, are proving their strength and resilience, while University of Connecticut, even amid injuries, remains a contender with the leadership of Paige Bueckers and showstopping rookie Sarah Strong. These programs consistently set the bar higher, and the level of competition has never been more intense.
The sport is experiencing explosive growth, breaking attendance records and boosting TV ratings at a staggering rate. With NIL deals giving players increased visibility and financial opportunities, athletes are gaining the recognition they deserve. Current and former college stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers have become household names, drawing more fans to the women’s game. The tournament has transformed into a spectacle where high-level competition and incredible talent captivate audiences, getting the platform women’s basketball has always deserved.
As the tournament progresses, keep an eye on Avary Cain and UCLA, they are not just vying for a championship; they are part of a movement redefining women’s basketball. The team’s journey is symbolic of the broader shift in how the sport is perceived, no longer just a complement to the men’s game, but a major force in its own right. With players like Avary Cain pushing the limits of what is possible, it is clear that women’s basketball is here to stay, and its future has never been brighter.