March Madness is the annual tournament of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) for college basketball students in the United States.

It is divided into the Women’s Division and the Men’s Division, and teams compete throughout March and April for the title of NCAA Basketball Champion.

Both the Men’s Division I and Women’s Division I include 68 teams across the United States, and these teams are to play a combined total of 135 games.

The teams are separated into four subcategories which include Albany 1, Albany 2, Portland 3, and Portland 4 for women, and East, South, West, and Midwest for the men.

Amidst the excitement that comes from these games from both fans and players awaiting the draft, the NCAA has preserved the legacy and foundation that commenced when the tournament started in 1939.

Since then, the NCAA has come a long way, and one of its most notable achievements is the addition of the women’s tournament in 1982 that became a true staple of March Madness.

This year’s tournament shines a light on female players such as Caitlin Clark, Juju Watkins, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and MiLaysia Fulwiley for their achievements and record-breaking contributions to the sport.

Students across Loretto show admiration for both the legacy and excellence displayed by these players by participating in brackets and showing support for their favorite players/teams.

Loretto senior and March Madness fan, Bella Candia said, “I’m happy to see that women are getting more recognition this year, and breaking records that were previously set by men.

They are gaining more respect in the professional field of basketball, and it makes me excited.”

March Madness concludes in April, but students at Loretto and fans across the world will maintain a sense of excitement throughout the games.