With basketball season kicking off last semester, playoffs are in full effect across the United States. Ranking 13th in the Southeastern Conference, the men’s basketball team holds a record of 10–6, while the women’s team ranks fourth in the SEC with a record of 18–1. With both teams high in the ranks, basketball’s the sport to watch throughout the new semester.
In past and upcoming games, student organizations have been a large part of generating energy both on and off the court. Penelope Zappler, psychology sophomore and member of Texas Lassos, transferred from the UTSA last semester and said the atmosphere at UT sporting events is different than her previous school.
“(UT is) pretty sport oriented,” Zappler said. “I feel like a lot of UT students are very involved and spirited, especially compared to UTSA. … (With) basketball … it’s fast paced, and there’s a lot of energy. It’s easier to understand for a lot of people. It helps bring people together, and it’s a lot of fun for students to bond over their school spirit.”
A big contributor to the spirit and atmosphere of the Moody Center is the official student section for men’s basketball games, known as The Corral.
“Our coach, Sean Miller, is a (really) big proponent of student sections being a big part of how you win games,” accounting sophomore and Corral member Noa Kyung said. “He’s from Xavier, and they had one of the best student sections there. They sold out every night, regardless of the (opponent). The Moody Center is one of the best facilities in the country. The amount of seats that we have for students makes it such a great place for momentum swings in the games.”
Kyung says The Corral, along with the Moody Center staff, gives out balloons and promotions during games, including free food and t-shirts. The Corral also leads chants for students and other fans to participate in, cheering on the Longhorns and distracting the opposing team.
“What we’re trying to implement right now is, (at) the free throw line, when the opposing team (is) shooting free throws, the students make a wave going up and down to mess up their tempo,” Kyung said. “When the other players are walking out of the tunnel, we’re trying to implement (something) where the student section pretends they’re asleep.”
Along with The Corral and Texas Lassos, many other spirit organizations band together to bring the burnt orange spirit to the court. Texas Darlins, the official spirit organization for the basketball teams, supports both the men’s and women’s teams. Texas Darlins’ president, psychology senior Chloe Durkee, said they work closely with the athletic director to get courtside seats and keep the entire organization engaged for the season.
“Our basketball chairs do a good job setting expectations prior to the game … We want us to be really engaged the entire time, making the most out of it and reiterating that these are real people that we’re supporting and, in a way, giving back to our UT community,” Durkee said. “That really helps get (the) girls in the right mindset to come out and be loud.”
