NYU women's basketball team holds national title ceremony

GREENWICH VILLAGE, Manhattan (PIX11) — The NYU women’s basketball team kicked off their home game Friday night with a ring ceremony honoring last season’s historic, undefeated run that earned them the national championship.

Under the bright lights of their home court, the NYU Violets were celebrated as they received their NCAA Division III championship rings, following last season’s undefeated 31-0 run that brought home their second national title — and their first since 1997. 

Senior Chloe Teter looked back on the unforgettable journey that made history with their first-ever undefeated season. 

“It was amazing,” said Teter. “I feel like I knew early on in the preseason that we would be really good but kind of seeing it happen all at once was just really amazing and exciting, and again, I just feel so lucky to be a part of that team.”

It was a night to remember as the championship banner was unveiled, cementing the Violets’ historic season in NYU’s legacy. The pregame festivities set the stage for the team’s matchup against the Kean University Cougars, marking their third game of the new season. 

Lisa Ferrante traveled all the way from California to cheer on the team and watch her niece take the court. 

“We know how hard it is to even play and for a team to go undefeated, and to win it all, is huge,” Ferrante said. “Huge accomplishment for women’s basketball.”

The Violets kicked off yet another undefeated season as they won their third game 105-36. Head coach Meg Barber is staying focused on the road ahead as she hopes to secure another championship. 

“It feels a little bit different,” said Barber. “We definitely have a target on our back so, just learning to adjust and kind of play with knowing we’re going to get everyone’s best shot I think is only going to make us stronger.”

Senior Natalie Bruns is also feeling determined after playing a key role in last season’s victory.

“Winning it once is hard,” Bruns said. “Winning it twice is even harder so, setting that milestone for ourselves is going to be really big and I really hope and think that we can accomplish it this year.”

The Violets will face off against the Merchant Marine Mariners this Sunday, where they’ll look to defend their title as an undefeated team and continue their pursuit of another championship.