CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — On Thursday night in Carmichael Arena, fans had plenty to keep an eye on as the Columbia Lions took on the Washington Huskies in a First Four matchup of No. 11 seeds in the NCAA Tournament.
Some spectators were captivated by the court, where Kitty Henderson was making a significant defensive impact and providing impressive assists. Others watched the 3-point line, where Riley Weiss consistently sank long-range shots. Meanwhile, many eyes were fixed on the scoreboard as Columbia turned a 13-point deficit into a five-point advantage midway through the fourth quarter.
Particular attention was also directed at Columbia’s bench, where players and coaches were enthusiastically raising and signaling with colorful cardboard signs. One sign read “NEON,” another featured a green mushroom from Super Mario Bros., and another showcased a Columbia player flexing their muscles.
While the crowd, reporters, and opponents may have found the signs perplexing, every player on Columbia’s women’s basketball team understood their significance. “Our program emphasizes the details. It’s another means of communicating with the team,” Henderson explained. “When we’re synchronized, it provides a considerable advantage, so why not make things clear?”
These signs played a vital role in Columbia’s historic 63-60 victory against the Huskies, marking the program’s first win in the NCAA Tournament and their first win against a Big Ten team. For Henderson, who has been instrumental in the team’s progress, this victory also marked her 100th win in a Columbia uniform.
Interestingly, while such signaling methods are common in college football, they are rarely seen in college basketball. Columbia’s head coach, Megan Griffith, a long-time fan of football, recognized the level of detail and coordination present in the game and believed this strategy could enhance communication among her players.
As Columbia closed in on Washington, various signs were raised, reflecting the team’s progress. With the next matchup against sixth-seeded West Virginia on the horizon, the signs will continue to guide the Lions, just as Henderson and Weiss strive for more success on the court.
