Women from Ohio State discuss being prepared for anything during March Madness and the Big Ten Tournament.

As the college basketball season enters its final stretch, the excitement and intensity surrounding March Madness and the Big Ten Tournament reach a fever pitch. For the Ohio State women’s basketball team, these tournaments represent a chance to prove themselves, showcase their skills, and make a statement on the national stage. But the road to success is never easy, and it requires much more than just talent—it demands preparation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the team’s goals.

The Ohio State Buckeyes, under the guidance of head coach Kevin McGuff, have built a reputation as one of the top programs in the Big Ten, consistently competing at a high level in both regular-season play and postseason tournaments. As the team heads into March Madness and the Big Ten Tournament, several key players spoke about what it takes to be prepared for anything and how they’re approaching the challenge that lies ahead.

This year, the Buckeyes are once again among the favorites to make a deep run, but to do so, they will have to navigate a difficult Big Ten Tournament before turning their attention to the NCAA Tournament. For these women, being prepared for anything is more than just a mindset—it’s a way of life. From the game preparation to mental toughness, the team knows that March Madness and the Big Ten Tournament bring new challenges, new pressures, and new opportunities.

The Importance of Mental Toughness

As every athlete knows, March Madness is a time when the unexpected can happen. The pressure is elevated, the stakes are high, and every game could be a season-defining moment. For Ohio State’s women, the key to thriving in such a high-pressure environment lies in mental toughness.

Maddie Sissel, a junior guard for Ohio State, explains that March Madness and the Big Ten Tournament require a different mindset. “You have to be mentally prepared to face challenges you may not expect,” she says. “You can’t get too high or too low. Every game is a new opportunity, and you have to stay focused on what you can control. Whether it’s dealing with a tough opponent or handling adversity during a game, you’ve got to be prepared to fight through it.”

Sissel’s sentiments echo the feelings of many of her teammates, who stress the importance of staying locked in no matter the situation. Jacy Sheldon, the Buckeyes’ star guard and one of the best players in the conference, adds that mental preparation is just as important as physical readiness. “In March, you can expect the unexpected. Some things are out of your control—maybe a bad call, maybe an opponent’s hot shooting streak—but you have to stay mentally tough. The team that can handle adversity and stay calm in those moments is usually the team that ends up on top.”

Sheldon’s approach to March Madness is a testament to her experience and maturity. As one of the leaders of the team, she recognizes that the mental aspect of the game is often what separates the elite teams from the others. “In a tournament setting, it’s all about staying composed, especially in close games or when the environment is intense. We know how important it is to stay focused on the next play, no matter what has happened before.”

Team Chemistry: Unity is Key

While individual mental toughness is critical, no player can succeed in March Madness or the Big Ten Tournament without the support of the team. Team chemistry, communication, and trust are the cornerstones of Ohio State’s preparation heading into these postseason events. The Buckeyes know that they will face challenges, and they will need each other to overcome them.

Taylor Mikesell, a graduate transfer guard who has brought invaluable experience to the team, speaks about the sense of unity that defines Ohio State. “What makes us dangerous in March is how well we gel together. We’ve built such a strong connection on and off the court. We genuinely trust each other, and that trust is vital in high-pressure situations. We know we can rely on each other, whether it’s making a big shot or getting a crucial stop.”

Mikesell, a sharpshooter who has helped lead the Buckeyes through a tough season, emphasizes the role of selflessness and mutual support in Ohio State’s success. “We’ve all had different roles throughout the season, but we’ve accepted those roles because we know that every player is important to the team’s success. Whether it’s setting a screen, getting a rebound, or playing lockdown defense, everyone knows their job and embraces it.”

For the Ohio State women, teamwork is not just about playing well together—it’s also about maintaining a positive, supportive atmosphere. Abby Prohaska, a senior guard, explains that the team’s culture is built on trust and respect. “We’ve spent so much time together as a team, both on and off the court. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and we know how to push each other to be better. When you have that kind of connection, it’s easier to stay composed when the pressure’s on.”

This sense of camaraderie and teamwork will be critical as Ohio State faces off against tough opponents in both the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes have already demonstrated their ability to come together in tight games, and as the stakes get higher, that unity will be even more important.

Game Preparation: Scouting and Strategy

While mental toughness and team chemistry are essential, the Buckeyes also recognize that effective preparation is a key factor in postseason success. Scouting opponents, studying film, and preparing strategically for each game are part of the daily routine for Ohio State. The team knows that success in March Madness and the Big Ten Tournament requires detailed preparation—there is no room for complacency.

Coach Kevin McGuff has always placed a heavy emphasis on the importance of preparation, and his players are ready to follow his lead. “We do a lot of work leading up to the tournament to understand what each opponent brings to the table,” explains Sissel. “We watch film, break down their tendencies, and make sure we’re ready for whatever they might throw at us. The goal is to be prepared for every scenario, so when we hit the court, we’re ready to execute our game plan.”

Preparation isn’t limited to the physical aspect of the game. The Buckeyes also focus on developing strategies to stay mentally sharp. Mikesell recalls that “a big part of preparation is knowing how to handle different situations. If we get into foul trouble or if the game isn’t going our way, we need to stay calm, stick to our game plan, and adjust as needed. Coach McGuff does a great job of making sure we’re prepared for every possible scenario.”

Ohio State’s ability to execute their game plan under pressure will be a key factor in their success during March Madness. Whether it’s breaking down a zone defense, switching up their offensive sets, or playing tough defense, the Buckeyes will rely on their preparation to stay one step ahead of their opponents.

Dealing with the High Stakes

The emotional intensity of March Madness is unparalleled in college basketball, and for the Ohio State women, managing the high stakes of the tournament is part of the challenge. Every team enters the tournament with high hopes, but only the mentally tough and well-prepared will survive and advance.

Mikesell recalls how her previous NCAA Tournament experience has shaped her understanding of the pressure involved. “The stakes are so high during March Madness, and every game could be your last. But you have to block out all the noise and focus on what’s in front of you. For us, it’s all about staying in the moment and playing our game. We know what we’re capable of, and we have to trust the work we’ve put in throughout the season.”

Sheldon adds that one of the most important things to remember during the tournament is that pressure can be a good thing. “It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure, but I’ve learned to embrace it. There’s no better feeling than playing in March. You know the stakes are high, but that’s what makes it so exciting. If you can stay calm and trust your teammates, you can handle anything that comes your way.”

The Ohio State women are ready for the challenge ahead. As they prepare for the Big Ten Tournament and March Madness, they know that being prepared for anything isn’t just a cliché—it’s a necessity. The Buckeyes are not just prepared to compete—they’re prepared to win.

The Road Ahead

As the Big Ten Tournament approaches, Ohio State’s eyes are firmly set on the NCAA Tournament. The journey through March Madness and the Big Ten Tournament won’t be easy, but the Buckeyes are ready to face whatever comes their way. They are mentally tough, well-prepared, and united as a team. With players like Jacy Sheldon, Maddie Sissel, and Taylor Mikesell leading the charge, Ohio State has the talent and resilience to make a deep run in both tournaments.

No matter the outcome, the Ohio State women’s basketball team knows that the road to success will require them to be prepared for anything. They’re ready to face the pressure, battle the competition, and ultimately leave their mark on the tournament. After all, it’s not just about winning games—it’s about being ready for whatever the tournament throws their way.