Former Controversial Texas Longhorns Star Reflects on Time in Austin

Former Controversial Texas Longhorns Star Sedona Prince Reflects on Time in Austin

Sedona Prince’s time at the University of Texas was marked by her on-court brilliance, her contributions to the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team, and her role as a voice for advocacy and change. However, her journey in Austin was also complicated by moments of controversy that earned her attention not only for her athletic abilities but also for the issues she became a part of. Now, as she looks back on her time at Texas, Prince reflects on her legacy, the challenges she faced, and how the lessons learned in Austin have shaped her beyond basketball.

The Arrival: A Promising Freshman Year

When Sedona Prince arrived at Texas in 2020, expectations were high. As a highly touted recruit and the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2020 class, she was seen as one of the brightest young stars in women’s college basketball. Prince, a 6-foot-7 forward, possessed a unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill that made her an immediate impact player. She came to Austin with the reputation of someone who could change the course of the Longhorns’ program, potentially leading them to NCAA glory.

Her freshman year began with promise. She showed flashes of her immense talent, contributing on both ends of the floor and quickly establishing herself as a force. Her size and versatility made her a matchup nightmare, and her ability to stretch the floor with an improving shooting touch made her a unique asset for head coach Vic Schaefer’s system. Fans and analysts alike were excited to see how she would develop in the Texas program, and early on, everything seemed to be on track for Prince to have a standout career.

However, as is often the case with young players, the road to success wasn’t entirely smooth. Sedona faced the growing pains of adjusting to the collegiate level, where the competition is fierce and expectations are immense. But the biggest challenges for her, it would soon become apparent, came off the court — challenges that ultimately defined her time in Austin.

The Battle for Visibility: Prince’s Advocacy and the NCAA Controversy

In March 2021, Sedona Prince became an unlikely symbol of the fight for gender equality in college sports after a viral video she posted exposed the stark disparities between the women’s and men’s NCAA basketball tournaments. While attending the women’s tournament in San Antonio, Prince filmed a video showing the difference between the weight rooms available to the male and female athletes — a shocking visual that went viral and ignited a firestorm of criticism against the NCAA.

The women’s tournament featured a weight room with a small selection of equipment, while the men’s tournament boasted a fully-equipped gym. The contrast was stark and left many wondering how such discrepancies could still exist in 2021. Prince, who had the courage to speak out and take action, used her platform to bring attention to the issue. Her video garnered widespread media coverage, and she quickly became one of the most vocal advocates for change in women’s sports.

“For me, it was about highlighting something that was so glaringly obvious,” Prince reflects. “It wasn’t just about the weight room — it was about how the NCAA was treating us as athletes. We were being treated like we didn’t matter. But we do. We’ve worked just as hard, sacrificed just as much, and we deserve the same opportunities as anyone else.”

The video served as a turning point in the conversation surrounding gender inequality in college sports. The outrage that followed led to immediate changes in the women’s tournament, with the NCAA promising to do better. Prince’s courage in calling out the NCAA made her a household name, and she became a symbol of activism and change.

For Prince, the experience was both empowering and eye-opening. It cemented her role not only as a basketball player but as someone who was willing to use her platform to effect positive change. “That moment showed me that the power we have as athletes goes beyond just what we do on the court. We have the ability to influence the conversation, and I realized that I wanted to keep pushing for fairness in every area I could.”

The Fallout: Media Scrutiny and the Price of Activism

While Prince’s video was met with widespread support from fans, players, and advocates for gender equality, it also brought a great deal of unwanted attention. The media coverage was intense, with many outlets focusing on her role in the controversy and the subsequent fallout. While she received praise for her bravery, there were also negative reactions, particularly from those who felt she was overstepping her role as a student-athlete.

The situation highlighted a larger issue within college sports: the way athletes, especially women, are often pressured to stay in their lane and not voice opinions on topics beyond their sport. As Prince’s activism grew, so did the scrutiny. She became a lightning rod for criticism, with some questioning her motives and others accusing her of using her platform to create drama rather than focusing solely on basketball.

Prince admits that the experience was difficult, particularly given how much attention was placed on her actions. “It was hard because, in a lot of ways, I felt like I was being treated differently because I wasn’t just playing basketball — I was speaking up, and that made people uncomfortable. It’s one thing to be a player; it’s another to be a voice for something bigger than yourself. But I had to stay true to who I was.”

The media scrutiny that followed was one of the toughest aspects of her time at Texas. As a young athlete thrust into the spotlight for both her talent and activism, Prince had to grapple with a balancing act. She was constantly under the microscope, being evaluated not only for her basketball abilities but also for her opinions and activism. It was a challenge, but one that ultimately helped her grow and develop a sense of confidence and purpose that she carried with her beyond college basketball.

The Struggles: Injuries and Career Uncertainty

Throughout her career, Sedona Prince faced several injuries that hindered her development and ultimately contributed to her decision to leave Texas earlier than expected. After her breakout freshman season, she suffered a series of injuries that kept her sidelined for significant portions of her sophomore year. These injuries were a blow not only to her personally but also to the Texas women’s basketball program, which had high hopes for her development into a centerpiece player.

In her reflection on her injuries, Prince notes that they were a major source of frustration, especially as they prevented her from reaching her full potential. “Injuries are a part of the game, but when they happen at such pivotal moments in your career, it’s hard to not feel like you’re letting everyone down. I wanted to be out there so badly, but my body just wasn’t cooperating.”

Despite the setbacks, Prince continued to support her teammates from the sidelines, working hard to recover and stay engaged with the team. She credits much of her resilience to her teammates and coaching staff, who helped her through the tough times. “The team was always there for me, and I learned a lot about myself during that time. It wasn’t just about basketball anymore; it was about being a part of something bigger, being there for others, and showing up no matter what.”

The Departure: Leaving Austin and Moving On

After a challenging sophomore season, Sedona Prince ultimately made the decision to leave the University of Texas and pursue professional basketball. While her time at Texas was marked by both highs and lows, she reflects on it as a period of significant personal growth.

“Leaving Texas was a tough decision, but it was the right one for me at that moment. I had learned so much, not just about basketball, but about myself and the world around me. It was time for me to take what I had learned in Austin and move forward with the next chapter of my life,” she says.

Her departure from Texas was met with mixed reactions. While many fans were disappointed to see her go, they understood the challenges she had faced and the desire to move on to new opportunities. Her legacy at Texas, however, remains intact. As both a dynamic player and an advocate for change, Prince helped shine a light on the issues that had long been ignored in college athletics.

Legacy and Reflection: More Than Just a Player

Looking back on her time at Texas, Sedona Prince reflects on how her journey was far more than just about basketball. Her involvement in social justice, her advocacy for women’s equality, and her resilience in the face of adversity have made her a role model for young athletes everywhere.

“I’ve learned that the work we do on the court is just part of who we are. What really matters is how we use our voice and the impact we have off the court as well. I’ll always be grateful for my time at Texas, not just for the wins and losses, but for everything I learned along the way,” she says.

Prince’s time at Texas may have been complicated, but it was also filled with moments of growth, courage, and leadership. Her legacy as both an athlete and an advocate has set a new standard for what it means to be a student-athlete in today’s world — someone who is not afraid to speak out, challenge norms, and use their platform to make a difference.