Seattleholding.com
Leading And Learning, Thanks To Head Start
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0331-Ashley-Kearney-810x422-copy.webp"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="748" height="486" src="https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0331-Ashley-Kearney-810x422-copy.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-102461" srcset="https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0331-Ashley-Kearney-810x422-copy.webp 748w, https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0331-Ashley-Kearney-810x422-copy-300x195.webp 300w, https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0331-Ashley-Kearney-810x422-copy-696x452.webp 696w" sizes="(max-width: 748px) 100vw, 748px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Ashley Kearney</em></figcaption></figure><p><strong>By Hon. Ashley Kearney</strong></p><p>I attended Head Start at Ferebee-Hope Elementary School in Ward 8 in Washington, D.C., and I am one of five children. There were many challenges: my mother was a recovering addict completing workforce development training and my father was <a href="https://nhsa.org/resource/engage-incarcerated-parents/">re-engaging</a> as a citizen after a time of incarceration. However, both of my parents were very active in my life and instilled the importance of education. They wanted my siblings and me to do our very best and get the best education possible. My mother’s belief in the importance of education was so strong that I don’t think she ever let me miss a school day!</p><p>I remember feeling secure at Head Start. My memories include my teacher, Ms. B., and the school secretary at the front desk, who always dressed in one color from head to toe. The atmosphere at Head Start was welcoming and loving. The teachers seemed like celebrities to me. They exuded a sense of family that I remember vividly. Head Start always dealt with my family from a place of concern, and the staff made sure our family was ok. I look back on that and realize how special it was that Head Start didn’t diminish my mother as a parent because she was working through substance dependency. Instead, they operated from the assumption that she loved her children and wanted the best for them.</p><p>The years following Head Start were marked by stability and upheaval. My mom finished workforce training, married, bought a home, and the family relocated to the Southeastern U.S. My school experiences there didn’t have the same level of community that I felt at Head Start or in the D.C. schools I had attended. Though the differences were challenging, I excelled academically, taking honors-level and dual-enrollment courses. In high school, I was elected class president all four years. I considered college a “must-do” action item, and I attended and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Tampa. While there, I volunteered all four years with a middle school academic program through my sorority’s youth outreach. This service prompted me to become an educator. As a first-generation college student and mathematics educator, I’m motivated by the belief that all students deserve a quality education, the power of empowered educators, and the importance of mathematics education in intergenerational mobility.</p><p>In early 2020, I was teaching at a high school and had been recently named Standing Ovation D.C. Public Schools Teacher of the Year. During that year’s collective pause, I rediscovered my “why” as an educator and my desire to connect policy and practice. This newfound sense of purpose prompted my decision to apply for the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF). My fellowship assignment was the U.S. House of Representatives. One of my passions is to elevate the teacher’s voice, engage students, parents, and community members in advocacy, and work across sectors to ensure better outcomes for students.</p><p><em>Kearney serves as an at-large council member in Seat Pleasant, Maryland.</em></p>
Black History Under Fire: Trump’s Executive Order Puts Smithsonian’s Future At Risk
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0331-National-Museum-of-African-American-History-and-Culture-810x422-copy.webp"><img decoding="async" width="748" height="486" src="https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0331-National-Museum-of-African-American-History-and-Culture-810x422-copy.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-102465" srcset="https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0331-National-Museum-of-African-American-History-and-Culture-810x422-copy.webp 748w, https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0331-National-Museum-of-African-American-History-and-Culture-810x422-copy-300x195.webp 300w, https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0331-National-Museum-of-African-American-History-and-Culture-810x422-copy-696x452.webp 696w" sizes="(max-width: 748px) 100vw, 748px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>National Museum of African American History and Culture Building in Washington DC, USA. A popular visitors and tourists destination in the capital city.</em></figcaption></figure><p><strong>By Stacy M. Brown</strong><br>BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent</p><p>The memo from Lonnie G. Bunch III, the first African American to lead the Smithsonian Institution, was as much a message of reassurance as a call to vigilance. Following <a href="https://blackpressusa.com/trump-orders-purge-of-black-history-from-smithsonian-targets-african-american-museum/">President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive order</a> targeting what he labeled “anti-American ideology” in cultural institutions, Bunch acknowledged the growing uncertainty and laid out a path forward. “We remain steadfast in our mission to bring history, science, education, research, and the arts to all Americans,” he wrote to staff. “We will continue to showcase world-class exhibits, collections, and objects, rooted in expertise and accuracy.”</p><p>Trump’s order casts a long shadow over the Smithsonian, which, while not a federal agency, is a trust instrumentality of the U.S. government and operates under the guidance of a Board of Regents, including the Chief Justice, Vice President, and members of Congress. The order directs Vice President J.D. Vance, an ex-officio regent, to work with the board on content oversight—an unprecedented move that has left many within the institution and across the Black community alarmed. The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), opened in 2016 under Bunch’s leadership, was directly criticized in the executive order. Its mission to unearth and share America’s untold Black history once praised as groundbreaking, is now being reframed by Trump as an example of what he sees as divisive, anti-patriotic content.</p><p>Bunch’s memo doubled down on the Smithsonian’s long-standing commitment to truth, transparency, and historical scholarship. “As an Institution, our commitment to scholarship and research is unwavering and will always serve as the guiding light for our content,” he stated. “For more than 175 years, the Smithsonian has been an educational institution devoted to continuous learning with the public in mind and driven by our most important mission – the increase and diffusion of knowledge,” Bunch added. “We remain committed to telling the multi-faceted stories of this country’s extraordinary heritage.” That commitment is under direct threat, Black scholars argue.</p><p><a href="https://medium.com/@jerrywash/restoring-whose-truth-47f5a3b7c7a4">Writing for The Medium</a>, education expert Dr. Jerry W. Washington called the order part of “the fight over American memory,” a political war that has increasingly targeted race-based historical narratives. “Over months of discussing cultural memory wars, the removal of DEI content, and the nuances of racial dialogue, I’ve seen this gap widen,” Washington wrote. “It highlights a fundamental divergence not just in policy preference, but in how we interpret history, power, and truth itself.” Washington and others see the executive order as an extension of Trump’s 2020 directive banning diversity training in federal agencies—an action that set the stage for a conservative backlash against critical race theory (CRT) and racial equity initiatives. “CRT became a catch-all term—a manufactured villain used to silence any acknowledgment of systemic racism, white privilege, or the real struggles of marginalized communities,” Washington noted. “It was never about theory. It was about control.”</p><p>That control has since expanded. Dozens of states have enacted vague educational gag orders aimed at stifling classroom conversations about race and history. DEI programs have been dismantled across colleges and public institutions. Now, with the Smithsonian—the keeper of the nation’s collective memory—under the microscope, Black historians and curators fear a broader erasure. “The campaign effectively poisoned the well,” Washington wrote. “Making any substantive discussion of systemic racism politically toxic.” For many Black Americans, the concern is deeper than academics. It’s personal. The Smithsonian’s inclusive storytelling—exemplified by the NMAAHC—has provided generations with a long-denied mirror to see themselves in the American narrative. To have that narrative constrained or rewritten at the behest of political power is to have identity and truth under siege.</p><p>“As we have done throughout our history,” Bunch wrote, “the Smithsonian will work with the Board of Regents, including the Chief Justice, Vice President, and our congressional and citizen Regents.” But he made clear that the Institution’s compass remains unchanged: “The board understands and appreciates the Institution’s mission, as well as the importance of scholarship, expertise, and service to the American public.” Still, the fight over who gets to define America’s story is far from over. “The consequences are real,” Washington warned. “This is about more than exhibits. It’s about erasing the truths that make America whole.”</p>
FCC Chair Launches Investigation Into Disney And ABC Over DEI Practices
He cited whistleblower accounts and media reports suggesting Disney employed race- and gender-based criteria in hiring, production, and executive compensation decisions. Among the practices under scrutiny are reported requirements that “50 percent of regular and recurring characters” be from underrepresented groups, and that “50% or more” of writers, directors, crew, and vendors also meet demographic criteria. Carr also flagged fellowships and hiring databases that he claimed were restricted to
TikTok Is Almost Out Of Time To Find A Buyer. Here’s What We Know
The popular short-form video app’s future is once again uncertain as a potential ban in the United States could be just days away.TikTok’s parent company ByteDance is on the hook to sell the app’s US operations by April 5, after President Donald Trump extended the deadline in January, or face a ban in the United States. What happens on — or ahead of — Saturday will have significant implications for the 170 million Americans who use TikTok to find news, entertainment, community, an
U.S. Justice Department To Seek The Death Penalty For Mangione
She could not immediately be reached for comment.The federal criminal complaint charges Mangione with murder through use of a firearm, two stalking charges and a firearms offense.In February, Mangione added an attorney experienced in death penalty cases to his legal team.Avraham Moskowitz has represented more than 50 defendants charged in death penalty-eligible cases in New York, according to court filings and Mangione’s attorneys.Mangione is being held in federal custody in Brooklyn, New York,
Suspect Arrested In Connection With Double Homicide Outside Seattle Nightclub
Tragically, they also found a second victim who had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head; he was pronounced dead at the scene.Despite immediate medical attention, the security guard’s condition deteriorated, and he was later pronounced dead at the hospital, deepening the community’s grief and concern over the violence.In the aftermath of the shooting, police reported that the suspect, or possibly multiple suspects, fled the scene prior to their arrival. This has led investigato
Washington State Senate Approves Gas Tax Increase Amid Budget Shortfall
This fee adjustment is part of a broader effort to ensure that all vehicle owners contribute fairly to the maintenance and improvement of the state’s transportation infrastructure.Senate Bill 5801 is one of three bills passed on the same day, all aimed at bolstering Washington’s transportation budget and ensuring adequate funding for essential projects. The urgency for these measures comes as state lawmakers seek solutions to the mounting financial pressures facing transportation ini
Seattle Zoo Keeper Hospitalized After Orangutan Bite During Training Session
Luis Neves, the senior director of animal care at WPZ, reassured the public, stating, “The orangutan care team will continue to provide training and routine care for each orangutan to maintain normalcy and will closely monitor the animals.” This commitment to the animals’ welfare highlights the zoo’s dedication to maintaining a safe environment for both its staff and the animals.While the zoo has chosen to respect the privacy of the injured keeper, they expressed deep concern for the
My Journey In Foster Care: From Mentors To Family
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Foster-Care-Journey.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="748" height="486" src="https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Foster-Care-Journey.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-102477" srcset="https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Foster-Care-Journey.webp 748w, https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Foster-Care-Journey-300x195.webp 300w, https://seattlemedium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Foster-Care-Journey-696x452.webp 696w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 748px) 100vw, 748px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A former foster youth shares how mentorship and culturally responsive care changed her life — and why the system must do better. (Credit: Getty/SDI Productions)</figcaption></figure><p><strong>by <a href="https://wordinblack.com/author/kaprea-greene/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaprea Greene</a></strong></p><p>I entered foster care when I was 9, a scared little Black girl thrust into a system that wasn’t built to nurture but to manage. I could have gotten lost in the system, but I was fortunate to find mentors who looked like me and took me under their wings. They provided <a href="https://wordinblack.com/2023/12/for-black-foster-children-mentorship-is-a-path-to-adoption/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">positive Black role models</a>, and eventually, two of my mentors became my family. They showed me that safety, love and family could be consistent and dependable.</p><p>The key to finding this stability was the mentoring relationship. A recent study shows that adults who become mentors are <a target="_blank" href="https://s43633.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/EMBRACE-Key-Findings.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">seven times</a> more likely to consider adoption. The need for mentoring is even greater for Black children in foster care, who make up <a target="_blank" href="https://s43633.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Americans-Views-of-US-Foster-Care-Kidsave-Gallup-Report-24.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">22% of the foster system despite being only 14% of the U.S. child population</a>. We are less likely to find a permanent home through adoption. </p><h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-system-full-of-challenges"><strong>A System Full of Challenges</strong></h2><p>By the time I was 18, I had lived in 11 different foster homes. Every new move meant packing up what little I had in trash bags and wondering what the next home would look like. I didn’t know what the rules or expectations would be. I felt lost every time I moved, having to make new friends, and felt like I had no support. </p><p>Children in foster care face a unique set of challenges. They are often shuffled between homes without any say, leaving them without stability or a sense of belonging. As a child navigating the foster care system, I needed guidance from an adult I could trust. Someone who could have told me that my dreams and I were worth fighting for.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-mentors-who-cared">Finding Mentors Who Cared</h2><p>I was lucky enough to find a few people along the way who truly saw me and believed in me. One of those people was Ms. Hammond, a foster mother who took me in during one of the rockiest times of my life. Ms. Hammond wasn’t just a caretaker. She was a mentor in the truest sense of the word. She provided structure, discipline, and love in a world where those things were hard to find. She taught me how to cook the best enchiladas — that made me feel like I had a place in her home, and her heart.</p><p>Ms. Hammond was a Black woman who cared for all the children in her home, regardless of where they came from or what they had been through. She made me feel at home and showed me I could belong somewhere. That feeling was missing in all of the other homes I had lived in. She was the first person to teach me that love and structure could exist together, and that discipline was not the same as punishment. In her home, I learned that I mattered.</p><p>But as much as I gained from Ms. Hammond’s care, I still needed more. I needed someone to show up for me in times of struggle, someone who could have helped me avoid the hardships that come with growing up without family. At the age of 14, I entered Kidsave’s Weekend Miracles program, which connects older kids in foster care like me with adults who want to be a part of our lives, whether as mentors, hosts, or potential family. Weekend Miracles is active in Los Angeles, Houston, and Central and Northern Virginia.</p><p>I was unsure at first. The idea of putting myself out there again felt exhausting and unfair. Why should I have to search for what every child needs? But Weekend Miracles wasn’t like anything I had experienced before. The kids have a say in which adults they want to get to know. The mentors can make a difference for a child without the up-front commitment of fostering or adopting. In this program, culturally responsive mentoring offers all children a sense of stability and belonging that the foster care system struggles to provide. </p><h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-family">Finding Family</h2><p>When I met Marie and Rodney — two people who understood me in ways I hadn’t expected — I realized that family can come in many forms. They reflected my cultural and racial values and understood the guidance I needed as a Black girl. Marie and Rodney became my host family through Kidsave’s Weekend Miracles program. Through their actions, they showed care and understanding that resonated deeply with me. Over time, I let down my guard, and I chose them as my family. They eventually adopted me, and in doing so, they chose me too.</p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>Mentoring is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.</p></blockquote><p>Foster care is a system that too often fails the children it is meant to serve. Children need consistent love, mentorship, and to feel like they belong. They need families who see them as full human beings and can prepare them for what’s to come when they are adults. Kids also need families who can be culturally responsive by sharing and reflecting elements of their culture in their relationship.</p><p>For those of us who have lived in the system, we know that change is possible, but it requires a commitment from everyone to do better for all children, including Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ youth. All families can provide culturally responsive care and identity-affirming relationships, with a little work. </p><p>I am a testament to the power of mentoring, family, and love. To everyone who has ever doubted their ability to make a difference in a child’s life, I urge you to step up. The time is now.</p><p>Mentoring is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. It can be the difference between a foster youth surviving or thriving. If you have the capacity to mentor or foster a child, don’t wait. Children in the system need someone to believe in them and see their worth. Every child deserves a family, and every family has the potential to change a life.</p><p><em>Kaprea Greene, 31, is a former youth in foster care, and is now working as a Printer Operator in Los Angeles, CA. She is a proud mother of two.</em></p>
ICE Should Respect The Sanctity Of Churches
Police brutality and corruption targeting communities of color will always be a timeless stain on American history.In a matter of hours after President Trump’s inauguration, the new administration revoked a Biden-era policy that prohibited arrests at places deemed to be “sensitive locations.” The previous policy, signed by former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, instructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to refrain from apprehendin
How Trump Is Trying To Expand The Already Colossal U.S. Prison System
9, a judge in New Mexico blocked, for now, the administration’s effort to send three Venezuelan men to Guantánamo.Many have speculated that Trump’s sending people to Guantánamo, like many of his immigration efforts, is an attempt to create a massive spectacle intended to project power and instill fear.But despite the significant legal and practical barriers, the Trump administration’s numerous efforts to find more jail and prison cells indicate a clear desire to build a larger
Best March Madness Cinderella Stories Of All Time
<section><article><img decoding="async" src="https://static.stacker.com/s3fs-public/styles/1280x720/s3/2025-03/bangthebook-march-madness_0.jpg" alt="UMBC guard Jairus Lyles (10) and four UVA defenders during the 2018 Men's NCAA basketball tournament at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina." title="Best March Madness Cinderella stories of all time" data-portal-copyright="John McDonnell // The Washington Post via Getty Images" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-focal-region="x1:246,y1:140,x2:246,y2:140" /><h5>John McDonnell // The Washington Post via Getty Images</h5><h5>Written by Ryan Knuppel for BangTheBook</h5><p>March Madness is full of surprises. Every year, lower-seeded teams pull off upsets and shock the basketball world. These teams, called “Cinderellas,” go on unexpected runs, beating big schools and making history.</p><p>The NCAA Tournament is perfect for underdogs. It is single-elimination, meaning one bad game can end a top team’s season. Cinderella teams take advantage of this. They play without pressure, gain confidence, and become fan favorites along the way.</p><p>In this article, <a href="https://bangthebook.com/">BangTheBook</a> looks at some of the best Cinderella stories in <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/watch">March Madness</a> history. These teams proved that anything is possible when the tournament begins.</p><h3>What Makes a Cinderella Team?</h3><p>A Cinderella team is a lower-seeded team that makes a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Most Cinderellas are seeded No. 10 or lower and come from smaller schools. They are not expected to win, but they prove everyone wrong by knocking out top-ranked teams. Some make it to the Sweet 16, the Elite Eight, or even the Final Four.</p><p>There are a few things that help create a Cinderella team. Many come from schools with little basketball history. They do not have top recruits or big budgets like powerhouse programs. What they do have is strong teamwork, good coaching, and belief. These teams win close games, survive overtime battles, and keep finding ways to advance.</p><p>Fans love Cinderella stories because they bring excitement to the tournament. A top seed losing to a little-known school is what makes March Madness unpredictable. The underdogs play with nothing to lose, and their wins create some of the most memorable moments in tournament history.</p><h3>Some of the Great March Madness Cinderella Teams</h3><p>March Madness has produced some of the greatest underdog stories in sports. Every year, a team that no one expects to win goes on a deep run, shocking bigger programs along the way. These teams don’t always win the championship, but they leave their mark on history. Some become legends, while others fade back into the shadows after their moment in the spotlight.</p><p>Here are some of the greatest Cinderella stories in <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/history/basketball-men/d1">NCAA Tournament history</a>. These teams proved that rankings and reputations don’t matter once the games begin.</p><h3>UMBC (2018) – The first No. 16 seed to win</h3><p>For years, No. 16 seeds had never beaten a No. 1 seed. The record was 0-135. Then, in 2018, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) changed history. Matched up against Virginia, the top-ranked team in the country, UMBC wasn’t given a chance. But instead of just sneaking out a close win, they dominated. The final score was 74-54, making it one of the biggest upsets in NCAA history.</p><p>UMBC’s fast-paced style and fearless attitude caught Virginia off guard. Led by guard Jairus Lyles, the Retrievers pulled away in the second half and never looked back. It wasn’t just a lucky win—it was a statement. Fans watching across the country couldn’t believe what they were seeing.</p><p>The win put UMBC in the national spotlight, even though they lost in the next round. The team became a symbol of what makes March Madness special. <a href="https://x.com/UMBC">Their Twitter account</a> went viral, and their upset is still talked about today. No. 16 seeds now know that winning isn’t impossible, all thanks to UMBC.</p><h3>VCU (2011) – From the First Four to the Final Four</h3><p>Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) wasn’t even supposed to be in the tournament. As one of the last teams selected, they had to play in the “First Four,” a play-in game before the main tournament. Most people thought they would lose right away. Instead, they made one of the most impressive runs in March Madness history.</p><p>VCU beat USC in the play-in game and then took down bigger programs like Georgetown, Purdue, Florida State, and top-seeded Kansas. They reached the Final Four, becoming just the third No. 11 seed to ever do so. Led by coach Shaka Smart, the Rams played aggressive defense and fast-paced offense, making the team tough to beat.</p><p>Their run ended in the <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/college-basketball/news/butler-vcu-getting-more-than-wins-with-this-final-four">Final Four against Butler</a>, but by then, they had already made history. VCU’s journey proved that even teams on the bubble can go deep into the tournament. It also helped launch Shaka Smart’s coaching career, as he became one of the most sought-after coaches in college basketball.</p><h3>George Mason (2006) – The small school that shocked the nation</h3><p>George Mason wasn’t a basketball powerhouse. As a No. 11 seed, they were expected to be eliminated early. But in 2006, the Patriots did what few mid-major schools had ever done—reach the Final Four.</p><p>Their run started with a win over Michigan State, a team with tournament experience. Then, they knocked off defending champion North Carolina. By the time they reached the Elite Eight, people were starting to take notice. Their biggest win came against No. 1 seed UConn, a game that went to overtime. George Mason pulled off the upset, earning a spot in the Final Four.</p><p>Though they lost to Florida in the semifinals, their run changed how people viewed smaller schools. Before George Mason, teams from smaller conferences rarely made deep tournament runs. After their success, mid-majors started getting more respect, and the tournament became even more unpredictable.</p><h3>Florida Gulf Coast (2013) – Dunk City takes over March Madness</h3><p>No one had heard of Florida Gulf Coast University before the 2013 tournament. As a No. 15 seed, they weren’t supposed to win a game. Instead, they became one of the most exciting teams in March Madness history, earning the nickname “Dunk City.”</p><p>In the first round, FGCU shocked No. 2 seed Georgetown, pulling off a 78-68 win. The way they played made the team instant fan favorites. They ran the floor, threw alley-oops, and played above the rim, something rarely seen from an underdog. In the second round, FGCU took down No. 7 seed San Diego State, becoming the first No. 15 seed to ever reach the Sweet 16.</p><p>Their tournament run ended against Florida, but the team’s impact lasted much longer. The energy and style they played with made them one of the most memorable Cinderella teams ever. Even though they never made another deep run, “Dunk City” remains a legendary part of March Madness history.</p><h3>Villanova (1985) – The lowest seed to win a national title</h3><p>Villanova wasn’t a complete unknown. They played in the <a href="https://www.bigeast.com/sports/mbball">Big East</a>, a strong basketball conference. But as a No. 8 seed, no one expected them to win the championship. In 1985, they did just that, becoming the lowest-seeded team to ever win the national title.</p><p>Villanova’s biggest challenge came in the championship game against Georgetown, a team that had already beaten them twice that season. To win, Villanova played nearly a perfect game. They shot 78.6% from the field, making almost every shot they took. The strategy worked, and the team pulled off a 66-64 win.</p><p>The upset remains one of the greatest moments in college basketball history. No team seeded lower than No. 8 has ever won the championship, making Villanova’s run a record that still stands today.</p><h3>Loyola Marymount (1990) – Playing for Hank Gathers</h3><p>Loyola Marymount’s Cinderella run in 1990 was different. It wasn’t just about basketball—it was about honoring their fallen teammate, Hank Gathers. Gathers, their best player, collapsed and died on the court just before the tournament. The team dedicated their run to him.</p><p>Despite being a No. 11 seed, Loyola Marymount played with emotion and fire. They scored 149 points in their first-round win against New Mexico State, setting a tournament record. Then, they took down defending champion Michigan. They reached the Elite Eight before losing to UNLV, but their run was bigger than basketball.</p><p>The team’s story is remembered as one of the most emotional in NCAA history. Loyola Marymount didn’t win a championship, but they won over fans with their heart and determination.</p><h3>Florida Atlantic (2023) – The surprise Final Four team</h3><p>Florida Atlantic University (FAU) had never won an NCAA Tournament game before 2023. As a No. 9 seed, no one expected them to go far. But they played fearless basketball, taking down top teams on their way to the Final Four.</p><p>FAU’s run included wins over Memphis, Tennessee, and Kansas State. They played with confidence, never backing down from the moment. Their balanced team effort and strong defense made them one of the toughest teams in the tournament.</p><p>Their <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401522200/fau-san-diego-st">Final Four loss to San Diego State</a> ended the run, but FAU proved that even smaller programs could compete at the highest level. Their success also showed that mid-major teams should never be counted out.</p><h3>What Happens to Cinderella Teams After Their Big Runs?</h3><p>A deep tournament run can change a program overnight. Cinderella teams get national attention, leading to more media coverage, better recruiting, and sometimes even a jump to a bigger conference. Coaches often become household names, and in many cases, they get offers from larger schools. Players who might not have been on the NBA radar suddenly gain recognition. The excitement of a Cinderella run can also lead to increased enrollment and donations for the school.</p><p>Long term, not every Cinderella team stays competitive. Some, like VCU and Butler, used their success to build strong programs that regularly make the tournament. Butler even reached another championship game after their first deep run. Other teams, like Florida Gulf Coast, were never able to recapture the magic. They had a brief moment in the spotlight but returned to being a mid-major program. March Madness proves that anything can happen, but staying on top is just as hard as getting there.</p><h3>Why Cinderella Stories Will Never Get Old</h3><p>March Madness is built for surprises. The tournament’s single-elimination format means that one great game can take down a top team, and lower seeds only need a few wins to make history. Unlike other sports, where a series format favors stronger teams, the NCAA Tournament gives every underdog a real shot. This structure ensures that Cinderella teams will always be a part of March Madness.</p><p>Fans love these stories because they go beyond basketball. The emotion of watching a small school take on a powerhouse makes the tournament unpredictable and fun. Every year, a new Cinderella emerges, proving that rankings don’t tell the full story. As long as March Madness exists, there will always be a team that defies expectations. The only question is—who will be next?</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Cinderella teams are what make March Madness special. They bring excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments to the tournament. They bust brackets and pretty much make or break every <a href="https://knupsports.com/best-march-madness-contests/">March Madness contest</a> out there.</p><p>Every year, a lower-seeded team proves that rankings don’t matter once the game starts. These teams remind fans why <a href="https://bangthebook.com/college-basketball/">college basketball</a> is so unpredictable and fun.</p><p>As another tournament approaches, there will be new teams ready to make their mark. Some will pull off shocking upsets, and one may go on a deep run that no one saw coming. Who will be this year’s Cinderella? Only time will tell.</p><p><em><p><a href="https://bangthebook.com/best-march-madness-cinderella-stories-of-all-time/"><em>This story</em></a><em> was produced by </em><a href="https://bangthebook.com/"><em>BangTheBook</em></a><em> and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.</em></p></em></p></article></section><script src="https://analytics.stacker.com/tracking/cbd2cbe5-ad53-4295-a6ab-1ec0d236f5b7/script.js?source=story-hub"></script>
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