Story perspectives

Virginia's Kymora Johnson Leads Historic Sweet 16 Upset

3/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Kymora Johnson leads the Virginia Cavaliers to the Sweet 16 of the Women's NCAA Tournament after a historic upset of No. 2 Iowa in double overtime.
This marks the first time a First Four team has advanced this far in the tournament.
Johnson has averaged 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and five assists, inspired by former player Dawn Staley.
Her journey began with a disqualification from a youth tournament for being a girl on a boys' team, a pivotal moment recalled by her mother, Jessica Thomas-Johnson.
The Cavaliers will face No. 3 TCU next, seeking their first Elite Eight appearance since 1996.

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Story summary

Kymora Johnson leads the Virginia Cavaliers to the Sweet 16 of the Women's NCAA Tournament after a historic upset of No. 2 Iowa in double overtime.
This marks the first time a First Four team has advanced this far in the tournament.
Johnson has averaged 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and five assists, inspired by former player Dawn Staley.
Her journey began with a disqualification from a youth tournament for being a girl on a boys' team, a pivotal moment recalled by her mother, Jessica Thomas-Johnson.
The Cavaliers will face No. 3 TCU next, seeking their first Elite Eight appearance since 1996.