Dear UVA Basketball,

For the past few years of my life, you have captivated me and played with my heartstrings every season. Every three-pointer, dunk, and beautifully executed defensive play brings so much excitement. Every win makes me ecstatic. You have created incredible moments of pure joy, and then moments of extreme sadness and doubt. There were always some loses (mainly to Duke) and bad shots and missed opportunities to win a tournament. But, despite the negative, you guys continued to make each situation positive and became a better team because of this.

Last season, you were ridiculed by the nation because of losing to a 16th seed (and very few critics have been able to let that go ever since). Despite that tragedy on the court, you guys have learned from your mistakes, practiced harder, and played better. And, because of your ability to learn and grow, you are going to the final four for the first time since 1984. That is so incredible and inspiring.

You guys are so amazing both on and off the court. Along with a busy schedule of classes and basketball practice, you make time to serve your community. Also, you guys are so kind to those around you. Today, I witnessed Ty Jerome not only hug but have a conversation with a young girl holding up a sign that said: "I love Ty." You all are incredible role models for all of the children looking up to you, and you should be so proud of that.

So, next Saturday is probably...no, definitely going to be very stressful, but we will get through it. No matter what the outcome may be, I know that you will always play wholeheartedly and you are doing the best that you can, which is all that I could hope for.

Best of luck in the final four!