URI Women’s Basketball Storms Into March Madness Ready to Make History

University of Rhode Island women’s basketball team are officially fired up—and this time, it’s historic.

On March 8, 2026, the Rams captured their first ever Atlantic 10 Championship, edging George Mason 53–51 in Henrico, Virginia. That victory didn’t just earn them a trophy—it punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1996, marking only the second March Madness appearance in team history. And they’re coming in as winners, a season to remember. Rhode Island enters the tournament with a dominant 28–4 overall record and a 16–2 mark in Atlantic 10 play, finishing on top of conference standings.

The Rams were also crowned A-10 regular season co-champions and tournament champions, completing one of the most successful seasons the program has ever seen.

Their turnaround has been stunning. Just one year ago, URI finished 17–16, barely above .500. Now, they’re one of the hottest mid-major teams in the country heading into March. Coaching: The Tammi Reiss Effect

At the center of it all is head coach Tammi Reiss, now in her 7th season, who has completely transformed the program. A former WNBA player and longtime assistant at major programs, Reiss has built URI through smart recruiting, player development, and a culture of toughness. Her impact has been so strong that she’s a three-time Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year and a 2026 national mid-major coach of the year finalist. Under her leadership, Rhode Island has gone from conference contender to champion—and now, a legitimate March Madness threat.

Key Players Leading the Charge

This Rams team thrives on balance, but several names stand out:

• Albina Syla (Forward) – The Atlantic 10 Tournament MVP, she powered URI through the championship run with clutch performances on both ends, deep, and versatile – URI doesn’t rely on just one star. Their strength lies in team-first scoring, defensive intensity, and depth, making them difficult to scout and even harder to stop. This isn’t a one-player show—it’s a complete unit that can adapt to any matchup.

March Madness Matchup

Rhode Island enters the NCAA Tournament as an 11-seed, set to face 6-seed Alabama in the first round on March 21, 2026. And URI has already proven it can hang with top teams—earlier this season, they even pulled off an upset over a ranked opponent (NC State), signaling they’re ready for the spotlight. Back in Kingston, the energy is building fast.

URI’s home arena, the Ryan Center, has become a fortress, powered by a passionate student section known as “Ram County.” Now, that energy is traveling. Alumni, students, and fans are rallying behind a team that has reignited pride in Rhode Island basketball. Social media buzz is growing, watch parties are forming, and belief is spreading: this team could make noise. From preseason underdogs to conference champions, the Rams have already made history. But they’re not done. Rhode Island isn’t just happy to be back in March Madness after 30 years—they’re here to compete, to upset, and to prove that this program belongs on the biggest stage in college basketball. And they might not stop anytime soon.