You drafted my heart - Nika Mühl (Eng. version)

Chapter 35 - Winning and being remembered

Our journey to the NCAA final started strong, full of energy and focus.

In the first round, we faced Vermont, a determined team that relied on a fast pace and precise shots. The court felt too small for the intensity of the game, but we managed to control the pace, building a lead with quick passes and a solid defense that gave them no chances. We won decisively, but right then we knew the road ahead would demand much more.

The second round brought a bigger challenge: Baylor, a team combining physical strength and refined technique, putting us to the test. Every point was earned through sweat and effort. I remember the sound of sneakers scraping the floor, the coaching staff's shouts, and the adrenaline pumping in my chest. It was a tactical battle, full of halftime adjustments. We emerged victorious, though exhausted, knowing the pressure would only intensify from there.

Arriving at the Sweet Sixteen, we faced Ohio State, an aggressive and fast team that pressured our defense and forced turnovers. Each possession tested our nerves. We had to be precise, patient, and stay composed amid the chaos of the game. It was a duel of intelligence, tempo, and endurance. The game was decided in the final seconds by an almost impossible shot from Azzi, sending us to the next round.

In the Elite Eight, fate matched us against Virginia Tech, an experienced team dominating the paint with a powerful center and an almost impenetrable defense. To win, we had to fight for every play, force openings, and attack with surgical precision. The matchup was intense, full of twists and moments of pure tension. But our unity spoke louder, and we left with a hard-earned, well-deserved victory.

In the Final Four, the weight of responsibility was enormous — we faced LSU, a team blending young talent with seasoned veterans who controlled the game's rhythm. The arena buzzed like a boiling pot, and the pressure was so tangible it could be cut with a knife. Every shot, every block, every pass carried the weight of a decision. It was a fierce battle where mental and physical balance was crucial. When the final whistle blew, we celebrated our spot in the NCAA final — our dream closer than ever.

And then came the ultimate challenge: South Carolina. A team synonymous with strength and skill, with players who had already made us sweat during the regular season. The atmosphere was electric, the stands packed, and the whole world watching. We knew this was the moment of our lives, the culmination of everything we had been through so far.

22 Hours Before the Final

It was seven o'clock in the evening, and we were in our hotel room, getting ready to go out. The game wasn't until five the next afternoon, but the anxiety already hung in the air like a silent invitation to overthink everything. Nika was beside me, finishing her makeup in the mirror, with a calmness I envied at that moment.

As she applied her lip gloss, I adjusted the strap of my dress, feeling the soft fabric against my skin. My girlfriend gave me a quiet smile—one that spoke more than any words ever could—a silent whisper of confidence.

"Ready?" she asked, gently taking my hand.

"Ready," I replied, squeezing her hand slowly, trying to absorb the serenity she radiated.

This was our last chance to slow down, to take a deep breath before stepping into the arena where everything would be decided. We were going to have dinner with my parents, who had come specially to watch the final. Just thinking about their presence filled me with a mix of comfort and strength—something that went beyond the court and the pressure.

We stepped out of the room, and the soft hotel lights seemed to draw a path just for us. Nika slipped her arm around mine, and I rested my head on her shoulder, finding in that gesture the warmth and safety only she knew how to give me.