In the high-intensity world of the NCAA Tournament, coaches find solace and motivation in music, revealing a surprising diversity of tastes that range from contemporary hits to classic rock anthems. This year, as the competition heats up, it’s not just strategies and plays that are being shared among the coaches but also their favorite tunes. Front and center in the playlist preferences is none other than Taylor Swift, capturing the hearts of several NCAA coaches with her lyrical prowess and catchy melodies.
Taylor Swift Takes the Lead
BYU’s Mark Pope stands out as a Swift aficionado, with a selection of her hits topping his list. Pope’s favorites include touching narratives like "Cornelia Street" and "New Year's Day," alongside the vengeful "Karma," the heart-wrenching "All Too Well" (the 10-minute version), and the vibrant "Cruel Summer." Clearly, Swift's ability to traverse through emotions and stories resonates with the strategies and highs and lows of the basketball court.
Yet, the coaches’ musical tastes are anything but monotonous, stretching across genres to encompass country, rock, and hip-hop. The country genre finds its champions in artists such as Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Billy Currington, and Kenny Chesney. Their songs, often echoing themes of resilience, heartbreak, and celebration, mirror the journey many teams and coaches experience throughout their careers.
Diverse Musical Preferences
Beyond the country realm, some coaches pay homage to Christian music artist Jeremy Camp, finding perhaps solace or motivation in his spiritually uplifting songs. For a blend of awe-inspiring talent and musicality, T.J. Otzelberger expresses admiration for Ed Sheeran’s mastery over his guitar pedal, a skill that mirrors the meticulous planning and execution seen on the basketball court.
Not to be outdone, Kentucky’s John Calipari tunes into Drake, while Texas’ Shaka Smart gives a nod to the timeless 2Pac, highlighting a range of hip-hop preferences that mirror the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the players and coaches alike.
From Pop Legends to Hip-Hop Icons
Further widening the musical spectrum, Michael Jackson—a legend whose influence transcends generations—emerges as a favorite among coaches such as Kevin Keatts, Leon Rice, John Groce, and Rodney Terry. The King of Pop’s unparalleled ability to captivate audiences mirrors the coaches' aspirations to mesmerize fans with their teams' performances.
Bashir Mason diversifies his playlist with the eclectic sounds of Prince, Earth Wind & Fire, and Jay-Z, each artist embodying a different facet of musical genius and cultural impact. Meanwhile, notable mentions such as Jay-Z and the Jackson Five by Donald Copeland and Tom Izzo respectively, underscore the lasting influence of these artists on the soundtrack of our lives.
Anticipation Builds for the Tournament
As the NCAA Tournament unfolds with UConn, Houston, Purdue, and North Carolina leading as No. 1 seeds, the excitement is palpable. UConn, in particular, is on a quest to etch its name in history as the first repeat champion since 2007, buoyed by its first Big East Tournament title since 2011 and an impressive run since December 20, with just one loss.
This year’s NCAA Tournament is more than just a showcase of the elite in collegiate basketball; it is a celebration of the personal passions and varied cultural backgrounds that enrich the sport. From Taylor Swift’s storytelling to the rhythmic beats of Jay-Z and the timeless hits of Michael Jackson, music serves as a backdrop to the drama, strategies, and exhilarating moments of March Madness.
As teams battle for supremacy on the court, the eclectic musical tastes of their coaches remind us that behind the plays, the victories, and the setbacks, are individuals with rich personal lives and affinities that help them navigate the challenging journey of the tournament. The NCAA Tournament thus stands as a confluence of sports, music, and culture, creating a vibrant tapestry that captures the imagination of fans and participants alike.
