BURLINGTON, VT – University of Vermont guard Emma Haan is heading back to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, and the sophomore is thrilled about the opportunity to play close to home. The Vermont Catamounts secured their second consecutive America East Championship on March 13, 2026, earning an automatic bid to March Madness. This marks Haan’s second appearance in the tournament, fueling her excitement for the competition ahead.
The Catamounts defeated the Maine Black Bears 61-43 to claim the title, securing their third NCAA tournament berth in the past four seasons, according to MyNBC5. Haan, a key contributor to the team’s success, expressed her joy following the victory, describing it as a dream come true.
Vermont’s Road to the Championship
Vermont dominated the America East Championship game, taking control after a strong start from Maine. Keira Hanson led the Catamounts in scoring with 23 points, while Jadyn Weltz added a crucial and-one play to extend their lead. The team’s eight-point halftime advantage proved insurmountable for the Black Bears, ultimately leading to a decisive victory. Haan contributed to the team’s success, driving towards the basket in key moments during the game, as captured in a photo by Ed Wolfstein of Icon Sportswire available on Alamy.
“It’s everything. It’s everything that I’ve dreamed of since I started playing basketball and getting to do it two years in a row with all of my teammates, everyone I love,” Haan said, according to MyNBC5. Senior guard Jadyn Weltz echoed the sentiment, expressing her excitement for the tournament and the culmination of her career: “I’m excited. And this is what I’ve been waiting for my whole career, and I just can’t wait to get there. I think just that it’s March, you know, everybody’s battling. It’s zero zero….”
Haan’s Career at Vermont
Emma Haan, a guard for the Vermont Catamounts, has quickly turn into a valuable asset to the team. She has been recognized for her academic achievements, earning a spot on the America East Commissioners Honor Roll in both 2024 and 2025, as noted on the University of Vermont Athletics website. In the 2024-25 season, Haan played in 30 games, averaging 7.9 minutes per game.
The sophomore’s enthusiasm for this year’s tournament is particularly notable, as she shared her excitement for playing in March Madness and the opportunity to compete relatively close to home, as reported by the Burlington Free Press. The specific location and opponent for Vermont’s first-round game have not been publicly announced as of March 16, 2026.
What’s Next for the Catamounts
The University of Vermont women’s basketball team will now await their seeding and opponent in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The team’s performance in the America East Championship demonstrates their readiness for the national stage. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how the Catamounts perform against some of the top teams in the country. The NCAA tournament selection show will reveal Vermont’s path forward, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting March for the program and its players, including Emma Haan.
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