Taylor Swift Tops the Playlist of NCAA Tournament Coaches
Taylor Swift Tops the Playlist of NCAA Tournament Coaches
As the fervor of the NCAA Tournament grips fans and players alike, it turns out that the coaches might be beating everyone in the league of music aficionados, with Taylor Swift emerging as a favored artist among them. BYU's head coach, Mark Pope, in particular, stands out with his selection of Taylor Swift tracks that make up his top song choices. Pope's Swift-heavy playlist includes hits like "Cornelia Street," "New Year's Day," "Karma," "All Too Well" (the 10-minute version), and "Cruel Summer," showcasing a diverse appreciation for the pop music icon's discography.
Yet, the musical tastes of NCAA coaches are not limited to pop genres alone. A wide array of artists receive nods, including country music stars Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Billy Currington, and Kenny Chesney, pointing to a significant country music influence within the coaching ranks. Moreover, the spiritual tunes of Jeremy Camp find favor among some coaches, adding another layer to the eclectic mix.
The diversity in musical choice stretches further with T.J. Otzelberger expressing admiration for Ed Sheeran's prowess with a guitar pedal, while Kentucky's John Calipari reveals Drake as his artist of choice. Shaka Smart, not to be outdone, displays his preference for the legendary rap icon 2Pac, highlighting the wide-ranging musical tastes that these college basketball coaches bring to the locker room.
Broad Musical Preferences Reflect Personal And Team Diversity
The spectrum of musical favorites among the NCAA coaches covers grounds from Michael Jackson to Jay-Z, mirroring not only their personal preferences but perhaps also the diverse backgrounds and tastes of their teams. Coaches like Kevin Keatts, Leon Rice, John Groce, and Rodney Terry unite in their preference for Michael Jackson, universally acclaimed as the King of Pop.
In addition, Wagner College’s head coach, Bashir Mason, reveals his eclectic taste with a preference for Prince, Earth Wind & Fire, and Jay-Z, embodying a blend of genres from funk and soul to hip hop. Notably, coaches Donald Copeland and Tom Izzo round off the impressive list with their choices - Jay-Z and the Jackson Five respectively, further emphasizing the wide musical landscape that these coaches inhabit.
Championship Aspirations and Cultural Synergy
As the NCAA Tournament progresses, the focus isn't just on the competitive play but also on the rich tapestry of backgrounds, interests, and cultures that contribute to the game's unique environment. This year, teams such as UConn, Houston, Purdue, and North Carolina are at the forefront as the No. 1 seeds, each carrying their championship dreams and aspirations into the fray.
Particularly, UConn is on a quest to etch its name in history by becoming the first team to claim the championship title in a repeat victory since Florida achieved this feat back in 2007. The team also celebrates its first Big East Tournament title since 2011, demonstrating a formidable track record with only a single loss since December 20, thus emerging as a formidable force in the tournament.
The NCAA Tournament is more than just a showcase of collegiate basketball talent; it's a celebration of personal preferences, musical diversity, and cultural exchanges that take place both on and off the court. While March Madness might be synonymous with nail-biting competition and athletic prowess, it also serves as a backdrop for a broader celebration of sports, music, and culture.
The choice of music by NCAA coaches — from Taylor Swift's narrative songwriting to the soulful rhythms of Earth Wind & Fire and the hip hop beats of Jay-Z and 2Pac — reflects a confluence of tastes that transcend the basketball court. It underscores the rich personal lives of these coaches, offering fans a peek into the personalities that shape the teams we root for during the intensely competitive NCAA Tournament. Through this combination of sports, music, and culture, March Madness not only captivates basketball enthusiasts but also unites diverse audiences in a shared celebration of human creativity and spirit.
