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The 2026 Women's NCAA Tournament reaches its climax this Sunday, April 5, as No. 1 seed South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball faces No. 1 seed UCLA Bruins women's basketball for the national title.
The championship game tips off at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. But before the opening whistle, one of the most anticipated pregame traditions will take center stage: the performance of the national anthem.
Who sang the national anthem?
The national anthem at the 2026 Women's NCAA Championship Game was performed by Kahara Hodges.
Her appearance continued a growing NCAA trend of highlighting talented performers with strong ties to the host city and the broader college sports community.
Who is Kahara Hodges?
Kahara Hodges is a vocalist known for her powerful live performances at major sporting events and community showcases.
While not a mainstream pop star, Hodges has built a reputation as a trusted anthem performer, often selected for high-profile moments that require both vocal precision and stage presence. She is a representative of the Navajo Dine Nation with the Tohono O'Odham Nation Color Guard.
Her selection aligns with the NCAA's recent preference for:
- Showcasing rising or local talent
- Featuring performers connected to the event's host market
- Maintaining a focus on authentic, traditional anthem renditions
A pregame moment to remember
Anthem performances often set the tone for championship games, and this year was no exception. With the spotlight on Kahara Hodges, the Women's NCAA title game opened with a performance that matched the magnitude of the moment in Phoenix.
As the tournament continues to grow in visibility and prestige, moments like these-both on and off the court-remain central to the championship experience.