This year marks the second consecutive year that the 87-year-old National Invitational Tournament will not include an HBCU program. The last team to compete in the annual contest was Alcorn State in 2023. That year, Alcorn State lost to North Texas 69-53 in the event’s first round. 

HBCU in the NIT

In considering current teams competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, as well as Division I schools — Hampton, North Carolina A&T, and Tennessee State — in nontraditional HBCU conferences, there have only been seven times where the NIT has included an HBCU program in at least two or more consecutive seasons. There have only been four instances — 1993, 2007, 2008, and 2011 — where the selection committee has invited multiple HBCU programs in its nearly 90 years of existence.

Expect that to be the norm, though, as the MEAC and SWAC have lost NIT autobids along with other smaller conferences in recent years.

HBCU in the CBI

The first rendition of the CBI took place in 2008. The CBI committee selects 16 teams that are not awarded bids to the men’s NCAA tournament or the NIT and programs willing to pay a $27,500 entry fee to participate. This year marks the 12th instance — the tournament was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 — in the 17-year-old competition that an HBCU will not compete in this year’s tournament field.

Bethune Cookman participated in the 2024 College Basketball Invitational competition, losing to Arkansas State 86-85 in the tournament’s first round. Since the event’s inception, only four programs have participated in the five total occurrences in the 16-team bracket. Those teams include Hampton (2014, 2017), Delaware State (2015), and Howard (2019), in addition to the Wildcats.

More postseason tournaments were created to provide extra opportunities for programs to showcase their prowess on the national stage. However, even with more opportunities, getting more HBCU programs eligible or in a position to receive an invitation to other postseason competitions will be a continuing process.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hampton University men’s basketball team earned its 11th win of the season defeating its HBCU rival Howard University Bison 80-79 in overtime.

Coach Ivan Thomas’s side held one of the best three-point shooting teams in the nation to 24 percent shooting. The Pirates would also have the advantage on glass out-rebounding the Bison 35-28. While Hampton led by double digits in the second half, the contest went to overtime. A four-point play with less than 10 seconds to go helped the Pirates take the lead late. 

Wayne Bristol Jr. got the Pirates on the board with a driving layup. While Hampton struggled from the field early on, the HBCU rivalry remained within a couple of possessions. Heading into the first media timeout the game was tied 4-4.

Hampton continued to struggle from the field only shooting 18 percent from the field before the under 12 media timeout. The Bison jumped out to a seven-point lead after hitting a three. However, Howard struggled from beyond the arc going 1-for-7 from three in the first half. The Pirate’s defense continued to cause problems for Howard. 

Towards the end of the first frame, Hampton’s offense started to find its rhythm. George Beale Jr. could not miss from beyond the arc making four three-pointers. Beale Jr. finished the half with 14 points. With the junior guard making back-to-back threes, Hampton had the lead 32-27. Before the buzzer, Howard made it a one-possession contest. While the Pirates had time for one more opportunity but missed the shot.

Coming out of the half Hampton continued to hold onto the lead. While Beale Jr. finished the game with a career-high 28 points, Noah Farrakhan also helped the Pirates on the offensive end. Farrakhan finished the second frame in double figures with 10 points. With Hampton shooting 50 percent in the second half Coach Thomas’s side jumped out to their largest lead of the night at the 8:10 mark.

The Pirates sustained its double-digit advantage even heading out of the final media time-out. Howard produced a 13-2 to the game 67-67 with less than a minute remaining. With Hampton missing a jumper at the buzzer, the HBCU rivalry went to overtime. 

During overtime, Howard University jumped out to a five-point lead. Blake Harper scored nine of the Bison 10 points down the stretch. Hampton was able to eliminate Howard’s advantage with a six-point swing in less than 22 seconds. A pair of free throws by Tyler Rice made it a one-possession game. Wayne Bristol Jr. hit a shot from beyond the arc making it  79-79. Bristol Jr. was fouled during the shot leaving an opportunity for the Pirates to take the advantage. The Upper Marlboro, Md. native, made the free throw. Xzaiver Long came up with a defensive end to secure the victory for Hampton.

The Hampton University Pirates resume conference play against Monmouth on Thursday, Feb. 6. Tip-off at the OceanFirst Bank Center is set for 7:00 p.m.

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This move opens the door for significant financial changes in college athletics and could reshape how HBCUs in the CAA support their student-athletes.

By opting in, CAA schools will now be able to provide direct financial payments to athletes beyond traditional scholarships. This includes revenue-sharing opportunities and institutional facilitation of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. For HBCUs like A&T and Hampton, this presents a chance to offer more competitive financial incentives to athletes, potentially helping with recruitment and retention in an evolving collegiate sports landscape.

However, this decision also comes with financial obligations. The NCAA is reducing revenue distributions to Division I schools over the next decade to fund the $2.8 billion settlement, with 60% of the burden falling on conferences like the CAA. For HBCUs that already navigate financial disparities compared to larger athletic programs, this could add new challenges.

Additionally, opting in means that North Carolina A&T and Hampton must comply with new roster limits that replace traditional scholarship caps. While this change offers more flexibility in scholarship distribution, it could impact team sizes and roster management strategies.

Title IX compliance is another key factor, as HBCUs must ensure that financial benefits for athletes are equitable across men’s and women’s sports.

For North Carolina A&T and Hampton, this decision signals a shift in how HBCU athletics operate within the CAA. While new opportunities for athlete compensation are now on the table, financial sustainability and equity will be critical factors moving forward.

Late last year, SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland explained that the house settlement will impact every school in the conference and would create some challenges. 

“The SWAC conference’s contribution to that [settlement] is $30 million. Southern University’s portion of that is $3 million, so some of the revenue is going away. There’s going to be some challenging times from a financial standpoint.”

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“I can’t fault the passion, the effort these guys play with every single night,” North Carolina A&T coach Monté Ross said after the 74-73 loss to their HBCU rivals in front of a season-high crowd of 4,218 at Corbett Sports Center. “It’s a joy to coach them every day. Every night, they just lay it out there on the line. If we keep doing that, we’ll get the Ws that we so desperately desire.”

“The stakes of just trying to get a W in the CAA right now,” Ross said. “We’ve come close. We’ve battled, rumbled. We’ve just got to keep that same type of mentality. We’ll break through.” “That’s what I tell our guys: We signed up for 40 (minutes),” Ross said. “So we’re going to play until that buzzer goes (off). Once that tip-off, we’re committed to 40 minutes.”

“I’d like to thank the fans, the students specifically,” Ross said. “That was a truly raucous crowd. I’m just sorry we couldn’t pull through.” “Sometimes it’s hard to go next-man-up when there’s no man there,” Ross said. “We’ve run into some bad luck here with injuries, but I won’t allow these guys to make any excuses.” “We’ve asked guys to step up, especially our guards, and to rebound the basketball,” Ross said. “Seventeen rebounds is just outstanding. It’s a testament to his work ethic and trying to help us wherever he can.”

NOTES: The Aggies are one of four teams nationally, with two players averaging more than 18 points per game, with Forrest at 19.2 and Glasper at 18.3. … A&T has the best number in the CAA regarding ball security, with 9.8 turnovers per game. The Aggies had nine on Monday night, though Hampton had just four. A&T has one nationally-televised game remaining when the Aggies face Campbell in Buies Creek on Monday, February 10 on CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m.   

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GREENSBORO, N.C. – Hampton University men’s basketball team defeated the North Carolina A&T Aggies 74-73 in an HBCU basketball thriller on MLK day. Prior to tonight’s victory, the Pirates had not won inside Corbett Sports Center in nine years. While HU had only attempted eight free throws, Coach Ivan Thomas’s side was able to close out the contest at the charity stripe. 

Both teams struggled to score early on in the contest. North Carolina A&T jumped out to an early lead scoring the contest’s first four points. Trevor Smith got the Pirates offense going with a jumper from beyond the arc. Hampton tied up the contest 6-6 with Wayne Bristol Jr. hitting a three. At the 11:03 mark, the Aggies jumped out to its largest lead of the night 15-6.

Noah Farrakhan provided the Pirates with a spark off the bench. The Newark, N.J. native, scored nine points before the under-eight media timeout. Farrakhan’s contribution helped Hampton go on a 17-2 run to earn their first double-digit advantage in the CAA’s HBCU rivalry. While Coach Ivan Thomas’s squad found its rhythm on the offensive end, North Carolina A&T struggled from the field. Toward the end of the first half, the Aggies went 1-for-10 from the field. With N.C. A&T’s Camian Shell made a pair of free throws, HU entered the half up 39-29.

Coming out of the first frame the Pirates had success scoring inside the paint. Tyler Rice and Richard Goods propelled HU to 22 points in the paint in the second half. With the dunk by Goods, Hampton held onto their largest lead of the night. 47-31. 

While North Carolina A&T would battle back to make it a six-point contest before the 10-minute mark, the Pirates jumped back out to a double-digit advantage. After George Beale Jr. scored back-to-back jump shots from outside the paint, HU’s offense started to come to a halt. As the Pirates could not make shots, the Aggies went 10-for-12 from the field before the final media timeout. 

With North Carolina A&T starting to make shots the Aggies cut Hampton’s lead down to five. The Aggies would eventually tie the contest 73-73 with only 18 seconds remaining. The Pirates were able to find an open Xzaiver Long with less than three seconds remaining. Long drew a foul sending him to the line with 2.4 seconds left on the clock. The Washington, D.C. native made the game-winning free throw. Hampton had a strategic miss from the charity stripe to secure the 74-73 victory over North Carolina A&T in the MLK Day HBCU hoops showdown.

Farrakhan led the Pirates in scoring with 17 points and tallied six assists along with three steals. Beale Jr. would be Hampton’s lone starter to finish the contest in double-figures with 13 points. The Pirates return to action on Thursday. Hampton University will face the Tribe of William and Mary at Kaplan Arena. Tip-off is slated for 5:00 p.m. and will be on CBS Sports Network. 

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Freeman brought energy and vision to Lincoln, transforming the program with his dynamic play. In 2022, Freeman was named CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year, showcasing his potential as a rising star within HBCU football. He continued to refine his skills, delivering critical plays under pressure and setting the stage for an even more impactful 2023 season. In 2023, Freeman elevated his game to new heights, earning CIAA Offensive Player of the Year honors. He completed 139 of 274 passes for 2,319 yards and 25 touchdowns, adding 471 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. His standout games included a five-touchdown performance against Bluefield State and a three-touchdown, 278-yard effort against Winston-Salem. In 2024, despite a more challenging year, he contributed 990 passing yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for 211 yards and four scores. Transitioning from the CIAA to Division I represents a significant milestone, not just for Freeman but for the perception of HBCU talent emerging from smaller conferences. Now at Hampton, Freeman has the opportunity to shine on a larger stage and elevate the Pirates’ offense in the competitive Colonial Athletic Association.

Peters had an equally impactful career at Shaw, where his leadership and versatility made him a cornerstone of HBCU football success. Over 27 games, he passed for 3,052 yards and 30 touchdowns, complemented by 426 rushing yards and seven scores. In his 2024 season, Peters delivered 1,478 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 151 rushing yards with three scores. His ability to adapt to game situations made him invaluable, and his performances included critical moments like a six-touchdown showcase against Albany State in 2024. As he transitions to Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Peters brings with him the experience of leading a team through both highs and lows. His composure under pressure and ability to energize an offense make him a vital addition for a program looking to rebuild in the competitive SWAC.

The moves of Freeman and Peters underscore the growing opportunities created by the NCAA transfer portal. These transitions demonstrate how standout CIAA players from Division II can seamlessly step into Division I programs and make an immediate impact. For both Hampton and UAPB, the arrival of these quarterbacks signals hope and renewed energy, potentially turning the tide for their respective teams.

Freeman and Peters are entering new chapters with high expectations. Freeman’s dynamic style could be the difference-maker Hampton needs to contend in a tough conference, while Peters’ composed leadership may provide the consistency Arkansas-Pine Bluff has been seeking. Their journeys reflect the hard work, determination, and rising prominence of HBCU football, setting the stage for what could be defining moments in their careers.

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North Carolina A&T’s men’s basketball team played its best game of the season against longtime rival North Carolina Central University (NCCU), taking down the visitors from Durham with an 85-72 victory.

“You have to be careful as a coach the way you approach a game like this,” Aggies coach Monté Ross said about the historic HBCU rivalry. “Every game is important, but there is significance to rivalry games like this game. I didn’t want them to be out there and getting emotionally drunk, where they’re just flying on emotion. And then when that emotion subsides, it’s a basketball game to play.”

The win ended an eight-game losing streak for North Carolina A&T. The Aggies (4-10) head into the New Year ready for conference play in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).

Ryan Forrest racked up 30 points, Landon Glasper poured in 25 points, and Nikolaos Chitikoudis hauled in a career-high 22 rebounds, becoming the first Aggie to snatch 20-plus boards in a single game since Bruce Jenkins did it on January 12, 2002, against Norfolk State.

Read the full game recap from NC A&T Athletics here.

Hampton (8-5) overcame a slow start on the CBS showcase before overpowering archrival Howard (5-8), 83-67, in the annual Battle of the Real HU before 4,213 fans at the Hampton Convocation Center. The victory stretched Hampton’s winning streak to five, its longest in five years.

Howard jumped to an 8-2 lead at the 12:35 mark as Hampton missed its first 11 shots from the field. The two teams combined to make just two of their first 20 shots from the field.

After misfiring on its first 11 shots, Hampton shot 11-for-19 (57.9 percent) from the field the rest of the half to lead 31-23 at intermission. Daniel Johnson came off the bench to score eight points to pace the Pirates. George Beale Jr. finished the half with six points on a pair of three-pointers. Howard’s Blake Harper led all scorers in the first half with 12 points.

Hampton outscored Howard 20-10 to start the second half to build a 51-33 lead. The lead grew to 22 with 6:01 left in the contest on a Wayne Bristol Jr three-pointer making the score 67-45. The Bison trimmed the lead to 77-65 in the game’s final minutes. But the Pirates were a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line in the final 2:08 to erase any hope of a comeback by Howard.

Hampton shot a sizzling 60.9 percent from the field in the second half while converting 17-of-20 free throws. Hampton canned 13 treys with seven players making a three-pointer in the contest. The Pirate bench chipped in 38 points in the win.  

Four players scored in double figures for the Pirates on the CBS showcase including Bristol (18), Noah Farakhan (17), Beale (13), and Kyrese Mullen (11). Howard’s Harper led all scorers with 30 points. Cameron Shockley-Okeke came off the bench to score 10 points for the Bison. Mullen also grabbed nine rebounds in the win.

Read the full game recap from Hampton Athletics here.

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HAMPTON, Va. – The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions has approved a Negotiated Resolution Agreement with Virginia-based HBCU Hampton University following a collaborative investigation into academic certification errors. Rather than engage in an adversarial process, Hampton and the NCAA enforcement staff worked together to resolve the matter, resulting in strengthened support for the university’s academic certification process.

“From the moment these violations were discovered, Hampton took this investigation seriously,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. “I am proud of how we cooperated with the NCAA and reached a collaborative agreement. Hampton University will continue to operate with the highest ethical standards and absolute integrity.”

The investigation determined that some HBCU student-athletes competed while academically ineligible due to unintentional errors in the academic certification process. These errors occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of significant staffing turnover in key leadership positions responsible for academic certification. Once new leadership was in place and operations stabilized, Hampton promptly identified the infractions and took immediate steps to address them.

To prevent similar issues in the future, Hampton has invested in additional positions to strengthen its academic certification process and implemented comprehensive best practices to ensure continued compliance.

“Hampton University has instituted a robust certification model to ensure compliance moving forward,” said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Anthony D. Henderson, Sr. “I am also pleased that our student-athletes and programs will continue to compete at the highest level, as no postseason bans, scholarship losses, or recruiting restrictions were imposed.”

This resolution highlights Hampton University’s proactive response, commitment to compliance, and dedication to maintaining its student-athlete’s academic and athletic success.

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 Following a year-long process initiated by the Ivy League’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Ivy League Council of Presidents has approved a proposal to participate in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs beginning next season.
 
“The Ivy League prides itself on a storied tradition of impact, influence and competitive success throughout the history of college football. We now look ahead to a new chapter of success and to further enhancing the student-athlete experience with our participation in the NCAA FCS playoffs,” said Ivy League Executive Director Robin Harris. “I want to commend the students on our SAAC for their thoughtful and thorough proposal as well as their commitment to the league’s legislative process.”

The Ivy League champion will now receive an automatic bid to the playoffs which will restructure the math slightly. The 24-team field will shift from 10 to 11 automatic bids (league champions) and drop the at-large bids from 14 to 13 to make up the 24-team field. In its release, the league said that it “will develop tiebreakers to determine how its automatic qualifier will be awarded when there are co-champions in the future.”

That leaves the MEAC and the SWAC as the only two FCS conferences without an automatic bid, but that’s because the two leagues participate in the Celebration Bowl. The foundational argument for the Celebration Bowl is that it provides a better payout and more national exposure for the participating schools.

The SWAC and MEAC get a guaranteed $2.4 million payout, with $1.2 million apiece going to the SWAC and MEAC to disperse to its teams. Conversely, teams must bid money to host a FCS first round game. The Celebration Bowl is televised nationally each year on ABC from the Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta.

The MEAC and SWAC are eligible for at large bids if a team isn’t playing in the SWAC Championship game or already qualified for the Celebration Bowl. Grambling and Southern would never receive invites because the Bayou Classic is played on the same weekend as the beginning of the FCS playoffs. Alabama State’s Turkey Day Classic on Thanksgiving would preclude it from any playoff invites as well.

FAMU was the last team from the SWAC to qualify for the FCS playoffs. They lost to Southeastern Louisiana 38-14 in 2021 after ending the regular season 9-2 but finishing second in the SWAC East to Jackson State.

Tennessee State (OVC) along with Hampton and North Carolina A&T (CAA) are eligible for automatic qualifiers and at-large bids from their respective conferences. TSU was the last HBCU team to make the FCS playoffs, qualifying this season as an at-large team. The Tigers lost in the first round to Montana 41-27. Prior to that TSU’s last FCS Playoff appearance came in 2013, when they defeated Butler 31-0 in the opening round before falling to Eastern Illinois 51-10 in the second round.

The Ivy League has banned teams from the postseason for decades dating back to a 1945 agreement that banned athletic scholarships for football players.

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HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton University has unveiled the 2025 Pirate football schedule. The slate includes six contests at Armstrong Stadium and six road games. Highlights of the schedule include a season-opening HBCU football matchup at 2024 Celebration Bowl champion Jackson State, the traditional Battle of the Real HU against Howard, and the annual Battle of the Bay contest against Norfolk State.

Hampton will open the 2025 campaign on the road at Jackson State on Aug. 30. It’s the first of Hampton’s four non-conference games, all versus HBCU competition. A week later, the Pirates have a home date with Elizabeth City State on Sept. 6. On Sept. 20 Hampton will play Howard in Washington, D.C. in the annual Battle of the Real HU. It will mark the 100th game in the rivalry that began in 1908. The Pirates host longtime rival Norfolk State on Oct. 4 in the Battle of the Bay to complete the non-league schedule.

Coach Trenton Boykin’s team will play at North Carolina A&T on Sept. 13 to open Coastal Athletic Association play. Following the game with Howard, Hampton travels to Elon on Sept. 27. On Oct. 11 Campbell will play at Armstrong Stadium before the Pirates take to the road for a game at Villanova on Oct. 18. Hampton will host Monmouth (Oct. 25), Maine (Nov. 8), and William & Mary (Nov. 15) before ending the season on the road at Rhode Island (Nov. 22).  

Hampton will celebrate its HBCU Homecoming on Oct. 25 against Monmouth. Homecoming has been an annual event at Hampton since 1928. The Pirates have a 57-36-3 record in Homecoming games.

2025 Hampton University Football Schedule
Times TBA

* – at Washington, D.C.
^ – Homecoming 
To purchase Hampton football tickets, go to hamptonpirates.com/tickets

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ATHENS, Ga. – Tyra Kennedy’s running jumper in the lane beat the overtime buzzer as the HBCU women’s basketball team at Hampton University rallied from a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat SEC opponent Georgia 76-74 in overtime on Sunday afternoon.

The win for Hampton (2-4) snaps a four-game losing streak and is the first win over a Power Four opponent since defeating Alabama of the SEC 64-61 on November 9, 2019, at Alabama.

“I tried to get them to play the game in four-minute blocks and they did a good job at that. I told them Georgia was going to make a run, and they did, hats off to them,” said Hampton Head Coach Tamisha Augustin. “We wanted to give them a lot of different looks and some of which had not been scouted just yet. Some things I just drew up in the dirt and they said, ‘We got it’ and went with it. It made a huge difference in what their approach was in the game today.”

Hampton forced overtime outscoring Georgia (5-4) 22-8 in the fourth quarter and tied the game at 70 on an Amyah Reaves 3-pointer from the corner with 4.9 seconds left. The Bulldogs could not pull a shot at the end and the HBCU vs SEC game went into overtime.

“That’s the biggest shot of her career,” said Augustin. “Sometimes it takes some time for that confidence, and she let it fly at the right time.”

In the overtime, Jenae Dublin put her HBCU on top with a foul line jumper at the 3:36 mark 72-70. Roxane Makolo put the Bulldogs back on top with a driving layup at 3:12 and a free throw 20 seconds later to lead 73-72 with 2:52 on the clock.

Amiya Evans pushed the lead to 74-72 for Georgia with a free throw with 52 seconds, but Dublin answered with a layup off a Le’Asia Foreman feed to even the game with 32 seconds on the clock.

Asia Avinger missed a jumper that was snared by Foreman with five seconds left. Foreman found Kennedy on a breakaway and her jumper from inside the lane beat the buzzer.

“Tyra heard my voice, she’s been really good about that,” said Augustin. “That band was yelling, it was loud, and my voice was getting drowned out. She heard me saying let it fly. I told them, ‘Make or miss I am going to ride with you, but if you hear me, let it fly.”’

Georgia scored the first points of the fourth quarter to take their largest lead of the game at 64-48 on a jumper by Asia Avinger 23 seconds into the frame. The HBCU squad methodically worked their way back into the contest and trailed 67-66 with 99 seconds left after Jasha Clinton went 1-for-2 from the line.

Fatima Diakhate put Georgia up 69-66 on a layup with 54 seconds left and Avinger went 1-of-2 from the line with 29 seconds remaining to lead 70-66. Clinton was 1-for-2 from the line, but Hampton forced an offensive foul from Amiya Evans with 23 seconds for one last chance.

Kennedy missed a 3-pointer with 12 seconds, but Foreman gathered the rebound. She fed Kennedy who found Reaves in the corner and the senior drained the triple to force OT at 70. Hampton was led by Clinton with season-highs of 20 points and five steals, while Dublin added 15 points and a team-best six rebounds. Reaves rounded out the double-figure crew with 12 points and four assists.

As a team, Hampton hit a season-best 29-of-60 from the floor (48.3%), 7-of-15 from the 3-point line (46.7%), and was 11-of-14 from the foul line (78.6%). The HBCU by the Bay forced the SEC squad into a season-high 32 turnovers and converted those into 32 points. The bench outscored Georgia’s bench 28-23.

“They were due for this game. They really had buy-in, and they are starting to understand how hard and detailed you have to be at getting things done,” Augustin said. “Forcing 32 turnovers is a great defensive effort. We knew they were going to hurt us on the boards, and we had some big shots from different players. We were all connected as a unit today and I am glad they are able to experience this feeling.”

The Hampton Lady Pirates are now off until December 12 when they host East Carolina at 11 a.m.

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“We are honored to partner with Mielle,” said Tamisha Augustin, Hampton women’s basketball head coach. “Mielle is an innovator in textured hair products and care. We value our relationship and appreciate their efforts in proudly contributing to the success of our program.”

In just 10 years, Mielle has reached unprecedented heights as the fastest-growing global textured hair care brand by offering innovative, affordable, and high-quality hair care products crafted especially for textured hair. Mielle understands the importance of giving back and nurturing partnerships to foster mutual growth and build a lasting legacy. As the Official Textured Hair Care Partner of the WNBA, Mielle celebrates the beauty of textured hair, offering high-performing products for high performers.

Monique Rodriguez, CEO of Mielle, also shared her excitement about the partnership. “We’re thrilled to announce our multi-year partnership with the Hampton University Lady Pirates basketball team. As champions of women in sports and HBCU excellence, we’re pleased to support these trailblazing athletes who continue to break barriers and are credited with the most NCAA tournament appearances among HBCU women’s basketball programs! We are proud collaborators in empowering the next generation of athletes who will shape the future with confidence and pride in their textured hair. Let’s Go Pirates!

-Courtesy: Hampton University Athletics

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HAMPTON, Va. – This season, Hampton hosted three nationally-ranked Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) football teams at Armstrong Stadium. And in each case, the game went down to the wire. Earlier this season, Hampton fell to No. 20-ranked Rhode Island 46-44 in double overtime and to No. 13-ranked Villanova 20-14. In the 2024 home finale, Hampton (5-6, 2-5) drove to the 28-yard line in the game’s final seconds against No. 11-ranked Richmond (9-2, 7-0) needing a field goal for a tie or a touchdown for the win but were unable to convert one last first down in a 24-21 loss to Richmond.

Hampton outgained the Spiders 391-322, had 24 first downs to Richmond’s 16, and ran 79 plays to Richmond’s 55.

But Hampton couldn’t quite recover from a slow start. On Richmond’s first play on the game, Zach Palmer-Smith broke loose on a 54-yard run to the Hampton 21-yard line. An 11-yard Spider pass completion followed by a Hampton penalty moved the ball to the eight. Two plays later, Palmer-Smith, who finished with 166 yards rushing and two TDs, scored from three yards out. Sean O’Haire’s PAT made it 7-0 just 1:56 into the game.
Hampton mishandled the ensuing kickoff and the opportunistic Spiders recovered the fumble at the 27-yard line. Richmond successfully gambled on fourth down and converted setting up an eight-yard pass from Camden Coleman to Landon Ellis to pad the lead to 14-0 with 9:16 left in the first quarter with the Pirates yet to run a single play from the line of scrimmage.

With Chris Zellous at the helm, Hampton drove 75 yards in 14 plays capped by Tymere Robinson’s three-yard TD run. Brian Csehoski’s extra point made the score 14-7 with 2:37 to in the first period. The Pirates converted four third-down plays in the drive and Zellous completed all six of his passes.

Offenses ruled the first period with Richmond amassing 118 yards and Hampton totaling 75 in its lone possession. Zellous was 6-for-6 passing for 48 yard and Coleman finished the quarter 6-for-7 for 47 yards a score. On a fourth-and-10 play, Richmond lined up for the game’s first punt but on a fake, Aaron Trusler rushed 12 yards for the first down. The Pirate defense held and Trusler’s 50-yard punt was downed at the one-yard line. Hampton moved the ball 73 yards to the 24-yard line before turning the ball over on downs.

Richmond’s O’Haire booted a 46-yard field goal to pad the Spider’s lead to 17-7 at halftime.

Both teams turned the ball over on fumbles early in the third quarter. With Mays at quarterback, the Pirates attempted a long pass to Brennan Ridley. Diving to make the catch, the ball was jarred loose for an incompletion. Following a Hampton timeout, the Pirates ran the exact play again and this time Ridley hauled in the pass from Mays from 40 yards out to trim the Spider’s lead to 17-14 with 6:31 to go in the third quarter.

But the Spiders responded with a score of their own. Richmond drove 75 yards in eight plays with Palmer-Smith carrying the ball the final yard to increase Richmond’s lead to 24-14 with 2:03 to go in the period. Mays engineered a 16-play, 75-yard drive which resulted in a touchdown with 9:58 left. Mays called his own number and bulled over from the one-yard line to slice the Richmond lead to 24-21.

The Spiders drained 7:19 off the clock on their next drive. But the Pirate defense held on a fourth-and-one play when Tre Everett stopped Palmer-Smith for a one-yard loss with 2:39 to go. Hampton moved the ball 46 yards in 13 plays moving to the Richmond 38-yard line but could get no closer and turned the ball over on downs.

Hampton quarterback duo of Mays and Zellous excelled against the Spiders. Mays passed for 107 yards and a score and rushed for 53 yards and another score while Zellous was 10-of-12 passing. Ridley hauled in five passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Terrence Lane II led the Pirates with eight tackles followed by Will Hicks and Jordan White, who had seven stops each.

Hampton will close out the regular season next Saturday when the Pirates play at Albany.

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HAMPTON, Va. – In an HBCU vs PWI game in the Coastal Athletic Conference (CAA) that was delayed 15 minutes after the Villanova team bus was stuck in traffic trying to navigate the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, the Wildcats (7-2, 4-1) edged Hampton (5-4, 2-3) 20-14 at Armstrong Stadium. Hampton’s crushing defense held the No. 13-ranked Wildcats at bay throughout. The CAA football game was as close as the statistics. Villanova finished with 241 total yards to Hampton’s 239 and both teams ran 64 plays and each finished with 12 first downs.

Hampton was the first to put points on the scoreboard. Aided by three Villanova penalties, Hampton rook the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards in nine plays, and scored when quarterback Chris Zellous connected with Kymari Gray on a six-yard pass to give the Pirates a 7-0 lead 3:14 into the game. Ja’Quan Snipes was key, rushing for 37 of the team’s 75 yards on four carries.

Midway through the first quarter, Villanova’s Tyrell Mims intercepted a Hampton pass at the 29-yard line. The Wildcats were unable to move the ball and Ethan Gettman missed a 29-yard field goal attempt. But Gettman got another chance later in the quarter. This time, he booted a 42-yard field goal with 2:13 left to make it 7-3 at the end of the opening quarter.

Neither team was able to mount a drive the rest of the half and the Wildcats took a 10-7 lead to the locker room. Both defenses excelled in the opening half. The Pirate defense limited the Wildcats to just 95 total yards, less than three yards per play and Villanova completed just 3-of-13 passes. Hampton had 102 yards on offense with 92 yards on the ground. The offensive star for the Pirates was Snipes who finished the opening half with 70 yards rushing on 10 totes.

The Wildcats offense came to life in the second half. Taking the second-half kickoff, Villanova drove 52 yards in 10 plays. The Pirate defense stiffened and Gettman booted a 40-yard field goal to put the Wildcats up 13-7 with 10:06 left in the third quarter.

On their next possession, Wildcat quarterback Connor Watkins hit Jaylan Sanchez with a 72-yard pass to the Hampton one-yard line. On the next play, linebacker Brendan Bell lined up in the backfield. Bell got the handoff and dove into the endzone for the score giving Villanova a 20-7 lead with 4:59 left in the third quarter.

Hampton’s offense took control on the ensuing possession. Sparked by a 27-yard pass from Zellous to Snipes, Hampton scored its first touchdown since its initial possession of the game. Zellous scored from one-yard out with 1:03 left in the third quarter and Brian Csehoski’s extra point cut the Hampton deficit to 20-14.

The defenses took control in the fourth quarter and neither team threatened to score. Snipes finished with 85 yards on the ground and Zellous rushed for one touchdown and passed for another to lead the HBCU by the Bay. Freshman Michael Matthews-Canty had seven tackles as did Akie Nance and Tre Everett.

The HBCU football Pirates return to action next Saturday when Hampton plays at Towson in CAA football action on Nov. 9 at 1:00 p.m.

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HAMPTON, Va. – It was a happy HBCU Homecoming for Hampton University (5-3, 2-2) as the Pirates dominated CAA foe Elon (2-6, 1-3) and scored a 41-21 victory over the Phoenix. Hampton dominated play on both sides of the line, and, with the victory, equaled last year’s total win total.

The Hampton’s opportunistic defense paved the way for the game’s score. In Elon’s first possession, an errant snap from center sailed over quarterback Matthew Downing’s head. In the scramble for the loose ball, Hampton recovered at the Elon three-yard line. Just 1:14 into the contest, Ja’Quan Snipes scored to put the Pirates ahead 7-0. The Pirates lead grew to 10-0 when Brian Csehoski booted a 32-yard field goal with three seconds left in the opening quarter.

Elon got on the scoreboard midway through the second quarter. Hampton University took over inside its own five-yard line after a Phoenix punt. But the Pirates mishandled a handoff and Elon recovered at the Hampton six-yard line. Downey’s six-yard pass to Chandler Brayboy made the score 10-7 with 8:09 left before halftime.

Hampton answered by driving 82 yards in eight plays culminating in a nine-yard TD run by Tymere Robinson, his first of three touchdowns on the day, to put the Pirates ahead 17-7. But the cushion didn’t last long. Elon completed two long passes and scored on a one-yard run by Rushawn Baker late in the second quarter to close to 17-14. The drive covered 75 yards in five plays.

On Hampton’s next drive, Elon was assessed 45 yards in penalties which put Hampton in field goal range late in the second quarter. With 22 seconds left, Csehoski connected on a 33-yard field goal to give Hampton a 20-14 lead at halftime.

The HBCU by the bay was unable to move the ball in its first possession of the second half. But on Elon’s first play from scrimmage, Manning threw to an open Onuma Dieke, who ran untouched 70 yards for the score to put the Pheonix ahead 21-20, its only lead of the game.

Quarterback Malcolm Mays led the Pirates on an efficient 72-yard, 11-play drive capped off by Robinson’s 12-yard run to put the Pirates back on top 27-21 with 9:36 left in the third stanza.

The Pirates opened the final quarter with their fourth touchdown of the day. Mays connected with Kymari Gray from six yards out to put the Pirates ahead 34-21 with 14:52 left.

With the endzone at its back, Hampton started its final scoring drive from the seven-yard line. Propelled by a 66-yard run by Snipes, Hampton drove the ball 93 yards in seven plays. Robinson scored on a five-yard run to put the Pirates ahead 41-21. The Pirate defense kept the Phoenix at bay the rest of the way.

For the game, the Pirates registered six quarterback sacks and eight tackles for loss. The offense was led by Snipes, who finished with 109 yards rushing and a score, and Robinson with 66 yards and three touchdowns.

Hampton University finished the day with 381 yards of offense while holding Elon to just 168 total yards. Hampton ran 80 plays to just 52 for Elon and the Pirates had a huge edge in time of possession, 36:17-23:43. Hampton had just two penalties for 15 yards while Elon was whistled for nine penalties totaling 99 yards.

Hampton hosts Villanova in CAA football action on Nov. 2 at 1:00 p.m. at Armstrong Stadium as the HBCU continues to find its footing in the 16-team CAA.

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GREENSBORO – It was going to be the greatest story of North Carolina A&T’s 2024 season so far.

Or so it looked for about 15 minutes.

But Hampton interfered, spoiling the football part of the Greatest Homecoming on Earth on an otherwise glorious mid-October Saturday afternoon for HBCU football. The 59-17 result stung for the Aggies, whose occasional highlights get muted by penalties and turnovers.

There were no celebrations within the football facility despite the clamoring noise in the parties surrounding the stadium, where more than 23,000 fans had gathered earlier.

“That was an abject failure in every form and fashion,” Aggies coach Vincent Brown said. “We looked like a poorly coached team, and I own that.”

A&T’s good moments came early in its first game at Truist Stadium in more than a month. The Aggies led 14-3 early in the second quarter when there was a brief delay because of a drone over the field. The momentum’s shift had already begun and there was no reversing it.

“I am utterly sick,” said Brown, whose team dropped to 1-6 overall and 0-3 in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). “The way we started (with such promise), it’s so disappointing.”

Homecoming heroes were lining up for the Aggies, and some were first-time participants in A&T’s annual HBCU football showcase of Aggie Pride. Freshman Tre Mittman intercepted a pass to shorten Hampton’s first possession of the game. Mittman’s efforts were followed two plays later by Cameren Dalrymple’s 5-yard touchdown run. A&T’s momentum grew when Wesley Misenheimer recovered a Hampton fumble. The Aggies converted on freshman Daniel Coles’ 17-yard catch from quarterback Justin Fomby for a 14-0 lead.

“I’m thinking maybe this is our breakout moment offensively,” Brown said.

It unfortunately was not.

The only points A&T could muster the rest of the way came on Andrew Brown’s 31-yard field goal in the final minute of the third quarter. The Pirates rattled off 31 consecutive points. Later, they outscored A&T by 28-0 in the fourth quarter.

The Pirates (4-3, 1-2) snapped a two-game skid just days after Trent Boykin was elevated from Hampton interim coach to head coach. Some locals on the Hampton roster had their own homecoming action, with Grimsley alum Chris Zellous firing a touchdown pass and Randleman graduate Ja’Quan Snipes running for two touchdowns and a game-high 71 yards.

“We knew that they were going to be ready to play,” Boykin said. “They were going to be excited. We didn’t panic.”

The Pirates went back to Virginia, leaving the Aggies to ponder how they’ll pick up the pieces. A&T’s defense surrendered 231 rushing yards. Fomby threw for 240 yards, though he was intercepted twice. Ger-Cari Caldwell made five catches for 98 yards, approaching his 130 yards from the previous game at Richmond.

On defense, Kade Moledor was in on 10 tackles. A&T has five games remaining, five more times to figure it out. Brown pointed to what have been months of establishing a foundation, and he is not ready to stop building on that foundation.

“There will be many people on the outside looking to tear down,” Brown said. “… I see the big picture.”

Brown said that in his football career as a player and coach, he has learned that challenging times are what have helped him along that way. “We’re going to need tremendous leadership from our players,” he said. “The lessons for our players are going to be about resiliency.”

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HAMPTON, Va. – Three Hampton University men’s HBCU basketball games will be televised nationally on the CBS Sports Network, it was announced today. This marks the 15th consecutive season that Pirates will be on national TV. The list includes a Jan. 20 date at North Carolina A&T, a Jan. 23 match-up at William & Mary, and a Feb. 22 game with UNCW at the Hampton Convocation Center.

Hampton University’s first CBS Sports Network appearance will be against HBCU rival North Carolina A&T on Jan. 20. Since joining the CAA, the series between the Pirates and the Aggies has been close. The past three meetings have gone down to the wire with the game being decided by one possession. Hampton’s closest CAA rival, the William & Mary contest slated for Jan. 23. During the Pirate’s first season in the CAA, Hampton defeated the Tribe 62-57. Coach Ivan Thomas’s Pirates final on the network is against UNCW. This marks the second straight season that the Seahawks travel to the Convocation Center. UNCW posted a 21-10 record a year ago while defeating No. 12-ranked Kentucky at Rupp Arena.

In all, 27 CAA men’s basketball games will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network in 2024-25 to continue the league’s national television presence. CBS Sports Network will show 24 regular season conference contests and its continued coverage of the Jersey Mike’s CAA Men’s Basketball Championship’s final two days with the two semifinals and title game.

These games are in addition to the two December 28 contests announced this summer for the CBS Sports Classic: HBCU Showcase in which Hampton hosts Howard and North Carolina A&T takes on North Carolina Central in a doubleheader at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on CBS and Paramount+. CBS and CBS Sports Network will televise 29 games involving CAA teams this winter, the most in league history from the conference’s national television package.

Hampton’s first game on CBS Sports Network will be the contest against North Carolina A&T on Monday, Jan. 20. Since joining the CAA the series between the Pirates and the Aggies has been close. The past three meetings have gone down to the wire with the game being decided by one possession.

CBS Sports Network will televise the semifinals (March 10) and the final (March 11) of the 2025 Jersey Mike’s CAA Men’s Basketball Championship from the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., as part of the lead-up to CBS’ coverage of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.

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GREENSBORO, N.C.  – After a shaky start in which Hampton (4-3, 1-2) fell behind 14-0 in the game’s opening minutes, the Pirates kept their composure and battled back to post a 59-17 win, spoiling the North Carolina A&T Homecoming celebration with a loss to the only other HBCU football team in the CAA.

The Pirates turned the ball over twice in the first minutes and the opportunistic Aggies (1-6, 0-3) took full advantage. Hampton’s first possession ended in an interception. On the first play from scrimmage, North Carolina A&T quarterback Justin Fonby connected with Geri-Cari Caldwell on a 40 pass. On the next play, Cameren Dalrymple ran it in from five yards out to give the Aggies a quick 7-0 lead. Hampton fumbled the ensuing kickoff. Fonby connected with an open Daniel Coles for a 17-yard score and a 14-0 lead.

But Hampton dominated the rest of the contest.

Malcom Mays, making his first start at quarterback for the Pirates since 2022, finished the day with 8-of-10 passing for 108 yards. In the first quarter, Mays was forced to temporarily leave the game after losing his helmet after being tackled. With Greensboro, N.C., native Chris Zellous at the helm, Hampton drove downfield and got on the scoreboard with a 29-yard field goal by Brian Csehoski to make the score 14-3 midway through the first quarter of this highly anticipated HBCU football contest.

Hampton moved the ball 76 yards in 13 plays to score its first touchdown of the day on an 18-yard run by Asheboro, N.C., native Ja’Quan Snipes to close to 14-10. Snipes was the game’s leading rusher with 71 yards and scored two touchdowns. Hampton took its first lead of the game with 5:00 left in the second quarter on a pass up the middle from Zellous to Dorrian Moultrie covering 40 yards. The score lifted Hampton to a 17-14 lead following Csehoski’s extra point.

Late in the second quarter, Mays returned to the field for the Pirates. Hampton moved the ball into Aggie territory before Mays completed a 58-yard TD pass Brennan Ridley to make the halftime score 24-14 at halftime.

Hampton opened the second half with an efficient six-play, 48-yard drive culminating in a two-yard TD run by Snipes to put the Pirates ahead 31-14. A&T answered with a field goal by Brown with 31 seconds left in the third period. The Pirates led 31-17 after three quarters of play.

With Mays at quarterback, Hampton moved the ball 76 yards in five plays and scored with 13:10 left in the contest. Donovan Shepard 31 run dashed 29 yards up the middle to up the lead to 38-17.

Hampton’s Tymere Robinson scored on an eight-yard run capping a short five-play, 27-yard drive. On the ensuing kickoff, the Aggies failed to cover the ball as it rolled in the end zone and Hampton’s Joseph Henry pounced on the loose ball for a touchdown. Defensive back Tre Everett III intercepted a North Carolina A&T pass and returned it 11 yards for the final score on homecoming.

Hampton won’t face another HBCU football opponent next week, but the Pirates will host Elon for Homecoming next Saturday at Armstrong Stadium.

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RICHMOND, Va. – North Carolina A&T has been selected as the favorite to win the 2024-25 Coastal Athletic Association (CAA )Women’s Basketball title, and Charleston’s sophomore guard Taryn Barbot was named CAA Preseason Player of the Year as determined by a vote of the league’s 14 head coaches.  North Carolina A&T and Hampton are the only two HBCU schools in the CAA.
 
North Carolina A&T tallied 11 first-place votes to sit atop the preseason predicted order of finish. Defending CAA champion Drexel got two first-place votes and was picked second, while Towson received one first-place vote and was chosen third. Charleston and William & Mary finished in a tie for fourth, just ahead of sixth-place Delaware. Elon, Campbell, and Stony Brook took the next three spots, followed by Monmouth, UNCW, Hofstra, Northeastern, and HBCU Hampton to round out the 14-team poll.

Barbot earned Preseason Player of the Year following an impressive rookie campaign for Charleston. Averaging 15.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists across 28 starts, the sophomore guard was highly decorated in the 2023-24 season, becoming the program’s first Coastal Athletic Association Rookie of the Year. She was also named to the All-CAA Second Team and All-Rookie Team.

 
Barbot was accompanied on the Preseason All-CAA First Team by Towson graduate student guard Patricia Anumbga, North Carolina A&T graduate student guard Maleia Bracone, Drexel senior guard Amaris Baker, and North Carolina A&T senior guard Jordyn Dorsey.
 
The Preseason All-CAA Second Team consisted of Elon senior forward Iycez Adams, North Carolina A&T junior center Chaniya Clark, UNCW sophomore guard Taylor Henderson, William & Mary senior guard Bella Nascimento, and Delaware graduate student forward Chloe Wilson.
 
North Carolina A&T went 22-12 overall and finished in a tie for third in the CAA with a 13-5 mark. The season ended on a high note as the HBCU earned their first postseason victories since 2010 and advanced to the Super 16 of the WNIT. A&T returns all five starters from last season, including 2023-24 First-Team All-CAA member Jordyn Dorsey (12.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.4 apg) and guard Maleia Bracone (11.2 ppg).

2024-25 CAA Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll

Preseason Player of the Year: Taryn Barbot (Charleston) 

2024-25 All-CAA Preseason First Team

2024-25 All-CAA Preseason Second Team

Honorable Mention: Ande’a Cherisier (So., C, Delaware); Tara Cousins (Gr., G, Delaware); Cassidy Geddes (So., G, William & Mary); Jania Hall (Gr., G, UNCW); Raven Preston (R-So., G, Elon).

*Unanimous Selection

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Bowie State, picked to finish 11th in the CIAA, came out strong in the first half, leading 43-35 at the break. The Bulldogs’ Elijah Davis played a key role, scoring 18 points and grabbing seven rebounds, while Warren Mouganda added 15 points and six rebounds to help maintain their momentum.

Hampton University, picked to finish near the bottom of the CAA, made a valiant comeback attempt in the second half, led by Noah Farrakhan’s 20 points and Kyrese Mullen’s 14-point effort. However, despite closing the gap and even taking a brief lead late in the game, the Pirates were unable to pull ahead as Bowie State’s defense held firm in the final moments.

This exhibition showcased the strength and talent present within HBCU programs, with both schools delivering impressive performances. For Bowie State, the victory over a Division I opponent was a powerful statement about the competitive quality of HBCU athletics, giving showing that the Division II basketball program could compete with larger HBCUs.

How Bowie State pulled off the D2 upset

With just over a minute left on the clock, Bowie State’s Warren Mouganda sank two critical free throws to tie the game at 69-69, then followed up with another successful free throw to push Bowie State ahead 70-69.

Hampton quickly tried to respond but missed a jumper from Noah Farrakhan, allowing Bowie State’s Victory Naboya to secure the rebound. Naboya was fouled immediately, and although he missed his first free throw, he made the second, extending Bowie State’s lead to 71-69 with just 39 seconds remaining.

Hampton had one last chance to tie or take the lead, but Farrakhan missed a layup under pressure. Teammate Xzavier Long fought hard for the offensive rebound, but his subsequent jumper fell short. In the scramble, Long grabbed another rebound but missed a crucial layup with just 17 seconds left.

Bowie State then regained possession, and Elijah Davis was fouled with 13 seconds on the clock. Davis calmly stepped to the line and hit both free throws, giving the Bulldogs a 73-69 advantage. Hampton’s Farrakhan made a fast break layup with just nine seconds remaining to close the gap to 73-71, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

In the final moments, Bowie State’s Davis turned the ball over, giving Hampton one last shot. Farrakhan drove to the basket for the potential game-tying layup, but his attempt fell short as time expired

The game not only entertained the crowd but also brought attention to the importance of showcasing HBCU matchups — even between different NCAA divisions — inspiring pride within both alumni and supporters. As Bowie State continues its season, this win over Hampton could serve as a milestone achievement for the program.

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Trent Boykin joined the Pirate staff in 2020 after serving as running game coordinator at Akron of the Mid-American Conference from 2012-18. A Jim Tressell disciple, Boykin, a veteran of 28 years of collegiate coaching experience including 10 years on the FBS level at Akron, Boston College, and Ball State.

Coaching Experience

Interim Head Coach – Hampton University

2024 – Present

• Leading the football program as the interim head coach, stepping in during the 2024 season.

Assistant Coach – Hampton University

2020 – 2024

• Served as a key member of the coaching staff, contributing to player development and game planning.
• Focused on recruiting and mentoring both offensive and defensive units.

Assistant Coach – University of Akron

2012 – 2018

• Played a vital role in the Zips’ coaching staff, specializing in offensive or defensive responsibilities, depending on team needs.
• Helped improve player performance and team strategy over a six-year span.

Assistant Coach – Wayne State University (Michigan)

2011

• Assisted in developing game strategies and coaching players at Wayne State, focusing on team progress.

Assistant Coach – Lambuth University

2010

• Contributed to the overall development of the team in a transitional coaching role.

Head Coach – Lane College

2008 – 2009

• Led the Lane College Dragons as head coach, overseeing all aspects of the football program.
• Focused on team rebuilding and program management, handling recruitment and player development.

Assistant Head Coach – Kentucky State University

2005 – 2007

• Worked closely with the head coach in developing game strategies and managing team operations.
• Played a significant role in player development and recruitment.

Assistant Coach – Ball State University

2003 – 2004

• Assisted with team operations and contributed to both player development and team performance.

Assistant Coach – Youngstown State University

2000 – 2002

• Returned to his alma mater to help in coaching responsibilities, focusing on player development and tactical approaches.

Assistant Coach – Tiffin University

1999

• Provided coaching support to the team, helping with player training and strategic implementation.

Assistant Coach – Boston College

1998

• Played a role in the coaching staff for the Boston College Eagles, focusing on team performance enhancement.

Assistant Coach – University of Akron

1996 – 1997

• Began his coaching career as an assistant at Akron, gaining foundational coaching experience and contributing to team dynamics.

Education

• Youngstown State University – Bachelor of Arts, 1995

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North Carolina A&T Overview

North Carolina A&T (1-5, 0-2 CAA) has struggled this season, particularly on defense, where they have allowed 464.5 yards and nearly 40 points per game. Offensively, A&T will need to adjust without their two leading rushers, Kenji Christian (256 yards, 1 TD) and Wesley Graves (225 yards, 1 TD), both of whom are injured. This will force A&T to rely more heavily on players like Shimique Blizzard (115 rushing yards) and Cameren Dalrymple (138 rushing yards), both of whom will need to step up.

Quarterback Justin Fomby will likely carry a larger load. He has passed for 700 yards and 5 touchdowns this season but has also thrown four interceptions. Without a consistent running game, Fomby will need to find ways to connect with receivers like Ger-Cari Caldwell (309 yards, 2 TDs) and Jayvonne Dillard (239 yards) to keep the Aggies’ offense moving.

Hampton Overview

Hampton University (3-2, 0-1 CAA) enters this matchup in better form, having scored 132 points this season while allowing 127. They feature a balanced attack, led by running back Elijah Burris, who has rushed for 389 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Malcolm Mays has seen increased action and has been effective, throwing for 356 yards and three touchdowns while adding 99 rushing yards. Mays offers versatility, as his ability to pass and run makes him a key player in Hampton’s offense, particularly with Chris Zellous also providing a dual-threat element.

Hampton’s defense has been solid against the pass, allowing only 139 passing yards per game, which could present a problem for A&T’s Fomby if he is forced into passing situations due to the injuries in the backfield. Hampton’s defense has also generated pressure, with 10 sacks so far this season.

Key Matchups

– North Carolina A&T’s Backup Running Backs vs. Hampton’s Run Defense: With Christian and Graves out, Blizzard and Dalrymple will need to carry the load. They’ll face a Hampton defense that has allowed 205.6 rushing yards per game but could key in on the run without A&T’s top playmakers.

– Malcolm Mays and Elijah Burris vs. A&T’s Defense: Mays and Burris will test A&T’s defense, which has struggled to contain the run and the pass. Mays’ dual-threat capability will be a significant factor, and if A&T cannot stop the run, it could lead to long drives that wear down their defense.

– Justin Fomby vs. Hampton’s Secondary With the running game hampered, Fomby will have to take on more responsibility. Hampton’s pass defense, allowing only 139 passing yards per game, will present a challenge. Fomby will need to avoid turnovers and take advantage of any opportunities downfield.

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HAMPTON, Va. – No. 20-ranked Rhode Island (4-0, 2-0), which had made a habit of pulling out games after trailing, posted a come-from-behind 46-44 win over Hampton (3-3, 0-2) at Armstrong Stadium in a CAA football matchup. The Pirates forced three Rhode Island turnovers and held a 31-17 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

But Rhode Island scored a touchdown with 5:56 to pull within seven points and made the game-tying touchdown with 24 seconds left in regulation setting up the overtime period. In the first overtime, both teams scored easily but Rhode Island’s extra point attempt was blocked. An off-side penalty gave the Rams another chance and Troy Groff nailed the extra point setting up the second overtime.

Hampton scored in the second overtime but the two-point conversion pass failed. Rhode Island scored and added the two-point conversion to pull out the victory.

Already this season, Rhode Island has posted last-minute wins over Holy Cross (20-17) and Long Island (28-21).

But Hampton played the nationally-ranked Rams on even terms throughout the CAA football contest. Malcolm Mays came off the bench to ignite the offense. Hampton’s starting quarterback in 2022, Mays completed 24-of-28 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Brendan Ridley hauled in eight passes for 121 yards and two scores for the Pirates. In an offensive display, the two teams had 982 yards offense as Rhode Island amassed 544 total yards and the Pirates gained 438 yards on the day.

Midway through the first quarter, Rhode Island got the ball at the Hampton 46-yard line. After a short drive, Ty Groff connected with a 33-yard field goal to put the visiting Rams ahead 3-0.

Quarterback Mays spelled Chris Zellous later in the first quarter. Mays engineered a 10-play, 59-yard drive that moved the ball inside the red zone before the drive bogged down. Brian Csehoski booted a game-tying 32-yard field goal with 1:24 left in the opening period.

On the final play of the first quarter, Rams quarterback Hunter Helms dropped back for a pass but was blindsided by Christopher Eaton Jr. and fumbled the ball. Eaton picked up the errant ball at the 16-yard line and ran it in for the score, giving the Pirates a 10-3 advantage after one quarter.

Rhode Island came back to tie the score 10-10 with 9:06 to go in the second quarter. A 31-yard run by Dewan Silas capped a four-play, 54-yard drive. But Hampton responded, driving 81 yards on nine plays culminating in a touchdown when Mays bulled in from two yards out with 1:56 left before halftime. The Pirates held a 17-10 lead at intermission.

Hampton displayed a balanced offense in the opening half with 110 yards on the ground and 111 passing yards. Rhode Island came into the game with a minus-eight turnover margin and turned the ball over three times in the first half with two interceptions and a lost fumble. Rhode Island’s Malik Grant had 106 yards on the ground in the opening half highlighted by a 55-yard run from scrimmage. Mays completed 10-of-13 passes for 101 yards for the Pirates.

The Pirates struck again late in the third quarter. Mays connected with Brendan Ridley on a 57-yard scoring strike to put the Pirates ahead 24-10 with 1:52 left in the third period. The drive covered 80 yards on just six plays.

It took Rhode Island just 42 seconds to respond. Shawn Harris Jr. hauled in a 52-yard pass from Devin Ferrell putting the Rams in the red zone. From there, Silas broke loose and scored from 14 yards out to close the gap to 24-17 with 1:10 left in the third period.

In the fourth quarter, Hampton drove to the goal line before a penalty moved the Pirates back to the seven. Hampton struggled in the red zone but a pass interference penalty gave the Pirates a first-and-goal from the two. Mays tossed a two-yard TD pass to Tymere Robinson and Csehoski added the extra point to put the Pirates up 31-17 with 7:02 left.

The 14-point lead didn’t last long. Rhode Island drove 87 yards in just three plays covering exactly one minute, scoring on a 41 pass from Farrell to Marquis Buchanan. The extra point made the score 31-24 with 5:35 to go.  

After a three-and-out by the Pirates, Rhode Island took over at the 19-yard line. A Hampton penalty put the ball at the 36-yard line. A scramble on fourth-and-five by quarterback Farrell gave the Rams a first down at midfield. The Rams later scored on a two-yard run by Grant. The extra point was blocked but a penalty gave Rhode Island another chance. On the next try, Groff booted it through the uprights tying the score at 31, sending the game into overtime.

In the first overtime period, it took Rhode Island just three plays to score on a 12-yard pass to Greg Gaines from Farrell. The extra point put Rhode Island ahead 38-31. But Hampton answered in just one play when Tyler Hatcher caught a Mays pass for 25 yards and the score. Csehoski tied the game at the end of the first overtime 38-38.

In the second overtime, Mays hit Ridley with a six-yard TD pass on a third-down play. The two-point conversion attempt failed and the Pirates led 44-38. Rhode Island scored a TD in the second overtime when Farrell bulled in from two-yards out to tie the score. Farrell called his own number and converted the two-point conversion on a two-yard run to give Rhode Island the victory.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 21, 2024) … The 100^th HBCU football meeting between Hampton (3-1) and Howard (2-2), affectionately called the Battle of the Real HU was one for the books. Although Hampton never trailed, the game went down to the final few minutes before the Pirates notched a 27-20 win for their eighth consecutive win in the series.

A crowd of 16,813 at Washington, D.C.’s Audi Field saw Hampton score the first two touchdowns. But the Bison battled back to tie the game in the third quarter. Hampton’s Ja’Quan Snipes took control and scored a touchdown late in the third quarter and another midway through the fourth quarter as the Pirates prevailed.

It looked like Hampton might pull away for an easy win.

Following a missed 39-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter by Howard, Hampton starting quarterback Chris Zellous engineered a nine-play, 79-yard drive culminating in a six-yard touchdown pass from Zellous to Tyler Hatcher with 3:51 to go in the first quarter. Brian Csehoski booted the extra point to give Hampton a 7-0 advantage.

Pirate coach Trent Boykin inserted quarterback Malcolm Mays into the line-up in the second quarter. He immediately moved the Pirates 65 yards and, after a fake handoff, rambled 34 yards up the middle for Hampton’s second score. The extra point boosted Hampton’s lead to 14-0 with 10:31 before halftime.

Hampton drove inside the five-yard line midway through the second quarter but came away empty after a fumble. Howard engineered its only drive of the first half and drove 93 yards in seven plays. The Bison scored with 1:51 to go in the half on a trick play when Tolbert pitched the ball to Kasey Hawthorne in an apparent reverse. But Hawthorne tossed a 24-yard pass to an open Richie Ilarraza in the end zone to give Howard its first points of the game making it 14-7 at halftime.

Howard fought back to tie the game midway through the third quarter. The Bison drove 77 yards and had a first-and-goal at the five-yard line. But the Pirate defense stiffened and Hampton’s Xavier Marshall forced a Bison fumble at the one-yard line and Brandon Murphy recovered. On the next possession, Eden James ran 16 yards for a score with 3:04 left in the third quarter to make it 14-14.

Snipes took control for the Pirates. Taking over on the 25-yard line, Snipes broke through the line and dashed 53 yards for a score, putting the Pirates back ahead 21-14 after three quarters. Snipes struck again in the fourth quarter. The Pirates drove 87 yards in nine plays with Snipes finding the end zone on a five-yard run. The extra point attempt failed but Hampton led 27-14.

Howard wasted no time to mount a comeback. The Bison efficiently moved the ball downfield and capped a 75-yard, 12-play drive when Tolbert ran around end for the score cutting Hampton’s lead to 27-20 with 4:22 to go. Inexplicably, the Bison decided to go for two and the conversion attempt failed, leaving Hampton with a 27-20 lead. Neither team threatened to score in the game’s final minutes. Giving Hampton its eighth straight win in the Battle of the Real HU.

The Pirates open Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play on Sept. 28 when Hampton travels to Williamsburg to take on William & Mary. Hampton will play its final HBCU football game of the regular season when the travel to Greensboro, NC to face North Carolina A&T at its homecoming on Oct. 19.

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The Pirates got on the board first in the opening quarter, when quarterback Chris Zellous connected with Tyler Hatcher for a 6-yard touchdown pass at 3:51, capping off a 9-play, 79-yard drive. Brian Csehoski’s extra point made it 7-0 Hampton.

Hampton extended their lead early in the second quarter. This time it was quarterback Malcolm Mays breaking free for a 34-yard touchdown run at the 10:32 mark, finishing a 6-play, 65-yard drive. Another extra point from Csehoski pushed the score to 14-0.

Howard, however, found life late in the second quarter. Richie Ilarraza hit Kasey Hawthorne with a 24-yard touchdown pass at 1:51, finishing off a quick 7-play, 95-yard drive that trimmed the lead to 14-7 going into halftime.

The Bison carried that momentum into the third quarter. Eden James scored on a 16-yard run at 3:04, tying the game at 14 after a 4-play, 48-yard drive. With the game seemingly shifting in Howard’s favor, Hampton responded. Ja’Quan Snipes broke off a 53-yard touchdown run with just 14 seconds left in the third quarter, reclaiming a 21-14 lead for the Pirates.

In the fourth quarter, Hampton put together a crucial 9-play, 87-yard drive that culminated in a 5-yard run by Snipes for his second touchdown of the day, giving the Pirates a 27-14 lead at the 8:34 mark.

Howard would not go down without a fight, scoring on a 2-yard run by Jaylon Tolbert with 4:12 left in the game. The Bison used a 12-play, 73-yard drive to close the gap to 27-20, but Hampton’s defense held strong in the final minutes to seal the victory.

Hampton’s ground attack, highlighted by Snipes’ two touchdowns and Mays’ big run, proved to be the difference, while Howard’s comeback effort fell just short. The Pirates improve to 3-1 in their season while taking the crown of the real HU, while Howard will look to regroup after the loss.

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Hampton’s Strong Start and QB Split

Hampton has started the 2024 season strong, boasting a balanced and high-powered offense. The Pirates are averaging over 400 yards per game, thanks to a unique quarterback system that splits time between Chris Zellous and Malcolm Mays. Zellous, a dual-threat, has already accumulated 516 total yards, while Mays has thrown for 291 yards and three touchdowns. This rotation makes it difficult for defenses to settle in.

Running back Elijah Burris is another standout, averaging nearly 90 rushing yards per game. Hampton’s defense has also been tough, holding opponents to 235 yards per game and recording 8 sacks in three games. Linebacker Tre Everett has been a force, with 2 sacks to his name.

Howard’s Preparation, Depth, and Defensive Standouts

Howard University has been building momentum under head coach Larry Scott. After a solid win against Morehouse, Scott highlighted the importance of developing depth, allowing more players to get game experience. “We were able to play a lot of guys,” Scott said. “That’s important as we build through the non-conference schedule.”

Howard will rely on backup quarterback Jalen Tolbert, who has stepped in for injured starter Ja’Shawn Scroggins. Tolbert has already proven himself, throwing for 267 yards and four touchdowns in his debut as a starter. Coach Scott has confidence in his quarterback depth, saying, “It makes you feel really good as a coach when you have someone like Jalen step up.”

On the defensive side, Howard has been formidable, racking up 10 sacks in three games. Leading the charge is Kenny Gallop, who has 29 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a half-sack. Defensive end Noah Miles has also made his presence known, recording 4 sacks so far this season. Howard’s defense will need to be at its best to contain Hampton’s versatile offense.

What’s at Stake

This game is more than just a contest—it’s about HBCU pride. The “Battle of the Real HU” is a rivalry with deep meaning for Howard and Hampton. Howard has come close to winning the past two years but fell short in the fourth quarter. Coach Scott understands the significance of this matchup: “This is a pride game,” he said during the weekly MEAC coaches call. “We’ve had this game going into the fourth quarter two years in a row and lost it. We’ve got to be ready for a four-quarter battle.”

Hampton’s defense, which allows just 235 yards per game, has proven it can shut down both the run and the pass, making this a tough challenge for Howard. However, Howard’s defense has shown it can pressure opposing quarterbacks and make key stops, giving the Bison a fighting chance.

Looking Ahead

For Howard to break Hampton’s streak, they’ll need to play a complete game—strong defense, smart offense, and no costly mistakes. Hampton’s balanced attack and experience will make this a tough task, but Howard is motivated and ready to fight for the title of the “Real HU.”

With both teams putting everything on the line, this game will surely be a four-quarter battle. Fans of HBCU football won’t want to miss it, as one team will leave with the bragging rights after the “Battle of the Real HU.”

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Zellous and the Pirates’ Offense Dominate in the Battle of the Bay

Zellous showcased his versatility throughout the contest, completing 20 of 25 passes for 185 yards while adding 60 rushing yards on just seven carries. The dual-threat quarterback was in full command of the offense, leading Hampton on a methodical 20-play, 75-yard drive to start the game. Though that drive ended with a 22-yard field goal by Brian Csehoski, it set the tone for a dominant afternoon for Hampton.

Robinson complemented Zellous’ performance by grinding out tough yards and finishing key drives. He carried the ball 11 times for 39 yards and found the end zone twice, scoring on 2-yard runs in both the second and third quarters.

After a roughing-the-passer penalty wiped out a potential interception by Hampton, Norfolk State managed to get on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Jalen Daniels connected with Jahee Blake on a 26-yard touchdown pass, but it was too little, too late for the Spartans, who fell to 1-3 on the season.

Pirates Defense Stifles Spartans

Hampton’s defense was impenetrable for most of the afternoon, limiting Norfolk State to just 106 total yards and holding their running game in check. Norfolk State managed only 58 rushing yards on 30 attempts, an average of 1.9 yards per carry, with their leading rusher, Kevon King, totaling just 22 yards on 11 carries.

The Spartans’ passing attack was equally ineffective. Daniels completed 6 of 12 passes for 46 yards, with the lone bright spot coming on his touchdown pass to Blake. Aside from that score, Norfolk State struggled to generate any offensive momentum, punting the ball seven times, with punter Noah Tracey averaging 39.6 yards per punt.

Hampton’s Ground Game in Full Control

Hampton’s rushing attack was relentless, amassing 227 yards on the ground. In addition to Zellous and Robinson, Elijah Burris chipped in with 77 yards on 23 carries, while Amaad Fosten and Ja’Quan Snipes added solid contributions. The Pirates averaged 4.6 yards per carry, wearing down the Norfolk State defense as the game progressed.

The Pirates’ dominance on the ground was balanced by an efficient passing game. Zellous was highly accurate, spreading the ball around to multiple receivers, with Brennan Ridley leading the way with 53 yards on three catches. Backup quarterback Malcolm Mays also got in on the action, completing all five of his passes for 54 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown strike to Christian Greenlaw late in the fourth quarter.

Special Teams and Takeaways

Hampton’s special teams also played a key role in the victory. Despite a missed extra point by Csehoski, the Pirates capitalized on favorable field position throughout the game, including a 17-yard punt by Norfolk State that set up their first touchdown. Hampton’s Brett Starling punted twice, pinning Norfolk State inside their 20-yard line both times.

Norfolk State’s Grandin Willcox made his lone extra point attempt, but the Spartans did not attempt a field goal. Norfolk State’s only fumble of the game came from Kiron Benjamin, and the Pirates were quick to recover, further stalling any potential Spartan momentum.

Looking Ahead

With this victory in the Battle of the Bay, Hampton moves to 2-1 and will look to continue building momentum in next weekend’s Battle of the Real HU with Howard University. Meanwhile, Norfolk State, now 1-3, will need to regroup and find answers on both sides of the ball as they prepare for next weekend’s game at VMI.

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RICHMOND, Va. – The CAA has announced its 2024-25 men’s basketball conference schedule. The conference schedule will open with a single-game HBCU rivalry on Tuesday, Dec. 3, as Hampton hosts North Carolina A&T, before the full slate begins on Thursday, Jan. 2. Conference games will be played primarily on Thursdays and Saturdays with some games flexed to Mondays. Those selections and the full multimedia schedule will be announced before tip-off of non-conference play.
 
CAA matchups will be available on FloHoops, CBS Sports Network, and local television partners throughout the league’s footprint. In addition, the semifinals and final of the 2025 Jersey Mike’s CAA Men’s Basketball Championship at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
 
The full 14-team schedule opens the second day of 2025 with the opening night highlighted by a showdown at Trask Coliseum between Towson and UNCW, foes who played three thrilling contests a year ago including a CAA Quarterfinal. The opening Saturday of league play (Jan. 4) will send the Tigers down the coast to TD Arena for a clash with Charleston, Towson’s CAA Semifinal opponent in each of the last two seasons.
 
New HBCU basketball head coach Ivan Thomas of Hampton University will make his league debut on December 3 against HBCU rival North Carolina A&T, while the CAA’s other two new head coaches – Charleston’s Chris Mack and William & Mary’s Brian Earl – will lead their first league contests on January 2 when Charleston hosts Hampton and William & Mary visits Hofstra. 
 
The opening weekend includes a game at Matthews Arena between Hofstra and Northeastern (Jan. 4), two familiar opponents who played a thrilling contest won by the Huskies in Boston a year ago on CBS Sports Network as part of the league’s Monday night national television package.
 
Early January will feature a pair of rematches for second-year league member Campbell from memorable games in the Camels’ first season as a CAA member. Campbell will visit UNCW (Jan. 4) in the in-state opponents’ first meeting since a 105-100 double-overtime win for the Camels in Buies Creek last February. Two weeks later, Monmouth will face Campbell in those teams’ rematch of an 88-87 thriller of a game last year that ended on a half-court buzzer-beater by Xander Rice.

 
Both meetings between southern rivals Charleston and UNCW will land on Thursday nights this year, as the Cougars will host first on January 23 before the Seahawks have the honors on February 13. The rematch of last year’s CAA Championship will also be on a Thursday night in Charleston, as Stony Brook visits on January 30.
 
Additional regional rivalries that earn home-and-home meetings on the calendar include Stony Brook-Hofstra (Feb. 10 in Hempstead; Feb. 27 in Stony Brook); Delaware-Drexel (Jan. 25 in Philadelphia, Feb. 20 in Newark), William & Mary-Hampton (Jan. 16 in Hampton; Jan. 23 in Williamsburg); and Elon-North Carolina A&T (Jan. 2 in Greensboro, Feb. 13 in Elon).

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Fast forward to this past weekend when I was at the Morgan State vs. Hampton football game. Hampton University’s band, known as The Marching Force, made its entrance into the stadium first, marching in with that unmistakable Hampton regality that can make an alum’s heart swell with pride. They had the precision and traditional flair that you expect from Hampton.

Then came the surprise. As I was shooting the game, suddenly, the sound of horns blasted through the air. I turned around to see the Magnificent Marching Machine making its entrance, and it was a whole different vibe. They marched in with a swagger and a sound that you’d expect to hear below the Mason-Dixon line, not in Baltimore. Their presence was loud and in-your-face, and for a moment, it felt like they were stealing the show right out from under The Marching Force.

The Marching Force seemed caught off guard, almost like they weren’t sure how to react. They just stood there, looking at Morgan’s band like, “What just happened?” It reminded me of those intense band showdowns between North Carolina A&T and South Carolina State, where the competition level is through the roof. But this time, The Marching Force didn’t seem to have a response ready, and the Magnificent Marching Machine took full advantage, carrying that energy right into the halftime show.

If we’re talking purely about sound quality, The Marching Force might have had the upper hand. Their performance was polished and refined, living up to the high expectations of Hampton’s band legacy. But the Magnificent Marching Machine brought something different to the table—raw energy and a swagger that was impossible to ignore. They’ve come a long way since I first started covering them, and their performance showed that it’s not just about playing the notes perfectly; it’s about bringing the kind of energy that makes you turn your head and take notice. This battle of the bands was more than just a musical contest; it was a statement that the Magnificent Marching Machine is no longer content to sit quietly in the background.

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Iverson didn’t seem to be at the game for any official ceremony. The Hampton football account simply posted a picture of Iverson from Saturday’s game to its social media accounts on Monday.

Allen Iverson’s deep-rooted connections to the Hampton and Newport News area in Virginia are a significant part of his legendary basketball story. Born on June 7, 1975, in Hampton, Virginia, Iverson grew up in the nearby city of Newport News, where he developed into one of the most electrifying athletes in sports history.

High school legend in Hampton community

Iverson became a local hero in both football and basketball while attending Bethel High School in Hampton. Iverson’s talent was evident from a young age, and his skills in both sports made him a standout in the local community. As a quarterback in football, he led Bethel to a state championship. His performance on the basketball court was equally spectacular, leading Bethel to another state title and establishing himself as one of the top prospects in the country. The gymnasium at his former school is now named in his honor.

The Newport News and Hampton communities rallied behind Iverson during his rise to fame, especially during a difficult period in 1993 when he was involved in a controversial bowling alley altercation that led to his arrest and a prison sentence. The conviction was later overturned, and Iverson received a second chance at his athletic career—a moment many in the Hampton Roads area view as pivotal. The experience strengthened Iverson’s bond with his hometown, as he often spoke about how the people from his community stood by him during one of the lowest points in his life.

Iverson’s legacy in the Hampton and Newport News area extends beyond basketball. He is often seen giving back to the community, whether through basketball camps, charity work, or simply connecting with the next generation of athletes. The community has rewarded their native son with his own Allen Iverson Day in the commonwealth along with the 2024 honor of naming a street after him in Newport News.

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New Leadership at Hampton

Hampton University is starting the season under interim head coach Trent Boykin, who brings nearly 30 years of coaching experience to the table. Boykin, previously Hampton’s running backs and special teams coach, now steps up to lead the Pirates with a focus on stability and winning.

Hampton’s offense will rely heavily on key players like running back Elijah Burris, who averaged 114.7 yards per game last season, and quarterback Chris Zellous, a dual-threat talent with over 2,000 total yards and 22 touchdowns. These players will be crucial if Hampton wants to improve on its 12th-place preseason ranking in the CAA and make a statement in HBCU football.

Morgan State Banking on Smith

Morgan State University, coming off a 4-6 season, is looking to sophomore quarterback Tahj Smith to ignite its offense. Smith, who took over as the starter in the final four games last year, brings a dual-threat capability, having thrown for 426 yards and three touchdowns while adding 159 yards and two scores on the ground. Morgan State head coach Damon Wilson has named Smith the starting quarterback, banking on his versatility to boost an offense that struggled in 2023.

Smith’s ability to connect with his receivers and execute new offensive coordinator Apollo Wright’s game plan will be critical for Morgan State. Improving on last season’s average of 16.1 points per game will be essential for the Bears to compete in MEAC and make a mark in HBCU football.

What to Watch

Hampton University has shown a knack for winning close games, finishing 4-1 in contests decided by seven points or fewer last season. Morgan State University, with a 4-4 record in similar situations, will need to find more consistency. Turnovers could play a major role in this game; Morgan State’s -12 turnover ratio from last season is a vulnerability that Hampton might exploit.

Morgan State’s defense, regarded as one of the best in the MEAC, will be pivotal. Led by standouts Eric Hunter and Elijah Williams, this unit will aim to disrupt Hampton’s offensive rhythm and give Tahj Smith more opportunities to drive the Bears’ offense.

The Stakes

Hampton University is picked 12th in the CAA preseason rankings, and a strong start is essential to exceed expectations. Historically, Hampton has had success against rivals like Howard, Grambling, and North Carolina A&T. A win against Morgan State University would set a positive tone for Hampton and bolster its position in HBCU football.

Bottom Line

This game is about more than just kicking off the season; it’s about setting a tone for the rest of the year. Both Hampton and Morgan State have new dynamics and are eager to prove themselves. With a long-standing rivalry and significant history in HBCU football, Hampton vs. Morgan State is set to be a hard-fought contest that will reveal where these two teams stand early in the 2024 season. The game will air on FloSports.

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HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton Director of Athletics Anthony D. Henderson Sr. announced the inductees in the 2024 Athletics Hall of Fame. Five HBCU greats from Hampton will be honored including Johnnie Barnes (football), Bruce Foxworth (men’s tennis), Fred Freeman (football), Francena McCorory (women’s track & field), and Ed Tomlin (football). Ed Tomlin is the father of Mike Tomlin, NFL head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Hampton has a rich tradition of success in athletics. We have produced elite student-athletes and legendary coaches for more than 100 years,” said Henderson. “It is an incredible achievement to be honored with induction into the Hampton Athletics Hall of Fame. We are excited to acknowledge the remarkable successes of this year’s inductees and their contributions to the storied tradition of Hampton athletics. We look forward to celebrating their enduring impact and honoring their legacies.”

The Hampton Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony is slated for Friday, Sept. 6. Cocktails begin at 5:45 p.m. with dinner and the program commencing at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the event are $50 for individual tickets and $350 for a table of eight. Tickets are available at www.hamptonpirates.com/hoftickets.

Proceeds benefit Pirate student-athletes through the Hampton Athletics Foundation.

Johnnie Barnes
Football

The most prolific receiver in Hampton history, Johnnie Barnes went on to play four seasons in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Barnes played with the Pirates from 1988-91 and finished as Hampton’s all-time leading receiver with 3,090 yards. He was the team’s leading receiver in each of his four HBCU football seasons (1988: 941 yards, 1989: 584 yards, 1990: 621 yards, 1991: 924 yards). He had 219 receiving yards vs. Livingstone in 1988, the third most in school annals, and had 176 receiving yards against Virginia State, 10th most in Hampton history. A four-year letterman, he was named All-CIAA three times. Barnes was a seventh-round draft choice by the Chargers in 1982 and played three seasons with the Chargers before finishing his NFL career with the Steelers. A standout track athlete, Barnes also earned Indoor All-America honors in 1988-89, 1989-90, and 1990-91 in the 400m dash and outdoor recognition in 1989, 1990, and 1991 in the 400m dash as well as the 400m hurdles in 1991.

Bruce Foxworth
Men’s Tennis

A four-year HBCU letterman from 1975-78, Bruce Foxworth teamed with Roger de Santis Guedes to win the 1976 NCAA Division II doubles championship. He played in the USTA (21 and under) circuit in 1976 and 1977. He won the National Amateur Clay Court Championship in 1977 and advanced to the semifinals of the singles competition at the 1977 NCAA Division II National Championships. He played at No. 2, helping Hampton win the 1976 NCAA Division II national championship. The Pirates advanced to the championship in 1978, finishing second. Foxworth finished his Hampton career with a 71-11 record in singles play and a 50-18 record in doubles action. During his career, he made the main draw at the French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open. He passed away in 2021 after a two-year battle with prostate cancer. “Next to Arthur Ashe, I believe that Bruce Foxworth is the finest Black tennis player in America,” Dr. Robert Screen said.

Fred Freeman
Football

One of Hampton’s most successful football coaches, Fred Freeman spent two seasons as defensive coordinator for the Pirates (1981-83) before being elevated to the head coaching position, replacing Ed Wyche. He served as head coach from 1984-91 and his teams posted a 49-31-4 record in eight HBCU football seasons. Freemans’ 49 wins place him third on Hampton’s all-time wins list behind legendary Joe Taylor and Gideon Smith. His 1995 Pirate team finished with a 10-2 mark, won the CIAA crown, and advanced to the NCAA Playoffs. From 1987-89, Hampton compiled a 24-7-1 record including finishes of 9-3, 7-3, and 8-1-1. Freeman played his collegiate football at Mississippi State and was drafted by the New York Giants in the 1967 NFL Draft.

Francena McCorory
Women’s Track & Field

Francena McCorory won the gold medal in the 4x400m at both the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics and at two World Championships. She also took home the bronze in the 400m at the 2011 World Championships. “Francena is the greatest female track & field athlete to ever come out of the Hampton Roads Area,” said Coach Maurice Pierce. While attending HU, she won three national titles. Those included the 2009 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship and both 400m titles in 2010 (both indoor and outdoor). When she crossed the finish line in the 400m at the 2010 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship, McCorory set the NCAA and American record with a time of (50.54). She attended Bethel High School where she set a National High School Indoor Record in 2006 with a 400m time of 51.93. She was inducted into the MEAC Hall of Fame in 2017, and the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.

Edward Tomlin
Football

Edward Tomlin played football at Hampton from 1965-67. He led the team in scoring all three years (30 points in 1965, 66 points in 1966, and 67 points in 1967). Tomlin played under Coach Mel Labat and helped lead the Pirates to a 6-3 record in 1966. The Pirates were 11-15 during Tomlin’s career. A native of Ocala, Fla., Tomlin was a star HBCU halfback at
Howard High where he was also a standout baseball player. He was a 10th-round (270 overall) pick in the 1968 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts but signed with the Montreal Alouettes after a bidding war between the Alouettes and Colts. He played for Montreal until an ankle injury sidelined his career. After his retirement, Tomlin became active in the civil rights movement. His son, Mike Tomlin, is the highly successful head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tomlin passed away on Jan. 16, 2012.

Lifetime Achievement
Donovan Rose

Donovan Rose has worn many hats at Hampton since first arriving on campus in the fall of 1975. A former HBCU student-athlete, NFL player, football coach, and executive director of JET (Job Education Training) Corps, and the H.O.P.E. program (Hampton Opportunity Program for Enhancement), Rose currently serves as Assistant Director of Athletics for Event Management. Rose served as an assistant football coach and was head coach of the Pirates from 2009-13. The 1979 Hampton graduate was an All-CIAA performer and was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. He signed to play in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1980, and also played for championship teams in the Canadian Football League, winning the Grey Cup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1984. In 1986, Rose joined the Miami Dolphins and led the team in interceptions, before retiring in 1988. In 2003, he was awarded the AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year in Division I-AA and the All-American Football Foundation Mike Campbell Top Assistant Coach Award.

Team of Distinction
1972 Hampton Baseball

Hampton’s 1972 baseball team was highly motivated and determined. They were a team on a mission. The reason was simple. They had been informed that the team would be disbanded at the end of the season. Playing with a chip on their shoulders, the Pirates would go out winners by capturing their first CIAA Championship in nearly half a century. The Pirates would finish the season with a 10-2 record in CIAA play. Hampton clinched the CIAA title by defeating Virginia State in Petersburg in the final game of the season. Among the highlights of the season was a 6-2 victory over Division I William & Mary. Bobby Martin was named CIAA Coach of the Year and outfielder David Neverson, second baseman Doug Palmer, and pitcher Al Barley earned All-CIAA honors in HBCU baseball.

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HAMPTON, Va. — Hampton University graduates and former HBCU roommates Edose Ibadin and Chidi Okezie wrapped up competition for Nigeria in the Paris Olympic Games in early August.

“Our two former Pirates, Edose Ibadin and Chidi Okezie represented themselves, their family, their country, and the university well at the Paris Olympic Games,” said Hampton head coach Maurice Pierce. “Competing in the Olympic Games is our sport’s highest honor and we are very proud of them”. 

Pierce coached both HBCU athletes during their time at Hampton. Ibadin competed in the men’s 800m race.

“What it meant to be able to compete at the Olympics is that my hard work has not only paid off but the people who have invested in me over the years got a huge return,” said Ibadin. “I may have been competing on the track individually but I was not alone. There have been so many people who have been a part of my journey and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Ibadin continued, “This has been a dream come true and I know I’ll be able to carry this experience with me for the rest of my life. Who I have become on this journey to the Olympics will for sure help me in many other areas of my life.”

Okezie also ran for Nigeria in the mixed 4x400m, the men’s 400m, and the men’s 4x400m.

“It’s definitely a great experience,” said Okezie. “Being able to run on the track in multiple events, the 400m and the 4x400m relay. I didn’t get the results that I wanted, but the experience to get on the track and seeing my daughter watching me run was amazing. Watching her face light up after the race, couldn’t have asked for more.”

Okezie also explained that running on the track at the Paris Olympic Games was sensational. “Coming from the tunnel, hearing the crowd, 80,000 from the stands…it was like a dream come true.”

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We will have to wait until 2026 to make the long-awaited return to Aggie Stadium.

The policy of not inviting opposing marching bands to perform at its homecoming – billed as the Greatest Homecoming On Earth (GHOE) by its alumni and administration – reportedly goes back for the better part of a decade. The lone exception to that ruling was when North Carolina A&T hosted then-MEAC foe Norfolk State for homecoming 2018. The NSU Spartan Legion did take up precious real estate in then-Aggie Stadium, which lists its capacity at 21,500.

NSU’s rivals from across the bay won’t be afforded the same opportunity to face off against the Blue and Gold Marching Machine. The NC A&T band did travel to Hampton last season when it was the homecoming invitee.

Should HBCUs be expected to extend the opportunity to perform at halftime to other HBCUs during homecoming? 

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The rivalry was particularly intense during the era of legendary head coach Joe Taylor, who had the unique distinction of coaching both programs. Taylor led Virginia Union from 1984 to 1991, where he built a powerhouse team, winning a CIAA title in 1986. His success at Virginia Union caught the attention of Hampton University, where he took the reins in 1992. Taylor transformed Hampton into a national contender, guiding the Pirates to multiple CIAA titles before leading the program to the MEAC and Division I-AA.

Taylor’s connection to both HBCU programs added an extra layer of intensity to the rivalry. His coaching philosophy, which emphasized discipline, hard work, and a commitment to excellence, became the hallmark of both programs under his leadership. 

The two programs went their separate ways in the mid-1990s when Hampton catapulted itself into Division I-AA. Both programs eventually developed tighter rivalries with their closer conference counterparts – Virginia State for Virginia Union and Norfolk State for Hampton. 

The rivalry was reignited in 2019 after a long hiatus, with Virginia Union knocking off its FCS competitor, reminding fans of the deep historical significance of these two programs. 

The two schools are set to meet up on Sept. 7, 2024 – five years to the date of that most recent meeting. 

This matchup not only honors the past but also serves as a bridge connecting generations of players, coaches, and fans who have shaped the legacy of HBCU football. The Hampton-Virginia Union series remains a symbol of excellence, tradition, and the enduring spirit of competition in HBCU athletics.

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Okezie will first take part in the mixed 4x400m relay (Aug. 2, 1:10 pm EST) while Edose Ibadin will kick off his first race in the 800m at 5:55 am EST on Aug. 7.

For the results, click this link here.

Okezie, a 2015 graduate, has qualified for Nigeria’s 4x400m relay team, along with the mixed 4x400m relay squad and the 400m individual event.
While at Hampton, he was an HBCU All-American sprinter and was awarded All-MEAC honors in indoor and outdoor track in the 200 and 400-meter dash along with the 4x400m relay.

Okezie also was part of the United States 4x400m relay team that won a gold medal at the 2012 World Junior Championships in Barcelona. He reached the finals of the 400m at the 2018 Commonwealth Games while also running the anchor leg of the 4x400m relay. At the 2018 African Championships, Okezie earned a bronze medal in the 400m. He also anchored the Nigerian 4x400m relay team which earned a bronze medal.

Ibadin also graduated in 2015. He has qualified for the 800m.

As a Hampton University Pirate, Ibadin was named Second Team All-American in the 800m, and First and Second Team All-MEAC in HBCU track across the 800m and 4x400m.

He currently holds the Nigerian record in the 800m at 1:44.65. He helped Nigeria win the gold medal in the 4x100m relay at the 2023 African Games.

A full Paris Olympics schedule is listed here below (Times are subject to change)

• (Chidi Okezie) Aug 2^nd Mixed 4×400 first round 1:10 pm EST
• (Chidi Okezie) Aug 3^rd mixed 4×400 final 2:55 pm EST*
• (Chidi Okezie) Aug 4^th 400m first round 1:05 pm EST
• (Chidi Okezie) Aug 5^th 400m Repechages 5:28 am EST*
• (Chidi Okezie) Aug 6^th 400m semifinals 1:35 pm EST*    
• (Edose Ibadin) Aug 7^th 800m first round 5:55 am EST
• (Chidi Okezie) Aug 7^th 400m final 3:20 pm EST*
• (Edose Ibadin) Aug 8^th 800m Repechages 6:08 am EST*
• (Chidi Okezie) Aug 9^th 4x400m first round 5:05 am EST  
• (Edose Ibadin) Aug 9^th 800m semifinal 5:30 am EST*
• (Edose Ibadin) Aug 10^th 800m final 1:05 pm EST*
• (Chidi Okezie) Aug 10^th 4x400m final 3:00 pm EST*

*= depends on prior results

All races can be found on Peacock with some broadcast across NBC stations.

For the full track and field tv schedule click here.

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RICHMOND, Va. — Villanova, which posted a 10-3 record, earned a share of the CAA Football championship and reached the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs last season, has been picked to finish atop the CAA Football standings in 2024 according to a vote of the league’s head coaches. North Carolina A&T and Hampton are the only HBCUs in the CAA
 
The Wildcats received nine first-place votes and 217 points in the preseason poll. Richmond got one first-place vote and was chosen second with 189 points, while UAlbany garnered three first-place votes and finished third with 179 points. William & Mary (175 points) was close behind in fourth, and Delaware (163 points) got three first-place tallies and placed fifth. Elon (157 points) was chosen sixth, followed by New Hampshire (150), Rhode Island (142), Towson (114), Monmouth (95), Campbell (83), Hampton (62), Maine (57), North Carolina A&T (49), Bryant (46) and Stony Brook (42).

CAA Football also announced its preseason all-conference team. Villanova led all schools with six players honored while Richmond had four. Villanova’s Watkins was chosen as the preseason Offensive Player of the Year after passing for 2,681 yards and 20 touchdowns and rushing for 378 yards and 10 TD’s a year ago. Elon All-America safety Caleb Curtain was selected as the preseason Defensive Player of the Year after recording 80 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and a league-high four interceptions in 2023.

CAA Football expands to 16 members in 2024 with the addition of Bryant University and looks to continue its tradition of success. Four teams received berths in the FCS playoffs in 2023, which was tied for the second-most of any conference. The CAA has had at least one team reach the quarterfinals every year since 1995 and has had at least one semifinalist 10 times over the past 11 years, with seven different schools advancing to the final four. Twelve of the CAA’s 16 members have participated in the FCS playoffs since 2015, a feat unmatched by any other conference.

2024 CAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM
(Selected by a vote of Head Coaches)

OFFENSE
Name, School                                             Cl.          Pos.       Ht.          Wt.        Hometown
Connor Watkins, Villanova                          Gr.          QB          6-3         225        Williamsport, Pa.
Elijah Burris, Hampton                                Sr.          RB          5-10       205        Gastonia, N.C.
Griffin Woodell, UAlbany                             So.         RB          5-10       194        Glens Falls, N.Y.
Marcus Yarns, Delaware                            Gr.          RB          5-11       183        Salisbury, Md.
Bronson Yoder, William & Mary                  Sr.          RB          5-11       210        Nappanee, Ind.
Trey McDonald, William & Mary                 Jr.           FB/HB    6-6         230        Kinnelon, N.J.
Carter Runyon, Towson                             Sr.          TE           6-6         235        Fairfax, Va.
Chandler Brayboy, Elon                             Sr.          WR         6-1         199        Pembroke, N.C.
Nick DeGennaro, Richmond                      Sr.          WR         6-1         190        Old Bridge, N.J.
Anthony Johnson, Stony Brook                 So.         WR         5-11       190        Burlington, N.J.
Temi Ajirotutu, Villanova                            Gr.          OL          6-5         320        Queens, N.Y.
Fintan Brose, Delaware                             Gr.          OL          6-2         304        Irwin, Pa.
Charles Grant, William & Mary                   Sr.          OL          6-4         300        Portsmouth, Va.
Ozzie Hutchinson, UAlbany                        Gr.          OL          6-4         305        Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Will Marotta, UAlbany                                 Gr.          OL          6-5         325        Collegeville, Pa.
Ralph Paige, Jr., Towson                            Sr.          OL          6-3         305        Washington, D.C.

DEFENSE
Name, School                                             Cl.          Pos.       Ht.          Wt.        Hometown
Jeremiah Grant, Richmond                          Sr.          DL          6-2         245        South Orange, N.J.
Westley Neal, Jr., Rhode Island                   Sr.          DL          6-0         315        Miami, Fla.
Michael Otty, Bryant                                     Sr.          DL          6-2         260        Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dylan Ruiz, New Hampshire                        Sr.          DL          6-1         256        Orlando, Fla.
Josiah Silver, New Hampshire                     Sr.          DL          6-2         243        Hampton, Va.
Brendan Bell, Villanova                                Gr.          LB           6-2         230        Basking Ridge, N.J.
Shane Hartzell, Villanova                             Jr.           LB           6-0         230        Perkasie, Pa.
A.J. Pena, Rhode Island                              Jr.           LB           6-2         235        Branchburg, N.J.
CJ Tillman, Campbell                                   Sr.          LB           6-0         235        Rockingham, N.C.
Karon Prunty, North Carolina A&T                Jr.           CB          6-2         180        Portsmouth, Va.
Isas Waxter, Villanova                                  Gr.          CB          6-2         215        Newark, N.J.
Caleb Curtain, Elon                                      Jr.           S             6-1         196        Greensboro, N.C.
Ty Trinh, Villanova                                        Gr.          S             6-0         205        Owings Mills, Md.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Name, School                                              Cl.          Pos.       Ht.          Wt.        Hometown
Chandler Brayboy, Elon                                Sr.          KR          6-1         199        Pembroke, N.C.
Gabe Sloat, Rhode Island                            Sr.          PR          6-0         190        North Kingstown, R.I.
Keegan Vaughan, Towson                           Sr.          PK           5-11       165        Richmond, Va.
Aaron Trusler, Richmond                             Gr.          P             5-8         168        Melbourne, Australia
Jabril Hayes, Richmond                               Sr.          SPEC      5-11       170        Stephens City, Va.

CAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Connor Watkins, QB, Villanova
CAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Caleb Curtain, S, Elon

Honorable mention: Matthew Downing, QB, Elon; Derek Robertson, QB, Monmouth; Malachi Imoh, RB, William & Mary; Marquis Buchanan, WR, Rhode Island; Joe Gillette, WR, Maine; Jaylan Sanchez, WR, Villanova; Logan Tomlinson, WR, New Hampshire; Cooper Heisey, TE, Maine; Ryan McKenna, OL, William & Mary; Dion Crews-Harris, DL, Towson; Cazeem Moore, DL, Elon; Wayne Galloway, LB, Richmond; Ryan Toscano, LB, New Hampshire; Tyron Herring, CB, Delaware; Marcus Barnes, S, William & Mary; JoJo Bermudez, KR, Delaware; TJ Speight, KR, Monmouth; VJ Wilkins, KR, Campbell; John Opalko, PK, UAlbany; Josh Cupitt, P, Delaware; Bobby Cleary, SPEC, Campbell


2024 CAA FOOTBALL PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
(Selected by a vote of Head Coaches)

1. Villanova (9 first-place votes)                     217
2. Richmond (1 first-place vote)                     189
3. UAlbany (3 first-place votes)                      179
4. William & Mary                                           175
5. Delaware (3 first-place votes)                    163
6. Elon                                                            157
7. New Hampshire                                          150
8. Rhode Island                                              142
9. Towson                                                       114
10. Monmouth                                                   95
11. Campbell                                                     83
12. Hampton                                                      62
13. Maine                                                           57
14. North Carolina A&T                                      49
15. Bryant                                                           46
16. Stony Brook                                                  42

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NEW YORK – CBS Sports will present two HBCU rivalry games in the CBS Sports Classic: HBCU Showcase, a men’s college basketball doubleheader highlighting the HBCU experience. The action begins on Saturday, December 28 with North Carolina A&T hosting North Carolina Central (NCCU) at 2:00 PM, ET and is followed by Howard visiting Hampton at 4:00 PM, ET.

The games, which will be hosted by the teams from the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), will be played on campus — North Carolina A&T’s Corbett Sports Center and the Hampton University Convocation Center — and will capture the passion, tradition and rich history of HBCUs and their fans.

The CBS Sports Classic: HBCU Showcase will be broadcast nationally on the CBS Television Network and streamed live on Paramount+.

“As part of CBS Sports’ ongoing commitment to HBCUs, we are excited to provide a national audience for these programs, student-athletes, coaches and fans,” said Dan Weinberg, Executive Vice President, Programming, CBS Sports. “The CBS Sports Classic: HBCU Showcase will highlight two great rivalry games as well as celebrate the HBCU experience and the incredible atmospheres on these campuses.”

“The Hampton-Howard series is one of the great HBCU rivalries in college basketball, with the two teams having faced each other 92 times,” said Hampton Director of Athletics Anthony D. Henderson, Sr. “The fans of both teams always look forward to any time our two schools match up, and having CBS take an interest in nationally broadcasting this game on its primary platform to illustrate the passion and competitiveness of the players and fans will allow an unprecedented audience the opportunity to see the excitement and emotion connected to the game and HBCU basketball.”

“We’re thrilled for our men’s basketball team to play in this exciting event,” said Howard Director of Athletics Kery Davis. “We’re looking forward to renewing our long-time rivalry with Hampton in front of a national audience and we would like to thank CBS Sports for this incredible opportunity for our student-athletes.”

“Like all of the best rivalries, the competition between North Carolina A&T and NCCU is built on our shared respect and admiration for each other,” said Earl M. Hilton III, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, North Carolina A&T. “These two institutions each have a rich and storied history, and both have provided a pathway for so many Black Americans to be successful in every imaginable aspect of public service and private enterprise. Many families in North Carolina and surrounding states celebrate graduates from both universities, making this game truly a family feud. We are excited that CBS Sports will bring this historic rivalry to a national audience.”

“NC Central is excited to have the opportunity to showcase its men’s basketball program on national television at the CBS Sports Classic: HBCU Showcase this upcoming holiday season,” said Dr. Louis “Skip” Perkins, Director of Athletics, North Carolina Central. “Fans of NCCU, HBCUs and intense rivalries will be able to enjoy an Eagle-Aggie showdown that has a very significant history and importance on the rich tradition of college basketball in North Carolina when the only two Division I HBCU programs in the state take the court against each other on CBS.”

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Joe Taylor, known for his strategic acumen and ability to develop young men both on and off the field, coached at Hampton University from 1992 to 2007. Under his leadership, Hampton dominated the CIAA and then became a powerhouse in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), capturing multiple conference titles and earning national recognition. Taylor’s commitment to excellence and emphasis on character development resonated deeply with Huff, who played under Taylor in the early 2000s.

Huff talked about his mentor’s influence in a recent interview with Light On College Sports. 

“Coach Taylor taught us that football is more than just a game; it’s a platform to shape lives,” Huff reflects. “He instilled in us the importance of discipline, hard work, and integrity. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.”

After his collegiate playing days, Huff embarked on a coaching career that took him through various roles at different levels. He has had stints at Penn State, Mississippi State, and Alabama, where he contributed to national championship teams. Throughout his journey, the principles he learned from Taylor remained a guiding force.

Charles Huff has implemented many of Taylor’s teachings, focusing on building a strong, cohesive team culture at Marshall University. He emphasizes academic excellence, personal growth, and community involvement, mirroring the holistic approach he experienced at Hampton. Huff’s players are encouraged to excel in the classroom and engage in community service, embodying the values Taylor championed.

“He was always very confident and had this great personality,” Taylor told The Athletic as Huff prepared to take over Marshall football in 2021. “He was a great guy to be around, a born leader and great communicator. He was one of those guys who made coaching a joy. Whenever he walked into a room, he took over. He was always gleaming and so positive and has that knack that brings out the best in people.”

Now one of only 16 FBS African-American coaches, Huff’s influence extends beyond the football field, as he actively mentors young coaches and advocates for diversity in coaching. By carrying forward Joe Taylor’s legacy, Charles Huff not only honors his mentor but also continues to inspire future generations of athletes and coaches.

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“Joe has done an outstanding job of guiding the CAA through a challenging period in collegiate athletics,” said College of Charleston President Andrew Hsu, chair of the CAA Board of Directors. “His success in navigating a global pandemic, fortifying the conference’s membership and enhancing the league’s broadcast and streaming platforms has allowed the CAA to thrive and maintain its excellence both athletically and academically. We look forward to his continued leadership.”

D’Antonio came to the then-Colonial Athletic Association from the Big East, where he served as the Senior Associate Commissioner for Administration and NCAA Relations.

“I am extremely humbled and deeply appreciative of the opportunity to continue to serve the CAA and its member institutions,” D’Antonio said in a statement.  “Collectively, and in collaboration with the CAA Board of Directors, Athletic Directors, SWAs and a dedicated Conference staff, we have worked diligently to put the Conference in a position to meet the challenges of an ever-changing NCAA Division I landscape.  I am excited for the opportunity to continue to grow the sustainable and competitive model we have created in the CAA, while also continuing to provide our student-athletes with exceptional athletic and academic experiences.”

He has re-shaped the CAA, which has lost programs such as Old Dominion and James Madison over the past 15 years and is set to lose Delaware after this one, as well as Richmond. However, the league has added five new schools since 2022 – including HBCUs Hampton University and North Carolina A&T.

Under D’Antonio’s leadership, the CAA entered a four-year, seven-figure annual partnership with FloSports to provide live and on-demand coverage for the league’s 24 sports. More than 1,500 live events were broadcast on FloSports during the 2023-24 season. The CAA also expanded its relationship with CBS Sports Network that resulted in 24 regular-season men’s basketball games being televised last season in addition to the semifinals and finals of the CAA Men’s Basketball Championship. CBS Sports Network also carried the finals of the CAA Women’s Basketball Championship for the second year in a row.

CAA institutions have excelled in the classroom as well, ranking sixth among the nation’s 32 Division I conferences in the latest Academic Progress Rate report for the 2022-23 academic year. The CAA ranked third nationally among women’s basketball programs and fourth in men’s basketball and football.

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“Coach Feggins has a wealth of experience as a successful coach on the professional, college, and high school levels,” Hampton University  Trent Boykin said. “He is an excellent teacher and instructor and Coach Feggins is a student of the game.”  

A native of South Hill, Va., Feggins played safety and cornerback at North Carolina where he registered 169 tackles before embarking on a career in the NFL. Feggins played with the New England Patriots and the New York Giants as well as with the London Monarchs and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

He moved into the coaching ranks as an intern with the Giants. He spent two seasons in the high school ranks in Ohio before moving to the collegiate level at Wingate, Miami (Ohio), Northwestern.

He spent two seasons with the New England Patriots with the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. He served on the coaching staffs at Eastern Michigan, South Carolina State, Norfolk State, Colorado State-Pueblo, and Fayetteville State. In his HBCU coaching stops, he has five championships in seven seasons. Feggins served as offensive coordinator in the HBCU Legacy Bowl. He served as the head coach at St. Augustine’s in 2023.

Feggins spent two seasons at Colorado State-Pueblo sandwiched around coaching positions in Kentucky and Ohio. He was the offensive coordinator at Fayetteville State for one season before being named head coach at St. Augustine’s.

Many of his student-athletes have earned their diplomas and played at the next level.

A 1987 North Carolina graduate, Feggins is married to Renee Dickerson. The couple have two children, Kevin and Jensen. Jensen played football at Murray State and Colorado State-Pueblo.

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HAMPTON, Va. – Legendary HBCU football coach Gideon Smith has been nominated for the College Football Hall of Fame. Smith served as head football coach at Hampton University from 1921-1940 recording a 102-47-13 record.

He led the Pirates to the 1922 Black College National Championship and four CIAA crowns. His 1926 and 1931 teams were undefeated. The 1931 squad outscored their opponents 187-6. Known for their tough defense, the Pirates were ranked in the top 12 for fewest points allowed 10 times in Smith’s 20 seasons as head coach. He is the longest-tenured and second-winningest football coach in Hampton University history.

Smith became the first African-American athlete at Ferris State from 1910-12 before transferring to Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State). Smith was the first African-American to play any sport at Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State). When he showed up for the team’s first practice, Coach John Macklin turned him away and refused to issue him a uniform. Smith returned the next day wearing his high school uniform. Impressed with his strength of character, Macklin allowed him to join the Aggies squad where he was a standout lineman. Following graduation in 1916, Smith played briefly with the Canton Bulldogs where he played alongside Jim Thorpe.

He became a teacher at West Virginia Collegiate Institute (an HBCU that is now West Virginia State) in 1916 before moving to Virginia State College for Negroes (now Virginia State) in 1920.

In 1921, he was named head football coach at Hampton. He remained in the position for 20 years before retiring in 1940. Smith died on May 6, 1968, at the age of 78 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salem, Va. Smith was born in Northwest Norfolk County, Va., on July 13, 1889, just 24 years after the abolition of slavery.

Smith is one of 11 HBCU candidates on the 2025 ballot including Ashley Ambrose (Mississippi Valley State), Vincent Brown (Mississippi Valley State), Parnell Dickinson (Mississippi Valley State), William Dillon (Virginia Union), Carl Hairston (Maryland-Eastern Shore), Timmy Newsome (Winston-Salem State), Michael Strahan (Texas-Southern), Rod Broadway (North Carolina Central, Grambling State. North Carolina A&T), Bill Hayes (Winston-Salem State, North Carolina A&T), and Eddie Hurt (Virginia-Lynchburg).

Should Gideon Smith be elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, he would be the second Hampton head football coach enshrined. Joe Taylor’s Hampton teams won five Black College National Championships (1994, 1997, 2004, 2005, and 2006) and eight conference titles in 16 seasons from 1992-07. His squads posted a 136-49-1 record with seven NCAA FCS Playoff appearances. Taylor was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Smith was inducted into the Hampton Athletics Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 2009 and the Michigan State’s inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994.

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Hampton University quarterback Chris Zellous and Grambling State University quarterback Myles Crawley will both be in session as counselors. The Academy, which attracts the best football players in the nation, is scheduled for June 27-30 at Nicholls State in Thibodaux, La.

For 27 years, Archie, Cooper, Peyton, and Eli Manning have developed some of the best quarterback, running back, tight end, and wide receiver talent in the nation. The Academy teaches the fundamentals of the game along with basic offensive and defensive strategies.

The Manning Passing Academy brings together some of the brightest and most talented coaches and players from the professional, college and high school ranks to teach the complexities of the game.

Named the MVP of the Brick City Classic, Zellous led Hampton to a 35-31 victory over fellow HBCU Grambling State in the 2023 season-opener. Zellous passed for 155 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another 114 yards and two scores. For the season, he passed for 1,497 yards with 13 touchdowns and rushed for 559 yards and nine scores.

Zealous’ opponent at the Brick City Classic was Crawley, who participated in last season’s Manning Passing Academy. Last year he was heading into his first season as a full-time starter after transferring from rival SWAC HBCU Alabama State. He threw for 2,312 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing 64 percent of his passes. 

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Missouri State announced on Friday, May 10, 2024, that it has accepted an invitation to join Conference USA as a full-league member starting July 1, 2025.

With new FBS requirements that include a $5 million entrance fee, Missouri State will accept a $5 million donation from a “private individual” and forgo $2.5 million in media rights fees from the C-USA over 4 years.

According to a report from Footballscoop.com, The school has raised $1 million toward a $4.2 million effort to upgrade the football team’s locker room and weight room and has started a push to upgrade the school’s 17,500-seat football stadium.

A move to FBS football also requires an additional 22 scholarships to maintain Title IX compliance, Missouri State has already announced the addition of two new women’s sports programs that will utilize those scholarships.

The FBS has also replaced its attendance requirement with a scholarship requirement. Previously, FBS schools had to meet a minimum attendance requirement of an average of 15,000 people in actual or paid attendance per home football game which had to be met once in a rolling two-year period.

FBS schools must now provide 90% of the total number of allowable scholarships over a two-year rolling period across at least 16 sports, including football. Schools are required to offer at least 210 scholarships each year, amounting to no less than $6 million in athletics scholarships offered.

These requirements take effect on August 1, 2027, for existing FBS members and schools already transitioning to FBS membership. Schools applying to transition to FBS during or after the 2024-25 season will have to meet the requirement by the end of the two-year transition process.

What is missing from the Missouri State FBS move, is a tradition of winning football. The Bears of Springfield Missouri were in the same FCS conference as North Dakota State, the most dominant team in FCS football in recent years. Missouri State has had one winning season in the last 10 years, so it feels safe to say that moving to FBS should be perceived as more of a business decision than one based on how good the football team is.

Another piece of the puzzle is the blueprint of the FBS within the individual states across the country. Missouri, a state with 6.178 million people and two major metro areas, is only getting its second FBS school with the addition of Missouri State.

When you look at the makeup of our FCS HBCUs, none stick out as being in a state where FBS football doesn’t already have a significant footprint.

While the nuance of the FCS to FBS move can feel complex when you’re lost in the numbers. Missouri State heading to the C-USA provides the clearest blueprint of what it would look like for FCS HBCUs to leap into FBS football in the current landscape of the NCAA.

Schools like North Carolina A&T, Hampton, and Tennessee State are already playing outside the traditional HBCU conferences of the MEAC and SWAC, and have also shown the ability to fundraise major dollars. Could they or another school be an FBS conference invite away from putting the pieces together to become the first HBCU to play FBS football?

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Boykin spent five years in the SIAC, he was assistant head coach at Kentucky State from 2005-07, before taking over as head coach at Lane College from 2008-09. In 2008 Lane finished 4-7 before going 0-10 in 2009. The Dragons were 7-3 in the year prior to Boykin’s arrival and finished 0-10 in 2010, a year after his departure.

Trent Boykin was a standout wide receiver at Youngstown State in the early 1990s. He played for coach Jim Tressel and helped lead the Penguins to I-AA national titles in 1991, 1993, and 1994.

During his three seasons as assistant head coach at Kentucky State the Thorobreds finished 17-16, with its best season coming in 2006 when KSU went 7-4.

Boykin began his coaching career at Akron in 1996 as an offensive graduate assistant. He spent two years on the staff before moving to Boston College in 1998 as an offensive graduate assistant before coaching receivers at Tiffin in 1999. For three years, he worked at his alma mater, Youngstown State, as wide receivers coach and special teams coordinator. From 2003-04, he coached at Ball State where he oversaw special teams and running backs.

After his stint in the SIAC Boykin served as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Lambuth (Tenn.) in 2010. The next season he spent a year as running backs coach at Wayne State (Mich.). He helped lead the Warriors to a 12-win season and an appearance in the 2011 Division II national championship game.

Trent Boykin joined the Pirate staff in 2020 after serving as running game coordinator at Akron of the Mid-American Conference from 2012-18.

Since coming to Hampton University the Pirates running game has developed into the top unit in the CAA. In 2023, the Pirate ground game averaged a league-best 216.4 yards per contest. Elijah Burris rushed for 803 yards (14.7 yards per game) with eight touchdowns. Darran Burris rambled for 670 yards (74.4 ypg) with four scores giving Hampton one of the the top one-two punches in the league.

Coaching Resume

Assistant, Akron, 1996-97
Assistant, Boston College, 1998
Assistant, Tiffin, 1999
Assistant, Youngstown State, 2000-02
Assistant, Ball State, 2003-04
Assistant Head Coach, Kentucky State, 2005-07
Head Coach, Lane, 2008-09
Assistant, Lambuth, 2010
Assistant, Wayne State (Mich.), 2011
Assistant, Akron, 2012-2018
Assistant, Hampton, 2020-24
Interim Head Coach, Hampton, 2024-present

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The school’s athletic communications department released a statement on its website that reads:

HAMPTON, Va. (April 30, 2024) …Today, Director of Athletics Anthony D. Henderson Sr. announced that Robert Prunty is no longer with Hampton University and the Pirate Football program.
 
Running backs and special teams coach Trent Boykin, a veteran of 28 years of collegiate coaching experience including 10 years on the FBS level at Akron, Boston College, and Ball State, will serve as interim head coach for the 2024 season.

Robert Prunty came to Hampton University in 2018, replacing Connell Maynor, who went 20-25 record in his four seasons at Hampton.

Prunty’s best season as head coach of the Pirates was his first, posting a 7-3 record in his first year as Hampton transitioned from the MEAC to the Big South Conference.

After going 5-7 in 2019 and missing the 2020 season due to Covid. The Pirates bounced back in 2021 by going 5-6 in their final season in the Big South, then put up a 4-7 record in their first season in the CAA, going 1-7 in conference play. In what turned out to be the final season for Robert Prunty, the Pirates improved to 5-6 overall with a 3-5 record in conference play in 2023.

Prunty began his coaching career at Gretna (Va.) High School before moving to Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy where the prep school produced six first-round NFL draft picks under his leadership.

His reputation for finding talent continued at the next level where he earned Conference Recruiter of the Year recognition four times at two FBS programs. Prunty was named Scout.com’s Midlands Recruiter of the Year in 2011 and 2012 and Big 12 Recruiter of the Year under coach Tommy Tuberville at Texas Tech.

In 2013, Prunty followed Tuberville to Cincinnati and served as associate head coach and defensive ends coach. The following year, he was promoted to co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for the Bearcats.

Hampton’s selection for interim head coach is Trent Boykin, who joined the Pirate staff in 2020 after serving as running game coordinator at Akron from 2012-18.

Since coming to Hampton University the Pirates running game has developed into the top unit in the CAA. In 2023, the Pirate ground game averaged a league-best 216.4 yards per contest. Elijah Burris rushed for 803 yards (14.7 yards per game) with eight touchdowns. Darran Burris rambled for 670 yards (74.4 ypg) with four scores giving Hampton one of the the top one-two punchs in the league.

There has been no word yet on whether Hampton will fill the position before the start of the 2024 season or if Boykin will coach for the upcoming season while the school forms a search committee to determine a permanent replacement.

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HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University sailing team, the only HBCU in the nation with a varsity co-ed sailing program, won its third straight regatta winning the Grant Trophy. With the Pirates finished in the top six they have qualified for next week’s MAISA Conference Championship. 

The field consisted of 10 teams racing in the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. Races were canceled on Saturday due to strong gusty winds over 30 knots. Multiple starts were attempted but the winds proved to be too much. However, Sunday’s conditions say average winds of eight knots out of the south. 

Hampton’s A division consisted of skipper Tyler Brown and crew Asia Warren. Brown and Warren competed in two races winning the first race but then the skipper went overboard due to the high winds. The team opted to change to a heavier paring with Brown moving to crew and Valerio Palamara becoming the skipper. The Pirates A division won two out of the three reaming races.

The Pirates B division consisting of Stefano Palamara (skipper) and Tommaso Ciaglia (crew) won all five races. Palamara and Ciaglia’s late first-place finishes helped Hampton pull away late from Christopher Newport University.

The Grant Trophy was the Pirate’s first home regatta in five years due to Covid and scheduling issues. Hampton Sailing would like to thank the volunteer race committee for all of their hard work this weekend for a great regatta. Thank you so much for the work of the race committee boat Jonathan Romero, PRO Dave Jennette, Dawn Weber, Jacob Raymond, Sarah Raymond John Bowers. Hampton Sailing would also like to thank mark boat crews Malcolm Brady, Gordon Brown, and Dave Hannah along with the on-shore support crew Jennifer Wise and Mary Brown. 

The sailing program at Hampton University started in 1995 and remains the first and only HBCU with a varsity co-ed sailing program.

The Pirates will be back in action next weekend at the America Trophy.

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“I want to thank God and my family without them I wouldn’t be here,” Johnson wrote. “I’d like to also thank all of my coaches through the years and all the coaches that have recruited. I’m proud to announce that I will be committing to Hampton University and playing for Coach Ivan Thomas.”

Johnson played his high school ball at Whitney Young High School in Chicago, where he was noted for his 3-point shooting. He earned offers from DePaul, Akron, Northern Illinois and Toledo before he spent a post-graduate year at Brewster Academy at Wolfboro, NH. 

He’s currently ranked as the 45th best small forward in his class and the fifth-best player in the state of New Hampshire. 

Daniel Johnson is a solid get for Hampton University as it looks for Ivan Thomas to get the program back to its winning ways. The Virginia native and former Georgetown associate head coach is off to a solid start by adding Johnson to a roster that

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The 2024 campaign kicks off on Aug. 31 when the Pirates host longtime rival Morgan State at 6:00 p.m. Hampton’s game with the Bears has been moved from Harrison, N.J. to Hampton’s Armstrong Stadium. The game was originally scheduled as the Prudential Brick City Classic. 

Coach Robert Prunty‘s team takes on Virginia Union a week later on Sept. 7 at 6:00 p.m. at Armstrong Stadium. The Pirates then travel to Norfolk to take on Norfolk State on Sept 14. 

A week later, Hampton University travels to Washington, D.C. to play Howard University at Audi Field on Sept. 21. Hampton’s game with Howard, originally scheduled to be played at Armstrong Stadium, has been moved to Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The two teams have agreed to continue the series at Audi Field through 2026. The series dates back to 1908 when the Pirates prevailed, 2-0. The game will mark the 98th meeting between the two teams. Hampton leads the series by a 54-42-1 margin. The Pirates have won the last six meetings with the Bison. 

The Pirates open the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) portion of the schedule on Sept. 28 at William & Mary with a 6:00 p.m. kickoff before returning home to take on Rhode Island on Oct. 5 at 2:00 p.m. Hampton travels to Greensboro, N.C. to face North Carolina A&T on Oct. 19 at 1:00 p.m. 

Hampton will celebrate Homecoming on Oct. 26 when the Pirates face off with Elon at 1:00 p.m.

In November, Hampton will host Villanova on Nov. 2 at 1:00 p.m. before playing Towson on the road on Nov. 9 at 1:00 p.m. The season’s final home date is Nov. 16 versus state rival Richmond at 1:00 p.m. before the Pirates close out the 2024 regular season at Albany on Nov. 12 at 1:00 p.m.

Last year, the CAA had four teams (Albany, Delaware, Richmond, and Villanova) earn berths in the 2023 NCAA FCS playoffs, which marked the 13th time that at least four CAA teams were chosen for the playoffs. The conference has had at least one team reach the quarterfinals every year since 1995 and has had a team advance to the semifinals in 10 of the past 11 seasons. The CAA will sport a new look in 2024 with the addition of Bryant from Smithfield, R.I. although the Pirates will not face the newcomer in 2024. 

2024 Hampton University Football Schedule 

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Augustin, the 10th head women’s basketball coach in Hampton history, brings a distinguished resume to the position. Augustin’s basketball journey began at Bethel High School. She then excelled at Alabama A&M, where she was a two-time All-SWAC performer and served as a four-year team captain. After her playing days, she ventured into coaching, accumulating experience at various levels of basketball.

Augustin’s coaching career spans nearly two decades and includes roles at multiple universities and the NBA G League. She has served as an assistant coach and a recruiting coordinator at prestigious programs such as Arizona, Mississippi State, the University Florida, Minnesota, and Virginia Commonwealth University, among others.

“Throughout her career, Tamisha has earned the reputation as an innovative teacher of the game, an exceptional recruiter and evaluator of basketball talent, as well as being extraordinary in player development,” Director of Athletics Anthony D. Henderson, Sr. said. “She has an excellent coaching pedigree and has been ultra-successful everywhere she’s been. She brings a passion for the game and, as a former player herself, understands what it takes for our student-athletes to be successful on the court and in life. I couldn’t be more excited for our young ladies to have the opportunity to develop under her leadership.”

Augustin returns to her hometown after working under Coach Kelly Finley at the University of Florida. In her first season as an assistant coach with the Gators, the University of Florida advanced to the WNIT quarterfinals in 2023. In 2024, she was promoted to associate head coach and helped lead the Gators to the SEC Championship quarterfinals with wins over Missouri and Vanderbilt before losing to Mississippi. The team earned an invitation to the WBIT, falling to St. John’s.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tamisha Augustin back to Hampton, Va., and Hampton University as our new head women’s basketball coach. Tamisha’s exceptional coaching pedigree, combined with her deep roots in the Hampton community and her unwavering commitment to player development, make her the perfect fit for this role,” stated President Darrell K. Williams. “Her track record of success at every level of the game, coupled with her passion for mentoring student-athletes, aligns perfectly with Hampton University’s mission of academic and athletic excellence. We are confident that under Tamisha’s leadership, the Lady Pirates will continue to thrive both on and off the court, and we look forward to the exciting journey ahead.”

Throughout her coaching tenure, Augustin has been associated with success on the court. She has been part of teams that have reached the NCAA tournament, including a memorable run with Arizona that saw the Wildcats advance to the championship game in 2021. Her coaching philosophy has yielded impressive results, with athletes under her tutelage garnering conference honors and national recognition.

During her time in the NBA G-League, Augustin was part of a coaching staff that oversaw nine call-ups, demonstrating her ability to develop players and prepare them for the next level.

At Florida, Augustin played a pivotal role in recruiting top-tier talent, aiding in the signing of three McDonald’s All-Americans and two Jordan Brand Classic participants. Her ability to attract standout players underscored her influence within the basketball community and contributed to the program’s success.

Focusing on player development, she was instrumental in coaching Cate Reese, a two-time All-Pac-12 honoree and Naismith Trophy candidate at Arizona. She helped Arizona’s Dominique McBryde become the first player in school history to shoot 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three. She led the team in both categories. At Cincinnati, she helped Iimar’i Thomas earn AAC Freshman of the Year honors.

Augustin is a proven elite recruiter who helped sign three Top 100 players and two top transfers during her two years in Arizona while laying the foundation for the sixth-best recruiting class in the nation. She played a crucial role in the signing of two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year Lauren Ware, as well as transfers Bendu Yeaney and 2020 ACC Sixth Player of the Year Trinity Baptiste.

At Minnesota, Augustin helped groom All-Big Ten Second Team honoree Carlie Wagner and All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection Kenisha Bell. At Central Florida from 2014-16, Augustin helped bring in a class that included two players who earned AAC honors. Additionally, Augustin was instrumental in the signing of the Knights’ 2016 top-ranked recruiting class, according to Dan Olson’s Collegiate Girls Basketball Report. While at Marshall in 2012-13, she signed a top-100 recruit for the Thundering Herd. While at South Carolina State from 2010-12, she helped tutor a pair of all-conference selections, Whitney Wiley (2011 second-team All-MEAC) and Cabriel Duren (2012 MEAC All-Rookie) and signed a JUCO All-American in Brittany Cochran.

“I want to thank President (Darrell K.) Williams and Director of Athletics (Anthony D.) Henderson, for their leadership and trust in me to lead this program. Returning to my hometown of Hampton to lead these young ladies is a dream come true for me. I am incredibly honored and excited to have this opportunity to contribute to Hampton University Athletics’ rich tradition and mentor the talented student-athletes here,” stated Augustin. “My journey in basketball has been shaped by the values instilled in me by this community, and I am committed to fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the court. Together, we will strive for greatness and build a legacy that honors the spirit of Hampton.”

On the education front, Augustin earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2005 and a master’s in microbiology in 2007. She also earned a master’s degree in education from Regent in 2010.

With a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the court, Augustin’s leadership aligns perfectly with Hampton University’s values and mission. As she assumes her role as head coach, the Lady Pirates look poised to continue their legacy of excellence both on and off the court. With her extensive experience, proven track record, and dedication to player development, Augustin is set to guide the team to new heights. The support of the university and the community ensures that the Lady Pirates are well-positioned for success in the upcoming seasons under Augustin’s leadership.

The official press conference to welcome Coach Augustin will take place on Wednesday, March 27, at 10:00 am in the Convocation Center on Hampton University’s campus. Fans can also watch the press conference on Hampton University’s website and on FloSports. Both sources can easily be accessed in the links below. 

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