There’s a prevailing narrative in college athletics that equal investment should automatically mean equal treatment — regardless of outcomes, market interest, or sustainability. It’s a narrative rooted in good intentions but one that often ignores the economic and biological realities that shape how the public consumes sports. As someone who is leading an HBCU institution that proudly supports women’s athletics — including hiring the first woman Athletics Director in the 158-year history of Edward Waters University — I believe in women’s sports. And I believe in investing in them. But I also believe in honest, data-driven leadership.

At Edward Waters University, we’ve made historic strides. We’ve launched brand-new women’s athletic programs in golf, tennis, and soccer — all firsts for our HBCU institution. Women’s flag football is next on the horizon, and we’re building the infrastructure to support it. These aren’t symbolic gestures. They’re real investments backed by real commitment — and they reflect our belief that women deserve the opportunity to compete, develop, and win.

But belief in equity shouldn’t mean we ignore reality. The simple fact is that, to date, men’s collegiate athletics — particularly football and basketball — generate the lion’s share of revenue that funds not just men’s sports but also women’s programs, scholarships, facilities, and operations. This isn’t sexism — it’s economics.

Yes, biology plays a role. Men and women are built differently, and on average, men have greater physical explosiveness, which creates a different kind of spectator experience. Yes, culture also plays a role. Boys are encouraged to play sports from a young age. That’s changing — slowly — and should continue to evolve. But even in the most gender-progressive societies, men still participate in and consume sports at higher rates than women. That matters.

Dr. Ivana Rich, EWU Director of Athletics, left, with EWU President Dr. A. Zachary Faison.

This doesn’t mean women’s sports shouldn’t be funded or promoted—quite the opposite. But it does mean we must think strategically, not sentimentally. Equal treatment doesn’t mean equal spending—it means providing the resources and support commensurate with each sport’s current and potential reach.

For example, women’s collegiate basketball is undeniably surging in popularity — and it has earned every bit of that spotlight through extraordinary talent, storytelling, and competitive excellence. The numbers don’t lie: record-breaking television ratings, sellout crowds, and a surge in mainstream media coverage are all clear indicators of a sport with real market traction. That’s not charity — that’s ROI. It’s time for the NCAA and its corporate partners to respond with real, sustained financial investment and to move decisively toward full parity in the women’s tournament experience — in facilities, marketing, media coverage, and fan engagement. Women’s college basketball student-athletes, their fans, and the stakeholders of the women’s game deserve a championship experience that reflects the quality of the product and the passion of its audience.

My passion for equity in women’s athletics is deeply tied to my broader commitment to justice and opportunity as the president of Edward Waters University — Florida’s first HBCU and a forerunner in access and social uplift. HBCU institutions like ours have always stood at the forefront of challenging inequity and expanding opportunity, often doing more with less. That legacy demands that we not only speak about fairness but that we lead by example. In the same way we’ve fought for access and dignity for Black students, we must also advocate for the full recognition and investment in women’s athletics — particularly for women of color who too often remain on the margins of both visibility and support.

That balance — between principled support and pragmatic stewardship — is where real leadership lives. I will continue to champion women’s athletics not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because I believe in their transformative power when given a real chance to flourish. We can support women’s sports with authenticity and intention without ignoring the economic realities that undergird the business of high-level collegiate and professional athletics.

True equity is not about ignoring differences — it’s about honoring excellence wherever it rises and ensuring that when women show the world they can compete, we’re not the ones standing in the way. The time for performative action is over. The time for real investment — grounded in data, driven by results, and fueled by belief — is now.

A. Zachary Faison Jr., J.D. 

President & CEO 

Edward Waters University 

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Following a national coaching search, Norfolk State University announced on Friday that Jermaine Woods will become the seventh head coach of the HBCU women’s basketball program, pending Board of Visitors approval. A proven leader with experience at several Power Four institutions, Woods will take over the reins of a distinguished group that produced 30 wins during the 2023-24 campaign.
 
“We are very excited to welcome Jermaine Woods to the Norfolk State family to lead our women’s basketball program,” NSU Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb said. “Coach Woods’ extensive experience as a head coach, recruiter, and leader has demonstrated his ability to elevate programs to new levels. I am confident that his skills will translate seamlessly to this team, continuing the historic trajectory these young women have set in place. I look forward to watching the Norfolk State community embrace Coach Woods and his family as he steps into this role.”
 
A Chesapeake native and Norfolk State alumnus, Woods boasts 23 years of coaching experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the Norfolk State women’s basketball program. Woods’ journey has included significant time at several ACC institutions (Wake Forest and Virginia Tech), as well as a stint close to home at Old Dominion.
 
“We are so happy for Coach Woods and his family to return to the Hampton-Roads area and continue the tremendous legacy that the Norfolk State women’s basketball program has built,” Norfolk State President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston said. “He has proven himself to possess an exceptional ability to find and recruit amazing student athletes, mentoring them into the best versions of themselves on and off the court.”
 
“I would also like to personally thank and acknowledge Larry Vickers for all his contributions to Norfolk State women’s basketball,” President Adams-Gaston said. “He transformed the program into a nationally acclaimed dynasty, connecting with Spartan fans throughout his tenure. His impact cannot be overstated, and we remain dedicated to continuing the standard that he created.”
 
Woods comes to Norfolk State after three seasons as the HBCU WBB head coach at Coppin State, leading the Eagles to their winningest season in over a decade. The Eagles secured an appearance in the WNIT Tournament, defeating Saint Joseph’s in the first round for the program’s second-ever postseason victory.

 
“I am thrilled to return home and lead such a distinguished program at Norfolk State University,” Woods said. “I want to thank Dr. Webb for this tremendous opportunity and Dr. Adams-Gaston for her belief and support. This program has surged into the national spotlight, building a winning culture through a consistent and unwavering standard. I cannot wait to meet the team and get to work.”
 
Woods has coached numerous players to extraordinary success while at Coppin State, guiding four HBCU WBB players to All-MEAC First Team selections as well as one All-MEAC Second Team honoree. Woods coached two MEAC Defensive Players of the Year and one MEAC Sixth Player of the Year, cementing himself as one of the best developers of talent in the conference.
 
Woods spent three seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Wake Forest, specializing in working with players at the guard position. In his final season with the Demond Deacons, he helped lead the team to a pair of ACC Tournament wins and its first .500+ season since the 2016-17 campaign.
 
Woods worked as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for two seasons at Old Dominion prior to his time in Winsten-Salem. He helped build the Monarchs’ star studded 2016 class, highlighted by an ESPN top 100 prospect.
 
Woods got his NCAA Division I coaching start at Virginia Tech where he recruited the No. 19 ranked class by ESPNW, marking the highest rated recruiting class in program history at the time.
 
As a player, Woods spent one season at Belmont Abbey College before playing his final three seasons at Christopher Newport University. A D3Hoops.com All-American and two-time All-South region selection, Woods was named the league’s Newcomer of the Year and broke the school’s 3-point record as a junior and broke the school’s 3-point record in back-to-back seasons.
 
Norfolk State will hold a press conference to formally introduce Woods as its HBCU WBB head coach at 2 p.m. on Monday, Apr.7.

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Morant’s transfer adds a new chapter to her basketball journey. Which began with a standout high school career and continued with her commitment to play at the Division I level for an HBCU.

High School Career

At Houston High School in Germantown, Tennessee, Teniya showcased her prowess on the basketball court. Standing at 5-foot-3, she played as a senior guard and was instrumental in leading the Mustangs to a 16-6 record during her senior year. She averaged 12.6 points per game, 4.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.4 steals. Notably, she achieved a season-high of 22 points in a decisive 70-45 victory over St. Agnes Academy.

Teniya’s dedication and skill on the court did not go unnoticed. Despite not holding any offers early in her recruiting process, her performance on the court drew national attention. Reminiscent of her brother Ja Morants’ under-the-radar recruitment before his emergence at Murray State.

Commitment to HBCU Basketball

In May 2023, Teniya announced her commitment to Mississippi Valley State University, an HBCU in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). This decision was major for both Morant and the HBCU, as MVSU was the first Division I program to offer her a scholarship in January of that year. Her commitment was met with enthusiasm, especially given her family’s history with HBCU hoops, as her father, Tee Morant, played basketball at Claflin University.

MVSU’s women’s basketball program had faced an uphill battle coming into Morant’s freshman season. The Devilettes finished the previous season with a 2-27 record and a 0-18 standing in the SWAC. Teniya’s addition was seen as a potential catalyst for revitalizing the team’s performance. Her high school coach, Justin Lewis, praised her tenacity and work ethic in an interview with The Commercial Appeal, stating, “They’re getting a tenacious player that gives it her all on the floor. Somebody that’s going to be vocal. She’s going to work hard.”

Teniya Morant appeared in three games during the 2024–25 season for Mississippi Valley State. Logging limited minutes and recording no points, rebounds, or assists. Her time on the court included short stints against Lipscomb, Arkansas State, and Alabama A&M, with a total of just 12 minutes played.

Transition and Current Status

In an Instagram post from April 3rd, 2025, Teniya Morant announced that she had decided to enter the transfer portal and leave the MVSU women’s basketball program.

Teniya Morant’s journey underscores the dynamic nature of collegiate athletics, especially within HBCU programs. Her initial commitment brought hope and excitement to not only MVSU’s women’s basketball but HBCU women’s hoops as a whole. Now, her departure opens conversations about athlete transitions and the factors influencing such decisions.

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SAN ANTONIO, TX– Norfolk State’s Larry Vickers is the recipient of the 2025 Kay Yow National Coach of the Year award. The award is presented annually to the top head coach in Women’s Division I college basketball. Someone who embodies a winning spirit while displaying great character on and off the court. Vickers led the Spartans to a 30-5 (14-0 MEAC) record this season and earned the HBCU program’s highest-ever No. 13 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Norfolk State became just the eighth team in MEAC history to go undefeated in conference play. The Spartans also made a mark on the non-conference slate. With the HBCU taking down two SEC opponents in Auburn and Missouri.

“The former walk-on at Norfolk State, who spent five seasons as assistant with the men’s program, completely turned around the women’s basketball at Norfolk State,” said Angela Lento, Vice President of CollegeInsider.com. “Larry Vickers took over a program that had just two winning seasons and turned it into one of the top programs in women’s college basketball. With a foundation built on hard work, discipline and good old fashion defense, there are a lot more wins in his future.”

A Banner Year

NSU, which cracked the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 poll for the first time in program history on Nov. 30, 2022, finished the regular season ranked No. 4. That’s the highest-ever ranking for an HBCU program, men or women.

Vickers received MEAC Coach of the Year honors for the third consecutive season. Becoming the second MEAC women’s basketball coach to receive the honor in three straight years.

Larry Vickers spent 10 overall and nine full seasons as the head coach of the NSU women’s basketball team. Producing a 177-99 record with a 97-41 mark in MEAC play. He led Norfolk State to three consecutive MEAC Tournament titles (2023, 2024, 2025) and four consecutive regular season championships (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025).

Prior to taking over the women’s program, Vickers spent eight seasons as an assistant coach with the men’s basketball program. He served the last three as the associate head coach.

About Kay Yow

CollegeInsider.com pays tribute to one of the true icons of women’s college basketball with the Kay Yow Award.

Yow became the sixth head coach in the history of Division I women’s basketball to reach the 700-win plateau. Finishing with a sterling record of 737–344 in her 34 seasons at NC State.

She was the first women’s coach in ACC history to eclipse 600 wins at the same school and directed NC State to 19 top-three finishes in the ACC standings. Her 1997-98 squad advanced all the way to the Final Four in Kansas City.

She was wildly successful in every forum in which she coached. Leading gold medal winners at the 1981 World University Games, the 1986 Goodwill Games, 1986 World Championship Games and the 1988 Olympic Games.

As an assistant, Yow was on the Olympic gold medal winning 1984 coaching staff in Los Angeles. In addition, she was an assistant on the gold medal-winning teams at the 1979 World University Games, the 1983 Pan American Games and the 1984 R. Williams Jones Cup.

Coach Yow had been on a leave of absence from coaching since early January 2009 because of her battle with cancer. She passed away from stage 4 breast cancer on January 24, 2009.

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Coppin State, the last of the four HBCU women’s basketball teams competing in the postseason tournament, lost to Cleveland State 72-70 in overtime. Angel Jones led the Eagles (19-15) in scoring, finishing with 27 points, followed by Cire Worley and a 10-rebound performance from Laila Lawrence.

While all of the HBCU programs—Alabama A&M, CSU, Howard, and Texas Southern—have been eliminated, three of the four schools won at least one game among the 48 teams competing in the event. Chattanooga defeated AAMU 53-49 in the first round of the WNIT tournament.

Coppin State

CSU defeated Colgate 58-48 on Saturday to advance to the second round. However, the Vikings ended the Eagles’ season on Tuesday with the victory. The Eagles finished the 2024-25 season at 19-15 overall. 

Howard

HU defeated Siena 72-62 behind a strong third-quarter performance from the Bison. Four Howard players notched double-figure point totals in the contest. Zeenia Thomas led the way for HU with 19 points, followed by Saniyah King with 16 points and five assists, while Kaiya Creek and Destiny Howell finished with 11 points, respectively.

However, Charleston defeated Howard 76-56 in the tournament’s second round. Thomas led all Bison scorers with a double-double performance, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds in the loss. Howell, HU’s second double-digit scorer, tallied 13 points in the contest. The Bison finished the 2024-25 campaign at 22-12 overall.

Texas Southern

TSU defeated Saint Mary’s 54-50 in the opening of the tournament. Tigers’ Aylasia Fantroy delivered a double-double performance, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds as well as four steals and three assists in the victory. Treasure Thompson finished one rebound shy of a double-double, totaling nine to go along with 10 points for TSU.

Louisiana Tech defeated TSU 71-64 on Monday in the second round of the tourney, despite committing 27 turnovers. Four TSU (17-16) players finished in double figures. Fantroy led the way with 16 points, followed by a double-double from Jaida Belton of 12 points and 11 rebounds, Daeja Holmes with 11 points, and Thompson rounding out the team’s double-digit scorers with 10 points.

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“It’s your very first tournament and I’m super excited for you,” Reese said in a March Madness video on social media. “…We literally grew up together, literally were best friends growing up from third grade to high school. We was learning how to play basketball together, to winning championships together, to playing at high school together, to you going to college and I’m super proud of your growth on and off the court.”

While the Bruins defeated the Jaguars 84-46 in the opening round game, Gourdine finished with 10 points, two assists and one rebound. Prior to Southern’s first-round appearance in the tournament, the 5-foot-9 senior guard helped the Jaguars defeat the University of California San Diego 68-56 in the First Four round. 

She also helped Southern defeat Alcorn State 64-44 to capture the program’s second Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament crown in three seasons and earned MVP honors in the event.

Gourdine’s path to HBCU

Gourdine played her first two seasons at Temple University before transferring to SU ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. Like Gourdine, Angel Reese played her final two seasons of college basketball at LSU — roughly 16 miles away from the Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based HBCU — and helped the Tigers win the 2023 women’s NCAA tournament national championship.

Southern finished the season 21-15 overall and 15-3 in conference play.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. |  When the Alabama State women’s basketball team opens the 2025-26 season in November, the HBCU will have a new head coach for the first time in 27 years.

“Coach Freda Freeman Jackson’s 27 years of unwavering dedication at Alabama State University has shaped the future of countless student-athletes,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Jason Cable. “Her remarkable achievements, including multiple SWAC championships, induction into the SWAC Hall Fame, and the Alabama State Hall of Fame, speak to her talent, passion, and leadership.  Her legacy will inspire generations to come. Thank you for your phenomenal impact; you are an Alabama State treasure!”

Freda Freeman-Jackson, who has led the program since 1998-99, announced through a press release on Tuesday, March 25, that she would step down as the Lady Hornets’ head coach. The announcement ended a run that is unparalleled in ASU athletics. “As I stand here, reflecting on this incredible journey at Alabama State University, my heart is full of gratitude,” she said. “This program, this university, and this community have been my home, family, and purpose for so many years.

“Hornet Nation, you are one of a kind. Your energy, passion, and unwavering support fueled us every step of the way. This program is what it is because of you.” Freeman-Jackson led the HBCU program to 373 wins, three Southwestern Conference regular season titles, four conference tournament titles, and three trips to the NCAA tournament. She also led one team to the WNIT. 

Record breaker

With Freeman-Jackson at the helm, Alabama State made its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament during the 2002-03 season when the Hornets won the regular season title with a 20-11 record and 15-3 in conference play. They won the conference tournament and would face eventual NCAA runner-up Tennessee in the first round.

She followed the next year with a record-breaking 108th victory, the most in women’s basketball history at the school. The Hornets returned to the NCAA Tourney in back-to-back years in 2014-15 and again in 2015-16.  In 2011, Freeman-Jackson posted her 200th career win and four years later her 250th career win. Freeman-Jackson coached 29 players who earned All-SWAC honors in her career, plus two SWAC Players of the Year in Britney Wright (2016-17) and Ayana Emmanuel (2022-23).

In 2019, Freeman-Jackson was inducted into the SWAC Hall of Fame, joining her husband, Lewis, as the only active members still coaching in the conference at the time. She was inducted into the Alabama State Athletics Hall of Fame four years later. 

After competing with the Hornets as an HBCU basketball player between 1982 and 1984, Freeman-Jackson began her coaching career at the high school level at Loachapoka. She would join Johnny Mitchell’s staff as an ASU graduate assistant and then as an assistant to her predecessor, Ron Mitchell. She took over in 1998-99 and immediately led the Lady Hornets to a SWAC Tournament championship.

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AUBURN, Ala.—Larry Vickers, who has spent the past decade at Norfolk State leading the HBCU women’s basketball program to unprecedented heights, including three consecutive conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Has been named Auburn’s head women’s basketball coach, Athletics Director John Cohen announced Sunday. An 18-year coaching veteran, Vickers also spent eight years as a men’s assistant and associate head coach for the Spartans.

Since he took over, the program has achieved its most successful run in its Division I era. Posting a 177-99 record, including an 83-18 mark over the last three seasons. Prior to Vickers’ arrival, NSU finished with a winning record overall just three times. During last four years, his teams have had a 49-7 conference record, winning four regular season MEAC titles, along with three conference tournament titles. Combined with his time on the men’s staff, Vickers has been a part of nine conference championships at Norfolk State.

One name continually rose to the top

“Throughout the search process, one name continually rose to the top – Larry Vickers,” Cohen said. “Coach Vickers has an incredible technical understanding of women’s basketball. He demands excellence from his student-athletes, while fostering an environment for young women to succeed. His understanding of the new landscape of college athletics is impressive. No one has worked harder for an opportunity like this than Coach Vickers. I am excited to welcome LV, Charisse, and their family to the Plains.”

This season, Vickers led the HBCU to a program-record 30 wins, a perfect conference record and the MEAC regular season and tournament titles. The Spartans, who were undefeated in conference play, won 19 consecutive games entering the NCAA Tournament with the winning streak starting in late December with a victory at Auburn. Vickers also led the Spartans to a win at Missouri in November.

Words from coach

“I want to thank President Roberts, John Cohen and the entire search committee for this incredible opportunity to lead the Auburn women’s basketball program,” Vickers said. “Auburn is a great institution with one of the best athletics programs in the country. I am excited to get to work and help bring championship level success to our women’s basketball program. War Eagle!”

Vickers led Norfolk State to a then-Division I program-best 27-6 record and its second consecutive MEAC Tournament Championship in the 2023-24 season. NSU advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in school history and went 13-1 in MEAC play, winning the conference regular season title as well.

Vickers earned his second MEAC Coach of the Year recognition while coaching the MEAC Player of the Year and HBCU Player of the Year Kierra Wheeler and MEAC Newcomer of the Year Diamond Johnson. Additionally, Vickers coached one All-MEAC Second Team selection and two MEAC All-Rookie selections.

Read the full press release on Larry Vicker’s move from HBCU to the SEC HERE.

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WASHINGTON  – Junior forward Zennia Thomas (Cleveland) scored 13 of her game-high 19 points to lead four Bison in double figures as the Howard University women’s basketball team defeated Siena College, 72-62, in the first round of the Postseason Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) in Burr Gymnasium on the HBCU campus of Howard University.
 
The game was historic for the Bison, who registered their first WNIT win in school history. It was evident from the opening tip that both teams were a bit anxious as they traded missing layups and turned the ball over. Siena set the tone by extending a 20-17 lead at the end of one quarter into a 36-30 lead at intermission.
 
Siena (17-14) took the lead courtesy of the play of their all-conference selection, Teressa Seppala. Seppala led the way with 11 points, eight rebounds, and some dominance on the offensive glass (13 offensive rebounds) for second-shot opportunities. The Bison had trouble finding the range, missing 25-of-39 shots, including 2-of-13 from beyond the arc.
 
Howard made some adjustments on the defensive end, turning them over while resulting in an 11-0 run near the end of the third quarter. Thomas, who was named to the MEAC All-Tournament Team, fueled the drive with her quick post moves and soft mid-range jumpers.
 
Graduate forward Kaiya Creek (Seat Pleasant, Md.) came off the bench to score 11 points for her HBCU, six of them during a run when she hit back-to-back trey balls to help Howard close out the quarter with a 54-47 lead, heading into the fourth quarter. Siena was able to cut the lead to two points on three different occasions, but each time, Thomas and HBCU All-American guards Destiny Howell (Queens, N.Y.) and Saniyah King (Washington) had an answer.

 
Down the stretch, the Howard defense made key plays, including Thomas’ two steals and two blocks by junior forward Nile Miller (Haddonfield, N.J.). Thomas added seven rebounds to her stat sheet. King rebounded from a subpar tournament performance to score 16 points, five assists, and no turnovers. Howell contributed 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists in a solid all-around effort.
 
It must be noted that the Bison bench outscored their opponent 19-8, with Creek, senior guard Nyla Cooper (Fayetteville, N.C.), and sophomore guard Janyah Bohanon (Cleveland) combining for all of their bench points. Siena was led by Seppala with a double-double (17 points & 13 rebounds), Ahniiysha Jackon (17 points), and Anajah Brown with a double-double & 12 points & 13 rebounds).
 
Howard moves on to the next round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament at the College of Charleston on Monday (March 24). Tipoff at 7 p.m.

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When Johnson — the youngest of six siblings — chose to bring her talents to Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference powerhouse Norfolk State University after two Power Four tenures at Rutgers as a freshman and two seasons at NC State. The people closest to her failed to visualize her plan.

“[People] didn’t think leaving a bigger school for a smaller one was the best idea,” the Spartans’ fifth-year guard told HBCU Gameday. “My mom [Dana Brooks] questioned if I should have left, too. … At the end of the day, this is my journey.  They’re not going to experience the stuff I’ve experienced.”

“I found my voice here.”

After Diamond Johnson helped Norfolk State secure a 68-56 win against Howard for the program’s third straight MEAC tournament championship on March 15, the program became one of nine Division-I teams to collect 30 wins this season. On Sunday, the NCAA selection committee awarded the Spartans the No. 13 seed in this year’s tourney field. As the No. 13 seed Norfolk State (30-4, 14-0 MEAC) prepares to face No. 4 seed Maryland (23-7, 13-5 Big Ten) in the first round of the Birmingham 2 region of women’s NCAA tournament on Saturday, Johnson sits at peace with her decision. Her aim is to extend the Spartans’ trail of magic in March.

NSU’s postseason spot marked the highest received by a men’s or women’s HBCU basketball program in the last 10 years and the second-highest seed obtained by an HBCU since the women’s tournament expanded in 1994. The 5-foot-5 playmaker is ready to display her prowess on the hardwood, and it remains unmatched despite no longer playing in a Power Four league.

“It’s been the greatest two years of my college basketball career [at NSU],” Johnson said. “I’m glad I chose to do something different because I wasn’t happy at my previous [two] schools. …I found my voice here. … I’m the underdog, and I love being the underdog.”

However, Johnson’s unconventional trek didn’t start when she decided to leave New Jersey, North Carolina, nor when she departed the Tar Heel State to take her talents to familiar scenery in Norfolk, Virginia, ahead of last season. The genesis of her sacrifice and unique path started as a teenager.

“One of the best players I’ve ever coached.”

Diamond Johnson, a Philadelphia native, electrified crowds when she played in the Boo Williams AAU Summer League for three years. “Boo” Williams, who has been coaching for four and half decades and also coached Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, said there was never a question if Johnson would be a special player. His only critique of Johnson was that she gained more height.

“She’s one of the best players I’ve ever coached,” Williams told HBCU Gameday. “She can score on all three levels. … She has that toughness and the game of an old-school basketball player from playing with boys in the playgrounds. Kids don’t do that as much anymore.”

After playing under Williams’ tutelage, Johnson started her high school career at Phoebus in Hampton, Virginia, a roughly 40-minute car ride from Norfolk. She averaged an impressive 31 points per game in two seasons at the public school. Amid her sophomore campaign, Johnson transferred to Neumann-Goretti — a private Catholic high school in south Philadelphia — to be closer to her father, James, who later died from complications from a stroke and other ailments.

By then, a five-star recruit, Diamond Johnson made an even bigger name for herself at Neumann-Goretti. She led the program to consecutive Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class 3A championships and earned back-to-back Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year honors. Johnson solidified herself as one of the best players in the country alongside the likes of UConn’s Paige Bueckers, WNBA Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese. Her pedigree was unmatched.

“Going to Philadelphia helped with that,” Williams said. “She prided herself on studying the game, and her work ethic was relentless.”

“This was the perfect spot for me”

She started her college career playing for one of women’s college basketball’s most illustrious coaches, C. Vivian Stringer, at Rutgers. However, Johnson wasn’t satisfied despite earning all-freshman Big Ten honors and second-team All-Big Ten recognition. Diamond Johnson took her talents to NC State. 

There, she became the 2022 ACC Sixth Woman of the Year as a sophomore before earning second-team All-ACC honors her junior season, one where she averaged 12.3 points while shooting 41.6% from the floor, 4.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists in 22 games due to an ankle injury.

Still, following her junior season, Johnson entered the transfer portal again. This time, NSU and how Spartans head coach Larry Vickers orchestrated the program piqued her interest. Norfolk State was a team coming off its first MEAC tournament championship and first NCAA tourney appearance since 2002. The Spartans possessed the championship mindset and was losing some fifth-year players following that season.

After lots of prayer, Johnson accepted the challenge to return close to home and play for NSU. She was already familiar with the Spartans’ facility from working out there when COVID-19 shut down the sports landscape. Since joining the program, Johnson has never looked back.

“The offense [the Spartans] ran to [Coach Vickers] and the coaching staff trusting me and pushing me because they know I have WNBA aspirations. This was the perfect spot for me,” Johnson said.

As much as Johnson wanted to play for NSU, Vickers was thrilled to have her at the HBCU program.

“She’s been gifted all her life. I’ve just tried to help her fine-tune things as a player and prepare her for the WNBA.”

“We don’t get Diamond [Johnson] if we were not a good basketball team,” Vickers told HBCU Gameday. “She spent hours researching us [Spartans] and watching the film more than any player I’ve ever recruited. … She’s been gifted all her life. I’ve just tried to help her fine-tune things as a player and prepare her for the WNBA.”

Johnson is the only active D-I women’s basketball player with at least 2,000 points, 600 rebounds, 390 assists, and 300 steals. However, to Johnson, her stats are second to the success of one of the most dominant HBCU women’s basketball programs. She averages 19.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.7 steals while shooting 47.2% from the floor per contest this season.

“The only reason she doesn’t score over 20 points is her unselfishness,” Vickers said. “…That speaks to the locker room we have here. … She’s the highest-rated player we’ve ever had in the program. She earned the respect of her teammates and constantly leads by example.”

When she joined NSU before the 2023-24 season, she started a note in her old iPhone 13, typing a list of goals she wanted to accomplish while donning a green, gold, and gray uniform. Her aspirations included winning multiple MEAC regular season and tournament championships, defeating a Power Four program and shocking the world with a women’s NCAA tournament win.

This season, NSU upset two Power Four programs — Auburn and Missouri — never lost consecutive games and joined South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Texas, TCU, Florida Gulf Coast, Grand Canyon, and Montana State as the only teams to have 30 wins before the start of the tournament. The only thing left to clear in her phone is a tournament victory that the Spartans could bring to fruition on the court inside the Xfinity Center. 

“I’ve been saying all season…we can beat anyone.”

But to accomplish the mighty feat, it will take a close-to-perfect game from the MEAC tourney MVP. NSU will also need substantial contributions from 6-foot-1 senior forward Kierra Wheeler (15.6 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.9 spg, 2.3 bpg), 5-foot-7 sophomore guard Da’Brya Clark (9.2 ppg), 5-foot-8 sophomore guard Anjanae Richardson (9.1 ppg), along with 5-foot-8 fifth-year guard Niya Fields and 6-foot senior forward Makoye Diawara.

Last year, NSU lost 79-50 to Stanford as a No. 14 seed in the tournament’s first round. After acquiring Power Four wins this season and losing some close non-conference affairs to Alabama and Green Bay — two teams in the Birmingham 2 region — Diamond Johnson feels that the Spartans have everything they need to secure a victory. 

“I’ve been saying all season, if we can put all the quarters together and keep up with a team for 40 minutes, we can beat anyone,” Johnson said. “Kierra [Wheeler] brings dominance in the post. Niya [Fields] is the glue to the team, and with all of my other teammates …we can do this.”

When Johnson discovered that she was facing a familiar Big Ten foe with her teammates at Roger Brown’s Restaurant & Sports Bar on Selection Sunday, it proved that God does not make mistakes. As Johnson bet on herself, she used her faith and God’s grace to steer her in the right direction.

“This team [Maryland], this is perfect,” Johnson said. “It is the perfect bracket. I remember feeling like they [the selection committee] might send us out west again. …Everything is flowing and coming to life. I wanted to highlight HBCUs to show that big things can happen beyond Power Four schools. Everything is working in God’s favor.”

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Houston, TX—In a historic WNIT victory, the Texas Southern Lady Tigers defeated the Gaels of Saint Mary’s by a final score of 54-50 for the first WNIT win for the HBCU and its first postseason victory since 1981.

The Lady Tigers set the tone early with their intense defense, completely shutting down the Gaels’ offense initially. Despite this strong start, Texas Southern trailed 18-21 at halftime. However, they quickly regained momentum at the beginning of the second half. A layup and a successful free throw immediately tied the score, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

Key Players

Nya Harmon emerged as a key player in the third quarter, showcasing her skills by dominating the boards and scoring crucial points. Her efforts and the Lady Tigers’ immaculate defense forced multiple turnovers from the Gaels, leading to significant scoring opportunities. A highlight of the quarter was a three-pointer from Aylasia Fantroy, followed by two made free throws from Anela Thomas, which stretched the margin to 33-23 in under a minute. By the end of the third quarter, TSU had established a solid 40-30 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Lady Tigers were determined to seal the victory. They maintained their defensive intensity and continued to score effectively. With just 3 minutes left in the game, they led 51-44. However, the Gaels mounted a fierce comeback, cutting the deficit to just 3 points with 13 seconds remaining. Despite this late surge, the Lady Tigers held their ground and secured the win.

Leading the charge for Texas Southern, Aylasia Fantroy finished with an impressive 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals. Treasure Thompson made significant contributions with 10 points and 9 rebounds, while Daeja Holmes added 9 points. Jaida Belton and Nya Harmon both added 7 points each. Harmon was named impact player of the game by her teammates for her spark in the third quarter. Their combined efforts were instrumental in the historic first WNIT victory for the HBCU.

Coach Skeete commented, “We got to get this money. We are there; we have to perform. There is no running now. That’s what life is about, that’s what I hope to teach in every element…we got to get this money.”

Next, the Lady Tigers will face Louisiana Tech on Monday, March 24th, in Ruston, Louisiana.

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The report concerning Thornton comes nearly a week after the Bulldog’s HBCU hoops season ended in the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament in Atlanta. While a report has surfaced for Thornton as a potential candidate for the Razorbacks’ job, no official confirmation has surfaced that the Bulldogs’ coach is taking her talents back to The Natural State. 

Former Arkansas women’s basketball coach Mike Neighbors resigned from his coaching duties on March 11 after eight seasons leading the Razorbacks’ program.

20 wins in year one

Dawn Thornton recently finished her first season at AAMU, guiding the Bulldogs to a 21-10 record overall and a 14-4 mark in SWAC play. Before her first year at AAMU, she spent five seasons as the women’s basketball coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, three seasons at Prairie View and one season at Division II Shorter University. During non-conference action in the 2023-24 season, Thornton led UAPB to a 74-70 victory against Arkansas.

AAMU finished third in the SWAC regular season standings in the 2024-25 campaign and earned the No. 3 seed in this year’s SWAC tournament. However, Alcorn State defeated AAMU 56-53 in the quarterfinals of the league’s postseason event. Despite the Bulldogs’ loss to the Braves, Thornton told reporters that she was excited about her team’s success this season — one that saw the program notch its first 20-plus win season at the Division I level — and was optimistic about the future of the program.

“We’re gonna get in the portal,” said Thornton after AAMU’s loss in the SWAC tourney quarterfinals. “That’s what my staff does. … We’ll go back and we’ll rebuild this team [Alabama A&M] next year. The thing that we will do differently, we’re gonna be able to get some kids that have more than one year. So we will do that as well.”

While the Bulldogs did not secure the automatic bid to the women’s NCAA tournament, the 20-win HBCU squad earned an at-large bid in the field of 48 teams competing in this year’s Women’s National Invitational Tournament, the program’s first appearance in the postseason event.

AAMU will travel to face SoCon foe Chattanooga (16-14) on March 22 at 2 p.m. ET at McKenzie Arena. The Bulldogs-Mocs contest winner will face Troy in the tournament’s second round.

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GREENSBORO – The North Carolina A&T women’s basketball team is headed to the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT). The Aggies, 2024-25 Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) regular-season champions, will play at No. 1 seed Virginia Tech of the ACC on Thursday, March 20 at Cassell Coliseum. A time has not been determined. The game will air live on ESPN+. Thursday’s winner will play on March 23 against the Wyoming/Texas Tech winner. The Aggies were the only HBCU team selected for this year’s tournament field

Aggies vs Hokies

As the No. 1 seed in their bracket, the Hokies enter the WBIT as one of the last four teams left of the Field of 68 in the NCAA tournament. The Hokies, 18-12 this season, join Colorado, James Madison, and St. Joseph’s as No. 1 seeds. Virginia Tech will be the Aggies’ third ACC opponent this season after losing to SMU and the University of North Carolina (UNC).

The Aggies will enter the tournament 19-11. They went 15-3 in CAA play to win the regular season in only their third year in the league as one of two HBCU programs in the conference.  CAA tournament champion William & Mary eliminated the Aggies from the 2025 CAA Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament on Friday in the quarterfinals, 74-66, at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC.

North Carolina A&T opened the season with a tough schedule, including NCAA tournament teams UNC, Liberty, Florida Gulf Coast, and Norfolk State. Over their first nine games, the Aggies went 2-7, but over their final 20 regular season games, they went 17-3. They won those 17 games by an average of 14.7 points. Included in those games were two wins over William & Mary, the CAA representative in the NCAA tournament.  

Senior guard Jordyn Dorsey leads the Aggies. She is a two-time first-team All-CAA performer and the Aggies’ all-time assist leader with 398. She needs two assists on Thursday to become the first Aggie in program history with 400 or more assists. Dorsey also made the CAA all-defensive team. She averages 2.17 per game.

A&T also features third-team all-conference performers in graduate guard Maleia Bracone and junior center Chaniya Clark.

Aggies no slouch

Tarrell Robinson, who is in his 13th season as A&T’s women’s basketball coach, won the 2024-25 CAA Coach of the Year award. This marks the first time in his career he has won conference coach of the year despite possessing five regular-season titles and three conference tournament titles during his time as an HBCU women’s basketball head coach.

The Aggies will make their eighth postseason appearance under Robinson, who has three NCAA appearances, four WNITs, and a recent WBIT bid. He is one win shy of his seventh 20-win season.

Virginia Tech went 9-9 in the ACC in 2024-25. The Hokies earned an impressive win over Georgia Tech, who was ranked at the time. They also beat NCAA-tournament-bound Louisville. They were 3-0 against CAA schools, including Elon, Campbell, and UNC Wilmington.

Four Hokies are averaging double-figures in scoring, led by Carleigh Wenzel at 14.5 points per game. Matilda Ekh is the main threat from 3-point range. She makes 40.1 percent (61-152) of her threes. The ACC squad shoots 38.6 percent from 3-point range, which ranks fourth nationally.

The HBCU program is also the 13th-best shooting team in the nation, making 46.8 percent of their shots. On the other hand, the Aggies rank 14th nationally in scoring defense, 38th in field goal percentage defense, and 20th in 3-point field goal percentage defense.

The Hokies lead the all-time series, 2-0. The last time the two teams played, the Hokies defeated A&T 58-39 on December 28, 2012, at Cassell Coliseum. Watch North Carolina A&T take on Virginia Tech at the WBIT on Thursday, March 20 at 6 pm on ESPN+.

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The WNIT committee awarded Howard (21-11) and TSU (16-15) automatic bids as they were the highest regular-season finishers in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and Southwestern Athletic Conference, respectively, that did not earn a bid into the women’s NCAA tournament or the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT). CSU (18-14) and AAMU (21-10) received at-large bids in the field of 48 teams competing in the tournament.

HBCU WBB teams in the WNIT

Texas Southern

TSU will begin first-round WNIT action on March 20 when the HBCU host Saint Mary out of the West Coast Conference at 7:30 p.m. ET at H&PE Arena. The winner of the Tigers-Gaels clash will play Louisiana Tech in the second round of the tournament. Texas Southern enters the tournament after losing to Alcorn State 65-55 in the semifinals of the 2025 SWAC Tournament.

Howard

HU will battle MAAC opponent Siena (17-13) in the first round of the tournament on March 21 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Burr Gymnasium. The winner of the Bison-Saints contest will go to battle against the College of Charleston in the next round. Howard enters the Women’s National Invitational Tournament tournament field after losing to Norfolk State 68-56 in the 2025 MEAC Tournament championship game.

Alabama A&M

AAMU will go on the road to face SoCon foe Chattanooga (16-14) on March 22 at 2 p.m. ET at McKenzie Arena. The winner of the Bulldogs-Mocs’ contest will face Troy in the second round of the tournament. Alabama A&M enters the tournament after a 56-53 loss to Alcorn State in the quarterfinals of the 2025 SWAC Tournament.

Coppin State

CSU will travel to Hamilton, N.Y., to face Patriot League foe Colgate (23-9) on March 22 at 5 p.m. ET at Cotterell Court. The winner of the Eagles-Raiders’ clash will play Cleveland State in the tournament’s second round. Coppin State enters the tournament field, coming off a 72-33 loss to Norfolk State in the semifinals of the 2025 MEAC Tournament.

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The NCAA women’s selection committee awarded both the Jaguars and the Tritons a No. 16 seed on Sunday in the Spokane I regional. The winner of the Jaguars-Tritons’ clash will face the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed, UCLA, at 10 p.m. ET on March 21 at Pauley Pavilion,  an arena located in the Westwood Village district of Los Angeles.

The HBCU women’s basketball program will make its second women’s NCAA tournament appearance in the last three seasons under head coach Carlos Funchess and the program’s seventh since 2002. Southern (20-14) defeated Alcorn State 64-44 on Saturday in the Southwestern Athletic Conference women’s championship game to punch a ticket to this year’s field of 68. 

SU by the numbers

Southern enters Wednesday’s matchup averaging 57.2 points per game while only allowing its opponents 58 points per contest—ranked 40th in the country—due to its stifling pressure on the ball throughout games. According to HerHoopsStats, the Jaguars sit in the top 25 nationally in turnover rate for their opponents (24.4%) while their steal rate (13.6%) ranks 16th in the country. 

Aniya Gourdine and Soniyah Reed lead Southern in scoring. However, Funchess’ squad contains a plethora of players who contribute off the bench, a unit that averages 22.2 per game (46th nationally). 

Strength in numbers

“We continually put pressure on you with depth,” Funchess said after Southern’s win in the SWAC tournament title game. “I mean, we can go 11 deep every game with quality players. …That’s the difference between us and a lot of other teams.”

Gourdine, who earned MVP of the 2025 SWAC women’s tournament, averages 12.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per contest. The Temple University transfer finished with nine points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals in the Jaguars’ win against the Braves.

Reed, a key contributor off the bench, averages 9.2 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc, second-best on the team behind Jocelyn Tate. The women’s All-SWAC tournament team selection tallied 11 of the Jaguars’ 28 bench points in the contest.

Like Southern, UC San Diego (20-15) has a stout defense. The Tritons only allow 59.1 points per contest—ranked 57th nationally—and sit 28th nationally in defensive rating (82.5), 23rd in steals per game, and 26th in forcing their opponents to commit turnovers (19.6 per game).

While Sumayah Sugapong leads the team in scoring, assists, and steals (14.9 ppg, 3.5 assists, 2.6 steals), the Tritons have a bevy of other players who provide key contributions to their on-court success. Gracie Gallegos (9.9 ppg) and Sabrina Ma (9.9 ppg) nearly average double digit point totals. Ma also creates havoc defensively, averaging 1.8 steals (third best on the team) while also shooting a team-best 34.3% from three-point range.

Other notable Triton players to watch for include Parker Montgomery, Kayanna Spriggs, and Junae Manhan.

The HBCU women’s basketball team will tip off in the First Four matchup of the NCAA Tournament on Wednesday, March 19, at 9 p.m. EST on ESPNU.

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SWAC Tournament Upset

On March 11, 2025, the 10th-seeded PVAMU Panthers faced Bethune-Cookman in the opening round of the SWAC tournament at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. The game was a thrilling contest that extended into overtime. The Panthers’ defense was particularly effective, holding the Wildcats to a mere 10.5% shooting from beyond the arc and 30.9% overall from the field. Nyam Thornton led PVAMU with 16 points, while Cj Wilson contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Wilson’s crucial basket with 3:19 remaining in overtime gave the Panthers a lead they maintained until the final buzzer, securing a 57-52 victory.

Coaching Career and Achievements

Sandy Pugh’s HBCU coaching career spans over thirty years and is highlighted by her accomplishments and contributions to women’s basketball, particularly within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Before joining PVAMU, Pugh served as the HBCU women’s basketball head coach at Southern University for 18 seasons. During her tenure with the Jaguars, she led the team to seven SWAC titles and four SWAC tournament championships. Under her guidance, Southern University made multiple appearances in the NCAA tournament and the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (NIT), showcasing her ability to elevate the program’s competitive stature.

In May 2018, Pugh took over the Prairie View A&M University program, bringing her championship-winning pedigree to the Panthers. In her inaugural season (2018-2019), she led the team to a 17-14 overall record and secured the No. 2 seed in the SWAC tournament, marking one of the program’s best seasons since 2012-2013.

“As I step into the next chapter of my life” said Pugh.  “I am filled with gratitude for the incredible journey at Prairie View A&M University. Coaching for over 30 years — the last seven as Head Coach of the PVAMU Women’s Basketball team — has been an honor. Through victories and challenges, the resilience and dedication of this community have shaped me in ways I will forever cherish. To my staff, fellow coaches, and the athletes I’ve had the privilege to lead, thank you for the camaraderie and unwavering support. The memories we’ve built together will remain with me always.”

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The Spartans clinched their third consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament title with a 68-56 victory over Howard University. Senior guard Kierra Wheeler led the charge with 22 points, while forward Diamond Johnson contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds. Their dominant performance throughout the season culminated in a stellar 30-4 record, including a perfect 14-0 run in MEAC play. Notably, Norfolk State is the only Division I HBCU to go undefeated in conference play this year.

Making history

Earning a No. 13 seed is a significant milestone for Norfolk State, reflecting the team’s hard work and resilience. This seeding surpasses the typical placements for HBCU women’s teams, which have often been assigned No. 16 seeds in the tournament. Historically, HBCU women’s programs have participated in March Madness 64 times, with 34 of those appearances as No. 16 seeds—the lowest possible seed. The highest seed an HBCU women’s team achieved was a No. 12 seed, accomplished three times before 1995.

Norfolk State will face the University of Maryland. Which holds a No. 4 seed, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Terrapins finished their season with a 23-7 record and are ranked No. 18 in the Associated Press Top-25 poll. The matchup is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, with Maryland hosting the game.

Norfolk State’s historic seeding elevates the program’s stature and shines a spotlight on the potential of HBCU women’s basketball teams. Their journey inspires, demonstrating that with dedication and talent, HBCU programs can compete at the highest levels of collegiate athletics.

As the Spartans prepare for their upcoming game against Maryland. They carry the pride of their university and the broader HBCU community. Their success this season is a testament to the possibilities that arise when opportunity meets preparation. Paving the way for future HBCU teams to aim higher in the NCAA Tournament.

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As he retires from coaching, Davis reflects on his long and successful career.

“I’ve been in the MEAC since 2000. I had some great teams at Delaware State, had some great teams here (Morgan State), and in the CIAA. My career has been blessed.”

His time in the CIAA and MEAC brought championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, and many great moments. But beyond the wins and titles, his greatest achievement has been the players he coached and mentored.

A Player First: Davis’ Roots in HBCU Basketball

Before becoming a coaching legend, Ed Davis Jr. was a standout player at West Virginia State College. He was a four-year letterwinner on the men’s basketball team, which set NCAA and NAIA scoring records in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His experience as a player gave him first-hand knowledge of the game at a high level, shaping his approach as a coach.

Davis later pursued higher education at two prestigious HBCUs. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education from West Virginia State College and a master’s degree in education from Howard University. His dedication to both athletics and academics highlights his lifelong commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.

In recognition of his on-court success, he was inducted into the West Virginia State Athletics Hall of Fame in October 2008.

Building a Winner at Bowie State

Davis began his head coaching career at Bowie State University in 1993. Over eight seasons, he turned the Bulldogs into a powerhouse, finishing with a 171-54 record. His teams won three CIAA championships and made three NCAA Tournament appearances.

Between 1995 and 1999, Bowie State was nearly unstoppable, posting an incredible 110-10 record over four years. His teams played tough, disciplined basketball, a style that would define his career.

Making History at Delaware State

In 2000, Davis took over at Delaware State University, where he became the school’s all-time winningest coach in women’s basketball. He led the Lady Hornets to 171 wins and guided them to four 20-win seasons, the only ones in program history.

His biggest moment came in 2007 when he led Delaware State to its first MEAC Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. It was a historic achievement for the program and HBCU basketball.

Restoring Morgan State’s Competitiveness

Davis joined Morgan State University in 2012 as an assistant coach before taking over the program in 2015. Over the years, he helped rebuild the Lady Bears into a MEAC contender.

His biggest accomplishment at Morgan State came in 2022 when the Lady Bears won their first-ever MEAC regular-season title. His teams also appeared in the WNIT (Women’s National Invitational Tournament), keeping Morgan State competitive at a national level.

More Than Just a Coach

For Davis, basketball was always about more than just the game. He was a mentor, a leader, and a role model to his players. He pushed them to work hard, stay disciplined, and be prepared for life beyond basketball.

At his final MEAC Tournament postgame press conference, Davis spoke about his love for the game and his desire to bring one more championship to Morgan State.

“I’m not going to lie, this is probably the only HBCU I have not won a championship at. All the others I have. I wanted them to experience what it’s like to be on the other side, go to the NCAA, and be able to pull that banner down on that floor.”

Even as he steps away, his players and former athletes continue to support him.

“For me to see girls out there from Delaware State, Bowie State—that means a lot to me because these girls are now 30 and 40 years old and they still coming back to support me. That means a lot. It really does.”

A Lasting Legacy in HBCU Basketball

Davis has already been honored for his contributions. He was inducted into Bowie State’s Hall of Fame in 2014, and in November 2024, he was inducted into the Delaware State Athletics Hall of Fame.

Few coaches have left a mark on HBCU basketball the way Ed Davis Jr. has. From CIAA dominance to MEAC success, he built strong programs and helped shape generations of athletes.

As he moves on from coaching, his influence will continue to be felt across HBCU basketball.

A true legend leaves the court, but his impact remains.

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The Aggies entered the tournament as heavy favorites. Boasting an impressive regular-season record that solidified their position as the top seed in the CAA. Led by a talented roster and a strong defensive presence, North Carolina A&T was expected to make a deep run. However, William & Mary had other plans, delivering one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout regulation. North Carolina A&T’s defense, a hallmark of their success this season, managed to stifle William & Mary for much of the game. However, late in the fourth quarter, the Tribe mounted a comeback, forcing overtime with clutch shooting and relentless energy.

Quotes from the Aggies

“They forced me to make reads and find out where the ball needs to go,” Aggie star Jordyn Dorsey said about the Tribe’s defensive approach toward her. “I did that from time to time, but it was hard trying to find some consistency with that so that we could pull out the win.”

“I hate the old saying that it’s hard to beat a team three times in a row, but that proved right today,” said A&T head coach Tarrell Robinson. “Hats off to (Tribe head coach Erin Dickerson Davis) and her Lady Tribe. They played a fantastic game. They played with a refuse-to-lose mentality, which you must play like that this time of the year.

There’s not much we could have done. They got going yesterday and played with a lot of confidence today. They survived many of our runs and were the better team in overtime.”

In overtime, William & Mary capitalized on key Aggies turnovers and converted critical free throws to secure the upset. Despite a valiant effort from North Carolina A&T’s top scorers, the Aggies struggled to regain momentum as the Tribe pulled away in the final minutes. The loss marked a disappointing early exit for an HBCU women’s basketball team that had championship aspirations.

Aggies in the WBIT

Although the Aggies will not be dancing in the NCAA Tournament, their season is far from over. North Carolina A&T has earned a bid to the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT), giving them another opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage. With a strong season behind them, the Aggies will look to regroup and make a statement in the WBIT, proving why they are one of the top teams in HBCU women’s basketball.

Last season, North Carolina A&T made a strong showing in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), advancing to the second round after securing a hard-fought victory in the opening game. Their deep run highlighted the program’s ability to compete at a high level and further cemented their reputation as a force in HBCU and mid-major basketball. This year, they will aim to build on that experience in the WBIT, hoping to surpass last season’s postseason success.

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“It’s good to be at home and in front of my family and friends,” Woods said proudly. His basketball roots trace back to Granby High School, where he first gained recognition. Woods further showcased his talents at Christopher Newport University, becoming a Division III All-American. He also proudly mentioned his educational ties to another HBCU, Norfolk State University, noting, “That’s my second degree from there, though. So Norfolk State is my second degree of my three and a half.”

Woods’ legacy in Hampton Roads spans beyond his playing career. He was instrumental in Booker T. Washington High School’s 2006 Group AAA State Boys Basketball Championship victory. Later, Woods led the Maury High School girls’ basketball team to an outstanding 61-18 record over three seasons and spearheaded Bryant & Stratton’s inaugural men’s basketball season.

“Virginia, now as the head coach coaching back at the Scope where I coached and played? It’s a big deal. And I’m a great fan. I won’t take it for granted,” Woods emphasized.

Returning for the MEAC tournaments brought mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness for Woods. “I didn’t sleep at all. I haven’t been sleeping. Haven’t eaten either. So I need to eat. I’m going to have a good meal today,” he humorously shared. Reflecting on local hospitality, he joked, “People are feeding us good. We have nice, fancy restaurants every day, and people are taking care of us.”

Woods deeply appreciated the support from the Hampton Roads community. “I appreciate everyone in the city for the love they showed me when I return. It’s actually unbelievable. It’s an honor,” he said. The semifinal matchup against Norfolk State, his alma mater, amplifies the emotion and competitive spirit of his homecoming. The Norfolk State supporters will likely dominate the crowd, adding another challenge and an exciting atmosphere to the matchup. Coppin State players like Tiffany Hammond, Angel Jones, and Leila Lawrence have been crucial to the team’s tournament run, stepping up in critical moments.

Despite personal accolades and hometown warmth, Woods remained focused on team success. He praised his Coppin State team’s resilience during challenging moments in HBCU basketball matchups, stating, “We didn’t let offensive struggles dictate our defense.” Coppin State’s performance this year builds on their ongoing pursuit of MEAC success, and a semifinal victory would significantly enhance their standing in the conference.

As Woods coached Coppin State at the heart of the MEAC tournaments, his return underscored his ongoing commitment to HBCU sports, celebrating his past and creating new basketball legacies. A victory on Friday could propel Coppin State closer to a championship, adding another memorable chapter to Woods’ impactful homecoming.

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Simmons picked up her second technical foul with less than a minute to play in the fourth quarter. After Tigers guard Kahia Warmsley missed a solid opportunity from beyond the arc. Jackson State claimed the defensive rebound with 15 seconds left in regulation. Immediately after JSU secured the ball, Simmons tossed her Expo dry-erase marker in the air, resulting in the second infraction and being removed from the game. Simmons notched her first technical foul in reference to a call made by an official on the court with 2:56 to play in the second quarter.

Simmons takes accountability

“It doesn’t matter how big the moment is,” Simmons said after the Tigers’ loss. “It doesn’t matter what the situation is. …I was wrong, and I take full responsibility. I embarrassed myself, I embarrassed my team, I embarrassed my AD [Dr. Trayvean Scott] and for that I am extremely sorry. But … I am a competitor, and that dog in me, you know, wanted that victory real bad. … But I tell my team all the time … your feelings can’t matter inside those four lines, and I allowed my feelings to dictate my actions. I take full responsibility.”

Simmons, who is in her second season at GSU (15-15, 12-6), guided the Tigers to the No. 5 seed in this year’s SWAC tournament. With the loss to Jackson State, Grambling was eliminated from the tournament. Last season, Alcorn eliminated Grambling 61-59 in the semifinals of the league’s tournament.

Grambling entered the 2024-25 season as the top team in the SWAC’s preseason poll. However, GSU overcame a rocky start to the season in non-conference play. Losing to teams like California, Arizona, Oregon State, Tulsa, LSU, and Louisville all on the road. Before dropping six league contests. Including three at home against Bethune Cookman, JSU, and Southern  — to claw its way to the quarterfinal round of the tournament.

Where does Grambling go from here?

With the transfer portal and NIL dominating HBCU hoops and the college athletics landscape as a whole, Simmons also found herself navigating 10 new players to the program, repeating the process of what she did in her first season leading the program. But to the Tigers’ coach, the transfer portal has become a normal practice that will not be removed anytime soon.

“I’m tired,” Simmons said. “I’d rather not have to sign 10 kids, potentially may have to sign eight or nine in this offseason. That’s the beauty of the transfer portal, right? … I’d like to have kids for more than one year, but in this league when so many of the kids are older and mature. You got to get those mature and seasoned kids to try to compete with the top half of the league. …That’s my goal, to always finish in the top half of the league. I finished fifth this year. … I take full responsibility for that. …I got to get some kids with a little bit more grit. We got to be able to grind those wins out. The SWAC is tough.”

While Grambling’s HBCU basketball season is over, Simmons plans to get back to the drawing board immediately in preparing her team to bounce back stronger in the 2025-26 campaign.

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A Legacy Defined by Resilience

Lawrence’s story is one of perseverance. Before arriving at Coppin State, she had all but walked away from the game. “I didn’t want to play basketball,” she admitted. “I was grinding, working hard, but I just had to believe in myself.”That belief turned into one of the most decorated careers in Coppin State history. Over just two seasons, Lawrence has climbed into the program’s top 15 in both points and rebounds and sits 10th in blocks. The HBCU WBB star is fourth in the nation in double-doubles, securing her 20th of the season with a 15-point, 13-rebound, 4-steal, and 3-block performance in the MEAC quarterfinals.

A Defensive Powerhouse

Her impact extends beyond scoring and rebounding. She is the MEAC’s back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year and has twice swept the conference’s Player and Defensive Player of the Week honors—something no MEAC player has done since the 2016-17 season.

Her defensive presence is elite. When Coppin State played against LSU last season, she held Angel Reese—one of the top players in the nation—to just six rebounds. She also grabbed 25 rebounds against Delaware State, the most in a single game by any Division I player last season, outpacing Stanford’s Cameron Brink By 1.

How Does She Rank Among Coppin State’s Greats?

Few players in Coppin State history have had the impact Lawrence has. She is only the 10th player in school history to score over 500 points in a season. Additionally, she’s one the only player nationwide averaging at least 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block per game.

When discussing Coppin’s all-time greats like Rashida Suber and Shalamar Oakley, Lawrence’s name now belongs in that conversation.

The Bond That Brought Her Back to the Game

More than her numbers, Lawrence’s impact at Coppin State is about belief—both in herself and from those around her. “Coach, that’s my dog,” she said with a smile. “Without him, I don’t think I would have ever found my love for the game again. He’s like a second brother.”Her connection with the team and the coaching staff helped her rediscover her passion for the game. Now, she wants her legacy to inspire others: “Just believe in yourself. Never give up, no matter what.”

What’s Next?

With her final MEAC Tournament run underway, Lawrence has one last shot at the NCAA Tournament. Her HBCU hoops legacy is cemented whether or not Coppin State punches its ticket.”Coppin is my family,” she said. “I love it here. Everybody loves me. We always play with heart.”And when the final buzzer sounds, whether in the semifinals, the championship, or beyond, Laila Lawrence will leave Coppin State as one of its all-time greats.

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The Braves’ HBCU WBB star registered a double-double performance, finishing with 20 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two blocks to lift Alcorn (13-17, 10-8) to a semifinal matchup against Texas Southern (16-14, 14-4) on Friday. While Brown’s impact was certainly felt offensively in the game, the SWAC’s Defensive Player of the Year played an integral part in the Braves outrebounding the Bulldogs (40-29), including 25-18 on the defensive glass. 

Destiny steps up

“Destiny [Brown] really made some big plays for us down the stretch when we needed her to,” said Braves head coach Nate Kilbert postgame after the Braves’ win. “But that’s what she’s been doing all year.”

Ironically, during the HBCU hoops regular season, Brown’s best performance came against Alabama A&M, where she notched a double-double and a season-high 25 points and 12 rebounds in the Braves’ win. Although Alcorn notched the win, Gilbert had doubts about his team overcoming moments of adversity throughout the contest.

In the third quarter, AAMU’s defensive pressure on the ball and its ability to generate steals played a big role in the Bulldogs outsourcing the Braves 20-12. Twelve of their total in the quarter came on fast-break opportunities. Alcorn also committed nine of its 26 turnovers in the third quarter.

But Gilbert’s team didn’t waver. The Braves flipped the script in the fourth quarter, holding the AAMU to 14 points on 33.3% shooting from the floor while Alcorn poured in 21 points off 6-of-11 shots from the field. 

“… When we playing our best basketball is when we’re playing our best defense, when we lock it down on people,” Gilbert said.

The Braves also added five of their 13 total second chance points in the quarter due in part to Brown’s rebounding.

“In the second half, when they [Alabama A&M] came out with that pressure, I was getting in my head and my teammates right there telling me, like, we need you,” said Brown, who went scoreless in the third quarter. “… Basketball is a game of runs, so they’re going to make their run. We’re going to make our run, we have to stay level headed… I think my team did a great job of that., We kept our eyes on the prize.”

Alcorn will face Texas Southern on Friday at 11 am ET in the semi-final round of the 2025 SWAC Tournament at The Gateway Center Arena at College Park.

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Starting things off right

In the 2025 MEAC Tournament quarterfinals, Howard University, seeded second, faced off against the seventh-seeded Delaware State Hornets. The Bison dominated the game, securing a decisive 85-39 victory. Howell led the charge with a stellar performance, contributing 15 points and 3 assists. Her shooting accuracy was noteworthy, hitting 4 of 7 attempts from the field and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line

Throughout the season, Howell has consistently demonstrated her prowess on the court. In a recent matchup against South Carolina State, she delivered a game-high 21 points, leading four Bison players who scored in double figures. This performance was instrumental in Howard’s commanding 89-39 victory over SC State

Howell’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She was honored with a spot on the 2025 All-MEAC First Team, a testament to her skill and dedication. This accolade is particularly significant given her previous recognition as the 2023 MEAC Player of the Year and the 2022 MEAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player

Reflecting on her HBCU basketball journey, Howell expressed gratitude and determination. “Just last year I didn’t have this experience of being out there on the floor,” she said during the post game presser. “It feels good to be back, it feels really good to be back, just being in that dark place, not being able to play basketball was really tough fore me the entire year.”

As the Bison advance in the MEAC Tournament, Destiny Howell’s leadership and performance will be pivotal. Her journey from injury to excellence embodies the spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of greatness within HBCU women’s basketball.

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The Panthers advance to the second round of the SWAC tournament and will face No. 2 seed Texas Southern (15-14, 14-4) on Wednesday. With 13 seconds to play in regulation, Panthers guard Nyam Thornton converted one of two free throws, giving Prairie View A&M a 45-42 advantage but leaving the door open for the Wildcats to tie the game.

Ten seconds later, Wildcats guard Daimoni Dorsey drilled a corner 3-pointer – her first of four attempts in the contest – to tie the game at 45 and force overtime inside Gateway Center Arena. However, with a spot in the second round of the HBCU women’s basketball conference tournament on the line, the Panthers took their play to higher gear behind the play of Williams and free throws from guard CJ Wilson to seal the victory.

“We’re happy to be marching on,” said Prairie View A&M head coach Sandy Pugh on the ESPN+ broadcast following the game. “I haven’t been past the opening round for a while now…We are proud to be here.”

Prairie View lost to Texas Southern twice during the HBCU hoops regular season, with the last meeting resulting in a 64-60 home loss on Saturday. However, Thornton said the Panthers are energized and ready for the third matchup against their in-state rival.

“They know what’s coming,” Thornton said. The game will begin at 11 a.m. ET.

Women’s SWAC tournament games

All times listed Eastern Standard Time (EST)

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Finally…After 248 wins, a .638 winning percentage, a .762 winning percentage in conference play, five regular-season championships, seven postseason appearances, including three NCAA and four WNIT, and three conference tournament titles, North Carolina A&T (NCAT) women’s basketball head coach Tarrell Robinson earned his first career conference coach of the year award on Tuesday when the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) named him coach of the year on Tuesday. NCAT and Hampton are the only HBCU institutions in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA.)

In addition to Robinson’s honor, his star guard, Jordyn Dorsey, earned first-team All-CAA honors for the second straight season while making the CAA’s all-defensive team.

Graduate guard Maleia Bracone and junior center Chaniya Clark made third-team All-CAA.

Robinson’s Aggies came into the 2024-25 season as CAA favorites, marking the sixth time in his 13-year career his team came in as conference favorites. Despite high expectations, which included the Aggies being preseason No. 17 in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Poll, the Aggies got off to a 2-7 start partly due to a schedule that included two ACC schools and three teams ranked in the mid-major poll.

NCAT finished the regular season 17-3 after its 2-7 start. Overall, the Aggies head into the 2025 CAA Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament 19-10, with a 15-3 conference record.

The Aggies won their 15 conference games by an average margin of 13.4 points. They lost their three CAA games by a combined 10 points, lending to the idea the HBCU women’s basketball power was not far away from pulling off an undefeated conference season. Robinson is one win shy of achieving his seventh 20-win season.

“I’m overwhelmed with emotion receiving this recognition,” said Robinson. “Thank you to all my colleagues who selected me. Thank you for pushing us to improve every game, win or lose. The CAA doesn’t just have some of the best coaches in the country but also some of the best people. I’m thankful to compete against coaches who can compete during the game and support you right after the final buzzer.”

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GREENSBORO – In North Carolina A&T’s (NCAT) first two seasons in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), the Aggies spent a significant amount as the first-place team in the women’s basketball standings. Still, they could not close the deal on a regular-season championship.  

In 2024-25, that deal is signed, sealed and delivered. Behind a career-high 27 points from senior guard Jordyn Dorsey and a historic night for graduate guard Maleia Bracone and the women’s basketball program, the Aggies defeated William & Mary 77-52 at Corbett Sports Center on Thursday to capture at least a share of the CAA regular-season championship.

In addition to capturing the title, the Aggies secured the No. 1 seed for next week’s CAA Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC. The Aggies are 18-10 overall and 14-3 in the CAA, a game ahead of College Charleston, whom they defeated 71-59 at Corbett on Feb. 7 to secure the tiebreaker advantage.

A win on Saturday against UNC Wilmington at Corbett (2 p.m.) gives the Aggies the conference regular season title outright. A&T will get a double-bye. Therefore, the Aggies’ first tournament game will be on Friday, March 14, at noon.

“I push them, and I push them, and I push them,” said NCAT head coach Tarrell Robinson, who won his fifth conference regular-season title in 13 seasons at the helm. “There are situations like the prior two years where those results we want don’t happen. And it happened now, and that creates more buy-in. I told them, ‘The monkey’s off our back now. Let’s take it all, starting on Saturday.'”

NCAT captured its 11th regular-season conference title in 43 years as a Division I NCAA varsity program. It is its first as a CAA member. The other 10 came in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), which is more MEAC regular-season titles than any other school in history.

“It’s great. It’s very rewarding because we know how hard we’ve worked, the hours we’ve put in, and the lessons we’ve learned,” said Dorsey. “It all feels well worth it, and we are trying to take it up another level when we get to the tournament.”

Dorsey’s career night moved her past Brittanie Taylor-James (2006-09) for eighth on the all-time scoring list. She is three points shy of passing Helena Creamer (1987-91) for seventh on the list.

“Jordyn is a winner,” said Robinson. “The kid is the player of the year.”

She certainly showed up at Corbett to win on Thursday. Dorsey scored 12 first-quarter points to help A&T grab a 27-11 lead after the first quarter. That lead increased to 20 in the second quarter, 31-11, when Dorsey intercepted a Jana Sallman pass and found freshman Rachel Griffin on the break for a layup with 8:44 remaining in the first half.

The Tribe outscored NCAT 10-2 over the next 3 1/2 minutes to cut the Aggies’ advantage to 33-21. William & Mary would get to within 11, 37-26, on a Natalie Fox free throw but never got any closer in the first half. Two Griffin free throws in the waning seconds of the first half gave the Aggies a 41-27 halftime lead.     

“They’re a good team,” said Robinson. “They’re well-coached. They’re playing for something – seeding. I knew they would play a lot harder. I knew they would scout us a lot better than when we were back at their place.

It wasn’t a surprise. Everybody makes runs in this league; it’s just how you respond to it. I thought we did a good job of responding, especially with this (Dorsey) young lady on the court.”

A&T maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half. Two Dorsey free throws pushed the lead to 67-46 with 5:49 remaining in the game. A Chaniya Clark putback and a layup from Dorsey followed those two free throws.

Graduate guard Ajia James put the exclamation point on an incredible night for A&T women’s basketball with a 3-pointer to give A&T a 74-46 lead with 3:15 to play. A&T went 23-for-28 (.821) from the free throw line led by Dorsey’s 9-for-9 showing. 

“Aggies know how to win,” said Robinson, a graduate of NCAT. “It ain’t always pretty, but it gets the results. The young women who come in and stay committed to that get to experience being a championship before their four years are up.”

The A&T Department of Athletics has two CAA titles in the last week after the men’s indoor track and field program won the athletics department’s first-ever CAA championship.

Bracone, who is in her fifth year as a collegiate player, experienced her first championship on Thursday. It came on a night where she scored 13 points to leapfrog past 1,500 career points after spending her first two seasons at Presbyterian College.

Almost two weeks ago at UNCW, she became the 17th Aggie to surpass 1,000 points exclusively in an Aggies uniform.

“She is a talented player with a die-hard mentality,” said Robinson about Bracone.

Monet Dance came off the bench to score 16 points for the Tribe, who dropped to 11-17 overall and 8-9 in league play.

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MACON, Ga. | HBCU softball program Alabama State rallied from an 8-3 deficit to knock off UConn out of the Big East conference, 10-8, and give Camise Patterson her first win as the Lady Hornets Head Coach on Sunday.

Sophomore Kohana Pouson (1-3) picked up the victory out of the bullpen for Alabama State (1-14). The right-hander went 4.1 shutout innings while giving up two hits, allowing three walks and striking out three.

Offensively, the Hornets were led by senior Leah Richardson, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a home run and two RBI. Junior JaNiyah Boykin compiled a noteworthy performance at the dish as well, going 2-for-3 with a walk and two RBI. Junior Brooke Ramsey also chipped in for Alabama State, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate while adding a double and an RBI for the HBCU.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Hornets were trailing 1-0 in the first inning when they first put runs on the board. Alabama State plated two runs when Richardson left the yard with Boykin aboard.

The Hornets lost the lead they built in the first but got back on the board in the fifth, trailing 8-2. Alabama State scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Boykin, which brought the score to 8-3 in favor of the Huskies.

Alabama State kept the Huskies off the board before rallying to snatch a 10-8 lead in the sixth. The Hornets bats heated up in the inning, scoring seven runs, including a one-run single off the bat of Boykin. The score remained 10-8 for the rest of the game as Alabama State held on for the win.

GAME NOTES

» Alabama State’s highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed seven runs across.
» Four Hornets had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» The Hornets out-hit the Big East Huskies at an 11-10 clip.
» Alabama State went 4-for-7 (.571) with runners in scoring position.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 37 UConn hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out four.
» Richardson led the Hornets at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI.
» UConn was led offensively by junior Grace Jenkins, who went 1-for-3 with a home run and three RBI.

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THE HILL | The Alabama A&M University HBCU women’s basketball (18-8, 11-3 SWAC) team recorded the most victories during the Division I era in the program’s history after defeating Florida A&M University 70-67 on Thursday evening.

The HBCU hoops contest saw a back-and-forth battle, with the largest lead between either team being six points and lasting less than a minute. Kalia Walker paced the offense, scoring a team-high 21 points, and knocking down five of nine shots from beyond the arc. Walker also picked up a team-high three assists and three steals. Alisha Wilson added 16 points, including six of eight from the line. Darian Burgin also finished in double figures, adding 10 points, and led the Bulldog defense with six rebounds.

GAME NOTES  

• Alabama A&M shot 39 percent (23-59) from the field and 53.8 percent (7-of-13) from behind the arc  
• AAMU went 17-25 (68 percent) from the line  
• The Bulldogs grabbed 25 total rebounds, 21 of them defensively  
• Walker led the Bulldogs with 21 points, three steals and three assists, including five of nine from beyond the arc 
• Wilson finished with 16 points and five rebounds 
• Darian Burgin added 10 points and a team high six rebounds 
• The Bulldogs finished with 26 points in the paint, 16 bench points, and 19 points from 25 Rattler turnovers   
• Florida A&M shot 45.8 percent (22-of-48) from the field, 80.0 percent from the line (16-of-20), and 53.8 percent (7-13) from behind the arc  
• FAMU grabbed 39 rebounds  
• Sabou Gueye led the Rattlers with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists 
• Cheyenne McEvans added 12 points and a team high nine rebounds 
• Florida A&M saw 24 points in the paint, 18 bench points, and eight points from 12 Bulldog turnovers 

UP NEXT  

The Alabama A&M University women’s basketball team will host Bethune-Cookman for the last game in the AAMU Event Center this season. Saturday’s game will also serve as senior day with celebratory recognitions to commence during the break between the women’s and men’s games. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. and fans are encouraged to wear black for the Senior Day Black Out. Live streaming will be available via Bulldogs All-Access and tickets can be purchased here.  

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Collegiate Career at Jackson State University

Jackson began her collegiate journey at the University of Southern California (USC), where she played for three seasons before transferring to Jackson State University (JSU). At JSU, she made an immediate impact, earning back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2023 and 2024. During her senior year, Jackson averaged 10 points, 6.8 rebounds, and led the conference with 2.9 blocks per game. Her defensive prowess and leadership were instrumental in guiding the JSU Tigers to consecutive SWAC tournament championships and appearances in the NCAA Women’s Tournament.

Journey in the WNBA

In the 2024 WNBA Draft, Jackson was selected 36th overall by the Las Vegas Aces, becoming the second JSU women’s basketball player to be drafted into the league. However, her tenure with the Aces was short-lived, as she was waived by the team in May 2024. Undeterred, Jackson continued to pursue her professional career, leading to her historic signing with Athletes Unlimited.

Paving the Way in Athletes Unlimited

Joining Athletes Unlimited for the 2025 season, Angel Jackson is set to showcase her skills from February 5 to March 2 in Nashville, Tennessee. Her participation marks a significant milestone, as she is the first player from an HBCU to compete in the league’s four-season history. Jackson views this opportunity as a platform to inspire other athletes from HBCUs, stating, “I hope my journey encourages others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face,” She told Mia Berry of Andscape in a recent interview.

“I’ve been keeping up with AU for the past couple of years. I’ve been seeing the best of the best compete at AU, so it’s been a great experience just to know that I‘m going to be a part of it this year,” Jackson said. “I’m really ready to get after it and really just [show] my talents a little bit more.”

“I want more HBCU players to be drafted because we really have some real dogs in HBCU conferences,” she said. “So hopefully I could be one that just shines the light [and] just puts the light back on HBCUs, not just for Jackson State but other HBCUs … making sure that everybody has the same opportunity.”

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]BALTIMORE, Md. — The Morgan State Acrobatics & Tumbling team is set to make history on Saturday, February 15, as they travel to the West Coast for the first time in the history of the HBCU program. 

The Bears will take on the No. 4-ranked University of Oregon in Eugene, marking a pivotal moment in their journey within the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA).

The Bears enter the matchup following a hard-fought battle against No. 2 Quinnipiac, where they fell 270.565 to 246.745. Despite the loss, Morgan made waves in the sport by becoming the first team to successfully execute a split during an acrobatics and tumbling routine. 

Freshman Lauren Perkins stood at the center of the groundbreaking moment, flawlessly pulling the split and helping cement Morgan’s reputation as an HBCU program on the rise.

With this milestone performance, the Bears have set the tone for the rest of their season. The team remains focused on refining their routines, building on their strengths, and pushing the boundaries of what they can accomplish in NCATA competition.

Awaiting them on the West Coast is a powerhouse Oregon squad, led by head coach Taylor Susnara. A former Oregon All-American and assistant coach, Susnara has helped maintain the Ducks’ legacy as one of the sport’s top programs. Known for their skill, strategy, and precision, Oregon finished last season with a 4-4 record and is looking to establish dominance early in 2025.

As Morgan State prepares for this historic matchup, the Bears are embracing the challenge, ready to showcase their talent on a national stage. With momentum and determination on their side, they look to make a statement in Eugene and continue paving the way for the future of their program.

With each routine, each stunt, and each moment of teamwork, the Bears continue to elevate their presence in the NCATA. No matter the outcome, this competition marks another step forward in their journey, laying the foundation for even greater achievements in the seasons to come.

The meet will be streaming live on BIG+ starting at 4:00 PM. Don’t miss the action—tune in and catch all the excitement!

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COLUMBIA, SC – Senior North Carolina A&T (NCAT) indoor track and field women’s hurdler/sprinter Lucheyona Weaver headlined the day at the University of South Carolina’s Gamecock Challenge on Saturday by beating Olympian Gabbi Cunningham in the 60-meter hurdle final at the Carolina Indoor Track and Field Complex. In addition to Weaver’s outstanding showing, the A&T men’s and women’s HBCU indoor track and field teams found a sea of success with numerous top-three finishes.

Weaver went toe-to-toe with Cunningham, who appeared in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games for the 100H. Weaver fell behind Cunnigham in the preliminaries as she crossed in 8.36 to qualify second, but in the finals, she overtook the Nike-sponsored athlete by posting an 8.16 to Cunninham’s 8.31.

The two-time Coastal Athletic Association 60H champion has six career 60H wins, including two this season. Weaver is ranked No. 12 nationally in the women’s 60H.  

On the men’s side, junior Thomas Smith IV (7.95), sophomore Isaiah Taylor (7.97), and junior Jason Holmes (8.20), respectively, qualified first, second, and fifth in the 60H. Later in the day, Holmes and Smith IV battled it out in the finals, finishing milliseconds apart.

Both marked a 7.8 on the official’s sheet, but Holmes (7.772) placed first and Smith IV (7.777) took second while claiming a new personal record. Taylor finished sixth in 8.37.

Senior Spirit Morgan made her second appearance and took her second win as an Aggie, conquering the women’s high jump in 5 feet, 8 inches.

Another HBCU track and field newcomer, sophomore Dyimond Walker, made his Aggie debut Aggie in the men’s 600 meters. Walker is a transfer from New Mexico Junior College, and in his first Division I race, he managed to finish second in 1:19.76.

The other top runs of the day came from senior Fajr Kelly (2:07.76), who placed second in the women’s 800m, and sophomore Serenity Brazell (56.62) who placed second in the women’s 400m.

Taking some more top spots in the women’s field events included graduate student My’Khiyah Williams (5 feet, 6 inches) claiming second in the high jump; junior Olivia Dowd (38 feet, 5 ½ inches) finding third in the triple jump; and graduate student Julieth Nwosu (48 feet, 4 ¾ inches) and junior Taylor Reagor (44 feet, 6 ¾ inches) took second and third in the shot put.

Freshman TyHeak Buie placed second in the men’s triple jump at 51 feet, 2 ¼ inches. Buies previous personal record was 49 feet, 3 ¾ inches from the Corky Classic at Texas Tech University last month.

Next week, the HBCU track teams at North Carolina A&T will be headed north to Lynchburg, Va., for Liberty University’s Liberty Opener. The teams will compete February 7-8 at the Liberty Indoor Track Complex.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala.- On the afternoon of February 1st, 2025, Huntingdon College played host to HBCU Alabama State University in the first intercollegiate Women’s Flag Football game within the state of Alabama.

Led by head coach Angela Rowe, the Hawks controlled the field on both sides of the ball, passing for 304 yards and forcing 4 turnovers in a dominant 42-0 victory over the Division I HBCU Alabama State Hornets.

Deferring to the second half, the Hawks started strong, forcing a turnover on downs. Huntingdon’s offense took the field on the ensuing possession and wasted no time finding their rhythm. Freshman quarterback Mary Wade Latham completed a strike down the middle of the field to Megan Connor on the Hawks’ first play before finding wide receiver Kelis Russell 22 yards downfield for the first touchdown in program history.

Following two Hornet rushes, Tierra Russell jumped a route, recording the program’s first interception, and took it 49 yards down the field, setting the Hawks up with a first and goal on the other end. It took Huntingdon just two plays to find the endzone again, with Latham completing her second touchdown pass of the quarter, this time to Naimah Rahmaan from 6 yards out, upping the Hawks lead to 12-0 entering the second quarter.

After forcing yet another turnover on downs as the second quarter began, Alabama State University intercepted Latham, nearly taking it the distance of the field to provide the Hornet offense with a first and goal of their own. With their backs against the wall, the Hawks stood strong, with Russell recording her second interception of the half to flip possession back to the Hawks. Huntingdon’s offense would be forced to punt on the following possession, but another turnover on downs for Alabama State held the Hawks lead at 12-0 entering the halftime break.

Starting the second half with possession of the ball, the Hawks wasted no time finding the endzone again, this time on a 59-yard catch and run from Hiryaunna Mays. A successful two-point conversion brought Huntingdon’s advantage to 20-0. Mays followed up with a 23 yard punt return on the following possession to put Huntingdon’s offense back in positive field position for another drive.

For her fourth touchdown throw of the afternoon, Latham connected with Naimah Rahmaan for the second time, this time from 8 yards out, to bring the score to 28-0 midway through the third quarter.

Following another turnover on downs for the HBCU Hornets, quarterback Emily Stricklin led the Hawks on a drive that resulted in yet another touchdown for Rahmaan, raising the lead to 36-0 entering the fourth and final quarter.

Alabama State’s opening possession of the fourth quarter would come to an abrupt end once again, with Ashley Sajous recording the Hawks’ third interception of the afternoon. Stricklin took advantage of the opportunity, finding De’Aysia Williams from 8 yards out to push the lead to 42-0.

As the game drew near, Huntingdon continued to dominate defensively, with Azariah Greer’s interception putting a stamp on the Hawks’ emphatic Women’s Flag Football victory.

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – All season long, freshman Victorya White has been the headliner and the compass pointing toward a bright North Carolina A&T future in collegiate bowling. On Saturday, during the second day of the Prairie View A&M University Invitational at the International Training and Research Center (ITRC), A&T freshman Jasmine Hall gave reason to believe the HBCU bowling program is in good hands in years to come.

Hall knocked down 1,168 total pins on Saturday during traditional play for a five-game average of 233.60 to place third overall as an individual. Meanwhile, the Aggies, the 10th-ranked team in the nation according to the National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) Coaches’ Poll, finished 5-0 for the second consecutive day.

The Aggies had a total pinfall of 5,520 on Saturday. Through 10 games at the PVAMU Invite, the Aggies have totaled 10,745 pins for an average of 214.9 in five games.

Preseason Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) bowler of the year, Maya Avilez placed fifth on Saturday with a 1,160 total pinfall and an average of 232.0. It puts her and Hall in a position to earn all-tournament honors.

White, a four-time winner of MEAC weekly awards, had her typical weekend. White bowled four games, but they were all magnificent, posting 247, 236, 257, and 243 in the games she bowled. White did have the second-highest average of any player at the tournament, with four or more games bowled (245.75).  

Junior Julianna Sams stepped in during the first matchup against Texas Southern, where she bowled a 203 pinfall in a 1,098-840. The other four Aggies who bowled against Texas Southern also went over a 200 pinfall, led Avilez’s 237. Hall added a 230, followed by senior Laura Garcia. Senior Chloe Newberry completed the domination with a 201.

A day after defeating top-ranked Vanderbilt and third-ranked Nebraska, the HBCU got a chance to face defending NCAA national champion Jacksonville State, the second-ranked team in the nation. White stepped in with her 247, and Avilez added a 221. Hall contributed with a 214, and Garcia posted a 210 total pinfall.

Garcia finished the day with a 1,055 total pinfall, averaging 211.0 over five games.

Fifth-ranked Arkansas State would face the HBCU squad next but could not slow down the Aggies rhythm. Hall flirted with a perfect game as she posted a 289 total pinfall to lead the Aggies to a 1,141-1,066 win over the Red Wolves. White’s 236 contributed to the win, along with Avilez’s 225. A&T’s matchup against fourth-ranked Youngstown State gave the Aggies a chance to beat the top five teams in the country in one weekend of action, and that’s what they did.

North Carolina A&T defeated the Penguins 1,155-1,067. White led the way with a 257, and not far behind was Avilez’s 254 in the monster win. Hall and Garcia bowled 223s. A&T closed out the day with a 1,060-976 win over Duquesne as White led the way with a 243. Avilez had a 223 total pinfall, followed by Hall’s 212.

Aggie bowling will enter bracket play on Sunday in best-of-seven Baker matches.

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DETROIT, Mich. – The Motor City Cruise, NBA G League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons, announced today that HBCU alum China Jude has been named the organization’s President of Business Operations. Jude will be responsible for leading the club’s business lines, expanding revenue opportunities and driving engagement with partners, sponsors, ticketholders and fans. She will report directly to Detroit Pistons President of Business Operations Melanie Harris. 

Jude most recently served as an organizational strategist with USA Volleyball where she partnered with the senior leadership team to provide strategic consultation and worked to enhance initiatives and drive fan and membership engagement and growth across 40 regions.  

Harris lauded Jude’s leadership experiences and her passion for sports in driving organizational success and employee development. 

“We are pleased to welcome China to the organization knowing her sports business experience and leadership will galvanize our Cruise business operations team and catalyze growth both on and off the court,” said Harris.  “Together, we see great opportunity to engage our community with the exciting and accessible product.”

Jude said she is “excited to work with the talented team of professionals at the Detroit Pistons and help build the Motor City Cruise brand within the community.”

“Detroit is a fantastic sports city and I look forward to identifying new ways in which the Motor City Cruise can build its fanbase and carve its own niche in the broader sports landscape,” said Jude.  “I look forward to advancing the club’s success and contributing to the larger picture in which this team supports the Detroit Pistons.”

Jude has more than 20 years of professional and collegiate sports experience including leadership roles with the Denver Broncos, Chadron State College, University of Wyoming and Queens College (NY). 

Prior to USA Volleyball, Jude spent three seasons with the Broncos (2021-23) as the club’s inaugural vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion. Jude worked closely with football, business and community leadership on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy as well as working directly with the human resources and community development departments to focus on recruitment, hiring processes, overall workplace environment and external outreach.

Jude’s extensive collegiate athletic administration experience includes roles as the Director of Athletics at Chadron State College (NE) in 2024, Queens College (NY) from 2011-18, and HBCU Cheyney University (PA) from 2007-11. She also served as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Administration and Senior Women Administrator (SWA) at the University of Wyoming (2018-21). Her additional Senior Woman Administrator roles include time at Coppin State University (MD), and the University of the District Columbia.

An All-Conference volleyball player at HBCU Alabama State, Jude served as Head Volleyball Coach at the University of the District of Columbia and the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

A native of Waukegan, Ill., China Jude received her bachelors in Broadcast Journalism at Alabama State University, Masters in Sports Science (M.S.S.) at the United States Sports Academy and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) at Northcentral University.  Jude also served in the U.S. Naval Reserves, earning an honorable discharge. 

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The Texas Southern women’s basketball team secured a significant HBCU women’s basketball victory against Jackson State as they set the tone early en route to a 69-54 home win on Thursday night.

Maintaining an undefeated streak in conference play, the win places TSU at the top of the SWAC standings snapping Jackson State’s undefeated conference record. TSU also ended Jackson State’s 35-game SWAC Regular Season winning streak dating back to 2023 and it marked the first win over JSU since 2019 as JSU had a 10-game winning streak.

Head Coach Vernette Skeete emphasized how having HBCU women’s basketball fans in the gym really gave the ladies some extra juice.

“It feels good to win!,” she said. “Obviously, we haven’t been in this space historically since I’ve been here to beat Jackson State, so that’s been a long time coming so it’s great to pull that off for the fans.” 

With the students back on campus for the first time this semester, Texas Southern fed off their energy and started strong, ending the first quarter with a 22-13 lead. The Lady Tigers maintained their momentum in the second quarter and outscored JSU 14-4 over the final six minutes as TSU extended their lead to 41-25.

The third quarter saw continued dominance from Texas Southern, with the team holding a 63-38 lead by the end of the quarter. Jackson State struggled to keep up, despite efforts from their top scorers.

Alaysia Fantroy led the charge with 20 points and six rebounds, while Treasure Thompson contributed nine points and five rebounds.

The Lady Tigers look to stay undefeated in SWAC play as they host Alcorn on Saturday at 3 p.m. inside the H&PE Arena.

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Laila Lawrence, a 6-foot-2 senior from Lewisville, Texas, is averaging 16.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.4 blocks in 20 games this season. Lawrence ranks second nationally with 11 double-doubles and is the only player in all of NCAA Division I to average 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. She currently leads the MEAC in rebounds while ranking second in points, steals and blocks, and sixth in assists.

The reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and a First Team All-Conference selection, Lawrence posted 20-point games against defending national champions South Carolina, along with Virginia Tech, Virginia and Arizona State.  Lawrence also had a season-high 27 points against Maine and 21 points at GW. She’s scored in double figures in all but one game this season, had a pair of games with seven assists, 16 multi-steal games and nine multi-block efforts.

CSU won a program-record nine non-conference games with historic victories against Arizona State and George Washington University.  The Eagles currently stand at 11-9 overall and 2-2 in the MEAC.

Midseason Watchlist for 2025 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award

• Ally Becki, Ball State, Sr., G
• Emma Ronsiek, Colorado State, Gr., F
• Laila Lawrence, Coppin State, Sr., F
• Katie Dinnebier, Drake, Sr., G
• Megan McConnell, Duquesne, Sr., G
• Mia Jacobs, Fresno State, Jr., F
• Yvonne Ejim, Gonzaga, Gr., F
• Harmoni Turner, Harvard, Sr., G
• Diamond Johnson, Norfolk State, Gr., G
• Laura Ziegler, Saint Joseph’s, Jr., F
• Grace Larkins, South Dakota, Sr., G
• Brooklyn Meyer, South Dakota St., Jr., F
• Kayla Cooper, UAlbany, Gr., F
• Maya McDermott, UNI, Sr., G
• Jordyn Jenkins, UTSA, R-Sr., F

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Arlington, TX – The Dallas Wings WNBA franchise announced today the hiring of Camille Smith and Nola Henry as assistant coaches. Smith and Henry become the first two additions to the staff of recently announced Head Coach Chris Koclanes. Smith and Henry both served as assistant coaches for the Los Angeles Sparks during the 2024 season under then-Head Coach Curt Miller. Camille Smith was the head women’s basketball coach at Dallas-area HBCU Paul Quinn.

“Camille is as competitive and committed to excellence as they come,” said Koclanes. “She is a true professional in every sense of the word, as a former player and now current head coach at Dallas’ own Paul Quinn College, an HBCU. She embodies the idea that how you do anything is how you do everything and I’m excited for her to bring her discipline, honesty and accountability to our culture. She will connect with our players and challenge them to reach heights they didn’t think possible. As a player she had an elite feel defensively, seeing things before they were happening and consistently disrupting in the post. Her eye on that side of the ball will be a huge asset as we establish our defensive identity. Camille is a member of the DFW community and takes tremendous pride in that. She will pour everything she has into helping shape this next chapter of Wings basketball.”

Smith, formerly Little, has been an HBCU Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas, since 2022. The 13-year WNBA veteran retired from playing in 2019 after successful stints in San Antonio, Seattle, including winning a WNBA Championship with the Storm in 2010, Connecticut and Phoenix, along with an impressive run in international leagues. Smith was voted to the STORM25 – the top 25 players in Seattle franchise history as voted on by the fans and recognized during the 2024 season. Before her retirement, Smith, along with Diana Taurasi and Candace Parker, were the only three players in the WNBA with 1,500 career rebounds and over 150 made three-pointers. Following her retirement in 2019, Smith joined the coaching ranks as a Player Development Coach for the Dallas Wings in 2020.

“This is a dream come true,” said Smith. “I have lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and been a Wings season ticket holder since I retired in 2019, and have been supporting this franchise for nearly a decade. I have watched from the stands, and now I am ecstatic about bringing my knowledge and game experience to the sidelines. This is such an exciting time for the Dallas Wings and I am thrilled to be part of this new era. Being alongside such great basketball minds, including Chris Koclanes, Curt Miller, Nola Henry, Jasmine Thomas and Travis Charles, makes this opportunity even more special. I am grateful for the chance to learn and grow with the Wings. A special thank you to my Paul Quinn College family for your love and support. I hope to make you proud and see you cheering on the Wings this summer.”

Smith attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, leading the Tar Heels to two Final Four appearances in her four years. Known for her offensive skills and defensive game, Smith was a four-time All-ACC selection, and finished her college career with more than 1,700 points, 800 rebounds, 250 assists, and 250 steals. She became the first Tar Heel to be named First Team All-ACC as a freshman. She has a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal communications from UNC.

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The first two seasons of ‘Brick x Brick’ followed the football program at JCSU as head coach Maurice Flowers took over a 2-win program and turned them into one of the top teams in HBCU football. Now, the show follows the JCSU women’s hoops program and coach Monterika Warren. The second-year Golden Bulls head coach leads a team of nine players and two coaches into their 2025 CIAA season.

Brick x Brick with JCSU Women’s Basketball

The HBCU Gameday Original Series continues to give viewers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to JCSU athletics, this time covering HBCU women’s basketball like never before. From Practice to shootaround and inside the locker room during games, HBCU filmmaker Wali Pitt combines these elements with in-game highlights to create a compelling narrative that tells the story both on and off the court.

“I’ve wanted the chance to tell an HBCU women’s hoops story for a while now,” said Pitt. “When I met Coach Warren last year, it felt very similar to meeting Coach Flowers back in 2022, the CIAA is one of the toughest leagues in women’s basketball and I think fans will appreciate how hard this team competes as underdogs in a tough conference.”

The first two episodes follow JCSU as they look to get two big conference wins over Lincoln University and Virginia Union the week before Winter Break. The Golden Bulls came into both games with only nine active players but still believed they had what they needed to win. Coach Warren and company find themselves fighting against not only the championship-caliber opponents across from them on the court but also the battle within, as they work to build themselves into a winning HBCU women’s basketball program.

Fans can watch episodes digitally on the HBCUGameday.com homepage, the Gameday app, the HBCU Gameday YouTube page, and on TV every Sunday at 7 pm on the Fox Soul channel.

Episode 01

Witness HBCU women’s hoops like never before as HBCU Gameday takes its ‘HBCU Hard Knocks’ docuseries ‘Brick x Brick’ to the hardwood with the women’s hoops program at Johnson C. Smith University.

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Deivejon Harris posted a double-double as four Texas Southern Tigers scored in double figures in an 85-74 win over reigning SWAC champion Grambling State in HBCU women’s basketball to begin conference play.

 After a 14-all first-quarter tie, Texas Southern broke the game open in the second quarter as they went on an 11-2 run which spanned nearly four minutes. By the time the dust cleared, TSU was ahead 27-16 but Grambling State managed to cut into the deficit with a 7-1 run to trail 28-23. TSU managed to end the half with momentum as Tiana Mathis’ trey coupled with a GSU turnover gave them a 31-23 lead.
 
Grambling State would get within six after an early jumper to begin the second half but Courtlyn Loudermill outscored the entire Grambling State team over the next six minutes as her 11-point outburst fueled a 25-10 surge which gave TSU a 56-35 lead. TSU would end the quarter ahead comfortably 62-44.
 
The turnover bug would infect TSU early in the fourth quarter as Grambling State used the bug to its advantage early. GSU opened the quarter on a 12-4 run which was fueled by five TSU turnovers as they trailed by 12 at 68-56. TSU would push its lead back to 18 on several occasions from that point but the bug once again would stay with TSU over the next 2:39. Grambling State was perfect from the field and free throw line while generating four steals as they inched closer once again during s 14-2 run to trail 78-72 with 1:52 left.
 
TSU would flip the game after the scare as Aylasia Fantroy scored four points over the next minute while the defense forced several turnovers to secure TSU’s first SWAC opener win since 2020.

 Harris, who started her career at Grambling State, had a solid night with 17 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Loudermill had 17 points and five rebounds while Fantroy scored 14 with seven rebounds. Treasure Thompson added 11 points with six rebounds.
 
TSU women’s basketball is back in action on Saturday at 3 p.m. against HBCU conference foe Southern, at home inside the H&PE Arena.

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Historical Context: HBCUs in the NCAA Tournament

The 1982 inaugural DI women’s basketball tournament featured three HBCUs: Howard, Jackson State, and Cheyney. Cheyney set the gold standard for HBCUs, reaching the Final Four three times and the National Championship game in 1982, where they finished as runners-up to Louisiana Tech. Their success remains the pinnacle of HBCU women’s basketball.

Since then, 19 HBCU women’s programs have participated in March Madness, but victories have been rare. Only Cheyney, South Carolina State, and Howard have won games, and Howard is the only HBCU to win since the tournament expanded to 64 teams.

HBCUs have typically been seeded at the bottom:

• 16-seeds: Assigned 34 times, with only one win.
• Highest seed: No. 12 (achieved three times before 1995).

Where We Are Now: Norfolk State, Coppin State, and Howard

With March Madness on the horizon, the MEAC’s top teams—Norfolk State, Coppin State, and Howard—are fighting for more than just a tournament berth. They aim to break the cycle of low seeds and prove that HBCU programs deserve better representation.

Norfolk State: Leading the Pack

Norfolk State is the MEAC’s strongest contender this season. At 12-4, they hold the highest NET ranking (118) of any MEAC team and are ranked 13th in the College Insider Mid-Major Top 25 poll. Their balanced play, highlighted by a defense that forces 11.3 steals per game, positions them as the team to beat.

Key wins over Missouri and Auburn (SEC) and Wyoming (Mountain West) showcase their ability to compete with teams from powerhouse conferences. Though they fell to South Carolina in the 2023 tournament as a 16-seed, this year’s resume gives them a real shot at a higher placement.

Historical Tournament Record: Norfolk State is 0-3 in NCAA play, with their last appearance in 2024 as a 16-seed. Their previous games have all been against top-seeded teams.

What They Need to Do:

• Dominate MEAC play, particularly against Coppin State and Howard.
• Win the conference tournament to secure an automatic bid.
• Avoid bad losses that could weaken their NET ranking.

Coppin State: The Underdog with Potential

Coppin State enters conference play with a 9-7 record and a NET ranking of 145. They are also receiving votes in the College Insider Mid-Major poll. The Eagles boast key wins over Arizona State (Pac-12) and Kent State, a team receiving votes in the same poll. These victories demonstrate their ability to rise to the occasion.

Led by Laila Lawrence, who averages 18.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, Coppin State has the talent to compete. However, inconsistency, particularly in road games, has been their Achilles’ heel.

Historical Tournament Record: Coppin State is 0-3, last appearing in 2008 as a 16-seed. Despite competitive performances, they have yet to break through for a win.

What They Need to Do:

• Build on their non-conference momentum by performing consistently in MEAC play.
• Use Lawrence’s dominance to secure key wins, especially on the road.
• Win the MEAC tournament to guarantee a spot in March Madness.

Howard: The Long Shot

Howard is a storied program, but this season has been a challenge. At 6-8 with a NET ranking of 214, the Bison face an uphill battle. Destiny Howell leads the team with 15.6 points per game, but the team’s shooting struggles (36.7% FG, 23.8% 3PT) and rebounding issues (-1.9 margin) have been obstacles.

Howard made history in 1982, becoming one of the first HBCUs to compete in the NCAA tournament. In 2022, they won their first game against Incarnate Word before falling to South Carolina in the second round. They remain the only HBCU to win a game in the 64-team era.

Historical Tournament Record: Howard is 1-7 in NCAA play, with their lone win in 2022.

What They Need to Do:

• Improve offensive efficiency and rebounding.
• Secure key wins against Norfolk State and Coppin State in conference play.
• Rely on their legacy and fight for a conference title to punch their ticket.

The Case for a Higher Seed

For decades, HBCUs have been boxed into lower seeds, limiting their chances for success in the tournament. Norfolk State, with its strong resume and national ranking, is the best bet to break this trend. Coppin State’s key non-conference wins also make them a contender, but they must be more consistent. Howard, despite its legacy, faces too many challenges to seriously contend for a higher seed this season.

Why It Matters

Breaking the 16-seed barrier would do more than elevate an HBCU program; A higher seed would open the door for more competitive matchups and potential upsets, further showcasing the strength of HBCU women’s basketball.

As conference play unfolds, Norfolk State, Coppin State, and Howard carry the hopes of continuing a legacy of excellence and representation on the national stage. This could be the year an HBCU team changes the narrative in March Madness. Stay tuned.

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NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans-HBCU Xavier University of Louisiana produced a pair of second-half runs Saturday to clinch a 66-59 women’s basketball victory against Paul Quinn and remain unbeaten. The Gold Nuggets — 12-0 overall, 9-0 Red River Athletic Conference and ranked 25th in the NAIA — will break for Christmas, then return to the court on Jan. 2 at Texas College.

The next home game will be Jan. 7, also against Texas College. Paul Quinn (6-7, 5-4) led 32-29 in the 23rd minute after Kayla Webster’s two free throws. XULA then scored 12 consecutive points to take the lead for good. The Gold Nuggets led 45-41 through three quarters, then opened the final period with a 13-2 clinching run.

“It was a slow start, but we got better,” said Zaria Harleaux, who had 10 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, six steals and a block for XULA. “We figured out the adjustments we had to make and started executing better.” Joy Campbell and Kam Shelley scored 16 points apiece for XULA. Campbell had six rebounds, five assists, and seven steals, and the point guard made a season-best eight free throws. Shelley, the team’s leading scorer this season, has reached double-figure points in every game.

Cierra Taylor scored 15 points and Zaire Brown 13 for Paul Quinn. Adrianna Bolton grabbed 15 rebounds, 12 in the first half. The Lady Tigers’ Canai McPherson entered with a team-leading 16.8 points per game, but the senior guard did not start and was scoreless in three minutes. XULA shot a season-worst 30.8 percent from the floor but made 23 free throws, had 20 steals, and gained 32 turnovers, all season highs.

The Gold Nuggets extended their HBCU women’s basketball program record for most consecutive victories to start a season during the Title IX era. Overall it’s Xavier University of Louisiana’s longest win streak since 14 during the 2021-22 season.

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The Lady Wolves are included among high-profile nominees such as Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Dwight Howard, and Sylvia Fowles, showcasing the level of excellence they brought to the game.

The Historic Journey

Under the leadership of Hall of Fame coach C. Vivian Stringer, the Lady Wolves overcame numerous challenges during their 1981 – 82 season. With limited resources as a small school, they achieved a remarkable 28–3 record and earned the No. 2 national ranking. They carried a 23-game winning streak into the NCAA tournament and advanced to the inaugural NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship game, where they fell to Louisiana Tech.

In a 2022 interview with FOX 29, former player Yolanda Laney reflected on the team’s confidence and preparation under Stringer’s leadership. “Coach Stringer was a great coach, a great instructor, a great teacher. She prepared us for every game that we played. We never felt that we would be defeated,” Laney said.

Laney also emphasized the pride the team felt in representing Cheyney, stating, “Cheyney has a rich heritage. We always believed we would win every time we stepped onto the court because of the preparation and all the energy that [Coach Stringer] put in.”

Breaking Barriers

The Cheyney State Lady Wolves’ historic season broke barriers on multiple fronts. They became the first team with an all-women coaching staff and the first with an all-Black coaching staff to make it to the NCAA Division I Final Four and championship game.

Laney told FOX 29 about the team’s awareness of their role in history, saying, “We realized we were the first HBCU to get there. It was very important for us to make history, and we did great things.”

Their achievements not only showcased the talent and determination of HBCU programs but also highlighted the importance of representation at the highest level of college athletics.

Path to the Hall of Fame

The Lady Wolves nomination places them alongside some of basketball’s greatest figures, including first-time nominees Carmelo Anthony and Sue Bird. If selected, they would join the Hall of Fame as a team that set a powerful example of resilience, teamwork, and excellence.

The finalists for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be announced on February 14, 2025, during NBA All-Star Weekend, with the official inductees revealed at the NCAA Final Four on April 5, 2025. For the Lady Wolves, the nomination is a celebration of their groundbreaking legacy and a reminder of how they paved the way for others.

As Laney eloquently said in her interview with FOX 29, “We didn’t just make history—we paved the way for others to dream bigger.”

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Michin entered in style, rocking a Virginia Union University Varsity jacket. It was more than just a fashion statement—it was a proud shoutout to the HBCU that helped shape her athletic career and identity.

Before Michin made waves in WWE, she was a volleyball standout at Virginia Union University. In a 2018 interview with WWE.com, Michin opened up about how her time at the HBCU prepared her for success.

“I wanted to earn a college volleyball scholarship because my academics wouldn’t be enough to qualify entry to the colleges I wanted,” Michin said. “My dad sent tapes to Virginia Union University, and they gave me a full scholarship for two years.”

Michin played at VUU for two years before transferring to Marymount University. But her time at Virginia Union left a lasting impact. Representing her alma mater on WWE’s global stage was her way of showing that HBCU pride is always with her.

Even though Michin didn’t walk away as champion her presence at Saturday Night Main Event was historic. She proudly repped her HBCU roots in front of a national audience, and her journey is already inspiring the next generation of HBCU athletes.

Howard University track star Darci Khan, a star hurdler with a knack for the spotlight, is already eyeing WWE as her next move. Khan’s speed and athleticism on the track could easily translate to the wrestling ring. She’s part of a growing wave of HBCU athletes looking to make their mark in sports entertainment.

Michin continues to be a force in WWE, proving that talent from HBCUs can shine on the world’s biggest stages. Fans can catch her every Friday night on WWE SmackDown, airing on USA Network at 8 PM EST/7 PM CST.

And if black college athletes like Darci Khan joins the mix, the future of HBCU representation in WWE looks brighter than ever. Stay tuned—Michin may have just paved the way for the next big star.

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BOSTON, Mass. – The Norfolk State women’s basketball team earned the No. 11 ranking in the latest College Insider’s Mid Major Women’s Basketball Top 25 poll this season.  Norfolk State is the only HBCU featured in this week’s poll.  

In its 15th season of existence, the mid-major poll recognizes the top teams from the following conferences: America East, Atlantic Sun, Big Sky, Big South, Big West, Coastal Athletic, Conference USA, Horizon, Independent, Ivy, Metro Atlantic, Mid-American, Mid-Eastern, Missouri Valley, Northeast, Ohio Valley, Patriot, Southern, Southland, Southwestern, Summit, Sun Belt, West Coast, Western Athletic. 

NSU received the No. 11 ranking, following a 75-66 win against Saint Louis on Saturday, Dec. 7 in Washington D.C.  

The Spartans will return to action against Shaw at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, at Echols Hall.

Spartans Hold off Billikens Comeback Bid in Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Norfolk State women’s basketball team held off a fourth-quarter run from Saint Louis, defeating the Billikens 75-66 at the Coaches vs. Racism Roundball Classic.

Checking the Box Score

• Diamond Johnson led Norfolk State in scoring with 23 points
• Kierra Wheeler posted a season-high 22 points
• NSU shot 11-of-17 from the floor in the second quarter (64.71 percent)
• Norfolk State never trailed in the contest, with the score only being tied once
• The Spartans had 14 steals to the Billikens’ 9 steals
• Diamond Johnson was 8-of-8 from the floor in the first half with 17 points

News & Notes

• Norfolk State improves to 8-3
• Saint Louis falls to 3-7
• Norfolk State now leads the all-time series 1-0
• Diamond Johnson has led her HBCU in scoring for 10-of-11 games this season
• No one from the Spartans has fouled out of a contest this season
• NSU made 30 field goals for the first time since Feb. 17, 2024

FULL RECAP

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Laila Lawrence notched her eighth double-double of the season, leading Coppin State’s HBCU women’s basketball team to a 64-61 overtime win at George Washington University of the Atlantic 10 Conference on Tuesday night at the Charles E. Smith Athletic Center.  The Eagles improved to 7-5 on the season with their first-ever win against GW who fell to 5-4.

Checking the Box Score

• Lawrence, who ranks second nationally in double-doubles, led all players with 21 points and 11 rebounds while hitting 8-of-16 from the floor and 5-of-7 from the line. She added four steals, two blocks, and two steals.
• Angel Jones also finished in double figures with 11 points along with five assists, three rebounds and three steals.
• Tiffany Hammond scored nine points with three 3-pointers and moved into ninth place on Coppin’s all-time list with 82 in just one-plus seasons with the program.
• Arielle-Vadrelle Belinga continued to play well, finishing with a career-high nine points.
• Cire Worley hit a pair of triples for six points, followed by Tyler Gray with five points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
• Niyah Gaston also hit a three for Coppin who made eight shots from deep compared to just three for GW.
• Three GW players scored in double figures, including Paige Mott, the daughter of CSU director of men’s basketball operations Terquin Mott, who had ten points and nine rebounds.

How it Happened

• Neither team led by more than six points in a contest that featured 12 ties and 13 lead changes.
• The teams went into the half tied at 29 and Coppin led 44-43 after the third.
• George Washington University opened the fourth with five-straight points before Lawrence sandwiched a layup by Gray with two of her own, giving the Eagles back the lead at 50-48 at the 7:23 mark.
• Hammond’s third three of the game with 3:23 left in regulation broke a 51-51 tie which GW matched with 37 seconds remaining.
• Following a timeout, Coppin missed a shot just before the buzzer which sent the game into overtime.
• After the tip, the teams traded buckets before GW opened a 61-56 lead with 2:56 left on a three.
• Worley responded with a triple of her own before Lawrence converted on an old-fashioned three-point play at the 1:45 mark, giving the HBCU its first lead of the frame at 62-61.
• Lawrence was credited with a steal at the other end and Gray hit both free throws, extending Coppin’s lead to three with 1:29 left.
• Both teams missed threes on their following possessions before Hammond came up with a big steal with 19 seconds remaining, prompting a Coppin timeout.
• CSU missed both free throw attempts, giving GW a chance to tie the score but both of their tying efforts fell short.

Up Next: Coppin State women’s basketball is back home on Thursday, December 19 when the HBCU hosts Kent State in a 5 pm tipoff on ESPN+. The Golden Flashes rank just outside the Mid-Major Top 25 at 28^th at 5-4 overall.

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Coppin State’s starters carried the load, scoring all 74 points. Angel Jones led with 23 points and key free throws in overtime, while Laila Lawrence added 20 points and 9 rebounds. Their combined efforts outpaced Arizona State’s defense.

“We executed the game plan,” said Jones. “If we’re confident in our abilities, we can succeed.”

Head coach Jermaine Woods credited the win to disciplined defense. The team forced 20 turnovers and limited Arizona State’s bigs by doubling in the post and forcing outside shots.

“Our goal was to make them uncomfortable,” said Woods. “The players executed the plan perfectly.”

Despite being outrebounded, Coppin State minimized second-chance opportunities, holding Arizona State to just ten offensive rebounds.

Jones and Lawrence highlighted why they are key players for the Eagles. Lawrence emphasized the team’s focus on effort and preparation.

“We work hard every practice, no matter how tired we are,” she said. “It’s about giving our best every time.”

This victory goes beyond a single game, showcasing the strength of HBCU athletics. Woods highlighted the importance of such wins in bringing recognition to Coppin State and other HBCUs.

“We are a Division I program, and on any day, we can compete,” he said.

As Coppin State heads into MEAC play, this win fuels momentum and confidence. It’s a clear statement: HBCU basketball can compete on the national stage.

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GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T State University’s (NCAT) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is thrilled to announce the extension of its partnership with Sinclair Broadcasting to broadcast select men’s and women’s basketball games from Corbett Sports Center. NCAT is the largest HBCU in the nation.

The partnership allows Aggie fans to enjoy the games from the comfort of their homes or local venues, offering more access to live basketball action and furthering the reach of A&T Athletics within the Piedmont Triad region. During football season, the Aggies partnered with Sinclair, airing all five of A&T’s home games on WMYV My48.

Sinclair aired four of those games live. The ratings competed or were comparable to other shows and sporting events in the time slot. Four men’s and five women’s HBCU basketball games will air on the station this season, starting with the Gate City rivalry between the A&T and UNC Greensboro men’s basketball teams.

Fans can also see the games at https://www.my48.tv/, on cable channel 15, HD 1215, and over-the-air channel 48. Sinclair’s reach expands as far north as Patrick County (Va.) and south to Montgomery County (N.C.).

The Sinclair Broadcasting footprint extends as far west as Wilkes County (N.C.) and east to Alamance County (N.C.). The Aggies still maintain their agreement with FloSports through the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).

NCAT will host Gate City Division I rival UNC Greensboro on Saturday, December 7 at 2 p.m. from Corbett Sports Center.

Men’s Basketball Schedule:

• Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. UNCG
• Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. Drexel
• Saturday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. Charleston
• Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. Stony Brook

Women’s Basketball Schedule:

• Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. Norfolk State
• Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. Stony Brook
• Sunday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. Campbell
• Sunday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. Delaware
• Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. UNCW

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BALTIMORE – Angel Jones and Laila Lawrence combined for 43 points as Coppin State’s women’s basketball team knocked off Big 12 opponent Arizona State, 74-68 in overtime on Thursday night at PEC Arena.  The win was the Eagles’ (a Baltimore HBCU) first over a Power Conference program at home in any sport.

Checking the Box Score

• Jones led all players with 23 points, hitting 8-of-20 from the floor and 7-of-11 from the line while adding five rebounds and three assists.
• Lawrence scored 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting while pulling down nine rebounds to go with five assists, a block, and four steals.
• Tyler Gray and Tiffany Hammond dropped in 12 points apiece, marking the first time this season that Coppin had four players in double figures. All of Hammond’s points came on four 3-pointers while Gray made all six of her free throws.
• The senior guards also combined for five assists and five steals.
• Arielle-Vadrelle Belinga also came up big with seven points and six rebounds, both season highs.
• Coppin State outshot the Big 12 squad, 41.3% to 38.8%, and made 15-of-22 shots from the floor compared to 9-of-9 for ASU.
• The HBCU squad forced Arizona State into 20 turnovers which translated into 20 points.
• The Sun Devils got 17 points from Baltimore native Jalyn Brown and 14 from leading scorer Tyi Skinner.

How the MEAC HBCU rolled on Arizona State

• Arizona State scored the game’s opening bucket, but that was its only lead until early in the fourth quarter.
• Hammond answered the Sun Devil layup with a three and Coppin got up by as many as 18-12 in the first after a three by Lawrence at the 1:36 mark.
• ASU hit a three to close the quarter, cutting the deficit to 18-15 but Coppin never relinquished the advantage in the second with the advantage oscillating between one and five points throughout.
• Brown brought ASU to within 31-30 with just under a minute left in the half before a jumper by Belinga and a pair of free throws by Jones ended the period.
• The Eagles extended their lead to as many as 46-37 with 5:54 left in the third following five-straight points coming from Lawrence and a three-point play by Jones.
• Once again, Arizona State would not go away, cutting the HBCU lead to a single point just before the buzzer.
• The Sun Devils hit two straight field goals to open the fourth and opened their largest lead at 59-55 following a three by Brown with 3:36 left in regulation.
• Back-to-back layups by Lawrence tied the score before a pair of free throws by ASU gave them back the lead with 1:10 remaining.
• Jones hit a floater with just under a minute to play following a pass from Lawrence and the Sun Devils were unable to convert, sending the game into overtime.
• Skinner opened the extra session with a jumper before Belinga buried a three on the ensuing possession, giving CSU a 64-63 lead with 3:55 to play.
• The teams traded leads before Lawrence tied the score at 68 by hitting the second of two free throws with 1:04 remaining.
• Following an ASU miss, Jones found Belinga inside for the go-ahead layup with 44 ticks left, and Gray forced a turnover at the other end and sunk a pair of free throws to put Coppin up 72-68.
• ASU missed a three at the other end and a pair of free throws by Jones sealed the historic victory.

Up Next: Coppin returns to action on Sunday, December 8 when it heads to Chapel Hill to face 15^th-ranked North Carolina in a 2 pm tipoff on ACCNX.

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Delaware State earned its spot in the tournament with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Howard University in the MEAC Championship on Nov. 24. The win, which extended their season-ending winning streak to six matches, showcased the team’s determination and poise under pressure. The Hornets finished the season with a 17-13 overall record and an 11-4 mark in MEAC play.

Leading the charge for Delaware State is senior outside hitter Gerren Tomlin, who paced the team with 359 kills and an average of 3.26 kills per set. Middle blocker Martyna Kmuk added 209 kills, a .232 hitting percentage, and 51 blocks, while setter Paige Ahakuelo contributed 546 assists, demonstrating exceptional court vision and playmaking ability. Defensive specialist Morgan Allen has also been a key contributor with 225 digs and 31 aces.

The Hornets will face a significant challenge in Penn State, a perennial volleyball powerhouse with a 29-2 record (19-1 Big Ten). The Nittany Lions secured the top seed in their bracket and entered the tournament on a six-match winning streak. Despite the tough opponent, Delaware State is no stranger to competing on big stages, having made the NCAA Tournament in 2022.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Delaware State and Penn State in women’s volleyball, providing the Hornets with an opportunity to showcase their growth and represent HBCU excellence on a national stage. With a balanced lineup of experienced players and rising stars, Delaware State aims to embrace the challenge and continue building its legacy.

Regardless of the outcome, the Hornets’ second NCAA Tournament appearance is a testament to the program’s steady development and resilience, cementing Delaware State as a team to watch in collegiate volleyball.

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