“Our previous interim head coach left the university, and we had a short period of time to recruit additional players after the new soccer coach arrived,” Alcorn State interim vice president of marketing and communication Maxine Greenleaf said in an email to the Clarion Ledger.

Ken Kabiru was hired as the Alcorn State University Soccer coach on July 22.

Unfortunately, that’s not the worst of the news.

Key issues include inadequate facilities—such as showers with bats and snakes, and the absence of hot water—as well as unfulfilled promises of soccer equipment like cleats. The training room was reportedly understaffed and poorly equipped, with unqualified students performing medical treatments.

These allegations came to light in a letter signed by 15 current and former players at the HBCU. Additionally, the head coach, Ken Kabiru, who was hired just before the season, has a history of legal troubles that further complicate the situation.

The SWAC says it is aware of the current status of the Alcorn State program. 

“The Southwestern Athletic Conference has been formally notified that Alcorn State University will cancel the 2024 Women’s Soccer season,” the SWAC wrote. “Alcorn State University has been sanctioned in accordance with the SWAC Constitution, Bylaws and Sports Regulations. We look forward to the return of Alcorn State Lady Braves Soccer as one of ten participating member institutions in the sport of Women’s Soccer within the Southwestern Athletic Conference.” 

The program has won just 39 games since the HBCU established it back in 2003.

The post HBCU faces allegations of bats, snakes in showers by soccer team appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

GC has apparently completed its investigation and says that the heckling originated with a group of 14 students. Three students are facing student conduct disciplinary action for hacking and one student has been held out of an athletic contest for a violation for the athletic code.

“The investigation did not discover any evidence that racist remarks were directed by Guilford fans toward VSU players,” the college said. “However, the fact that VSU supporters found the environment to be extremely unwelcoming for their players is of deep concern to the College and resulted in action that has been taken.”

This determination was made after interviewing more than 30 Guilford athletics staff members, non-athletics staff members, students and parents who were at the soccer match, according to the school’s release. 

HBCU Gameday reached out to Virginia State University officials for a reaction to the Guilford College investigation, but officials declined comment.

The post Virginia State University soccer claims of racist remarks disputed appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

The post Howard University soccer gets first NEC win of season appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

The start date of the program is tentative and in partnership with the consulting services of Boyd Parker Sports Group (BPSG), Black Soccer Membership Association (BSMA), and Diaspora Athletic Company. This partnership comes at the right time as Atlanta, Georgia has been selected to host FIFA WorldCup 2026 which has aided in much excitement surrounding the sport of soccer.

This group of consultants will help Morris Brown College navigate the process of launching a soccer program and develop a plan to execute. As Morris Brown College has recently obtained full accreditation, in addition to scaling its academic profile, it will now focus on bringing back clubs and eventually varsity sports beginning with soccer. The institution will operate the soccer program as a club for two seasons then work to move into an NAIA conference.

This will be the first time in the history of Morris Brown College that a soccer team will represent the Wolverines at any level. MBC will also be the only school in the Atlanta University Center that currently supports a soccer program of any kind.

President Kevin James said, “We are ecstatic that we were able to achieve full accreditation. Morris Brown offers a unique, affordable, and quality education that prepares students for success. As we rebuild the institution, we felt it very important that student life including Greek Life and some athletic programs be implemented for a full HBCU experience. This was truly The Hard Reset. This is just the beginning!”

To learn more about Morris Brown College and this partnership or the arrival of soccer at Morris Brown College, visit morrisbrown.edu.

ABOUT MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE: 

Morris Brown College was founded in 1881 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It is a private, coeducational liberal arts college engaged in teaching and public service with a special focus on leadership, management, entrepreneurship, and technology. The institution is the only college in Georgia founded solely by African American patronage.

ABOUT BOYD PARKER SPORTS GROUP:

Boyd Parker Sports Group Founder and Managing Director, Averick Parker is a graduate of Morehouse College (undergrad) and the University of Georgia (MBA) and has over 15 years of experience managing sponsorship strategy, activation, execution, events, and brands for Major League Soccer franchises, Fortune 500 companies, and casinos.

Recently, BPSG has executed HBCU ID Soccer Camps in Atlanta, Georgia which helps high school student athletes who are interested in playing soccer at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

ABOUT BLACK SOCCER MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATION 

BSMA Chairman Justin Reid explains, “On behalf of the BSMA we are excited to work with two excellent partners in the BPSG and DAco. We all bring an array of expertise in the sports management business with soccer being our number one sport to promote. We are also excited to work with a historical college like Morris Brown and will do our best to ensure that a successful club soccer program is launched and that we can take MBC to the next level which will be to become a varsity program in the very near future.”

ABOUT DIASPORA ATHLETIC COMPANY

DAco. Owner Glenn Goodwine states the following, “Growing up in Atlanta playing club soccer and    being part of the Georgia Olympic Development Program allowed me to experience the unique growing soccer scene in Atlanta’s black communities. As a Howard University Men’s Soccer Alumni and having graduated from an Atlanta area high school as well, I’ve always wanted to expand the amount of opportunities for players who choose to attend an HBCU. The strategic partnership between BSMA, Boyd Parker Sports Group, and Morris Brown College is a big step towards a long overdue push for equity in college soccer.  I’m very proud to be a part of this initiative.

The post Morris Brown aims to rebirth athletics with soccer appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

With the victory, HU snapped its six-match skid while registering the program’s first shutout win since October 2019 (vs. Georgia Southern, 3-0).

“This was a great overall team victory,” said Howard men’s soccer head coach Phillip Gyau. “We control the tempo after halftime and we were able to score crucial goals down the stretch.”

After a scoreless first half, newcomer Tighe Yursha (Brandenton, Fla.) found junior Roy Henderson (Fredericksburg, Va.) off a corner kick and put the Bison ahead, 1-0.

At the 59-minute mark, freshman Bryson Baker(Elliott City, Md.) dribbled pass three defenders and scored his fifth goal of the year while extending the lead, 2-0.

Nearly 15 minutes later, senior Duncan Dunkwu (Germantown, Md.) added an insurance goal to give the Bison their first-ever NEC win.

Despite Bryant taking more corner kicks, 10-2, Howard outshot the Bulldogs, 17-15.

Senior goalkeeper Emery Simon (Elkhart, Ind.) produced his second shutout win of the season while recording five saves.

Sunday (Oct. 17), the Bison head back on the road to meet NEC opponent Mount St. Mary’s (Md.). Match time is set for 1 p.m.

The post Howard soccer picks up first men’s NEC win appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

WASHINGTON (August 22, 2021) — Howard University women’s soccer team opens its 2021 campaign versus the Hampton Lady Pirates inside Greene Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: Fans in attendance must wear a face mask/cover throughout the duration of the match.

FOLLOW THE ACTION

Bison Nation can follow all the action via live stats.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Despite canceling the 2020 campaign due to COVID-19, Howard enters the year with a solid combination of experience and youth.

Entering the year, more than 20 new faces have arrived at The Hilltop since HU played their last official contest, dating back to the 2019 Southwest Conference (SWAC) title match.

Since then, head coach Brent Lieba and the Bison joined the Northeast Conference (NEC), which the program begins its inaugural season this year.

“We are elated to be joining the NEC this year,” Leiba stated. “We look forward to the challenge ahead of us as we begin to form new rivalries.”

Offensively, seniors Thalia Boucher (Toronto, Canada) and Victoria Thornton (Plainfield, Ill.) spearhead the Bison’s attack while graduate Alayah Hightower (Mitchellville, Md.) anchors the backend.

MATCHUP PREVIEW

Monday’s showdown will be the first time both programs square off since 2015. In that contest, the Bison rolled past Hampton, 17-0, at Greene Stadium.

Like Howard, the Lady Pirates did not compete during the 2020 season due to COVID-19. Hampton head coach Momoh (Mo) Kanneh enters his third year at the helm, led by juniors Taylor Hosten and Kynnedy Waldon.

UPCOMING EVENTS

On Aug. 27, the Bison face Delaware State in Dover, Del. Match time is slated for 7 p.m.

ABOUT HOWARD ATHLETICS

The Howard University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors 21 NCAA Division I men and women varsity sports. The programs represent three conferences: the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Northeast Conference (NEC) and Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).

The post Howard and Hampton women renew rivalry appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Southwestern Athletic Conference revealed its 2021 SWAC Women’s Soccer Predicted Order of Finish on Thursday with Alabama State tabbed to repeat as conference champions. The preseason poll was voted on by the league’s head coaches and sports information directors.

The Lady Hornets tallied a league-leading eight first-place votes. Alabama State has claimed three of the past five SWAC tournament titles while also being crowned regular-season champions twice during that same period. Spring 2021 SWAC Women’s Soccer Tournament runner-up Grambling State was selected second followed by Alabama A&M (3rd), Jackson State (4th), and Prairie View A&M (5th) to round out the top five preseason selections.

Southern was tabbed to finish in sixth place with Texas Southern (7th), Alcorn State (8th), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (9th), and Mississippi Valley State (10th) picked to finish 6-10 respectively.

The 2021 SWAC Women’s Soccer regular season is set to begin this week with several league teams in action. The 2021 SWAC Women’s Soccer Tournament will be held Nov. 4-7 on the campus of Prairie View A&M University.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Alabama State- 148 (8)
2. Grambling State- 138 (2)
3. Alabama A&M- 118 (3)
4. Jackson State- 114 (2) 
5. Prairie View A&M- 106
6. Southern 89 (1)
7. Texas Southern- 76
8. Alcorn State- 55 (1)
9. Arkansas-Pine Bluff- 50
10. Mississippi Valley State- 45

*First place votes listed in parenthesis

The post Alabama State tabbed to repeat as SWAC Champs appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Soccer was not a particular concern of ours as we were tried-and-true, red-blooded black American sports fans. It never dawned on us that the game we were watching had more right to be called football than the game with which we were more familiar.

But interestingly, we noticed that games played against the Bison were often played on just one end of the field, towards the goal their opponents were defending. We found this odd, but refreshingly funny and entertaining, to say the least.

“Why can’t the other team get the ball to Howard’s end of the field,” we’d wonder.

Howard soccer makes HBCU history

Little did we know — though we came to understand — that that phenomenon was evidence of the Bison’s total domination. That 1974 team finished 19-0 and won the NCAA Div. I championship in a four-overtime thriller vs. a powerful Saint Louis University squad. Perhaps most outstandingly, the Bison scored 63 goals on the season while their opponents — all 19 of them — scored six goals. Total.

Did I mention that Howard is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or that it was the first and only HBCU to win an NCAA Div. I championship. Who knew? Turns out, not many. But there’s more to the story.

Taking down a soccer power

That’s the part that Grammy-winning rapper turned Oscar-winning actor Common and Steel Springs Pictures are telling in an upcoming movie entitled, ”Rising Above.”

You see, prior to its record-setting 1974 season, the Bison had won the 1971 NCAA championship 3-2 over an equally powerful St. Louis team. That Howard squad was led by Trinidadians Keith Aqui, Al Henderson and Ian Bain. But that title was stripped away three weeks later by the NCAA, obstensibly for Howard’s use of two ineligible players. St. Louis had won the first NCAA Div. 1 soccer title in 1959 and six of the 11 titles over that span.

The Billikens, as they were called, had a predominantly white squad. Howard’s was all-black made up mostly of African and Caribbean players. The contrast was obvious, to say the least.

Howard ending Saint Louis’s dominance in Div. I college soccer in 1971 could be likened to Texas Western employing an all-black line-up to end the dominance of Adolph Rupp’s all-white Kentucky team in basketball only five years earlier. Texas Western (now Texas at El Paso University) was a predominantly white school — or an Historically White College or University (HWCU), if you will. The NCAA found no discrepancies in their roster. But that’s another story.

Howard was an HBCU. The NCAA found two in theirs.

The road to redemption

“We feel that it is simply because we are a black institution that the NCAA was requested to investigate,” the late Howard University President Dr. James E. Cheek said in an official statement at the time.

Needless to say, the NCAA stripped Howard of that 1971 title and awarded it to the Billikens. Additionally, the NCAA imposed another penalty after the 1972 team lost 2-1 to St. Louis in the NCAA semifinals. The Bison played that game without seven players ruled ineligible that was ultimately reduced to four. As a result of that violation, the 1973 team was put on probation.

Thus began the road to “Rising Again” for the Bison that culminated with the redemptive dominance of 1974. In fact, a 2016 Spike Lee ESPN documentary film entitled, “Redemption Song,” also tells the story.

Howard soccer paved the way

All those Howard teams were coached by Lincoln “Tiger” Phillips, a renowned professional goalie and football coach from Trinidad & Tobago. It was Phillips who put together the powerful force that became the Bison’s teams throughout the 1970s. From 1970 to 1980, he posted an outstanding record of 117-19-11 and took his teams to the NCAA Tournament eight times. He is now 80 years old.

By the end of that decade, all the top teams in America were recruiting players from Africa and the Caribbean and offering much more than Phillips and the Bison could.

Taylor Materne wrote the screenplay for the new movie, produced by Steel Springs’ Peter Lawson and Common’s Stardust Films banner. Current and former U.S. soccer stars – Jozy Altidore, DaMarcus Beasley, Mo Edu, Oguchi Onyewu and Charlie Davies – are financing and executive producing the project.

“I’m very excited and grateful to be partnering with Steel Springs on this project,” Common told Variety of the film. “This inspiring story is one we never knew existed and together, are passionate about telling.”

Common, Spike Lee, call this writer. There’s plenty more stories where these came from.

The post Howard soccer dominance on display in new film appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

GRAMBLING, La. | Despite the recent effect that the COVID-19 pandemic has had in the sports world, Grambling State University head women’s soccer coach Justin Wagar is hopeful that his squad will return to the pitch for competition in the fall as the Lady Tigers soccer team releases its 2020 schedule.

[postBannerAd]

“I’m confident that we will have a season,” said Coach Wagar. Only time will tell what the NCAA and the SWAC will decide regarding the fall 2020 soccer season, but if all goes as originally planned, the Lady Tigers are set to open up the season with three straight home games, beginning with a match against Little Rock on Thursday, August 20 at 6 p.m. at the GSU Soccer Complex.

Last year Grambling fell 1-0 in a thrilling competition when Little Rock scored the game-winner in the final 10 minutes of the contest. The Lady Tigers follow up on Friday, August 21 at 6 p.m. against East Texas Baptist University (out of Marshall, Texas). This will be the first time that these two programs will face one another.

After a break on Saturday, Grambling heads back to the pitch on Sunday, August 23 as they host Nicholls State University. Since the arrival of Coach Wagar in 2017, Grambling and Nicholls have split their two matches. After falling 1-0 in 2017, the Lady Tigers won 2-1 in 2018. This game may prove to be the tiebreaker if Grambling can come away with the victory.

[adrotate banner=”42″]

After the 3-game home stint, Grambling travels to Natchitoches to face Northwestern State University on Friday, August 28. Last season Grambling defeated NSU 1-0 with a late second half goal to break the nil nil tie. Two days later, the Lady Tigers then travel to Monroe to face the University of Louisiana at Monroe on August 30. Grambling took care of business in an exciting 3-2 victory over ULM during last season’s matchup.

On Friday, September 4, the Lady Tigers will open up the month of September and will face Chicago State University for the first time in the program’s history. After a two week break from competition, Grambling will host The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on Friday, September 18. Two days later, Grambling will play host to NAIA opponent LSU-Alexandria on Sunday, September 20.

Grambling will open up conference play against the 2019 SWAC soccer champions, Prairie View A&M, on Friday, September 25 at the GSU Soccer Complex.

[inArticle]

On Friday, October 9, the Lady Tigers host its annual Parents’ Weekend as Alcorn State (Friday, Oct. 9) and Mississippi Valley State (Sunday, Oct. 11) come to town. Sunday’s match against the Devilettes has been dubbed “Senior Day.”

Grambling will travel to Tampa, Fla. to face the University of South Florida, on Thursday, October 15. The Bulls finished the 2019 season ranked 12th in the NCAA.

Click here to view the Grambling Lady Tigers schedule in its entirety.

[postBannerAd]

The post Grambling soccer releases potential 2020 schedule appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

LORMAN, Miss. — Kevin Larry’s coaching career has come full circle as he was tabbed the head women’s soccer coach at Alcorn State University, announced Thursday.

Larry, a product of Vicksburg, Mississippi, began his coaching career at the collegiate level as a volunteer assistant at Alcorn in 2012.

Most recently, Larry served as assistant coach at Jackson State in 2019. He helped the Tigers register a 7-3 conference record as the team finished the regular season on a six-game winning-streak without allowing a single goal.

[postBannerAd]

“On behalf of myself and the Larry family, I’d like to extend a gracious thank you to madam president [Felecia] Nave, AD [Derek] Horne and all of those involved in making this dream come true. I began my journey as a college coach right here at Alcorn almost 10 years ago as a volunteer. I had a bunch of nervous energy, but I was determined to succeed — that’s the same attitude I have now that I am the head coach. Make no mistake about it, I welcome the challenge,” Larry said. “My job is to compete on the soccer pitch, but it’s equally important that I cultivate young minds and help build pillars of the community.”

Prior to JSU, Larry worked four seasons at Shaw University as assistant men’s and women’s coach from 2015-18.

In 2013, Larry worked at North Carolina at Chapel Hill during World Cup champion Crystal Dunn’s senior year. He served as a volunteer assistant breaking down game footage for future training purposes with the match analysis team.

“Coach Larry is very experienced and brings a wealth of knowledge. He’s an excellent recruiter, and he’s coming back home. We’re so excited to have him on board, and with the experiences and knowledge he has of Southwest Mississippi, we feel that Coach Larry will be an excellent addition to our program,” said director of athletics Derek Horne.

[postBannerAd]

At UNC, Larry worked for Anson Dorrance, one of the most successful head coaches in soccer history with 21 national championships and a U.S. Women’s World Cup title in 1991 in China.

Larry’s club experience is with Raleigh area clubs Triangle Futbol Club and North Carolina FC as well as men’s amateur club Triangle Brigade FC. In 2014, Brigade FC captured the Southeast Regional Championship of amateur soccer and in doing so, qualified for the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Brigade FC also competed in the TASL Men’s Open A Division, Raleigh North Carolina’s top men’s amateur division. With the Brigade, Larry had the privilege of working with players who competed as Division I players and in the professional ranks in the U.S., South America and Europe.

[adrotate banner=”42″]

“There’s a special place beneath the shade of giant trees. It’s a place filled with hope, and hospitality. It’s a place filled with wonder and wisdom. Alcorn is a place filled with prestige and promise. This special place is welcoming one more person to the Brave Family. Like the other coaches recently named, our new soccer coach joins the ranks with a challenge to not only win but to recruit top talent that are committed to success in their sport and in their studies,” said Dr. Felecia M. Nave, University President. “I am truly excited about what is to come for Alcorn State University Athletics.”

Larry holds a National Coaching license from NSCAA, Raymond Verheijen Football Periodization Certificate and State Diploma. He graduated from Shaw with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies: history/mass communications.

#FearTheBrave | #UnitedAsOne

The post Vicksburg Native Kevin Larry Accepts Alcorn Head Women’s Soccer Coach Position appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas — In a tale of two halves, Howard won its third Southwestern Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Tournament, besting Grambling State 1-0 for the 2018 title Sunday afternoon at the Prairie View A&M Soccer Complex.

This is the third title for coach Brent Leiba’s Lady Bison, and the first since 2015. Howard joins Mississippi Valley State as the only programs to win three SWAC Women’s Soccer Tournament championships.

After being shut down for much of the match, Howard finally broke through as tournament Most Valuable Player Jordan Taylor got behind the Grambling defense to settle a Thalia Boucher pass and blast one over the reach of Hanna Johnson at the 52^nd minute. The mark ended the Lady Tigers’ shutout streak at 901 minutes and was Taylor’s second goal of the tournament.

From that point, momentum shifted with Howard (13-6-1) putting Grambling on its heels, outshooting the top-seeded Lady Tigers 9-5 in the final 45 — compared to an 11-0 edge for Grambling in the first half. The Bison had a pair of chances but were unable to convert. However, the Lady Tigers were unable to revive the offensive pressure with which they dominated the first half, ultimately falling just short of its third soccer tournament crown.

Grambling (14-8) was quick out of the gate upon first touch and managed an open look at the goal just seven minutes in after a header by Chloe Robinson just made it over the reach of Howard keeper Alayah Hightower. However, Bison defender Marley Christian was there to clean it up, as a sliding strike prevented the goal.

The Lady Tigers continued to stay the aggressive route, as Florence David managed to get a header on a corner kick, but the shot was just wide of the twine. Undeterred, Grambling kept the Bison on their heels with constant pressure, but Howard remained strong at the point of attack.

Alyssa Ozuna had perhaps the best opening of the half for Grambling, but her shot went off the right crossbar just out of range for Hightower.

Grambling edged Howard 16-9 in shots taken, with a 10-5 advantage in tries on goal. Hightower made nine saves for a clean sheet. Grambling had five corner kicks to Howard’s two.

The Lady Bison will find out who they will play to open the 2018 NCAA College Cup tomorrow at 3:30 PM central time.

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM:
Begona Bravo, Texas Southern
Briana Norwood, Texas Southern
Chimoa Eriken, Southern
Jasmine Smith, Grambling
Kailey Pena, Grambling
Thalia Boucher, Howard
Makela Davidson, Howard
Florence David, Grambling
Jordan Taylor, Howard (2018 SWAC Soccer Tournament Most Valuable Player)
Haileigh Adams, Grambling
Alayah Hightower, Howard

[inArticle]

[matchedContent]

[inArticle]

The post Howard Wins 2018 SWAC Soccer Tournament Championship appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

[inArticle]

Though Howard is most closely related with the MEAC, soccer is not included in its sports offered. Because of this, Howard’s men’s soccer operates in the Sun Belt Conference while women’s soccer operates in the SWAC.

The votes for Caro, who is a junior, were all cast by the conference’s five men’s soccer head coaches. Caro’s sophomore season consisted of  66 total saves, averaging 4.12 saves per-match with two shutouts, which was second in the league. Caro was also selected in 2017 to the SBC All-Tournament Team.

.@HowardMSoccer Releases 2018 Schedule #BleedBlue #HowardForward #WeRise https://t.co/0f5E4XdasB

— Howard Athletics (@HUBisonSports) July 16, 2018

“I am happy to see Carlos [Caro] acknowledged by the coaches throughout the Sun Belt,” said Howard Men’s Soccer Head Coach Phillip Gyau. “I truly believe he’s one of the best goalies in the country.”

[inArticle]

Howard was 2-15 last year and is projected to finish last in the Sun Belt this year. The Bison executed their best games towards the end of the season while reaching the SBC semifinals with the help of goalkeeper Caro.

Upset in the #FunBelt! ?

No. 5 @HowardMSoccer advances to the Sun Belt Men's Soccer semifinals after defeating No. 4 @HartwickMSoccer, 1-0. pic.twitter.com/X03LYnO6Gi

— Sun Belt (@SunBelt) November 10, 2017

Coach Phillip Gyau and the Bison start their 2018 season on August 24 against Bryant at William H. Greene Stadium in Washington, D.C.

[inArticle]

[matchedContent]

[inArticle]

The post Howard Soccer player selected Sun Belt Preseason All-Conference appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State University defender Haileigh Adams has been invited to attend the United States Women’s Soccer National Team (USWNT) Under-19 training camp May 5-12 in San Diego, Calif.

“I was so happy,” Adams said upon hearing the news about being invited to camp. “It felt unreal and I was in shock. I couldn’t believe someone like me from a small NCAA Division I school such as Grambling State would ever get an opportunity like this. I am beyond excited.”
[inArticle]
Adams, who is a native of Pasadena, Calif., and is the first-ever Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) women’s soccer player invited to a USWNT training camp, was instrumental in the Lady Tigers’ success during the 2017 season. Grambling State went from one win in 2016 to 11 in 2017 and finished second in the conference and concluded its season as runner-ups in the SWAC Tournament. She logged 1,800 minutes on a back line that posted eight shutouts.

“She had an excellent season and is one of the most talented defenders in our region,” Lady Tigers head coach Justin Wagar said. “She does so many things for our team, from winning balls in the air, to organizing our back line, to covering mistakes when we have break downs, and setting up our offense with distribution from the back. Haileigh has amazing pace that enables her to run down scoring chances from opponents and snuff them out before they begin.

“For a 17-year-old this fall to step in and be the centerpiece for our defense and play such a large role in turning it all around, must respect to her. We’re thrilled she’s getting this opportunity to go and train with the youth national team, which is comprised of mostly Pac 12 and ACC players, and feel she’s very deserving of this honor. We’ll be rooting for her success.”

The training camp will feature the U-18, U-19, and U-20 national team players with roughly 22 to 26 representatives per age group who will compete to make the full roster for the United States National teams. The U-19s will have a number of training camps and tournaments throughout the year. Camps are often scheduled to run concurrent with other YNT camps to give the players an opportunity to watch and play against older players and learn through those experiences.

[inArticle]

[matchedContent]

[inArticle]

The post Grambling defender earns US Women’s National Team soccer invite appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

RALEIGH, NC — The Shaw University men’s and women’s soccer team has released its 2017 fall schedule, head coach Luis Cortell announced Tuesday. Cortell is entering his first official year at the helm of the newly added men’s and women’s soccer programs after spending the past year leading a talented club soccer team for both men’s and women’s at Shaw.

Prior to Shaw, Cortell spent one year at the Charlotte United Futbol Club in Charlotte, NC. Before moving to Charlotte, Cortell was head coach of the West Virginia Tech University soccer team for five years where he holds the all-time record for winning percentage at .777 (70-18-6), career wins, wins in a season, and all his teams were ranked in every single-season category.

On the women’s side, Shaw’s first year will be highlighted by seven Division II contests, one Division III match and two home competitions. The 2017 Lady Bears will take the field the first time in an exhibition at Charlotte and Wales on Aug. 22 before opening the season with a home opener versus North Carolina FC on Aug. 24 in Holly Springs, NC. Shaw will then begin a 13-game road slate that will include Emmanuel (Sept. 1), North Greenville (Sept. 4), Barton (Sept. 6), Coker (Sept. 9), Oakwood (Sept. 15), Life (Sept. 17), Lincoln (PA) (Sept. 20), Carlow (Sept. 21), Cincinnati Clermont (Sept. 22), William Peace (Sept. 26), Mount Olive (Oct. 2), Five Towns (Oct. 6) and Christendom (Oct. 7).

For senior day, the Lady Bears will host Lincoln on Oct. 14 and wrap up the remaining schedule on the raod at Chowan (Oct. 18), Brevard (Oct. 28), Central Penn (Oct. 30) and Washington Adventist (Oct.31). A complete schedule can be found here.

“We have done a great job recruiting a mix of transfer juniors and true freshman where the team is split evenly down the middle,” added Coach Cortell.  “Our experienced juniors will have to show all the incoming freshman what it takes to compete at the NCAA II level from the very start of the whistle.  I believe our team balance will allow us to develop team chemistry and for our young players to learn and get adapted to the physicality and speed of play at the NCAA II level.”

For the men’s program, the Bears 2017 season will feature 17 total matches, including eight games versus Division II opponents, six contests versus United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) opponents and one home match. For the first time in program history, Shaw will take the field against Emmanuel on Sept. 1 before taking on Coker on Sept. 9. Following a matchup with Belmont Abbey on Sept. 13, the Bears will continue a 10-game road trip at Oakwood (Sept. 15), Life (Sept. 17), Carlow (Sept. 21), Cincinnati Clermont (Sept. 22), Montreat (Sept. 27), Mount Olive (Oct. 2), Five Towns (Oct. 6), Christendom (Oct. 7), Catawba (Oct. 10) and Pfeiffer (Oct. 12).

Shaw will host Wake Tech CC on Oct. 15 for senior day and conclude the regular season with a three-game road slate at Barton (Oct. 18), Brevard (Oct. 28) and Washington Adventist (Oct. 31).

Cortell added, “Our men’s schedule will provide us with an opportunity to test ourselves on the road to earn an at large bid to the NCAA II playoffs.  Most of our players will be freshman and sophomores, so the challenge to play against older and more experienced teams will allow our team chemistry to grow quicker by testing ourselves on the road and bonding throughout our road trips.  Team chemistry will be the determined factor in our success next season.”

All home matches will be played at Wakemed Soccer Park located on 201 Soccer Park Drive, Cary, NC. Admission to all Shaw men’s and women’s soccer games is free.

For a complete schedule for men’s soccer, click here.

With the addition of men’s and women’s soccer, Shaw will now offer a total of 13 sport teams that include men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s tennis, football, women’s bowling, women’s volleyball, women’s outdoor track and field, and softball.

For the most up-to-date information Shaw men’s and women’s soccer and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit shawbears.com.

The post Shaw Men’s and Women’s Soccer Announces 2017 Fall Schedule appeared first on HBCU Gameday.