Howard University celebrates 50 years of women’s basketball with a win
Howard University women’s basketball celebrated its rich tradition and history on Feb. 3 as former players, managers, coaches, staff and others came together for the Lady Bisons’ 50th anniversary. The game was part of Howard Women’s Basketball Alumni Day and also served as a National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration. Making the day all the better, Howard defeated Maryland Eastern Shore 52–47.
“We have an alumni game every year, but this was a bigger deal with it being the 50th anniversary, so it was great to see everybody back and all the love in the room, the nostalgia,” said head coach Ty Grace. Even alums who weren’t able to be there in person expressed their love through social media.
If Grace had needed any additional subs during the game, the alums were ready. “People had on jerseys and other Bison apparel,” Grace said. “They were ready to go if I needed them, but we didn’t get to it.”
Alums presented the team with a check for $100,000 they raised to support the program. Before the game, Grace spoke to her players about the meaning of the day, and emphasized that they are part of the Bison history that will impact future players and coaches. Following the game, the players got to engage with the alums at a reception where valuable networking took place.
After a rough start to the season, which included Queens native Destiny Howell suffering a torn ACL, the team has gained steam in conference play.
“We’ve built momentum,” said Grace. “We never stopped believing. We never stopped grinding in terms of where we want to see ourselves later on in March. The momentum has been consistent in terms of we’re going out to compete every game. We had an overtime loss to North Carolina Central, which I obviously wasn’t very happy about, but they’ve played every game to compete and to win. I can’t ask for anything else. Hopefully, that will carry us through the rest of February and into the tournament.”
The Bison followed the Alumni Day win with another MEAC win, defeating Delaware State 69–57, bringing the team to 5–2 in conference action. Howard women’s basketball is next in action on Saturday, taking on a rematch with North Carolina Central.
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