DOVER, DE — A bold new chapter is being written at Delaware State University. With the announcement of a $20 million investment into a groundbreaking athletic field house, the Hornet Nation is preparing for a transformation that will elevate campus life, inspire future athletes, and strengthen community pride.

🏟 A Dream in Motion

It’s not just a building—it’s a movement. The new 70,000-square-foot field house will be a game-changing addition to the DSU landscape, offering cutting-edge facilities designed to rival top-tier institutions. Located beside Alumni Stadium, this modern indoor facility will include:

• A 50-yard turf field for multi-season training

• Locker rooms and film rooms to support team development

• Academic lounges and tutoring areas for student-athlete success

• A fueling station/café focused on athlete nutrition and wellness

🧭 Vision for the Future

This isn’t just about football or facilities—it’s about identity. The field house will be a central part of the university’s strategy to raise its national athletic profile, expand student opportunities, and build a legacy of excellence.

With rising expectations and renewed school spirit, Delaware State is investing in more than sports—it’s investing in a culture of success.

🏈 A Coach, A Culture, A Comeback

With the arrival of former NFL superstar DeSean Jackson as head football coach, DSU has sent a strong message to the world: We’re here to compete. The new facility is the perfect foundation to support this cultural shift. From elite-level training to recruitment advantages, Delaware State is positioning itself as a destination for athletes who want more than just a jersey—they want to be part of something bigger.

🎓 Beyond the Sidelines

While the field house will support athletics, it will also serve the broader university and surrounding community. Student organizations will have access to meeting spaces, and there’s growing potential for hosting regional events, youth clinics, and indoor competitions.

This project is the first step in a larger vision that includes discussions around a new convocation center—a modern space that could house everything from basketball games to commencements.

🛠 Construction & Momentum

The field house project is expected to be completed within 18–24 months. It will not only modernize DSU’s athletic capabilities but also energize the student body and attract partnerships from businesses, alumni, and local leaders.

🔔 Hornets, This Is Our Moment

Delaware State’s $20 million field house project is more than steel and turf—it’s a rallying point for the entire Hornet family. Students, alumni, faculty, and fans are witnessing a vision unfold that’s been years in the making. This is about legacy. This is about leadership. This is about us.

✊ Join the Movement

Proud of where Delaware State is headed? Share this story. Talk about it. Tag #HornetNation in your posts and let the world know: Delaware State is rising—and we’re just getting started.

HAMPTON, Va. (July 18, 2025) — Three standout student-athletes from Hampton University’s women’s basketball team are gaining invaluable professional experience this summer as interns at the AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 in Indianapolis.

Tyra Kennedy, Diamond Wiggins, and KiKi McElrath were selected to participate in a groundbreaking internship initiative created in partnership between the WNBA and Mielle Organics. This immersive opportunity allows them to work across various departments during the All-Star Weekend, which culminates with the marquee event at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, July 19.

The WNBA and Mielle Organics have launched this first-of-its-kind social impact program targeting students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The initiative aims to bridge the gap for HBCU students—especially those passionate about sports—by providing hands-on experience in the professional sports industry.

As HBCU Event Interns, the selected students will be paired with department mentors, gaining behind-the-scenes access and shadowing professionals in key areas such as Player Development, Content/Marketing, Streaming, Events, and Marketing Partnerships. They will also engage in professional development workshops throughout the week.

The opportunity was brought to the players’ attention by Hampton Head Coach Tamisha Augustin, and after a competitive application and interview process, the three were selected as part of the program’s inaugural cohort. The trio departed for Indianapolis on July 15 and will spend five days working in their assigned departments.

• Tyra Kennedy (Tampa, Fla.) will intern with league operations. “I want to thank the WNBA and Mielle for this amazing opportunity,” she shared. “I’m excited to be part of something so impactful.”

• Diamond Wiggins (Norfolk, Va.), a journalism major, is focused on social media and content development. “This is a chance to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom and gain real-world experience in sports media.”

• KiKi McElrath (Columbus, Ohio), a business management major and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will work in marketing. “I’m looking forward to learning how major events like this come together and to build relationships with industry professionals.”

About Mielle Organics
Founded in 2014 by CEO Monique Rodriguez, Mielle Organics is a global beauty brand rooted in natural ingredients and designed for Black women. Black-founded and woman-led, the company is known for its “roots-to-results” approach to beauty and wellness. Mielle products are sold in over 100,000 retail locations nationwide, including Ulta Beauty, Target, Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart.

Players Mentioned

• #10 Tyra Kennedy, G, 5’7″, Sophomore

• #5 Diamond Wiggins, G, 5’10”, Sophomore

ATLANTA, Ga. – Coppin State standouts Reagan Rivera and Daniel Moore have been selected to compete in the Third Annual HBCU Swingman Classic, presented by T-Mobile and powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation. Major League Baseball announced their participation last week, with both players earning spots on the National League roster for the prestigious showcase.

The game, which highlights 50 of the top HBCU baseball players poised for professional careers, will be held on Friday, July 11 at Truist Park in Atlanta during MLB All-Star Week. Baseball legends Brian Jordan and David Justice, both former Atlanta Braves stars, will manage the National League and American League squads, respectively.

Rivera, a right-handed pitcher from San Diego, Calif., earned Second Team All-Northeast Conference honors after posting a 5-4 record with a 4.91 ERA. He struck out a school-record 97 batters over 80.2 innings, including 10 games with seven or more strikeouts. His season highlights featured 11 strikeouts vs. Le Moyne and 10 Ks in just five innings against VMI.

Moore, an infielder from Benton Harbor, Mich., led the Eagles with a .330 batting average, tallying 12 doubles, 36 RBI, and two home runs. He recorded 13 multi-hit games, including four four-hit performances, and led the team with eight multi-RBI games.

Steve Settle III, a former standout at Howard University, has agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Miami Heat following the 2025 NBA Draft, according to DraftExpress’ Jon Chepkevich.

Settle, a 6-foot-11 forward from Glenarden, Maryland, will report to the Heat’s summer training camp with the opportunity to earn a roster spot or a two-way contract. The Exhibit 10 deal also includes the possibility of a bonus if Settle spends time with the team’s G League affiliate.

Settle launched his college career at Howard University, where he became a cornerstone of the program. During the 2022–23 season, he started all 32 games, averaging 11.1 points and leading the team in rebounding with 5.7 boards per game. His contributions helped power the Bison to both the MEAC regular season and tournament championships, earning him All-MEAC Second Team honors.

Following his time at Howard, Settle transferred to Temple University to finish out his collegiate eligibility. With the Owls, he elevated his game, averaging 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per contest in the 2024–25 season. He also demonstrated a reliable perimeter shot, knocking down 41.6% of his attempts from three-point range. His size, versatility, and ability to space the floor made him a compelling prospect for NBA scouts.

What Is an Exhibit 10 Contract?
An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, non-guaranteed NBA deal that allows teams to convert it into a two-way contract. If a player is waived and later joins the team’s G League affiliate for at least 60 days, they can earn a bonus of up to $75,000. It’s a flexible path for players like Settle to prove their value during training camp and beyond.

What’s Next for Settle?
Settle will join the Miami Heat’s Summer League roster, giving him a national stage to display his skills against top-tier talent. His journey—from an HBCU to the American Athletic Conference and now the NBA—reflects the growing recognition of HBCU athletes and their readiness for the professional level.

For Settle, this is more than just a contract—it’s a testament to his growth and determination, and a beacon of hope for HBCU players aspiring to reach the league.

Story by Kyle T. Mosley | Originally published June 28, 2025 | © HBCU Legends via Sports Illustrated
Images courtesy of Imagn Content Services

The Detroit Pistons have added a rising HBCU talent to their Summer League lineup with the signing of guard TJ Madlock, following the 2025 NBA Draft.

Madlock, a standout from Alabama State and son of head coach Tony Madlock, brings a solid résumé to the Pistons’ Summer League squad. He started all 32 games during the 2024–25 season, averaging 13.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. His efforts helped lead the Hornets to their first SWAC Tournament appearance since 2019.

Known for his consistency, Madlock reached double figures in 28 games, including a standout 30-point performance on the road against Prairie View A&M. His blend of scoring, rebounding, and facilitating made him a go-to leader in his senior campaign.

Madlock’s college journey began at South Carolina State, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman with averages of 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. After transferring to Alabama State, he earned SWAC Newcomer of the Year honors during his sophomore season, averaging 11.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.

With three years of HBCU hoops under his belt, Madlock has showcased a versatile skill set that includes scoring, defending, and creating for others. His addition to Detroit’s Summer League roster represents the continued growth of HBCU athletes in the professional basketball pipeline.

As NBA franchises increasingly tap into HBCU programs for talent, Madlock’s opportunity with the Pistons marks another step forward. The Summer League will give him a national stage to prove that players from historically Black colleges belong in the NBA conversation.

For HBCU supporters, Madlock’s presence on the Pistons’ Summer League team is a moment of pride and progress—a signal that the legacy of HBCU basketball is alive and thriving.

Originally published by Steven J. Gaither for HBCU Gameday. © HBCU Gameday 2012–2025. Read more at: Sacramento Bee