Sports
“MEAC Volleyball Semifinal Game 2: Delaware State Sweeps Coppin State 3-0, Advances to Finals vs. Howard!”

“Delaware State Hornets deliver a dominant 3-0 victory over Coppin State in the second semifinal of the MEAC Volleyball Tournament! đđ„ The Hornets showcased a stellar team performance, led by Gerren Tomlinâs 12 kills and Aaliyah Mitchellâs 8 blocks. Coppin State fought hard, with Sophia Bertotti Metoyer leading the way with 11 kills.
With this win, Delaware State secures their spot in the championship match against the Howard Bison on Sunday night. Can the Hornets continue their momentum, or will Howard reign supreme? Stay tuned for the championship showdown and relive all the semifinal action!
Game Leaders
Delaware State University
- Kills: Tomlin, Gerren (12); Otero, Valeria (10); Mitchell, Aaliyah (9)
- Aces: Allen, Morgan (1); Ahakuelo, Paige (1); Mitchell, Aaliyah (1)
- Blocks: Mitchell, Aaliyah (8); Maldonado, Alondra (4); Sanders, Hannah (4)
- Assists: Tuncay, Naz (16); Ahakuelo, Paige (14); Allen, Morgan (7)
- Digs: Allen, Morgan (12); Otero, Valeria (11); Tuncay, Naz (9)
Coppin State University
- Kills: Bertotti Metoyer, Sophia (11); Stafford, TaKenya (9); Walker, Deviana (7)
- Aces: Zuquelo, Gabriela (1)
- Blocks: Coleman, Ahzhi (4); Walker, Deviana (2); Kucuk, Ezgi (1)
- Assists: Pilahg, Azul (18); Carvalho, Kahea (13); Figueroa, Coco (3)
- Digs: Figueroa, Coco (16); Zuquelo, Gabriela (11); Stafford, TaKenya (6)
#HornetPride #MEACVolleyball #DSUvsHoward”
Sports
NBA Legend and HBCU Trailblazer Dr. Dick Barnett Passes Away at 88

A basketball icon and pioneering voice for HBCUs, Dr. Dick Barnett passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 26, 2025, in Largo, Florida. He was 88.
Known for his signature phrase, âFallback, Baby,â Barnettâs name resonated far beyond the court. To generations of sports fans at historically Black colleges and universities, those words symbolized confidence, excellence, and perseverance. His legacyâbuilt on championships, education, and advocacyâcontinues to inspire.
A Titan at Tennessee A&I
Before making his mark in the NBA, Barnett dominated college basketball at Tennessee A&I (now Tennessee State University). Under legendary coach John McLendon, he led the Tigers to an unprecedented three consecutive NAIA national championships from 1957 to 1959âbecoming the first college program at any level to achieve a three-peat.
A three-time All-American and two-time tournament MVP, Barnettâs scoring ability and fearless style made him a national standout. His No. 35 jersey remains the only one ever retired by Tennessee State, honoring his role in putting HBCU basketball on the national map.
NBA Champion and âFallbackâ King
Barnettâs professional career began with the Syracuse Nationals and the Los Angeles Lakers, but it was with the New York Knicks where he found true stardom. Joining the team in 1965, he played a pivotal role in delivering the Knicksâ championship titles in 1970 and 1973.
In the iconic 1970 NBA Finals, while Willis Reedâs courageous Game 7 entrance made headlines, it was Barnett who delivered a clutch performance with 21 points and crucial defense against Jerry West. His high-arcing, unorthodox jump shotâcomplete with a signature âfallbackâ motionâbecame his trademark and a nightmare for defenders.
Scholar, Mentor, and Hall of Famer
Beyond basketball, Barnett was a passionate educator and role model. He earned a doctorate in education from Fordham University and later taught at St. Johnâs. His impact reached well beyond the court as he mentored countless students and used his story to motivate others to chase both academic and athletic greatness.
In 2024, Barnettâs remarkable career was immortalized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fameâa crowning achievement for a man whose life transcended sports.
Dr. Dick Barnettâs journey showed the world that greatness can be achieved through purpose, perseverance, and pride in oneâs roots. As HBCU fans and alumni mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life lived boldly.
Letâs not just remember himâletâs follow him. Fall back. Rise up.
Sports
Jasmine Crockett Responds to Threats Sent to HBCU After Her Commencement Speech

Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is speaking out after Tougaloo College, a historically Black college in Mississippi, received threatening calls following her keynote address at the schoolâs recent commencement ceremony.
According to a statement from Tougaloo College President Donzell Lee, the school is investigating âconcerning callsâ made after the May 2025 graduation ceremony. âWe are not taking these occurrences lightly,â Lee wrote in a letter to the campus community. âAppropriate actions have been taken. Contact has been made with law enforcement authorities to ensure that safety protocols are in place, if needed.â He also urged students, staff, and faculty to report any suspicious behavior to campus authorities.
In response, Rep. Crockett condemned the threats and pointed to political motivations behind them. âNo low is too low for MAGA,â she posted on X (formerly Twitter). âNow explain to me why an institution would be receiving threats because of the commencement speech that I GAVE. This type of behavior is why Iâm constantly having to be protected. Sadly, truth-telling in this country is a dangerous businessâbut college students donât deserve this.â
Crockett, who received an honorary doctorate from fellow Congressmember and Tougaloo alum Rep. Bennie Thompson, was invited to speak about the legacy of civil rights at the university. In her speech, she highlighted the historic contributions of the Tougaloo Nine and iconic civil rights figures like Anne Moody and Memphis Norman. She also drew comparisons between the past and present struggles for justice, emphasizing that todayâs students continue that fight by simply pursuing education in a polarized climate.
âTo think that people have to be fearful of a sitting member of Congress speaking to graduates tells us that we still have a lot of work to do,â Crockett said during the speech. Still, she left the graduates with a message of encouragement: âYour moment is now. This country is relying on each and every one of you to walk into your purpose and to walk in greatness with your head held high. You absolutely belong.â
Tougaloo College, known for its role in the Civil Rights Movement, stands firm amid the controversy. âAs always, your continuing safety is our primary concern,â President Lee said, reaffirming the school’s commitment to its students.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension surrounding race, politics, and free speech in Americaâeven in spaces meant to celebrate achievement and legacy.
Sports
NFL Star Myles Garrett Honors HBCU Roots with Major Gift to Hampton University

By HBCU Gameday Staff
One of the NFLâs most dominant forces off the edge just made his most meaningful move off the fieldâand it came straight from the heart.
Myles Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, recently visited Hampton University not only as a football superstar but as a proud son returning to honor the legacy of family and education. Garrettâs connection to the Virginia-based HBCU runs deep: his mother, Audrey Garrett, was an All-American track athlete at Hampton and later built a successful career in education and law. Her journey began on this very campus.
To pay tribute to those roots, Garrett donated $25,000 to Hampton University. But for him, the gift was more than a monetary gestureâit was a reflection of legacy, gratitude, and a belief in the power of HBCU education to shape future leaders.
Garrettâs visit wasnât just about writing a check. He also took part in a thought-provoking panel discussion alongside Brandon Martin, CEO of Johnson Energy Storage. Together, they encouraged students to pursue careers in STEM and explore passions beyond sports. Their message was clear: there is life beyond the game, and itâs filled with purpose and opportunity.
âAlways continue to grow⊠Love what you do. Find what you are passionate about,â Garrett urged the students.
His words resonatedâand so did his presence. A six-time Pro Bowler and former No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick out of Texas A&M, Garrett has made a name for himself chasing quarterbacks. But at Hampton, he reminded everyone that true success includes giving back, lifting others, and honoring those who paved the way.
For HBCU students and fans alike, Garrettâs visit was a powerful reminder: greatness isnât just built on statsâitâs built on legacy, leadership, and heart.
Sports
PENN RELAYS CHAMPION: JaâMari Manson of Delaware State University!

Letâs hear it for the PENN RELAYS Menâs High Jump Champion, JaâMari Manson from Delaware State University! đđ
With a jaw-dropping leap of 2.15 meters (7 feet, 0.5 inches), JaâMari soared into the history books, bringing home the gold and making his Hornet Nation proud! đȘđŸđâ€ïž
đ„ And letâs give love to the other HBCU athletes who showed up and showed out at the Penn Relays:
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Theodore Skinner of North Carolina Central University, grabbing 2nd place with a 2.10m jump! đŠ
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Jonathan Raijon-Koger, also repping N.C. Central, clearing 2.05m and putting in that work on the runway!
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Andrew Betton from Coppin State University, holding it down with a solid 1.95m jump. đŠ
đŻ These HBCU athletes proved once againâwe donât just participate, we DOMINATE.
Salute to all the HBCU talent that continues to elevate the game, break records, and carry legacy with every stride and every jump. đđ„
Sports
HBCU Hurdlers Rise: Howard & Norfolk State Headed to 100m Hurdles Final | Penn Relays 2025

Fridayâs 100m hurdles heats were fast, technical, and packed with powerhouse performancesâbut it was the HBCU excellence that made serious noise on the track. Two of our very own will be advancing to the Championship of America Final on Saturday at 3:30 PM.
đŻ Advancing to the Final:
đđœââïž Brooklyn Robinson â Norfolk State University
â± 13.25 | Heat 3 (2nd Place) | Qualifies by time (q)
Brooklyn Robinson came out strong, staying smooth between the hurdles and finishing with the second-fastest time overall. She showed poise and power representing Spartan Nation on the biggest collegiate relay stage. đąđĄ
đđœââïž Marcia Sey â Howard University
â± 13.29 | Heat 1 (1st Place) | Automatic Qualifier (Q)
A dominant start and a clean flight over the hurdles secured Seyâs heat win. Her performance placed her among the top 3 hurdlers of the day and continues Howardâs incredible showing at this yearâs Penn Relays. đŠŹđ„
đ Other HBCU Highlights:
Jazmyn Wajd â Howard University
â± 13.86 | Heat 2 (6th Place)
A solid run in a competitive section, showing Howardâs depth in the hurdles. While she didnât advance, she held her own with grace and grit.
Aisha Carrington â Lincoln University (PA)
â± 14.07 | Heat 1 (5th Place)
Representing the DII powerhouse, Carrington ran a clean race and continues to be a force for Lincolnâs growing sprint squad.
đ Final Word:
With two HBCU athletes advancing to the final â Norfolk Stateâs Brooklyn Robinson and Howardâs Marcia Sey â the message is loud and clear: our hurdlers are elite. Saturdayâs final promises to be one to remember, and weâll be watching as these queens take their place in the spotlight.
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