Sports
Miles College Lady Golden Bears Go Back-to-Back, Claim Second Straight SIAC
ATLANTA — The Miles College Lady Golden Bears proved they are the team to beat in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) after securing their second consecutive women’s basketball championship with a commanding 68-54 victory over Tuskegee.
From the opening tip, the Lady Bears dominated the floor with suffocating defense and impressive offensive execution. After trailing for just 16 seconds in the entire game, Miles took control early and never looked back.
The standout performer was Iemyiah Harris, who delivered a game-high 24 points and was crowned 2025 SIAC Tournament MVP. She sparked a decisive 13-1 run in the second quarter that extended Miles’ lead to 27-12, giving them the momentum to control the game throughout.
Feliah Greer played a pivotal role, adding 15 points, while Madison Lee chipped in 12 points, including clutch free throws that sealed the game in the fourth quarter. Tederia Ashley, with eight points, also joined Greer and Harris on the 2025 SIAC Women’s Basketball All-Tournament Team.
The win not only solidified Miles College’s dominance in the SIAC but also marked a historic moment — this back-to-back title run is the first in program history. With the victory, the Lady Bears now turn their attention to the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Tags: #MilesCollege, #SIACChamps, #BackToBack, #WomensBasketball, #Tuskegee, #HBCUBasketball
Published: June 26, 2025 | By HBCU Original
In a historic and heartfelt tribute, the 2025 NBA Draft spotlighted the trailblazers who paved the way for Black athletes in professional basketball — the HBCU legends. This year, the NBA took time between selections to honor the pioneers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities whose impact helped transform the game on and off the court.
Recognizing the Legacy
Among those honored were standout HBCU alumni who shattered barriers during segregation, dominated at the collegiate level, and later became some of the first Black players in the NBA and ABA. The league recognized names like:
-
Earl “The Pearl” Monroe – Winston-Salem State University
-
Willis Reed – Grambling State University
-
Sam Jones – North Carolina Central University
-
Zelmo Beaty – Prairie View A&M
-
Ben Wallace – Virginia Union University
-
Rick Mahorn – Hampton University
These legends not only excelled on the hardwood but opened doors for generations of athletes from underrepresented communities.
A Moment of Gratitude and Awareness
During the ceremony, a special video segment showcased vintage highlights, narrated reflections, and stories from current NBA stars who called these legends their inspirations. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the underrepresented history of HBCU athletes in pro basketball, emphasizing the league’s ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and HBCU partnerships.
Modern-Day Influence
With more HBCU players making waves in pro and international leagues, this tribute was also a powerful reminder of the talent, heart, and resilience that comes from HBCU programs. Current players like Robert Covington (Tennessee State) and Kyle O’Quinn (Norfolk State) continue that tradition of excellence.
Final Thoughts
This celebration was more than overdue—it was necessary. Honoring HBCU pioneers at one of basketball’s biggest events affirmed that greatness doesn’t just come from Power Five schools—it’s always lived within the culture of Black college sports.
HBCU Original salutes all the pioneers who made the game what it is today. Their stories matter. Their legacy continues. And now, the world is watching.
🏅 HBCU Stars Shine in Eugene at NCAA 2025
The 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships brought the best of the best to Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon—and HBCU athletes rose to the occasion. Here’s how they placed in the finals:
🥉 Jordan Pierre (University of Arkansas‑Pine Bluff)
-
Event: Men’s 400 m
-
Final Placement: 3rd Place – 45.75 seconds
-
Achievement: First Team All‑America
💪 Jarrett Gentles (Coppin State University)
-
Event: Men’s 400 m Hurdles
-
Final Placement: 9th Overall
🥉 Marcia Sey (Howard University)
-
Event: Women’s 100 m Hurdles
-
Final Placement: 3rd Place – 12.93 seconds
-
Achievement: First Team All‑America and highest NCAA finish in Howard’s track history
🏃♀️ Howard Women’s 4×100 m Relay
-
Team Members: Kailei Collins, Marcia Sey, Tiffani‑Rae Pittman, Aiyana Gray‑Williams
-
Final Placement: 6th Place – 43.23 seconds
-
Achievement: First Team All‑America
📊 Quick Recap
| Athlete / Team | Event | Final Result | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Pierre (UAPB) | 400 m | 🥉 3rd Place | First Team All-America |
| Jarrett Gentles (Coppin State) | 400 m Hurdles | 9th Place | – |
| Marcia Sey (Howard) | 100 m Hurdles | 🥉 3rd Place – 12.93s | First Team All-America |
| Howard 4×100 Relay | 4×100 m | 6th Place – 43.23s | First Team All-America |
Published by HBCU Original | June 13, 2025
Under Armour is giving HBCU pride a fashionable step forward with its latest sneaker drop and campaign celebrating Black sisterhood, Greek life, and the vibrant legacy of Maryland’s historically Black colleges.
For the launch of its newest lifestyle sneaker, the UA Echo, Under Armour partnered with Baltimore native and award-winning photographer Devin Allen to shoot the “Sisterhood in Style” campaign. The powerful visuals were brought to life on the campuses of Bowie State University and Morgan State University, spotlighting women from the first Black Greek-letter sorority in bold, expressive styles.
More than a simple product release, “Sisterhood in Style” tells a deeper story—one of culture, community, and representation. The campaign highlights tradition and individuality, showing how today’s HBCU students are redefining style on their own terms.
“More than a product spotlight, Sisterhood in Style reflects UA’s broader commitment to innovation and community—empowering the next generation to show up boldly, break boundaries, and define their own style codes,” Under Armour shared in a press release.
The new UA Echo sneaker, designed in a striking pink and green colorway, is now available online for $150—a clear nod to the heritage of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
This campaign continues Under Armour’s connection to local education institutions. Last fall, the brand also gave back to Baltimore City College and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute by donating to their athletic programs and creating custom school merchandise.
With “Sisterhood in Style,” Under Armour isn’t just releasing a sneaker—it’s recognizing the beauty, strength, and cultural impact of Black women at HBCUs. And that’s a story worth walking in.
#HBCUOriginal #SisterhoodInStyle #BowieState #MorganState #UnderArmour #BlackExcellence #GreekLife
June 10, 2025 – Paris, France
In a gritty and emotional display of championship tennis, Coco Gauff roared back from a set down to defeat World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and claim her first French Open title and second Grand Slam crown, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4, on the iconic clay of Roland Garros.
At just 21 years old, the American superstar proved she’s no longer the future of women’s tennis — she is the now.
A Statement of Strength
Under the swirling winds of Court Philippe-Chatrier, Gauff showed maturity beyond her years. Despite losing a tight first set in a tiebreaker, she reset quickly. With powerful groundstrokes, relentless movement, and deep focus, Gauff flipped the match by taking control of rallies and forcing Sabalenka into 70+ unforced errors.
The second set saw Gauff dominate with a near-flawless display, while the third was all about heart and hustle. Down an early break, Gauff stormed back, breaking Sabalenka twice to seal the biggest win of her career on clay.
History Made
Gauff becomes the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015, etching her name into tennis history on one of the sport’s most demanding stages. The moment she dropped her racket and fell to the clay was one of raw emotion — tears, joy, and vindication for years of hard work.
“It means everything,” Gauff said on court, overcome with emotion. “This is the dream. This is what we train for.”
Mind Over Matter
The mental game was just as crucial as the physical. Leading up to the match, Gauff focused on self-belief, visualization, and affirmations — including writing down “I will be French Open champion 2025” every day. That mindset helped her silence doubts and bring her best when it mattered most.
Her calm under pressure, especially against one of the game’s biggest hitters, showed how much she has evolved. Gone is the teenager who made headlines in 2019 — this is a full-grown competitor with championship grit.
Stars and Support
Gauff’s triumph wasn’t just felt in Paris. Back home, a wave of support poured in from athletes, celebrities, and fans who have followed her journey. Cameras caught her sharing a heartfelt embrace with her parents and even receiving congratulations from director Spike Lee in the stands.
The viewership numbers told the story too — this was one of the most-watched women’s finals in recent memory, showing Gauff’s growing star power.
What’s Next? Wimbledon.
Now with two Grand Slam titles under her belt — the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open — all eyes turn to Wimbledon, where Gauff first broke onto the scene as a 15-year-old. She’s no longer the wide-eyed rookie. She’s a champion.
With momentum, confidence, and the tennis world on notice, Coco Gauff is entering a new era — one where she’s not chasing the top, she is the top.
June 10, 2025 | Eugene, Oregon
Florida A&M’s standout middle-distance runner, Kirk Dawkins, is headed to the big stage as he prepares to compete in the 800-meter semifinals at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships this Wednesday. The race will take place at 8:58 p.m. EST at the legendary Hayward Field, located on the campus of the University of Oregon.
Catch the action live on ESPN.
Dawkins earned his spot at nationals by running a personal-best time of 1:46.62 at the NCAA East Regional quarterfinals—an impressive mark that solidifies his status among the elite in collegiate track.
This season has been a breakout year for the FAMU junior. He claimed the SWAC Outdoor Championship title in the 800 meters with a time of 1:50.2 and followed that up with a strong 1:48.01 showing at the East Coast Relays. His steady improvement and commitment to excellence are paying off as he heads into the national spotlight.
All eyes will be on Dawkins Wednesday night as he looks to continue his historic season and represent Florida A&M on the national stage.
-
HBCU ORIGINAL4 weeks agoJefferson-Wooden Shines, Track Stars Deliver at Grand Slam Track Philadelphia
-
Events4 weeks agoRoots Picnic 2025 Day 2: The Roots, Meek Mill, Lenny Kravitz, CeeLo Green & Backyard Band Rock Philly
-
Events4 weeks agoThe Roots Picnic 2025 Day One Recap: Maxwell, Latto, GloRilla, Jeezy & Musiq Soulchild Bring the Heat
-
HBCU ORIGINAL4 weeks agoSecond Chances or Selective Justice? Trump’s 2025 Pardons Spark Debate”
-
Events3 weeks agoHBCU Clash at the Linc: Michael Vick’s Norfolk State vs. DeSean Jackson’s Delaware State Set for October 30
-
HBCU ORIGINAL2 weeks agoFlorida A&M’s Kirk Dawkins Set to Compete at NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships
-
Events2 weeks ago🖤 What is Juneteenth? Celebrating Black Freedom & Culture
-
HBCU ORIGINAL1 week agoHBCU Stars Shine in Eugene at NCAA 2025