During a virtual town hall Wednesday evening with alumni and supporters, Chancellor Bonita Brown and Interim Athletic Director Eric Burns outlined their vision for the future — one that pairs urgency with investment and aims to return WSSU to its historic winning standard.

The search officially opened Sunday at 6 p.m., less than 24 hours after Massey’s departure. The posting will remain open for only five days, and the goal is to have a new head coach in place by the first week of December.

“There is an urgency,” Burns told supporters. “We’re up against not only the transfer portal, but we’re up against other schools who will be discontinuing their coach who’s also going to be searching with us at the same time. So it’s important that we move swiftly.”

WSSU is one of the most storied programs in Division II football. Its previous five head coaches — Bill Hayes, Pete Richardson, Kermit Blount, Connell Maynor, and Kienus Boulware— each won at least two CIAA championships. However, the Rams haven’t reached the conference title game since 2016, a drought that the university’s leadership and supporters want to end quickly.

Coveted job draws early interest

Despite the short window, WSSU has already seen strong interest from across the coaching landscape.

“Even before an announcement was made, we were getting phone calls and names,” Chancellor Brown said. “People recognize our legacy. They want to be a part of that and they want to return us to our winning stance.”

According to Burns, the response has been immediate and widespread.

“Within two hours we had 11 applicants of the position being posted,” he said. “And just to share with y’all, we had a call from one of the top agencies from a talent standpoint with interest from one of their candidates. So it’s a hot job.”

What WSSU is looking for

Both Brown and Burns described the ideal candidate as a leader who understands the modern realities of college athletics — a mix of NIL, the transfer portal, and student-athlete development — and one who embraces the values of the university.

Brown emphasized that she wants a coach who connects with students, sets academic and behavioral standards, communicates well, and understands the importance of engaging with alumni and the Winston-Salem community.

“I want someone that’s good with students,” she said. “Someone that sets high standards for football, for behavior and classroom work because they are students first. I also like someone who could be a fundraiser. We’re going to have to raise some money.”

Burns added that he prefers candidates with previous head coaching experience, ideally at the Division II level, but said the search will also consider Division II coordinators or Division I position coaches with strong recruiting ties.

“Recruiting is the lifeline of any successful program,” he said. “We want someone with a clear vision that’s not using this as a springboard. We want someone that’s really wanting to be bought into what WSSU has to offer.”

Building resources for the next era

The new head coach will inherit a program with a strong tradition but one that needs additional financial support to reach its full potential. WSSU currently funds 32 football scholarships, four short of the Division II maximum of 36.

“It’s roughly about $20,000 a student,” Burns explained. “So with us needing that additional four, if we include books and insurance, we need an additional $100,000. Now what we would like to do as a program is move the program forward. Nutrition also plays into that… you want to add on another $80,000 annually to support food. It’s expensive to run a program.”

That $180,000 figure, Burns said, represents the type of direct support that could help WSSU close the gap between competing and winning.

A fundraising and community engagement campaign is already being discussed to coincide with the introduction of the new head coach.

“I think that’s a great idea,” Brown said. “To have a kickoff fundraising event around a new coach, take the coach around to meet alumni and community members, and get Bowman Gray a little more full than it is now.”

As the university prepares to hire its next leader, one thing is clear: WSSU wants to pair its storied tradition with modern resources and a coach capable of restoring championship expectations.

“This is a coveted job,” Brown said. “People recognize our legacy and want to be a part of bringing it back.”

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The Beginning: TC Teachers to ‘SU Rams

Winston-Salem State University football was born in 1940, the same year that the school — then Winston-Salem Teachers College — was still finding its footing as an institution for higher learning. Teachers College went undefeated in its second season (five wins and three ties), but the success was tough to sustain.

Through the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, WSSU was what many HBCUs were at the time — scrappy, underfunded, and sustained by the spirit of Black educators and athletes who played for the love of the game. After joining the CIAA in 1946, there were flashes of talent and a handful of winning seasons, but for decades the Rams were a middle-of-the-road program in the CIAA hierarchy, overshadowed by powerhouses like North Carolina A&T, Virginia State, and Morgan State.

It was a basketball school, gaining national prominence under Clarence “Big House” Gaines and Earl “The Pearl” Monroe.

Still, the foundation was being laid — one built on the values of persistence, education, and community. Winston-Salem’s east side was growing, and Bowman Gray Stadium would eventually become its cathedral. But the Rams needed a shepherd to lead them from survival to significance.

The Hayes Era: The HBCU world on notice

That leader arrived in 1976, when Gaines hired Bill Hayes was hired as head coach. At the time, WSSU was coming off another average season, but Hayes saw something more. He believed the Rams could become a legitimate HBCU football power — if they committed to doing things differently.

Hayes was young, fiery, and ambitious — the kind of coach who could see a championship where others saw just potential. In just his second season (1977), he delivered on that vision. The Rams went undefeated in the regular season for the first time in school history and captured their first CIAA Championship.

Then, they did it again.

By the late 1970s, WSSU football wasn’t just winning — it was setting a standard. Hayes built a pipeline of talent from North Carolina high schools and junior colleges, emphasizing speed, physicality, and discipline. His Rams became known for their stingy defenses and punishing running games — the hallmarks of championship HBCU football.

Over the next decade, WSSU became a fixture at the top of the CIAA, appearing in five consecutive championship games. The run culminated in 1987, when Hayes’ squad finally broke through again to capture another title. That 1987 win was significant — not only did it cement Hayes as one of the most successful coaches in WSSU history, it established the Rams as a consistent contender in Black college football. He also built a pipeline from the D2 HBCU to the NFL that would last long after he went across county lines to take over North Carolina A&T.

By the time Hayes left for NC A&T, WSSU wasn’t just competing. It was leading.

Pete Richardson: The Powerhouse Years

When Pete Richardson, Hayes’ longtime assistant, took over the program in the late 1980s, there was no drop-off. If anything, WSSU got stronger.

Richardson — a former defensive back and assistant under Hayes — brought the same energy, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence. Under his leadership, WSSU became even more disciplined and even more dominant. From 1988 through 1992, the Rams won three CIAA championships and appeared in four title games.

Richardson’s tenure elevated WSSU’s reputation nationally. The Rams were now considered one of the elite HBCU football programs in America, rivaling the success of Division I powers like Grambling, Southern, and Florida A&M — but doing it at the Division II level.

Players from this era carried the swagger and expectation that they could beat anyone, anywhere. The stands at Bowman Gray stayed packed, and the Rams’ brand extended beyond Winston-Salem.

When Richardson left WSSU to become head coach at Southern University in 1993, it marked the end of one era and the start of another. But what Hayes and Richardson built would echo long after they were gone.

The Blount Era: An HBCU homecoming

When Kermit Blount — a former quarterback and hero of the 1977 and 1978 championship teams — returned home to lead his alma mater, expectations were sky-high. But rebuilding isn’t always instant.

The 1990s were a transition period for both the CIAA and WSSU. Other programs were catching up. Recruiting became more competitive. The landscape of HBCU football was shifting as some schools eyed the move to Division I.

For Blount, it took time to restore the Rams to their familiar place atop the standings. But patience paid off. In 1999, in his sixth season, Blount’s Rams broke through — winning the CIAA Championship. They did it again in 2000, marking back-to-back titles for the first time since the Hayes years. He also started winning streaks over programs like Johnson C. Smith and Livingstone that would last for decades.

That stretch reestablished WSSU as the class of the CIAA, producing All-Americans, playoff appearances, and a renewed sense of pride across campus. Blount’s success proved that the Rams’ tradition of excellence wasn’t tied to one coach or one generation — it was part of the school’s DNA.

The Turning Point: The Move to Division I

After the 2000 championship season, WSSU was once again a force. The program had decades of sustained success, alumni support, and regional prestige. That momentum caught the attention of then-Chancellor Dr. Harold L. Martin Sr., a visionary leader who believed Winston-Salem State was ready for a bigger stage.

Martin proposed that WSSU move from Division II to Division I, joining the MEAC and competing alongside schools like North Carolina A&T, Howard, and Florida A&M. It was a bold vision — one that promised national exposure, elevated recruiting, and institutional prestige.

The plan was ambitious, and at the time, it felt right. WSSU had the winning pedigree, the fan base, and the cultural cachet to dream big. But the shift would test the university in ways it had never been tested before.

When the transition plan was officially approved in 2005, it was hailed as the next great leap for an HBCU that had spent 65 years climbing. But what no one could fully predict was how deeply that move would ripple — not just through football, but through the entire university.

For decades, WSSU had been the heart of the CIAA. Now, it was stepping away from its identity, its rivals, and its roots. The decision marked both an evolution and a gamble — one that would define the next decade of WSSU athletics.

Next: Part II — “The Division I Dream: How WSSU Reached for the Big Time and Paid the Price”

From 1940 to 2005, WSSU football rose from obscurity to dominance. It built champions, sent coaches to greatness, and gave Winston-Salem a sense of identity that stretched far beyond campus.

But as every dynasty eventually learns, progress has a price. The next chapter of this story will explore that price — the Division I era, the financial strain, and the cracks that began to form in the foundation of a once unshakable empire.

The post HBCU Dynasty Unraveled: WSSU Football’s Rise and Fall (Part I) appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Massey is 25-34 at WSSU and 41-78 overall. He led the program to just one winning season in six, going 7-3 in 2024. He was the first WSSU coach that did not win at least two CIAA titles since Cleo Wallace (1969-1976).

Massey informed the institution of his decision to resign. He will continue to lead the team through December and will support transition planning to ensure continuity in player development, recruiting, and program operations.

“Coach Massey has served our student-athletes with dedication and care,” said Chancellor Bonita J. Brown. “We are grateful for his leadership and for the positive impact he has had on Rams Football.”

During his tenure, Massey invested in strengthening recruiting pipelines, enhancing day-to-day operations, and developing student-athlete support structures.

“Athletics is about more than competition; it’s about helping young people discover who they can become,” said Massey. “I am proud of the student-athletes I’ve been able to coach and the culture we built together. WSSU will always have a special place in my heart.”

Work will begin immediately to identify the university’s next head football coach. While the search is underway, the football program will continue normal operations. Position coaches and administrative staff will oversee daily activities. 

“Our commitment to our student-athletes is unwavering,” said Interim Director of Athletics Eric Burns, “We will ensure stability throughout this transition and continue to support our players academically, personally, and athletically.”

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Background: Thomas Hired in 2019 After Strong HBCU Track Record

Thomas was originally named WSSU’s Director of Athletics in November 2019, bringing to the role experience as AD at Kentucky State University and a diverse background at several HBCUs, including Howard University and North Carolina Central University. Her hiring marked a strategic move by WSSU to energize its athletics program and compete strongly within the CIAA.

Key Contributions of Thomas at Winston-Salem State

Chancellor Bonita J. Brown, J.D. expressed gratitude for Thomas’s leadership, highlighting her achievements such as:

• Growth in athletic scholarships across multiple sports
• Revitalizing the “HORN$ Program” (the university’s fundraising and donor engagement initiative in athletics)
• Achieving several conference championship titles under WSSU’s umbrella
• Leading successful coaching searches and hiring key staff
• Implementing a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system for athletics to improve operations and donor engagement

Football Program Performance Under Thomas’s Tenure

During Thomas’s six-year tenure, the WSSU football program wasn’t able to establish itself as a CIAA contender under head coach Robert Massey, who has led the team since 2019.

• 2021: 3–6 record
• 2022: 3–6 record
• 2023: 4–6 record
• 2024: 7–3 record, marking the program’s best season since 2017
• 2025: Currently 4–5 after a 52–27 loss to Johnson C. Smith on Oct. 25.

While the Rams showed growth last season, a new Athletics Director will likely evaluate all programs—meaning a change in football leadership could follow as part of a broader vision for WSSU Athletics.

Leadership Transition: Eric Burns Named Interim AD

Effective immediately, Eric Burns—Deputy Athletics Director and CFO at Winston-Salem State—has been named Interim Athletics Director. The university has announced plans to launch a national search in the coming days for Thomas’s permanent successor. During the transition, WSSU will continue to prioritize support for student-athletes, coaches, staff, and donors.

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JR Motorsports Taps Caruth for 2026 Xfinity Series Campaign

JR Motorsports announced that Rajah Caruth will drive a partial 2026 schedule in the team’s iconic No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro. His longtime backer, HendrickCars.com, will remain onboard as primary sponsor, continuing a partnership that began in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Caruth will join a strong JR Motorsports lineup that includes full-time Xfinity drivers Justin Allgaier and Sammy Smith, as well as part-time standouts Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil in the No. 1 car led by Cup Series champion crew chief Rodney Childers.

Caruth’s Breakout Truck Series Season: A Championship Push

Caruth’s elevation to JR Motorsports comes amid a breakout year in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he’s positioned for a shot at the Championship 4. Driving the No. 71 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports, Caruth sits second in the standings, 14 points above the cutoff line heading into the final elimination race at Martinsville Speedway on October 24.

In the playoff battle, Corey Heim has already clinched his Championship 4 berth with a win. Caruth holds his ground ahead of Tyler Ankrum (+8) and Kaden Honeycutt (+5)—while Ty Majeski (-5) and Layne Riggs (-6) are just outside looking in. Daniel Hemric (-32) and Grant Enfinger (-40) face must-win situations to advance.

Caruth’s Nashville Superspeedway victory, where he led 61 laps, remains one of the defining moments of the Truck Series season. His consistency—four top-five finishes and 12 top-10s—has established him as both a legitimate title contender and one of the sport’s most promising young drivers.

From Winston-Salem State to NASCAR’s National Stage

As a Winston-Salem State University graduate, Caruth represents a powerful symbol of what’s possible for students and athletes emerging from HBCUs. His rise from sim racing and college studies to competing against NASCAR’s elite has made him a role model for the next generation of diverse racing talent.

Over the past few years, Caruth has made 22 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts with Alpha Prime Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Jordan Anderson Racing, earning a pair of 12th-place finishes at Martinsville Speedway in 2022 and 2023.

Looking Ahead: Caruth’s Opportunity with Dale Earnhardt Jr.

While JR Motorsports has not yet revealed the number of Xfinity races Caruth will contest in 2026—or who will share driving duties in the No. 88—his addition signals Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s continued investment in developing young, diverse NASCAR talent.

For Rajah Caruth, this next chapter represents both a reward for his rapid progression and a platform to continue breaking barriers. From Winston-Salem State University classrooms to NASCAR’s national spotlight, Caruth’s story is one of determination, excellence, and historic firsts.

The post Rajah Caruth signs to drive for NASCAR legend in 2026 appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

The Lesson That Started It All

As a student journalist at Winston-Salem State University, I was told that no good journalist is liked by everyone because they tell the truth.

I was told that as a sophomore twenty years ago, during WSSU Homecoming, by Stephen A. Smith.

At that point, Stephen A. Smith was, to me, the pinnacle — the aspiration. He was proof that a student from Winston-Salem State could rise to ESPN and sit across from legends. He was confident, informed and unapologetic — everything I wanted to be. Which makes what he’s allowed himself to become — or perhaps what he’s chosen to embrace — so heartbreaking and disappointing.

From Small Town Dreams to HBCU Reality

Growing up in a small town in North Carolina, I wanted to play sports — basketball, especially. I dreamed of the NBA. But as life and my genetics would have it, that dream didn’t grow as tall as I hoped.

What did grow, though, was my love for the games themselves. I devoured them. I’d take basketball and football magazines to school, flipping through photos and player features while teachers told me to put them away.

When it came time to choose a major, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. My uncle suggested sportswriting, seeing how much I loved both words and the games behind them. Around that time, I started noticing a man on ESPN: Stephen A. Smith. He didn’t just talk sports; he reported them — with insight, with authority, and with confidence that made me believe I could do it too.

When I learned he was a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, that pretty much sealed it. I decided that’s where I would go.

Following in His Footsteps

At WSSU, I threw myself into journalism. I joined The News Argus, became the sports editor, and studied under the same professors who once taught Stephen A. Smith — Ms. Marilyn Roseboro and Dr. Valerie Sadler. I was literally walking the same halls, learning from the same voices. I even added my middle initial to my byline.

When Stephen A. returned for Homecoming in 2005, he was already a star at ESPN. Through my editor and our faculty advisor, I got the chance to interview him. He told me something that has stayed with me ever since:

“No good journalist is liked by everyone. If you are, you’re not doing your job.”

Those words became the foundation of my career. They guided me through college and through building HBCU Gameday in 2012. They’ve shaped every hard truth I’ve ever had to tell — even about my own alma mater.

Smith was a consistent presence at the university at that time, as much as he could be from afar. He showed up to talk to students, do promos for the university and helped financially. I became the first and only recipient of the Stephen A. Smith Student Journalist of the Year Award. That meant everything. It validated the path I was on.

The post Stephen A. Smith, Black Women and The Truth appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Cooke’s journey to the NBA was anything but traditional. The Columbia, South Carolina native began his career at USC Aiken, redshirting during the 2017–18 season before transferring to Mars Hill University, where he averaged 14 points and 5.7 rebounds per game over two seasons. But it was at Winston-Salem State University — a proud HBCU powerhouse in the CIAA — where Javonte Cooke found his stride.

In his lone season with the Rams, Cooke averaged 17.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game while shooting nearly 40 percent from three-point range. He saved his best for the 2022 CIAA Tournament, dropping a career-high 31 points in the opening round and earning the attention of pro scouts. “It was a huge stepping stone in my career,” he said. “I faced some adversity, but I had some good times there as well. I needed that to be in the position that I’m in.”

After going undrafted, Javonte Cooke signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves and honed his skills in the G League with the Iowa Wolves and Oklahoma City Blue, where he averaged 16.8 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game. His perseverance finally paid off when Portland called.

Now, after years of grinding from a D2 HBCU to the NBA, Javonte Cooke is proving he belongs.

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Two WSSU products

Tyron Roberts made his name as a defensive tackle at WSSU in the late 2010s. After graduating, he pursued football professionally, taking part in Wake Forest’s pro day and drawing interest from the Atlanta Falcons. He later competed in the Canadian Football League. Today, Roberts has entered a new arena with acting. His latest project, Chad Powers, places him on screen in one of the most talked-about sports comedies.

Roberts explained the pride he felt meeting another Ram on set: “We came a long way. From star WSSU athletes in the same graduating year to standing together in Chad Powers, it shows how far we have come.”

Mills goes from WSSU basketball to Hollywood

Roberts was not alone in this new chapter. Xavier Mills, a who played basketball at WSSU during the same eraq, appears in Chad Powers as a main actor. His transition from WSSU athletics to acting mirrors Roberts’ journey and proves the versatility of HBCU graduates. For Mills, the move represents another chance to show how WSSU prepares students for all stages of life, not just athletic competition.

The Chad Powers Connection

Chad Powers is more than just another comedy. Created by Glen Powell and Michael Waldron, the series is based on an Omaha Productions skit by Eli Manning. Powell plays the disgraced quarterback as he attempts to rebuild his life after a fall from college football glory.

The show blends sports culture and humor, making it an ideal project for former athletes. With Roberts and Mills on set, Chad Powers gains authenticity that connects directly to viewers who understand the grind of athletic life.

The Chad Powers Connection

The appearance of two WSSU alumni in Chad Powers shows the lasting influence of HBCUs. These schools develop leaders who excel in athletics, academics, and professional careers. Roberts and Mills prove that WSSU builds individuals who succeed in more than one arena.

Their story also inspires current HBCU athletes. Life after sports can be uncertain, but as the show demonstrates, there are always new stages to shine. From the gridiron and the court at WSSU to the set of a national television series, these Rams continue to protect the legacy of their HBCU.

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Early Punch, Late Survive

Winston-Salem State jumped on Bowie early thanks to its opportunistic defense. After two Bulldog turnovers in the first quarter, Lee quickly connected with wide receiver Davontay Deloatch for touchdowns of 19 and 21 yards. That burst created a 14-0 lead and set the tone, even as penalties repeatedly threatened to undo the Rams’ momentum. Bowie answered with three Chris Coleman field goals in the second quarter, but Lee and Deloatch hooked up again for a 10-yard score just before halftime. Winston-Salem State carried a 21-12 lead into the locker room despite being flagged eight times in the first half.

Defensive Grit Under Pressure

Bowie’s offense moved the ball consistently, finishing with 334 yards and 24 first downs, but Winston-Salem State’s defense stiffened when it mattered most. Linebacker Jamieson Alston spearheaded the effort with 13 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. The Rams piled up five sacks overall, pressured quarterback Malakai Anthony into hurried throws, and forced three fumbles. In the red zone, Bowie made six trips but came away with just one touchdown, settling for five field goals. That inefficiency ultimately kept Winston-Salem State in control of their own destiny in the HBCU football landscape.

Overcoming the Flags

The penalties were hard to ignore. Winston-Salem State had multiple drives derailed by holding and unsportsmanlike conduct calls, while defensive flags extended Bowie possessions. Yet each time the Bulldogs threatened, the Rams responded. In the fourth quarter, Lee found Kaleb Washington deep for a 49-yard touchdown that pushed the margin to 28-12. Bowie rallied with a touchdown pass and another field goal, but Winston-Salem State’s defense held firm on the final drive to close it out.

Big Picture for the CIAA Race

The win lifts WSSU to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in CIAA play, showing that despite discipline issues the Rams remain dangerous in the HBCU football landscape. Bowie falls to 1-3 and 0-1 in the CIAA, a tough stumble for a program with championship expectations. For Winston-Salem State, overcoming penalties and finding ways to win on the road could prove critical as the CIAA season heats up.

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Seeds for Stephen A’s success sewn at WSSU

Smith credits WSSU and his relationship with the university’s legendary basketball coach, Clarence “Big House” Gaines, with providing the foundation of his professional success. He got his start in journalism at the Winston-Salem Journal and rose from a reporter at the New York Daily News and a college NBA beat reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer to become the face of ESPN and its most popular on-air personality.

His career spans more than 30 years in the sports and entertainment industry. He is the executive producer and host of “The Stephen A. Smith Show”; a lead commentator and executive producer on ESPN’s “First Take”; a panelist on “NBA Countdown” on ABC; and CEO of “Straight Shooter Media.”

In January 2023, Smith released the New York Times best-selling book, “Straight Shooter; A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes,” where he revealed his untold story for the first time.

“Stephen A. Smith embodies the passion, excellence and tenacity that define Winston-Salem State University Rams,” Brown said. “We are proud to see him receive this national recognition and to celebrate the inspiration he provides to our students and alumni.”

For more information about the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame and the 2025 inductees, visit here.

The post Stephen A to be inducted into Black College Alumni HOF appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

The urgency comes not only from the nature of last week’s loss but also from the schedule that lies ahead. WSSU will host two-time defending champion Virginia Union on Oct. 4 in a game that could be pivotal in the league race if it can get past this week. Following that, the Rams travel to Shaw, return home for Homecoming against Livingstone, and then hit the road again against Johnson C. Smith and Fayetteville State. An 0-2 start in CIAA play would likely leave WSSU on the outside looking in at the conference championship race, especially with the CIAA no longer divided into North and South divisions after Saint Augustine’s departure.

Massey didn’t hold back when speaking about the Bowie matchup.

“We have to win this game, by any means necessary.”

That tone underscores both the frustration from the Virginia State loss and the urgency to correct mistakes quickly. The Rams had offensive success against VSU, but miscues on special teams—including a missed extra point and breakdowns in kick coverage—proved costly in a game that slipped away by the narrowest of margins.

For WSSU, the path forward begins with execution and discipline. Massey acknowledged that his team must be sharper in all phases of the game, especially with Bowie State known for capitalizing on opponents’ errors. Bowie State is 2-2 coming off a road loss to Livinstone and WSSU knows that beating it on the road will require a full 60-minute performance.

WSSU alumni hungry for no. 13

But beyond X’s and O’s, Massey framed the challenge in a way that resonated with the program’s history. He reminded his players that they are accountable to “25,000 bosses,” referring to the WSSU alumni base. That was more than just a motivational line—it tapped into a legacy that looms large over the Rams.

WSSU football’s modern identity was built under Bill Hayes, who established the program’s championship tradition and won the school’s first three CIAA titles. In total, the Rams have claimed 12 CIAA football championships, tied with Virginia State and Virginia Union for the most among active conference members. More recently, WSSU captured four league titles between 2011 and 2016, including a run to the NCAA Division II national championship game in 2012. But the program has not appeared in a CIAA Championship Game since 2016, a drought that weighs heavily on the proud alumni base.

That history fuels the current urgency. WSSU alumni are used to competing for championships and expect their program to be in the mix every season. Massey knows he must deliver results not only for his players but also for that passionate community.

“As pissed off as I was, as upset, disappointed as I was at the overall outcome. I got a real good football team. I got a real great group of guys and outstanding coaching staff for what is worth and we work hard. That’s one thing we’re gonna do, we work hard,” Massey said.
“And the goal is to satisfy our 25,000 plus bosses which is the alumni base, and we’re going to do that.”

For WSSU, Saturday’s showdown with Bowie State isn’t just about avoiding an 0-2 start. It’s about proving to themselves—and to a proud alumni base—that the Rams are still capable of competing at the highest level in the CIAA.

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From the Sideline to the Spotlight

The skit featured a unique twist: Sharpe, who usually serves as a base (lifting teammates), went airborne for the first time in her cheer career. For coach NeShelia Washington, a 2001 WSSU graduate and former cheerleader herself, the decision was intentional.

“I utilized Sydney, my co-dance captain. Which is so funny because she is a base. She does not go in the air,” Washington explained. “Her father is a head football coach at Parkland High School and her brother played football at Fayetteville State. She comes from a football household, so I thought, if we do this, we’ve got to do it right. And she nailed it.”

The crowd roared as Sharpe scored her mock touchdown. Washington noted that the idea wasn’t brand-new in the cheer world but had rarely been seen at the college level.

“We didn’t invent it,” she admitted, “but we put our own Powerhouse spin on it.”

Building a Viral Legacy

Since taking over the WSSU program in 2021, Washington has led the Powerhouse squad through a string of viral moments. The squad has been known for decades due to its distinctive “stomp-and-shake” style but in recent years WSSU’s cheerleaders have consistently transcended the sidelines to become cultural trendsetters.

The WSSU Powerhouse made waves in 2001 with a team full of natural hair that inspired national conversations and hasn’t stopped since.

The squad has even appeared in a Ciara music video, further proving their influence reaches well beyond CIAA football Saturdays. For Washington, it’s about more than stunts and dances — it’s about building a program that embodies the well-rounded spirit of an HBCU institution.

“Our goal is to make sure we’re not just great dancers or great cheerleaders,” Washington said. “We have to be well-rounded — cheering, dancing, stunting, tumbling. We want to show that this HBCU can do everything at the highest level.”

HBCU Innovation and WSSU Spirit

The skit came together quickly, with Sharpe practicing in the air just two times before debuting in front of thousands of fans. Washington said that while some routines come from trial and error, the key is always collaboration.

“People think it’s a secret sauce, but little do they know, half the time it’s just me, the coaching staff, and my leaders on the team throwing the confetti and praying it lands nicely,” she said with a laugh. “This one landed nicely, so we’ll take it.”

The Powerhouse doesn’t plan to slow down. This season, they’re adding interactive elements like a new dice game with Mr. and Mrs. WSSU to keep fans engaged and the game-day atmosphere electric.

The Challenge of Staying Viral

Washington admits that the team’s biggest challenge is keeping up with their own success.

“That’s what makes it hard,” she told HBCU Gameday’s Steven J. Gaither. “We have to keep topping ourselves. But we’re up for the challenge.”

For the WSSU Powerhouse, every sideline is a stage, every game a new opportunity, and every viral moment a reminder that cheerleading at an HBCU can inspire, entertain, and set the standard nationwide.

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Head coach Robert Massey addressed that reality in his Sept. 16 press conference.

 “This is the most important game of my coaching career, the most important game of their college football career,” he said. “It happens to be Virginia State. What we can control is how we prepare and how we play them Saturday.”

Offense Hitting Its Stride

The Rams are averaging 370.3 yards per game, powered by a run game that has grown more confident each week. Against Lincoln, they churned out 248 rushing yards, a stat Massey highlighted with pride. 

“You’re running the ball, that opens up your passing game,” he said. “And it also eats the clock, so you can preserve your starters.”

Junior quarterback Daylin Lee has thrown for 618 yards and eight touchdowns through three games, completing nearly 59 percent of his passes. His top targets — Davontay Deloatch (174 yards, 2 TDs), Kaleb Washington (127 yards, 3 TDs), and Jayden Grimes (143 yards, 1 TD) — have given WSSU a true receiving corps. Grimes said the unit always believed in its explosiveness: 

“We knew we had the potential to be very explosive and we just put it on display”.

On the ground, JaQuan Kelly leads with 209 rushing yards and two touchdowns, averaging nearly 70 yards per game. Transfers Timothy Ruff (126 yards) and Noah Marshall (83 yards) have added depth.

Defense and Special Teams Emphasis

Defensively, WSSU is allowing 344.3 yards per game while forcing four interceptions. Linebacker Evan Powell leads with 23 total tackles, while defensive back Chancellor Smith has 19 tackles and an interception.

But Massey insists there’s room for improvement. 

“Special teams, our coverage team went well. Kicking game was not well,” he admitted. “Anytime you put that field goal team on the field, we expect points. That didn’t happen”.

The VSU Challenge

Virginia State (1-1) brings one of the league’s top passing offenses, averaging 490 yards per game behind quarterback Rahsaan Matthews. Massey made no secret that the defensive game plan revolves around containing him. “He’s the type of quarterback you’ve got to have a spy from time to time. We’ll have to blitz him. We’re coming,” Massey said.

The Rams won this matchup last season in Ettrick, but it still ended with VSU reaching the CIAA Championship Game as it did not accrue a conference loss. That adds an edge to Saturday.

“It was the team that we beat, yet they made it to the championship game,” Massey recalled. “We can’t control that. But we can control how we prepare this week”.

Building Back the WSSU Vibe

WSSU recorded attendance of 5,500 for its opener as it unveiled a new LED lighting system in its lone night game of the season. 

“I’ve been here since my freshman year. I definitely seen the difference,” Grimes recalled. “I definitely felt the difference. It was definitely a lot of love out here that night. And, it just felt good.”

That attendance figure was larger than the enrollment of the student body at the HBCU, but slightly below its 2024 average. 

Massey said he felt the increased love for the program from supporters, while stating that he’s hoping to see more against VSU.

“I expect the crowd to be a lot bigger,” he said. “I enjoyed the excitement was there. The guys did a good job of representing WSSU and we’re going to continue to do that. This is a real good game coming up. A real tough game.”

At 2-1 and surging, WSSU has positioned itself as a contender again. Saturday’s clash won’t affect Virginia State’s league record, but for WSSU, the stakes are clear — keep building momentum, keep drawing the crowd, and keep proving that football is back in Winston-Salem.

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For Massey and his program, this year is not about incremental improvement. It’s about winning titles, restoring WSSU to its championship tradition, and reminding the broader HBCU football world that the Rams remain a force in Division II.

WSSU looks back to look forward

Massey pointed to last season’s painful but valuable lessons as the reason for the bold claim.

“You look at what we’ve done a year ago and we just reflect,” he said. “When you look at Virginia Union, who’s the eventual champion, I mean, we fumbled five times and three of them were in the red zone. Take those back, different ballgame.”

The Rams also let a winnable contest against Johnson C. Smith slip away. Those stumbles, Massey believes, were the difference between simply competing and playing for a championship. “This is the year. This is our chance. This is our moment,” he said.

That perspective shows why WSSU is approaching 2025 with a sharpened edge. Massey knows the Rams have enough returning talent and maturity to not just participate in the CIAA race, but to control it. It will face both teams again later in the year.

Growth of Daylin Lee at quarterback

One of the main reasons for optimism lies under center. Sophomore quarterback Daylin Lee, who started as a freshman, has grown both physically and mentally. Massey praised his development as a leader.

“It’s kind of hard to tell the senior offensive linemen to shut up if you’re a freshman in the huddle,” Massey said. “But now you can do that. He’s grown in all facets. He seems to be like a coach on the field.”

Massey even went a step further, calling Lee “one of the best quarterbacks in all of Black college football.” With Lee’s progression and command of the offense, WSSU believes it has the kind of field general that championship teams are built around.

Balancing respect and aggression

Massey knows the opening game against Tuskegee won’t define the entire season, but he views it as a measuring stick. The Golden Tigers bring back key talent, and Massey acknowledged their status as the winningest Division II program among HBCUs. Still, he emphasized the Rams won’t back down.

“We’re going to respect, but we’re not going to fear anyone,” Massey said. “When you got a problem, you solve that with aggression. And we got a pretty good aggressive team.”

That aggression, he believes, is the formula to break through the slow starts and missed opportunities that plagued recent seasons.

Carrying the weight of the WSSU

“Protect the legacy” has become the rallying cry for WSSU football. For Massey, that means living up to a tradition built by HBCU legends and defined by championships. It also means representing the CIAA and showing the wider HBCU football community that North Carolina programs can play with anyone.

“Historically we hadn’t done well on these national television games. So that’s one that we have to get over,” Massey admitted. “But the mission is to protect the legacy. And that legacy is winning championships.”

With fan support expected to travel strong to Montgomery for the opener, and with a maturing roster led by veterans and rising stars, WSSU enters 2025 fully aware of what’s at stake.

The bottom line

Massey’s “championship or bust” mantra may sound bold, but it reflects both urgency and opportunity. The Rams have learned from past mistakes, developed their quarterback, and set the bar high.

For WSSU fans and the wider HBCU football audience, that mindset signals one thing: the Rams are done rebuilding. The time to win is now.

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This new model is set to reach more than 62,000 North Carolina public high school seniors for the 2026–27 academic year, as announced by the UNC System and the Department of Public Instruction. Students will receive official admission letters either in the mail or via the CFNC portal. To accept the offer, they need only complete a brief form on NCCollegeConnect.org or CFNC.org.

Why It Matters

• Reduced Barriers to Access: NC College Connect removes traditional hurdles in the application process—like essays, testing, and fee payments—making college more accessible, especially for first-generation and underrepresented students.
• Enrollment Strategy for Institutions: This approach helps participating institutions, including HBCUs, broaden their applicant pool during a period of declining enrollment at many colleges.

About the Eight HBCUs

Here’s a quick snapshot of the HBCUs now part of NC College Connect:

1. Elizabeth City State University – A public HBCU in Elizabeth City participates in the program.
2. Fayetteville State University – Another public HBCU offering direct admission.
3. North Carolina Central University – A public HBCU in Durham included in the UNC System list.
4. Johnson C. Smith University – A private HBCU located in Charlotte; now accessible via the program.
5. Livingstone College – Private HBCU in Salisbury, included in NC College Connect.
6. Bennett College – A private women’s HBCU in Greensboro, part of the admissions group.
7. Saint Augustine’s University – A private HBCU in Raleigh included among participating institutions.
8. Shaw University – Private HBCU in Raleigh, also part of the program.
9. Winston-Salem State – A public HBCU, also a part of the program.

How Students Participate

• Eligibility: Seniors who finish junior year with a weighted GPA of at least 2.8 and meet specific course and safety requirements.
• Admission Offers: Students will receive tailored offers based on eligibility as early as this fall via mail and the CFNC portal.
• Acceptance Steps: Log in to CFNC or NCCollegeConnect.org, review eligible institutions, and complete a basic online form to accept.
• Next Steps: Upon acceptance, students receive guidance on enrollment and financial aid.

Broader Participation & Support

Beyond HBCUs, the initiative also covers:

• 11 UNC System universities (excluding highly selective ones like NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Wilmington, UNC-School of the Arts, and NC A&T State University)
• 29 independent colleges and universities
• All 58 North Carolina Community Colleges

Financial incentives are offered—for example, students enrolling at Elizabeth City State, Fayetteville State, UNC Pembroke, or Western Carolina University may pay just $500 per semester under the NC Promise plan.

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“This is such a huge event. I literally have had the team working on this since last year,” Brown said. “We started early because we want to ensure that we are assessing our events and we want to get better every year. There are a couple of things on the horizon, however, that I need to make you aware of. We are in very interesting times.”

The chancellor told alumni that WSSU is “literally navigating two separate spaces” when it comes to homecoming: safety and budget. Her first priority, she stressed, is preventing incidents that could bring even more drastic restrictions from higher governing bodies.

“If I could put a wall around our campus, that would be lovely. We could do whatever we wanted to, but we can’t do that,” Brown said. “We’re going to have to figure out how to negotiate and be sure we’re on top of our safety and security game. If there are any incidents, my fear is there’s going to be an unrealistic reaction from the board of governors, from legislators, from others, and that will impact future homecomings.”

Safety Scrutiny Across UNC HBCUs

Brown emphasized that WSSU is not navigating this in isolation. She said safety has been a focal point in recent conversations among leaders of other public historically Black colleges and universities in the state. Those institutions are Elizabeth City State, Fayetteville State, North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central.

“All of the HBCU chancellors, we’ve had a couple of meetings and we strategized what we’re going to do to make homecoming more safe,” she told alumni. “We all wanted to be kind of in alignment so that we can say we’ve been strategic about that.”

The discussions, Brown said, have centered on a shared understanding that high-profile incidents at one campus can affect public perception — and even future policy — for all HBCUs. She pointed to the 2024 shooting at Elizabeth City State University that claimed a life during a campus event, as well as two separate shootings during North Carolina Central University’s homecoming that same year.

“It just was not a good look,” Brown said. “That has caused a high level of scrutiny on large events. Everybody was very anxious about what happened and not wanting that to recur again this year.”

NCCU has already announced its plans to shut down its campus early on the Friday and Saturday of its homecoming. WSSU will do the same, closing the campus at 8 PM daily.

WSSU Joins The HBCU Effort

The result of those cross-campus conversations has been a coordinated push for visible, robust security during major HBCU celebrations. That means that although WSSU has not had any major documented violence in recent years it must still be vigilant.

“We’ve looked at all aspects of homecoming — the number of events, the location of events, the start and end times, moving things off campus,” Brown said. “We’ve all increased security and our partnerships with local law enforcement because it is just as important that we don’t have any incidents this year.”

WSSU’s plan reflects that shared HBCU strategy. 

“We are partnering with a lot of different police departments, even across the state, from other UNC schools,” Brown explained. “We will have a lot of coverage there. There’s cameras, a lot of places you can see those police posts where people are like up in the sky. They’re going to be everywhere we could possibly have them.”

While she acknowledged that impossible to stop people just from walking on an open campus, Brown promised “a robust plan” to deter and respond to trouble. That plan includes both uniformed and plainclothes officers, security towers in key locations, and increased visibility across the footprint of the celebration.

Parking and Tailgating Overhaul

Alongside security, WSSU is overhauling its parking and tailgating rules for game day at Bowman Gray Stadium. The changes are designed to reduce congestion, control access, and improve safety during one of the largest gatherings the HBCU hosts each year.

“On Saturday morning, on game day, the campus will be closed for parking,” said Haley Gingles, WSSU’s Vice Chancellor of Strategic Communications. “You will not be able to park on campus. We want to ensure again that our faculty and staff that have to work, and also our students, have enough parking.”

General tailgating will be limited to the East Lot, with a $150 fee per space and a minimum purchase of two spaces. RVs will require at least four spaces. “That lot will open at 5 a.m. and it will be closed at 9 p.m. for tailgating,” Glover said.

Premium tailgating in the South Lot will be reserved for season ticket holders and Horns Club members, with a required $100 parking pass in addition to the $130 season ticket cost. Brown urged alumni to consider the season ticket option, noting that it supports WSSU athletics and locks in homecoming access.

The West Lot and Driver’s Ed Lot will be parking-only zones with no tailgating allowed. Presale parking in these lots will cost $75 and include a game ticket; on game day, the same fee will apply but without a ticket included. The Anderson Center lot will follow a similar model at $50 for presale with a ticket, and $50 without a ticket on game day.

Glover emphasized that presales will open on August 15 and run until the Friday before homecoming. “We encourage you all to take advantage of those spaces, especially in the presale, because tickets will be included in the presale parking,” she said.

No Free Parking, New Rideshare Zone

“There will not be any free parking that is legal,” Brown stated when asked in the open chat. “The campus will be closed on game day. We will not be able to park on campus.” She added that WSSU is working to make the premium parking options “very reasonable” and as convenient as possible.

The university will also offer improved ADA parking zones with golf cart shuttles to central areas, as well as a designated Uber and Lyft drop-off point in front of the DJR building. That location will be publicized on the homecoming website so rideshare users can navigate directly there.

Alumni Asked to Help Off-Campus

While most of the planning has focused on the WSSU campus, Brown reminded alumni that incidents at off-campus parties and events can still reflect on the HBCU. “Anything that happens off campus is associated with us, will be attributed to the university, even if it’s off campus,” she said. “I encourage you all to be safe. Talk to event planners and ask them to hire security. But we cannot manage those. On campus has to be our priority.”

Protecting a Tradition

For Brown, the adjustments are about safeguarding homecoming’s future, not limiting its spirit. “I am in full support of homecoming and will fight to the end to protect it at all costs,” she told alumni. “We want it to be safe. We want to be able to continue to do this into the future.”

She closed the town hall with a reminder that despite the changes, the essence of WSSU’s biggest celebration remains intact. “We’re still going to have a good time because it’s homecoming, y’all. Y’all know what that is.”

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“If it’s a target on our back, I invite it. We’re just going to do what we do every Saturday,” Lee said during CIAA Media Day.

After going 7–3 last season, the Rams know what it feels like to be counted out—and what it takes to bounce back. Now, they’re embracing the role of frontrunner with confidence, maturity, and hunger.

Daylin Lee Is More Than a Quarterback at WSSU

Lee isn’t just under center—he’s at the center of Winston-Salem State’s climb back to the top. Head coach Robert Massey didn’t hold back his praise.

“I think he’s probably the best quarterback in all of Black college football,” Massey said. He added, “You’re not the face of the program—you’re the face of the university.”

That statement speaks volumes. Lee has grown into a leader on and off the field. From a lanky freshman to a strong, 6’4″, 220-pound field general, his evolution has mirrored the Rams’ own growth as a contender in CIAA and HBCU football.

Defense Defines the Rams’ Identity

Winston-Salem State University has always had a defensive edge, and that won’t change in 2025. Defensive lineman Kairon Martin says the returning unit is deeper, stronger, and more connected.

“Our motto is: Stop the run, force the pass, break on the short, or break on the deep,” Martin said.

WSSU also stands out in a different way: almost none of their top players entered the transfer portal.

“We have a great coaching staff who really cares about us, a great environment on campus. Guys bought in,” Martin added.

In an era of constant roster turnover, Winston-Salem State is staying home—and staying focused.

HBCU showdown looms

Massey knows what’s on the line. With the CIAA now operating as one full league without divisions—and with an automatic NCAA playoff bid up for grabs—the Rams are treating every Saturday like it’s championship week.

“This format makes us a better conference,” Massey said. “Now we’re playing everybody, and when we get to the playoffs, we’re battle-tested.”

That battle starts early. WSSU opens the season in Alabama for a Week Zero showdown against Tuskegee. Lee says the Rams are already grinding.

“We’re working out in the heat now. By the time August 31st comes, we’ll be ready to go.”

WSSU Mission: Finish

Last season’s two losses to Johnson C. Smith and Virginia Union still sting. Lee remembers them clearly—not as losses, but as missed opportunities.

“They didn’t beat us. We beat ourselves,” he said. “It was our missed assignments.”

With a full offseason to regroup and return, the Rams know they have the pieces to finish the job.

“We left a lot of points on the board,” Lee said. “We just have to finish.”

Massey put it best:

“We’re going to protect the legacy—of being a winner on and off the field.”

At Winston-Salem State, it’s never just about the scoreboard. It’s about pride, history, and continuing the tradition of excellence in HBCU football.

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Two years ago, the team finished 4–4 in conference play, losing four games by a combined 14 points. Last season, they flipped the script, going 7–3 and winning key overtime battles. “There’s a process to winning. You have to learn how to win,” the coach explained. “Having a quarterback like Daylin Lee and a stingy, aggressive defense helps.”

How the CIAA Mega Conference Strengthens WSSU Football

The CIAA’s shift to a “mega conference” has changed the landscape. Gone is the North-South split. Now, every team plays everyone, creating a tougher, more balanced schedule. “It makes for a better product for our conference,” the coach said. “When we get to the playoffs, we’re battle-tested.” This format means WSSU faces top-tier competition each week, sharpening its game for postseason runs.

Lee Leads Winston-Salem State University’s HBCU Football Charge

Quarterback Daylin Lee’s growth mirrors the team’s rise. From a freshman learning the ropes to a leader standing 6’4” and 220 pounds, his maturity sets the tone. “I told him, you’re not the face of the program—you’re the face of the university,” the coach shared. Lee’s ability to read defenses, protect the ball, and make adjustments mid-game makes him one of the most promising quarterbacks in all of Black college football.

Special Teams Give WSSU a Winning Edge in HBCU Football

Special teams often decide close games, and WSSU has turned them into a weapon. Last season, the Rams ranked nationally in punt return blocks and execution. “You’ve got to be a little crazy to play special teams,” the coach joked. “It’s about winning two of the three phases of the game. We did that seven times last year.”

Winston-Salem State University’s 70–30 Recruiting Formula

WSSU’s roster-building strategy is simple but effective: 70% high school recruits and 30% targeted transfers. This formula keeps the core strong while adding proven talent in key areas. “It’s not new—everybody does it. We just put a number on it,” the coach said. “And it’s working.”

Protecting the Legacy of Winston-Salem State University Athletics

For WSSU, success is about more than wins. It’s about maintaining the legacy of being a winner—on and off the field. “We’re going to protect the legacy,” the coach stated firmly. “That’s who we are as a university.”

WSSU Poised for Another Strong HBCU Football Season

With a maturing roster, a proven quarterback, and the battle-tested mentality of a mega conference schedule, Winston-Salem State University is poised to make noise in the CIAA. For this proud HBCU, the mission is clear—turn close games into championships and keep the Ram legacy alive.

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Glass played one season of football for WSSU in 2023, contributing three total tackles on the season. A proud graduate of Northern Durham High School, he was a two-time All-Conference selection and the son of Derrick and Qushanna Glass. He chose WSSU not only to pursue his athletic dreams, but also to grow academically and professionally at the HBCU.

While he made his presence felt on the field, Quentin’s greatest impact may have come in the classroom and beyond. A senior majoring in Information Technology with a minor in Data Science, Glass was a Dean’s List student with a keen interest in cybersecurity and analytics. He worked diligently toward a career in the tech field, combining academic achievement with real-world experience.

In his own words, shared on LinkedIn, Glass described himself as “actively seeking a full-time role, rotational program, fellowship, or early career opportunity in the IT and Cybersecurity sector.” His resume already included impressive stops at institutions and organizations like Duke University, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), and the Google Cloud Career HBCU Jumpstart Program. At Duke, he served as a Cybersecurity Analyst Intern, using advanced tools to monitor threats and raise awareness around user security.

Glass also gave back to his own university. He worked in the WSSU IT Help Desk, providing critical first-level support and customer service to students, faculty, and staff. He represented WSSU on national stages as well, participating in the TMCF x NBA “Innovate the Future” Pitch Competition, where his team developed AI-powered solutions to grow the NBA’s international fanbase.

Throughout his journey, Quentin Glass exemplified the spirit of WSSU and the promise of HBCU excellence. Driven, thoughtful, and committed to building a better future through technology, he leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the football field.

He will be deeply missed by the WSSU community, Alpha Phi Alpha’s Beta Iota Chapter, and all those whose lives he touched.

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This event, titled “A Meaningful Moment,” formally welcomed Chancellor Brown—the first woman to lead the historic HBCU—as its 14th chancellor. Alumni, university benefactors, and community leaders gathered to honor her leadership. The evening included remarks, networking, hors d’oeuvres, and a shared spirit of legacy.

Then came a joyful twist.

Early in the program, Parker walked in and softly sang a few bars of 112’s iconic hit “Cupid.” The room erupted. Chancellor Brown beamed in surprise and warmly embraced the singer, while guests clapped and captured the moment on video.

Parker was invited by his close friend Chandra Southern, a member of the WSSU Atlanta Alumni Chapter.

The Atlanta setting wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a strategic choice. The city is home to one of WSSU’s largest alumni communities and remains a hub for HBCU culture and excellence.

As the evening wrapped, the message was clear: under Chancellor Brown’s leadership, WSSU is honoring its legacy and vying for new heights. With support from Rams near and far—and even a little harmony from 112—the future of this proud HBCU looks brighter than ever.

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A Return to the Bill Walsh Fellowship

This marks the second time that Woodbury has earned the opportunity. He first participated in the program in 2024 while serving on the staff at Howard University. The Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship is designed to give minority coaches immersive experiences during NFL training camps and offseason activities.

HBCU Star Turned NFL Player

Woodbury first made his name at Winston-Salem State University. After walking on, he led the Rams to back-to-back CIAA titles. He passed for over 4,500 yards, rushed for more than 1,000 yards, and tied the school record with 60 total touchdowns.

His stellar performance caught the attention of NFL scouts. Woodbury signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He later spent time with the Saints, the Bills, and in the CFL, becoming known as a special teams ace.

Building an HBCU-to-NFL Pipeline

After his playing career, Woodbury made a successful transition to coaching and scouting. He spent five years with the Los Angeles Rams, including time as an assistant special teams coach, and was part of the Super Bowl LVI championship staff. He then moved into HBCU coaching roles—starting at Morgan State in 2022, then Howard in 2024, and finally joining Michael Vick’s staff at Norfolk State in 2025.

His career reflects the growing connection between NFL and HBCU coaching talent. As more HBCU coaches earn NFL exposure, the pathway from HBCU sidelines to NFL opportunities becomes more defined.

What It Means for Norfolk State

Woodbury’s time with the Vikings could pay immediate dividends for Norfolk State’s special teams. He will return with refined knowledge of NFL situational drills, data-driven strategies, and personnel evaluation. These tools can directly impact kick coverage, return schemes, and overall special teams execution.

Additionally, his NFL ties may help Norfolk State in recruiting. Connections at the pro level often elevate program credibility, helping attract both players and assistant coaches.

A Spotlight on HBCU Excellence

The NFL’s continued investment in HBCU coaching talent is no accident. Tory Woodbury’s inclusion in this year’s fellowship signals a commitment to diversifying NFL coaching pipelines—and a recognition of the wealth of talent cultivated at HBCUs.

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The 6’6″ guard played in two games that turned heads both on the court and online. On Saturday, Cooke came off the bench to score eight points in 23 minutes against the San Antonio Spurs. He also tallied two blocks, a steal, and four rebounds — displaying his ability to impact the game defensively.

Sunday brought a starting role and a bigger challenge. Cooke faced off against Bronny James and the Lakers, scoring 10 points on 5-for-11 shooting. He also contributed seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals in a 103-87 loss.

G League Growth
Cooke has spent three seasons in the G League. He began his professional career with the Iowa Wolves, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ affiliate, during the 2022-23 season. After averaging eight points as a rookie, he nearly doubled his output to 16.8 points in year two. Last season, he signed with the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder but played for their affiliate, the OKC Blue, where he once again averaged nearly 17 points per game.

College Roots and CIAA Rise

A Columbia, South Carolina native, Cooke started his college journey at Mars Hill, a Division II program in North Carolina. He later transferred to Division II HBCU Winston-Salem State University. During his senior season, he averaged nearly 17 points per game and earned All-CIAA honors. His standout play in the 2022 CIAA Tournament helped launch his G League career.

Making a Name

Cooke has delivered some big performances in the G League, including a 41-point game earlier this season. That kind of output is notable for any player — especially one from a Division II HBCU. Still, he faces stiff competition, having played for franchises with elite guards like Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Breaking into the NBA has been a challenge despite his high-level production.

While the basketball world watches Bronny James’ every move in Summer League, fans of HBCU and small college hoops would do well to keep tabs on Javonte Cooke.

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The Durham, NC native joined WSSU during its Division I attempt in the mid-2000s. He stuck around after the program moved back to the CIAA in 2010 and finished his career with All-CIAA honors. He also became a member of the Mu Epsilon chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

Corders is currently a regional manager for a pharmacutical company in Richmond, VA. The now 37-year old stays in shape by running.

“Pop the Balloon” is a viral dating show that began on YouTube in December 2023, created by Arlette Amuli and Bolia “BM” Matundu. The show features a unique format where a single contestant faces a lineup of potential matches, each holding a red balloon. If a participant is uninterested, they pop their balloon, eliminating themselves from consideration. This setup leads to candid and often humorous interactions, as participants explain their reasons for popping or keeping their balloons.

The original YouTube series gained popularity for its raw and unfiltered portrayal of dating, particularly resonating with Black audiences. It showcased real people discussing their preferences and deal-breakers openly, leading to both entertaining and thought-provoking moments. Some participants even found lasting connections.

In April 2025, Netflix launched a live adaptation titled “Pop the Balloon LIVE,” hosted by Yvonne Orji. While maintaining the core concept, the Netflix version introduced celebrity participants and a more polished production. However, it faced criticism for diluting the original’s authenticity and cultural significance, with some viewers feeling it lost the essence that made the YouTube series special.  

Despite the mixed reception of the Netflix adaptation, the original YouTube series continues to thrive, offering viewers an unfiltered look into modern dating dynamics. 

Corders is the second former WSSU athlete to appear on the show. His former college teammate, quarterback Jarrett Dunston, appeared on the show this spring. 

We’ll keep an eye out for any other former HBCU stars on this viral dating show.

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Workman played his freshman season at Winston-Salem in 1984. He then moved to Oral Roberts, where he sat out the 1985–86 season due to transfer rules. Over the next three seasons, he became a standout player. He averaged 17.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.9 steals per game.

To this day, Workman ranks among Oral Roberts’ all-time leaders in steals, assists, and scoring. In 2003, the school honored him with induction into its athletics Hall of Fame.

A Solid Career With the Indiana Pacers

Workman was selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the 1989 NBA Draft. He went on to play eight seasons in the league, including four memorable years with the Indiana Pacers.

During his time in Indiana, Workman became known for his steady leadership and court vision. He averaged 5.5 points and 3.9 assists per game in 359 total appearances.

After his playing days, he remained close to the game. In 2008, he joined the NBA’s officiating crew—making him one of the few former players to transition into a referee role.

Cheering for the Pacers in the NBA Finals

Tonight, the Indiana Pacers face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. If Indiana pulls off the win, it will mark the team’s first NBA championship.

Veterans like Workman, Reggie Miller, and others will be among the proud alumni celebrating. For Workman, it would be a full-circle moment—cheering for the franchise where he made his biggest impact.

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The segment opened with a throwback recorded message from Caruth thanking Smith for his influence and leadership during a previous HBCU segment.

“Honestly, Stephen A., I wanted to say thank you for everything you’ve done for Winston-Salem State University and our culture,” Caruth said. “You’re a great example of living Black history.”

Smith, who graduated from the HBCU in Dec. 1991, was visibly moved by the gesture, responded with emotion and pride.

“I always get touched by stuff like that, especially for my alma mater, which means the world to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Winston-Salem State,” he said.

Smith praised Caruth’s performance during the final stretch of the race, noting the young driver held off seasoned champions in the final 15 laps.

“He handled his business, held it down, and ended up winning for the first time. I’m very, very proud of this young man and what he’s doing—the way he’s representing the Rams.”

This win marked the second career victory for Caruth in the Craftsman Truck Series. Smith took the moment to highlight Caruth’s impact as an HBCU representative in a traditionally non-diverse sport like NASCAR.

“Anytime I see great things from Winston-Salem State, I’m incredibly happy… There’s a whole bunch of talent at HBCUs throughout this country.”

As Smith wrapped up his remarks, he once again voiced his support for Caruth and reaffirmed his commitment to celebrating HBCU excellence, saying, “Way to go, Rajah. Way to go.”

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At the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships in Pueblo, Colorado, WSSU athletes Charnessa Reid and Brianna Benloss delivered standout performances. Benloss ran a personal-best 11.39 in the 100m prelims to qualify for the finals, finishing ninth overall and earning Second Team All-American honors. Reid, meanwhile, placed fourth nationally in the 100m hurdles with a time of 13.35, securing First Team All-American status.

Reid’s dominance this season—undefeated in collegiate hurdles competition and victorious at the CIAA Championships—also earned her the title of USTFCCCA Division II Atlantic Region Athlete of the Year. WSSU assistant coach Paula Salmon, in her first season, was named Atlantic Region Assistant Coach of the Year after leading WSSU’s sprinters and hurdlers to five CIAA titles, ten school records, and 23 NCAA provisional marks.

Adding to the momentum, HBCU standout Candace Morris is transferring to WSSU from West Virginia State. Morris, a First Team All-American in the 60m dash during the indoor season, also swept the 100m and 200m titles at the Mountain East Conference Outdoor Championships. Her arrival gives WSSU even more firepower heading into 2025.

WSSU continues to showcase the strength and depth of HBCU athletics on the national stage, with its women’s track program earning accolades and attracting elite talent. With All-Americans, championship hardware, and elite transfers, WSSU is setting the standard for HBCU excellence in track and field.

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Caruth came out of the pits in first place after the second stage of the race thanks to quick work by his pit crew. He entered the pits in third place, and after gaining those two crucial spots he never relinquished the lead. But it was close and drama-filled as the laps unfolded.

Rajah Caruth holds off the competition

Caruth had to hold off Corey Heim, the top driver and points leader in the Truck series, who was on the bumper of the NO. 71 Chevrolet all the way to the checkered flag. Heim pulled side by side by Caruth at one point in the final laps but couldn’t complete the pass. Layne Riggs eventually caught up to Heim and their battle for second place gave Caruth just enough cushion to take home the victory. Heim who has four wins this year held on for second, Riggs finished third.

 “I was just asking myself, how bad do I want it. I just try my best and we had clean air and their stuff was better, but I just I just did my best. That was it,” he said during his postgame interview on FS1.

Rajah Caruth led a race-high 61 laps on Friday night. Heading into the race Caruth was 13th in the points standings. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck series is back on Saturday June 7 at Michigan International Speedway. The race will be televised on Fox at noon EST.

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The show is considered an adaptation of a Judy Bloom novel from the 1970s. 

He is described as a “golden boy” with NBA prospects on the Netflix series. Spoiler alert — he also shares a sextape he made with Keisha.

Xavier Mills is an emerging American actor recognized for his compelling performances in both film and television. He gained notable attention for his role in the 2023 legal drama The Burial, where he portrayed a witness in a case highlighting corporate exploitation of marginalized communities. This role was informed by his personal background, as he played college basketball at the HBCU before transitioning into acting.

He finished his first season at WSSU (2016-17) with 85 total points and averaged 3.5 points per game. He also added 22 steals with nine blocks while recording 39 assists and averaging 2.4 rebounds per game. He played in 24 games the following season, averaging three points and 2.2 assists per game.

In 2022, Mills starred in the short film Grief, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotional narratives. He also appeared in the supernatural drama series Legacies (2018), further demonstrating his versatility across genres prior to joining the hit Netflix series. 

Beyond his on-screen roles, Mills has been cast in the upcoming series Chad Powers, as reported by Deadline, joining a talented ensemble that includes Clayne Crawford and Colton Ryan. His growing body of work reflects a dynamic range and a commitment to roles that resonate with diverse audiences.

Mills’ entry into the world of acting is another example of how you never know which HBCU athlete today could end up on your Netflix or HULU screen tomorrow. 

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Serving as head coach from 1976 to 1987, Hayes compiled an impressive 89–40–2 record, making him the winningest coach in WSSU history until his record was broken by his former quarterback Kermit Blount. Under his leadership, the Rams secured three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships (1977, 1978, 1987) and five CIAA Southern Division titles. Notably, his 1977 and 1978 teams achieved back-to-back 11–1 seasons, with the 1978 squad advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Hayes’s coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, innovation, and a relentless work ethic. He introduced the split-back veer offense and the wide tackle 6 defense to WSSU, strategies uncommon among HBCUs at the time. Despite limited resources and staffing—initially having only one assistant coach—Hayes built a formidable program through sheer determination and strategic acumen.

He eventually left WSSU for rival North Carolina A&T in 1988 and led it to three MEAC titles before his retirement in 2003.

Hayes left an impact on HBCU football as an AD

Beyond his coaching achievements, Hayes made significant contributions as an athletic administrator. After his coaching stint, he served as athletic director at North Carolina Central University, Florida A&M University, and returned to WSSU in 2010, where he oversaw the athletic department until his retirement in 2014. His administrative leadership further solidified his legacy in collegiate athletics. 

Hayes’s impact on college football has been recognized through numerous honors, including induction into multiple halls of fame and the naming of the football field at WSSU’s Bowman Gray Stadium in his honor. His career stands as a testament to his dedication to excellence and his profound influence on student-athletes and the broader HBCU sports community.

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Beyond his racing achievements, Caruth’s journey is deeply rooted in his academic and cultural background. In December 2024, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Motorsports Management from Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), an HBCU in North Carolina. WSSU is notable for being the only HBCU in the nation to offer such a program. Caruth’s commitment to education while pursuing a demanding racing career exemplifies his dedication and resilience.

Caruth’s ascent in NASCAR is also significant in the context of diversity in motorsports. He is among the few Black drivers to have won a national series race, joining the ranks of Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace. His participation in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program has been instrumental in his development, providing opportunities to hone his skills and compete at higher levels

As the 2025 season progresses, Rajah Caruth continues to demonstrate his prowess on the track and his commitment to representing HBCUs in the racing world. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring drivers from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the importance of perseverance, education, and representation in sports.

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For centuries, Black women’s hair has been subjected to rigid Eurocentric beauty standards. From the Tignon Laws of 1786 to the pervasive use of harmful chemicals and straightening tools, hair has been a battleground for identity and self-worth. These historical traumas have left behind layers of internalized racism and self-hate, making hair not just a style but a political and cultural statement.

The effects are still seen today, especially in environments like competitive cheerleading—where only 17% of participants are Black women. Many cheer teams, including those led by Black coaches, still pressure athletes to wear straight or wavy extensions. This not only reinforces narrow beauty norms but also inflicts long-term damage on natural hair.

WSSU’s “Powerhouse of Red and White” has been a powerful exception. As an HBCU with a cheer team known for its dynamic routines, media presence, and cultural impact, WSSU is redefining what it means to be both polished and unapologetically natural. With over 385,000 social media followers and viral videos that have reached millions, the team has inspired Black women across the country to reclaim their curls, coils, and kinks on and off the field.

“The Powerhouse of Red & White cheer program has had a long-standing tradition of representing the natural hair community,” said Head Coach NeSheila Washington. “We teach our young ladies and gentlemen the importance of maintaining healthy hair. A major component of that is being mindful to feed your body essential nutrients daily. Taking a multivitamin is a huge support to a college athlete and ensures they have the tools to be successful on the field and court.”

Through this three-month partnership, BGV will provide every member of the team with its best-selling Hair, Skin & Nails vitamins , formulated with biotin, zinc, and other essential nutrients to promote healthy follicles, reduce breakage, and improve overall scalp health. The team will also receive products from BGV’s Energy Bundle and Collagen Powder , designed to support joint health, energy levels, and bone strength—especially vital for student-athletes constantly moving, stunting, and performing.

Beyond the supplements, BGV is outfitting the team with custom-branded sweatshirts, water bottles, and towels—tools that merge wellness and culture in everyday moments. This partnership represents a deeper alignment of values: holistic health, self-love, and celebrating what grows naturally.

Although WSSU is just one of 107 HBCUs in the U.S., the Powerhouse team stands out for its visual and viral influence. Their leadership in natural hair representation makes their voice especially impactful in shifting beauty norms within Black communities.

The collaboration with WSSU does not suggest that Black women must abandon hair extensions or protective styles. Instead, it celebrates the freedom to wear natural hair proudly—and to see it as beautiful, athletic, and worthy of the spotlight.

Black Girl Vitamins continues to lead the way in health education, community empowerment, and tailored wellness solutions for Black women. With this partnership, the brand doubles down on its mission to help Black women thrive from the inside out.

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“Pop the Balloon” is a viral dating show that began on YouTube in December 2023, created by Arlette Amuli and Bolia “BM” Matundu. The show features a unique format where a single contestant faces a lineup of potential matches, each holding a red balloon. If a participant is uninterested, they pop their balloon, eliminating themselves from consideration. This setup leads to candid and often humorous interactions, as participants explain their reasons for popping or keeping their balloons.

Episodes feature a short interview, watched by the would-be daters, which allow them to potentially ‘pop the balloon’ before they even get face-to-face.

The original YouTube series gained popularity for its raw and unfiltered portrayal of dating, particularly resonating with Black audiences. It showcased real people discussing their preferences and deal-breakers openly, leading to both entertaining and thought-provoking moments. Some participants even found lasting connections, with reports of couples continuing relationships beyond the show. 

In April 2025, Netflix launched a live adaptation titled “Pop the Balloon LIVE,” hosted by Yvonne Orji. While maintaining the core concept, the Netflix version introduced celebrity participants and a more polished production. However, it faced criticism for diluting the original’s authenticity and cultural significance, with some viewers feeling it lost the essence that made the YouTube series special.  

Despite the mixed reception of the Netflix adaptation, the original YouTube series continues to thrive, offering viewers an unfiltered look into modern dating dynamics. 

(Spoiler Alert) None of the ladies popped the balloon on Dunston while he was interviewed. You’ll have to watch the episode to see how he did after that. 

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Nia James, a senior and former member of the WSSU volleyball team, shared an emotional story of survival and gratitude directed at John Lavender, the university’s longtime athletic trainer. In a touching social media post, she credited Lavender with saving her life following a near-fatal health scare in October 2022.

After tearing nearly every ligament in her knee during volleyball season, James was later diagnosed with blood clots in her leg. One night, she experienced hours of severe chest pain. Lavender urged her to go to the emergency room — and when doctors initially tried to send her home, he demanded a CT scan. That test revealed life-threatening blood clots in all five lobes of her lungs.

With her family hours away, Lavender stayed with her through the night.

“Without the persistence, care, and knowledge of John and the amazing @wssu_at staff, I would not be here preparing to walk the stage in 10 days,” James wrote. “Your impact is greater than you know.”

Lavender, a graduate of Elon University, has served Winston-Salem State since January 2013. In his role as Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, he has become a trusted figure for generations of student-athletes, offering not just physical care, but personal support and advocacy.

“People always ask why I got into this profession.  This is a perfect example of my why,” Lavender wrote on X. “We have an amazing AT staff at WSSU. I tell all our recruits/parents when their child comes to WSSU they become my child. I love my kids. I love my job.”

James’ story is a powerful example of the close-knit, life-changing community found at her HBCU and so many others.

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The Winston-Salem State (WSSU) product showcased his all-around game, leading the league with an eye-popping 26.2 points per game, while also contributing 9.4 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and making a lasting impression on the international stage.

Alston’s season was filled with highlight-reel performances, including three 40-point games and a historic night on February 15, 2025, when he nearly recorded a quadruple-double: 47 points, 32 rebounds, 8 assists, and 8 steals in a single game against RheinStars Köln. That effort not only captivated fans but also cemented his reputation as one of the most dynamic players in Europe’s third-tier league.

Before making waves overseas, Alston starred at Winston-Salem State University, where he was a key piece in the HBCU’s resurgence under head coach Cleo Hill Jr. Alston earned All-CIAA honors multiple times while helping the program win CIAA titles in 2020 and 2023. He was known for his explosive athleticism, relentless motor, and clutch scoring ability. His time at WSSU helped restore the program’s tradition of excellence, as he consistently rose to the occasion in big games and postseason play. He capped off his career by winning CIAA Player of The Year as a senior. 

Now thriving in the professional ranks, Alston is another shining example of HBCU talent making a global impact. His debut season serves as both a personal milestone and a proud moment for Winston-Salem State and HBCU basketball as a whole. With this kind of start, the sky is the limit for Alston’s career trajectory.

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From there, WSSU will return to North Carolina and make a two hour, 28-minute drive to the mountains.

WSSU will kick off the season at home against CIAA foe Lincoln (PA) on Sept. 13 at Bowman Gray Stadium. It will return the following week on Sept. 20 to face Virginia State University. Following a trip to Bowie State University it will return home on Oct. 4 to host defending CIAA champion Virginia Union.

WSSU will make the short trip to Durham, NC to face Shaw University before playing its home finale against Livingstone College on Oct. 18. That game will serve as WSSU’s homecoming. The regular season will close out on the road with games against Johnson C. Smith in Charlotte and Fayetteville State in Fayetteville, NC.

The Sept. 6 date had been open for WSSU prior to Limestone University dropping football. WSSU has a bye week on Nov. 1.

The Rams finished 7-3 in the 2024 season, 6-2 in CIAA play. They also led the CIAA in attendance, and finished in the top 10 of Division II football.

Season tickets are now on sale for $130. Parking for the season is $100. Reserved seating season packages are $205.00.

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The Rams delivered a strong showing at the Southside Power & Fitness Invitational hosted by Lenoir-Rhyne, finishing second overall with 106 points—just behind the host’s 195. Multiple student-athletes posted standout performances that helped secure Winston-Salem State’s regional recognition.

Leading the charge is Charnessa Reid, who was recently named CIAA Track Athlete of the Week for the fourth consecutive time. Reid clocked a nation’s top-five time of 13.54 seconds in the 100m hurdles and also contributed to a first-place finish in the 4x100m relay (47.02), alongside Lydia Chapple, Zaniah Field, and Trinity Brooks. Reid also recorded a personal record in the high jump at 1.60m, earning second place.

Other top finishes included a win in the 4x400m relay (3:45.13) by Simone Kelly, Asheika Smith, Daijion Lee, and Olivia Cosby. Smith also claimed second in the 400m dash (55.48), while Rainn Sheppard and Simone Kelly added podium finishes in the 800m run.

Brooks impressed with third in the triple jump (11.05m), and the Rams showed depth in throwing events with consistent efforts across the discus, javelin, and shot put.

With momentum building, WSSU looks ahead to the 2025 Aggie Invitational on April 18-19 in Greensboro, N.C., hosted by North Carolina A&T. As the only HBCU program in the Atlantic Region Top 5, the Rams are proudly carrying the banner for Black college track and field on the national stage.

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Her success at another HBCU only deepened her desire to return to Winston-Salem.

“It was always a desire,” Terry said. “As a graduate, it’s just somewhere that I’ve always aspired to be. But I just… timing is everything. And the plan is everything.”

That plan brought her back to WSSU, where she learned what it means to grind, compete, and represent her HBCU. Chancellor Bonita Brown emphasized the importance of Terry’s return and what it represents for the program and the institution.

“I was looking for someone who literally said the word ‘students’ first,” Chancellor Brown said. “The next thing I wanted to hear them say was ‘win,’ because that’s what we’re here for.”

Terry embodies both values, having credited her father—a former coach—and her experiences at WSSU for shaping her approach to coaching. “He inspired me so much that I decided I wanted to change lives in the same way,” she said of her father. “We might be crazy for choosing this profession some days, but it is our calling.”

Throughout the press conference, she was grateful for the belief placed in her, especially by WSSU Athletic Director Etienne Thomas. 

“I appreciate you guys for believing in me… You saw a vision in me that sometimes I may not have seen in myself.”

Her commitment to HBCUs goes beyond wins and losses. She passionately reminded those in attendance of how underestimated Black colleges still are in broader college athletics.

“People go, ‘Oh, you’re going to Winston,’ and they don’t really know what we produced… They don’t know how valuable HBCUs are in our community.”

Now back in red and white, Terry has big plans for the Rams. She made it clear that her expectations are high—and that the culture of excellence will be foundational.

“When you are raised by champions, you aspire to be a champion yourself,” she said. “You start surrounding yourself with championship mentality. I believe the people around me in Winston have that same mentality, and we are going to go after it.”

As for the current roster and future recruits, Terry has her eyes wide open as the transfer portal deadline nears.

“Our current athletes seem to be excited and fired up about winning a championship,” she said. “We’re going to work to get what we need, and we’ll see moving from there.”

In returning home, Terry joins a growing list of WSSU alumni who have come back to lead and mentor. Current men’s basketball coach Corey Thompson is an alumnus as is Terry’s predecessor, L’Tona Lamonte. 

“Coach Lamonte has been a phenomenal person,” Terry said. “She’s been a great mentor to me as well, just being a Ram herself.”

With deep institutional knowledge, a proven coaching pedigree, and the unshakable belief that HBCUs can be places of both tradition and transformation, Tierra Terry is poised to write the next great chapter of WSSU women’s basketball.

“I get to wear my red again. I can say ‘Ramily’ and not have to hide who I am,” Terry beamed. “As we say in our alma mater: ‘Exalting, we praise thy name, O Winston-Salem State University.’ I’m looking so forward to leading this program.”

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WSSU commenced their championship journey by shutting out Bowie State 24-0 in the quarterfinals before beating Johnson C. Smith University 14-7 in the semifinals. Advancing to the finals, WSSU faced Fayetteville State University in a tightly contested match. After a scoreless first half, the Rams took the lead with a safety, followed by an interception that set up a touchdown and successful extra point, bringing the score to 9-0. Despite a late touchdown by Fayetteville State, WSSU’s defense held firm, preventing a three-point conversion and securing a 9-6 victory.

This championship win is particularly significant as it coincides with the CIAA’s introduction of women’s flag football to its roster of sports, a move aimed at expanding opportunities for women student-athletes at HBCUs. The CIAA, in partnership with the NFL and RCX Sports, launched the sport in Spring 2025, with eight HBCU member institutions participating in the inaugural season. Bluefield State, Virginia Union, Livingstone College and Lincoln participate in the sport along with JCSU, Bowie State, Fayetteville State and WSSU.

WSSU’s win not only sets a precedent for excellence in this emerging sport but also highlights the university’s commitment to fostering athletic opportunities for women. As HBCUs continue to embrace and promote women’s flag football, WSSU’s victory serves as a historic benchmark for future programs and athletes across the conference.

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The Gaines Center opened next door in 1978, with a seating capacity of 2,500 – and a student body that was already just over 2,000. Just like its older counterpart, Gaines Center was incapable of accommodating swollen crowds against rivals – which in those days included North Carolina A&T as well as North Carolina Central – meaning WSSU would once again be forced to use the Coliseum at least a few times a year.

When Winston-Salem State attempted to move up to Division I during Turner’s tenure in the mid-2000s, WSSU rarely played games in the Gaines Center. Most of its games were played 15 minutes away at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum or at the smaller annex complex, which seats 4,000. After that move failed, the department of athletics moved to almost exclusively playing games on campus in the Gaines Center. 

However, the resurgence of the men’s basketball program during the Cleo Hill Jr. era meant crowds of students lined up hours prior to basketball double-headers for contests against CIAA rivals. Alumni and other supporters often found themselves waiting outside to get in, often having to be turned away from the stuffy gymnasium. Twice in the past three basketball seasons, WSSU has had to rent the LJVM Coliseum, which is now owned by Wake Forest University.

In addition to athletics, a gymnasium/arena could also alleviate the need for the HBCU to rent out the coliseum for its commencement ceremonies.

The effective date for the bill is July 1, 2025, should it pass the NC legislature. 

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Let’s be clear: the photo is real. It’s from WSSU’s 1991 basketball team, the same year Stephen A. Smith was featured in the school’s yearbook and listed on the team roster. It’s not AI. It’s not Photoshop. It’s not some conspiracy cooked up in a basement somewhere. The photo has been sitting in WSSU archives for years, apparently mis-labeled as the 1991-1992 season. Below is the full photo.

Whitlock correctly pointed out that Smith would have been done playing at WSSU in 1992 as his journalism career was getting off the ground from the Winston-Salem State News Argus to the Winston-Salem Journal to the Atlanta Journal constitution. He correctly pointed out that Smith cracked his knee early in his WSSU career. His photo was absent from the 1990 WSSU yearbook and made another appearance in 1991 in what would have been his senior season. 

The photo is an honest piece of HBCU history, pulled straight from a university archive. But Whitlock took it as his chance to once again attack Stephen A., suggesting he fabricated his college career and calling into question everything from his memoir to his credibility.

That’s what this really comes down to—Jason Whitlock’s obsession with tearing down Stephen A. Smith. He took the photo and ran with it to broader topics such as Smith’s contract and political aspirations, two things many people would criticize Smith for, but two things he is clearly jealous of. Once upon a time Whitlock was the black journalist-turned-columnist-turned lightning rod that looked to be ESPN’s Golden Boy. But a rejuvenated Smith came back from getting fired from the network and is now a $100 million man while Whitlock’s star at the network crashed and burned brilliantly.

Now he never misses a chance to take a snipe at Smith, using every chance he gets to create a narrative about his rival, with his time on his HBCU basketball squad one of his favorite jabs. His partially-informed, hastily put together response to the photo illustrates just how personal his beef with Smith is. And that likely isn’t going to change despite the fact that the photo in question is very real, if mislabeled. 

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Kyrell Shaw originally committed to Winston-Salem State last winter, but flipped his commitment to Maryland Eastern Shore when his brother transferred there.

After scoring 20 points just once in his first two seasons, Ketron Shaw hit that mark in six of his first seven games at the Division I level, including a 30-point performance against Old Dominion. He scored 20 or more points in half of his 28 appearances in the season while shooting 45 percent from the field and was named third-team All-MEAC after the season. He led the team in scoring, rebounding and assists.

Kyrell Shaw, a 6’4 guard, averaged 6.7 points per game during his freshman campaign. He scored in double figures seven times, including a 31-point performance against Galladuet. 

Also hitting the portal from the HBCU is Jalen Ware. Ware averaged 3.3 points and four rebounds per game for UMES (6-25).

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“I looked up at the clock, it was like 2.5 (seconds left), Coach Moton said ‘go score, go score,” Parson said with a slight grin. “So then, shoot I just know I had to get it up, turn the corner, and go score. I was just looking, waiting to see if it was gonna drop.”

It did — after four bounces. Also dropping to the floor was his coach. LeVelle Moton, looking for his fifth MEAC title in just over a decade, leaned back and hit the floor in the second that seemed like a minute that the ball bounced on the rim of the Scope.

“I trusted this young man over here on my left, to put the ball in his hands. That’s what he do.  And the rest is history.” 

Issac Parson was playing in his first MEAC Tournament game after he spent three seasons playing for Cleo Hill at WSSU, helping the team go 59-25 during that span, including a CIAA title in 2023.

Parson is from Kinston, North Carolina — the hometown of Jerry Stackhouse, among many other NBA players. Moton and Stackhouse have been tight since they were pre-teens. Moton said he’s known about Parson for a while, even though he signed with NCCU’s one-time conference rival. 

“His family and Stack are really cool, so we always known about him,” Moton said. “We followed him at Winston. And now with this portal — it was just kind of a match made in heaven.”

Issac Parson was a decorated player in the Division II HBCU league, winning all-rookie honors as well as an all-CIAA nod last season. He has started just two games this season after starting 66 of his 77 games at WSSU. But he’s usually on the floor when the game ends, and if NCCU is to win the title, he’ll likely be a key part.   

“He’s played there for four years, so now he had to adjust to how we do things here. And it’s been a difficult transition for him as it would with anymore. But he’s continued to buy in. Sometimes he’s got frustrated, but, hopefully he can feel confident now. Because he is the one guy on our team with a championship pedigree. And so that’s why he makes significant plays.

Moton said the free throws Parson hit down the stretch were just as significant. He went 4-for-4 from the free thrown line before hitting the game-winner. Free throws might win ball-games, but they don’t make Sportscenter.

“Those things get lost in the end of the battle because everybody loves the sexy stuff, like a last-second shot,” Moton said.

Last second shots are kind of Parson’s thing, though.  He showed the willingness to take and make a last-second shot from his first season on when he hit two buzzer beaters against Virginia State and Elizabeth City State. And he continued to do so during his last two seasons there. And he did it twice during the regular season in wins against Garner-Webb and — you guessed it — Delaware State. But none of those were as big as the one he hit on Thursday night — the one that was slotted no. 5 on Sportscenter. 

The name of the game is “survive and advance.” NCCU will have to win three games in three days to bring the first MEAC title back to Durham since 2019. Issac Parson has the experience as part of a team that won four games in four days to do it at his last HBCU. Why would he think he couldn’t do it again? 

“Been there before,” Parson said matter-of-factly. “Just gotta stay solid and move on to the next game and just stay prepared to go.” 

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This agreement solidifies Smith’s status as one of the highest-paid personalities in sports media, a testament to his longevity, influence, and ability to command viewership. His brash and unapologetic style has made him a polarizing yet undeniable force in the industry. The new contract also grants him the flexibility to discuss more political and cultural issues—something Smith has already embraced in recent years.

Beyond his media success, Smith’s journey is a story of perseverance and dedication, deeply rooted in his HBCU experience. A proud graduate of Winston-Salem State University, Smith played basketball under legendary coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines before transitioning into journalism. His career began with newspapers, most notably The Philadelphia Inquirer, before he made the jump to television. Over the years, he has become a dominant figure at ESPN, shaping the sports debate landscape with his insights and fiery takes.

For HBCU graduates and supporters, Smith’s ascent is a shining example of the talent and excellence that emerge from historically Black colleges and universities. Smith has actively involved himself in raising money not just for WSSU, but many other HBCUs, as a part of his work with HBCU Week.

With his future at ESPN secure, the question now is: What’s next for Stephen A. Smith? One thing is certain—he’ll be louder than ever.

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Paul informed the sophomore guard that he was named a Walmart Hometown Hero, and has earned an invite to the NBA All-Star Game. 

“Your leadership as a mentor and your ability to guide others is why you are named HBCU Hometown Hero,” Chris Paul told Thompson. 

“To be named a Walmart HBCU Hometown Hero is a blessing because being around PWI to being able to become the face of my community and the history that comes along with it and being the face of is a big blessing,” Thompson said. 

Thompson is one of several HBCU players who have won the distinction this season.

Thompson is a sophomore point guard from Concord, NC, and went to Central Cabarrus High School where he had a career record of 81-13, won the 2023 3A State Championship, and was voted the 2023 3A Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Thompson was a 2x SPC Conference Player of the Year for 2022 and 2023 and was the runner-up in 2021.

He started his career at Charleston Southern University where he was named to the Big Sky South All-Freshman Team during the 2023-2024 season. 

Thompson transferred to WSSU in the fall of 2024. 

“Transferring to an HBCU was a big thing for me because I was always at a PWI,” he said.

Attending an HBCU has helped Thompson to embrace Black excellence.

“Coming to an HBCU filled with my people, my culture, learning from my teachers, and coaches,” Thompson said. “Being around a lot of people, and my culture has made me feel more comfortable with myself, brought me out of my shell and I have been able to learn more about myself.”

Thompson says coming to an HBCU has given him a strong sense of community.

“When I got here everybody was so loving and caring and it felt like home,” Thompson said.

WSSU has struggled on the court, going just 2-20 so far this season. But Thompson has been one of the bright spots on the team with his leadership. 

Thompson continues to strive to help others while building resilience along the way.

“I plan to inspire others by proving everybody wrong when everybody says you can’t do something and you do it that’s my main goal.”

Not only has his transfer to the HBCU given him a new view, it’s also earned him a call with a Hall of Famer in Chris Paul.

– Story by WSSU Student/HBCU Intern Tia Greene

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The game is nationally televised, bringing well-deserved attention to HBCU athletics while educating fans on the impact of the Airmen.

Beyond the field, the Red Tails Classic fosters school pride, community engagement, and historical awareness. Events surrounding the game highlight the Tuskegee Airmen’s contributions, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire.

WSSU and Tuskegee first met in the Pioneer Bowl in 1999 and 2000 in the Georgia Dome, with the CIAA squad taking the first game and the SIAC squad taking the other. The two programs met in the 2013 Cleveland Classic, and most recently played each other at Tuskegee back in 2019. Tuskegee, the all-time winningest program in HBCU history, has 29 SIAC titles.WSSU has 12 CIAA titles, tied for second most among all CIAA schools behind Morgan State.

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“We have recruits to address our needs and help us continue to Protect the Legacy,” Massey said.  

Transfers Bring Experience to the Rams

The 10-player transfer group includes key additions across multiple positions, highlighted by wide receiver Devontay Deloatch from Livingstone College. Deloatch brings valuable CIAA experience to the Rams’ receiving corps after recording eight receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown in 2024 against them last season. In 2023, he tallied 11 catches for 110 yards at Bowman Gray, proving himself as a reliable playmaker as the HBCU recorded its first win in WSSU’s stadium in decades. His familiarity with the conference and ability to stretch the field should make him an immediate contributor.  

Alongside Deloatch, the Rams add Brethan Barnhill (RB, Catawba), JaQuan Kelly (RB, UNC-Pembroke), and Khalil Stimpson (LB, Catawba) to bolster key position groups. Offensive line depth improves with the arrival of Zayvion Davis (ECSU), while defensive line additions CJ Brown (Catawba), Landon Venable (Charleston), and Kyle Williams (Delaware State) add much-needed size and physicality in the trenches.  

Incoming Freshmen Bring Depth and Talent

The Rams’ high school signees feature a strong group of offensive linemen, with four new additions, including Delsin Barrett (6’4, 280, Terry Sanford HS) and Carlos Ortega (6’4, 300, Chapel Hill HS). These young linemen will provide future stability up front.  

On defense, Zymiere Dempsey (DB, Bertie HS) and Kam Langford (DB, Emerald HS) bring length and athleticism to the secondary, while Davian Lapointe (DL, South View HS) is a powerful force up front.  

The Rams also addressed special teams by signing punter Fletcher Gallimore (Mt. Airy HS) and kicker Angel Gomez Corona (Millbrook HS).  

With a balanced mix of seasoned transfers and talented high school prospects added to a 7-3 program, WSSU is positoning itself for the 2025 season. The addition of Deloatch and other key playmakers signals that the Rams are gearing up for a strong campaign in HBCU football.

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The event featured a pre-race performance by WSSU’s renowned Red Sea of Sound Marching Band, electrifying the sold-out crowd before the green flag dropped. NASCAR has increasingly embraced HBCU culture, and this collaboration further highlighted the connection between the sport and historically Black colleges and universities.  

Pole winner Chase Elliott delivered a masterful performance, leading 171 of the 200 laps to secure his first Cook Out Clash victory. As Elliott maneuvered through lapped traffic in the final stretch, Ryan Blaney mounted a charge but ultimately fell short, finishing second. The night was filled with excitement, not only on the track but in the stands, including the performance of the WSSU Red Sea of Sound.

“This environment is special,” Elliott said post-race. “This is a place that has a deep history in NASCAR. I think they deserve this event, truthfully.”

Blaney, who started last, made a remarkable run to the front but couldn’t match Elliott’s late-race speed. Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace, the sport’s most prominent Black driver, put on a show, charging from 14th to finish fifth in front of a crowd that embraced NASCAR’s continued outreach to HBCUs.  NASCAR Craftsman Driver Rajah Caruth, who graduated from the HBCU in December, was among those in attendance. 

With NASCAR and WSSU deepening their relationship, this season-opening event symbolized the sport’s ongoing efforts to engage with HBCU culture, ensuring that the legacy of racing at Bowman Gray Stadium continues for generations to come.

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While Woodbury was a star quarterback at WSSU, he spent his NFL career as a special teams ace with the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and New Orleans Saints.

Woodbury transitioned to coaching when his NFL career was over, starting in HBCU football at Delaware State as a running backs coach and spending three seasons as offensive coordinator at Johnson C. Smith.

He then joined the NFL as a scout with the Los Angeles Rams before getting back in as an assistant special teams coach. Woodbury would help the Rams win Super Bowl (LVI) before returning to college at Morgan State in 2022 and then a two-year stint back in the pros.

Now he joins an inaugural staff for Michael Vick that already includes several former pros, and leaves Howard looking for a special teams coordinator and tight ends coach. 

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) head women’s basketball coach L’Tona Lamonte has announced she will be retiring at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Lamonte has been with the Rams for eight seasons after being named the program’s 11th head coach.

“As we celebrate the career of coach L’Tona Lamonte, we honor not only her contributions to Winston-Salem State University we honor her unwavering dedication to our student-athletes and her legacy as a proud daughter of Winston-Salem and a dedicated Ram,” said Director of Athletics, Etienne Thomas. “From her days as a student-athlete to her tenure as head coach, she has embodied the values of our program—excellence, resilience, and a deep commitment to our student-athletes. Coach Lamonte’s impact on WSSU women’s basketball and the broader community will be felt for generations. Coach Lamonte’s commitment to excellence, has left an indelible mark on our program and the lives of countless Rams. Her leadership will inspire generations to come. We wish her all the best in this well-earned retirement from coaching basketball and thank her for everything she has done for WSSU Athletics thus far and our community.”

Under Lamonte’s leadership, the Lady Rams have gone 98-113 and have seen much success on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. She coached WSSU’s only Female Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Female Athlete of the Year, Amaya Tucker, who was also the CIAA Rookie of the Year and has had two 1,000-point scorers (Melody Prichard and Amaya Tucker). She coached 8 All-Conference Players, 1 All-Region, 4 All-Freshman, and 3 Academic All-District players.

In the classroom, Lamonte has a 90% graduation rate. She also spearheaded Education Day for WSSU Athletics starting a reading program with three local schools in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School District to help with the reading curriculum. The children had to read so many pages during the Christmas holiday and the prize was attending a WSSU basketball game.

Lamonte has served as the Vice President for the CIAA Women’s Basketball Association, served on the Regional Advisory Committee (RAC), was a two-time NCAA Regional Representative, was a Top-25 voter, participated in NCAA Diversity discussions and spoke on two NCAA panels.

“I’m really thrilled and excited for the opportunity I had to come back to my alma mater and the city that I grew up in,” said Lamonte. “I’ve learned and grown and met some amazing people and have been around so many amazing people that have helped to guide my footsteps into my next direction which is administration.” “I’ll never forget the memories that I have or the players that have come in and brought into the system. We may not have won the award just yet, but there is still time for us to do some amazing things this season”. 

We will begin a national search following the conclusion of the season.

For more information on women’s basketball visit our website at www.wssurams.com and follow all social media channels on X(formerly known as Twitter at wssuwhoops, on Instagram at wssuwhoops and on Facebook at Wssu Whoops.

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The money is thanks to a provision in the North Carolina General Assembly. The UNC system estimates that university athletic departments will receive at least $2 million this year. WUNC reached out to the 13 universities receiving money to find out how it was being used and six schools answered the inquiry, including a pair of HBCUs.

North Carolina A&T —  the state and nation’s largest HBCU — has a budget that ranges for $15 to $17 million. 

“Within the last few years, we have allocated funds toward extra trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, nutritionists, and mental health experts to work with our student-athletes,” NC A&T AD Earl Hilton said in the statement. “In the future, we hope to add personnel to enhance our productivity and improve the student-athlete experience.”

Similar use of the sports betting money is being made down the road at Winston-Salem State as it is adding improvements to its basketball venue and locker rooms as well as tennis courts and its fueling station. 

“Being able to spend the resources to upgrade facilities and give (athletes) those opportunities for improved facilities — those that they see across town or those that they see at other campuses — is really important,” Thomas said. “You want to have the best facilities you can have, and not just those that you patchwork together.”

As a Division II school, WSSU has a much more modest budget of about $3.5 million. Even at the smaller level, it has a ways to go to become competitive financially on a national scale.

“To be a powerhouse in Division II — not just in the state, not just in our conference — you’re looking at about a $7 million budget,” Thomas said. “So, you’re talking about $3 million, $3.5 million annually in sports betting.”

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