PowHER Player Classic: More Than a Tournament
South Carolina’s women’s basketball program is teaming up with Rae Rose Media to bring the inaugural PowHER Player Classic to Colonial Life Arena this Thanksgiving weekend. The event will feature three Historically Black College and University teams, combining high‑level basketball with a slate of community‑focused activities.
A holiday community‑service day is scheduled for Thursday, followed by an NIL Marketplace on Friday that will connect participants with sponsors, educational sessions and networking opportunities. All games on Saturday and Sunday will be included in the Gamecocks’ season‑ticket package, with single‑session tickets slated for release later.
Erica Berman, co‑founder and president of Rae Rose Media, says the classic is designed to give young women athletes a platform to turn visibility into lasting value, both on and off the court.
Head coach Dawn Staley, who has a storied record against HBCU opponents, highlighted the tournament’s broader mission, noting that the Gamecocks have historically excelled in matchups with NC Central and Alabama A&M and have previously faced two of the participating teams in the NCAA Tournament.
The Saturday slate pits South Carolina against NC Central and Alabama A&M, with consolation and championship games following on Sunday. Pre‑tournament festivities will include sponsor activations, cultural night kickoff dinners and mentorship sessions.
Additional ties to Staley’s legacy surface in the rosters: Olivia Gaines, who played under Staley at NC Central, and Candice Dupree, a former Temple standout coached by Staley, will be among the competitors. Jacob Coltrane, a former South Carolina graduate assistant, now serves as an assistant coach for Tennessee State.
Beyond the games, the PowHER Player Classic aims to create intentional spaces where athletes can build networks, access resources and develop pathways to professional and entrepreneurial opportunities in sport.