The University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program is set to headline a November showcase that brings together three historically Black colleges and universities in a single‑site tournament at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia.
A Strategic Platform for HBCU Growth
Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks’ head coach, described the event as more than a schedule filler; she framed it as a deliberate effort to create visibility, mentorship and economic opportunity for the participating programs and their players.
On November 28 the Gamecocks will meet Tennessee State, and the following day they will contest either Alabama A&M or North Carolina Central in a consolation or championship contest, giving the HBCU teams a chance at a title while testing themselves against a perennial national contender.
All tournament games are bundled into the South Carolina women’s basketball season‑ticket package, with single‑session tickets to be released later, ensuring that fans can follow every moment of the action.
Beyond the hardwood, the weekend will be punctuated by community‑service activities on November 26, an NIL Marketplace on November 27, and a Culture Night Kickoff Dinner that brings together players, coaches and local leaders.
Rae Rose Media, the organizer behind the tournament, is leveraging its experience from previous USC events such as the NCAA Selection Sunday watch party to coordinate these activities, underscoring a partnership that blends sport with social impact.
The tournament also serves as a reunion of sorts for several coaches and assistants who have previously worked under Staley. Olivia Gaines, now leading North Carolina Central, spent two seasons as an assistant under Staley, while Candice Dupree, head coach at Tennessee State, starred as a player during Staley’s early years on the staff. Jacob Coltrane, an assistant with Tennessee State, previously served as a graduate assistant at South Carolina from 2018 to 2020.
Staley has a longstanding record of scheduling HBCU opponents, having faced such teams in 15 of her 18 seasons at South Carolina, a tradition that reflects both respect for the talent pool and a strategic vision to broaden the sport’s reach.
Looking ahead, the Gamecocks’ 2026‑27 slate includes an opening game in Paris on November 2 and an outdoor exhibition in Charleston on September 27, signaling a global ambition that mirrors the inclusive spirit of the upcoming HBCU tournament.