The Coaches vs. Racism (CVR) Roundball Classic

The Coaches vs. Racism (CVR) organization hosted its fourth annual Roundball Classic on December 7, 2024, at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. This year's event marked a significant milestone as it featured an all-women's lineup for the first time, underscoring CVR's commitment to combating systemic racism through sports and elevating women's college basketball.

The triple-header showcased the following matchups:

  • Norfolk State University vs. Saint Louis University: Norfolk State's women's basketball team delivered an impressive performance, leading from start to finish and securing a 75-66 victory over Saint Louis University. The Spartans were propelled by standout players Diamond Johnson and Kierra Wheeler, who combined for 45 points and 18 rebounds.

  • Arizona State University vs. University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES): In a closely contested game, Arizona State emerged victorious against UMES with a final score of 64-57. Despite UMES's efforts to close the gap in the fourth quarter, Arizona State maintained their lead, showcasing resilience and strategic play.

  • Georgetown University vs. Colgate University: The final game featured Georgetown University facing off against Colgate University, concluding the day's series of competitive matchups.

The Roundball Classic serves as more than just a series of basketball games; it is a platform dedicated to addressing and ending systemic racism through sports. By featuring women's teams, CVR aims to elevate women's college basketball and provide a space for critical discussions on social justice, equality, and reform within the sports community.

Arizona State's Head Women's Basketball Coach, Natasha Adair, emphasized the importance of such events, stating, "Any time we can use our platform to bring awareness to the inequalities, to the issues that plague us, we do so. To use the platform for good and to bring awareness for what's going on in our world."

Founded with the mission to eradicate systemic racism through sports, Coaches vs. Racism collaborates with coaches and teams across professional, collegiate, and amateur levels. The organization focuses on creating educational and grassroots initiatives that inspire cultural and societal change within the sports arena.

The success of this year's all-women's Roundball Classic highlights the ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and equality in sports, setting a precedent for future events aimed at fostering unity and understanding through athletic competition.


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