In an exciting event on April 2, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners celebrated the remarkable achievements of the Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Lady Rams basketball team. Commissioner Tonya D. McDaniel, a WSSU alumna from 2012, praised the team’s impressive 28-4 record, which included a perfect 13-0 at home. They also secured their first CIAA Tournament Championship and marked their debut in the NCAA DII Tournament with two significant wins.
McDaniel highlighted that 13 Lady Rams earned spots on the CIAA Commissioner’s Honors Roll, showing that their hard work in academics matched their athletic success. It’s a testament to their dedication, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0.
“The Lady Rams’ historic season brought recognition to Winston-Salem and raised the profile of our community,” McDaniel said, as she read the official proclamation. She announced that April 2, 2026, would be known as Winston-Salem State University Lady Rams Basketball Team Day, officially honoring the team’s achievements and their head coach, Tierra Terry.
The atmosphere was electric as the student-athletes celebrated, snapping selfies and cheering, “Happy Rams Day!”
WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown expressed gratitude to the commissioners, saying, “You made the day of these outstanding young ladies. They represent our university and our city well.” She emphasized the importance of WSSU in the community and thanked the board for their support.
Recent data shows that collegiate sports teams with strong academic performance can inspire other athletes. A study conducted by the NCAA found that student-athletes with high GPAs tend to maintain better mental health and have higher graduation rates. This highlights the balance the Lady Rams have achieved in both their sports and education.
The celebration reflects a growing trend in recognizing student-athletes as vital members of their communities. It shows how important it is for educational institutions to celebrate not only wins on the court but also achievements in the classroom.
Sources:
- NCAA Study on Student-Athlete Performance NCAA Report
