The Coppin State women's basketball team is making waves this March as they clinch a position in the postseason for the first time since a long hiatus dating back to 2009, gearing up to participate in the Women's National Invitational Tournament (WNIT). Coach Jermaine Woods couldn't contain his enthusiasm, telling WMAR2 News, "I can't be more excited for this group." The team's landmark achievement also signified a breakthrough for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Coppin State secured an at-large WNIT bid, which Woods described as "unheard of for school like Coppin State."
With a dogged 18-win season, their most successful since the 2011-2012 season, the Coppin State Eagles have shed the underdog label often associated with their program. Opposing teams must now commit to a full scouting process, a testament to their newfound respectability, forward Laila Lawrence told WMAR2 News, "Usually when they think of Coppin they think of an easy win. Now when people play Coppin, they had to go through a full scout and scout is different than what they would usually do." Angel Jones, another standout Eagle, racked up accolades as a first-team all-MEAC, averaging nearly 15 points a game.
The historic matchup against Colgate on Saturday, March 22, marks Coppin State's return to the postseason spotlight and their first engagement with Colgate on the hardwood. As reported by FOX Baltimore, the winner of this clash at Cotterell Court will take on Cleveland State in the tournament’s next phase. This momentous occasion falls in step with a strong showing from other HBCU women’s basketball teams in the WNIT, including Alabama A&M, Howard, and Texas Southern, all vying for the championship banner in a bid to elevate the status and capabilities of HBCU programs on the national stage.
