For nearly a century, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been at the forefront of promoting women’s athletics, providing athletics opportunities for Black women long before such avenues were available at large. Women’s inclusion in sports at HBCUs even predates the enactment of Title IX in 1972, a landmark federal law that prohibits gender discrimination in educational programs and activities, including athletics. Before that period, opportunities for women, particularly Black women, at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) were limited—many of these institutions either lacked women’s athletic programs or offered minimal support for female athletes. Professional sports leagues for women were also scarce, and those that existed excluded Black women.
That historical backdrop set a stage of disempowerment, whereas the bold presence of HBCUs provided a sanctuary for the Black female athlete to develop her skills and compete at high levels, redefining athletic excellence. These institutions cultivated the talent and resilience that fueled groundbreaking achievements in women’s sports. For the first time in American history, Black women could inspire one another while demanding their rightful place in the athletic world.
The Pioneers of HBCU Women’s Sports
As far back as 1938, students at Spelman College, one of the nation’s only Black women’s institutions, established the Spelman Athletics Council, later known as the Spelman Athletics Association. The association organized teams in various sports and arranged games between the classes. These matches later evolved into competitive teams with other predominantly Black institutions, sparking national interest in sports at a time when women were not encouraged to partake.
One of the most celebrated figures in HBCU women’s sports history is Althea Gibson, a graduate of Florida A&M University, who shattered barriers as the first Black woman to compete and win at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 1957-58. Though primarily known for her tennis prowess, her legacy speaks to the broader impact of HBCU athletics—producing athletes who redefined what’s possible.
Track and field is a powerful example of HBCU women’s global sports influence. In 1943, Tennessee State University established a women’s track and field program that gained national prominence under the guidance of Coach Ed Temple. From the 1950s through the 1970s, TSU’s Tigerbelles produced 40 Olympians and secured 34 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) national titles, showcasing the exceptional talent nurtured within HBCUs. Their dominance on the track forced the world to recognize the power of Black women in sports, shifting perceptions of female athleticism and endurance.
The Present and Future Impact of HBCU Women’s Sports
HBCU women continue making significant strides on the softball field, in coaching and international competition. In May 2024, Stillman College etched its name into the annals of softball history by becoming the first HBCU to secure a victory in the NAIA Softball Opening Round. Dominique Humphrey, a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, made history by becoming the first HBCU alumna to play and serve as a head coach in international softball.
In recent years, athletes like Gabby Douglass and Simone Biles commanded the world’s stage in gymnastics, and colleges became more aware of the need to introduce the sport to historically Black colleges in support of Black and brown gymnasts. While Grambling State University put the Brown Girls Do Gymnastics initiative on the map, Fisk University was the first to launch a competitive gymnastics team to its athletic programming.
Additionally, the visibility of HBCU women’s programs draws revenue to their respective institutions and surrounding communities. Annual basketball tournaments and track meets hosted by HBCUs inject millions into local economies, from tourism dollars to merchandise sales. As more corporations and brands seek to align with Black women’s sports, HBCU athletes and programs stand to gain even greater financial influence and recognition. All well-earned.
A Legacy of Breaking Barriers
Beyond competition, HBCUs created opportunities for Black women where none existed, elevating voices that were often silenced, and setting the stage for the future of all American women. HBCU women’s athletics have always centered Black women’s wellness and joy, and in doing so have served as a form of resistance against derogatory social conditioning with defiance and perseverance. These athletes and the programs developed to serve them have changed the world’s perception of womanhood in sports.
