University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Women's Basketball Treks to Puerto Rico This November
08.16.2023 | Women's Basketball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - UNC Asheville women's basketball is taking their talents to Puerto Rico on Thanksgiving week to compete in the Thanksgiving Classico, announced today (Wednesday, Aug. 16) by Head Coach Honey Brown.
"First, I would like to thank our Athletic Director, Janet R. Cone for allowing us to travel to Puerto Rico and continue to add value to the student-athlete experience here at UNC Asheville," said Coach Brown. "I also would like to thank the Big South Conference for approving a portion of the funding for this trip."
While in Puerto Rico, the Bulldogs will take on Morgan State on Friday (Nov. 24) and Western Michigan (Nov. 25) with both games being played at Colesio Ruben Rodriguez. In the program's Division I era, this will be the second-longest trip in miles (1,551) only behind Dec. 28, 2005 when the team traveled to Missoula, Montana (2,209 miles) to beat North Dakota State 79-73.
"On the basketball side of the trip, we have the opportunity to play other mid-majors that are not a part of our normal footprint, which will be an exciting challenge for our team. The event format has us playing in back-to-back games, which will help prepare us for the conference tournament in March," Coach Brown continued. "We are also incredibly excited for the experiences this trip will present us with. At the team's choosing, we will visit the area of Old San Juan and immerse ourselves in the history and culture of that area, get plenty of beach time on Isla Verde, and visit the only tropical rainforest in the U.S., El Yunque. It will certainly be a trip our team will remember for a lifetime!"
"This is an outstanding opportunity for our women's basketball program," said Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. "I would like to thank everyone who had a hand in making this trip possible, both financially and logistically. Our student-athletes and coaches will make us proud as they embark on this journey together."
The team leaves Tuesday (Nov. 21), and will return that Sunday (Nov. 27). The complete tournament field features Appalachian State, Binghamton, Campbell, Furman, Indiana State, Morgan State, Northern Illinois, Radford, UNC Asheville and Western Michigan.
"I cannot fathom a better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than a trip to paradise with my teammates, family, and our awesome Bulldog fans," said redshirt senior McKinley Brooks-Sumpter. "I am excited to compete, explore the culture of Puerto Rico, and make some lifelong memories!"
"I am so excited to head to Puerto Rico with my coaches and teammates in November," said senior Faith Adams. "This is going to be an especially fun and memorable trip for me, as I start recognizing all the 'lasts' that come with being a senior. I hope to see some familiar faces cheering us on in Puerto Rico!"
Additional fan information can be found here.
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"First, I would like to thank our Athletic Director, Janet R. Cone for allowing us to travel to Puerto Rico and continue to add value to the student-athlete experience here at UNC Asheville," said Coach Brown. "I also would like to thank the Big South Conference for approving a portion of the funding for this trip."
While in Puerto Rico, the Bulldogs will take on Morgan State on Friday (Nov. 24) and Western Michigan (Nov. 25) with both games being played at Colesio Ruben Rodriguez. In the program's Division I era, this will be the second-longest trip in miles (1,551) only behind Dec. 28, 2005 when the team traveled to Missoula, Montana (2,209 miles) to beat North Dakota State 79-73.
"On the basketball side of the trip, we have the opportunity to play other mid-majors that are not a part of our normal footprint, which will be an exciting challenge for our team. The event format has us playing in back-to-back games, which will help prepare us for the conference tournament in March," Coach Brown continued. "We are also incredibly excited for the experiences this trip will present us with. At the team's choosing, we will visit the area of Old San Juan and immerse ourselves in the history and culture of that area, get plenty of beach time on Isla Verde, and visit the only tropical rainforest in the U.S., El Yunque. It will certainly be a trip our team will remember for a lifetime!"
"This is an outstanding opportunity for our women's basketball program," said Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. "I would like to thank everyone who had a hand in making this trip possible, both financially and logistically. Our student-athletes and coaches will make us proud as they embark on this journey together."
The team leaves Tuesday (Nov. 21), and will return that Sunday (Nov. 27). The complete tournament field features Appalachian State, Binghamton, Campbell, Furman, Indiana State, Morgan State, Northern Illinois, Radford, UNC Asheville and Western Michigan.
"I cannot fathom a better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than a trip to paradise with my teammates, family, and our awesome Bulldog fans," said redshirt senior McKinley Brooks-Sumpter. "I am excited to compete, explore the culture of Puerto Rico, and make some lifelong memories!"
"I am so excited to head to Puerto Rico with my coaches and teammates in November," said senior Faith Adams. "This is going to be an especially fun and memorable trip for me, as I start recognizing all the 'lasts' that come with being a senior. I hope to see some familiar faces cheering us on in Puerto Rico!"
Additional fan information can be found here.
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Players Mentioned
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/ Women's BasketballThursday, March 14
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Monday, February 26