Winston-Salem State women’s basketball standout Makayla Waleed has been selected to compete in the 2026 HBCU All-Star Dream Classic, earning the opportunity to showcase her talent among the nation’s top HBCU basketball players.
The event will take place on Saturday, August 8, at the legendary Rucker Park in Harlem, New York, where 40 of the best men’s and women’s HBCU basketball players from across the country will compete in front of professional scouts, G League representatives, overseas teams, and sports agents.
Waleed‘s selection comes after a historic season in which she played a pivotal role in one of the greatest years in Winston-Salem State women’s basketball history. She averaged 10.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game, while serving as a key leader for the Lady Rams throughout the season.
Her impact was at its best during the postseason. Waleed earned CIAA Tournament Most Valuable Player honors after averaging 12.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, leading Winston-Salem State to its first CIAA Women’s Basketball Championship in program history. The Lady Rams continued their historic run by advancing to the NCAA Division II Sweet 16, marking another program first.
The HBCU All-Star Dream Classic celebrates the very best of HBCU basketball while combining the rich traditions of HBCU athletics with the iconic atmosphere of New York City’s street ball culture. Held at historic Rucker Park, the event provides graduating student-athletes with an opportunity to compete on a national stage while gaining exposure to professional basketball opportunities both in the United States and internationally.
Winston-Salem State Athletics congratulates Makayla Waleed on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to watching her represent the Red & White on one of basketball’s most historic courts.
