By Quintessa Williams
Wilberforce University, —the historically Black educational institution in Wilberforce, Ohio, —has announced that it is adding two new women’s sports. The university, which recently joined the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, will offer women’s volleyball and women’s soccer beginning this fall.
“Adding women’s volleyball and soccer to our roster is another example of how sports initiatives increase enrollment and create excitement in the activities culture for our students,” said Wilberforce athletics director John Hill. “Members of these new teams will also be included in the athletics department scholarship offerings.”
Hill also has announced new head coaches for both programs. Jasmine Coleman will run the volleyball team, and Meagan Moran is the school’s new soccer coach.Coleman, a native of Ganado, Ariz., comes to Wilberforce from her alma mater Rust College located in Holly Springs, Miss. In her senior year, Coleman was selected to the All-GCAC Second Team and All-GCAC Defensive Team as a guard.
Her post graduate career includes serving as an assistant coach for the Rust College women’s basketball and volleyball teams.
“I am excited to help enhance the skills of these young ladies,” Coleman remarked. “I have already solidified some commitments of players who are transfers from Rust.”
Moran is a former D-I soccer athlete from Bowling Green State University where she was a member of the Mid-American Conference’s All Freshman Team. The Beavercreek High School graduate holds a National “D” license from the US Soccer Federation and is presently a coach for Club Ohio Dayton.
She is also moving quickly to bring top level recruits to Wilberforce. She said, “We are preparing to bring great women’s soccer to the Wilberforce community and the GCAC.”
WU Athletic Director Hill will make formal announcements about the addition of these women’s sports to the university’s program. He will also introduce both coaches at a news conference on the university’s campus in the coming weeks.
About Wilberforce University
Wilberforce University is the nation’s oldest private, historically black University owned and operated by African Americans. Its roots trace back to its founding in 1856, a period of American history marred by the physical bondage of people of African descent.
Wilberforce University is named after the great eighteenth century abolitionist, William Wilberforce who said “We are too young to realize that certain things are impossible… So, we will do them anyway.” It was this can-do spirit that infused Wilberforce University with strength to persevere, and the institution met with early success through 1862.
Throughout its 167-year history, Wilberforce University has demonstrated a formidable spirit of resilience and triumph and has never wavered from its sacred duty to educate and enrich its students.