Delaware State Women's Athletics Deserve Greater Investment for Long-Term Success

Delaware State University's athletic program is riding high after a successful football season, but significant challenges remain for women's sports programs that desperately need increased support and resources to compete at the highest level.

The situation came into sharp focus recently when HBCU hoops insider Liv Antilla reported that the Hornets had parted ways with women's basketball coach Jazmone Turner. Turner inherited an extraordinarily difficult situation, taking over after former head coach E.C. Hill disappeared from the sidelines between the end of the 2022-23 season and the beginning of 2023-24.

After serving as interim head coach, Turner had the interim tag lifted following that year. Despite bringing in a highly touted recruiting class—including freshmen Amya Scott and Liliana Harrison, both MEAC All-Rookie Team selections this season—the transfer portal took its toll, and it wasn't enough to save her position.

Basketball has historically been one of DSU's strongest programs. Under HBCU coaching legend Ed Davis, the Lady Hornets earned a share of an MEAC championship and won the conference tournament in 2007, making their first and only NCAA tournament appearance.

Recent Bright Spots Need Recognition

To be fair, DSU women's sports have shown flashes of excellence in recent years that deserve greater attention:

• The volleyball team won MEAC championships in 2022 and 2024
• The newly formed women's wrestling team sent two competitors, Louise Juitt and Icart Galumette, to the national championship tournament this year
• Women's lacrosse and soccer teams received a home field following DelState's purchase of the former Wesley College

However, these accomplishments haven't received the publicity they deserve, and both lacrosse and soccer continue struggling to gain traction in the competitive Northeast Conference.

The challenge facing university president Tony Allen's vision to make DSU a competitive sports school alongside its marked academic progress is clear: sustained success requires balanced investment across all programs, not just football.

While alumni support for non-football sports is important, the institution must provide adequate resources and support for female student-athletes who want to win just as much as their male counterparts. Without this commitment, coaching positions will continue to revolve, with talented leaders lacking the necessary resources to build winning programs despite their dedication and effort.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.