Breasia Coit's Triumphant Journey from Baltimore Courtside to Livingstone CIAA Stardom

BALTIMORE — Breasia Coit's path from Baltimore high school basketball spectator to Defensive Player of the Year in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is a true testament to the power of HBCU athletics and the transformative impact they can have on student-athletes.

As a high school student in Baltimore, Coit had the opportunity to experience the excitement of the CIAA Tournament firsthand, sitting courtside and serving as a ballgirl for the competing teams. Little did she know then that her future would be intertwined with the very league she was observing.

"We ended up ballgirl-ing for the CIAA schools. We were on the court pretty much. We got great seats to watch the games. And, you know, a couple schools caught my eye while I was down there and just hoping I could get there one day."

One of those schools that caught Coit's eye was Livingstone College, a small private HBCU located in Salisbury, North Carolina. Coit's recruitment to Livingstone was a seamless process, as the college reached out to her, and she was instantly captivated by the welcoming environment and the renowned Southern hospitality.

Leaving Baltimore was not an easy decision, but with the support of her mother and a close friend, Coit embarked on her journey to Livingstone, ready to make her mark.

Coit's dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, as she was recently named the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year, a testament to her relentless efforts on the court.

"Being able to get on that stage and then receive the award as well... it felt good. It felt great," she said. "My actions were seen by somebody and it made a difference."

As the CIAA Tournament returns to Baltimore, Coit's homecoming takes on an even greater significance. With her family in attendance, she has the opportunity to showcase her talents in front of her hometown crowd, cementing her status as a rising star in the HBCU basketball landscape.

Livingstone Looks to Play Cinderella

Livingstone College, seeded fourth in the CIAA South, faced a tough challenge in the opening round against Elizabeth City State University (ECSU). ECSU led by as many as 16 points in the first half, but Livingstone clawed their way back, ultimately securing a 59-46 victory. Coit contributed 9 points, 12 rebounds, and 1 block to the winning effort.

"Breasia's Breasia," said Livingstone head coach Queen Smith. "She's going to be on the boards. She's going to give us everything she has. Her presence inside — whether it's on the offensive end or defensive end — it makes an impact and a difference."

As Livingstone advances, they now face the top-seeded Bowie State Bulldogs, the closest CIAA HBCU program to Coit's Baltimore roots. This matchup presents an opportunity for Coit to showcase her talents against a formidable opponent and potentially lead Livingstone on a Cinderella run in the tournament.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.