The 1982 Cheyney State College Lady Wolves basketball team are the first and only team from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) to compete in and win an NCAA Division I regional championship and advance to the NCAA Division I Final Four.
Soon I will be introducing a resolution designating October 12, 2024, as “Cheyney Lady Wolves Day” in Pennsylvania. A day of recognition to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Lady Wolves, who entered the inaugural 1982 NCAA women's tournament on a 19-game winning streak and continued to win until their historic appearance in the Final Four. Their 23-game winning streak stands as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and resilience. Despite the significance of their accomplishments, their achievements were largely overlooked for decades, receiving only limited recognition until the 40th anniversary awards in 2022.
On April 27, 2024, this trailblazing team received national recognition with their induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame as recipients of the prestigious "Trailblazer of the Game" award. This honor not only commemorates their place in sports history but also amplifies their contributions as pioneers for women, athletes of color, and future generations in college basketball.
In recognizing their legacy with this resolution, we celebrate not only their athletic achievements but also their enduring impact on sports equity, inclusion, and representation.
I hope you will join me in supporting this effort to honor their place in history.