Lubbock Sports Press Release – The top 24 women’s junior college teams in the country will descend on Lubbock for a six-day period in March to determine just who will be the 2015-16 national champion.
Hosted by Lubbock Christian University and Visit Lubbock, the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division I Women’s Basketball Championship will be held March 14-19 at the Rip Griffin Center. The tournament will start on Monday, March 14 and culminate with the title game on Saturday, March 19.
“The tournament is one of the three most prestigious events within the NJCAA,” said South Plains College athletic director and tournament chairman Joe Tubb. “Because of the importance and popularity of women’s basketball to the South Plains area, I think Lubbock is the perfect host.”
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund, dedicated to wiping out breast cancer and named for former North Carolina State women’s basketball coach Kay Yow, is the title sponsor of the tournament. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is one of the nation’s leading fundraising organizations aimed at uncovering a cure for the disease.
“The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is really excited to have the opportunity to be part of the NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship,” said former Texas Tech women’s basketball coach Marsha Sharp, who is a member of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund Board of Directors.
“A big part of the mission of the fund is to unify coaches, teams and fans of women’s basketball at all levels across the country for a common cause to raise money for research to find a cure for women’s cancer. Numerous junior college teams across the country participate in Play4Kay events to help in that mission. The fund is honored to recognize their contributions on their biggest stage.”
The tournament will feature the top 24 women’s teams in the country based on winners of various 16 district tournaments, four at-large teams and four zone qualifiers, with the winner being crowned national champion.
It is expected to bring an economic impact of $1.8 million with an estimated 4,000 room nights for local hotels.
“Lubbock Sports is honored to be hosting the Division I Women’s Basketball Championship,” said Scott Harrison, Visit Lubbock Sports Director. “We strive to present a well-organized and smoothly run event that reflects the warm hospitality that the South Plains embodies. Best of luck to our nation’s top athletes, we hope you enjoy your stay in the Hub City.”
A full tournament schedule as well as ticket prices will be announced prior to the tournament after all the district tournament champions and at-large berths have been determined.
