Coach Rachel Naughton on Leading Wilberforce, Landing AND1, and Leveling Up HBCU Hoops

Wilberforce University women’s basketball coach Rachel Naughton is changing the game—on and off the court. After taking a struggling team and engineering a 9-win turnaround in her first year without an assistant coach, Naughton secured a historic sponsorship from AND1. The partnership not only uplifts Wilberforce but also marks the brand’s first major investment in HBCU athletics. A proud HBCU grad, Naughton has long used her nonprofit and the “Ballin’ HBCU” event to spotlight Black athletes. Now, she’s leveraging her leadership and AND1’s legacy to elevate recruiting, visibility, and culture. Naughton’s drive reflects a deeper mission: building resilient, empowered young women who recognize their value—on the court and beyond.

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Source: BET