Johnathan Peña
Sports Editor
Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s inaugural basketball is closing in.
The Jaguars’ home opener is scheduled for Oct. 28 at the Student Recreation Center. The women’s basketball game will tip off at 5:30 p.m. and the men’s basketball game will tip off at 7:30 p.m.
Both women’s and men’s basketball teams are going against Southern University at New Orleans.
Darnell Smith, director of athletics at A&M-San Antonio is excited to have the bleachers filled with students, fans and families.
“We look forward to a lot of guests and dignitaries coming to the game, we sent invitations to a lot of people,’ Smith said. “We want to make sure our students are there, they are the utmost dignitaries that we have on our campus and we want to put on a great show for them.”
The players and staff are filled with enthusiasm to showcase A&M-San Antonio.
“It’s exciting to play at home in front of people, I think people are going to like what they see,” said Chris Minner head coach of the women’s basketball team at A&M-San Antonio. “The fans will like what they’ll see, press and run the whole and try to score 90.”
The sports programs on campus encourage equity and inclusivity for women in sports, including the new addition of basketball that started in the fall semester offering more opportunities.
“It reflects the opportunities provided by Title IX, allowing women’s sports to flourish and receive scholarship access,” Smith said.
Michael Wudell, graduate assistant coach of the women’s basketball team, says the team is excited and has been working hard and focused on having a fast-paced style of play.
“Conditioning has been a significant part of the lady’s training to ensure endurance and giving them the advantage on the court,” Wudell said. “The excitement is getting really close, and it’s a big day for them.”
Combo guard, Senior/Graduate M.A. in Kinesiology Journee Phillips is humbled that the team has an opportunity to play for A&M-San Antonio.
“We’re trying to stack days and practices by being a collective team-first minded and get a win for the fans,” Phillips said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to play another year for my hometown and my daughter and family.”
Go to tamusasports.com to purchase Jaguar General Admission tickets for non-students.
Students get free admission to the games. Make sure to have your event pass or student ID ready at the entrance.
For more game day information go to tamusasports.com to check out the women’s and men’s basketball team’s schedules.
