WSSU Lady Rams honored by governor following historic championship season
A historic season for the Winston-Salem State University women’s basketball team reached another milestone as the Lady Rams were officially recognized by North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein during a visit to the Executive Mansion on April 21.
Senator Paul Lowe Jr., Rep. Kanika Brown and Rep. Amber Baker were also in attendance to recognize the team’s achievements.
“We’re proud to honor Coach Terry, the Lady Rams and the WSSU Ramily for their historic season,” said Stein. “North Carolina is home to a long legacy of excellence in basketball, and Winston-Salem State is part of that legacy. Congratulations on a great season!”
The recognition underscored the program’s success, impact and representation of excellence across the state. Following a season marked by record-breaking performances, conference honors and national attention, the Lady Rams were celebrated not only for their achievements on the court, but also for elevating their university and community.
“This team has brought pride to Winston-Salem and to the entire state,” Lowe said. “They’ve shown what’s possible through hard work, commitment and belief.”
The Lady Rams finished the season 28-4, including a 13-0 record at home, and were ranked No. 13 in the nation. They won the program’s first CIAA Championship and came within seconds of advancing to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.
Terry was named CIAA women’s basketball coach of the year and the 2026 Clarence “Big House” Gaines Division II College Basketball Coach of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. Freshman Breonna Roaf earned CIAA women’s basketball rookie of the year honors.
Off the court, 13 players were named to the CIAA Commissioner’s Honor Roll for maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
“This recognition at the Governor’s Mansion affirms what we already know at Winston-Salem State University – that excellence lives here,” said Chancellor Bonita J. Brown. “These young women have not only made history on the court, but they have reflected the excellence of our university and inspired our community. We are incredibly proud of the way they represent the very best of WSSU.”
“This is an amazing accomplishment to be able to come to the Governor’s Mansion – for him to open his doors to us,” Terry said. “The team deserves all the praise it’s been receiving. They played really hard this season, and I’m really proud of these women.”
For the student-athletes, the moment was both humbling and empowering.
“To be recognized by leaders of our state means everything,” said graduate student and guard Makayla Waleed. “We work hard every day, not just for wins, but to represent Winston-Salem State the right way. This shows that people are watching and believing in what we’re building.”
The recognition highlights the growing influence of WSSU women’s basketball – not just within the CIAA, but across North Carolina. As the Rams continue to build on their success, a visit to the governor’s mansion stands as a powerful reminder of what these young women have already built – and of the generations they will inspire next.
