“Mykel Parham, now a senior on the team, stated, ‘It has undoubtedly been the highlight of my career up to this point.'”
Head coach Beth O’Boyle noted that the enthusiastic support “brought out the best in VCU. We saw various groups truly cheering and celebrating our team’s performance and who they are.”
The women’s team is hoping for an even bigger turnout this season. The SupportHER game, presented by Synergy Technical, will take place on November 15 against the Temple University Owls and aims to break the attendance record. As O’Boyle emphasized, “we are really trying to pack the house.”
This year’s game is earlier in the season compared to last year’s, which fell during spring break at the end of the schedule. The earlier matchup offers more opportunities for VCU groups to attend and helps build excitement for the 2024-25 season. Last year’s Rams finished with a school-record 26-6 and placed second in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
“Hopefully, all the fans and groups come out to enjoy themselves and want to return,” O’Boyle remarked.
Parham shared that the SupportHER game can be a highlight amidst her challenging journey. After enduring the COVID-19 pandemic and recovering from an ACL tear and surgery, she is excited to finish her college career positively.
“This is a bittersweet farewell for me, and I’m really looking forward to these moments with my teammates, celebrating all the hard work we’ve put in,” said Parham.
Junior Mary-Anna Asare highlighted that while men’s basketball games often draw large crowds, last season’s game was an “unreal experience” for her team, showcasing strong support. She believes this fosters a sense of unity and dedication within the team.
“The larger goal is that as women, we want to continue to uplift the next generation of women,” O’Boyle stated. Asare added, “Yes, we aim for success, but it’s also about the journey—sharing laughs, tears, and everything that binds us together in those experiences. Those are the moments I truly value.”
Originally from Canada, Asare emphasized the deep connection she shares with her teammates, calling them her “forever family.”
O’Boyle pointed out that the SupportHER games symbolize the rise of women’s sports across the nation, evidenced by increased viewership for the WNBA and the Olympics, as well as growing attendance at college games.
“It’s such an exciting time for women’s basketball, and the more attention and support we can generate for it, the more it will resonate. I believe this enthusiasm will extend to all our women’s sports,” O’Boyle remarked.
Parham noted that a significant advancement has been the active promotion and support for women’s sports. “We have many women in the community saying things like, ‘We weren’t big supporters before, but now we’re taking action to support you.’ It’s amazing to witness,” she shared.
Asare mentioned that fans have approached her in class to express how much they appreciate the growth of women’s basketball.
While the SupportHER game serves as a great opportunity for the community to back her student-athletes, O’Boyle emphasized that the message goes beyond the basketball court. “We want to honor all the remarkable women in the Richmond community who are achieving great things in their careers and families. Ultimately, it’s about celebrating women and uplifting each other. The larger goal is for women to continue helping other women succeed.”
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