WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In a historic
stride forward to grow the game of golf, six-time NBA All-Star and
Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation co-founder, Stephen Curry, announced his commitment to
Howard University today, with a pledge
to support the establishment of the university's first NCAA
Division 1 golf program for the next six years.
Inspired by Howard senior and golfer, Otis Ferguson IV, whom Curry met during a campus
visit earlier this year, Curry was compelled to act when Ferguson
shared that his impassioned solo crusade to get a golf team at
Howard proved unsuccessful. An avid golfer himself, Curry tapped
into what is increasingly becoming his defining trait— the
distinctive ability to connect and empathize with anyone, anywhere,
and made the unprecedented decision to help bridge the gap between
talent and opportunity. Utilizing his unique position, Curry will
introduce and increase access to elite golf at a historically black
college, furthermore calling on sport and community giants like
Under Armour, Callaway, Eat. Learn. Play., among others, for help
with equipment, uniforms, and more.
"Golf is a sport that has changed my life in ways that are less
tangible, but just as impactful," said the NBA star. Adding, "It's
a discipline that challenges your mental wherewithal from patience
to focus, and is impossible to truly master, so when you hear about
these passionate student athletes who have the talent but don't
have a fair shot at the game, it's tough. I feel really honored to
play a small role in the rich history of Howard University, and look forward to building
their first men's and women's golf teams with them."
Howard University aims to debut the
first men's and women's golf teams in the 2020/2021 academic year,
with resources strategically allocated for talent scouting and
training to have a competitive Division 1 team in place for its
inaugural season, joining Howard's other 19 Division 1 teams. The
university previously had a Division 2 golf team and various
intercollegiate and intramural club teams.
"Howard University is honored to
partner with NBA Champion Stephen
Curry to launch what is sure to become one of the best golf
programs in the country," said President Wayne A. I.
Frederick, M.D., MBA. "This program will expose the campus to a
game with numerous benefits. Golf is unique because it can be
played through various ages of life. Grandfathers can play with
granddaughters. Expanding the competitive opportunities for
student athletes, especially in arenas where they are
underrepresented, is consistent with the university's strategic
plan."
Curry will be joined by Howard
University's President, Dr. Wayne A.
I. Frederick, Athletic Director, Kery Davis, CEO of Callaway, Chip Brewer, and Howard student, Otis Ferguson IV, in a historic tee-off today in
Washington, D.C.
About Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry's on and off court
legacy is marked by transformation and innovation. With a following
of over 13.6M on twitter and
26.7M on Instagram, Curry is one of
the most influential stars not only on the basketball court, but
throughout the world of sports. His nine-year career in the NBA
with the Golden State Warriors is marked by many firsts; he was the
first person to be named Most Valuable Player by unanimous vote in
NBA History and one of a select few to win MVP awards two years in
a row. He holds six NBA all-star selections and three NBA
Championships. Off the court, he is also an emerging figure in the
tech space with direct investments in companies like Pinterest and
eSports organization TSM. He is also the founder of the Film &
Television company Unanimous Media specializing in Faith, Family
and Sports content in tandem with Sony Studios and is the Executive
Producer for ABC's hit primetime show, Holey Moley. Follow more
information on Stephen Curry, please
visit: Instagram | Twitter | Website
About Howard University
Founded in
1867, Howard University is a private, research university
that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue
studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate
and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment
to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes
Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman
Scholar, more than 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering
Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus
African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in
the United States. For more
information on Howard University,
visit www.howard.edu.
About Howard Athletics
The Howard
University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors
19 NCAA Division I men and women varsity sports. The programs
represent six conferences: the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
(MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Coastal Collegiate
Swimming Association (CCSA), Sun Belt Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and
Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Conference. Visit www.hubison.com to learn
more.
CONTACT:
Alonda Thomas
| Alonda.thomas@howard.edu
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