Gulf Coast State embodies Forward as One as 2019 champs
Charlotte, NC - This year, the NJCAA celebrates its fourth annual NJCAA Day, a day that promotes the association, displays its deep pride, and exhibits the countless opportunities it offers. The theme, Forward as One, brings the association together as member colleges bound through unity to take on what's next after a challenging and immeasurable last seven months. Throughout the year's sport seasons, NJCAA institutions are faced with unthinkable trials, but it's what they do together in response that conveys more strength than any ability on the court or field ever could.
In September 2018, Gulf Coast State (FL) tragically lost a valuable member of its women's basketball family in a car crash. Sophomore Keshawn Johnson appeared in 30 of 32 games her freshman year, earning a spot in the starting lineup three times. Johnson averaged 2.7 rebounds in 11 minutes per game and brought a positive attitude and contagious smile to practice each day. With what seemed impossible to move forward from, the Commodores took to the court to play for Johnson and in honor of her, went on that year to win the NJCAA DI Women's Basketball Championship in Lubbock, TX, it's third in the last four seasons.
The championship game was the first NJCAA women's sporting event to be broadcast on national television via the CBS Sports Network. Their fourth game in four days, the Commodores opened a 15-point lead through the first quarter, to pull away from New Mexico early. Gulf Coast State, steered by tournament MVP Alexus Dye, led by as many as 19 points midway through the third quarter and held off a late rally from the Thunderbirds to claim the title, a memorable one none the less.
In her 21st season at the helm of the Commodores, head coach Mary "Roonie" Scovel saw the team's grit and determination like never before. In response to the tragedy leading up to the season, Scovel said, "Our basketball family has lost a great friend and teammate in Keshawn Johnson. We will certainly miss that beaming smile and personality, but she will forever be in our hearts and minds. The coming days and weeks will be tough, but we will work hard to make her proud of her Gulf Coast Commodores."
The Commodores are a true example of what it means to move Forward as One regardless of what life throws your way. The NJCAA challenges you to do the same this NJCAA Day through opportunities as member colleges gear up for much-anticipated competition and championships.