Grambling State University won its first ever-NCAA Tournament game and then got a call from United States Vice President Kamala Harris.
Harris, a Howard University graduate, called Grambling State head coach Donté Jackson after the team’s 88-81 win on Wednesday night.
“I watched the entire game into overtime. You all were just pure excellence on that court,” Harris said. “Going into overtime, my husband and I were on the edge of our seats. Among the and, of course, amongst your so,so talented team – you got that lefty.
VP Kamala Harris also went on to praise the team for how it handled itself with the media as well.
“What you guys did as a team and coach – I saw your interview afterwards – and just being so cool and calm and collected. I just had to call you all to tell you – you made me proud and you made history for Grambling. And as a fellow HBCU – proud HBCU graduate – I just had to let you all know that you’ve got fans all over the place. Including in the White House. So congratulations for last night.”
This isn’t the first time Harris has shown her support for an HBCU sports squad. She has been there quite a bit for Howard University – showing up when the school’s men’s basketball team made its NCAA Tournament debut last year as well as when the football team made it to the Celebration Bowl.
Jackson said getting the call is something that will stick with him.
“It was incredible just to talk to her for a couple of minutes,” Jackson told Andy Katz at Thursday’s practice ahead of going up against no. 1 Purdue. “Just proud. Probably one of the best moments of my life.”