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Kentucky State University made history this month marking the first time the university has competed in the finals of the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC).

Kentucky State has participated in the Honda challenge since the 1989-1990 season. This year’s competition was conducted virtually to allow all players, coaches, volunteers, and staff to participate remotely. The Kentucky State team was captained by freshman Micah Lynn and included Ciara Robinson, a freshman political science major from Sicklerville, New Jersey; Dominique Aikens, a junior English education major from Detroit, Michigan; and, Yonga Zagarella, a sophomore business major from Haverhill, Massachusetts. Katianna Yates, director of campus life, has served as the team coach for four years. 

“I hope that our stellar year gains us recognition as a university in local media and our community as a whole,” expressed Lynn. “We’ve had an excellent year with Coach Yates and hope that others recognize the opportunity that this program offers to team members and the institution so that we can continue to do great work.”

Coach Yates shared similar sentiments.

“I am so proud of this amazing group of talented students. They worked so hard and sacrificed so much to make this historical moment possible.” This year’s team was also the youngest team to compete on behalf of the university and was comprised of all first-year players. “It has truly been an honor to coach this group and I am thankful for this opportunity.”

Kentucky State University swept three rounds of competition, defeating Shaw University, Southern University-New Orleans, and York College. In the playoff rounds, Kentucky State defeated Virginia State University and Shaw University. Advancing to the Super 16 competition on Sunday, March 20, Kentucky State held the number one seed in their division of play. Kentucky State defeated Paine College and advanced as one of the eight teams in the National Championship Series.

On Sunday, April 10, Kentucky State defeated the District of Columbia 300 to 275. The team advanced to the semi-finals competing against Oakwood University Monday, April 11. After defeating Oakwood, Kentucky State competed in a final matchup against Morehouse College on Tuesday, April 12. After three rounds, the Thorobreds were behind by 260 points allowing Morehouse College to advance as the 2022 national champions.  

Kentucky State will receive a $30,000 institutional grant for advancing to the semi-finals and an additional $10k for Micah Lynn being named the highest scoring player.

Honda Campus All-Star Challenge is a year-round program celebrating academic excellence and showcasing the talents of top HBCU students. Teams of four face off in a question-answer competition. Topics include history, science, literature, religion, math, sports, and pop culture. Students from HBCUs are able to network, build camaraderie, and gain mentorship opportunities with HCASC alumni.