Bridging the Gap: Coach Bridgette Gordon's Impact on HBCU Athletics

In the realm of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Coach Bridgette Gordon stands as an iconic figure, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for shaping the next generation of athletes. As a former WNBA player for the Sacramento Monarchs, a Team USA representative, and recipient of prestigious awards like the Honda Sports Award in 1989, Coach Gordon has transitioned seamlessly into her role as the Head Coach at Florida A&M University’s Women's Basketball.

While her accolades are impressive, Coach Gordon's focus now lies in pouring her extensive knowledge and experiences into the young athletes under her guidance. Having served as an assistant head coach for over a decade, she understands the importance of not only developing physical skills but also nurturing mental and emotional resilience.

Coach Gordon's commitment to player development is evident in her approach. She has leveraged her connections with former teammates from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, reaching out to them for insights and advice. Their involvement extends beyond the technical aspects of the game, emphasizing the importance of mental fortitude and emotional intelligence.

One current player, Ivey Subraits, captures the essence of Coach Gordon's impact, stating, "She doesn't just care for us on the court but also off the court." This sentiment underscores Coach Gordon's dedication to preparing her players for success beyond the basketball arena.

Throughout the season, Coach Gordon instills in her team the essence of sisterhood – a concept she has cultivated for over two decades with her former Lady Vol teammates. Her philosophy mirrors that of the legendary Head Coach Pat Summitt, particularly emphasizing "change is a must" from Summitt's iconic "Definite Dozen."

"Change is a must" focuses on Coach Gordon's belief in self-improvement and the necessity of pushing oneself beyond comfort zones. She encourages her players to take risks, emphasizing that one cannot steal second base with a foot on first. It's a mantra that not only translates to success on the court but also to personal growth and development.

Coach Gordon's assistant, Coach Zenzele , attests to the profound impact she's had on the team. "I think since being able to work under Coach Gordon as a head coach, she’s really been able to imprint a DNA onto the girls that just screams winner, the girls have been able to learn from a world-class talent and understand how to essentially carry oneself with a winning mentality 24/7," Coach Zenzale explains. The players, under Coach Gordon's mentorship, are absorbing not just the technicalities of the game but also imbibing a winning mentality that transcends basketball.

As practice by practice and game by game unfolds, it becomes apparent that Coach Gordon is guiding her team toward an overarching goal – the growth and development of these young women into world-class individuals, whether their futures involve basketball or not. In the realm of HBCU athletics, Coach Bridgette Gordon is not merely building a team; she's cultivating a legacy of excellence that extends far beyond the court.