Pace Hosts “Pride Hoops Night” To Promote LGBTQA+ Inclusion in Sports

Pace University on Wednesday hosted its annual LGBTQA+ Pride Hoops Night, a collaboration between Pace University's Office of Gender & Sexuality and Pace Athletics.

The tradition began in 2016, following the tragedy at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, to make a bold and positive statement to address hate and show that Pace is a welcoming and supportive institution to the LGBTQA+ community.

"I love that we have continued the tradition of Pride Hoops," said Rachel Simon, the Associate Director of the Office of Gender and Sexuality and LGBTQA+ Center. "It is a great opportunity for Athletics and the LGBTQA+ Center to partner and show the Pace community our shared values. It sends a great message of support both from the athletics department to queer identified community members and from the LGBTQA+ center to student-athletes."

The event featured a double-header of the men’s and women’s basketball game vs. Adelphi University. Halftime of each game featured drag performances by Miz Jade. Additionally, halftime of the women’s game featured a free throw contest between Pace University President Marvin Krislov and Pace head football coach Andy Rondeau. For every free throw made, Pace Director of Athletics Mark Brown donated to the Pace Cares Fund, which provides emergency financial relief to students who face unforeseeable economic hardships. President Krislov also donated to the fund; in all, the friendly competition raised $2,550. These needs range from housing, to travel, and to technology access to health and wellness.

“At Pace University, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion across our campuses,” said President Krislov. “Our annual Pride Hoops Night is a great way to celebrate the LGBTQA+ community in our community while showcasing our Setter Spirit. It was a wonderful evening all around.”

Community organizations that participated included the Westchester County Human Rights Commission, Hillels of Westchester, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center, Westchester Medical Center Health Ally Care Center, Putnam Northern Westchester Women's Resource Center, and Westchester County LGBTQ+ Advisory Board.

In 2022, Pace University has been named as one of the 40 best colleges and universities across the country for LGBTQA+ students by Campus Pride, the preeminent resource for LGBTQA+ leadership development, inclusion, and advocacy within higher education. In addition, Pace University is among 40 four-year campuses from across the country that have achieved 5 out of 5 stars on the Campus Pride Index (CPI), the definitive national benchmarking tool measuring LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs, and practices.