TCC PEP RALLY SPARKS SCHOOL SPIRIT AND ANTICIPATION FOR RETURN OF SPORTS

Tidewater Community College energized its campus community with a spirited pep rally on Thursday, April 10, in the Portsmouth Campus Student Center.  Students, staff, faculty, administrators, and families came together to celebrate student involvement and build momentum for the return of TCC athletics.

The event, part of the college's ongoing efforts to boost school spirit. Featured lively music from a DJ, dancing, food, and speeches from campus leaders and student representatives.  The event was hosted by emcee LaShawn Scott, who kept the energy high, and the crowd engaged throughout the rally.

Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Karen Campbell introduced the rally's theme, "Storm Forward," encouraging the crowd to embrace change and move ahead with confidence. TCC President Dr. Marcia Conston also addressed the attendees, delivering key remarks and motivation that emphasized unity.

"I am excited that we are all here together. We did this for you—the students," Conston said.

Dr. Conston acknowledged the arrival of fall sports, giving TCC Athletics Director Chad Smith the floor.

The initial announcement of TCC's return to intercollegiate was back in February's press conference; however, Smith shared that the first official basketball team practices will begin October 1, with the competitive season starting in November.

Head Men's Coach Clint Wright and Head Women's Coach Rebecca Kershaw discussed recruitment efforts and the excitement of rebuilding TCC sports.

Coach Wright noted that nearly 30 male student athletes traveled as far as Texas and New York to attend the recent basketball showcase held at Portsmouth Student Center on Saturday, March 29. Out of the 14 male student-athletes offered a spot on the team, nine accepted. Three of the future student-athletes—Dwight Howard, Bryce Thompson, and Tayshawn Trotman—were present at the pep rally.

Coach Kershaw also spoke about her recruitment successes, highlighting two female athletes who already signed and two others who have verbally committed to the program.

At the pep rally, two student-athletes officially signed with the TCC Storm. On the men's side, Derrick Grant, a 2024 graduate of Western Branch High School, committed to the program. For the women's team, Ocean Lakes High School senior Madeline Fisher signed on as well.

Looking forward, the college announced its next basketball showcase event will take place on July 12. Several student-focused initiatives were highlighted including the Open-Door project, mentorship, and other student resources. Attendees also had the chance to participate in a raffle.

As TCC looks ahead to a new era of athletics and student engagement, the pep rally served as a powerful reminder of the college's commitment to growth, inclusion, and school pride.