Tennessee State University this week became the first historically black college or university to offer ice hockey.
According to a post on the school's website, TSU made the groundbreaking announcement at Bridgestone Arena prior to the 2023 NHL Draft on Wednesday. The addition of ice hockey highlights the University's dedication to fostering diversity, inclusion, and expanding athletic opportunities for students.
"Bringing ice hockey to Tennessee State University is a part of our continued commitment to provide our students with new opportunities and to broaden new interests in areas where they have traditionally had limited or no access," said TSU President Glenda Glover.
"We appreciate our ongoing partnership with the Nashville Predators which has played a pivotal role in our decision to pursue this historic undertaking, of starting an ice hockey program at TSU, and the first for an HBCU. TSU has a tremendous legacy in athletics. Adding ice hockey to our programs will start a new chapter and build upon that legacy."
TSU Hockey will commence its inaugural season in 2024. The team will begin as a club-level program but aspires to achieve NCAA Division I status for both men's and women's sides in the near future. While no specific timeline exists for achieving varsity NCAA status, the school said it is committed to building a solid foundation for long-term success.
The club hockey program will receive comprehensive oversight under the guidance of the Department of Athletics, ensuring a well-structured and successful implementation. TSU is currently in the process of hiring a director of Club Hockey Operations, who will be responsible for fundraising, seeking corporate partnerships, recruiting student-athletes, and managing day-to-day operations. In the interim, Assistant AD Nick Guerriero will handle all inquiries related to TSU Hockey.
To support this initiative, the NHL, NHL Players Association, Nashville Predators, and College Hockey Inc. will play integral roles in the lead-up to the announcement. College Hockey Inc. conducted a feasibility study in 2021, emphasizing the significance of introducing ice hockey at an HBCU to promote diversity and inclusion in sports.
"Introducing hockey at the collegiate level is always exciting but Club Hockey at Tennessee State University is truly special," said Kevin Westgarth, vice president of Hockey Development & Strategic Collaboration. "Welcoming Club hockey at a storied HBCU is a meaningful step in the right direction for the sport and will undoubtedly contribute to the vibrant hockey community and inspire future generations of players."
