The Greensboro College women’s basketball team had a breakthrough year in 2002-03. The Pride finished 16-9 and 9-5 in Dixie Conference games. Its 9 wins were the most in the DIAC since 1998. 
 
Much of GC’s success can be attributed to first-year Head Coach Jason Tuggle. Tuggle led The Pride to 9 more wins this year than last season. He was named the DIAC Co-Coach of the Year for his efforts.

“Jason did one of the best jobs I’ve seen—in my 14 years at Greensboro College—igniting a program in just one season,” said GC Athletics Director Kim Strable. 

Tuggle directed The Pride to its notable season, but it was the student-athletes who carried out his plan. Seven new players to the program meshed with 6 returnees to finish third in the Dixie Conference. 

The Pride was in the conference regular race until the final day of Dixie play. GC also defeated 2 NCAA-bound  teams. The Pride beat Meredith, 79-68, and Methodist, 51-46. Additionally, Greensboro bested conference champion Ferrum and won its first round Dixie Tournament game against Shenandoah. GC was then eliminated in the semifinal of the DIAC Tourney in a 49-44 nail-biter to Christopher Newport.

Individually, freshman Christina Daniels led the club in scoring with a 14.6 average per game. Daniels recorded a GC record 59 three-pointers for the year and shot 72 percent from the free-throw line. Daniels won the DIAC women’s basketball weekly rookie honor 3 times, and was named to the Dixie Conference second team. 

Other young newcomers made an impact for The Pride.  Freshman Sally Rice averaged 9 points and 9 rebounds for GC. Rice won the DIAC rookie-of-the-week honors twice.  Post player April Hall, another freshman, scored 8 points and grabbed 5.5 rebounds per contest. Sophomore DaVenna  Brown (8 points and 3.5 assists/game) emerged as GC’s point guard and closed the season strongly. She was named to the DIAC All Tournament team. 

Senior transfer Tameka Parks ended her collegiate career by averaging 11.3 points and 6 rebounds-per-game. 

“We made great strides this year,” Tuggle said. “Our team improved throughout the year and was in title contention for the conference regular season and tournament. We got a taste of being on the winning side this season. Opponents won’t be surprised by us next year and it will be time to step-up.”