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Third annual SupportHER game on Feb. 1 celebrates women’s sports and community – VCU News

ByNews Center

Jan 29, 2026 #annual, #celebrates, #Community, #Feb, #game, #News, #sports, #SupportHER, #VCU, #womens


In their first two years, the SupportHER video games have damaged house attendance data for the VCU women’s basketball group. (VCU Athletics)


By Amelia Heymann

In their first two years, the SupportHER video games have shattered house attendance data for the women’s group – and created an setting that head coach Beth O’Boyle stated energizes her squad in addition to the spectators.

“I think it’s just amazing for our players to walk out and see so many fans and feel that excitement, that energy that comes from it. It provides such an incredible experience for our players,” she stated. “We’ve played some really great venues and really great places, but for them, playing in the Stu in front of all those fans, just celebrating women, it means a ton to me that that they get to actually feel that.”

Mary-Anna Asare, a senior guard for the Rams who performed within the first two SupportHER video games, stated it’s inspiring to do one thing particular at VCU for the community of Richmond. 

“I think it meant a lot to see all the little girls coming to watch us and it was a powerful moment,” she stated.

While Asare might be sidelined this yr by harm, she stated being on the bench will enable her to completely soak within the ambiance and discover moments she missed earlier than amid her on-court focus.

“And that’s what I’m most excited for – seeing [the game] in a whole new light,” she stated.

A photo of a woman playing basketball on a basketball court. Behind her is a crowd of people watching.
Mary-Anna Asare, a senior guard on the group, might be sitting out this yr’s game resulting from an harm. However, Asare stated she’s excited to soak within the power of the occasion. (VCU Athletics)

O’Boyle famous how the SupportHER game brings out the most effective of VCU and the larger Richmond community, with all ages – from Girl Scouts to VCU alums – united of their help.

“It’s been amazing for our players to be a part of it,” she stated – and for them to reciprocate. “I think VCU gets an incredible amount of support from the city of Richmond, and it’s always our department and our philosophy to give back.”

VCU Athletics has partnered with a number of organizations to place on ticket sale fundraisers. Organizations benefiting from this yr’s game embrace:

  • YMCA of Richmond.

  • Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, a continuation of the group’s seasonlong fundraiser.

  • Richmond SPCA.
    A photo of a black T-shirt with thext that reads "SUPPORT WOMEN'S SPORTS HER. VCU"
    The first 3,000 followers on the game will obtain this free T-shirt. (VCU Athletics)

  • Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary School PTA.

  • Robious Middle School PTSA.

Asare credit the ticket fundraising as one motive why the SupportHER video games, and their report-setting attendance, are so profitable.

“I don’t think I would have been able to experience [playing for such a big crowd] if it wasn’t for people fundraising and donating to get people to come to that game,” she stated. “It really meant a lot, and it’s definitely an experience that I will forever cherish.”