SPORTS SECTION E
Yo the boss
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025
By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net AT THE 2025 SEC Basketball Media Day in Birmingham, Ole Miss Women’s Basketball head coach Yolett “Coach Yo” McPhee-McCuin, pictured, and several of her players appeared before the media to set the tone for the season. Coach Yo reflected on how far the programme has come since her arrival. “I used to hate coming to SEC media Days,” she said,” because back then, we were trying to build something from the ground up. Now I love it because we’ve built something that matters.” Heading into the 2025-2026 season, Ole Miss is ranked number 12 in women’s college basketball. In addition, in the SEC’s predictions, Ole Miss is slated to finish sixth in the conference. Coach Yo’s eight-year tenure at Ole Miss has featured a series of milestones. During the 2023-2024 season, she won her 100th game as head coach, a position she has held since 2018. She became the second coach in the program’s history to reach that mark. The Rebels also captured the Battle4Atlanis title in 2023, going 3-0 over three days under her coaching. She has also led the Rebels to many NCAA tournaments. In the 2021-2022 season, Ole Miss earned its first NCAA tournament berth since 2007. In the 2022-2023 season, Ole Miss made it all the way to the Sweet Sixteen, defeating powerhouse schools such as Stanford along YO - SEE PAGE THREE
WHITE SANDS GOLF TOURNAMENT TO RETURN TO PARADISE ISLAND By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net
REPRESENTATIVES from the Ministry of Education, the Bahamas Football Association, and FIFA gather at Columbus Primary School following the official groundbreaking for the new soccer pit, part of FIFA’s global Arena initiative.
New soccer pit lined up for Columbus Primary THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA), in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), recently held a groundbreaking ceremony at Columbus Primary School for the construction of a new soccer pit, signaling another major investment in youth and school sport development. The event, which took place on October 4, brought together representatives from all three organisations and the education community to mark the start of this collaborative project. Leading the ceremony were Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Education; Frederick Lunn, BFA general secretary; Carl Lynch Jr, BFA deputy general secretary; Bruce Swan, technical director; Jordan Victoire, lead, FIFA regional office; André Moss,
projects and infrastructure; and Walter Holleran, senior infrastructure manager. Also in attendance were Crystal Strachan, education officer for the Sports Unit (MOE); Floyd Armbrister, consultant of sports (MOE); Carlton Adderley, construction – Future Titan Development; Annie Cartwright, director of security; Oria Wood Knowles, deputy director of sports (MOE); Romero Mortimer, contractor; and Ayo Martin, grandson of Mrs Hanna Martin. Although BFA president Anya James was unable to attend, she expressed her full support and appreciation for the collaboration between the Ministry of Education, FIFA, and the BFA. “I’m proud of the teamwork that
brought this project to life,” said President James. “Creating opportunities like this helps our children grow, stay active, and develop the kind of character that football teaches so well.” The project forms part of FIFA’s Global Arena initiative, which aims to build at least 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide, particularly in communities and schools with limited access to sports facilities. BFA technical director Bruce Swan noted that the soccer pit would serve as a model for future school-based facilities across the country. “Facilities like this create a bridge between education and sport. When young people can learn, play, and grow in safe spaces, we all win, schools, communities, and the game itself.”
THE 2025 White Sands Bahamas NCAA Invitational is set to return to Atlantis Paradise Island later this month, featuring seven collegiate women’s golf teams for this tournament. Hosted by Northern Illinois University (NIU), the annual tournament will take place from October 24 to 26 at the Ocean Club Gold Course, marking the sixth year the invitational has been played at the world-renowned venue. NIU head women’s golf coach Kim Kester expressed excitement about returning to The Bahamas for the tournament. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host and compete in this prestigious event at an incredible island location,” said Kester. “Being able to compete alongside other marquee programs in a paradise setting will be a terrific experience for our team and everyone involved.” The seven teams include High Point University, the University of Miami, Middle Tennessee State, Ohio University, Prairie View A&M, the University of South Florida, and host Southern Illinois. These teams will compete over three rounds totaling 54 holes across three days. In addition to the tournament, the week will feature several special events, including a VIP
welcome reception, a junior golf clinic, and a CollegeAm competition, providing visiting athletes and guests with a full experience of Bahamian Hospitality. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, Hon. Chester Cooper, welcomed the return of the tournament, emphasising the importance of the Bahamas’ growing sports tourism sector. “The Bahamas is honored to again host the White Sands Bahamas NCAA invitational,” Cooper said. “Our destination is renowned as a golfer’s haven, with great golf courses set against the backdrop of breathtaking sea views.” Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director at Atlantis Paradise Island, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the tournament’s role in showcasing both the Ocean Club Gold Course and the island itself. “On behalf of the Ocean Club Golf Course and Atlantis Paradise Island, we extend a warm welcome to all the athletes competing in the 2025 White Sands Bahamas NCAA invitational, along with their coaches, alumni, and fans,” said Oswell. “The invitation is an excellent opportunity to present our course as a true challenge for top women’s amateur golfers. We are looking forward to the competition and the chance to showcase our beautiful destination.” GOLF - SEE PAGE THREE