The Virginia Commonwealth University women's basketball program is preparing for its most ambitious community celebration yet. On February 1, 2026, the Stuart C. Siegel Center will host the third annual SupportHER game, a signature event that has rapidly become one of the most anticipated dates on Richmond's sports calendar. This year's matchup carries extra local significance as the Rams face their hometown rivals, the Richmond Spiders, in a contest designed to elevate women's athletics while giving back to the community that supports them.
Since its inception, the SupportHER initiative has transformed the typical game day experience into something far more impactful. The event, presented by Synergy Technical, has consistently shattered attendance benchmarks for VCU women's basketball, creating an electric atmosphere that resonates throughout the arena. Head coach Beth O'Boyle has witnessed firsthand how this surge of support translates into tangible benefits for her team, both on and off the court.
Creating an Unforgettable Atmosphere
The numbers tell only part of the story. While record-breaking crowds are impressive, the real magic lies in the energy they generate. Coach O'Boyle emphasizes that the environment created during SupportHER games provides her players with an experience unlike any other. "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," she explains. "Provides such an incredible experience for our players."
This sentiment reflects a deeper truth about women's collegiate athletics: visibility and support matter profoundly. When young athletes see packed stands and feel the roar of genuine enthusiasm, it validates their dedication and inspires peak performance. The Rams have competed in prestigious venues across the country, but there's something uniquely powerful about playing before a home crowd that has gathered specifically to celebrate women's achievements in sport.
Player Perspective: More Than Just a Game
Senior guard Mary-Anna Asare has been instrumental in the program's success and has experienced the SupportHER phenomenon from the court level. Having played in the first two record-setting games, she understands intimately what this event means to both athletes and spectators. "I think it meant a lot to see all the little girls coming to watch us and it was a powerful moment," Asare reflects, highlighting the event's role in inspiring the next generation.
Her observation touches on a critical aspect of the SupportHER mission: representation. When young girls witness college athletes competing at a high level in a celebratory environment, it expands their sense of possibility. They see role models who demonstrate that athletic excellence and academic achievement can go hand in hand, creating aspirations that extend far beyond the basketball court.
This year presents a different experience for Asare, who will be sidelined due to injury. While unable to contribute as a player, she views this as an opportunity to appreciate the event from a fresh perspective. "And that's what I'm most excited for – seeing [the game] in a whole new light," she says. Being on the bench will allow her to absorb details and moments that game-time focus previously obscured, potentially deepening her appreciation for the community's support.
Community Partnership and Local Impact
What truly distinguishes the SupportHER initiative is its commitment to reciprocal community engagement. VCU Athletics has deliberately structured the event to ensure that its success directly benefits local organizations throughout Richmond. Through strategic ticket sale fundraisers, the program has partnered with numerous groups, creating a ripple effect of positive impact that extends well beyond the final buzzer.
The fundraising model has proven remarkably effective. Organizations sell tickets to the game, retaining a portion of the proceeds while simultaneously boosting attendance figures. This dual-benefit approach explains why the SupportHER games have consistently drawn unprecedented crowds. Asare credits this system as fundamental to the event's success: "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."
This year's beneficiaries include a diverse array of Richmond-based organizations, though specific names weren't detailed in the announcement. The selection process appears designed to maximize community reach, involving groups ranging from Girl Scouts to VCU alumni associations. This broad coalition demonstrates how women's sports can serve as a unifying force, bringing together different demographics under a common purpose.
Event Details and What to Expect
The February 1 event is structured as a full-day celebration rather than just a basketball game. A block party begins at 10:30 a.m., creating a festival atmosphere outside the Siegel Center. Doors open at 11 a.m., giving attendees ample time to find their seats and soak in the pre-game environment before the noon tipoff. This extended timeline allows families and community groups to make a day of the experience, reinforcing the event's role as a social gathering point.
The choice of opponent adds another layer of intrigue. The Richmond Spiders represent a natural rival, and hometown matchups always carry extra emotional weight. When combined with the SupportHER mission, this rivalry transforms into a shared celebration of women's athletics in the Richmond area, with both teams serving as ambassadors for the sport.
The Broader Significance for Women's Sports
The SupportHER game's success reflects a growing national recognition of the importance of investing in women's athletics. Across the country, programs are discovering that when you create meaningful, community-centered events, audiences will respond enthusiastically. The traditional narrative about lack of interest in women's sports is being challenged by initiatives that prioritize experience, accessibility, and purpose.
Coach O'Boyle's philosophy embodies this shift. "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," she states. This reciprocal relationship model—where the university both receives and provides support—creates a sustainable foundation for long-term growth. It's not about extracting value from the community but about creating shared value that strengthens bonds and builds lasting traditions.
The event also serves as a powerful recruitment tool. Prospective student-athletes visiting VCU can see concrete evidence of the program's community support and cultural significance. In an era where athletes have more choices than ever, demonstrating that a program is valued and celebrated can be a decisive factor. The visual impact of a packed arena dedicated to women's basketball sends an unmistakable message about institutional commitment.
Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum
As the SupportHER game enters its third year, it has evolved from an experiment into an institution. The foundation is now firmly established: record-breaking attendance, meaningful community partnerships, and an atmosphere that players and fans alike describe as unforgettable. The challenge moving forward will be maintaining this momentum while continuing to innovate and expand impact.
The model developed at VCU offers valuable lessons for other programs seeking to elevate their women's sports initiatives. Key elements include authentic community partnerships, a clear mission beyond just winning games, and creating an experience that appeals to diverse audiences. The success isn't accidental—it's the result of deliberate planning and genuine commitment to women's athletics.
For the players, coaches, and community members who have made SupportHER a Richmond tradition, February 1 represents more than just another game on the schedule. It's a celebration of progress, a testament to the power of collective support, and a promise to future generations that their athletic dreams will be celebrated with the same enthusiasm and respect afforded to any other sport. As the Rams and Spiders take the court at noon, they'll be playing for something bigger than a rivalry win—they'll be playing for the future of women's sports in their community.