Smith College Hosts Successful Gameday at the Birthplace Event

This past weekend saw the Smith College and greater Northampton communities come together to celebrate all things women’s basketball as part of Gameday at the Birthplace. The Division III women’s basketball game day was the first to be held at Smith.

Saturday afternoon, hundreds of fans streamed into Scott Gym in a blur of blue and gold. Signs were carried and proudly displayed, superfan coveralls were worn, and selfies with Senda were taken. ESPN women’s college basketball analyst Christy Thomaskutty and TV personality Jalynn Holmes reported live from the center of the action, interviewing everyone from head basketball coach Lynn Hersey and Director of Athletics and Recreation Kristin Hughes to Smith President Sarah Willie-LeBreton. Over 500 fans then attended Smith’s home opener in Ainsworth Gym against Immaculata University. The packed, standing-room only crowd saw the Bears cap off the day with a nail-biter 56–53 overtime win.

“What an incredible day it was for Smith Athletics,” says Hughes. “We are so appreciative of everyone who came out to take part in the first-ever game day for DIII women’s basketball. We’re grateful to our community for recognizing excellence and helping us elevate our student-athletes. It’s just another example of how it’s ‘different here.’”