Tennessee State University (TSU) President Glenda Glover and Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen have proudly announced the appointment of Duanté Abercrombie as the inaugural head coach of the men’s hockey team, marking a historic milestone as the first head coach of a hockey program at a historically Black college or university (HBCU).
Photo Cred: WPLN
Expressing his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking opportunity, Abercrombie stated, “I am incredibly excited to embark on building this program, supported by God, my family, TSU students, alumni, and all those eagerly awaiting this moment. I firmly believe that one day, TSU will be recognized not only as a powerhouse on the ice but also as a program whose student-athletes leave a profound legacy on the world, enriched by the lessons learned at TSU.”
The journey towards establishing the men’s hockey program at TSU began in June 2023, when the university announced its plans to become the first HBCU to offer men’s hockey. Abercrombie’s appointment serves as a significant step forward in realizing this vision. The decision to compete against schools in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) and College Hockey Federation (CHF) underscores TSU’s strategic approach to laying the foundation for future success.
Photo Cred: TSU
By engaging in competition with ACHA schools, TSU aims to emulate the path taken by institutions like Arizona State, gradually progressing towards Division I status. Similarly, competing against CHF schools, including familiar names like Auburn, Georgia, and Vanderbilt. This provides TSU with opportunities to showcase its talent to a broader audience, particularly in Nashville.
While TSU’s focus remains on building its men’s hockey program, there are plans to expand opportunities for women in the sport as well. According to Guerriero, TSU intends to eventually introduce a women’s hockey program. However, the addition of a men’s hockey team necessitates compliance with Title IX regulations, which mandate equitable opportunities for male and female athletes. Presently, TSU maintains Title IX compliance, but the addition of a women’s hockey program would require the establishment of another women’s team to maintain compliance.
This commitment underscores TSU’s dedication to fostering gender equity in athletics while pioneering new avenues for student-athletes to excel. In summary, Abercrombie’s appointment as head coach of TSU’s men’s hockey team heralds a new era of athletic excellence and inclusivity at the university. As TSU continues to break barriers and inspire other HBCUs, the establishment of its hockey program serves as a testament to its commitment to innovation, diversity, and the pursuit of excellence both on and off the ice.
