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January 12, 2020 was a big Sunday afternoon for Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball. The Commodores had won seven of their last eight games, and were sitting at 2-1 in the competitive Southeastern Conference. They had the momentum with the number four-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks coming to Nashville in front of a national television audience.
The day also would mark Vanderbilt’s first ever Pride game, and Vandy old gold and black was brightened by rainbows all around. They adorned the fans in the stands to warm up shirts on the players, and their head coach Stephanie White, one of the few openly gay head coaches in the major college ranks.
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I must say that I love Stephanie White’s pride shirt on the bench!
— Rodney Tow (@TowRodney) January 12, 2020
A crowd of 2,447 came out to cheer on the Commodores and to recognize the work of the staff of the Office of Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Life at the university. During a time out at the game, the office’s lead staff was celebrated at center court for building a more open campus.
Looking forward to recognizing the KC Potter Center @VULGBTQILife staff at Pride Day on Sunday.
— Vanderbilt WBB (@VandyWBB) January 11, 2020
4 p.m. vs. No. 4 South Carolina
Pride towel (first 250 fans)
https://t.co/3ViVHiyYWX#AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/6J1hA56jEh
Rally rainbow towels were held up to cheer on the Commodores, as they faced a tough early-conference test against one of the odd-on favorites to win the national title. Fans and alums in the stands and across the internet were asking the important question: “Where can I get that?”
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Where can I get that rainbow flag with the star logo on the music stand?
— David Slifer (@Qella46021) January 13, 2020
Can y’all sell this shirt for real? Or do you have any extras?
— Chris (@HeatBuckets) January 12, 2020
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The only damper on the afternoon was the end of the game. Despite a strong early start, and junior guard Chelsie Hall’s 15 points, the Gamecocks used a 21-0 run through the second and third quarters to power a 93-57 runaway win. South Carolina improved to 16-1 on the year and maintained an unbeaten record in league play. Vanderbilt dropped to 12-5 on the season and 2-2 in the SEC.
Yet, the larger message was as big as the game, and it was winning message.
I’m so proud to work at a University & for people like @VandyAD @CandiceLee78 who believe in celebrating ALL of the wonderful people in Nashville & across the country. #inclusion #Pride pic.twitter.com/1AhvbmIW1a
— Kelly Komara (@kkomara3) January 10, 2020