March Madness has descended on Hostos Community College.
The Hostos women's basketball team continues to break records, as it marches toward the program’s first national title.
The team advanced to the NJCAA D-IIII Region XV semifinals after dominating Nassau Community College, 103-60, on Tuesday night. The win was the team’s 23
rd straight—a Hostos record—and it helped vault them into the No. 6 spot in the national rankings.
This all came after the squad cruised to its first
CUNYAC Championship since 2007 on February 17.
Next, the Caimans square off against Dutchess on Saturday (1 p.m.) in the Region XV semifinal.
Hostos Athletic Director Krishna Dass said this squad has lifted the program into rare air.
“We are so proud of what these student-athletes have accomplished, on and off the basketball court,” Dass said. “They have elevated the program to new heights, and I commend them for their hard work and dedication".
The Caimans have enjoyed tremendous leadership from their floor general Destini Green (No. 23). For her efforts, Green won CUNY Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) and Region XV "Player of the Year" awards, as she looks to help her team to the NJCAA as an "All-American" candidate.
Head Coach DeVernie Winston said Green has an exceptionally high basketball IQ, which allows her to get her teammates involved in the offense.
Freshman guard Cashmir Fulcher (No. 3) is also having an outstanding season, earning CUNYAC "Rookie of the Year", CUNYAC Tournament "Most Valuable Player," and a Region XV "Second Team” award. Winston called Fulcher an “impact player who commands significant attention from the opposing team.” Fulcher was also credited with opening up the Caiman’s offense and allowing everyone on the team to get involved on both ends of the floor.
Every Caiman has embraced their role. This is a testament to the coaching staff and its ability to successfully manage the team. This commitment to excellence was also recognized as Winston won Coach of the Year awards from the CUNYAC and Region XV.
"While these individual honors are certainly warranted, the overall team should share in these accomplishments. The team is clicking on all cylinders, and it is exciting to watch them maneuver on the court," Dass said.
Dass encourages the extended Hostos family to come out and cheer on the Caimans this Saturday, March 4, in the Region XV semifinal at Westchester Community College.
About Hostos Community College
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change that has been transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities for nearly half a century. Since 1968, Hostos has been a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, as well as a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs.
Hostos offers 28 associate degree programs and two certificate programs that facilitate easy transfer to The City University of New York’s (CUNY) four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. The College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. Hostos is part of CUNY, the nation’s leading urban public university, which serves more than 500,000 students at 24 colleges.