Spunq Sports Magazine Dec./Jan. 2026 by Terry Watson

Aug./Sept. 2025 Vol. 2 Issue 11

Dec./Jan. 2026 - Vol. 2 Issue 11

She

Game League

Got

Coach Alex Simmons

Celia Newman

Tamika Whitmore

University of Memphis

Women’s Head Coach

NCAA Champion

She Got Game League CEO/Founder

Former WNBA Player

University of Memphis Hall of Famer

As the year comes to an end, the opportunity to reflect on the successes in black athletics arises. Most recently, the Bulldogs of South Carolina State University etched their name in Black College Football history as the 2025 National Football Champs amongst Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Congratulations Bulldogs.

Spunq Sports Magazine also congratulates the champions of High School Football. As the season comes to a close, the narrative remains quite familiar: Maryland, California, Georgia, Florida, and Texas continue to push out top-ranked programs.

Celia Newman

She Got Game League CEO/Founder

Memphis, TN

By Terry L. Watson

Celia Newman of Memphis, TN, is the visionary Founder and CEO of She Got Game League, a premier women’s and girls’ basketball organization dedicated to elevating female athletes on and off the court. Driven by her passion for empowering women and girls through sport, Celia has built a platform that not only develops basketball skills but also cultivates confidence, leadership, and community. Under her leadership, the league has become a movement— celebrating sisterhood, resilience, and the power of representation in athletics. Celia’s mission is clear: to create opportunities for every girl and woman to realize her full potential, both in the game and in life.

Since being featured in Huami Magazine in 2022, and under Celia’s leadership, She Got Game League has expanded to six major cities, including Nashville (TN), Houston (TX), Dallas (TX), Denver (CO), Little Rock (AR), and Jackson (MS). They’ve had over 100 girls in their JR SGG program, a basketball league for K-5th grade girls. They’ve also added The W League for 6-12th-grade girls. Additionally, they have partnered with RedBull in 2024 to host a women’s national tournament and brought Celebrity Shooting Coach Lethal Shooter and NCAA Champion Jasmine Carson to Memphis.

In total, She Got Game League now has 40 teams with over 250 players leaguewide. They have their very own app, “She Got Game App,” that allows players to have instant access to their stats after each game, league leaderboard, and team chats. The app makes everything more accessible for players and builds community and sisterhood.

Photos Provided by Celia Newman

Celia shares that she is driven by seeing the confidence, joy, and growth that come from giving girls and women a space to thrive in sports. “I’m motivated by the belief that basketball is more than a game—it’s a vehicle for leadership, self-discovery, and empowerment. Watching young girls and our women develop their voice, embrace their strength, and realize they belong in every space fuels my purpose every day. I’m also driven to keep breaking barriers, building community, and creating pathways for the next generation of women in sports.”

Managing a league such as She Got Game League can definitely be challenging. Celia shares that one of the biggest challenges she has faced is securing consistent funding and sponsorships to support the growth and sustainability of her leagues. “As our programs expand, so does the need for resources to enhance player experiences, provide quality facilities, and offer more opportunities for girls and women in sports. While passion and purpose drive our mission, financial backing is essential to scale our impact. To address this, we’re actively building partnerships with local businesses, corporate sponsors, and community organizations that share our commitment to empowering female athletes. We’re also developing creative fundraising initiatives, grant proposals, and brand collaborations that align with our values and broaden our reach. The goal is to create long-term relationships that not only sustain the league but also invest in the future of women’s sports,” she said.

Pictured below with Celia from left to right: Coach Alex Simmons (University of Memphis Women’s Head Coach and NCAA Champion) and Tamika Whitmore (Former WNBA Player and University of Memphis Hall of Famer

The future of She Got Game League is a responsibility that Celia takes great pride in managing. She says that in the next five years, she aims to expand the league’s reach and impact on girls’ and women’s basketball nationwide. She adds, “Our goal is to establish new league locations in additional cities, create more year-round programming, and build stronger pipelines that connect youth development to collegiate and professional opportunities. We plan to strengthen our mentorship and leadership initiatives, ensuring every player gains tools for success both on and off the court.”

Another key focus for Celia is increasing partnerships and sponsorships to provide scholarships, host largerscale events, and enhance media coverage that highlights women’s sports. Ultimately her vision is to continue growing She Got Game League into a national platform that celebrates female athletes, develops future leaders, and inspires the next generation of game changers. “The next big step for me is creating a dedicated gym facility for She Got Game, a space where girls and women can train, compete, and grow in a supportive environment. This facility will serve as a hub for skill development, mentorship, and empowerment—combining toptier basketball resources with programs that foster leadership, confidence, and community. My goal is to provide a place where girls and women at every level can reach their full potential while feeling inspired and supported. It’s about building more than a gym; it’s about creating a home for female athletes to thrive on and off the court.” S

The Brilliant Bruiser MMA Fighter Alton Edmond

By Terry L. Watson

Edmonds

Alton Edmond of Cocoa, Florida, enjoys a life full of thrills and excitement. By day, you may find him serving others as an accomplished attorney. He is also a motivational speaker, worship leader, entertainer, activist, public figure, politician, and husband to Nikki Edmond, with whom they tied the knot on August 30th, 2025. However, when the days began to draw to a close, Alton could be found in full combat mode with Mixed Martial Arts.

Raised in Harlem, a mostly African American community just outside Clewiston, FL, Alton’s path to success has come with a few challenges. He was raised in government-subsidized housing by a single mother who relied upon government assistance. He graduated from Clewiston High School in the top 10% of his class in 2007; from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Sociology and a minor in Education in 2011; and, finally, from Florida A & M College with his Doctorate Degree in Jurisprudence (Law Degree).

Cocoa, FL

Photos Provided by Alton

Alton says the first combat sport that he participated in was wrestling. He shares that he began wrestling in 2003 as a freshman in high school. “I wrestled all four years of high school and trained briefly with the wrestling club while attending the University of Florida. I continued to follow wrestling and even coached wrestling on and off since then.”

Alton isn’t just a novice fighter; he is very accomplished. He states that he has been offered multiple opportunities to fight and is currently ranked the 3rd best Heavyweight Amateur in the State of Florida by www.tapology.com. With his success, Alton is required to focus and commit to meeting the demands of his chosen sport. He says, “My training regimen consists of dieting. I usually don’t eat as many sweets or carbs and consume mostly fruit, vegetables, and meat. For my last fight, I was mostly vegetarian. I do anywhere from three to six kickboxing sessions a week. I lift weights two to four times a week. I also play pickleball and participate in other forms of cardio three to six times a week, and watch a lot of MMA fights and boxing matches while training. Additionally, I re-watch my fights and study my opponents.”

“The highs of competing are getting my hands raised, having a title strapped across my waist, and measuring my skills against a live opponent. That’s very satisfying. On the other hand, the lows of competing and losing never feel good.”

As a fighter, Alton says he is inspired by Jon Jones, Terrence Crawford, Floyd Mayweather, and George St. Pierre. His success in the ring hasn’t come easy, and he is quick to point out that MMA is not for everyone. “I think a lot of people watch certain sports on TV and think, ‘Hey, I can do that.” For many people, that isn’t an actual reality that they’d put the work behind to bring to fruition, but I really believed that with my wrestling background, I could descend into mixed martial arts if I tried it. After following UFC since college back in 2009, I took an interest in it. By the time I got into law school, I would go to Hooters and other establishments and watch pay-per-view events for free, as I didn’t have much money,” he shares. One thing led to another, and now, Alton is a competitor himself.

When asked what he loves about MMA, he says it’s the stress relief he gets from participating. He adds that the highs of training are definitely the health benefits (strength, stamina, self-defense ability) and the lows are few and far between. “When I started training at a kickboxing gym in 2021, I wanted to at least try MMA once. Yet, I’ve been competing ever since. I had just run for Brevard County Sheriff, and campaigning was incredibly stressful and took a toll on my body. I gained 30 pounds in five months on the campaign trail. I started training in February of that year, and by the time I fought in June of 2021, I had lost 40 pounds and was in even better shape than before the campaign.”

Remaining in top shape is essential for any MMA fighter. It is also something that Alton puts a lot of emphasis on, as he has only suffered minor injuries in training. He says that while it is challenging, he truly enjoys fighting. “The highs of competing are getting my hands raised, having a title strapped across my waist, and measuring my skills against a live opponent. That’s very satisfying. On the other hand, the lows of competing and losing never feel good.”

Alton says his most memorable match was probably his last one. He says, “I had won the title for the ‘Rise of a Warrior’ promotion, and the gentleman I beat called me out for a rematch. It lit a fire in me to have someone actively pursue a fight with me, and I took that personally. I did quite a bit more damage the second time around, and it felt like vindication to get my hand raised again. It felt like my actions proved that my win was not a fluke, and my title defense victory was a 92-second TKO!” On the other side, Alton lost a fight by a decision to an opponent that many experts in attendance thought that he had beaten. “Losing that fight was really discouraging. I worked to improve to the best of my ability to ensure that I perform better in the future after that loss,” he says.

For those who are interested in pursuing a career in MMA, like Alton, he offers some sound advice. He says, “I would encourage anyone interested to aim higher, because first of all, I am a champion and I’ve done well, but I’ve dropped matches that I shouldn’t have. It never feels good to leave a victory on the table. I would also tell them to choose a reputable gym managed by coaches who’ve actually competed at a high level. I train at Unlimited Kickboxing in Merritt Island, FL, and my coach, David DiQuollo, was a professional kickboxer and ranked as the number one contender in the world. It gives me confidence to learn from someone who has done what they’re telling me to do at the highest level. Also, listen to and take care of your bodies. I rest when I need to, and when I’ve had small injuries, I make sure to get them treated and taken care of to avoid long-term health issues. Finally, have fun. If you don’t enjoy it, then find somewhere else to direct that energy.”

Alton and his wife Nikki, pictured below, were married on August 30, 2025 S

South Carolina State Edges The Panthers of Prairie View A&M To Win The 2025 CELEBRATION BOWL

Atlanta, GA

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Online Source SPORTS

On December 13th, 2025, millions watched the South Carolina State University Bulldogs take on the Panthers of Prairie View A&M University in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. Held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, the annual football classic featured the champions of the MEAC and SWAC. The game surely didn’t disappoint and lived up to the hype everyone expected.

Led by Head Coach Tremaine Jackson, Prairie View mounted an impressive 21-point lead in the first half, shutting out Head Coach Chennis Berry and the Bulldogs. While things looked very favorable for the Panthers, South Carolina State found its rhythm and amazingly tied the game in the third quarter. Going into the fourth quarter, Prairie View held a 7-point lead, which the Bulldogs soon matched, sending the game into overtime. In the fourth overtime period, yes, the fourth overtime, South Carolina State edged Prairie View by two points and captured the 2025 Celebration Bowl Championship, a feat that proclaims them as the best program in Black College Football for this season. S

HBCU Coaches Up For Top FCS Coach Award - DeSean Jackson and Tremaine Jackson

By Shawn White Photos Provided by HBCU News www.hbcunews.

SPORTS

The 2025 Eddie Robinson Award finalists have been announced, and two HBCU head coaches DeSean Jackson of Delaware State and Tremaine Jackson of Prairie View A&M stand tall among the nation’s elite. Their inclusion on the 15-coach shortlist underscores not only their programs’ remarkable turnarounds but also the continued impact of HBCU leadership on the national FCS stage.

Named after Grambling State legend Eddie Robinson, the award honors the national coach of the year in Division I FCS football. Since its creation in 1987, the award has celebrated some of the top coaching minds in the sport. The 2025 list spans all 13 FCS conferences, yet the two Jacksons represent a powerful storyline for HBCUs everywhere.

For DeSean Jackson, the recognition caps one of the most impressive first-year coaching performances in the country. Taking over a Delaware State program that had long lived near the bottom of the FCS rankings, Jackson engineered an FCS-best seven-win improvement, leading the Hornets to an 8–4 record and a 4–1 finish in the MEAC. Delaware State’s transformation included newfound discipline, explosive playmaking, and a renewed belief within the locker room. Jackson, mentored by Deion Sanders and a former Cal standout, proved that his vision translates quickly and convincingly — to the college sidelines.

Prairie View A&M’s Tremaine Jackson, meanwhile, delivered instant results in the SWAC West. In his first season, he guided the Panthers to a 9–3 record and a 7–1 conference mark, securing the program’s first SWAC West championship since 2009. PVAMU’s physical identity, defensive resurgence, and commitment to complementary football became the backbone of the turnaround. Jackson’s leadership restored the program’s swagger and positioned Prairie View among the most consistent and disciplined units in the conference.

HBCU Coaches Continue To Push Forward

Both Jacksons now join a finalist field that includes undefeated teams, playoff-bound powerhouses, and some of the nation’s most respected coaches. The winner will be selected by a national voting panel and announced on December 4, with formal recognition coming at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show on January 3 in Nashville.

Regardless of who ultimately claims the trophy, the presence of DeSean Jackson and Tremaine Jackson reinforces how deeply HBCU programs continue to shape the broader FCS landscape. Their success puts a national spotlight on the talent, innovation, and leadership emerging from HBCU football and shows once again that the legacy of Eddie Robinson lives on through coaches who elevate their teams, their campuses, and the culture.

Steven Matthews

TUFH LLC and ECFW Punch4Pounds Inc.

Greensboro, NC

By Terry L. Watson

Steven Lee Matthews is a Greensboro, North Carolina native, U.S. Army veteran, former professional boxer, and social enterprise CEO redefining how sport functions as public-health infrastructure. After serving as a Sergeant during Operation Iraqi Enduring Freedom and competing in the ring, Matthews redirected his discipline toward systems change.

Steven is the Founder and CEO of Punch4Pounds Inc., TUFH LLC, and Empowering Communities From Within Inc. (ECFW)—a unified ecosystem delivering trauma-informed violence prevention, behavioralhealth–aligned services, and workforce pathways for high-risk youth and young adults. Central to this work is Cognitive Boxing (CogBox), a therapeutic, boxing-based intervention that builds emotional regulation, discipline, and self-control under pressure.

“Our

models are demonstrating measurable results—transforming harm into healing, exposure into employment, and lived experience into leadership—proving that prevention is infrastructure.”

Photos Provided by Steven Matthews SPORTS

CogBox anchors Matthews’ Wellness-to-Workforce (W2W) pipeline, where physical training becomes a structured tool for healing, stabilization, and employability. “As founder of Punch4Pounds Inc. and creator of CogBox®, Wellness-to-Workforce™ (W2W), and P4 HQ Intelligence™, I’m advancing a unified strategy that connects public safety, public health, workforce, and education systems through trauma-informed care and data-driven coordination. Our models are demonstrating measurable results—transforming harm into healing, exposure into employment, and lived experience into leadership—proving that prevention is infrastructure. Youth development requires a coordinated ecosystem that strengthens the physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and economic dimensions of a young person’s life. Our approach ensures that every youth—especially those at highest risk— receives a continuum of trauma-informed support that accelerates healing, learning, and long-term opportunity,” he says.

Having served more than 500 participants across North Carolina, Matthews is proving that when sport is paired with wellness and opportunity, it becomes a powerful engine for prevention, economic mobility, and community transformation.

Winston-Salem State University Announces Transition in Athletics Leadership

Winston Salem, NC

By Winston Salem State University Online Press Release

SPORTS

In October of this year, Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) announced a leadership transition within its Department of Athletics. Athletics Director Etienne Thomas has submitted her resignation, effective December 31, 2025. She will assist with transition activities over the coming weeks to support continuity and ongoing success across the department.

“AD Thomas has been a passionate advocate for our student-athletes and a dedicated steward of Ram Athletics,” said Chancellor Bonita J. Brown. “Her leadership has advanced our athletic programs and strengthened WSSU’s commitment to excellence on and off the courts and fields. We are deeply grateful for her service and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.”

Effective immediately, Eric Burns, deputy athletics director/CFO, will serve as interim athletics director. WSSU will launch a national search to identify a new director who will continue building on the strong foundation of competitive excellence and student success.

“WSSU remains deeply committed to supporting our student-athletes, coaches, and loyal Ram fans as we move forward,” said Brown. “Work is currently underway for a refreshed strategic plan, as such, the timing of this decision allows us to realign athletics with evolving priorities in enrollment, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. We are focused on building a future that sustains excellence both in competition and in the holistic development of our student-athletes.” S

Top 10 Nationally Ranked High School Football Programs 2025

Information Provided by Rivals www.on3.com

As of December 16, 2025, the online ranking source at Rivals listed the following programs as the ten best in the country. Congratulations to all programs for showcasing talent, skills, and sportsmanship throught the season. A huge congratulations goes out to St. Frances Academy of Baltimore, MD, for being ranked as the top program. The Rivals Composite High School Football Team Ranking is a proprietary algorithm that compiles rankings listed in the public domain by respected High School media and data companies. It includes Massey, Max Preps, ESPN and SI, creating the industry’s most comprehensive and geographically balanced High School Team Ranking.