The Alabama A&M Lady Bulldogs are one of three HBCU programs who have been included in the field for the PowHER Player Classic tournament at the University of South Carolina during the upcoming season.

Opening the tournament on Nov. 28 with a matchup against North Carolina Central, the Lady Bulldogs will advance to either the championship or consolation game the following day, with South Carolina facing Tennessee State on the other side of the bracket. The event is being put on by women’s sports marketing agency Rae Rose Media.

“To me, basketball has always been a vehicle for access and opportunities, and our game has grown to where those go well beyond just what happens on the court,” South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said via ALdotcom. “I am passionate about making sure no young women who pour into our game get left behind in those expanding prospects, regardless of where they play. That was the inspiration for this event, and I’m so proud to work with Rae Rose Media to bring it to life this season.”

“Women’s sports are experiencing unprecedented momentum, and our responsibility is to ensure every athlete has the ability to benefit from it,” Rae Rose Media co-founder and president Erica Berman said. “We’re honored to partner with Coach Staley on this event, where we’ll create intentional spaces that expand the athletes’ opportunities beyond basketball. This is exactly why Rae Rose Media exists: to help women athletes turn visibility into value and create lasting impact both on and off the court.”

The Lady Bulldogs had a tremendous season last year that included a 17-1 record in SWAC play but fell just short of a trip to the NCAA Tournament after being defeated by Southern 51-49 in the conference tournament semifinals. Now, they will get the chance to play on a national stage and potentially face off against one of the best programs in the nation.