A Century of Lancers: A Comprehensive History of Longwood University Athletics

Introduction

Longwood University, located in Farmville, Virginia, boasts a rich athletic history spanning nearly a century. From its early days as an all-female school to its current status as a Division I institution, Longwood has witnessed the growth and evolution of its athletic programs. The Longwood Lancers, as the university's intercollegiate teams are known, have achieved success at various levels, leaving an indelible mark on the university's identity and fostering a strong sense of community. This article delves into the comprehensive history of Longwood University athletics, highlighting key milestones, notable figures, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence.

Early Years and the Pioneering Women

Longwood University's athletic journey began with the women's basketball team, which played its first intercollegiate varsity athletics season during the 1920-21 school year. This marked a new chapter in the institution's story, as the 11-woman squad engaged in the first true intercollegiate games against Harrisonburg Normal School, now James Madison University. As noted in the 1921 edition of The Virginian, Longwood's yearbook, these contests fostered a strong sense of school spirit. To commemorate this significant milestone, Longwood celebrated the 100th Season Anniversary of Longwood Athletics, highlighted by the women's basketball team's season-opening matchup against James Madison in Harrisonburg.

Transition to Co-education and Men's Athletics

For the majority of its history, Longwood was an all-female school. However, following World War II, a limited number of male day students began attending, leading to the formation of a basketball team known as the Longwood Pioneers. The current NCAA men's basketball program officially began in 1976 under head coach Allan McNamee, coinciding with the school becoming fully co-educational. In their inaugural season, the Lancers finished with a 1-6 record against four-year institutions and 2-9 overall.

Ascending the NCAA Ranks

The Longwood Lancers initially competed as NCAA Division III members for four years before transitioning to Division II in 1980. They remained at the Division II level until 2004 when they embarked on a transition to Division I membership. Full certification was achieved in September 2007, marking a significant step forward for the university's athletic programs. "There wasn't a single person involved in Longwood's transition to Division I that thought the move would be easy," said Longwood's 12th-year athletics director Troy Austin. "When President [Patricia] Cormier and her team put the plan together, they all knew it would be a tremendous challenge."

Conference Affiliations

Throughout their history, the Lancers have been members of three conferences. From 1983 to 1988, they participated in the Division II Mason-Dixon Conference (not to be confused with another defunct conference with the same name, which disbanded in 1974). Later, from 1995 to 2003, they were part of the Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference. Since 2012, Longwood has been a member of the Big South Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Read also: A Look Back at Longwood Softball

Landmark Achievements in Division I

In March 2022, the Longwood Lancers achieved a historic milestone, with both the men's and women's basketball teams winning Big South Tournament titles and securing their first-ever berths in the NCAA basketball tournament as a Division I program. This accomplishment placed Longwood among a select few institutions in Big South Conference history to claim both men's and women's basketball titles in the same year. Both teams also demonstrated regular-season dominance in the 2021-2022 season, with the men's team securing sole possession of first place and the women's team tying for first. In 2024, the Lancers men's basketball team once again captured the Big South tournament title, earning their second trip to the NCAA Division I Tournament in three years.

A Legacy of Tournament Appearances

Longwood has a history of tournament appearances across different NCAA divisions. Prior to their Division I success, the Lancers reached the NCAA tournament three times during their Division II history and once at the Division III level. The men's basketball team has also appeared in the Division I College Basketball Invitational (CBI) tournament twice.

The Home Court Advantage

The Lancers currently compete in Willett Hall on Jerome Kersey Court, named in honor of former Longwood basketball player and NBA star Jerome Kersey. To further enhance the athletic facilities, Longwood announced a $15 million donation in 2019 to begin construction of a new, 72,000 square foot convocation and events center, which will replace Willett Hall as the venue for Lancer basketball. This new facility, known as the Joan Perry Brock Center, signifies the university's commitment to providing its athletes with state-of-the-art resources.

Coaching Legacy

The Longwood Lancers men's basketball team has had nine different head coaches throughout its history. These coaches have played a vital role in shaping the program and guiding student-athletes both on and off the court.

Notable Athletes

Several outstanding athletes have emerged from Longwood University, leaving an enduring impact on the institution's athletic legacy.

Read also: Leaders from Longwood

Jerome Kersey

Widely regarded as the best player in Longwood history, Jerome Kersey left an indelible mark on the basketball program. From 1980 to 1984, Kersey set school records for points, rebounds, steals, and blocked shots, while maintaining an impressive 57% shooting accuracy. In 1984, he was drafted 46th overall in the NBA by the Portland Trail Blazers, where he became a key member of a talented team that reached the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992. Kersey also showcased his athleticism by finishing second to Michael Jordan in the 1987 Slam Dunk Contest. In 1999, he achieved the pinnacle of his career, winning an NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs.

Kevin Jefferson

Kevin Jefferson, who played for the Lancers from 1986-1990, was another significant contributor to the basketball program.

Ducharme

Ducharme, a transfer from the University of Virginia, played for Longwood in 2000. In his single year in Farmville, he averaged 19.6 points and 15.8 rebounds per game, leading Longwood to a CVAC championship and an NCAA tournament appearance. Ducharme's outstanding performance earned him the Division II National Player of the Year award from multiple outlets.

Antwan Carter

Antwan Carter, who played from 2008-2012, emerged as one of the most efficient players in Longwood history and its best player in the Division I era. Carter broke Kevin Jefferson's all-time scoring record, finishing his career with 1,886 points.

The Rise of Softball

Longwood softball has been a consistent source of pride for the university. Under the guidance of head coach Kathy Riley, the program has achieved remarkable success, setting a blueprint for other Longwood teams to follow. The softball team's accomplishments include winning championships, reaching NCAA Regional Championships, and securing victories on national television. In her 22 years as head coach of Longwood’s softball program, Kathy Riley has inspired hundreds of student-athletes.

Success in Other Sports

In addition to basketball and softball, Longwood has experienced success in other sports. The men's golf team reached an NCAA Regional in 2007, marking an early milestone in the university's Division I journey. Field hockey and women's soccer have also achieved notable progress, with both programs posting their highest winning percentages of the Division I era in 2017. These achievements demonstrate the growing strength and competitiveness of Longwood's athletic programs across the board.

The Importance of Leadership and Community

Longwood Lancers are known for their commitment to leadership, which often begins on campus. The university's location in historic Farmville, Virginia, fosters a close-knit community where students, faculty, and alumni share a strong connection. Most students live on campus or nearby, creating a vibrant atmosphere that encourages academic engagement, social interaction, and enthusiastic support for the university's athletic teams.

Campus Transformation and Modern Facilities

Longwood's campus has undergone significant transformations in recent years, with the addition of state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the student-athlete experience. These include Pierson Hall (Health and Fitness Center), which features an indoor track, basketball and racquetball courts, a climbing wall, and cutting-edge training equipment. The 2004 opening of Brock Commons, a park-like pedestrian promenade, created a focal point for campus life while improving safety and eliminating traffic hazards.

A Commitment to Academic Excellence

Longwood University remains committed to academic excellence, with President W. Taylor Reveley IV emphasizing the liberal arts and sciences as the core of the academic experience for all students. Longwood students benefit from a wide range of majors across three undergraduate academic colleges and a graduate college, supported by an honors college. Faculty are dedicated to personalized teaching and often involve students in hands-on research opportunities.

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