Bowie State University Athletics associate head women’s tennis coach Jeri Ingram represented the Bowie State Bulldogs at the 2026 US Open’s HBCU Live Day, participating in the opening-match ceremonial coin toss at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York, on Sept. 2, 2026. Bowie State University Athletics announced the appearance Sept. 23.
HBCU Live celebrates the culture, history and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their connection to tennis. The 2026 event marked the celebration’s sixth year.
Jeri Ingram Represents Bowie State University Athletics
Ingram’s participation connected the Bowie State Bulldogs women’s tennis program with an event celebrating HBCU tennis. The source identifies Ingram as a former WTA player and describes her appearance as an opportunity to raise awareness of HBCU tennis programs.
Ingram said HBCU tennis players can be overlooked and that she wanted to use her platform to highlight their talent and opportunities to compete at universities such as Bowie State University.
HBCU Tennis Programs Across the Country
More than 40 federally recognized HBCUs currently offer varsity tennis programs, according to the announcement. In the Mid-Atlantic region, nine of the area’s 11 HBCUs offer men’s and/or women’s tennis programs, with Bowie State University among those institutions.
Bowie State Athletics has 14 varsity sport teams, according to the announcement. Ingram’s role at Louis Armstrong Stadium placed the Bowie State Bulldogs women’s tennis program within a celebration focused on the history, culture and continuing connection between HBCUs and tennis.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Jeri Ingram’s participation gave Bowie State University women’s tennis a verified connection to the 2026 US Open’s HBCU Live Day. The appearance also highlighted Bowie State University’s place among Mid-Atlantic HBCU institutions offering tennis programs.
Read the announcement from Bowie State University Athletics.
Source: Original report
