Utah coach Lynne Roberts revealed that her team encountered a series of racial hate crimes upon arriving at their first NCAA Tournament hotel in Spokane, Washington. The incidents prompted safety concerns, leading to the team being relocated during the event. The team, along with members of the band and cheerleading squad, experienced disturbing events on Thursday night after their arrival in the Spokane area.
One incident involved a truck approaching them, revving its engines, and someone yelling a racial slur before speeding off. Later that night, as the team was leaving a restaurant, two trucks with revving engines repeated the racial slur, causing shock and distress among the group.
Utah, along with South Dakota State and UC Irvine, were staying in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, due to limited hotel space in Spokane. The lack of accommodations was attributed to the city hosting the men’s NCAA Tournament and a regional youth volleyball tournament simultaneously.
Roberts emphasized the impact of racism on the team, stating that it was a distressing experience for everyone involved. The NCAA and Gonzaga collaborated to relocate the team after the initial incidents, acknowledging the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of all participants.
Gonzaga University expressed frustration and sadness over the compromised experience, emphasizing that such incidents do not align with their values. The region has seen the presence of far-right extremist groups, with several hate groups operating in the area in recent years.
The NCAA Women's March Madness tournament continues, with ongoing coverage available for fans to follow the latest updates and results.
