Coach’s Shocking Plea: Will 90% of Students Really Miss Out on This Game-Changing Season?

In a candid moment that highlights both her passion for the sport and the challenges of building a fan base, Rhode Island women's basketball coach Tammi Reiss expressed her frustration over the lackluster attendance from the school’s student section. With her team boasting an impressive record of 22-2, including an undefeated 13-0 mark in the Atlantic 10 Conference, Reiss is eager to see the stands filled with enthusiastic supporters.

Since her arrival at Rhode Island in 2019, Reiss has been recognized twice as the A-10 Coach of the Year, a testament to her ability to turn the program around. However, building a vibrant atmosphere during games has proven to be a significant hurdle. Undeterred, Reiss has considered drastic measures to rally school spirit, quipping, “I may have to go from classroom to classroom and say, ‘Are we scholars? Is that what we are? We don’t like sports here?’”

Reiss’s lament touches on a broader issue facing many collegiate athletic programs: engaging the student body. “This is a tough school. The students are tough,” she remarked, acknowledging that academics often take precedence for many students. She speculated whether the students might be too involved in their studies or perhaps attending other events on campus, leaving little room for sports. “Maybe they know something’s going on, some parties, or something’s going on on campus, but I’d really love to see our student section,” she said.

In her efforts to bolster attendance, Reiss has proposed creative incentives, highlighting a storied tradition from her own collegiate days at the University of Virginia. “Back in UVA days, it was legendary,” she reminisced. “They had a hot dog night at U-Hall where the women’s team, they were good, but they got about 1,000 people a game. The fire marshall had to come and keep people out.”

Reiss is exploring similar initiatives at Rhode Island, jokingly suggesting, “Maybe I’ll do a free hot dog night if I can’t do a free beer night, but we at least got to get 500 to 700 students in the stands.” The goal isn't just about filling seats; it’s about fostering a culture of support for both the women's and men's teams, thereby creating a lively atmosphere that can energize the players and the crowd alike.

Ultimately, Reiss understands that cultivating a strong fan base takes time and effort. “We got to win them over,” she said. As her team continues to be in contention for a championship, she remains hopeful that the student body will step up to support their achievements. In a community like South Kingston, where options for entertainment may be limited, the call for school spirit is not just a plea; it’s a necessary step towards building a lasting legacy for the program.