NCCU Wins First HCASC Championship, All-Women Team Makes History With Comeback Victory
DURHAM, N.C. — North Carolina Central University has secured a historic victory on the national stage—one defined by resilience, precision, and groundbreaking representation. In a dramatic finish, NCCU’s all-women quiz team captured the university’s first-ever Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) national championship, marking a milestone moment for the institution and HBCU academic excellence.
Historic Win on the National Stage
Competing April 11–14, 2026, in Torrance, California, NCCU defeated defending champion Hampton University in a high-stakes, best-of-three final.
- NCCU won Game 1
- Hampton evened the series
- NCCU delivered a late-game surge in the final match
The team sealed the championship with a perfect Ultimate Challenge round, answering all 10 questions correctly to secure the title and a $100,000 grant.
Breaking Barriers in HCASC History
This victory is more than a championship—it’s a breakthrough:
- First HCASC national title in NCCU history
- First all-women team to represent NCCU at this level
- Only the third all-women team to win in HCASC history
“This is a breakthrough victory for NCCU,” said head coach Clayton Mack Jr.
“Their belief in each other propelled them to victory.”
Dominant Tournament Performance
NCCU’s path to the championship showcased both dominance and resilience:
- 6–0 undefeated record in round-robin play
- 570–540 win over Benedict College
- 700–530 victory against North Carolina A&T State University
In the semifinals, the team staged a comeback against Fisk University, clinching the match with the correct answer: “Beowulf.”
Standout Performances
Junior Alena Dockery led the charge:
- Averaged 55 points per game
- Finished as the second-highest scorer in the tournament
- Earned HCASC All-Star honors
- Secured an additional $2,500 grant for NCCU
Team captain Ronni Butts, a junior political science major, emphasized the team’s preparation:
“Our team practices four days a week for several hours… seeing that dedication result in NCCU’s first championship is incredible.”
Meet the Championship Team
The six-member varsity team includes:
- Ronni Butts (Captain) – Charlotte, NC | Political Science
- Chantel Chestnutt – Goldsboro, NC | History & Political Science
- Alena Dockery – Youngsville, NC | Political Science
- Genayah King – Painesville, OH | Accounting
- Jadzia Kowalczyk – Garner, NC | Art & Design
- Iman Shakur – Columbia, SC | Biomedical Sciences
Coaching and Support Behind the Scenes
The team is led by:
- Clayton Mack Jr., Head Coach
- Dr. Janice Dargan, Faculty Advisor
- Teah Smith, Assistant Coach
A nine-member support team also contributed to training and preparation, reinforcing the program’s depth and collaborative strength.
A Long-Awaited Championship Moment
This win marks the culmination of years of near success:
- NCCU previously reached the finals in 2006 and 2009
- Multiple semifinal appearances over the years
Now, the program has officially broken through—claiming its place at the top.
About HCASC
Founded in 1989, the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge is the premier academic competition for students at historically Black colleges and universities.
- Over 125,000 students have participated nationwide
- The program celebrates academic excellence, teamwork, and HBCU legacy
Conclusion
NCCU’s championship victory represents more than a win—it’s a defining moment of excellence, representation, and perseverance. With an all-women team leading the charge, the Eagles have not only secured a national title but also inspired a new generation of scholars to compete, lead, and excel on the highest stage.