CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Crown will compete for the inaugural Upshot League title this weekend, rebounding from a 1-6 start to earn an appearance in the championship game.
Their focus now is one game, one goal.
“I’m already overjoyed, and I’m full, but there’s always room for that topping,” said Crown head coach Trisha Stafford-Odom.
Charlotte plays at Jacksonville Saturday for the league title.
“Really, it’s just been trust,” said guard Deja Kelly, of the team’s turnaround. “I think trusting each other, trusting what each other can do and what everyone brings. And then also trusting coach and her trusting us, too.”
“There’s history being made every single time you step on the floor,” added Crown forward and center Schaquilla Nunn. “So, it’s a little pressure, but it’s a good type of pressure. We’re super excited, and we’re honored to be here.”
For several Crown players, it’s also an honor to be back in the Charlotte-area metro.
Nunn spent most of her record-setting college career at Winthrop University, with Kelly, the team’s leading scorer, playing collegiately at UNC Chapel-Hill and Oregon.
Crown guard Reigan Richardson played most of her college career at Duke University, and calls Charlotte home.
“I’ve always wanted another pro team to be back here in my city, just to be at home,” Richardson said. “So, when this league first opened up, I was happy to be a part of the Crown, especially being home.”
“I won’t say overwhelmed at all because when you reach for something and have expectations of something, when it comes to fruition, it’s kind of like, here we are,” Stafford-Odom said. “But I’m overjoyed because we worked for it.”
The Crown will host a watch party for the championship game in the East Charlotte Room at Bojangles Entertainment Complex.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with tipoff in Jacksonville at 7 p.m.
Fans are encouraged to RSVP for the watch party on the team website.