Full Breakdown
Rhode Island Women's Basketball Coach Urges Student Support
2/14/2026, 1:09:14 PM
Coach's Call for Student Engagement
Tammi Reiss, the head coach of the Rhode Island women’s basketball team, has expressed her frustration over the lack of student attendance at games, despite the Rams' impressive record of 22 wins and only 2 losses, including a perfect 13-0 in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Reiss, who has been recognized as the Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year twice since her tenure began in 2019, is determined to foster a more vibrant atmosphere at games. In a recent speech, she questioned the commitment of students to sports, suggesting that they might be overly focused on academics. “Are we scholars? Is that what we are? We don’t like sports here?” she remarked, indicating her willingness to take unconventional steps to boost attendance.
Strategies to Boost Attendance
Reiss has proposed various initiatives to attract students to games, including the idea of visiting classrooms to encourage attendance directly. She humorously noted, “I’m trying to do the buy a beer thing, but we’re a dry campus,” highlighting the challenges of engaging students in a dry campus environment. To create a more appealing atmosphere, she suggested organizing events like “free hot dog night,” drawing on her experiences from her time at the University of Virginia, where similar promotions successfully increased attendance. “We at least got to get 500 to 700 students in the stands, not just for us, but for the men,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of a united student body in supporting both teams.
The Challenge of Student Engagement
Reiss acknowledged the difficulty of winning over the student body, describing them as a “tough bunch.” She speculated that students might be preoccupied with social events or parties, which could explain their absence from games. “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, reinforcing her desire for increased student involvement.
Conclusion
Tammi Reiss's efforts to engage students reflect a broader challenge faced by college sports programs in attracting attendance. Her innovative ideas and candid remarks highlight the need for a cultural shift within the student body to foster a more supportive environment for athletics at Rhode Island. As the Rams continue their successful season, the hope remains that students will rally to support their teams, creating a vibrant game-day atmosphere.
