“I think it’s really exciting because [Liv] could not wait to be a host of one of them this past fall,” Teagues told the news outlet. “You know she’s told us numerous times she just wants to make sure that they have the best experience and that she can help make our program and athletic department comfortable for them.”

The coach added that ushering in more diversity on the team is a reflection of what it stands for, as well as a reflection of New York City as whole.

“It really started with us evaluating what we wanted our program to stand for,” she said. “Columbia looks a lot like New York City in terms of being a melting pot and our program did not look like that, and that bothered me. Liv is just somebody that exudes positivity and a sense of team. I knew within the first few minutes of meeting her she was always going to be a great teammate. Then I got an opportunity to see her play on the field and it all backed that up. We look to players like Liv to enhance our program.”

first Black player

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