North Carolina Central University Wins First Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Championship
TORRANCE, CA – North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has made history, capturing its first-ever national championship at the 37th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC)—the nation’s premier academic competition for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The victory earned NCCU a $100,000 grand prize, part of more than $500,000 in institutional grants awarded this year to participating HBCUs.
Academic Excellence on a National Stage
The HCASC competition brought together top academic teams from 65 HBCUs, culminating in the National Championship Tournament held near American Honda’s headquarters in Southern California.
In a closely contested final match, NCCU defeated defending champions Hampton University during the fast-paced Ultimate Challenge round. The competition tested students across a wide range of subjects, including history, science, geography, and the arts.
“We congratulate the outstanding scholars from North Carolina Central University on their well-earned victory,” said Jasmine Cockfield, HCASC project lead at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
A Historic Team Achievement
NCCU’s championship team, coached by Clayton C. Mack Jr., included:
- Ronni Butts (Team Captain, Political Science)
- Chantel Chestnutt (History & Political Science)
- Alena Dockery (Political Science)
- Jadzia “Z” Kowalczyk (Art)
The team’s victory is particularly notable as it marks the first all-female NCCU team to compete in the championship game.
“Winning the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge feels great,” said Butts. “Seeing that dedication result in the very first NCCU championship is incredible.”
Top Finishers and Recognition
- 2nd Place: Hampton University ($40,000 grant)
- 3rd & 4th Place: Fisk University and Spelman College ($26,000 each)
- Additional finalists included Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, and Southern University.
The competition also recognized individual excellence:
- Sportsperson Award: Brynn Patterson (Fisk University)
- Coach of the Year: Dr. John Miglietta (Tennessee State University)
Strengthening the Legacy of HBCUs
For nearly 40 years, the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge has celebrated academic achievement, leadership, and the critical role HBCUs play in shaping future leaders. Through initiatives like HCASC, Honda has supported over 350,000 students and provided more than $16 million in grants to HBCU programs.
The 2026 championship reinforces the continued excellence of HBCU students and the importance of investing in academic opportunities that drive long-term success.
Watch the championship: https://youtube.com/hcascnct
SOURCE Honda
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