WASHINGTON – The Georgetown University women's basketball team participated in the 2020 BIG EAST Women's Basketball Virtual Media Day on Thursday. Following remarks from BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman, Head Coach James Howard was part of a smaller panel with select coaches taking questions from some of the more than 100 media members in attendance.

At the men's media day on Wednesday, Ackerman announced the establishment of the John Thompson Jr. Award by the BIG EAST Conference with the approval of the Thompson family. Additionally, on Friday the league announced a December schedule that included only dates and opponents with times to come at a later date.

 JOHN THOMPSON JR. AWARD
The John Thompson Jr. Award will recognize significant efforts to fight prejudice and discrimination and advance positive societal change.

The award will annually honor a BIG EAST athletics department, team or individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, perseverance and/or creativity in promoting an environment of inclusiveness or championing the end of discrimination, racism and bigotry.

The annual John Thompson Jr. Award winner will be determined by a selection committee made up of representatives from the BIG EAST's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Working Group, a member of the Thompson family, and others designated by BIG EAST Presidents.

The 2021 recipient will be determined following the conclusion of the 2020-21 academic year.

GU's Hall of Fame coach who passed away on August 30, was a national leader and fierce advocate for racial equity and social justice - one of the first Black head coaches at a major Division I program when he was hired in 1972, he was known for protecting his players from the racism and bigotry they faced from opposing fans and the world at large. He famously walked out in protest over NCAA Proposition 42 in 1989 as he found the rule to be unfairly attacking opportunities for Black youth to receive an education.

DECEMBER BIG EAST SCHEDULE

The BIG EAST announced its December slate of games for the 2020-21 season, with the Hoyas facing off against four opponents.

The Hoyas open BIG EAST play on the road at St. John's on Friday, December 4. Two days later, the Hoyas will play host to Creighton on Sunday, December 6.

The final two games for the Hoyas will be on Saturday, December 19 with a road trip to DePaul, followed by a home game against Seton Hall on Tuesday, December 22.