LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It's a celebration for the state's only 2024 basketball national champs.
The Lady Falcons of Simmons College recently won the National Christian College Athletic Association Women's Basketball Championship.
And on Thursday, they received several honors, starting with Kentucky's Lieutenant Governor.
"The highest honor that you can have in the state of Kentucky is to be a Kentucky Colonel ... and so I am bringing to you all today, each of you now are going to be Kentucky Colonels on behalf of Governor Beshear and myself," Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said.
Coleman bestowed the honor of Kentucky Colonel to the Lady Falcons, head coach Earl Ruffin and athletic director Jerry Eaves.
The Lady Falcons have been in the news a lot in the last few weeks after winning the NCCAA women's basketball national championship.
A celebration parade for the Falcons started at 5:30 p.m. from the library. After the parade, there was a party on campus with a DJ, activities, food and a meet-and-greet with the team.
The players said they appreciate all of the support.
"Just to be able to bring something positive here, I know it is always some negative things being around Louisville but just being able to bring a national title and create history at Simmons has definitely been a really good vibe," point guard Zephaniah Gray said.
Coleman, who also played college basketball, shared why she wanted to honor the team.
"I am all about celebrating Kentucky teams, no matter who they are and where they are, this happens to be the only one that we can say is a national championship from Kentucky this year," she said.
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