GRAMMY-Nominated Singer Carolyn Malachi to Perform National Anthem at NCAA® Women’s Final Four®

NCAA.com
Mar 17, 2014 10:11 EST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS -- The NCAA has announced that Grammy-nominated Jazz and R&B singer Carolyn Malachi will perform the national anthem before the 2014 NCAA Women’s Final Four national semifinal games in Nashville, Tenn. on April 6 at 5:30 p.m. CT. Malachi, a Washington, D.C. native and former student-athlete, released her critically acclaimed album “GOLD” in July of 2013.

"It is such a honor to perform for these incredible athletes and women,” exclaims Malachi. “Just thinking about the teams, coaches, fans and our respective journeys to this moment excites me.”

Malachi’s performance brings the artist full circle from her days playing college basketball at Shepherd University in West Virginia. Malachi holds the unique distinction of being the first former NCAA women’s basketball player to have received a Grammy nomination. 

“Playing college basketball gave me the foundation for a successful music career. Now a recording artist, I employ the same values I learned as a student athlete: teamwork, precision, endurance, and vision,” Malachi said.

”We are thrilled to have Carolyn Malachi perform the national anthem prior to our national semifinal games,” said Anucha Browne, NCAA Vice President, women’s basketball championships. “To have a Grammy nominated female former student-athlete perform is a great combination that our fans will enjoy.  In everything we do, our goal is to uplift the women student-athletes we serve.”  

The NCAA Women’s Final Four is one of America’s most prestigious, women’s championship sporting events. This April, it comes to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

In addition to the pinnacle event, the crowning the national champion on April 8, student athletes, coaches and fans can experience NCAA excitement in the Nashville community, throughout the Women’s Final Four. 

"The Women’s Final Four offers numerous fan interactive opportunities whether or not you have a game ticket,” said Browne. “The Women’s Final Four is more than three games and we encourage the entire Nashville community, as well as the thousands of women’s basketball fans and coaches in attendance, to take advantage of every opportunity.”