As the former owner of the Gulf Coast Monarchy tackle football team, Tyre Brown has a track record of offering unique athletic opportunities to women in Mississippi.
Now in 2025, Brown has announced that she is branching out with the launch of a semi-pro, Gulfport-based women’s basketball team: The Mississippi Queens. Collaborating with her in the venture is Ruthie Bolton, a fellow Mississippian, Olympic gold medalist, women’s basketball hall of famer and former WNBA champion.
“In football, it was the Mississippi Royalty, and then it was the Gulf Coast Monarchy,” Brown says of the new team’s name. “So, we felt like once we turned the page, we wanted to (continue the theme and) go with the Mississippi Queens.”
‘IT’S ABOUT MORE THAN JUST BASKETBALL’
Brown and her collaborators have been traversing the state in search of talent, holding tryouts in Jackson, Meridian and elsewhere. Once the lineup is finalized, the team is set to start playing the second Saturday in April. Many prospects have collegiate experience from schools like Mississippi Valley State University and Mississippi State University, according to Brown, but even those with high school experience will be considered.
“One of the things the coaches have reiterated is that there will be no more than 12 players on the roster,” Brown says, “So, it is going to be competitive.”
Serving as the Queens’ head coach will be Gulfport native Alto Tillman Perry, a seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience. Most notably, she’s the athletic director and head coach of the Making Lifelong Champions (MLC) Mississippi Lady Cardinals basketball program.
“My passion lies in helping these young women reach their full potential on and off the court,” Perry says. “It’s about more than just basketball; it’s about building character, instilling discipline and preparing them for success in all aspects of life.”
Brown recalls being excited when Brown called her about the Mississippi Queens. Nonetheless, she didn’t give a quick “yes.” Instead, she prayed about the prospect and now looks forward to working with a fresh crop of female athletic talent.
“I am grateful, honored and blessed for this opportunity to impart to and impact the women that become a part of the Mississippi Queens,” Perry says. “My goal for the future of the Queens is to not only to build a successful platform here on the Coast for female basketball players, but also to create a cultural atmosphere and nurture strong, confident young girls and women who will make a positive impact in the state of Mississippi, as well as the world.”
“I am grateful, honored and blessed for this opportunity to impart to and impact the women that become a part of the Mississippi Queens,” Perry says. “My goal for the future of the Queens is to not only to build a successful platform here on the Coast for female basketball players, but also to create a cultural atmosphere and nurture strong, confident young girls and women who will make a positive impact in the state of Mississippi, as well as the world.”
Brown says what she likes most about Perry is that “she’s firm, but fair.”
“One of the things that she believes in is hope,” Brown says. “She gives people hope, as well as motivation.”
The team also will benefit from the expertise of Ted Williams, who has shaped several high-profile WNBA players during his decades of coaching experience. Described by Brown as having “a big basketball presence” in Mississippi, Williams will serve in an advisory capacity.
“I’m just hoping that it’s going to open a lot of doors … and let the younger women’s generation know that they can be anything they want to be,” Williams says. “And I think it’s a great opportunity to let people know we can’t keep holding our women back. We’ve got to help them grow, and (then) they can be strong and hold any position.”
BRINGING SUCCESS TO THE SURFACE
The Queens will face plenty of challenges in their first season as they take on teams from as far afield as Florida, Atlanta and New York. Perhaps most importantly, Brown says, the team will serve as a platform and a gateway for additional opportunities — whether that’s playing overseas or being scouted by the WNBA.
Brown says the team also plans to offer basketball camps for boys and girls, ranging from about age 5 to 16, with details still being finalized. As she and her collaborators prepare for launch, the buzz around the project continues to build.
For the owner, it’s all about creating opportunities where they’re needed most.
“We look forward to giving women’s professional basketball exposure in Mississippi,” Brown says. “There are several success stories, and we look forward to bringing them to the surface.”
Want to learn more about the Mississippi Queens? Visit mississippiqueenswbb.com