Jan. 9, 2009

GREENSBORO, NC - The Atlantic Coast Conference will unveil the league's first-ever theme song for women's basketball in conjunction with the opening of the league's 2008-09 women's basketball regional sports television package as announced by Commissioner John Swofford.

The song "She Can Play", written and composed by Nashville singer/songwriter Damien Horne, will first air in two women's basketball promotional spots on Sunday, Jan. 11 in the Fox Sports Net and affiliates' production of the NC State at North Carolina game, which tips off at 1 p.m. and again during the 3 p.m. Clemson at Florida State contest.

Horne, who was raised in Hickory, North Carolina and is one of twelve children, offers a collection of R&B melodies, catchy pop hooks, and distinctive elements of hip-hop, soul, and rock. An NCCAA Division II player during his college days, Horne's story, full of challenges in the pursuit of one's dreams, brings an element of empowerment and inspiration to each of the league's student-athletes and fans alike.

"Initially, we brought Damien in to work specifically with the Boys and Girls Club through one of our Tournament outreach programs," said ACC Associate Commissioner Nora Lynn Finch. "But after I read his story and heard a song that Damien had composed and dedicated to his niece ("Ain't She"), I knew that he had much more to offer ACC Women's Basketball than a few hours in an outreach program. My vision was then to have Damien compose a theme song, centered on our She Can Play! logo and slogan, that gives life to the brand of ACC Women's Basketball. We gave Damien the vision and merely 20 minutes later he delivered a song that I know will resonate with ACC fans of all ages and, in particular, our women's basketball fans."

Horne began his musical journey at age eleven, singing in his local Salvation Army Church. He was soon competing in local talent shows and performing in a traveling production of Godspell. After graduation, he got on a greyhound bus and followed his musical dreams to Hollywood, Calif., where he soon found himself homeless. While that quest leads most to destruction, it led Horne to redemption and eventually found himself back in North Carolina with a band called Stellar Tree.

One evening, while playing for tips on Nashville's historic 2nd Avenue, Horne was invited to perform with MuzikMafia (Musically Artist Friends In Alliance), the Nashville-based artist collaborative that yielded multi-platinum recording artists Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson. Horne's music is supported by the group's mission to promote greatness in all genres without prejudice. Through MuzikMafia, Horne has had the opportunity to open for and perform with artists from every genre; Kid Rock, the Neville Brothers, Bon Jovi, Shemekia Copeland, Hank Williams Jr., Dwight Yoakam, Bettye Lavette, Keith Urban and more, all while remaining true to his own talent and style.

"ACC Basketball is the best ... just like the song says," said Horne jokingly, "I grew up in North Carolina watching the ACC teams play and am thrilled to have this opportunity to write a song for them that I hope the players and the fans can both relate to and enjoy."

Horne and the ACC are committed to highlighting the energy, skill and excitement of ACC women's basketball. The "She Can Play" song and music video will be featured throughout the 2008-09 season and will culminate with a live performance by Horne in March at the 32nd annual ACC Women's Basketball Tournament in Greensboro, N.C.