The Howard women’s basketball team received much-anticipated news as Destiny Howell, their star guard, has announced that she will return for her senior season next year.
In her last action, Howell put together a career season as a junior in 2022-2023, averaging 16.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and one steal per game while shooting 40.2 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from three. Unfortunately for Howard basketball fans, Howell missed the 2023-2024 season due to an ACL injury but is gearing up to return to the court next year, according to Howell.
In the 2022-2023 season, Howell spearheaded the Bison’s charge as she led the team to their third straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title game. This production earned her the title of MEAC Player of the Year and her second First Team All-MEAC selection.
Howell said that her ACL injury was “probably the toughest news that I’ve heard in my life.” She also said she had been playing since she was nine years old.
The reigning MEAC Player of the Year is on pace with rehab.
“Right now, I’m at four months,” Howell said.
Howell said that an ACL tear can take up to nine, even 10 months to heal. She credited her strong mindset to her recovery, as she said she’s noticed improved and better movement.
The senior is looking forward to her return to the court, mentioning that she is “excited for that August-September period because that’s when I’ll fully be back.”
Howell said the two driving factors for her decision were the injury and her love for Howard University. She said she still has room for improvement and can be an example for others.
“You can really follow your dreams and make it to the big leagues while coming from an HBCU,” Howell said.
With basketball at the front of her mind, Howell plans to play at the professional level after her senior year, and to get into coaching afterwards. For now, the Bison will get their star back as Howell and the team gear up to regain the MEAC title en route to a March Madness tournament berth next year.
Copy edited by Jalyn Lovelady
