National Girls and Women in Sports Day highlighted the contributions and accomplishments of all women in sports throughout history ranging from athletes to journalists. At Howard, some Lady Bison athletes have accumulated accolades as they dominate their respective sports.
Initially, the day served as a remembrance of Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman who racked up several athletic achievements and advocated for equality in women’s sports. Now on the first Wednesday of every February, women in sports are celebrated nationally for their contributions to the sports industry and the continuous struggle for equality within sports.
As the holiday came around this year on Feb. 5, A few student-athletes at Howard stood out across athletics as the women leading in sports.
Melea Earley, Senior – Soccer
Earley, an environmental studies major from Los Angeles, grew to have a deep passion for the game of soccer, having played since she was four years old. She had aspirations of playing professionally but wondered if it would be possible due to the pay inequality that many female athletes experience.
“It kind of sucks, just having that lingering thought in the back of your mind,” Early, forward for the women’s soccer team, said.
Earley said that it is unfortunate because sports are something that many girls and women have fallen in love with but decided not to pursue as a professional career due to pay inequities.
In 2016, members of the U.S. women’s national soccer team filed a federal equal pay complaint. In 2022, the fight for equality concluded in a settlement. This settlement included a payment to players and a promise by the federation to equalize pay between the men’s and women’s national teams. In the agreement, several current and former players will share $24 million, according to a New York Times article.
In response to the U.S. women’s soccer team winning their lawsuit and the players being paid the same amount as the men’s national team, Earley said, “I think that’s definitely a step in the correct direction.”
Accolades: First Northeast Conference (NEC) Tournament title in program history, NEC Tournament MVP, All-NEC second team, 2023 NEC first team All-Conference, 2022 NEC first team All-Conference and 2021 NEC All-Rookie Team
Rya McKinnon, Junior – Volleyball
As viewership of women’s sports has increased over the years, McKinnon was determined to keep proving that women’s sports are equally as amusing as male competitions.
“I feel like people are starting to figure out that women’s sports are entertaining,” McKinnon, a computer science major from Hoover, Alabama, and outside hitter for the women’s volleyball team said.
To continue to perform to the best of her abilities despite the stereotypes that surround women in sports, McKinnon relies on her self-confidence and her abilities as an athlete.
McKinnon regarded the impact that representation has on girls and women who have a passion for sports with great importance, especially Black girls and women.
“Normally for volleyball, if you are a good Black volleyball player, you’ll most likely go to a P.W.I. or a power five school,” she said.
McKninnon elected to go against the grain, revealing that she came to Howard “to show that you can be a good Black athlete and still go to an HBCU.”
Accolades: First three-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Player of the Year since 1988, American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American honorable mention, led the MEAC in kills per game for a third straight season and ranked 25th nationally in kills for the 2024-25 season
Marcia Sey, Graduate Student – Track and Field
Numerous women in sports have their menstrual cycle during sporting events, and make an effort to not let it negatively impact their performance. Menstrual cycles can be one of several obstacles that women in sports face regularly. Despite these obstacles, these women excel in their competitions.
Marcia Sey, a graduate student studying sociology from London, who participates in the hurdles for the Howard women’s track and field team, expressed that women in sports have to find “what works best for them so it doesn’t affect their performances.”
Representation of women within the sports industry showcases to all women with the same dreams that anything is possible. Representation along with inspiration has led to many women today pursuing their careers in sports and carving their names into history.
“It’s really inspiring to watch other women excel in a sport,” Sey said.
Accolades: Two-time MEAC Track Athlete Of The Week, school record holder in 60-meter hurdles (8.11).
(Prior to Howard): 2023 USTFCCCA Indoor All-American Honorable Mention in 60 meter hurdles, 2024 Outdoor USTFCCCA All-American Second Team for 4×100-meter relay and holds the U18 British record in the 100 hurdles (13.65)
Copy edited by Camiryn Stepteau
