The 2024-2025 athletic year at “The Mecca,” like any other, was defined by a series of moments. This year, many of the events that gave character to the story of Bison athletics involved stepping into territory previously uncharted by Howard University. Looking back at this year in Howard athletics, here’s a rundown of the moments that stuck out:
Satchell Claims Paralympic Gold Medal
Former Bison lacrosse player Sydney Satchell took home a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as a libero for the United States in sitting volleyball, a sport that she picked up after a car accident led to the amputation of her leg.
A 3-1 win against the Republic of China etched Satchell’s name into the record books as Howard University’s first Paralympic gold medalist.
After the win, Satchell was overwhelmed with joy.
“Holistically [competing] feels amazing,” Satchell told The Hilltop. “Playing feels like I’m playing for God, family, friends and those who find themselves in sticky situations.”
Lacrosse Wins First Game Since 2022
The Bison’s lacrosse team ended a 53-game losing streak with their overtime victory against Delaware State University on March 26.
It was the program’s first victory since February 2022, and their first victory since joining the Northeastern Conference (NEC), according to Howard University Athletics.
The game-winning goal was scored in overtime by freshman attacker, Taylor Harris.
Harper’s Unparalleled Freshman Feat
Blake Harper’s sensational freshman season at Howard featured a myriad of moments that have seldom been seen on the university’s court, however, his 30-point triple-double against the University of Virginia-Lynchburg stood apart from the rest.
In the Bison’s 124-50 blowout win, Harper stuffed the stat sheet with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, solidifying himself among the top 20 Division I players for triple-doubles.
Harper would win Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year at Howard before signing to play at Creighton University for his sophomore year.
Gbai’s All-World Performance at Paris Olympics
Howard University track and field alumna Jessika Gbai, representing the Ivory Coast, made the Olympic final in the 200-meter dash at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The 2022 graduate and former walk-on also competed in the 4×100-meter relay at the Olympic Games.
“I need to represent Howard University in the best way possible,” Gbai shared with The Hilltop. “I want to showcase the phenomenal talents that Howard University can produce. It is a university where one can attend and excel in both the classroom and sport.”
Men’s Swim and Dive Takes Conference Title
The men’s swimming and diving team won the NEC championship title this year after finishing second place in the previous season.
Zay Swiley returned from an 18-month concussion-induced diving hiatus to lead the team’s diving efforts, winning NEC Most Outstanding Diver.
Softball Captures First Regular Season Title in 16 Years
On the heels of a program-record 13-game winning streak, the Bison clinched the MEAC regular season crown after sweeping the Norfolk State Spartans in late April.
The Bison won every in-conference series this season and a record 19 conference games, according to Howard University Athletics.
They will begin their conference tournament run on May 7 in Norfolk, Virginia.
Women’s Track and Field Four-Peat
Senior Joslyn Crosby claimed three individual gold medals, earning 30 points and the Most Outstanding Track Athlete distinction at the 2025 MEAC indoor track and field championships where the Bison won their fourth consecutive women’s title.
“I already had my goals,” Crosby said. “I was hoping to just be able to go out there and do what I can, you know? My senior year, so I was going to try and leave my mark.”
The Bison scored a MEAC championship record 256 points as a team with their win, besting the second place Norfolk State Spartans by 121 points.
Bison Win First WNIT Game in School History
The women’s basketball team defeated Siena College 72-62 in the first round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT).
The victory on March 21 marked the Bison’s first WNIT win in school history. It was also the first time the team hosted a WNIT game.
“I told [the team] that this is a great opportunity, either we’re going to take it and run with it or we’re going to fold,” head coach Ty Grace said. “But they didn’t fold, they came out on top.”
Copy edited by Aniyah Genama
