Howard University swimming and diving competed in their first and only tri-meet of the season at the beginning of November. The meet was hosted by both the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and took place at the UMBC Aquatic Complex.
This is the first time since the 2023-24 season that the Bison have met with the Retrievers and the Keydets together. At that quad meet, the Bison set a facility record of 1:46.44 in the 200 medley relay race.
Nov. 8, two years later, senior Zuilda “Zuzu” Nwaeze, along with junior swimmers Chanice Posada, Rhanishka Gibbs and Summer McKoy, revived that relay success with a statement win, opening this year’s meet with a 1:46.72 performance that set the tone early.
Team captains Nwaeze and Posada were both a part of the relay team that set a new VMI facility record in 2023. Nwaeze spoke about the dynamic between her and Posada over the years as some of the top swimmers on the team.
“I wouldn’t say it’s so much as competition but we’re both pretty motivated. We actually have gotten closer this year so we kind of lean on and bounce ideas off of each other,” Nwaeze, a psychology major, said. “It’s been super great this year to get closer with her and for us to work towards our goals together.”
Nwaeze later returned to the pool after four events, claiming first place in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:55.88, coming close to her season-best 1:53.50 performance during Battle at the Burr IV in October.
The two-time Northeastern Conference (NEC) Outstanding Swimmer also swam 52.94 in the 100-yard freestyle, capturing first place.
Posada added another victory to her name with a 57.20 finish in the 100-yard backstroke, leaning fully into her “Backstroke Barbie” nickname, a title she says carries deeper meaning.
“Backstroke Barbie is more than a nickname to me, it’s a whole lifestyle,” said Posada, a psychology major. “It represents how, as a female athlete, I can fully embrace my femininity and use it as a strength and a superpower. It’s about swimming fast, showing up confidently and being a light for the people around you.”
McKoy came in second, recording a personal best of 59.53 in the event, sparking a trend of record breaking performances that continued when Gibbs also recorded a new season best of 1:05.33 in the 100-yard breaststroke.
Gibbs, together with Posada, recently earned NEC prime performer of the week Nov 12. As a transfer from Texas Christian University, Gibbs spoke about how the “vibe” at Howard has been a big switch, but it’s the reason why she has developed so much as an athlete.
“Swimming is really a mental sport, and being in a place where you don’t feel comfortable plays a lot on your mind and your training,” Gibbs, a criminology major, said. “Being here, everything is completely different. I actually want to be at practice. I love being around people who look like me and want to get better, and I definitely think that has impacted my performances this season.”
Freshman swimmer Alyssa Napier followed suit, finishing second with a season-best of 1:56.28 in the 200-yard freestyle and adding a season best of 57.65 in 100-yard butterfly, where she also placed second.
Napier’s performance also earned her a spot on the NEC prime performers list, next to Gibbs and Posada. Napier said her team and coaches have made the transition from high school to college easier for her.
“We have sidekicks on the team and mine is Skyler Debnam,” Napier, a biology major. “She helps me overcome my nervousness because she’s been through it and understands how I feel. My coaches are the same way. Coach Salim would see me nervous behind the blocks and hype me up and even say my ‘six seven’ joke to get me out of my head. It’s just a big support system overall.”
The Bison wrapped up the meet in the same fashion they opened, with a relay win. Napier, McKoy, Nwaeze and sophomore swimmer Gabrielle Vickles claimed the 400-yard freestyle relay in 3:34.52.
In the end, Howard came in second in the meet, defeating a VMI squad still searching for its first win of the season, while extending a streak that has kept the Bison winless against the Retrievers for nearly 11 years.
Copy edited by Daryl R. Thomas Jr.
