The 2025–26 season marked a defining chapter for the Howard University swimming and diving program, as both the men’s and women’s teams captured Northeast Conference (NEC) championships in a landmark performance that underscored the program’s rapid rise on the national stage.
Competing at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio, the Bison delivered a dominant showing across four days of competition. The men’s team secured its second consecutive NEC title and third in four years, while the women’s team captured its first conference championship in program history — completing a historic sweep for the program.
Beyond the accolades, one of the season’s most defining storylines was the leadership of a senior class that guided Howard through high-pressure moments and into the record books.
Senior swimmer Taj Benton, a business management major, played a role in Howard’s success, contributing to a gold-medal 200-yard medley relay performance early in the championship meet. His experience helped set the tone for the team.
“Coming into the season, we knew what we were capable of,” Benton said. “For us, it was about staying consistent and trusting each other. We wanted to leave a legacy.”
That legacy became evident as the Bison piled up points through depth and versatility. The men’s team relied on contributions from across the roster, including strong finishes in freestyle, butterfly and relay events that ultimately secured the title.
Senior leadership extended beyond performance. Teammates consistently pointed to Benton, Jordan Walker, a communications major, and Miles Simon for maintaining focus throughout the long championship meet.
“You could feel their presence on the deck,” said Simon, a biology major. “It wasn’t just about swimming fast — it was about holding everyone accountable and making sure we stayed mentally locked in from start to finish.”
Junior teammate Mason Green, who earned a silver medal in the 200-yard butterfly, credited the seniors for keeping the team composed in crucial moments.
“They’ve been through it before,” Green said. “When things get tight, they’re the ones reminding us to stay locked in and finish races the right way.”
On the women’s side, the Bison delivered a historic breakthrough, finishing with 859 points to claim their first NEC title. The victory marked a major milestone for a program that has steadily built toward championship contention.
Senior swimmers Maya Johnson, a health science major, and Alana Edwards, a psychology major, helped anchor that breakthrough, providing scoring depth and leadership during key events such as the distance freestyle and relay competitions.
“For us, it was about proving that we belonged at the top,” Johnson said. “We’ve been building toward this for years, and to finally see it all come together means everything.”
Edwards emphasized the bond within the senior class and its impact on the team’s success.
“We’ve grown together through every challenge,” Edwards said. “This win is a reflection of the work we’ve put in and the culture we’ve built.”
Head coach Nicholas Askew pointed to the seniors as the foundation of the program’s historic season.
“They set the standard every day,” Askew said. “Their leadership, discipline and commitment to excellence are what made this moment possible. They’ve truly changed the trajectory of Howard swimming.”
Howard remains the only historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the nation to sponsor Division I swimming and diving, placing the program in a unique position within collegiate athletics.
That distinction has fueled a deep sense of purpose among athletes, particularly seniors who understand the broader impact of their achievements.
“It’s bigger than just us,” Benton added. “We’re representing something that hasn’t always had this kind of visibility. That motivates us every day.”
While the championships mark a culmination of years of effort, they also signal a new standard for Howard swimming. With a strong underclassmen core returning and a culture firmly established by its seniors, the program is positioned to continue its dominance in the NEC in the coming seasons.
For the graduating class, however, the mission was clear: leave the program better than they found it — and they said they did just that.
“This is what we worked for,” Benton said. “To go out on top, knowing we helped make history. There’s nothing better than that.”
Copy edited by Daryl R. Thomas Jr.