Howard University’s sports programs have not always had a tradition of winning but in the last few years, the tides have changed. Across our sports programs, unprecedented heights have been reached. It has been a historic time to be rooting for the Bison.
Success has become synonymous with the Bison brand and these teams hope to keep that trend going. Here are my predictions for the Howard volleyball team, football team, and men’s & women’s soccer team.
Volleyball
The volleyball team has had a ton of success in the past three seasons. After winning a total of 55 games during that time including a Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference (MEAC) tournament win and receiving a bid to the NCAA tournament in 2021, the Lady Bison have routinely had success.
The last two seasons, however, have ended in disappointment with the Bison losing in the MEAC conference championship to Delaware State University in 2022 and Coppin State University in 2023.
After a disappointing end to the past two seasons, this team is hungry to win another MEAC championship. Bria Woodard, Cimone Woodard, Taylor Johnson, Maya Gerlach and Dami Awojobi are all headed into their senior year. They are also the only players who remain from the 2021 MEAC championship team.
Key contributors such as Claire Simpson and two-time reigning MEAC Player of the Year, Rya McKinnon are also returning this season. This team has four of the top five leaders in kills returning this season, and I believe this is the year they return to the top of the MEAC.
Final Prediction: Overall, 20-12 (12-2) in conference and wins the MEAC tournament.
Men’s Soccer
Men’s soccer is one of the rebuilding sports programs at Howard. At one point, this team was a powerhouse program that was winning NCAA championships back in 1971 and 1974. That success, however, has not been there for the past 20 years, each being losing seasons.
Last season, the team struggled going 2-13-1, only scoring 12 goals all season and having a minus-38 point differential.
Bryson Barker, one of the top scorers, returns, and 10 freshmen have been added to the roster. The new additions will hopefully give the program some much-needed energy. I am hopeful for the team’s success, however, I believe it will be another rebuilding year.
Final Prediction: 3-11-2 Overall (2-6 in conference)
Women’s Soccer
The women’s soccer program is on the rise, going 12-6-2 (6-3-1) last season. It was the team’s best record since joining the Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2021.
A roster returning lots of key contributors such as Melea Earley, a forward who scored 12 goals last season, Samantha James, a midfielder/forward, and Kyra Bolden, a forward who was top five in points for the Lady Bison. Trinity Knox, a goalkeeper, is another key contributor returning this season.
While last season ended in a crushing defeat in the NEC semifinals at the hands of Central Connecticut State University, a match that went into double overtime, I believe the Lady Bison will build on last season’s success and have an even better season this year.
Final Prediction: Overall 14-3-3, (6-2-2) in conference and an appearance in the championship game of the NEC tournament.
Football
The football team is coming off a historic season which included winning the MEAC championship and making their first appearance in the Cricket Celebration Bowl.
This team has some big expectations this season and a big reason for that is running back Jarrett Hunter and defensive back Kenny Gallop Jr., who were both named MEAC Offensive and Defensive Preseason Players of the Year at the MEAC annual conference football meetings in July.
The team lost some starters due to graduation, including starting quarterback, Quinton Williams. Despite these losses, the team still returned with a strong squad for this season. I expect this team to continue their winning ways while also making history this season.
Final Prediction: 7-5 Overall record (4-1) conference record, MEAC champions, and winning the Cricket Celebration Bowl.
Copy edited by Camiryn Stepteau
