A Championship Year: Howard University Athletics Shine in 2025

A Championship Year: Howard University Athletics Shine in 2025

The 2024–2025 academic year has been a remarkable period for Howard University Athletics, marked by significant achievements across multiple sports. The Bison have demonstrated excellence, resilience, and a commitment to making history. Here's a look at the standout accomplishments:

🏊‍♂️ Men's Swimming & Diving: Back-to-Back NEC Champions

Howard University's men's swimming and diving team clinched their second Northeast Conference (NEC) Championship title in three years, solidifying their dominance in the pool. The Bison led the four-day event, securing the championship with a decisive victory in the 400 Free Relay. Standout performances included Tristan Stevens' gold in the 200 Meter Backstroke and the 400 Meter Relay team's top finish. Erald Thompson III set a new school record in the 200 Meter Breaststroke, while Zay Swilley earned the NEC Most Outstanding Diver award after winning both the One Meter and Three Meter dives. The coaching staff was rightfully named NEC Coaching Staff of the Year.

🥎 Softball: MEAC Champions and NCAA Tournament Appearance

The Howard softball team captured the 2025 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship with a commanding 6-1 victory over South Carolina State. This triumph secured their spot in the NCAA Tournament, where they faced No. 14 seed Duke University in the Durham Regional. Despite a challenging 12-0 loss in the opener and a subsequent 9-1 defeat to Coastal Carolina, the Bison concluded their season with an impressive 31-20 overall record and a dominant 20-1 mark in MEAC play.

⚽ Women's Soccer: NEC Champions and NCAA Tournament Berth

Building on a legacy that dates back to the 1970s, Howard's women's soccer team achieved a historic milestone by winning their first-ever Northeast Conference (NEC) title. This victory earned them an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Soccer Tournament, where they faced the top-seeded Duke University. Although they exited in the first round, the team's accomplishments have significantly elevated the profile of HBCU women's soccer programs.

👟 Women's Track & Field: Fourth Consecutive MEAC Outdoor Championship

Howard University's women's track and field team secured their fourth straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Outdoor Championship title in 2025. The Bison delivered a record-breaking performance, scoring a meet-high 292 points, 103 points ahead of runner-up Norfolk State University. They dominated across all disciplines, collecting 14 gold medals and making 28 total podium appearances, including three podium sweeps. Head Coach David Oliver was named Outstanding Coach of the Meet. meacsports.com

🐾 A Legacy of Excellence

These achievements underscore Howard University's commitment to athletic excellence and its role in shaping the future of collegiate sports. The Bison's success across swimming, softball, soccer, and track and field not only brings pride to the university community but also inspires future generations to pursue greatness both on and off the field.

As Howard continues to build on this legacy, the 2024–2025 season will be remembered as a defining chapter in the university's storied athletic history.