Howard University is making significant strides in athletics and community engagement, particularly through its Division I swim team, the only HBCU team at this level. The team recently earned the key to the City of Eatonville, an honor that underscores its remarkable journey within a sport where Black representation has often been limited.
Coach Nic Askew reacted with gratitude and enthusiasm upon receiving the accolade. “I am so excited. I am honored to be receiving the key to the city today. I just want to thank God for all the blessings and all he’s done for me,” Askew told Morgan Parrish with FOX 5 Washington DC.
Preparing to Make Another Big Splash
The team is training at the Rosen Aquatic Center for their upcoming conference championship. Members acknowledged the intense physical and mental preparation needed for success.
The team has expressed gratitude for the state-of-the-art facility they now have at their disposal. It’s a resource many past swimmers could have only dreamed of. “As an alum, it couldn’t make me prouder because when I was a part of the program, we didn’t have opportunities like this. Either we couldn’t afford it, or the resources weren’t available. Now, with my coaching staff and amazing support from our family and alumni, we’re able to provide these opportunities to be in this beautiful facility,” Coach Askew shared with Parrish.
For the Bison swimmers, representing their heritage and paving the way for future generations is paramount. “It’s really special. We want to contribute to the legacy of the people that came here before us and made it even possible for us,” stated Bison swimmer Tristan Stevens.
Another swimmer, Alana Josey added, “I love being a part of a team that looks like me, that goes through the same ups and downs as me, the same obstacles as me, and it really just brings us closer together.”
As Howard University‘s swim team continues to break barriers and set records, it showcases the power of representation in athletics.
This article sources information from this report.
