Howard University Bison Celebrate Major Wins at 2025 HBCU Sports Awards
Washington, D.C. – The 2025 HBCU Sports Awards shone a spotlight on Howard University’s remarkable achievements this year, with the Bison leading all HBCUs by securing 16 nominations and earning five prestigious awards. The recognition highlights the strength and growth of Howard’s athletic programs across multiple sports, reaffirming the school’s position as a powerhouse in Black college sports.
Howard’s women’s soccer program, under the leadership of coach Brent Leiba, earned top honors as Leiba was named Soccer Coach of the Year. This accolade came in the wake of a historic season where the Bison captured their first Northeast Conference (NEC) Regular Season and Tournament titles. The team’s success culminated in reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018, a major milestone that signals the program’s upward trajectory. “Our team’s resilience and dedication have been remarkable,” Leiba noted. “This recognition is a tribute to the hard work of the players and staff who believe in the vision of excellence here at Howard.”
Another standout from Howard’s golf program was Director of Golf Sam Puryear, who earned Golf Coach of the Year honors. Puryear’s strategic direction has helped the Bison continually improve, while golfer Paris Fieldings was recognized as Women’s Golfer of the Year, reflecting the individual talent blossoming within the program. Their combined success underscores Howard’s expanding presence in sports outside the traditional headlines.
In men’s basketball, Blake Harper was named Men’s Basketball Player of the Year, an award that celebrates his dynamic impact on the court. Harper’s leadership and skill were pivotal in elevating Howard’s competitive stature in a challenging conference. In the realm of athletic communications, Derek W. Bryant was honored as Sports Information Director of the Year, recognizing his exceptional contribution to telling the Howard sports story and boosting the visibility of HBCU athletics through innovative media outreach.
Howard’s dominance in nominations and awards at this event, which recognizes student-athletes, coaches, and administrators across the HBCU sports landscape, reflects a broad commitment to athletic excellence. The Bison’s achievements resonate deeply not only with Howard’s alumni and current students but also with the larger HBCU sports community, which continues to build on a proud legacy of competition and cultural significance.
Historically, Howard University has been central to HBCU athletics, nurturing legendary athletes and figures who helped shape Black college sports. The current successes build on this tradition, engaging fans with thrilling performances and inspiring a new generation of athletes to take pride in representing their institutions.
Looking ahead, Howard’s athletic programs are poised to maintain momentum. The women’s soccer team prepares to defend their NEC titles and aim for an even deeper NCAA Tournament run, while basketball and golf continue to strengthen their rosters through recruitment and development. The university’s strategic investment in coaching, facilities, and athlete support signals ongoing growth and competitiveness.
Upcoming seasons will be critical as Howard navigates evolving dynamics in college sports, including opportunities arising from name, image, and likeness deals, and the transfer portal that are reshaping recruitment and team building across all levels. This adaptability ensures that Howard remains at the forefront of HBCU athletics, serving as a beacon of excellence and cultural pride.
As these stories unfold, Howard’s Bison continue to embody the spirit and resilience that make HBCU sports a vital part of America’s athletic and cultural fabric. The 2025 awards serve not just as recognition but as motivation to pursue higher goals, celebrating past achievements while confidently looking to the future. Fans and followers can expect exciting developments in the coming months across Howard’s sports programs, promising more moments to cheer and celebrate.
By [Veteran HBCU Sports Journalist]