Howard University Dominates 2025 HBCU Sports Awards with Five Major Honors
Washington, D.C. — As the 2025-26 athletic season approaches, Howard University has cemented its position as a powerhouse within the HBCU sports landscape by capturing five key honors at the 2025 HBCU Sports Awards. Leading all Historically Black Colleges and Universities with 16 nominations, the Bison brought home awards across multiple sports and categories, underscoring their broad athletic excellence.
Among the standout recognitions, women’s soccer head coach Brent Leiba earned Soccer Coach of the Year after steering the program to both Northeast Conference regular-season and tournament championships, culminating in an NCAA Tournament appearance. Leiba’s leadership has redefined the soccer program’s status, building on Howard’s impressive traditions and elevating the team to national relevance.
In golf, the Bison continued their dominance with Sam Puryear being named Golf Coach of the Year following back-to-back NEC titles, a remarkable feat that speaks to consistent high-level coaching and player development. Making program history, Paris Fieldings was awarded Women’s Golfer of the Year, a milestone that shines a spotlight on Howard’s burgeoning golf program and signals growth in sports not traditionally highlighted among HBCUs.
The men’s basketball program contributed significantly with guard Blake Harper earning the Men’s Basketball Player of the Year award. Harper’s achievement is further accentuated by his unique distinction of securing both Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference within the same season — a rare and impressive accomplishment that highlights his immediate impact on the court.
Off the playing field, Derek W. Bryant, Howard’s Sports Information Director, was recognized as Sports Information Director of the Year. Bryant’s role in amplifying the narrative of Howard athletics through strategic communications and media relations has been instrumental in raising the visibility of Bison sports to regional and national audiences.
This comprehensive sweep of awards reflects not only the athletes’ and coaches’ commitment to excellence but also underscores the administrative and operational strengths behind the scenes. Howard University’s ability to secure 16 nominations — the most among all HBCUs — and to convert several into victories exemplifies the depth and breadth of their athletic programs.
The 2025 HBCU Sports Awards, broadcast live on the HBCU Sports Channel, featured 46 award categories that honored student-athletes, coaches, and administrators across a variety of sports. Such recognition is indicative of the rising standards and fierce competitiveness of HBCU athletics, where Howard stands out as a leader.
Speaking on the occasion, Athletic Director Kery Davis remarked, “These awards are the result of relentless dedication by our athletes, coaches, and staff. They represent the hard work and tradition of excellence that defines Howard athletics.” Coach Brent Leiba added, “Winning Soccer Coach of the Year is an honor that reflects the collective effort of the entire team and the support of the Howard community.”
With recent successes also including MEAC all-sports honors for Howard women’s teams and dominant performances in softball, track and field, and volleyball, Howard University’s athletic program exemplifies a holistic model of competitiveness and tradition. Their recent history of championships, high graduation rates, and growing media presence positions them well as the new season approaches.
Looking ahead, Howard University’s strong foundation and momentum suggest continued dominance in multiple sports. Fans can anticipate higher levels of performance, potential breakout stars, and deeper runs in conference and NCAA tournaments. The Bison’s culture of winning, combined with strategic investments in coaching and athlete development, will likely ensure they remain at the forefront of HBCU athletics.
Upcoming events to watch include the start of the fall soccer and basketball seasons, where awarded coaches and players will seek to build on their recent accolades. Additionally, coming tournaments in golf and track promise more significant showcases for Howard’s talent.
The 2025 HBCU Sports Awards have, without question, highlighted the Bison’s comprehensive athletic prowess, echoing the rich legacy of Howard University within the broader HBCU sports ecosystem. The recognition sets a high bar and energizes the community for another thrilling year of competition and achievement.