Howard University Celebrates Major Wins at the 2025 HBCU Sports Awards, Solidifying Bison’s Athletic Dominance
Cross Roads, Texas – July 26, 2025 – Howard University made a commanding statement in the 2025 HBCU Sports Awards, capturing five major honors across various sports disciplines. The awards highlight the Bison’s rising prominence in HBCU athletics, marking a milestone for the university’s athletic programs and underscoring the deep talent and leadership across their teams.
At the forefront of Howard’s celebration was women’s soccer head coach Brent Leiba, who earned the highly coveted Soccer Coach of the Year award. Under Leiba’s guidance, the Bison women’s soccer team clinched their first-ever Northeast Conference Regular Season and Tournament Titles, posting an impressive 11-5-5 overall record and an 8-1-1 mark within the NEC. This exceptional season also led the Bison to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018. Leiba’s strategic acumen and deep commitment have revitalized the program after more than a decade at Howard, with this success adding to his previous accolades in the SWAC and enhancing the prestige of the program.
Blake Harper, a fresh standout in Howard’s men’s basketball roster, made history by becoming the first player in MEAC history to be awarded both Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the same season. Harper’s remarkable 6-foot-8 presence in the paint and contributing leadership on the court makes him a cornerstone for the Bison moving forward and a clear signal of Howard’s competitive strength in MEAC basketball. His dominance on the court has been a beacon for the program and an inspiration for incoming recruits aiming to elevate their game at an HBCU powerhouse.
Howard also secured honors in golf, with Sam Puryear named Golf Coach of the Year after leading the men’s golf team to back-to-back NEC championships. Demonstrating remarkable resolve, Puryear’s team overcame a seven-stroke deficit entering the final competition round, showcasing both talent and tenacity. Paralleling this achievement, Paris Fieldings earned the Women’s Golfer of the Year award, becoming the first Bison in Howard’s history to win the NEC Player of the Year—a testament to her skill and resilience on the course.
Derek W. Bryant, Howard’s Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations and Sports Information Director, completed the string of accolades by securing the Sports Information Director of the Year award. His role in amplifying Howard’s athletic narratives and managing the institution’s media presence has been vital as HBCU sports continue to build more national visibility through live streaming and digital engagement.
Howard dominated the nominations at the 2025 awards, leading all institutions with 16 nods across the various categories. This breadth of recognition not only spotlights individual excellence but also the university’s comprehensive commitment to fostering athletic success across multiple sports. The event streamed live on YouTube and covered 46 categories recognizing student-athletes, coaches, and administrators from HBCUs nationwide.
Beyond the awards, Howard University is gearing up for the 2025-26 season with enthusiasm and high expectations. Women’s soccer will kick off at home against North Florida at Greene Stadium on August 14, setting the stage for another competitive campaign. The men’s basketball team will look to build on Blake Harper’s standout debut with key conference matchups that could extend Howard’s dominance in MEAC play.
These accomplishments reflect more than athletic excellence—they echo the cultural significance of HBCU sports as platforms for leadership, opportunity, and community pride. Howard’s success this year resonates deeply with alumni who cherish the Bison’s legacy, students who carry the torch forward, and fans who see Howard as a beacon for HBCU athletics nationally.
Looking ahead, Howard University’s athletic programs are positioned to continue influencing the broader HBCU sports ecosystem. With strong coaching, emerging star athletes, and dedicated administrators, the Bison showcase how tradition, talent, and tenacity converge to elevate Black college sports. The continued momentum in recruitment, media exposure, and competitive performance will be critical as Howard aims to cement its status among the nation’s elite HBCU programs.
### Upcoming Games and Developments
Howard’s 2025-26 schedule promises exciting contests, starting with women’s soccer facing North Florida at Greene Stadium on August 14. The basketball season and other sports also anticipate competitive showdowns within the MEAC and NEC, with early football season games between prominent HBCUs such as North Carolina Central versus Southern, and Howard facing Florida A&M generating anticipation. These high-profile matchups will offer more chances for Howard athletes to shine on national stages, continuing the momentum earned through this year’s honors.
The 2025 HBCU Sports Awards have set a high bar for excellence, with Howard University leading the charge as a model program of competitive and cultural significance in Black college athletics.
By [Veteran HBCU Sports Journalist]