WASHINGTON (April 22, 2020) – Howard University junior broadcast journalism major Tiffany Hunt reached out to her women's lacrosse teammate Latroya Pina (Seekonk, Mass.), who is also a former member of the swimming & diving team, asking a dozen questions for the 2019-20 Senior Profile series.
 
Q: What's your favorite part about lacrosse?
A: My favorite part about lacrosse is being able to play defense and to participate in a full contact sport, where I can showcase my athleticism.
 
Q: How did you get started in lacrosse?
A: The lacrosse program was looking for prospects who were interested in trying out. Immediately, I appreciated what the sport had to offer, and I instantly connected with everyone on the team, creating an everlasting bond.
 
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: No doubt, my teammates kept me motivated. Although I was new to the sport, I wanted to master it and make an impact immediately.
 
Q: If you were not competing in lacrosse or swimming, what other sport would you do?
A: I would run track because swimming has a lot of similarities. With both sports, you can compete individually, and I love the responsibility and pressure that is put upon a track runner, since they're representing themself.
 
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: My favorite athlete is Alia Atkinson. Despite being a super-fast swimmer, she is very down to earth and gives other swimmers advice and tips to become better athletes.
 
Q: How has being invited to the Summer Olympics changed your life?
A: Well, it's an opportunity that most people dream about. It's changed my life because I never expected that I would get this opportunity.
 
After qualifying, I proved to the people of my country that there are no limits and you can achieve anything. Having this once in a lifetime opportunity is something I will truly cherish forever, and I'm extremely grateful to be a black face in a predominantly white sport.
 
Q: How do you balance your Olympic training with your lacrosse training?
A: Well, I get up at 3:30 a.m. to drive 25 minutes away to jump in the pool at 4 a.m. and swim until 6 a.m. Then, I drive back to campus and run on the Greene Stadium turf and join lacrosse practice until 8 a.m.
 
I have a love and passion for both sports and I'm extremely dedicated to making both work.
 
Q: What's your favorite memory at Howard?
A: I've had so many great memories, it's hard to choose one. Overall, I would say enjoying my time with friends.
 
Q: Plans after graduation?
A: My immediate plans after graduation is to continue my swim training in preparation for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
 
After the Olympics, I will continue my education by applying for medical school.
 
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
A: I will miss my teammates for the amazing bond and vibe we have created. Also, the friends that I made along my collegiate career at The Mecca.
 
Q: What advice would you give future Bison?
A: My advice to future Bison would be to enjoy your freshman year but stay focus. Freshman year is a great way to give yourself a strong platform, starting with a high grade point average. So, during your time at Howard, you have built a strong foundation to rely on.
 
Q: Who would you like to thank?
A: I would like to thank Mr. B (Paul Bowden, Howard Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Support Services & Women's Lacrosse Interim Head Coach) because he has always been there for me. He was always someone I can go to for advice, especially with any personal challenges.
 
About Pina
 
Latroya Pina hails from Seekonk, Mass., and is currently a HU graduate student. She is undergoing her second degree at Howard, pursuing a master's degree in biology.
 
During her undergraduate years at The Mecca, Pina was a dual student-athlete, competing for HU's swimming and diving team, as well as, playing on the women's lacrosse team.
 
Towards the end of her undergraduate career (2018), Pina had the opportunity to participate at the 14th annual FINA World Swimming Championships, that took place in Hangzhou, China.
 
Aside from being a star on the lacrosse field, her primary focus is training for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), The Games were postponed until 2021.
 
Along with her many swimming and lacrosse accomplishments in competition, Pina strived in the classroom. In 2018, Pina was named to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) President's Honor Roll and was selected to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Commissioner's All-Academic Team twice (2018 & 2019).
 
Currently, Pina is continuing to complete her master's degree in biology and plans to continue her training for the upcoming Summer Olympics. After the Olympics, the Massachusetts native will continue her education, applying for medical school.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.