WASHINGTON (April 29, 2020) – Howard University sophomore public relations major A'Maiya Allen spoke with men's soccer student-athlete Tyler Hartman (Havre De Grace, Md.), asking nine questions for the 2019-20 Senior Profile series.
 
Q: What is your favorite part about soccer?
A: I really enjoy the competitiveness and the atmosphere of being with the team. It is like a brotherhood and that is one of the biggest things I miss right now. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), I am not able to give a proper goodbye to all my teammates and coaches.
 
Q: How and when did you start playing soccer?
A: I have been playing my entire life, starting at age two. In middle school, I played with a club team and kept going from there. The academy was a big factor because you get recruited by colleges.
 
Q: What has kept you motivated throughout the four years?
A: My family and great friends kept me motivated throughout my college years because being a student-athlete has its challenges. My family pushed me without putting any pressure on me.
 
Also, my teammates were along for the ride, so they always had my back.
 
Q: Who is your biggest sports inspiration?
A: I really love watching Argentina's star Diego Maradona, he is arguably one of the greatest all-time players in the sport. My coach Emile Mbouh (Howard Men's Soccer Assistant Coach) is one of my favorites too.
 
Another inspiration outside of soccer is Michael Jordan because I really appreciate basketball and he is one of the greats on and off the court. His mentality can translate into all sports, not just basketball.
 
Q: What is your favorite soccer or Howard memory?
A: There have been a couple great memories throughout my college years.
 
I remember going on trips and arriving in cities the night before matches, and my teammates and I would spend time going to each other's rooms or exploring the cities.
 
Although Howard's Class of 2020 is small, our team was senior heavy. So, we invested playing our best every match because this was our final season together.
 
Q: Plans after graduation?
A: There are many opportunities with a degree in Sports Management. Luckily, my family has a business and I will probably work with them once I graduate. From there, I will save money, live on my own and be on the job search in my field. Ideally, I would like to still be involved in soccer, either as a coach or managing a club.
 
Q: Why did you choose Howard?
A: I was looking into a few different schools, but I wanted to play soccer. My thought process going into the decision was that every team is pretty much the same. So, the school's atmosphere was going to play a big factor into my decision.
 
Howard was one of the first schools I visited, and I loved it! Everyone was super nice and accepting, and I was impressed with how they welcomed their freshmen and I already knew the coaches.
 
I visited a few other schools and I did not get the same vibe. I am happy with my choice because it turned out to be great one.
 
Q: What will you miss most about Howard?
A: I will miss my teammates and the Howard experience because it is a different culture from anywhere else. Honestly, I could go on forever trying to explain, but it is really something you must experience for yourself.
 
The biggest thing I will miss are my friends, teammates and the culture.
 
Q: Parting words to the rest of your team?
A: My parting words to my teammates are staying focus, having fun and keep doing what is best for you. College is a very important time in your life with huge opportunities. So, you have two options: either waste it or take advantage of everything inside the classroom and on the field.
 
About Hartman
 
Tyler Hartman was a four-year member for the men's soccer team where he competed in over 30 matches.
 
In sophomore campaign, he scored the match-winning goal on the road at VMI (Sept. 20, 2017). That same year, Hartman earned a pair of academic accolades: Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Commissioner's All-Academic Team and Sun Belt Academic Honor Roll.
 
After graduation, the Maryland native looks to put his Sports Management degree into the sport he loves, either as a coach or managing a club.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.