WASHINGTON (May 13, 2020) – Howard University rising junior public relations major A'Maiya Allen spoke with recent graduate Brandon Hood (Brooklyn, N.Y.) from the men's soccer team, asking nine questions for the 2019-20 Senior Profile series.
 
Q: How and when did you start playing soccer?
A: I started playing soccer at five years old when my mom took me to one of her friend's academies, and I have been playing ever since.
 
Q: What has been your driving force throughout your academic and athletic career?
A: Growing up and coming from a third world country, I witnessed the sacrifices my mother made to send me to school while providing for the family. This drove me to take everything seriously, so I can become successful and eventually provide for her and the rest of my family.
 
Q: Who is your biggest sports inspiration?
A: My biggest sports inspiration is the late Kobe Bryant. Since I was a kid, I have been a fan because he was my dad's favorite player. I try to emulate his work ethic with the Mamba Mentality not just in soccer, but in other aspects of my life as well.
 
Q: What has been your favorite soccer memory at Howard?
A: My favorite soccer memory was during my first home game freshman year against Robert Morris because the atmosphere and support we received from the fans was indescribable.
 
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After graduation, I will be working full-time as an analyst at JPMorgan & Chase in their Washington, D.C. regional headquarters.
 
Q: What will you miss most about Howard?
A: I will mostly miss being around my friends and the Howard culture. The vibes and family atmosphere are unlike any other school or place. In my opinion, there is no place like Howard.
 
Q: What message would you give to your freshman-year self?
A: I would have told myself to build a strong support system or find a mentor. At Howard, there are a lot of processes that are new, and sometimes challenging to navigate. Having a strong support system can be a great resource to assist you in finding internships and job opportunities while receiving guidance in life.
 
Q: What makes your team special?
A: The diversity makes our team so special because we are all different. I have learned a lot from my teammates because every individual specializes in something and I can relate to everyone in unique ways.
 
Q: What message would you leave for the rest of your team?
A: I want to tell my teammates to remain focused, both academically and athletically. I am hopeful that everything will be back to normal soon, so they can be back on the field doing what they do best.
 
About Hood
 
Brandon Hood was a four-year member of the Howard University men's soccer team where he played over 30 matches as a forward for the Bison.
 
He excelled off the field during his collegiate career, making the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Commissioner's All-Academic Team twice (2018 & 2019) and the 2017-2018 Sun Belt Academic Commissioner's List.
 
In Spring 2020, Hood graduated with a bachelor's degree in finance and has already accepted a full-time position as an analyst at JPMorgan & Chase in their Washington, D.C. headquarters.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.