WASHINGTON (May 20, 2020) – Howard University rising senior Tiffany Hunt spoke with recent graduate Rochelle Blair (Parsippany, N.J.) from the women's soccer team, asking 10 questions for the 2019-20 Senior Profile series.
 
Q: What is your favorite part about soccer?
A: My favorite part about soccer is how the sport teaches you to rely on every single person on the field because everyone is responsible for each other, and we must know each other's strengths and weaknesses.
 
Q: How did you get started in soccer?
A: I began soccer at age three and I fell in love because of the consistent running; thus, allowing me to be active while interacting and meeting new people.
 
At age six, we started rotating positions on the field, and no one on my team wanted to be goalie, so I took on the challenge and immediately found my niche.
 
By third grade, I started training specifically for goalie.
 
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: I would say my overall love for the sport. Soccer is something that I've always enjoyed, and since growing up, the sport has traditionally been played in the fall.
 
For training, I would attend other leagues, such as indoor soccer, or continue playing over the summer, so I can play year-round.
 
Q: If you were not competing in soccer, what other sport would you do?
A: Before coming to Howard, I played basketball growing up. So, I would have pursued the sport if the opportunity presented itself. I love the sport's intensity and how different it is compared to soccer.
 
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: My favorite athlete is Alyson Felix because I admire her strength, work ethic and overall femininity. Also, I value her humbleness and how she represents herself.
 
Q: What is your favorite memory at Howard?
A: My favorite overall Howard memory is watching athletic events inside of Burr Gymnasium and outside at Greene Stadium. Overall, I think the support of student-athletes cheering on their peers is something I will miss.
 
Q: Plans after graduation?
A: After graduation, I plan to teach kids while spreading black love, knowledge, and make an overall impact on the education system. I want to be a positive face of what Howard's School of Education has to offer.
 
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
A: I will miss taking classes because the University is really its own utopia that I will never experience again. I will not be able to experience the overall culture and soul food Thursdays anywhere else.
 
Q: What advice would you give future Bison?
A: My advice to future Bison would be to visit the campus in the winter and summer times to make sure it is the right fit for you.
 
Also, take advantage and explore D.C. and see what it has to offer. During my time, I have had an opportunity to experience many events like the H Street Festival, the Cherry Blossoms and more.
 
Q: Who would you like to thank?
A: I would like to thank Mr. Paul Bowden (Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Support Services) because he has been helpful beyond measures to my friends and me. He has become a family friend, and has been the best person to help me with any challenges, whether it was within athletics, academics, etc. He is extremely multi-faceted, and one of Howard's greatest assets. 
 
About Blair
 
Rochelle Blair, the daughter of George and Diane Blair, graduated with a degree in elementary education. She grew up in Parsippany, N.J., where she started her soccer career at age three.
 
During her years at Parsippany Hills H.S., Blair was a four-year letter winner and obtained All-County and All-Conference honors. She was an honor roll student-athlete for the Vikings, serving as team captain during her junior and senior campaigns.
 
At HU, Blair was a member of the women's soccer team, serving as a goalie. In 2017, she made her collegiate debut at Arkansas Pine-Bluff. During her time, the New Jersey native was part of multiple championship teams, including the 2018 squad that won the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament title en route to a NCAA Tournament appearance.
 
Blair plans to put her degree into play, teaching kids while representing Howard's School of Education.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.