WASHINGTON (May 26, 2020) – Howard University rising junior public relations major A'Maiya Allen had an opportunity to chat with recent graduate Skylar Smith (Los Angeles) from the women's swimming & diving team, asking nine questions for the 2019-20 Senior Profile series.
 
Q: What is your favorite part about swimming?
A: That's a good one! Well, I love the team environment because even though swimming is an individual sport, I like how we compete to earn points for the team.
 
Throughout my swimming career, I've always had great teammates, which motivated me to be better. I like how the sport has both aspects in terms of scoring points not only for yourself, but for the team as well.
 
Q: How and when did you start swimming?
A: I started swimming during my freshman year in high school. We had a swim team, so I tried out and became pretty good. My career escalated from there.
 
Q: What has kept you motivated these past four years?
A: My teammates kept me motivated because they always reminded me to take things one lap, practice, and day at a time when times were challenging.
 
Also, my parents have been a big influence in my college and swimming career. They have always told me to finish what I've started.
 
Q: Why did you choose Howard?
A: I love this question! I'm from California, so Howard is pretty much across the world. I chose HU for several reasons.
 
First, I wanted a different environment while getting away from home. I can always go back home, but I knew Howard would be a different experience.
 
Also, I wanted to attend an HBCU. Before Howard, I attended predominantly white and Persian schools.
 
Lastly, Howard was the only HBCU with a swim team, so I knew the University was the right chose for me. I love HU.
 
Q: What is one thing you will miss about Howard?
A: Springtime, who doesn't love Howard in the spring?!? From September to February, my favorite competitions take place during the swim season. My spring semester starts off with a bang in conference competition, which is our biggest time of the year.
 
Since I'm from California, I love the heat. So, when it's hot outside, there are parties, and everyone is always happy. Meeting new people over the years is something I'm going to miss too.
 
And of course, my teammates!
 
Q: Favorite swimming and/or Howard memory?
A: My favorite memory is this year's conference championship. After looking back at my career, this was my final collegiate swim meet and everything went perfect.
 
Our team is family-oriented, so we're together 24/7. At the conference meet, everyone put on a show with personal bests and record-breaking performances. We raised the bar this year and finishing my career on a high note was a great feeling.
 
Also, my family was there to support me in my final race. Our coaches hosted a dinner and it was great, everything was just so perfect!
 
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I'm planning on attending graduate school and figuring out from there. Also, I'm open to new opportunities, so I've been looking at different internships.
 
I'm a sports medicine major, so I planned to go the PA (physician assistant) route, but I'm still open.
 
Q: The most special thing about Howard?
A: The people make Howard so great! Like any other university, Howard has its challenges, but the people care for each other. Everyone helps each other and you're never alone, so it's a family-oriented atmosphere. When you meet people, you never know who they're going to be after graduation. Since my time at Howard, I've met great people from all over the world.
 
Also, my coaches are so special because they've guided me throughout my years. I consider my coaches family. I'll miss going to their office every day.
 
Q: Any parting words for the rest of the team?
A: My advice is to use this opportunity to the fullest because we often take a lot of things for granted. Looking back, I realized how fast time flew.
 
I wish my teammates the absolute best because we've been through so much together. Through those challenging times, we pushed each other. At times, it might feel like you can't do it, but it's all going to be worth it in the end.
 
About Smith
 
Skylar Smith was a four-year member of the women's swimming & diving team where she competed in the freestyle events. Her primary events included the 100-yard, 200-yard and 500-yard freestyles.
 
In Spring 2020, the Los Angeles native graduated after majoring in sports medicine with a minor in chemistry. She plans to attend graduate school while pursuing a career as a physician assistant.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.