WASHINGTON (June 24, 2020) – Howard University rising senior sports management major, minor in journalism, Jayla Thornton talked with recent graduate Kamryn Tillman (Snellville, Ga.) from the softball team, asking 10 questions for the 2019-20 Senior Profile series.
 
Q: What's your favorite part about softball?
A: My favorite part is watching my teammates get better. I enjoy seeing my own personal growth, but witnessing your teammates overcoming challenges is a joyful feeling, especially when you have partaken in their drive to get better.
 
Q: How did you get started in softball?
A: Before softball, I was a competitive swimmer until age eight. My family moved to a new county in Georgia where all the girls played softball. After seeing softball on tv while being mesmerized by the athleticism, I wanted to play.
 
Also, the sport was a great way to meet new friends.
 
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: The love for my teammates and sport motivated me to finish. At times, I was burnt out, but the love for my teammates encouraged me to keep going and work hard.
 
Q: If you weren't competing in softball, what other sport would you do?
A: I would either play volleyball because of the logistics and techniques associated with the sport or return to swimming.
 
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: My favorite athlete is Serena Williams. As a woman who constantly carries herself with poise and confidence, that is how I inspire to be as I transition into a professional adult.
 
Serena Williams has always been given the "short-end of the stick." Yet, she never lets comments or criticism from others stop her from dominating.
 
Q: What's your favorite memory at Howard?
A: Sports-wise, my favorite memory was traveling and participating in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament. My junior year, we were predicted to finish near the bottom of our conference but surprised everyone and finished third overall. The memories my teammates and Coach Tori Tyson (Howard Softball head coach) made that year were unforgettable.
 
During our time at the conference championships in Florida, we had water balloon fights, beach workouts and fellowship among each other. I will truly miss and cherish those memories.
 
Q: Plans after graduation?
A: In July, I will be relocating to Indianapolis and working full-time with Eli Lilly and Company. There, I will be working in the lab on therapeutic drugs/treatments produced by the country.
 
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
A: There's so many things I'll miss at Howard.
 
I will miss my teammates because of the fun nights, long talks, and endless laughs. Also, the coaching staff for always being there for me whether it was sports-related or just life in general.
 
I will miss playing softball, especially my teammates pushing me to get better. Since graduating in May, I miss having a trainer and workout partners.
 
I will miss the locker room, Burr Gymnasium, and the long bus rides. Howard Department of Athletics will always have a special place in my heart.
 
In all, I will miss being a student-athlete while influencing others to always give their best.
 
Q: What advice would you give future Bison?
A: I have so many advices for future Bison.
 
First is to never let up because you never know when you played your last game, scored your final touchdown or goal, etc. Cherish every moment like it's your last and always live in the moment.
 
Also, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Always be confident, be fearless, and be you!
 
During your entire college experience, love yourself and accept the growth that comes because you will look back and be proud of yourself at the end. But remember, with growth comes challenges. So, look at every challenge as a way to get better!
 
Finally, be extremely proud as a student-athlete at HOWARD UNIVERSITY because not many people can say they played collegiate sports at an amazing institution like The Mecca.
 
Q: Who would you like to thank?
A: I would like to thank Coach Tyson, Coach Jazmyn Jackson, and Coach Taylor White (Howard Softball assistant coach) for giving me the tools to improve my craft every day. Each coach pushed me to be a better student-athlete, teammate, and leader.
 
Also, I want to thank my teammates because they're my sisters and I will always have their back. Thank you for the endless laughs, jokes, growth, and changes you have allowed me to experience. I hope I made the same impact on you as you did on me.
 
Thank you to HU Department of Athletics for your endless support to our team and vision. With your support, our recognition of success was acknowledged and noticed.
 
Lastly, thank you Howard University for an unforgettable college experience. I am blessed for the lifetime friends, education, opportunities, and endless memories that I'll never forget.
 
About Tillman
 
Kamryn Tillman was a four-year member of the softball team where she took part in nearly 130 games, playing multiple positions, including third base and outfield.
 
During her sophomore campaign, she led the squad with a .337 batting average in 34 contests played (32 starts).
 
Tillman won numerous academic awards off the field, including MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic honors three times (2018, 2019, & 2020) and 2018 Eastern College Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll.
 
In Spring 2020, the Georgia native graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Starting July, Tillman will be working full-time with Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis where she will be working in the lab on therapeutic drugs/treatments produced by the country.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.