WASHINGTON (June 30, 2020) – Howard University rising senior sports management major Nicholas Turk chatted with teammate Javauni Garwood (Portmore, Jamaica) from the men's soccer team, asking 11 questions for the 2019-20 Senior Profile series.
 
Q: What is your favorite part about soccer?
A: Honestly, I love everything about soccer whether it's the excitement of making a good pass or scoring the winning goal. There's nothing like competing for 90 minutes.
 
But it's more than just the sport itself because our team is a family and we set goals to reach this season.
 
Q: How did you and soccer meet?
A: At age nine, my father enrolled me into a soccer camp during the summer and I didn't really like it. But around age 11, I really got serious playing for my primary school and realized that I'm pretty good and fell in love with the sport.
 
Q: What motivated you and what kept you motivated?
A: Playing professional soccer was every kid's dream in Jamaica. Around age 12, coaches started to identify talented kids with potential so they can groom and play together. In Jamaica, the best players competed in a knockout competition. This was motivating because I wanted to prove we were the best.
 
Also, watching the sport on television was a big motivation because I want to play at that level.
 
Q: If you were not a soccer player, what sport would you play?
A: Honestly, I would have competed in track and field because that was my first love. As a child, we always raced each other to see who was the fastest. I see myself running the 400-meter dash.
 
Also, the sport is very popular in Jamaica with so many role models.
 
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: My favorite athlete is Brazil's standout Marcelo because he plays my position as a defender. He is a savvy player with elegance and pure precision. Although he's a left back, he is a prolific attacker and vital member to his team. His ability to excel at both positions makes him a well-rounded player, that's why he's my favorite.
 
Also, on social media, he seems to have an amazing personality on and off the field.
 
Q: Why Howard?
A: I chose Howard for a few reasons.
 
Before arriving at Howard, I knew a couple students planning to attend HU at my high school. So, I knew if I had any challenges, they were able to help.
 
Another reason was Howard's rich history of successful Caribbean alumni. Of course, I hope to add my name to that list.
 
Lastly, HU ranks among the top academic institutions in the county. So, this was a great opportunity I couldn't pass on. This choice gave me a chance to attend medical school while playing collegiate soccer at the NCAA Division I level. So, it was a win-win scenario.
 
Q: What is your favorite memory at Howard?
A: My favorite memory at Howard is scoring a goal on Senior Night. Due to an injury, I missed the previous match and returned to action to score my first collegiate goal. That was an amazing moment because I celebrated with my teammates.
 
Q: What will you miss when you leave?
A: Definitely, I'll miss the camaraderie with my teammates and friendships I made off the field. Also, I'll miss my professors and advisors, which I've grown to respect and admire.
 
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: My plans after graduation is to continue my studies while enrolling into medical school.
 
Q: What do you say to those coming after you?
A: Don't take this opportunity for granted, that's my advice because this will be the best moments of your life as you build your character. Enjoy your time at HU while balancing schoolwork, sports, and social life.
 
Q: Who would you like to thank?
A: I would like to thank all my soccer coaches throughout my life. They've helped me come a better student-athlete and person overall.
 
Also, my parents and family members for their endless support through the challenging times.
 
Lastly, I would like to thank Dr. Asher, Mr. Cunningham, Howard Department of Athletics, and my friends for joining me on this journey at Howard University. Without them, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
 
About Garwood
 
Javauni Garwood was a four-year member of the men's soccer team where he played in over 40 contests, serving as a defender. He chose HU because of its rich history of Caribbean alumni and academic excellence.
 
On Senior Night (Oct. 29, 2019), Garwood scored his first collegiate goal against St. Bonaventure.
 
Off the field, he excelled inside the classroom, making the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Commissioner's All-Academic Team three times (2018, 2019 & 2020) and the 2017-18 Sun Belt Academic Honor Roll.
 
In Spring 2020, the Jamaica native graduates with a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. He also published a biological research paper. After graduation, he plans to continue his studies and enroll into medical school.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.