WASHINGTON (July 2, 2020) – Howard University rising junior legal communications major Lydia Jules caught up with Detroit native Noel Merritt from the softball team, asking 10 questions for the 2019-20 Senior Profile series.
 
Q: What is your favorite part of being a student-athlete at Howard?
A: My favorite part about being a student-athlete is that I represent the school in a unique way, and I love that.
 
Also, we represent and contribute towards a much bigger picture as an HBCU student-athlete.
 
Q: How did you get started in softball?
A: My mom played softball and she really wanted me to play! When I was younger, I played many sports, but I had a natural love for softball. So, once I started in high school, I focused solely on softball.
 
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: I joined the team as a walk-on, so that always kept me motivated. During my four years, I had a chip on my shoulder and wanted to prove that I belong on the team. Over the years, I surpassed my expectations while gaining more confidence in myself.
 
Q: If you were not competing in softball, what sport would you play?
A: Definitely, I would compete in either cheerleading or basketball.
 
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: My favorite athlete is Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka because of her resiliency.
 
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: Currently, nothing is set in stone right now; however, my No. 1 goal is to make the Summer Olympics in Tokyo at some capacity.
 
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
A: First and foremost, I will miss my teammates so much because the sisterhood that we built really became something very special during my time at Howard.
 
Also, I'll miss my trainers and Mr. Paul Bowden (Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Support Services).
 
Q: What advice would you give to future Bison?
A: My advice to future Bison is to take advantage of every opportunity because the four years fly by quickly. You never know what life throws at you like a pandemic, cutting your experience short!
 
Q: Who would you like to thank at Howard?
A: There's several people I would like to thank.
 
I would like to thank Coach Lauren McCoy for seeing my potential because many coaches did not.
 
Also, Coach Tori Tyson (Howard Softball head coach) for being there outside of softball. I am so grateful to have you as a coach.
 
My parents and friend for their undying support during my time at Howard.
 
Lastly, I want to thank my senior teammates for helping me become a better leader.
 
Q: Lasting remarks?
A: Howard Department of Athletics and Howard Softball have so much promise and I look for them to continue the momentum. Also, the importance for more representation of black people in all areas and industries. Next time the team takes the field, they'll have more pride and win a championship!
 
About Merritt
 
Noel Merritt walked on as a four-year member of the softball team (2017-20), playing primarily in the outfield.
 
In her four seasons at The Mecca, she competed in over 85 contests. Off the field, she was named to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Commissioner's All-Academic Team three times (2018, 2019, & 2020).
 
Over the summer, the Detroit native graduates with a bachelor's degree in international business and minor in Japanese, concentrating in Asian studies.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.