WASHINGTON (March 31, 2021) – Howard University Department of Athletics brings back the Senior Spotlight series where we ask graduating student-athletes multiples human interest questions.
 
The series kicks off with junior Monét Bowen asking her track teammate Rachel Edler (Stone Mountain, Ga.) 10 questions for the 2020-21 Senior Spotlight series.
 
Q: What is your favorite part about track?
 
A: I love how track has brought me closer to so many people because I consider many of my teammates lifelong friends. A lot of the memories that we've made over the years will stay with me forever.
 
Q: How did you get started in track?
 
A: I tried out for the track team in the eighth grade after being a gymnast all my life. My coach saw my height and thought I had a lot of potential. My mom was a hurdler in college, so she also persuaded me. And the rest is history (lol).
 
Q: What kept you motivated?
 
A: Having goals set for myself is what kept me motivated. I always want to become the best version of myself, so knowing that I had goals to achieve really helped keep me going. Whenever I would achieve any of those goals, big or small, the feeling was so rewarding.
 
Q: If you were not competing in track, what other sport would you do?
 
A: Definitely wished I tried volleyball at some point in my life.
 
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
 
A: Serena Williams is my favorite athlete because of her ability to conquer, no matter the circumstances!
 
Q: What's your favorite memory at Howard?
 
A: I have two favorite memories — my trips to Egypt and South Africa.
 
Q: Plans after graduation?
 
A: I will be working at HubSpot as an Associate Marketing Manager. HubSpot is based in Boston, but the position is remote, so I will be working in Atlanta.
 
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
 
A: I already miss so much because I've been home since March 2020 due to COVID-19, but I definitely miss how close my friends were to me. Now that this chapter is coming to a close, I will now have to visit all of my friends in different cities! I miss my teammates, coaches, and every wonderful individual that became friends during my time at Howard.
 
Q: What advice would you give future Bison?
 
A: My advice to future Bison is to utilize every opportunity that is given to you. There are so many unique opportunities that Howard has given me and I am extremely grateful for each and every one of them.
 
Q: Who would you like to thank?
 
A: I would like to thank the coaches and my family for being so supportive. Being able to experience Howard Track & Field is truly a blessing.
 
About Edler

• Events: Triple Jump & Long Jump
• Major: Computer Information Systems
• Hometown: Stone Mountain, Georgia
• Athletic accomplishments at Howard
  • Indoor school record holder in the triple jump with 12.25 meters
• Academic accomplishments at Howard
  • Dean's List every semester
  • Graduating summa cum laude
  • Minimum 3.80 GPA
  • Two-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Commissioner's All-Academic Team selection (2019 & 2020)

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.