WASHINGTON (May 26, 2021) – Howard University broadcast journalism major Maya Brown-Edwards resumed the 2021 Senior Spotlight series with a graduate edition, featuring Chris McGhan (Springfield, Va.) from the men's soccer team.
 
Q: How were you first introduced to soccer? What is your favorite part about the sport?
A: I was first introduced to soccer by my sister at five years old and my favorite part is playing because nothing tops the feeling after a solid individual performance and great team win.
 
Q: What stood out about Howard University in particular that made you attend?
A: After transferring from VMI (Virginia Military Institute) at the end of my freshman year, I was looking for a school with a top-notch education.
 
I knew Howard was one of the best institutions in D.C. and the nation, so I reached out to Coach Phillip Gyau (Howard men's soccer head coach). After my campus visit, I knew Howard was the place for me.
 
Q: How were you able to balance being a student-athlete?
A: It was challenging because there were a lot of sleepless nights (lol), but I always managed to prioritize my studies. There were days where I would leave my dorm room at 6 a.m. to attend practice and not return until 10 p.m.; however, I made sure to finish my assignments on time.
 
Q: Name your top 3 pre-game hype songs.
A: My top 3 pre-game hype songs:

• "Dreams and Nightmares" by Meek Mill
• "Volcano" by Shy Glizzy
• "How I'm Coming" by Shy Glizzy

 
Q: Who made the greatest impact on you during your time at Howard?
A: I can't say one person made the biggest impact on me, but I'll say my coaching staff taught me so much. I'd like to thank Coach Gyau, Emile Mbouh, Matthew Arrington, and Philipp Wenk for everything during my time at Howard.
 
Q: What change have you seen in yourself since your first year to senior year at Howard personally and/or athletically?
A: Howard really changed my perspective on so many different things in so many different ways. I'm a completely different person now compared to when I first stepped on campus. I feel blessed to have met so many amazing people while creating ever-lasting memories.
 
Q: Who is your favorite all-time athlete and why?
A: My favorite athlete will always be Didier Drogba (Ivorian soccer player) because I've always been a Chelsea FC fan growing up and Drogba was their best player, scoring incredible goals. He made me fall in love with the game.
 
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
A: Above all, I will miss spending time with my coaches and teammates. From jokes in the locker room after practice to the hours spent just talking in the cafe, I'm going to miss every single person that was involved with our program. Also, I'm leaving with many of my brothers that arrived at the same time with me.
 
Q: Share your favorite Howard memory.
A: My favorite Howard memory was knocking off rival Georgia Southern, 2-1, in 2019. We were down, 1-0, for a majority of the match, and then I scored my first collegiate goal with five minutes to play. With less than two minutes remaining, we scored again and the celebrations afterward were wild.
 
Q: What are your plans post-graduation?
A: I plan to play soccer professionally abroad.
 
Q: Any advice would you give the next incoming class?
A: You control your own fate these next four years and beyond because every opportunity to achieve your goals are there for you. Don't second guess yourself, go for it.
 
About McGhan:

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Springfield, Va.
  • Major: Supply Chain Management
• Academics:
  • Two-Time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Commissioner's All-Academic Team selection

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