WASHINGTON (June 23, 2021) – Howard University legal communications major rising senior Lydia Jules continued the 2020-21 Senior Spotlight series with a grad edition, featuring New York native Nate Garvey (Nanuet).
 
Q: What is your favorite part about playing basketball?
A: My favorite part about playing basketball is building the relationships, seeing the hard work payoff while achieving my goals lets me know that anything is possible if I put my mind to it.
 
Q: Can you touch on the improvement that you saw from your freshman to senior year?
A: From my freshman to senior year, I went from coming off the bench to finally getting a chance to start. Even though there were challenging times, I persevered, which made me appreciate the process so much more.
 
Q: How did you get started in playing basketball?
A: My older brother actually got me started. He is about five years older than me, so because I wanted to be like him, I began playing basketball at age seven.
 
I tried football, but I wasn't the best (which is why I stuck to basketball, lol).
 
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: My family definitely kept me motivated, along with those who supported me throughout my college years.
 
My parents made many sacrifices, including their time and money into helping me cultivate this talent. Honestly, I just didn't want to disappoint them.
 
Q: You talked a bit about sacrifices, can you expand on the specific sacrifices that you had to make as a student-athlete at Howard University?
A: As a student-athlete, you definitely need to lock in much more.
 
Being at Howard, there are so many activities, so your time management needs to be on point. Saying "no" to certain things is extremely important and a must in remaining focused on your craft.
 
Another factor is that you're not really home. Once I committed, I was only spending maybe three to four weeks a year at home.
 
Q: If you weren't competing in basketball, what sport would you play?
A: Over the quarantine period, they removed all hoops. So, I started to play tennis – which I have gotten pretty good over the past couple months.
 
Q: Who is your role model?
A: My favorite athlete is definitely LeBron James (NBA Champion) because he does so much on and off the court. I see him as an amazing role model for young Black men and women alike. In my opinion, it's really hard to not like him and simply appreciate him for what he does. 
 
Q: What are your favorite memories at Howard University?
A: Basketball memory: I would have to say that one of my best basketball memories would be the night that we beat Hampton. There was so much emotion and happiness within the team in the locker room and I will truly never forget the feeling of beating one of our biggest rivals.  
 
Non-basketball memory: I have to say homecoming during my freshman year when Lil Uzi Vert (American Rapper) performed.
 
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I will begin working with a private equity firm back home as a financial analyst.
 
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
A: I will definitely miss all the lifelong bonds made with my friends at Howard.
 
Q: What advice would you give to future Bison?
A: Even though you may not know exactly what you would like to pursue as a career, you should remain open to various opportunities.
 
Organically, build friendships and networks, don't force it. Stay focused on your goals at Howard and don't let any distractions stop you.
 
Who would you like to thank?
A: I would like to thank all my professors, coaches, advisors and friends.
 
I am also incredibly thankful for those who have done so much for me (primarily my family). I want to thank my parents, my grandma and everyone in between.
 
There are so many people who have impacted my life here at Howard, but to name a few: Miss Hampton; Paul Bowden (Howard Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Support Services); Coach Kevin Nickelberry (former Howard Men's Basketball head coach); Kery Davis (Howard Director of Athletics) and especially Coach Kenneth Blakeney (Howard Men's Basketball head coach) for believing in me as a player.
 
I am so thankful for all the individuals that have impacted my life at Howard University. I would truly not be the man I am today without your constant love and support, thank you!
 
About Garvey:

• Personal
  • Hometown: Nanuet, N.Y.
  • Major: Finance
• Academic Achievements at Howard
  • 3x-MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team (2018, 2019 & 2020)
  • Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) President's Honor Roll (2018)

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