WASHINGTON (June 29, 2021) – Howard University media, journalism and film major
Janae Bradford continued the Senior Spotlight series with a grad edition, featuring soccer's
Olivia Raymond-Williams (Seattle).
Q: What is your favorite part about soccer?
A: My favorite part about soccer is the team aspect because having that solidified community, making those connections and being active is always something I enjoy.
Q: How did you get started in soccer?
A: When I was younger, my parents placed me in different sports, but I gravitated towards soccer. So, I stuck with it and the sport will now always be a part of my life.
Q: What kept you motivated to play at the collegiate level?
A: At first, I didn't want to play college soccer because I hyperextended my knee during high school and took time to recover. But once I got to college, I realized that my life was not complete without soccer. I really wouldn't be the person I am today without the sport. So, I pursued soccer at the collegiate level.
Q: If you weren't playing soccer, what sport would you play?
A: If I wasn't playing soccer, I would definitely be playing basketball. For a long time, basketball and volleyball were my indoor sports. But I couldn't be on travel teams, so I decided to play soccer. If I hadn't done that, I definitely would still be playing basketball.
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: My favorite athletes are
Michelle Akers (World Cup Champion) and
Ray Allen (NBA Champion) because they were a big part of my childhood and did amazing things in their respective sports, along with outside of competition.
Q: What's your favorite memory at Howard?
A: My favorite Howard memory is kind of hard to say because there's so many different experiences that you have at HU (lol). But, I would probably narrow it down to either going on a trip with the soccer team or homecomings.
Q: Plans after graduation?
A: I'm going to law school in August and I am super excited! After that, I will be pursuing a career in education policy.
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard and why?
A: There's nothing I really miss at Howard because everything in life has a purpose in that particular moment; however, HU was a great experience because I was surrounded by an all-Black community.
Q: What advice would you give future Bison?
A: My advice to future Bison would be to really embrace your time at Howard. Don't take the safe spaces for granted because it's really an opportunity for every individual to find themselves. Your experiences at Howard will definitely shape you into being more knowledgeable about your purpose in life. It's definitely a great opportunity to learn.
Q: Who would you like to thank for your experience?
A: I would like to first thank the Howard women's soccer team because they did so much for me. Second, my high school teacher for pushing me to apply to Howard.
About Raymond-Williams:
- Personal
- Hometown: Seattle, Wash.
- Major: Criminology
- Academic Achievements
- Made the Dean's List
- Fulbright Scholarship
- MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
