WASHINGTON (June 30, 2021) – Howard University rising senior public relations major, sports administration minor A'Maiya Allen chats with volleyball's Fola Wilson (Minneapolis) for the Senior Spotlight series.
 
Q: Describe your Howard experience in one word:
A: If I could describe my Howard experience in one word, it would be "opportunities." I received so many career opportunities just because I went to Howard, which helped me become successful.
 
Q: What was your favorite Howard memory?
A: Definitely, homecoming my junior year. We got to experience the usual festivities in person and being around my friends was just great vibes.
 
Q: When did you start playing volleyball and how did you choose Howard?
A: I started playing volleyball in fourth grade because my friends were playing too. I also played basketball and softball, but ultimately decided to stick with volleyball in sixth grade because that was my best sport.
 
I chose Howard because I wanted to attend a school that would challenge me, academically and athletically. Being in D.C. has opened doors for my career and I'm grateful.
 
Q: What was your favorite volleyball memory?
A: In general, my sophomore year had so many great memories. Before matches, we would always get hype in the locker room and listen to music by Rico Nasty (American Rapper). That environment was so much fun because it really felt like we were a team.
 
Q: Who is a volleyball player you admire?
A: My former teammate Khaila Donaldson, who was a senior on our team during my freshman year. I really admired her ability to be resilient, consistent and dependable.
 
From the start of the season, she understood how to communicate with the underclassmen on the team. She took the time to learn about us as people, not just players.
 
Besides natural athleticism, those are traits that I really admire in volleyball players. I believe we can all have great skills, but a person's good character is what truly makes them admirable.
 
Q: What are your game day essentials?
A: First, I must listen to music all morning to clear my head of any distractions.
 
Sometimes, if I'm nervous about a match, I write down affirmations to plan out what I need to accomplish to have a successful match.
 
Lastly, I make sure I'm being nice to my body -- staying hydrated and eating a balanced breakfast.
 
Q: Now that you're an alumna, what piece of advice would you give to your freshman year self?
A: I would tell freshman year Fola to be more independent and put effort into all aspects of college, not just volleyball. As a freshman, I would tend to focus on one or two things at a time.
 
As a graduate, I've had some regrets about not taking internship opportunities and not spending more time on my social life. So, I would tell myself to understand my values and not just what is expected of me, but what I actually want to achieve.
 
Q: Throughout the pandemic, what has been your silver lining?
A: This time has forced me to prioritize myself.
 
Throughout COVID-19, I was able to apply to grad school, get an internship and a full-time job offer. I was able to focus on my mental, emotional and physical health and truly do what was best for me. That focus led me to a lot of amazing opportunities.
 
Q: What advice would you give to volleyball players who want to play at an HBCU?
A: I would recommend getting in contact with coaches early while attending camps. During the camps, feel free to ask coaches how you can improve and discuss your strengths and weaknesses as a player.
 
Especially now, there are a lot of students who want to play at an HBCU. So, if you don't hear a response back from a program, don't be afraid to follow up with an email. Kindness, respect and showing dedication, on and off the court, can go a long way too.
 
Lastly, don't get discouraged if one school isn't the right fit for you because there are 130 HBCUs and many are Division I programs. There is sure to be a school that's perfect for you.
 
About Wilson:

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn.
  • Major: Political Science
• Athletic Achievements at Howard
  • 3x-MEAC Champion
  • 1,000 Dig Club
  • All-MEAC Selection (2018)
  • 3x-MEAC Defensive Specialists of the Week
• Academic Achievements at Howard
  • 2x-MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team (2018 & 2019)

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