WASHINGTON (July 1, 2021) – Howard University Department of Athletics resumed its Senior Spotlight series with another grad edition, featuring soccer's Makaelah Murray (Stockton, Calif.), who was interviewed by media journalism & film major, rising senior Janae Bradford.
 
Q: What is your favorite part about soccer?
A: My favorite part about soccer is the team environment. Suiting up every match and getting ready to play with my teammates after all those long, hard days of practice was the best part, especially if we come away victorious!
 
Q: How did you get started in soccer?
A: When I was younger, my parents kept me involved in variety of sports, such as karate and softball, but soccer was the sport that stuck with me.
 
Q: What kept you motivated to play at the collegiate level?
A: Since I could remember, it was always a dream of mine. When I tore both my ACLs in high school, I became even more inspired to play at the collegiate level, so I could prove all the doubters wrong.
 
Q: If you weren't playing soccer, what sport would you play?
A: If I wasn't playing soccer, I would be playing volleyball.
 
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: Right now, my favorite athlete is Naomi Osaka (Japanese Professional Tennis Player). She is a smart, powerful force to be reckoned with, both on and off the court.
 
Q: What's your favorite memory at Howard?
A: My favorite memory at Howard is pre-gaming in the locker room with my teammates, screaming/singing "When I see you" by Fantasia (American Singer) before our soccer matches.
 
Q: Plans after graduation?
A: Recently, I started my year-long internship at Genentech where I will be working in Product Development: Global Clinical Operations. I am also preparing to apply for medical school.
 
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard and why?
A: I will miss being in an environment where there is an unsaid understanding of solidarity with one another.
 
I never realized how impactful an environment could be where you don't have to worry about being the only Black person in the room. I will miss that because it empowers you to embrace the situation at hand without worrying about anything.
 
Q: What advice would you give future Bison?
A: I would tell a future Bison to have fun! Oftentimes, I was worried about getting good grades, which is necessary for success, but don't allow it to consume you. Go out, enjoy and explore D.C. with your friends and find that sweet balance between getting your work done and having a fun social life.
 
Q: Who would you like to thank for your experience?
A: I would like to thank my amazing parents, over and over again, for the sacrifice and support they've provided my entire life.
 
Also, I would like to thank Coach Brent Leiba (Howard Women's Soccer head coach) for taking a chance on this junior college product, all the way from California!
 
About Murray:

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Stockton, Calif.
  • Major: Biology
    • Minor: Chemistry
• Athletic Achievements at Howard
  • Highest Team GPA
  • 2019 & 2020 MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team
• Academic Achievements at Howard
  • Research Scholarship Award Recipient
  • Graduated Summa Cum Laude

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