WASHINGTON (July 9, 2021) – Howard University Department of Athletics continued its Senior Spotlight series with another grad edition, featuring soccer's Aleeya Sawyer (Lincolnshire, Ill.), who was interviewed by legal communications major, rising senior Lydia Jules.
 
Q: What is your favorite part about playing soccer?
A: My favorite part about playing soccer has been seeing my teammates and I improve over the years.
 
I also love being in competitive environments and being a part of a team.
 
Q: Touch on the improvement you saw from your freshman year to senior year?
A: During my freshman year, our team struggled with chemistry; however, our chemistry in my senior year was unbeatable. We became a close-nit family.
 
Q: How did you get started in playing soccer?
A: I started playing soccer around seven years old when my parents signed me up for a house league in my town. After playing in that league, I began to fall in love with soccer!
 
I was also a swimmer and basketball player, but I always liked playing soccer the most.
 
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: My teammates, family and friends have always kept me motivated and I am always striving to be the best I can be for them and myself.
 
Q: If you were not competing in soccer, what sport would you play?
A: Realistically, I would have played basketball; however, I always wanted to be a cheerleader. So, it would have definitely been either one of those two sports.
 
Q: Who is your role model?
A: My role model is my grandmother and older sister. My grandmother inspires me because she always has a positive outlook on life. My older sister has been extremely successful in her field of study and I want to achieve the same thing.
 
Q: What are your favorite memories at Howard University?
A: My favorite memory at Howard University was winning the 2018 SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) Tournament and going to the 2018 NCAA Tournament.
 
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I will be attending the University of Denver in the fall where I will pursue my master's degree in Sport & Performance Psychology.
 
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
A: I will miss the people at Howard and the sense of community and family. I am so happy I decided to attend an HBCU and I wouldn't change it for the world.
 
Q: What advice would you give to future Bison?
A: My advice is to get involved as much as possible on campus and always focus on yourself and your own journey.
 
Who would you like to thank?
A: I would like to thank my teammates, coaches, family, friends and professors for always believing and supporting me. I will forever be grateful.
 
About Sawyer:

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Lincolnshire, Ill.
• Athletic Achievements at Howard
  • SWAC Champion (2018)
  • SWAC All-Tournament Team (2017)
• Academic Achievements at Howard
  • 2x-MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team (2019 & 2020)

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