As the 2022-23 season rapidly approaching for Howard University women's basketball team is confidently awaiting the season. The Bison are coming off a historic season and return four starters.

It has been a gradual process for the program under Head Coach Ty Grace, who is in her sixth season. It started two years in the COVID-affected season when Howard advanced to the MEAC Tournament final only to lose to North Carolina A&T on a shot at the buzzer.  Using that as motivation, the Bison made sure that they were not to be denied and won the MEAC Championship last year and earned an automatic bid into an NCAA Tournament, where they defeated Incarnate Word in the first round. Howard had been to several NCAA tournaments but had never advanced past the first round.

"When you look back, it was a great experience for our program," said Grace. "We were determined all season to not let that happen again."
Coach Ty notes that the NCAA first round success has paid dividends.

"That success gave the program more visibility. It enabled us to go after some quality recruits who are looking to play on that stage and get a quality education at the same time."

For anyone who thinks that the team is resting on its laurels after the memorable season, Grace offered, "There is feeling of confidence and determination on this team. We have a combination of veterans and young players who are focused on doing even better this season."

Leading the way for Howard is the senior guard Iyanna Warren, a 5-3 senior guard from Accokeek, MD and captain of the ship.

"It is hard to really measure Iyanna's value to this program," said Grace of her leader who has started numerous games during her career. "She knows how to get people to respond to her. She leads by example. If it means getting on the floor for a loose ball on an important possession, hitting a key shot or knocking down free-throws or getting the ball to the right person in the right spot, Iyanna gets it done. She really makes coaching easy because she understands what we are trying to do and is able to convey it to her teammates."

"We knew coming in that there is going to be a target on backs after our success last season," explains Warren, a Pre-Med/Biology major with a minor in Chemistry. "There is no room to be complacent. Everything that we have done in the offseason and in early practices is designed for us to not only equal last year, but to go ever further."

Destiny Howell really came on strong last season after showing flashes as freshman. The 5-11 junior guard from Queens, NY averaged almost 13 points per game while adding versatility with 33 assists, 42 steals, 14 blocked shots and 4.0 rebounds per game to go along with 31 steals.

"Destiny is what I like to think of as our triple threat," notes Grace. "She can rebound, score from deep range or can post you up if necessary. We look for her to play an even bigger role this season as she continues to improve."

Brooklyn Fort-Davis is one of the most underrated players in the league. The 6-0 senior forward from Chicago, IL averaged almost nine points per game and is among the team leaders in rebounding at almost seven per game.

"Brooklynn is the ideal utility player," Grace said. "She can rebound and defend. She really stepped her game up last year offensively and we are looking for a big season from her."

Another proven veteran who has quietly and consistently made her presence felt is Krislyn Marsh. The 6-0 forward from Houston, TX averaged almost eight points per game in the team's balanced attack. She led the team in field-goal percentage at 52-percent and in blocks with 32. She is the leading returning rebounder with seven per game.

"Her energy is unmatched," said Grace glowingly. "She has a high motor and a knack for chasing down loose balls and rebounds. It may not always show up in the stats, but it makes a difference between winning and losing."

Kaniyah Harris is perhaps the best kept secret on the Bison squad. The versatile junior guard came off the bench to average four points per game, but she recorded 19 blocks from the guard position and led the team in steals with 46 and was second in assists with 74. She usually comes off the bench but there were times last season when she and Warren played at the same time, and it proved to be very effective.

"Kaniyah has a high IQ for basketball," said Grace. "She is a winner. She won at the AAU level and was a member of high school championships. That is why she is one of the team captains."

Coach Grace is very high on transfer Aziah Hudson. A 5-6 graduate guard from Old Dominion University, Hudson brings yet another added dimension to the team.  

"Aziah is very athletic, she can get to the rim, and she is very active on defense. She will be a valuable asset to us."

Others expected to provide depth include Kaiya Creek, a 5-10 talented junior forward from Seat Pleasant, MD, Nyla Cooper, a 5-7 sophomore guard from Fayetteville, NC, and Nia Nelson, a 5-10 sophomore wing from Charlotte, NC. That trio combined for almost 10 points per game off the bench last year.

Howard opens the season at home on November 7 when it hosts LaSalle University at 7 pm in Burr. It is one of several non-conference opponents on the schedule this season that includes North Texas at home, and games at highly regarded DePaul, Memphis, and VCU. Conference play gets underway on January 7 when the Bison host Delaware State at 2 pm in Burr Gymnasium.

"I like our non-conference schedule because there are quality programs that will make us more competitive as we prepare to protect the title," Grace said.

As for the staff, Grace elevated Brian Davis to associate head coach and maintained Donnie Stith (assistant coach), who is in his fourth season, Jeanne-Marie Wilson (assistant coach/recruiting coordinator), in her second season and Margaree King Richard (director of basketball operations), also in her second season.

"I love this staff," said Grace. "We have great chemistry, and we work well together."