WASHINGTON (July 26, 2022) – Howard University junior public relations major, sports administration, and sociology minor Jade Spurlock interviewed senior Ayana Sallee (Chesapeake, Va.) as she reflects on her experiences on the softball team.
 
Q: First, tell us a little bit about yourself (Name? Major? Hometown? etc.)
A: My name is Ayana Sallee, but my teammates call me "YaYa." I received my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in English last May and I'm from Chesapeake, Virginia.
 
Q: What position did you play?
A: I played primarily right outfield.
 
Q: When did you first become interested in softball?
A: I started playing softball when I was two years old. Even though I spent most of my time picking daisies in the outfield or making sand castles in the dugout (lol), I was happy to be a part of my older sister's team and enjoyed playing the same sport my mom did.
 
Q: How has playing softball impacted your life?
A: Softball is a humbling sport and has made a huge impact on my maturity because I've always wanted to be seen as a leader and role model. As I took on leadership roles, I have been presented with challenges, both personal and interpersonal, that have forced me to grow and mature, which I'm still working on.
 
Softball is a sport of failure because, at times, failure is inevitable. The sport has taught me that what's important is not that I failed, but how I respond to failure.
 
Q: How did you balance training, academics and social life?
A: For me, balancing softball, academics and social life wasn't particularly hard because I've been balancing all three my whole life. Once I got to college, it felt like a routine.
 
At Howard, my teammates became my closest friends and family, so spending time training and practicing was an aspect of my social life.
 
I always understood the hierarchy of my responsibilities: 1) academics; 2) softball; 3) social life. For me, being consistent and knowing my priorities helped me find a balance in all aspects.
 
Q: What made you want to play at Howard?
A: Competing at Howard meant playing for something bigger than myself. It meant acting as a role model for young, African American girls, surrounded by a team of Black girls while playing at the collegiate level.
 
Howard is known not just for its athletic success but also for its high academic standard. I wanted to play for Howard and show that Black girls can be successful both on the field and in the classroom.
 
Q: What will you miss most about playing at Howard?
A: During my four years at Howard, they were spent in the locker room, weight room, film room, dugout, or on the field with my teammates. I found a family within Howard softball and I'm going to miss all the moments spent with my teammates. What I'll miss most is making those memories with the strangers who have become my family.
 
Q: Looking back, what is your fondest memory of playing this sport?
A: Obviously, winning the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Tournament is unforgettable because seeing the transition from making the tournament my freshman year to winning the title my senior year is one of the greatest highlights of my softball career.
 
Another fond softball memory is our senior night dinner because each senior shared their favorite softball moment, in which we cried and laughed. I honestly was happy and blessed to see the love and support from my teammates. For me, being able to build strong and lasting bonds with my teammates and watch them share their favorite moments will always be a fond memory.
 
Q: What were your preferred pre-game, locker room, and post-game routines?
A: Before games, I preferred to spend time with my teammates having karaoke sessions on the way to the field or casually socializing to pass the time because relaxing with them put me in good spirits. Occasionally, I would listen to music (normally alternating between hip-hop, R&B, and gospel) but that wouldn't last long before I was redirecting my attention back to my teammates.
 
After the game, I immediately ate and decompressed, allowing myself at least an hour of relaxing (either alone or with my teammates) before attempting to talk about the game. Sometime during my post-game routine, I would always talk to my mom.
 
Q: Who was your go-to artist before a game?
A: Either Waka Flocka or Kirk Franklin. I know those are two completely different vibes (lol), but it depends on the day.
 
Q: Who is/was the most significant influence in your life (sports and non-sports related)?
A: The most significant influencer in my life has always been my sister because I continuously strive to reach her drive, work ethic, and success. As an athlete, student, leader, and sister, she has pushed my boundaries to the fullest.
 
Q: What is one important lesson you've learned from your coach?
A: Every opportunity counts; take advantage of them.
 
Q: Using one word, how do you think your teammates would have described you?
A: Passionate
 
Q: What are your plans post-graduation?
A: Currently, I am studying at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University completing a master's degree in Public Administration. Eventually, I hope to transition into non-profit organizing and policy reformation to combat racial and system injustice.
 
Q: If you could give a piece of advice to a fellow student-athlete or future Bison, what would it be?
A: Don't live in the past is my advice. If you rely on past success, you'll become complacent in your work ethic. If you dwell on past failures, you'll hinder yourself from recognizing growth opportunities.
 
About Ayana:

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
  • Major: Political Science
  • Minor: English
• Academic:
  • MEAC Softball All-Academic Team
  • Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
  • NFCA Scholar All-America Team
• Athletic:
  • Howard Softball's 2021-2022 Most Improved Award
  • MEAC Champion

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