WASHINGTON (May 3, 2023) – Howard University Senior Spotlight series rolls on with another edition, featuring Texas native Shianne Knight (The Woodlands) from the women's soccer team. She was interviewed by fellow senior marketing major Kira Green.
 
Q: When did you first become interested in soccer?
A: Almost every parent puts their kid in soccer at an early age and that is what my parents did with my sisters and me. I took a break, but after watching my sisters play, I started to miss it. I really started playing at a competitive level around age 13. I stuck with it through high school and now here I am!
 
Q: How has soccer impacted your life?
A: Soccer has affected every aspect of my life because I started playing at such a young age. There has always been a scenario where I have made sacrifices.
 
When it comes to college, soccer paid for my education, so it has made a huge impact on and off the field. I have made a lot of my closest friends through soccer, so it has had a positive influence on my life!
 
Q: What are some sacrifices you have had to make as a student-athlete?
A: Looking back in high school, I did not attend all the parties or dances because of practice and traveling for soccer. I have not missed out on too much or any huge, monumental things. But there are sacrifices you make, all for good reason.
 
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: I'm pretty self-motivated. I have accomplished what I put my mind to and I have always been a high goal setter, high achiever, so once I set my mind to something it has to get done.
 
Q: Who is an athlete or celebrity that inspires you?
A: I really like Elaine Welterroth (Conde Nast Journalist) and Tracee Ellis Ross (American Actress). But I admire my mom because she is the most perfect person.
 
An athlete that I just love everything about is Lebron James (NBA Champion) because he is the funniest person ever (lol).
 
Q: What made you want to play at Howard?
A: Howard checked all the boxes for me. I wanted to go to an HBCU and play soccer at a good program. Also, I wanted to major in journalism.
 
When looking through all the different HBCUs, Howard hit all the notches. When I came on my visit, I just fell in love with D.C., and being in the city, so it just felt like a great fit.
 
Q: What will you miss most about competing at Howard?
A: I am going to miss my teammates a lot because people underestimate or take advantage of how special it is to have built in friends. I am going to miss the sisterhood of the team; it is like our own little sorority.
 
Q: What are your plans post-graduation?
A: Right now, I am interning at the NFL Players Association. I am still waiting to hear about a couple job offers, but I have gotten into graduate school. My goal is to go into the professional sports field, specifically the NFL, but I have not solidified any decisions yet.
 
Q: What is a once in a lifetime opportunity that Howard gave you?
A: Howard Athletics sent me to the NCAA Final Four Weekend to shadow Wasserman and AT&T. That trip introduced me to many professional career opportunities and I would not have been able to go on that trip if I was not for Howard Athletics.
 
About Knight:

• Personal:
  • Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas
  • Major: Journalism
• Academic Achievements at Howard:
  • MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team twice (2021 & 2022)
• Athletic Achievements at Howard:
  • Made a SWAC Title Game appearance (2019)

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