WASHINGTON (June 27, 2023) – Howard University rising senior public relations major, sports administration and sociology minor Jade Spurlock caught up with recent graduate Skylar Jennings (Downingtown, Pa.) for a quick Q and A session.
 
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. (Hometown? Major? Position? etc.)
A: My name is Skylar Jennings and I am from Downingtown, Pennsylvania. At Howard, I was a political science major, journalism minor on a pre-law track. On campus, I joined a bunch of organizations like the Howard University Pre-law Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, HUSA and the women's lacrosse team. On the team, I played as a defender.
 
Q: When did you first become interested in playing lacrosse?
A: When I was eight years old, I was interested in lacrosse when my sister started playing, but I was a full-time competitive gymnast at that time. Unfortunately, I suffered a plethora of injuries from gymnastics that forced me to retire. I always had an athletic spirit, so I decided to play lacrosse.
 
Q: How has lacrosse impacted your life?
A: From the countless hours playing lacrosse, I have earned just as many relationships.
 
In high school, one of my best friends was my teammate. After high school, I did not think I would be playing the sport until I walked onto the team. Thanks to Howard Lacrosse, I was able to meet great friends and mentors.
 
Along with my connections I made with teammates and coaches, I also had the opportunity to connect more with my roots as a Native American. I never felt connected to my heritage until I started playing lacrosse and learning more about the history of the sport.
 
Q: How did you balance training, academics and social life?
A: When I first walked onto the team, I had no idea how I was going to balance everything; however, COVID-19 gave me nearly a two-year, long break.
 
When on-campus life resumed, I had a greater focus on being a student-athlete. I chose classes and organizations that truly interested me, fed into my plans and made me happy. From that, I created friends and support groups, which helped me balance everything.
 
Q: What made you decide to play at Howard?
A: I decided to walk onto the team when I saw other freshmen at the time walking around with their lacrosse sticks. I missed the sport and had to join the team.
 
Q: What will you miss most about playing at Howard?
A: It may seem untrue, but I will miss my early morning practices (lol). It was great to start the day doing what I love. It made me feel empowered to be in a space where I am supported and part of a team.
 
Q: Looking back, what is your fondest memory of playing this sport?
A: My fondest memory was my last game because I can see this program's growth and bright future!
 
Q: What were your preferred pre-game, locker room and post-game routines?
A: My pre-game ritual is chugging an Island Green smoothie from Tropical Smoothie and listening to a rap playlist. After games, I like to be alone to reflect on what happened.
 
Q: What/Who does your pre-meet playlist consist of?
A: Rap music and more rap music (lol) like Chief Keef, Gucci Mane, Meek, Uzi, Thug, Gunna, and Future.
 
Q: Who is/was the most significant influence in your life (sports and non-sports related)?
A: My biggest influence has to be my teammates because I am a super competitive person. So, I always use my teammates to make myself better.
 
My other big influence is my mom because she has always been there to support me. In gymnastics, she never missed a meet and with lacrosse, I never had to worry about getting a mouth guard or cleats. She is truly Ms. Make It Happen.
 
Q: What is one important lesson you have learned from your coach?
A: The biggest lesson I have learned is to control the uncontrollable. I try to focus on what I can do and not let things out of my control get under my skin.
 
Q: Using one word, how would your teammates describe you? Why?
A: Boujee because they have been telling me this since freshman year (lol).
 
Q: What are your plans post-graduation?
A: I am currently working as a Legal Practice Assistant and applying to law school during this cycle. Fingers crossed I get into Howard Law!
 
Q: If you could give a piece of advice to a fellow student-athlete, what would it be?
A: My biggest piece of advice is to always emphasize the student in student-athlete because we are given a huge privilege of attending The Mecca, so take advantage of every opportunity Howard gives you.
 
Advocate for yourself in your classes, always give your studies 110-percent, join organizations, network with your connections and have fun while you are in undergrad.
 
About Jennings
 

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Downingtown, Pa.
  • Major: political science
  • Minor: journalism
• Academic Achievements at Howard:
  • IWLCA Academic Honor Roll
  • MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team
  • NEC Spring Commissioner's All-Academic Team

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