WASHINGTON (April 26, 2024) – Gabe Knowles (Allentown, Pa.) is a portrait of strength, stability and success.

The Howard University men's tennis senior understands his platform and the opportunity to use his voice and passion to create meaningful change. With 37 meaningful tattoos, Knowles understands his purpose is to help create safe spaces where people, regardless of race, are not only valued for their academic, athletic or social standing but also for their presence.
 
Knowles is not just a student-athlete but also an intellectual powerhouse. He is majoring in political science and minoring in African studies with a clear goal of becoming a civil rights attorney. His passion for social justice is evident in his hobbies, which include reading and learning about the criminal justice system. His admiration for Malcolm X, a champion of human rights, further underscores his commitment to addressing the issues faced by African Americans.
 
Knowles' journey is a testament to his perseverance and resilience. Growing up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, he faced challenging times, which only fueled his determination to enact meaningful change. Like the esteemed Howard graduate Thurgood Marshall, Knowles aspires to use the law as a tool to reshape the world.
 
In high school, Knowles started START (Students Together Against Racial Tension). The organization also focused on finding solutions to combat school shootings, providing support and inclusion for the LBGTQ+ community and sharing ways to impact the Black movement positively. 

"The racism we dealt with was ridiculous when I was growing up," Knowles said. "I remember I couldn't go to school for a week because of a death threat I received. My tattoos all have a special meaning that applies to my family or the betterment of people in society. I dedicate my life and body to the cause. The continued police brutality changed me, too. I look forward to grinding after I get my degree and doing what I can to help us as a society."
 
Knowles has been a guiding light for Howard as a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) member. In addition, he has assisted with awareness of student-athlete mental health by being part of Morgan's Message, a 501(c)(3) that strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. The aim is to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence and supporting those who feel alone.

Knowles chose Howard because of the family atmosphere and rich history.
 
Knowles, who played tennis since he was four, learned the sport from his mom, Maia, who played at Millersville University. Proving that the tennis world is interconnected throughout the generations, Knowles' younger siblings, 17-year-old brother Gideon, 12-year-old sister Gaia, and 10-year-old brother Bodhi, all play tennis at a high level. Gideon will compete in the district tournament with a strong chance of making it to the state tournament. 

Before focusing on tennis in high school, Knowles also played football, baseball, lacrosse and soccer; however, tennis runs in his family.
 
"I chose tennis over lacrosse and have had a successful four years of college," Knowles said. "Tennis is a solitary sport and I love it because playing with different players from all over the world and building bonds have been the biggest part of my life. Playing those sports helped me improve my footwork, hand-eye coordination and side-to-side movements when I was younger."
 
Knowles, one of eight Howard tennis players named a 2023 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Division I Men's & Women's Scholar-Athlete, is competing for the final time at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championships (April 25-27) in Cary, North Carolina. The Bison are the No. 4 seed in the tournament and recently knocked off rival No. 5 Morgan State in the opening round. Earlier this week, Knowles was also named to the MEAC Tennis All-Academic Team.

Knowles won his final home doubles match with fellow classmate Hassimiyou Dieng (Dakar, Senegal), 6-4, against Morgan State (April 20). He also won his final two regular-season doubles matches; however, he dropped a three-set tiebreaker at No. 6 singles against Morgan State in a match that showcased all of Knowles' grit, talent and heart. As a team, Howard ended the season with two consecutive victories.
 
"It means a lot representing Howard," said Knowles, who uses his platform as an elite men's tennis athlete to impact society. "Being a tennis player on a team full of Black men is something I never thought was possible when I was younger. They all look like me and that part hits home. Coming from an area where racial slurs are normalized, Howard makes me feel safe. I want to thank my coaches, teammates, doctors, athletics trainers, physical therapists, the administration and everybody who made my Howard made my experience memorable, especially since this is my last year of competitive tennis."