WASHINGTON (April 4, 2024) - Howard University women's soccer announced its incoming 2024 class Thursday afternoon.
Newcomers Hailey Ayers (Chesapeake, Va.), Nia Batoon (Waldorf, Md.), Maya Blackston (Alexandria, Va.), Nadia Bolden (Charlotte, N.C.), Reese Garcia Roman (Fairfax, Va.), Sinclaire Green (Ellicott City, Md.), Imani Kissi (Dublin, Ohio), Courtney McClure (Buford, Ga.), Gabriella Terrell (Centreville, Va.) and Nya Young (Toronto, Ontario) will be joining the Bison this fall.
"We are very excited to welcome this group of exceptional players to The Mecca," said Howard women's soccer head coach Brent Leiba. "Our staff believes they will come in and make an immediate impact in the game and training environment, as well as excel in the classroom. We can't wait to bring in these Bison this fall!"
More information on the 2024 incoming class:
Hailey Ayers | Chesapeake, Va. | Alexandria Soccer
Position: Forward
Anticipated Major: Psychology
Accomplishments: chosen as MVP at Hayfield Secondary (2023), lifting her team to the District Championship … selected for All-District and All-Region honors in the same year … plans to pursue ROTC at Howard.
Why did you choose to be a Howard Bison?
"I chose to become a Howard Bison because I wanted a unique, unmatched collegiate experience where I have the ability to reconnect with my community. By involving myself in a culture of respect, understanding and love, I strive to be enlightened, educated and empowered throughout my time at Howard."
Nia Batoon | Waldorf, Md. | VA Union ECNL
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Anticipated Major: Health Management
Accomplishments: accepted into an early college program as a senior and will graduate with a Certificate of General Studies.
Why did you choose to be a Howard Bison?
"I love the environment and the team. Everyone is so nice and welcoming and I can't wait to join the HU family!"
Maya Blackston | Alexandria, Va. | Arlington ECNL
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Anticipated Major: Political Science
Accomplishments: named captain of her high school team and received First Team All-District and All-Region honors.
Why did you choose to be a Howard Bison?
"I chose to be a Bison because I fell in love with the campus and atmosphere, from all the diverse people to the various campus life activities available. I could see myself being at Howard for the next four years!"
Nadia Bolden | Charlotte, N.C. | Charlotte SA ECNL
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Anticipated Major: Biology
Accomplishments: collected multiple accolades as a player at Mecklenburg H.S., including First Team All-Conference, All-Region and All-State … named Senior Class President while collecting honor roll recognition … member of National Honor Society, National French Honor Society, National German Honor Society, American Sign Language Club, National Beta Club and participates in Jack and Jill of America.
Why did you choose to be a Howard Bison?
"I chose to become a Bison because I wanted to be able to play and compete at a strong level while going to a school with high academic standing. After visiting the school and meeting the coaches and teammates, I felt at home."
Reese Garcia Roman | Fairfax, Va. | VA Union ECNL
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Anticipated Major: Nursing
Accomplishments: selected as MVP for her high school soccer team as well as First Team All-Conference … received the Principal's Award and was named to A/B Honor Roll.
Why did you choose to be a Howard Bison?
"I chose Howard because of the nursing program's great incorporation of social and natural sciences and the great team chemistry and positive energy within the team."
Sinclaire Green | Ellicott City, Md. | IMG Academy
Position: Forward
Anticipated Major: Finance
Accomplishments: selected for a Mid-Atlantic Talent IDC … received First Team All-County and All-Conference honors with her high school team, as well as All-Met Washington Post honorable mention … helped lead her high school team to a MD 3A State Championship (2021) and Finalist finish (2022).
Why did you choose to be a Howard Bison?
"I chose to become a Bison because I wanted to receive a high-quality education at one of the top HBCUs in the country!"
Imani Kissi | Dublin, Ohio | Internationals ECNL
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Anticipated Major: Kinesiology
Accomplishments: named First Team All-Conference in high school, helping her team finish as District champions and Regional finalists.
Why did you choose to be a Howard Bison?
"I chose to become a Bison because of the university's historical significance, as well as the cultural experience. I also love the food in DC!"
Courtney McClure | Buford, Ga. | University of Maryland
Position: Defender
Anticipated Major: Undecided
Accomplishments: selected First Team All-Conference in the ECNL Southeastern Conference (2023).
Why did you choose to be a Howard Bison?
"I wanted to be a Bison to grow, not only as a player but as a person and find a new soccer environment to thrive."
Gabriella Terrell | Centreville, Va. | VA Union ECNL
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Anticipated Major: Nursing
Accomplishments: received academic awards every year for her 4.0 GPA during her high school tenure.
Why did you choose to be a Howard Bison?
"Howard is full of excitement in every corner. There is always something to do and DC is full of amazing places."
Nya Young | Toronto, Ontario | North Toronto SC
Position: Goalkeeper
Anticipated Major: Criminology
Accomplishments: represented Guyana in the U20 CONCACAF Qualifiers (2023), advancing out of the group stage to the round of 16.
Why did you choose to be a Howard Bison?
"I chose to become a Bison to play alongside talented players that represent Black excellence, not only on the pitch but in the classroom. It has always been a dream to attend the top HBCU to receive my education and build a strong network."
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.
