WASHINGTON (May 22, 2024) – Howard University Department of Athletics rolls on with another senior spotlight with rising sophomore advertising major Nala James interviewing recent grad and New York native Carys Carr (Rochester) from the women's bowling team.
 
Q: What inspired you to pursue bowling at a collegiate level?
A: I started bowling in high school and I did not realize there were collegiate teams until I got to Howard. I was not exposed to how big of a deal bowling is outside of being on my high school team until walk-on tryouts my sophomore year. I really wanted to continue something that I had started and feel accomplished to finish something.
 
Q: How did you get started in bowling?
A: My high school golf coaches also coached the bowling team and encouraged me to just try it. I really enjoyed it because it was a calm sport compared to basketball or volleyball.
 
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: What kept me motivated was knowing that I had potential because being skilled is great but being able to hone on those skills makes them even more pride worthy.
 
Also, I come from a family that does not give up on anything, no matter how tough it gets so they kept me motivated!
 
Q: Do you have a favorite athlete to watch and what qualities do you admire in them?
A: My favorite athlete to watch is Serena Williams (American Tennis Star) because I still watch her highlights. I love her dedication and commitment to herself, her sport and her brand. My great grandmother introduced me to her when I was around eight years old and we would watch her and Venus Williams' (American Tennis Star) tournaments together while I spent summers with her and my great-grandfather.
 
Q: Reflecting on your time at Howard University, what has been the most rewarding aspect of being a student-athlete?
A: The most rewarding aspect has been being able to meet people. Everyone knows that Howard is a great place to network, so adding on the fact that you are a student-athlete makes connections that much more special. The connections with alumni have been so beneficial to me both professionally and personally.
 
Q: Who or what will you miss the most about being a part of Howard University and its athletic community?
A: I will miss traveling with my team and exploring new places but also just sitting on the yard or at Blackburn and chatting with people.
 
Q: Can you share a bit about how Howard University's culture and community have enriched your collegiate experience as a student-athlete?
A: Well, in collegiate sports, bowling is sort of an unknown and unappreciated sport, so it has been an uphill battle, pun intended lol. But I enjoyed my student-athlete experience and I hope that the team keeps fighting for what they deserve.
 
The culture itself has pushed me to excel academically and socially while getting more involved all around. Howard is a community where everyone is doing great things and surrounded by the energy and passion to want great things for yourself as well. That has been a huge motivation factor for me!
 
Q: Along your journey, who would you like to extend your deepest gratitude to for their support and guidance?
A: My parents and great grandparents!
 
My great grandparents have paid my tuition for the past three years and I am so grateful for them because I am able to graduate debt free. My great grandmother is also someone who influenced me to attend an HBCU because she went to Delaware State University.
 
My parents have also supported me mentally, emotionally and financially. They encourage and allow me to experience everything I set my mind on, they have given me amazing life experiences since a young age. From STEM camps and conferences to just love and support, I cannot say that I would be graduating right now at this point in my life without them.
 
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I will be attending George Washington University to obtain a Master's in Public Health, beginning this July. I plan to travel and enjoy some vacation time before I start matriculation for my next degree.
 
Q: What advice would you give to incoming student-athletes about navigating the unique experience of being a Bison at Howard University?
A: I would tell all incoming student-athletes to experience everything while they are at Howard because there is no place like The Mecca and you will not be able to relive the same experiences again that you will during undergrad.
 
Join a club, attend homecoming events, volunteer during free time, go to that gala and apply for anything you are qualify for because people love to see Black HBCU students win, especially student-athletes.
 
Most importantly, find your circle to depend on. Howard is a crazy ride but it is better experienced with people in your corner.
 
About Carr

• Personal
  • Hometown: Rochester, N.Y.
  • Major: Political Science
  • Minor: Maternal & Child Health
• Academic Achievements at Howard
  • MEAC Bowling All-Academic Team
  • MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team
• Athletic Achievements at Howard
  • Squad finished third overall at the 2024 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship

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