WASHINGTON (June 4, 2024) – Howard University Department of Athletics resumed its senior spotlight series with recent graduate
Marli Berry (Orangevale, Calif.) from the women's soccer team, who was interviewed by fellow California native rising sophomore journalism major
Deyla Davis.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a student-athlete at Howard University?
A: I would definitely say my experience at Howard was very eventful, busy and a little challenging at times, but it was also a lot of fun.
Q: How has the Howard Women's Soccer team left an impact on your life?
A: The Howard Women's Soccer team has definitely left a huge mark on my life. I met one of my best friends on the team, she was also my roommate.
I also learned a lot about myself and what I can accomplish when I put my mind to things. It was definitely a large part of my college experience, being able to do something that I love while also getting my degree.
Q: If there was one piece of advice you could give your freshman self, what would it be?
A: If I had to give my freshman self a piece of advice, it is that the people around you reflect who you are. So, make sure the people around you have the same goals, morals and values as you and looking to elevate you in life.
Q: How do you think that being a student-athlete at The Mecca has transformed you into the person you are today?
A: Being a student-athlete at Howard has allowed a lot of opportunities like being part of student-athlete organizations, which I loved.
Also, it is very nice to be at an HBCU with black culture being at the forefront of our values and being praised and not looked down upon, like a lot of the teams I have been on. That was a great experience and I would do it again.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I graduated winter 2023, so I actually graduated a semester early (lol). Since graduation, I have been traveling and working because I will be attending medical school for the next four years at the University of California San Francisco, so I will be in the Bay area.
Q: How has the sport of soccer shaped you into the person you are today? What will you miss most about the Howard Women's Soccer team?
A: Soccer has definitely made me a team player and a leader. On many teams, I was a leader that people looked to lead on and off the field. If I did not have this avenue, I may have not built those leadership and teamwork qualities or even been able to take direction and constructive criticism in my own life. Soccer has given me a lot of values that I can apply in my daily life, that would have been much harder to learn otherwise.
Q: What would you consider to be your best memory of your time on the Howard Women's Soccer team?
A: My best memory is after the games, just getting food for free and running up Coach Leiba's card (lol). We would go to Chick-Fil-A and get what I wanted. That is definitely my best memory for sure.
About Berry
- Personal:
- Hometown: Orangevale, Calif.
- Major: Biology
- Academic Achievements at Howard:
- NEC Commissioner's Honor Roll
- NEC Academic Honor Roll
- Athletic Achievements at Howard:
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
