WASHINGTON (April 29, 2025) – Howard University Department of Athletics continues its Senior Spotlight series with sophomore advertising major Nala James sitting down with three-time All-NEC selection Bryson Baker (Ellicott City, Md.) from the men's soccer team.
 
Q: How did you get into soccer?
A: I just grew up playing soccer with a lot of my friends around the area when I was four or five years old. Both my parents played soccer. My mom played soccer at University of Virginia. It is a sport that a lot of people just played growing up.
 
Q: What kept you motivated throughout your journey?
A: It was the drive to improve, to win with my teammates and to prove how serious and capable we are as a program. That motivation kept me going through tough summer workouts. I just wanted to keep getting better—for myself and my team.
 
Q: Do you have a favorite soccer player to watch and what qualities do you admire in them?
A: I would say Lionel Messi (Argentine professional footballer). It is a pretty cliche answer, but his game IQ and how he moves on and off the ball is very admirable. It is easy to become infatuated with watching him. If you pay attention to what he is doing, he is just such a smart player and there are so many things you can take from how he plays into your own game.
 
Q: Reflecting on your time at Howard University, what has been the most rewarding aspect of being a student-athlete?
A: Just being part of a program like Howard men's soccer, the only NCAA Division I HBCU men's soccer program, brings a certain pressure and expectation to represent. In a sport that is not very predominant for Black or African American men in America, you want to help grow the sport and show that the program should be taken seriously. It is rewarding to be part of the same program where many legends played, especially considering its historic success in the 1970s, '80s and '90s, with national and regional championships.
 
Q: Who or what will you miss about being part of that community?
A: I will miss my teammates because of the daily interactions, the locker room and road trips. You make lifelong bonds with them; they are your brothers for life. From freshman year to senior year, you meet so many people and the experiences, whether it is conditioning, winning or losing, create a strong bond that is hard to break.
 
Q: So how has Howard's culture and community shaped your experience as a student-athlete?
A: It has given me a greater sense of pride in embracing myself as a Black man. Being on a team full of other Black people is something I have never experienced before and it gives you a sense of community and togetherness. We are here to represent something bigger than ourselves and it is definitely changed my perspective on how the sport is viewed and how people see you when you are part of a team full of Black individuals.
 
Q: Who would you like to thank for supporting you on your soccer journey?
A: I would just like to thank all my family members and friends for their incredible support through tough times. Being an athlete is not easy, but my family has always been there for me, whether it is attending games whenever they can and I really appreciate that. My friends are also so supportive, always there when I need them, and having a support system like that helps me become a better player and manage the balance of being a student-athlete.
 
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: My plans are to attend medical school, but I will take a gap year or two to work and study for the MCAT. Hopefully, in two years, I can start medical school. I plan on becoming an anesthesiologist, but anything can change when I get there—I am not too locked in on anything yet.
 
Q: What advice would you give to incoming student-athletes at Howard?
A: First, really learn how to manage your time and figure out your priorities. Unfortunately, you will have to give up some social life to be a better player and focus on your commitment. Also, coaches expect you to maintain solid grades; otherwise, you will not play. Managing your time, especially during the season, is key. And just keep working and never be satisfied.
 
About Baker

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Ellicott City, Md.
  • Major: Chemistry
• Academic Achievements at Howard:
  • NEC Fall Academic Honor Roll
  • NEC Fall Commissioner's Honor Roll
• Athletic Achievements at Howard:
  • Three-time All-NEC Selection
  • NEC All-Rookie Team (2021)

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