WASHINGTON (May 13, 2025) – Howard University Department of Athletics rolls on with the senior spotlight series, featuring rising junior advertising major Nala James chatting with Romario Simpson (Toronto, Canada) from the men's soccer team.
 
Q: What inspired you to pursue soccer at the collegiate level?
A: What inspired me to play soccer at the collegiate level was the opportunity to go to college because I am a first-generation college graduate—my parents did not attend college. I was also aiming to go pro and playing at the collegiate level was the best route to achieve my goal. My high school club, Vaughn Soccer Club, produced several players who went the NCAA Division I route and played pro, so I am following in their footsteps.
 
Plus, getting a full scholarship pushed me to further my education and take the leap to come to the states to play soccer.
 
Q: How did you get started in soccer?
A: I started playing soccer at around 11 years old when my mom moved us to a different area in Toronto. I was originally living in North York, near the soccer field, and I would always be there with my mom looking for me. One day, while playing, a team let me train with them and after the session, they contacted my mom saying I needed to be on a team and take it seriously. Since then, I kept playing and eventually moved up to the academy levels.
 
Q: What kept you motivated throughout your journey?
A: The thing that kept me motivated throughout my journey was seeing the benefits of playing soccer because the sport kept me out of a lot of trouble growing up, especially in high school, and it was my outlet. I fell in love with playing and watching the game.
 
Health-wise, it was a great source of physical activity and I loved the fun it brought me. Also, seeing it take me places, like going on trial in Italy when I was a kid, made me want to keep pushing to see how far it could take me.
 
Q: Do you have a favorite soccer player to watch and what qualities do you admire in them?
A: It is hard to pick just one player, but I would say FC Bayern Munich (German Professional Sports Team). I used to watch them on GoTV because that was the only station I had for soccer and players like Arjen Robben (former Dutch Professional Footballer) and David Alaba (Austrian Professional Footballer) are ones I admire. They have great skill and a strong commitment to the game.
 
Q: Reflecting on your time at Howard University, what has been the most rewarding aspect of being a student-athlete?
A: The people I have met is most rewarding, for sure, because the athletics department and my team really felt like a family. Howard excels at building a sense of community and making sure that you are part of it and you are represented in the best possible way. The support from the alumni and the school helped me balance both, athletics and academics.
 
Q: Who or what will you miss the most about being part of the athletic community here?
A: I will miss the discipline and routine. Even though, we sometimes took it for granted, waking up early for training and running became a big part of my life.
 
Also, I will miss being around my team like traveling, eating together, laughing and joking with my coaches. The journey of the season and the relationships are the biggest takeaway, not just the results.
 
Q: How has Howard's culture and community shaped your experience as a student-athlete?
A: The support from others is something I definitely got here that I did not get at my old school as a transfer. The Caribbean support is especially strong. It is amazing having so many alumni come to our games and seeing how our friends and family support us.
 
Q: Is there anyone you would like to give a shout-out to for their support on your soccer journey?
A: First and foremost, shout out to God. Without Him, nothing would be possible.
 
Also, a big thank you to my mother—without her, nothing would be possible for me.
 
Lastly, shout out to my youth coach Shondell Busby and Coach JG and Coach Alex.
 
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: My main goal is to help people. I am currently doing my master's in finance and I want to become a financial advisor and focus on wealth management for marginalized communities. I also want to create financial literacy courses and coaching programs and still be involved in soccer by coaching.
 
Q: What advice would you give to anyone coming in as a student-athlete at Howard?
A: Definitely enjoy every moment because time flies by quickly. My previous coach warned me that these four years would pass in the blink of an eye. Even when you are injured or not playing, enjoy every moment with your teammates because before you know it, you will be graduating and life will start moving faster.
 
About Simpson

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Toronto, Canada
  • Education: B.A. in Communications at Purdue Fort Wayne

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