VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (May 28, 2025) – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) hosted its yearly All-Sports Awards Dinner at the Embassy Suites by Hilton at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort where the Howard University Department of Athletics won the 2024-25 Mary McLeod Bethune Women's All-Sports Award. The league announced Wednesday, held in conjunction with the conference's annual spring meetings.
 
Howard took home its fourth straight award (eighth overall), the longest streak in school history.
 
"I extend my congratulations to Howard University, including President Dr. Ben Vinson III, Director of Athletics Kery Davis and the entire athletic department for winning the Mary McLeod Bethune Women's All-Sports Award," said MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills.
 
The all-sports award is an indicator of the overall strengths of the conference's women's athletic programs. Howard was presented with a $20,000 check.
 
Howard finished with 60.5 points, securing regular season titles in volleyball and softball and conference championships during the indoor and outdoor track & field campaigns. HU also placed second during the cross country championship and basketball regular season standings.
 
"I am so proud of our coaches, student-athletes, administrators and support staff on this accomplishment," said Howard Director of Athletics Kery Davis. "The hard work and dedication each individual put in everyday paid off and we look to build on this going into the 2025-26 year. President Vinson and I would like to thank Commissioner Stills and the MEAC for this incredible achievement."
 
Norfolk State (NSU) captured the 2024-25 Talmadge Layman Hill Men's All-Sports Award, tallying 46 points. HU finished fourth with 31 points, highlighted by runner-up finishes in indoor and outdoor track & field.
 
In addition, Morgan State (MSU) was honored academically, posting the MEAC's highest academic progress rate (APR), while Delaware State (DSU) and South Carolina State (SCSU) was recognized as the 2025 recipient of the MEAC's Highest Graduation Success Rate (GSR). The Hornets' and Bulldogs' 81-percent GSR is the highest among MEAC institutions, spanning the 2014-17 cohorts.
 
MSU was presented $10,000 check while DSU and SCSU each took home a $12,500 check.
 
"Receiving these awards is indicative of the overall strength of their athletics programs," Stills continued.
 
Points are awarded in a descending order, beginning with nine (9) points for championships or first-place regular-season finishes. The second-place team receives seven (7) points. Tied teams split the point total.
 
Points were given for regular season finishes in every sport but cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field, where points were awarded based on finishes at MEAC Championships.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com and/or the MEAC website at www.MEACSports.com.