WASHINGTON (June 17, 2025) – Howard University Department of Athletics resumes its annual senior spotlight series, featuring rising senior marketing major
Kasey Napper catching up with
Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson (Nassau, Bahamas) from the women's swimming & diving team.
Q: What advice would you give your freshman self?
A: My advice would be yourself, trust your gut and know that God is with you.
Q: What meet, during your time at Howard, will you never forget?
A: I will not forget our conference championships in my senior year because I was building for this moment for four years in the pool, personal and mentally, throughout my career. I was proud of myself and my teammates, especially seeing where we were just four years ago. To see the growth in everyone, including myself, made me proud.
Q: What has your Howard experience meant to you—both in and out of the pool?
A: My Howard experience has meant a lot to me. I am always asked if I had the chance to do it all over would I still choose Howard and the answer has always been yes. In short, the culture, life lessons, relationships, life experiences, team experiences and exposure that Howard has brought me is to say the least…priceless. I continue on an upward trajectory of the woman I aspire to be because of my experience at Howard, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Q: What is your favorite non-athletic memory at Howard?
A: My sophomore year, living in the "big suite" in Towers, roommates with my teammate, now sister,
Jorden Hill and suitemates with three incredible women:
Heidi Chicas;
Madison Joines and
Kalita Dennis; has to be one of the greatest experiences because of the late-night conversations, advice, life lessons, makeup tips and birthday festivities. At any time, I needed a big sister's advice, a friend or real honest opinion, they were there.
Q: What is next for you and how has swimming helped prepare you?
A: Next for me is Dental School at Virginia Commonwealth University. I am beyond ecstatic and ready to begin a career in a passion of mine.
My traits as a swimmer like discipline, delayed gratification and time management, along with balancing expectation to perform, social life and genuinely taking care of myself. Although the road ahead may not be easy, I am well prepared to persevere, especially with God on my side.
About Thompson:
- Personal:
- Hometown: Nassau, Bahamas
- Major: Health Science
- Minor: Chemistry
- Academic Achievements at Howard:
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
