WASHINGTON (June 25, 2025) – Howard University Department of Athletics resumes its annual senior spotlight series, featuring rising senior marketing major
Kasey Napper catching up with Northeast Conference (NEC) Champion
Tai Afrik (Holland, Mich.) from the men's swimming & diving team.
Q: How have you changed since your first year at Howard?
A: When I first came to Howard, I considered myself a confident person. But like many young men still figuring things out, I did not fully understand how group dynamics worked and I placed a lot of my self-worth in the hands of others. I was confident, but a little naïve.
Over time, I have had the chance to build meaningful relationships and learn through both wins and setbacks. I started to realize the kind of man I wanted to be and just as importantly, the kind of people I want to keep around me. I have learned not to base my confidence on how others see me and instead to hold myself accountable and become my own biggest critic.
In many ways, Howard helped me find my voice. I am comfortable making tough decisions, even if they are unpopular, and I have learned to trust myself. That shift in mindset has been one of the most important parts of my growth and maturity.
Q: What is the biggest lesson you have learned as a student-athlete?
A: The biggest lesson I have learned as a student-athlete is the importance of time management. I genuinely believe that while it is possible to give energy to multiple areas of your life, something usually has to give. I have seen firsthand how some students prioritize athletics at the expense of academics and others do the opposite. The difference always shows whether in the classroom or in competition.
Time management is a skill you quietly commit to the moment you become a student-athlete. I have been fortunate to manage it fairly well over the years. What made my experience even more unique was taking on the role of team captain. That came with its own challenges: making tough decisions both publicly and privately; navigating team dynamics; managing expectations and balancing leadership with personal goals.
On top of maintaining performance in the pool and the classroom, I also tried to hold on to some version of a normal college social life. It was hard and it was often thankless. But I would not trade it for anything. It built a level of grit and resilience that most people never get the opportunity to develop and that is something I carry with me every day.
Q: If you could relive one meet or moment with the team, which would it be and why?
A: As cliché as it might sound, if I could relive any moment, it would be our most recent 2025 conference championship swim meet. Beyond my own individual successes, the energy, unity and performance from the team were nothing short of incredible. That meet felt like the best our team has ever performed collectively and you could feel it not only in the races but also in the atmosphere. Everyone wanted to win and it was clear in every stroke and every cheer. We pulled through and won.
A highlight of that meet for me was leading off the final 400 freestyle relay. That relay meant everything because it was the last race of the meet and the points were so close that if we did not win it, we would have lost the championship entirely. My relay teammates (
Tristan Stevens,
Taj Benton and
Mason Green) and I knew exactly what was at stake. We stepped up and executed. I was honored to lead us off, build that early momentum and watch it carry all the way through. I would not have chosen anyone else to be in that relay with me. Each swimmer did their part and Mason's finish at the end felt like something straight out of a movie.
Even though our women's team did not win overall, every single team on that pool deck knew they outswam the competition. They were on fire. Despite the setbacks, whether from injuries or shortcomings in diving, they made a statement. In my heart and mind, they were the true winners.
I genuinely hope the team carries that momentum into future seasons. More than that, I hope the lessons we all learned about teamwork, sacrifice and camaraderie are passed down and built upon by future generations of Howard swimmers and divers.
Q: What advice would you give to a freshman just starting their journey?
A: My advice would be to focus on yourself. It is a tough truth, but one that needs to be said. Every sports team deals with its share of drama and a lot of it could be avoided if people spent less time worrying about what others are doing and more time leading by example. When you stay grounded in your own goals and responsibilities, you create a more focused and positive environment around you.
It is understandable, especially when you are new and trying to find your place, to get caught up in wanting to fit in or feel accepted. But that does not mean you have to lose sight of your own identity or get wrapped up in unnecessary distractions. You can absolutely build friendships and enjoy your time on a team while still respecting your own boundaries and being your own person.
I have seen teams fall short of championships because of petty drama that started early in the season and came back around when it mattered most. And more often than not, the loudest voices in that drama are the same people who struggle to show up when the pressure is on. Do not be that person.
A good rule to live by is that just because something sounds shocking or dramatic does not mean it is true. Be careful what you believe and even more careful about who you keep close. If someone is constantly in the middle of drama or talking about other people's business, getting too close to them puts you at the same risk.
Most importantly, treat others how you would want to be treated. Everyone deserves privacy and respect. Do not be the one who spreads negativity. You are your own athlete and your responsibility is to focus on what fulfills your body, your mind and your spirit. Let others worry about the noise. You have bigger things to achieve.
Q: What is next for you and how has Howard helped prepare you?
A: As a graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the Howard University School of Business, my main priority now is gaining hands-on experience. While most of the coursework provides a strong foundation in theory, I believe the true value comes from applying that knowledge in the real world.
I recently accepted a position in the medical sales field where I plan to begin building my career. My goal is to work in the industry for a few years, gain valuable experience and then return to graduate school to pursue a master's degree in finance.
Howard has played a huge role in preparing me for this next chapter. The School of Business challenged me with rigorous coursework while also giving me opportunities to develop practical skills in marketing strategy, consumer insight and business planning. On top of that, serving as a member and captain of the Howard Men's Swim Team helped shape who I am today. It taught me discipline, accountability, grit, persistence, time management and how to lead with confidence.
Howard prepared me not just academically but personally. I feel ready for what is next.
About Afrik:
- Personal:
- Hometown: Holland, Mich.
- Major: Marketing
- Academic Achievements at Howard:
- Athletic Achievements at Howard:
- 2023-24 NEC Conference 3rd place podium finish 200 freestyle
- 2x-NEC Champion
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
