WASHINGTON (June 3, 2025) – Howard University Department of Athletics rolls on with another senior spotlight, featuring NEC (Northeast Conference) Champion Melea Earley from the women's soccer team, who was interviewed by rising sophomore legal communications major Tanbrance Berry.
 
Q: You have earned numerous accolades throughout your time at Howard. Who/what has had the greatest impact on your success as a student-athlete?
A: While being a student athlete here at Howard, outside of my parents having such a huge impact on my drive and determination, I am where I am today as a student athlete due to the positive impact and support from Mr. Paul Bowden (Howard Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Support Services) and Ms. Jocelyn Logan (former Howard Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance), both of which work with athletic (academic) compliance. They have always been there for me from my rough days and best days, both on and off the field. Without them, I would not have had such a successful and memorable time at Howard. I am forever appreciative of all they have done for me.
 
Q: Out of all your accolades, which one means the most to you?
A: NEC Tournament MVP means the most to me. Oftentimes, during the season, I set goals for myself, which includes individual goals like awards, goals scored, etc. As the season went on, I was not scoring as much; however, my purpose for the season was going to be bigger than that and that was clear throughout our tournament. I had great games while having the most fun during my time at Howard and getting tournament MVP (Most Valuable Player) reminded me of my main goals, perspectives for my season and my purpose as a captain on this team.
 
Q: Is there a reason you started wearing no. 4 after your freshman year?
A: My siblings and I all have the same first, middle and last initial. I am the fourth child out of five, so my "number" has always been four growing up. When I started playing sports, it just became my favorite number. Ever since I was four years old playing soccer, I always asked for the jersey number because it was my favorite. Originally, my freshman year, I wanted to my jersey number to be No. 4, but we did not have a home jersey No. 4, so I chose a multiple of four (No. 20). After my freshman year, we switched to Nike and I requested No. 4. I have always loved the number four and I am glad I could finish as a senior with my favorite number.
 
Q: How has being a student -athlete at Howard prepared you for your future endeavors?
Personally, being a student-athlete sets you apart in various ways, mainly through sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership and communication. Without these qualities, we could not win the NEC Championship. These are needed when going into the job force and if we do not have these qualities, it will be challenging.
 
Q: What changed your mind to pursue soccer in college?
A: I had a bad sophomore year of high school that made me want to quit soccer. This feeling came back after struggling to realize what I wanted to accomplish in college. I was originally committed somewhere else strictly for soccer and realized if I did not have soccer, then I really did want to be in college. So, I took this into account when switching to Howard, one of my dream schools. The school itself made me happy and I could (if chosen) be a student-athlete and still have a life outside of soccer. I decided to recommit to Howard and thankfully, God knew it was for the better. I gave myself one year to see if I wanted to continue playing soccer and I am grateful that I had such a standout season as a freshman because it led me to where I am today, a NEC Champion.
 
Q: What is one thing people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I am a relatively introverted person and I was chosen as a team captain during my sophomore year. So, this made it quite difficult for me, at first, to step into this role because there was so much on my plate. But my close friends always know that I am not the biggest people person and in various situations I can be shy or reserved just because I am processing everything. Thankfully, the Lord equipped me to be a leader! I am extremely grateful that I was pulled out of my comfort zone and able to help lead my teammates to a championship.
 
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I plan on coming back in the fall to help out the program as an assistant coach or director of operations. I will also prepare for my LSATs and apply to law schools where I hope to pursue environmental law and act on my passion for the environment. I am extremely grateful for the coaches allowing me to continue to help this wonderful program!
 
About Earley

• Personal:
  • Hometown: La Mirada, Calif.
  • Major: Environmental Studies
• Academic Achievements at Howard:
  • 3x-NEC Fall Academic Honor Roll
  • CSC Soccer Academic All-District Team
• Athletic Achievements at Howard:
  • 4x-NEC All-Conference Selection
  • NEC Champion

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