WASHINGTON (June 10, 2025) – Howard University Department of Athletics rolls on with another senior spotlight, catching up with Marcus Lewis (Toronto, Canada) from the men's soccer team, who was interviewed by rising junior advertising major Nala James.
 
Q: How did you get into soccer?
A: Soccer just runs in my family (lol) because my cousins, father, grandfathers, uncles, etc., played the game. So, I just fell in love with it naturally.
 
Q: What kept you motivated throughout your journey?
A: Honestly, it was just the love of the game. I remember vivid moments from my childhood where I really fell in love with soccer. That, and the dream of playing professionally. I was also good, so I figured, why not keep going?
 
Q: Do you have a favorite soccer player to watch and what qualities do you admire in that player?
A: Yeah, Paul Pogba (French professional footballer) because I love the way he plays with freedom and elegance. You can tell he enjoys the game every time he steps on the field.
 
Q: Reflecting on your time at Howard University, what has been the most rewarding aspect of being a student-athlete?
A: For me, it is the family culture at Howard. I came from a PWI, and coming here, I felt that sense of community right away. And not just with soccer, but across the whole athletic department. Coach Phillip Gyau (Howard men's soccer head coach), Coach Jason Gross (Howard assistant coach) and Coach Alex Ughiovhe (Howard assistant coach) have been real mentors and they care more about who we are off the field, academically and personally rather than just wins.
 
Q: Who or what will you miss about being part of that community?
A: In terms of soccer, I will miss the trips, the jokes and the bonds we, the team, built on and off the field. They call me "Unc" because I enjoyed helping the younger guys transition into college life.
 
For Howard, in general, I will really miss the community, being around people who look like me, live with me, go to class with me. That kind of environment is rare and I am grateful for it.
 
Q: How has Howard's culture and community shaped your experience as a student-athlete?
A: It has changed me a lot. As an international student, I had ideas of what the U.S. was like from online and media. But living the HBCU experience opened my eyes. It shaped how I view the world and I appreciate the culture so much more now.
 
Q: Who would you like to thank for supporting you on your soccer journey?
A: I want to thank all my coaches over the years because they all played a part.
 
Most importantly, I thank my family: my sister; my parents and my grandparents because they have sacrificed so much for me.
 
Lastly, I have to thank the coaches at Howard because they believed in me when I did not believe in myself. They helped me grow, expressed myself and prepared me for what is next.
 
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I do not like to give away too much (lol), but there is definitely more school and soccer involved. I am super grateful for the opportunity ahead and the people in my circle know what is coming. If not, they will see soon!
 
Q: What advice would you give to incoming student athletes at Howard?
A: Lock in, especially that first year. There are a lot of temptations at Howard and it is easy to get distracted. But no matter what role you play on your team, whether you are starting or not playing, just remember you were brought here for a reason. Stay focused, work on yourself and be ready to take your chance when it comes.
 
About Lewis

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Toronto, Canada
  • Major: Health Sciences
• Academic Achievements at Howard:
  • NEC Fall Academic Honor Roll

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