WASHINGTON (August 13, 2025) - The 2024 season was historic for the Howard University women's soccer program. The Bison, in just their fourth full season in the NEC (Northeast Conference), captured both the conference regular season and conference tournament championships, earning an NCAA Tournament bid. As a result, the team had several players receive major awards, including Brent Leiba being named NEC Coach of the Year.
 
To some, it may have been a momentous accomplishment and something to hang your hats on, but for Leiba, it met expectations. In fact, Leiba expressed confidence that the team could win the league and the tournament again.
 
"We do not have to worry about complacency in the program," said Leiba, now in his 17^th season at the helm and the winningest coach in school history. "The players in the program are self-motivated. They realize what they achieved last year was special. But they also understand that we can take things to another level. It is part of the standard we have set here at Howard."
 
He cited the motivation that the team had suffered, a disappointing double overtime loss to Central Connecticut State (CCSU) in the 2023 NEC Semifinals that ended the season short of expectations.
 
Rachel Suttle (Smyrna, Ga.) was part of the team that finished with only three wins in 2022 and the squad that came up short at CCSU in 2023.
 
"There is a team culture here that stresses high achievement," said Suttle, a graduate and reigning NEC Defensive Player of the Year. "Whether it is in the weight room or conditioning, it all carries over to our goals for this season and beyond."
 
There is hope for even greater success this upcoming season, returning several key parts of last year's success, including Suttle, NEC Midfielder of the Year Samantha James (Herndon, Va.), NEC Rookie of the Year Gabriella Garcia-Terrell (Centreville, Va.) and NEC Goalkeeper of the Year Trinity Knox (Atlanta). James led the team in scoring with 15 points. Garcia-Terrell totaled 13 points, leading the team with 30 shots on goal, including three-game winners.
 
Other notable returner on the frontline includes DMV native Asia Mickens-Perez (Upper Marlboro, Md.), tallying seven points a year ago.
 
Leiba adds that the key to developing a successful program is the leadership of the upperclassmen to include freshmen and transfers.
 
"Gabriella is a classic example," cites Leiba. "She came in as a freshman and the leadership on the team created an environment where she was able to grow and contribute without a lot of pressure. That is what we have come to expect in this program."
 
Leiba expects the same for his veterans as he is excited about the incoming players: freshman goalkeeper Sienna Hamilton-Grein (Upper Marlboro, Md.) and transfers Demi Owens (Temple), Adora Nwosu (Ole Miss) and Makende Stewart (Oregon). 
 
"Hamilton-Grein gives us depth at the goalkeeper position and creates competition for Trinity," Leiba added.
 
Trinity "Fort" Knox has shown that she is one of the top goalkeepers in the country. Last season, the junior goalie posted six shutouts and recorded 71 saves. In 2023, she was the NEC Rookie and Goalkeeper of the Year. In her two years, the Bison have won 23 games and she has posted nine shutouts along the way.
 
"When I was looking to make a decision on where I was going coming out of high school, my mother asked me was I sure that I wanted to go to Howard," Knox recalled. "It was tough because they only won three games. But I looked at it as a chance to be a difference maker and be a part of building something."
 
A new addition to the coaching staff is assistant coach Matt Whittley. He arrives to The Mecca after one season at Lamar University. He will work primarily with the goalkeepers.
 
Leiba has put together a designed schedule in preparation for conference play.
 
"The schedule is very competitive," Leiba stated. "There is a bit of a twist in things. Under the new conference tie-breaking system, it is result-based so scheduling plays a slightly different factor. That is why we scheduled some mid-major programs."
 
In addition to the success on the field, the program has been equally successful in the classroom with several players, including key returners, earning NEC academic honors. As a team, the Bison booters posted a 3.5 cumulative GPA (grade point average).
 
No one is more of an example than Suttle, who has finished her undergraduate studies with a degree in business management and now pursuing her master's degree in finance.
 
"When you come to Howard as an athlete, you have some idea of what you need to do to excel in the classroom and on the field," Suttle added. "You learn about things like time management and organization because Howard tests you. You find yourself at 18 years old with people in your class who are pursuing degrees and careers in engineering, architecture, business and medicine. You learn quickly that there are high-standard expectations and you have to find a way uphold that standard."
 
This story would be remiss without mentioning the Real HU battle with Hampton, which takes place this year at a new venue, Audi Field.
 
"To get an opportunity to play Audi Field is exciting," Knox said. "There have been so many great players who have played there and for me to get a chance to play there in my career is exciting. I am looking forward to it."
 
The inaugural HBCU Soccer Invitational, featuring two of the nation's most storied Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), is scheduled for Sunday (Aug. 17) at Audi Field. Kickoff at 3 p.m., and tickets are still available for purchase here. Since 2015, Howard leads the series, 3-0-1, with the lone tie coming last year at Hampton.
 
"We are excited about this opportunity," offered Leiba. "It is not only the fact that we are playing a rival in Hampton, but the game is being played at Audi Field where DC United and other professional soccer matches are played. It is a special experience for our program. We are looking forward to it."
 
Howard opens its 2025 campaign Thursday (Aug. 14) versus North Florida. Match time is slated for 7 p.m., at Greene Stadium.
 
Derek W. Bryant, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations & Sports Information, contributed to this story.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.