WASHINGTON (October 1, 2026) - The Howard University swimming and diving program has accomplished more in a short time than perhaps any program in the past short time.
 
Since becoming an associate member of the NEC in 2020, the Bison have grown and become recognized globally in stature among collegiate programs.
 
It really all started when the University named Nicholas Askew head coach.
 
An HU alum, Askew has taken advantage of Howard being the only swimming and diving program among HBCUs.
 
"We are very proud of what we have accomplished here at Howard with the swimming and diving program," said Askew, a former member of the swimming and diving team when he was a student at Howard.
 
Entering this season, both squads were projected to repeat as NEC champions.
 
The men's team has established itself as elite after winning three-of-the-past-four NEC titles. But it is the women's program that has now become a growing force. Last year's team captured its first-ever conference championship, giving Howard the dual title of men and women for the first time in school or HBCU history.
 
One key member to the team's success is Tiara Jackson (Los Angeles)., who has watched and been a part of the team's growth.
 
"Last year's success with the women winning for the very first time in program history was such a rewarding and validating feeling," explained Jackson, a biology major and minor in chemistry and Japanese. "This women's team has come such a long way and for us to collectively grind together the season made all the sacrifices worth it. Winning the conference championship is our goal since I joined the team."
 
The key to the success of any program is the ability to have nice blend of returning veterans and young underclassmen, who have the talent to contribute and continue the excellence.
 
Along with Jackson are key returnees and there are some outstanding incoming freshmen, including Victoria Williams, Amira Washington, Saylor Debnam, Sanaa Chege (Germantown, Md.) and Jazmine Green (Boston).
 
"We have been preparing for this season," Jackson added. "So, I have no doubt these freshmen will push this team even further in our quest to repeat."
 
Askew added that he is especially impressed with the divers in that group.
 
"Now, the difficult challenge begins," Askew expressed. "We cannot allow ourselves to be comfortable. We have to work even harder and want to be an impact. Our goal is the same each year."
 
Askew alluded to the men's experience of three years ago when they captured their first-ever NEC title only to let up the following year and failed to repeat. It was a lesson learned; however, as the team has now won two straight and shooting for a three peat.
 
Like the women's squad, the men are equally balanced with seasoned veterans, who know what it takes to win, talented young returnees and incoming freshmen who want to continue the legacy.
 
He points to the leadership of Mason Green (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Mark Brown (Greensboro, N.C.), Ameer Bashir (Hartley, Del.) and Zion Wilson (San Antonio).
 
Wilson has been a member of the team the past two years. The junior chemistry major from San Antonio reflects on the program's success since his arrival.
 
"It feels a little different," Wilson explained. "My first year, I was trying to figure things out and last year, I had a better understanding of the expectations. I had people I could look to for guidance. Now, people are looking to me for leadership."
 
Howard again embarks on a rigorous schedule that started Friday (Sept. 25) at the Potomac Relays. Now, the program gears up for the annual Battle at The Burr (Oct. 10). A creation of Askew, the event has been sold out each year and is one of the largest attended meets in the country. The event cannot be simulated, the competition is fierce and the atmosphere is special.
 
But the schedule does not stop there.
 
"Our team is based on races and going head-to-head in diving," Askew explained. "Competing in these large venues against high level competition prepares us for our conference championship meet and nationals. Competing in those events takes away the anxiety and they feel comfortable.
 
With regard to the conference finals, Askew has concerns of new member VMI (Virginia Military Institute), who was picked second in the recent NEC Preseason Poll.
 
"We have lost twice in the past to VMI and this year's championship will be held at their place in Lexington, Virginia."
 
As successful as the program has been in the water, it is equally successful in the classroom, sporting one of the highest GPAs (grade point average) in the NEC. Twenty-eight men and women were named to the 2025-26 NEC Academic Team, including 10, who were named to the Commissioners' Honor Roll All-Academic Team, including Jackson.
 
"When we recruit, we are looking for the type of student-athletes who understands the expectations of the program," Askew concluded. "It is going to be a challenge sometime. When the other students have gone home and you are sore. It is our feeling that this formula should allow success whether they are in the board room, operating room or another discipline in life.  Howard University and its reputation has a helped us in recruiting the type of people who can represent this program and the University."
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.