VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (May 23, 2026) – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) hosted its yearly All-Sports Awards Dinner at the inaugural MEAC Foundation Sneaker Ball, held at The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center in Virginia Beach, Va., where the Howard University Department of Athletics won the 2025-26 Mary McLeod Bethune Women's All-Sports Award. The league announced Friday night.
 
Howard took home its fifth straight award (ninth overall), the longest streak in school history.
 
The all-sports award is an indicator of the overall strengths of the conference's women's athletic programs. Howard was presented with a $20,000 check.
 
Howard finished with 62.5 points, securing regular season titles in women's basketball and softball and conference championships during the cross country, indoor and outdoor track & field campaigns.
 
HU was also honored as the conference's Graduation Success Rate (GSR) leader, posting an 83-percent GSR, which is the highest among MEAC institutions for the 2014–17 cohorts while earning a $25,000 award.
 
"I am so proud of our coaches, student-athletes, administrators and support staff on this accomplishment," said Howard Director of Athletics Kery Davis. "The hard work and dedication each individual put in everyday paid off and we look to build on this going into the 2026-27 year. President Frederick and I would like to thank Commissioner Stills and the MEAC for these incredible achievements."
 
Norfolk State (NSU) captured the 2025-26 Talmadge Layman Hill Men's All-Sports Award, tallying 41.5 points. HU finished fourth with 29.5 points, highlighted by men's basketball regular season title.
 
North Carolina Central was recognized for academic excellence, posting the MEAC's highest Academic Progress Rate (APR) while receiving a $10,000 award.
 
Points are awarded in a descending order, beginning with nine (9) points for championships or first-place regular-season finishes. The second-place team receives seven (7) points. Tied teams split the point total.
 
Points were given for regular season finishes in every sport but cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field, where points were awarded based on finishes at MEAC Championships.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com and/or the MEAC website at www.MEACSports.com.