The Howard University Women’s Soccer team is heading back to the postseason with one goal in mind — to bring another championship home to The Mecca.

After a strong regular season finish of 9–6–3 overall and 7–2–2 in conference play, the Bison earned the No. 3 seed in this year’s Northeast Conference (NEC) Tournament. The defending NEC champions team will begin their quest for back-to-back titles Thursday, Nov. 6 when they face Wagner College in the NEC semifinals on the road in Staten Island, New York. The match will start at 7 p.m. and stream live on NEC Front Row.

Under Head Coach Brent Leiba, the 2024 NEC Coach of the Year, the Bison have continued to strengthen their program’s legacy of consistency, culture, and championship mentality.

“Every year presents different challenges — new personnel, players graduating, new players coming in,” Leiba said as his team traveled to New York. “We were excited about the talent we brought in this season, but you never know how it will translate. Fortunately, this group has come together beautifully — it’s a fantastic combination of youth and experience.”

A returning core of accomplished players has anchored Howard’s success. Among them are Gabriella Garcia-Terrell, the 2024 Rookie of the Year; 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Rachel Suttle; 2024 Midfielder of the Year Samantha James; and 2024 Goalkeeper of the Year Trinity Knox. Garcia-Terrell, who leads the Bison with six goals and 13 points, was a repeat All-NEC First Team award winner as the NEC announced the 2025 honors yesterday. Both James and Suttle were named All-NEC Second Team selections, a year after both claimed First Team accolades.

The mix of veteran leadership, freshmen contributors, and impactful transfers has created a deep, balanced roster capable of competing with the best in the NEC.

“We returned a lot of players who’ve experienced success here,” Leiba added. “We also lost some foundational players who helped us win championships, but this group has upheld the standard we set — and that’s translated directly into the success we’ve seen.”

The Bison enter the semifinals looking to bounce back from a challenging final regular-season match against top-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), who improved to 9–0–2 in conference play with a 2-0 win over Howard. Obviously, a loss before postseason play isn’t ideal, but Leiba is confident his team will bounce back for the semi-final matchup. 

“We all agree that was a flat performance for us and not up to our standard,” Leiba said. “Credit to FDU — they set the tone from start to finish and beat us in all phases of the game. But the silver lining is that we’re still in the dance. At this point, it’s about our standard, one game at a time. We’re two wins away from where we want to be.”

With 12 teams in the NEC and only four advancing to the postseason, the Bison know what’s at stake and are pleased to have made it to this part of the season. A semifinal victory on Thursday would send Howard to the NEC championship match Sunday, Nov. 9, with a chance to host if results align — top-seeded FDU would have to lose its semi-final match against Central Connecticut.

We’re not just recruiting great athletes, but the kind of students who thrive academically and recognize how special this program and institution are.

Beyond the wins and accolades, Coach Leiba emphasizes what truly sets Howard apart — the holistic development of scholar-athletes who represent the university with excellence.

“There’s a lot that goes into it,” Leiba explained. “It’s about bringing in the right players — student-athletes who understand what Howard University stands for. We’re not just recruiting great athletes, but the kind of students who thrive academically and recognize how special this program and institution are.”

This focus on character, scholarship, and long-term growth has been essential to the team’s sustained success.

“That’s a big part of why we’ve been able to win and maintain success,” Leiba continued. “These young women understand the legacy they’re part of — and they carry that with pride.”

As the Bison prepare to compete in Staten Island, Leiba knows the Howard community’s support will be felt near and far.

“Howard Bison are all across this great nation,” he said, adding that he hopes Bison in the New York metropolitan area can show up for the team. “We always appreciate the support, and if any of our fellow Bison are in the area, we’d be honored to have them come out and cheer us on.”