Fresh off one of the most successful and historic years in department history, Howard University Athletics paused to celebrate the student-athletes, coaches, and staff who made it all possible at its annual Bison Blue Carpet Awards April 16.

Representatives from all of the university’s 21 sports teams, as well as Athletics staff and university administrators, were on hand as the department honored standout team and individual performances across all programs during an evening that recognized not just wins and accolades, but the purpose, discipline, and pride that fueled a championship-caliber year.

From title runs and national postseason appearances to academic achievement and community impact, the Bison Blue Carpet Awards reflected a standard that continues to elevate Bison sports.

“This night is about more than recognition, it’s about legacy,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Kery Davis who shared some of the department-wide accomplishments, including an 82 percent graduation rate. “Our student-athletes continue to raise the bar for what it means to compete with excellence, represent this institution with pride, and carry forward the tradition of greatness that is Howard University.”

A Year of Champions and Culture

The event was opened by emcee Angela “Angie Ange” Hailstorks (B.A. ‘06), director of content at WHUT-TV. Hailstorks commended all the student-athletes for their work — in their respective sports as well as in the classroom and community. She shared memories of the impact student-athletes had on campus during her time at Howard and expressed appreciation for how today’s student-athletes continue to represent the university well. 

Hailstorks’ sentiments were shared by Interim President Wayne A.I. Frederick M.D., MBA, FACS, who was unable to attend the event, but provided remarks to be shared with those in attendance.

“Across every sport and during each season, our teams demonstrated competitive excellence, sportsmanship, and integrity,” Frederick wrote. “Equally impressive has been the way our student-athletes balanced the demands of high-level competition with academic success, leadership, and service. This display of excellence — on the field, in the classroom, and in the community — reflects the highest standard we strive to achieve as an institution.”

Before the awards were distributed, representatives from Wells Fargo were on hand to share their enthusiastic support of Bison Athletics. Daniel Shannon (B.A. ‘07), head of Enterprise HBCU Strategy for Wells Fargo and a former member of the university’s track and field team, shared his love for Howard Athletics and excitement about the Howard-Wells Fargo partnership before introducing Georgette “Gigi” Dixon, Wells Fargo’s head of External Engagement. Dixon echoed Shannon’s sentiments and, as a Tennessee State University alumna, reminded attendees of the pride and power HBCU students possess. 

From historic postseason appearances in women’s and men’s basketball, to continued dominance in women’s track and field and breakthrough success in swimming and diving, Howard student-athletes once again demonstrated that athletic excellence is very possible at an HBCU.

Leadership, Resilience, and the Soul of a Team

Throughout the evening, awards such as the “Most Improved,” “Most Valuable Player,” and “Soul of the Team” for each team highlighted the full spectrum of what it takes to build championship programs. Additional honors included highest individual GPA (4.0), which was earned by Ian Campbell (soccer) and DJ Norris (football), tying for the male honor, and Zuilda “Zuzu” Nwaeze (swimming and diving) led the way for female student-athletes. The award for the highest team GPA (3.66) went to the women’s golf team, who were unable to attend the event because they were competing in the Northeast Conference (NEC) Golf Championship. 

The Sydney Satchell Award for Perseverance was presented to freshman Sophia Lima, a member of the lacrosse team whose family lost everything they had during the Los Angeles wildfires in 2025. Lima, a standout player who was also named to the Mexican national team, has been a spark to the Bison lacrosse team this season, and was nominated for the award because of how she didn’t let the tragedy keep her from pursuing her dreams of playing Division I lacrosse.

The award was named after Sydney Satchell (B.A. ‘14), a former lacrosse club member whose leg was amputated in 2015, following a car accident. Satchell, who had been a college lacrosse coach, decided to not let the injury keep her from sports and started training for sitting volleyball, eventually earning a spot on Team USA where she won a gold medal in the 2024 Paralympic Games.

“I’m really glad that I could make an impact and support my teammates,” said Lima, a sports medicine major from Altadena, California who became the first Bison to win an NEC Rookie of the Week honor. “The team has been supportive of me, especially in January during the anniversary of the fires. But I know that my focus on academics and lacrosse has shown others that, yes life happens, but if you can stay mentally strong, you can surpass the setbacks. I just want to continue to be an inspiration.”

Honoring Excellence Across All Sports

Student-athletes across fall, winter, and spring sports were recognized for their contributions to one of the most successful years in Howard Athletics history.

From volleyball and cross country to basketball, tennis, golf, and track and field, the honorees represent the depth, diversity, and determination that fuel Howard’s continued rise.

2026 Blue Carpet Awards top honors included:

• Female Athlete of the Year: Temi Banwo (Track and Field)
• Male Athlete of the Year: Bryce Harris (Men’s Basketball)
• Women’s Team of the Year: Women’s Basketball
• Men’s Team of the Year: Men’s Basketball
• Women’s Coach of the Year: Ty Grace
• Men’s Coach of the Year: Kenny Blakeney
• Athletics Director’s Award: Nile Miller

The event also saw the presentation of the Inaugural Dr. Paul Cotton Service Award, named after the beloved alumnus who passed away this past January. Cotton, who earned three degrees from Howard, was a standout wrestler during his undergraduate years who also served as a professor and an alumni trustee. Most importantly, he was a staunch supporter of Howard Athletics for five decades. The award was posthumously presented to Cotton and was accepted by his wife, Phyllis, and two of his former wrestlers, Melvin and Milton Yates. Beginning next year, the award will be presented to an individual whose support and leadership creates impact for the Bison Athletics community. 

As the ceremony concluded, the message was clear: Howard Athletics is not just celebrating success — it is defining it.

“We are building something special here,” Davis added. “And it’s driven by people — student athletes, coaches, and staff — who are committed to excellence in every sense of the word. That’s what makes Howard different. That’s what makes us The Mecca, because at Howard, being a Bison means more.”