In a historic first, Howard University’s swimming and diving team swept the Northeast Conference Championships, securing both the men’s and women’s titles.
The women’s team won the Northeast Conference (NEC) title for the very first time. The men’s team also won, making it their second consecutive championship and their third in the last four years.
As the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) with a Division I swimming and diving team, this achievement is significant far beyond the awards. It underscores progress and potential, serving as a powerful example that excellence in aquatic sports is attainable for all.
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Nic Askew (B.A. ‘00), the program head since 2014, views the championship win as more than just a victory. He told The Dig, “This moment is about more than winning championships. It’s about showing young swimmers and divers—especially those who may not see themselves represented—that they belong in this sport and can excel at the highest level.”
At the NEC Championships, held at the Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio, from February 17-20, the Bison immediately secured and maintained first place, demonstrating their excellence at the highest level.
While the men’s team was predicted to win and the women’s team was projected to finish second, leading into the championships, coach Askew was confident both teams would deliver a strong performance.
“I’ve seen these young men and women really push themselves this entire season and I have never doubted that we could win,” Askew stated. “I am proud of what we did and know that this program continues to set the standard.”
The Bison swimming and diving team demonstrated exceptional depth, resilience, and a strong competitive spirit during the championship meet, excelling in relays, individual races, and diving. Beyond winning both team championships, the Bison received significant individual awards.
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These honorees included Zion Wilson, a sophomore chemical engineering major from San Antonio, Texas (NEC Most Outstanding Diver); Zuilda “Zuzu” Nwaeze, a senior from Columbia, Maryland (NEC Most Outstanding Swimmer); Courtenay Miller (B.B.A. ‘86 and M.Div. ‘04), the NEC Diving Coach of the Year; and both teams, who were named NEC Coaching Staff of the Year. Impressively, Nwaeze finished her Howard career by earning her third consecutive Most Outstanding Swimmer award.
“Watching these teams come together and accomplish so much really has been history in the making,” Askew recounted. “Never before has a women’s team from an HBCU won a conference title and never before has an HBCU won back-to-back swimming and diving conference titles. These wins speak volumes about the talent and competitive nature of our program and what is possible for student athletes considering attending an HBCU.”
The Howard Swimming and Diving program is very successful and nationally recognized. They have won many conference titles and were even featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2020.
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