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Howard University Department of Athletics continues its senior spotlight series with rising sophomore advertising major Nala James interviewing recent grad and Philadelphia native Aleyana DeBrest from the women’s bowling team.
Q: What inspired you to pursue bowling at a collegiate level?
A: Originally, I had no plans of bowling at a collegiate level but after learning Howard had a bowling team during my freshman year, I took a chance and reached out to the captain to see if it was possible for me to join and the rest is history.
Q: How did you get started in bowling?
A: At age five, I would watch my aunt bowl in Saturday youth league and eventually found an interest and never stopped. It gave me something to look forward to every weekend and challenge myself to get better.
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: Honestly, being the oldest and first-generation student has been my biggest motivation. It served as a constant reminder of why i must push forward in anything I pursue.
Q: Reflecting on your time at Howard University, what has been the most rewarding aspect of being a student-athlete?
A: At Howard, the most rewarding aspect has been meeting people and learning about other’s different experiences.
Q: Who or what will you miss the most about being a part of Howard University and its athletic community?
A: I will miss my teammates because I love them, past and present, because we all came from different backgrounds. They inspired me to be the best captain for the team.
Q: Can you share a bit about how Howard University’s culture and community have enriched your collegiate experience as a student-athlete?
A: The Howard culture and community has pushed me to strive for excellence in any room I walk in.
Q: What is a favorite memory at Howard?
A: This past year, entering as the No. 8 seed at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament and reaching the semifinal round.
Q: Along your journey, who would you like to extend your deepest gratitude for their support and guidance?
A: My deepest gratitude would go to my parents for investing in me and providing ongoing advice and supporting me through challenging times.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After graduation, I started a full-time position with DaVita as an assistant facility administrator.
Q: What advice would you give to incoming student-athletes about navigating the unique experience of being a Bison at Howard University?
A: My advice would be to use your resources and fellow student-athletes; each student-athlete understands what you are going through and can contribute to your success at Howard. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help and be curious; it will only lead to greater opportunities.
About DeBrest
- Personal:
- Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa.
- Major: Health Management
- Academic Achievements at Howard:
- MEAC Bowling All-Academic Team
- MEAC Commissioner’s All-Academic Team
- Athletic Achievements at Howard:
- Squad finished third overall at the 2024 MEAC Championship
