title image via Howard Athletics
Courtesy of Derek W. Bryant, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations & Sports Information
Former Howard University standout Sydney Satchell and Team USA took home the gold medal Saturday (Sept. 7), defeating China, 3-1, in sitting volleyball at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France.
With the victory, Team USA won its third consecutive sitting volleyball gold medal in front of over 4,000 spectators at the North Paris Arena.
U.S. won the first set, then lost the second set to tie the match, 1-1, but Team USA regained its momentum to win the final two sets.
Teammate Heather Nicole Erickson, competing in her fifth Paralympic Games, finished with 28 points.
Satchell, a former member of the women’s lacrosse team who graduated magna cum laude from Howard in 2014, was involved in a life-altering car accident that resulted in the amputation of a limb. In 2015, she unwilling to be deterred, Satchell fought every day to get stronger and has become an inspiration to many.
Howard recognizes Satchell’s impact. Her commitment to athletics and perseverance through her recovery led Howard Department of Athletics to establish The Sydney Satchell Award for Perseverance, one of the most prestigious honors for a Bison student-athlete. This award is given to the student-athlete who has persevered through challenges during his or her collegiate career.
