Howard University Debuts First-ever HBCU Figure Skating Team
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Posted By: S. Moore on February 22, 2024 A group of athletes from Howard University is making history as the first-ever HBCU figure-staking team. The intercollegiate skating team hopes to inspire other schools and future Black athletes. “So I’m from Shaker Heights Ohio, and in Shaker Heights, everyone skates. I’ve been skating since I was like 2 years old. Friday night skates was a huge deal there,” said Toni Smith, a Howard skater. Largo-based nonprofit Diversify Ice provides mentorship and scholarships for underserved figure skaters. The organization is helping the school with the sports program. 7News caught up with some of the athletes from Howard University during one of their last practices before they competed in their first intercollegiate tournament at the University of Delaware this weekend. They are excited for a chance to represent Howard University.  A group of athletes from Howard University is making history as the first-ever HBCU figure-staking team. (7News) Co-founders Maya James, a junior studying psychology, and senior Cheyenne Walker, studying political science, have already seen how the new team has inspired younger generations. Now that they are official, they are ready to claim some success. They will take part in the intercollegiate competition. “Honestly I would really like to see other HBCUs do figure skating teams as well. Get more black and brown boys and girls on the ice, be their representation for them,” said James. Most of the young women on the team started skating at a very young age. It took some convincing for these athletes and co-founders of the club to get the university to fund a non-division one sport. After months of recruiting and planning, in October, the team held its first practice at the Herbert Wells ice rink in College Park, 10 miles from campus. They also hold open outdoor skate sessions during the week here at the Canal Park ice rink near Nationals Park. The university does not have its own rink and the only indoor facility in D.C. is currently under construction. “I still don’t think it’s fully hit me or I’ve processed it completely but I definitely do think it’s important to be in this space and watch how we are diversifying the sport,” said Walker. These Black women, Howard University students have become unsung heroes on campus, many are describing them as unsung figure skaters. The importance of Howard becoming the first HBCU with a figure skating team is not lost on these young skaters of color. “It’s definitely exciting. Sometimes it can be like wow how did we get here,” said Walker. Of the 14-member team, seven of them will compete this weekend at the competition. SOURCE 7News If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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