Howard's Zennia Thomas Named MEAC Women's Basketball Player of the Year

NORFOLK, Va., March 11, 2026 — The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced its 2026 Women's Basketball All-Conference Awards, and Howard University senior forward Zennia Thomas was named the MEAC Player of the Year. The announcement was made Tuesday evening during the fourth annual MEAC BBT Awards presented by Wells Fargo at Chrysler Hall.

Thomas, a native of Washington, D.C., had a standout season for the Howard Bison, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. She averaged 18.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, helping guide Howard to a 20-10 overall record and 14-4 conference mark.

This honor marks the second time in her illustrious career that Thomas has been named MEAC Player of the Year, having also earned the award in 2024.

In addition to Thomas' individual accolade, the MEAC also announced its 2026 All-Conference teams, with several other HBCU standouts earning recognition:

• First Team All-MEAC: Jasmine Williams (Norfolk State), Aaliyah Jones (Bethune-Cookman), Imani Partlow (Morgan State), Aniya Melton (North Carolina Central), Zennia Thomas (Howard)
• Second Team All-MEAC: Kayla Simmons (Delaware State), Nyla Pollard (South Carolina State), Gabrielle Williams (Coppin State), Alana Williamson (Maryland Eastern Shore), Jasmine Bivins (Florida A&M)

"Zennia Thomas has been a dominant force in the MEAC for the past four years, and her selection as Player of the Year is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contributions to Howard University's women's basketball program," said Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, President of Howard University.

The MEAC is one of the premier NCAA Division I conferences for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), showcasing the exceptional talent and competitive spirit of student-athletes from these esteemed institutions. Zennia Thomas' achievement is a source of immense pride for the Howard Bison community and the HBCU community at large, as her success on the court highlights the excellence and potential of HBCU student-athletes.

HBCUConnect Perspective: Zennia Thomas' recognition as the MEAC Women's Basketball Player of the Year is a significant milestone for the Howard University community and the HBCU sports landscape. As the premier online destination for HBCU alumni and supporters, HBCUConnect.com is thrilled to celebrate Thomas' accomplishments and the continued success of HBCU student-athletes. This award underscores the remarkable talent and dedication that HBCU student-athletes bring to the court, and it serves as an inspiration for aspiring young athletes within the HBCU community. HBCUConnect is proud to share this story and highlight the impact that HBCU sports programs have on their students and alumni.

Originally reported by MEAC Sports.