Marking a triumphant win for young women athletes, and a momentous occasion for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), the historic rivalry between Howard University and Hampton University reached a new milestone on Aug. 17, as Audi Stadium Field hosted the inaugural HBCU Women’s Soccer Invitational.
The momentous matchoff –amplified by more than 500 attendees and 90 degree weather –saw the Bison best Hampton’s Pirates in a thrilling 4-1 play, though Howard University junior forward Samantha James said it’s about far more than securing their first win of the season.
“I think [this opportunity] can [show] other teams…other [student athletes] looking to come to Howard, or any HBCU, that they’re able to get these opportunities and achieve their goals,” James told The Informer days ahead of the game. “Sometimes there’s a bad narrative…when people look at HBCUs, especially with soccer. This [can] really put us on the map and show that we’re more than just a HBCU soccer team–and we’re here to compete.”
HBCU Women’s Soccer Invitational: Empowering Women Athletes
Hosted at the home of D.C. United (MLS), DC Power FC (USL Super League), and the Washington Spirit (NWSL), the inaugural invitational saw each team mark their first time playing in a professional stadium, setting the tone for a fiery matchup.
The Lady Bison and Lady Pirates met around this time last year at Powhatan Field in Norfolk, Virginia. The game resulted in a scoreless draw but this time, the Lady Bison, the reigning Northeast Conference (NEC) champions, came swinging in full force defeating the Lady Pirates.
Meanwhile, Hampton, touting a 16-member recruiting class, encompassing players from five continents, eight countries, and six states, faced Howard, a seven-member recruiting player, including one coming from Ontario, Canada, 24 returners with championship mindsets encompassing HBCU and NEC honors.
Howard University sophomore Trinity Knox (left), the 2024 Northeast Confer- ence Goalkeeper of the Year, dodges a shot attempt from Hampton University during the Inaugural HBCU Women’s Soccer Invitational, held at Audi Field in Southwest, D.C., on Aug 17. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)
With locked-down defenses on both sides, much of the first period remained scoreless until Bison sophomore forward Sinclaire Green prevailed with her first collegiate goal before halftime.
This marked the beginning of a trend that would soon carry post-intermission, tripled by goals from the reigning NEC titleholders: sophomore forward Gabriella Garcia-Terrell (Rookie of the Year), Rachel Suttle (Defensive Player of the Year), and a pivotal assist from James, reigning NEC Midfielder of the Year.
For Garcia-Terrell, coming into the Aug. 17 match meant channeling the spirit of resilience and collaboration that propelled the Bison to an NEC championship last year. The star rookie noted some of the pre-game conditioning centered around elevating game fitness and tactical and structure work, such as building upon formation and chemistry to establish a precedent for the team going forward.
“I think that’s really what a pre-season is about,” she told The Informer, “getting on the same page before the actual season.”
Further, the invitational comes at a time of unprecedented success for women’s sports all around.
From sold-out stadiums to record-breaking viewership, including the Washington Mystics’ recent 34% surge, visibility and engagement in women’s sports is seeing an integral rise with events like the soccer invitational setting the backdrop.
The added importance, according to Danita Johnson, president of business operations for D.C. United, is ensuring HBCU talent is a part of the continued growth.
“This historic matchup between Howard and Hampton is a milestone that highlights the power of women’s sports and the importance of diversity in athletics,” Johnson said in a statement. “To see these talented student-athletes take the field at Audi Field is a testament to the growth of HBCU women’s soccer. We are honored to provide a professional stage for this inspiring moment.”
Forging New Paths for HBCU Sports
In addition to building team morale, Hampton director of athletics Anthony Henderson said fronting the inaugural invitational presents a two-fold opportunity on both ends: dawning a new legacy for HBCU athletics, and amplifying the principles of these institutions as a whole.
A former football player of the Virginia university, Henderson emphasized how athleticism can showcase the wealth of excellence that exudes a historically Black education, exemplifying “that we’re just as good as everybody else,” especially in today’s times.
“We’re in a unique situation where, if we’re really good at certain sports, and not just the revenue sports…it’s going to be more than a local story,” he said, highlighting Howard’s Swim and Dive Sports Illustrated cover following the league’s NEC win in 2023. “It’s those types of opportunities that winning and being successful brings, not only to the athletic department…[but] so people can see all the other great things that are going on on campus.”
The athletic director parallels James’ vision to see opportunities like the invitational forge a new mindset among young athletes of color, notably one where they can “especially look at Hampton” while considering their collegiate careers.
Partnered plans to continue developing a “pathway-to-pro” pipeline— further investing in more playing opportunities in women’s professional soccer— include: DC Power FC working to host a joint training session with the winning team in spring 2026; an event featuring executive women leaders that intersect the HBCU and pro soccer communities; and a trial opportunity for an upperclassman seeking a future pro contract, according to the press release.
Beyond Sunday’s invitational, Henderson and Brent Leiba, head coach of Howard University’s women’s soccer team and the 2024 Northeast Conference Coach of the Year, tout similar hopes to create a legacy where all Black athletes prosper.
“These games matter, not just for the athletes on the field, but for the visibility and growth of women’s soccer across our communities,” said Leiba in a press release, “especially in communities who see themselves in our players.”
Source: Washington Informer
