Player’s Perspective: UT and Howard Reflect on Special Visit

Tennessee traveled to Washington DC on Monday to play Howard University in a historic game while also making time to visit black-owned businesses and tour Howard’s campus and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. (you can read about the details of the trip here).

It was the first time Howard ever hosted a nationally ranked opponent. The teams ate dinner together after the game at Ben’s Chili Bowl. Players from both programs shared with me what they gained from the unique experience.

Bianca Worthy, Howard

Being able to host a Power Five team and allow them to see how the HBCU lifestyle is was an experience I will never forget. We were able to bring Tennessee softball into our Howard culture and allow them to see the game from our perspective. I learned that even at places where they have larger facilities the main thing is still the main thing–that being family and culture will take you further than any facility or equipment can. 

Being able to be a part of the Howard softball team that hosted a Power Five team for the first time was a feeling that I don’t know I will ever feel again. The amount of pride I had to be wearing Howard across my chest and taking part in this historic moment is an indescribable feeling. And all the fans and supporters that came out just add it onto it x100. All I can hope is that people see this and realize that HBCUs are more than “play-in games” type of teams. HBCUs can host and compete, and we are just getting started. 

Kiki Milloy, Tennessee

Our DC trip was truly a cultural experience all around for me. Driving through the city and seeing the government buildings was surreal. I always knew that’s where everything happens, but being able to see it was on a whole other level. Spending time with the Howard players and going to the museum of African American history helped me experience the black culture that you don’t get to experience while going to a PWI (predominately white institution) as a Black person. I was able to see young women of color be dominate in a sport where we are the minority. I also got to understand what it’s like to be on a campus that celebrates Black excellence on all fronts because it was built for that. Though I enjoyed being able to have that experience, it made me realize how fortunate we are to have the facilities and resources that we have at the University of Tennessee. Howard has an elite and competitive team, but the team has to travel 20-30 minutes away to play its games as a D1, when there is a field right next to campus that can be fully renovated. 

Jordin King, Howard

Reflecting back on the last two days of not only the game but getting to know the Tennessee girls outside of softball was such a fun experience. The day of the game was filled with so many emotions because it was the first time Howard has hosted a nationally ranked team. This matchup was more than just Howard vs Tennessee; it was for the culture and the community. This was for not only everyone who came before us here at Howard, but the people who come after us and the people who support us in the community day in and day out. It felt more than just a game Monday night. It was an act of service, which is something we take pride in here at Howard. Getting to know some of the girls as we showed them our everyday life was also fun because you can tell that there was a level of respect that we had for each other as we got to know each other. At the end of the day, we are all playing the same sport we love for the same reasons, so it was cool to see that they got a little insight to see what softball is like at an HBCU.

Rylie West, Tennessee

Visiting Washington DC with the team this past week will be something I never forget. I am in my final year of playing a sport, and after 17 years of playing it amazes me the opportunities it brings. The opportunity to visit our nation’s capital with this team is something I will cherish forever, but the emphasis Coach Karen made on learning and embracing African American history was most special. As an African American on the team, I know my experience was different than others. While in DC, we spent time with the Howard softball team. The head coach, Tori Tyson, is the daughter of my travel ball coach Marty Tyson and I actually grew up around Tori, catching pitching lessons. Getting to talk to Tori and old teammates at Howard while touring campus and eating meals was extremely impactful.

After visiting Howard, we spent time at the African American History Museum. After all the emotions I felt, the only way to sum it up is grateful. I am grateful to be at a university that allows teams the opportunity to have experiences like this. I am grateful Coach Karen made this trip happen and prioritized African American history because it is American history. In the museum, there was an entire exhibit dedicated to African Americans in sports, so I leave with this quote from Nelson Mandela, “Sports can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers.”

Amelia Weber, Howard

The past two days have been an honor to be a part of. Being able to host Tennessee at our home field meant so much to us and our program’s history. As an HBCU, we are often looked down upon and not taken as a serious competitor in the collegiate softball world. Having Tennessee come out to D.C. shows that we can compete with high level teams and should be recognized and respected as well.  After the game, we were able to sit down with Tennessee and eat dinner with them. During this time we got to learn alot about each other and that we are very similar in what we do and why we do it. The next morning we gave them a tour of our campus and training facilities. Many of the players were shocked at the difference between our schools and the minimal training areas we have at Howard in bad weather conditions. I hope that we made an impact on them by showing that we may not have as much as them but we work hard with what we have to compete every day. 

Charli Orsini, Tennessee

Going to Washington, DC as a team was an eye-opening experience. As an international student, I have never really learned much about the US’s deep history, and as I’ve been here longer, I wanted to learn about it. During our short stay, I was blown away by the impressive monuments, sightseeing, and significant cultural food. However, attending the National Museum of African American History was a profound experience. Walking through its exhibits, I gained a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans, enriching my perspective on the complexities of American society. This trip was truly unique, and I am so lucky to have shared this experience with my best friends. 

Kenna Higa, Howard

Softball is a sport that brings everyone together. After playing Tennessee, I was able to feel that and it was an eye-opening experience where I was able to grow athletically and personally. I think that opportunities like this can grow the sport of softball to another level, and if possible, everyone should take advantage of it. I loved meeting the Tennessee girls and am appreciative of their openness to experiencing it from our reality.