As women’s sports continue to dominate popular culture and the collective narrative, HBCUs are helping mold athletes leading the way. From basketball to gymnastics these young women are honing their skills in an environment that celebrates black excellence and community. Here are a few to watch during this year’s athletic seasons.
While Kalia Walker has officially ended her collegiate basketball career, she is still a name to know in the world of HBCU sports. The Alabama A&M women’s basketball star was named the 2026 SWAC Player of the Year and HBCU player of the year. Walker was a standout player with the Lady Bulldogs and scored 30 points in the SWAC championship. She is now pursuing a professional basketball career and has signed with DMS/ABA Agency.
Diamond Cook is a gymnast at Wilberforce University in Ohio credited for helping HBCU gymnastics gain more attention. Cook became her university’s first-ever All-American in 2025. The junior is majoring in Business, Management, and Technology. According to Wilberforce University her journey as a student athlete has been characterized by relentless dedication, discipline, and a profound love for gymnastics. She is known for her tumbling and artistry.
Jordan Howard is a short stop for Oakwood University’s softball team. The Lady Ambassador team captain was named HBCU AC Freshman of the Year in 2025. She is a top performer at the school.
A 5-foot-5 guard at Fort Valley State University athletics, Aaniyah Allen operates as a traditional floor general, shaping tempo and initiating offense. A preseason All-SIAC selection, she helped guide the Wildcats to a conference semifinal run, reflecting her role in a late-season surge. In game action, she has shown scoring ability—posting 17 points in a conference matchup—while contributing defensively with steals.
At Clark Atlanta University athletics, Atreonia Garner emerged as one of the most prolific offensive players in HBCU basketball. A dynamic guard/wing, she led all HBCU scorers at 17.9 points per game, pairing volume scoring with efficiency. Her style blends shot creation with physical rebounding—averaging over eight boards per game—making her a consistent double-double threat and one of the most versatile players in the SIAC.
At Howard University, Zuilda Nwaeze has emerged as one of the defining swimmers in HBCU athletics, specializing in freestyle and butterfly with a sprint-oriented, high-efficiency style. A multi-time Northeast Conference standout, she has set school and conference records while earning Rookie of the Meet honors and later three consecutive NEC Most Outstanding Swimmer awards. Her explosiveness in short-distance events—highlighted by a record-setting 50 freestyle and an NCAA “B” cut—underscores her role as both a relay anchor and individual champion.
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