Community Service
Bowie State Athletics’ Dedication to Serving the Community
Bowie State University student-athletes are making a lasting impact on the local community through a variety of outreach initiatives. On March 15, 2024, the football team visited Whitehall Elementary School for their second mentorship event. The athletes engaged with the students, instilling a sense of purpose in the next generation of athletes.
"It was truly rewarding to witness the positive interaction," said Avery Williams, associate head coach. "Our student-athletes expressed their eagerness to remain involved with the students in the future."
Senior wide receiver Shawn Waller enjoyed connecting with the younger students during recess, while junior defensive back Tommie McKoy III praised their enthusiasm. Junior wide receiver Antwain Banks found it fulfilling to share insights on education and mental health.
Building on their commitment to community involvement, twenty Bowie State student-athletes also took part in Read Across America Week, reading to students at Bradbury Heights Elementary School. The initiative, which honors Dr. Seuss, encourages children to embrace reading. Karmin Powell, athletics program specialist at Bowie State University, highlighted the event’s value in promoting cultural representation by allowing students to engage with Bowie State athletes.
In another effort to support their community, the football team partnered with Be the Match for a Marrow registry drive, aiming to expand the registry of potential bone marrow donors. This initiative highlights the critical need for diverse donors, particularly those aged 18-44, to help patients battling blood cancers and other life-threatening illnesses.
The Bulldogs’ commitment to giving back was also evident in December, when the athletic department participated in a holiday toy drive organized by football player Mychale Salahuddin. With over 40 toy donations, the event brought joy to children in the DMV area.
"Just seeing the smiles on their faces was pure joy," Salahuddin shared, reflecting on the impact of the initiative.
These ongoing efforts highlight Bowie State University's Athletics Department's dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Bowie State Football Volunteers with Washington Commanders Food Drive
On January 24, 2024, student-athletes from the Bowie State University football team joined the Washington Commanders Food Drive, upholding the Bulldog football program’s commitment to community service. During the event, Cigna Health partnered with Safeway Foods, which featured a special visit from former Washington Commander star wide receiver Santana Moss, the Washington Command Force and Major Tuddy, the team's mascot. Shoppers at 21 stores could round up purchases to benefit Bowie State University's Nutrition Lounge.
“It was truly rewarding to have the opportunity to support such a great cause,” said Avery Williams, associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Bowie State. “I would like to applaud Ina Ramos, director of Bowie State’s Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Prevention Center, for assisting with the organization of this event. Coach Jackson, our head coach, has been adamant about all program members participating in community events as a way of paying it forward. This event was an excellent opportunity for program members to be visible in our local community and to support initiatives from other entities within the Bowie State University campus community.”
Funds raised supported Bowie State University's Nutrition Lounge and the Howard University Student Pantry, with Cigna Health and Safeway Foods matching donations up to a set amount. Student-athletes described the event as rewarding, appreciating the chance to connect with the community, promote their program and foster unity through simple yet impactful interactions.
E-sports Arena Opens at Bowie State
Bowie State University unveiled its new e-sports center on February 8, 2024, a $575,000 facility equipped with cutting-edge gaming technology to support the growing e-sports program. Located on the ground floor of the James E. Proctor Building, the center features 12 high-performance gaming stations and an e-racing simulator, serving as the official training hub for Bowie State’s e-sports team in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and national competitions.
The arena is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and has the ability to stream live from the facility. The center is expected to boost participation, with plans for board game activities and highlighting benefits like improved teamwork, hand-eye coordination, brain function and interest in STEM careers.
For Jaquai Bell, a second-year Master of Business Administration (MBA) student and e-sports team coach, the facility is a “dream come true.” He recalled yearning for a dedicated gaming space. “I said I wish they supported it,” said Bell. “Now my wish came true. It’s really amazing.”
Verizon, a key partner, attended the opening. Candice Austin, director of Verizon’s state government and local affairs group, emphasized the investment’s impact.
“It means the world — this is our future,” said Austin. “For us, we look at it as a pipeline of new talent that can come, not only to Verizon but to other companies throughout the country. Verizon has been a long-time partner of Bowie State University, and we hope to continue that partnership.”
Bowie State Women’s Basketball Team Hosts First Special Olympics Clinic
The Bowie State University women's basketball team partnered with the Prince George's County Special Olympics to host its first basketball clinic for special-needs students on their home court inside A.C. Jordan Arena. About 25 special-needs students from Bowie and Central High Schools participated in the clinic, which featured modified basketball skills instruction — including dribbling, shooting, rebounding, defense, agility and passing — along with lessons in sportsmanship and teamwork. Ten returning women’s basketball players led the clinic.
The Special Olympics supports individuals with intellectual disabilities, often accompanied by physical challenges. The event highlighted the positive impact of athletics and student-athletes both on the campus and within the surrounding community.
“It was a good opportunity,” said Shadae Swan, coach of the Bowie State women’s basketball team. “It gave the players a chance to display their leadership. They were able to conduct the drills, and the players did a good job of breaking everything down, demonstrating and encouraging the participants. We’re going to do it again.”
CIAA Highlights
Softball Team Wins Back-to-Back CIAA Titles
Bowie State University's softball team clinched its second straight CIAA championship, defeating Claflin University 11-8. Lindsey George earned the win, while Karen Fritzges contributed on the mound.
"Coach Jackson, our head coach, has been adamant about all program members participating in community events as a way of paying it forward."
- Avery Williams, associate head coach and defensive coordinator
Bowie State Athletes Shine with CIAA Honors
Corley Named CIAA Rookie of the Year
Freshman forward Kevon Corley was named CIAA Men's Basketball Rookie of the Year. The Glenarden, Maryland, native made an impact in the second half of the season, averaging 6.7 points and 2.1 rebounds while shooting 46% from the field.
Football and Bowling Stars Earn Honors
Bowie State football had 10 players earn All-CIAA recognition, highlighted by Offensive Rookie of the Year Micah Robinson. The Bulldogs placed two players on the First and four on the Second teams.
In bowling, Kamryn Smith was named CIAA Bowling Rookie of the Month for January, her second honor this season. She led all freshman bowlers with a 169.88 average as Bowie State posted an 11-1 record during CIAA Event II.
Awards and Honors
Bowie State Athletics Recognizes Achievements of Dr. Jolisa Williams and Kyle Jackson
Dr. Jolisa Williams, sports information director at Bowie State University, has been named the 2023-24 John Holley Sports Information Director of the Year by the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). This is her third time receiving the honor and her first at Bowie State.
“I’m extremely grateful and humbled to receive this prestigious honor,” said Dr. Williams.
She credited the success to the BSU Athletic Media Creative Team, and her collaborations with the athletics department. Since joining Bowie State in 2021, Dr. Williams has significantly boosted the department’s visibility, overseeing media coverage for all 13 varsity teams and elevating social media presence and athletic broadcasts.
Dr. Williams, a former college athlete, earned degrees from Saint Augustine's University, Virginia State University and Northcentral University. She is a member of several prestigious organizations, including Women Leaders in College Sports and the College Sports Information Directors of America.
Meanwhile, head football coach Kyle Jackson has been named to the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, a program designed to identify future coaching leaders. Jackson, in his first season as head coach, led the Bulldogs to a 6–4 record and a 5–3 mark in the CIAA, finishing with a three-game winning streak.
"It is an honor to be selected for the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute,” Jackson shared.
Under his leadership, the Bulldogs earned eight All-CIAA selections in 2023. Jackson’s selection further highlights his dedication to Bowie State athletics and signals a bright future for the program.
