With the hassle of daily practice, workouts, traveling, and competing, athletes sometimes find
themselves neglecting the student end of their responsibilities. But for some athletes, nothing
comes above their education and they've got the grades to prove it.
Michelle Brown, a native of Los Angeles, Ca., is the Howard women's tennis team captain and
has maintained a cumulative 3.76 grade point average. Brown, a junior biology major, wants to
become an orthodontist, but right now the fourth year tennis player is shining as an athlete.
Since Brown's freshman year, she has strived to be the best at everything she does including
academics.
"Michelle is our team captain and team leader," said Larry Strickland, women's tennis head
coach. "She is a very mature individual and a no nonsense person who works hard. That is why
she excels."
Kurt Mangum is a senior legal communications major and line backer for the Bison football
team. Mangum has held this position for the past year at Howard while maintaining a 3.66 grade
point average.
Mangum is a transfer from the University of Washington. He transferred to Howard because of
the positive direction that he feels the football team is headed in but more importantly because of
the academic reputation that HU possesses.
"Kurt is an exact example of what we look for in a Student-Athlete," said Gary Harrell, first
year head football coach. "He posses all the qualities that we look for when recruiting a potential
Student-Athlete to fit the Howard mold."
Mangum's goals for this year are to stay on top of his grades and help the HU football team have
a successful season.
"I plan to keep my GPA above a 3.5 and help the football team achieve as many wins as possible
by playing my role on the team," Mangum said.
Brown's goals for this year are to enjoy her last year at Howard University and obtain a 4.0
grade point average. After graduation, Brown plans to further her education by attending UCLA
School of Dentistry.
While at Howard, Brown has come to understand the benefits and struggles of being a student-
athlete.
"[Sports] teaches you time-management and a lot of discipline," Brown said.
The responsibilities of a student-athlete can become overwhelming but Mangum says that focus
is the key to balancing it all.
"Never let anything deter you from your true plan," Mangum said. "That what separates the
average from good, and good from great."
is a member of the 
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