Mykal Howard

After months of preparation and years of hard work trying to achieve his dream, Senior Mykal Howard committed to Winona State. 

According to Howard, Winona State was the best school for him and what he was looking for in a college.

“I decided to go to Winona because it felt like the perfect fit for me. I love the coaches, I loved the players and it’s a beautiful campus,” Howard said. “I also have family that lives down there that will help me out as well.”

Howard said committing relieved his stress over finding a college.

“When I committed I was so excited that a dream of mine was finally coming true and also relieved to have my next year all planned out,” Howard said.

According to Howard, it wasn’t an easy procedure to go through, but once he set his mind to a specific goal, it became easier.

“It was a really long and stressful process in deciding where to commit to, but in the end I just went with what felt right and what I could be happy with for the next step in my life,” Howard said.

Football coach Arsenio Richardson said how Howard’s efforts on and off the field have greatly helped him and Richardson looks forward to seeing him succeed in the future.

“Mykal is smart, physical and athletic player, he showcases all those abilities every night. I was very excited to hear that he committed. I know the time and effort he has put in to athletics,” Richardson said.

Howard said playing a college sport was a dream of his and his coaches helped support him achieve his goal.

“My coaches were really proud of me and my decision because they saw all the work I put in to try and achieve my goal of playing a sport in college,” Howard said. “All of my coaches have inspired me throughout high school. Arsenio Richardson was sort of a mentor and acted as a father figure for me all throughout. My mom also supported me very strongly throughout as well.”

Richardson said he has very high hopes for Howard as he continues his football career.

“I know Mykal will go to school and compete to be on the field. His future is bright and the college lifting program will make him an even better player, I hope in the next 4 to 5 years he can become an All American,” Richardson said.

Howard said although he is looking forward to next year,  he will still miss his hometown and team.

“I’m going to miss all of my teammates and all the fun times we had most. I’ll also miss playing for the city I grew up in and call a home,” Howard said.