WASHINGTON (June 17, 2020) – Howard University rising senior sports management major Nicholas Turk chatted with teammate Marcus Johnson (Houston) from the men’s soccer team, asking 10 questions for the 2019-20 Senior Profile series.
Q: What is your favorite part about soccer?
A: My favorite part about soccer is the whistleblowing at the beginning of the match. It’s like no other feeling. It’s a beautiful game.
Q: How did you and soccer meet?
A: I fell in love with soccer from a young age after watching on TV. Growing up, I played in the yard with my cousins. I got a late start in organized soccer, playing my first organized match at age 15.
Q: What motivated you and what kept you motivated?
A: Honestly, I didn’t need much to motivate me. All I needed was a soccer ball and the rest was history.
Growing up, my love for the game grew and winning trophies and championships kept me going. I saw the joy winning brought to my teammates, family, and myself. That happiness has always what kept me grounded.
Q: If you were not a soccer player, what sport would you be in?
A: I haven’t really thought about playing another sport ot
A: I haven’t really thought about playing another sport other than soccer. Soccer is life, so it’s all I really know.
If soccer didn’t exist, then I would probably play basketball.
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: As of today, my favorite athlete is LeBron James because he’s the most passionate athlete I’ve ever seen. Although he’s among the world’s top athletes, he’s never satisfied. He strives to become better every day, a habit I’ve picked up from him.
Q: What is your favorite memory at Howard?
A: My favorite memory at Howard was putting on my jersey for the first time because I remembered that day like it was yesterday. I felt so proud and honored to represent HU.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After graduation, I plan to pursue a professional soccer career. I love the game so much and I’m not ready to hang up my boots. I want to see how far my talents can take me.
Q: What will you miss when you leave Howard?
A: I’ll miss my teammates because soccer gave me my brothers.
Q: What do you want to say to those who come next?
A: To those coming next, my advice is to stay focus, enjoy the moment and work hard.
Also, continue to build on the foundation and leave the program in a better place.
Q: Who would you like to thank?
A: I would like to thank God, my family, coaches, teammates, and the entire athletic department staff for everything. With everyone’s help, I’ve become not only a better student-athlete, but a person as well.
About Johnson
Marcus Johnson was a four-year member of the men’s soccer team where he competed in nearly 40 contests for the Bison, serving as a defender.
During his sophomore year, Johnson scored his first collegiate goal at Robert Morris (Oct. 2, 2017).
In December 2020, the Houston native graduates with a degree in finance. After graduation, he plans to pursue a professional soccer career.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.