Taj was a 3-time Maryland HS State Champion and a 2-time State Record Holder. He recently helped lead the HU Bison to its 2nd-ever Conference Championship by winning Gold in the 400-meter relay. Howard University is the only Historically Black College & University (HBCU) with a NCAA Division I swimming team in the entire nation.The junior is looking to shed light on the underrepresentation in Swimming on the Collegiate/NCAA level and expand his reach beyond the sport.

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Since 2016, following the discontinuation of North Carolina A&T University’s women’s swim team, Howard has been the sole HBCU offering an NCAA Division I swimming and diving program.The program has a rich history of promoting diversity in aquatics and challenging stereotypes about Black swimmers. Under the leadership of Head Coach Nic Askew, the team has seen a resurgence, breaking numerous school records and achieving significant milestones, including their first conference title in over three decades in 2023.The 2025 NEC Championship victory not only underscores the team’s dedication and hard work but also highlights Howard University’s commitment to excellence in athletics. As the only HBCU with a swim program, the Bison continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of Black swimmers, demonstrating that with determination and support, they can excel at the highest levels of competition.