HT Rams Student-Athlete of the Month: Mariyah McCrae, women's soccer

AUSTIN – Huston-Tillotson University women's soccer player Mariyah McCrae has been recognized as her sport's HT Rams Student-Athlete of the Month for the month of August. She is the first women's soccer player to be honored as part of an HT Athletics initiative that began after the fall sports season midway through the 2025-26 year.
 
Mariyah is a senior at HT majoring in kinesiology. She transferred to Huston-Tillotson from NCAA Division I program Jacksonville University, where she was also a member of the women's soccer team and appeared in countable intercollegiate games before injuries curtailed her season.
 
In her first week of competition with the Rams, Mariyah was named the HBCU Athletic Conference's Newcomer of the Week. She is currently the team's leader in goals scored.
 
 
GET TO KNOW MARIYAH:

Why did you choose to attend Huston-Tillotson University?
I chose to continue my academic and athletic career at Huston-Tillotson University because my uncle shared his personal experiences of attending an HBCU and I was excited to be exposed to the culture, community, and sense of belonging it has to offer. Attending HT allows me to experience this while growing as an athlete, student, and person.
 

What does being a student-athlete at HT mean to you?
Being a student-athlete at HT means becoming part of something bigger than myself. It is an opportunity to honor the sacrifices that have brought me here while creating a future that makes them meaningful. It means growing into a leader who can inspire others and leave an impact on the community I became a part of.
 

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far this season?
My greatest accomplishment so far this season has been making the comeback for my first fall season since tearing my ACL. After working through the recovery and rehabilitation process, being able to return to the field and score a goal in our home opener has really shown me how much hard work and perseverance it took to get back to doing what I love.

 
Who or what motivates you to excel academically and athletically?
As an African American woman, I'm motivated by the opportunity to break barriers and inspire others
who may see themselves in me. With Black students representing only 5.3% of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates, I'm motivated to pursue my goal of becoming a physical therapist and work toward greater representation in the field.
 

Who has had the biggest impact on your athletic journey and why?
The biggest impact on my athletic journey has been God and my parents. Through the highs and lows of my career, especially tearing my ACL and transferring schools, they gave given me the strength, support, and faith to keep going.
 

How do you balance academics, athletics, and personal life?
I balance academics, athletics, and my personal life through trusting myself to handle everything placed in front of me. I always remind myself to enjoy the process rather than become overwhelmed by it. I've learned that staying committed and trusting myself allows me to give my best to every part of my life.
 

What goals have you set for yourself for the remainder of the season?
My goals I have set for myself for the remainder of the season are to play without fear, make an impact every time I step on the field, finish this season proud of myself, and keep God at the center of my journey.
 

What is something about you that most people don't know?
Something about me that most people don't know is I was born in Alaska and have lived in five states. Living in so many different places across the country has given me a unique perspective and taught me to embrace change and new experiences.

 
What advice would you give to future HT student-athletes?
My advice to future HTU student-athletes is to not take life too seriously and enjoy the journey. Be yourself and don't feel pressured to be who others expect you to be. Work hard, but also remember to have fun, make memories, and enjoy the experience.
 

What song gets you hyped before a game?
"Grace" by Lil Baby and 42 Dugg is my go-to pregame hype song.
 

Social Media Handles
Instagram: 14_Mariyah

– HT –