Howard University Swimming's Latroya Pina Set to Compete in 2020 Summer Olympics

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Howard University senior swimmer Latroya Pina (Seekonk, Mass.) will swim for Cape Verde at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Pina, alongside her siblings, Troy and Jayla, were selected to represent the Cape Verde National Swim Team in the Confederation Africaine de Natation Championship Meet, scheduled for Sept. 10-16 in Algeria.

"It's not far-fetched, three members of one family all going to the World Championships and the Olympic Games," said Pina to The Sun Chronicle. "We're not just swimming for our colleges or schools, but for a nation so we want to do our best."

The family is part of the first team from the African nation island that fielded at the competition; thus, granted an automatic berth to the Summer Games.

"To represent your country at the Olympic level is every swimmers dream," said Howard Swimming & Diving Head Coach Nicholas Askew. "We are excited for Latroya [Pina] and have no doubt, she will make Howard University and Cape Verde very proud."

During the 2017-18 season, Pina was selected HU Bison of the Month for her outstanding performances in January. She won the women's 100 breaststroke and 200 individual medley in Howard's Senior Night victory over Marymount. Pina led the way in the season finale at Catholic, claiming the top spots in the same events. The Massachusetts native was also part of two winning relay teams against the Cardinals: 200 medley and 200 freestyle.


Academically, the Biology major received multiple honors, including being named to the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Commissioner's All-Academic Team and 2018 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Spring President's Honor Roll List. Pina maintained a 3.6 or better during the 2017-18 academic calendar year.

After wrapping up her junior year in the pool, Pina joined the Howard Women's Lacrosse team in the spring where she saw action in nine matches.

The 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan begins Friday, July 24, 2020 through Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020.

Coach Askew and the Bison begin their 2018-19 season in September.

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS