Warning: This article contains discussions of sexual assault and childhood trauma, which may be distressing for some readers.
Senior Ronni Howard’s journey as a student-athlete at Marist University is a testament to perseverance, leadership and adaptability. A multi-talented utility player on the Marist softball team, Howard navigated the intense pressure of Division I athletics, balancing a demanding academic schedule with rigorous physical training.
In a competitive collegiate landscape where the stakes and expectations are higher than ever, Marist head coach Joe Ausanio, a former MLB pitcher, attributes Howard’s success to more than just talent.
He believes Howard’s mental toughness, leadership skills, and drive set her apart from the competition. A multi-year MAAC All-Academic selection, Howard excels mentally in the classroom and on the field.
“She has one of the highest softball IQs on the team,” said Ausanio. “[She] does not do anything halfway; she puts maximum effort into everything she does.”
Howard’s journey was not without challenges, especially as she entered Marist during the COVID era. Where others might have allowed self-doubt to creep in, Howard took these early challenges as a formative part of her development.
“It took me a few years to figure it out,” admitted Howard. “My coaches have been a blessing, showing me what it takes to be the best athlete I can be.”
Howard’s versatility on the field and ability to play multiple positions at a high level is matched by her leadership on the team.
A constant voice of encouragement, and there’s no doubt that her teammates know she has their back. With a collective team GPA of 3.7 last year and a 28-5 start to the 2025 season, Howard is a vital part of a unit that works tirelessly to achieve top performances across all domains.
“If she’s not on the field, she’s always the loudest in the dugout, always cheering for everyone to do well,” said Ausanio. “A lot of times, you don’t always find that in team sports; a lot of times people can be very selfish and she’s just not a selfish player. As a coach, you wish you had twenty of her.”
Howard’s accomplishments off the field are equally impressive. After graduation, she will begin training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, with aspirations to join the Violent Crimes Against Children Unit.
Howard’s athletic background has shaped her professional mindset and she is grateful for the relationships and tools it has equipped her with.
“Sports teach you how to operate under pressure, be part of a high-performance team, and hyperfocus,” said Howard, traits she plans to carry into a law enforcement career.
As a criminal justice major, Howard has interned with a homicide unit in Arlington, Virginia and with the Ulster County DA’s office, gaining invaluable experience handling everything from minor disputes to serious crimes. Her path to pursuing law enforcement has been deeply personal.
Howard shared her experience as an assault survivor after being molested by a family member as a child. Reflecting on the cycle of trauma and the empathy she has developed from it drives her career aspirations.
“I blamed him for it, but then I realized that the same thing had happened to him and a cycle was repeating itself. I want to help break these long cycles of abuse,” said Howard, adding that while many law enforcement officers focus on removing criminals from the streets, she’s equally passionate about getting them the help they need.
In her work with the FBI, she is eager to advocate for vulnerable children. Her work at the Ulster County DA’s office has proven how much of a difference showing up and listening to these children make.
“We had an SA [Sexual Assault] case recently, and she didn’t win, but what gives me meaning is exactly what that little girl did. She went out and told her story the way she wanted it to be heard,” said Howard. “She went out there proud no matter what the outcome was, and that’s exactly what I wanted to do when I was little, but I never had the guts to do it. So giving little girls and boys the courage to speak out and have a voice would be my biggest win.”
As her time at Marist winds down, Howard will deeply miss the personal connections, the team camaraderie and the laughter that defined her experience. As she leaves to fight for those who have been silenced, Howard has the complete support of her team and coaches.
“I have no doubt she will be successful in whatever she does,” said Ausanio. He offered a simple answer to the one thing he hopes Ronni never forgets as she leaves Marist: “That she’s awesome” —an understatement of a journey that’s just beginning.
Edited by Aidan Lavin and Marley Pope
Graphic by Gavin Hard; Photo from Marist Athletics
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