Courtesy of Howard University Athletics
WASHINGTON — Howard University men’s basketball has added former sports journalist Tramel Raggs as an assistant coach.
Raggs brings a range of skills to the coaching staff and will take on coaching and recruiting responsibilities while helping the program develop a storytelling strategy that will continue to build out the Dream Factory brand across our multiple communication platforms, including social media.
Raggs comes to Howard after a decade in sports journalism – most recently at The Washington Post.
“It’s always been my vision to have someone that could help grow the program by sharing our story in new and creative ways,” said Blakeney. “College athletics is changing and having someone that can articulate the happenings within our program to the public in a creative manner is invaluable. Tramel’s experience at The Washington Post makes him the perfect addition to the coaching staff.”
During his six years at The Washington Post, Raggs helped cover the Washington Commanders, the Washington Nationals’ run to the World Series, and basketball at the high school, college, and professional levels.
He also demonstrated an ability to connect with readers – and sports fans – by creatively using social media and video interviews to take sports fans behind the scenes and into the locker rooms, including at the NBA All-Star game in 2020, when he spoke with players about the impact of Kobe Bryant’s death on the sporting world. Tramel’s work helped earn The Washington Post’s sports department recognition from the Associated Press Sports Editors.
SENIOR NIGHT AT HOWARD
Tramel Raggs was the first reporter to take an interest in covering the transformation of Howard’s basketball program under Blakeney.
“From the moment that I arrived in the District, I’ve always felt welcomed and appreciated by the Howard community,” Raggs said. “There were tons of stories just waiting to be told and it was an honor to have Coach Blakeney’s full support and unprecedented access to the program to report on them while at The Post. Now as a member of the coaching staff, I’m excited to share what makes this program great, while also helping the team continue its upward trajectory on the court.”
Raggs brings a deep knowledge of the game of basketball and his relationships within the DMV’s talent-rich basketball community will help with the program’s vision of bringing the area’s best players to the Mecca.
Since joining Jan. 1, Raggs has been a steady presence at practices and games and launched the popular new Instagram series Coaches Corner — which features the program’s assistant coaches analyzing opponents.