HOWARD PROVIDES ROLE MODEL FOR UNT ATHLETES

[Harry]

No matter where Stephen Howard goes in the Mean Green Athletic Complex, someone stops to talk to him. Howard is a sports information director for the Mean Green athletic department the go-between for UNTs athletes, coaches and the media.

While working for UNT, Howard has been mostly responsible for the mens basketball team and the womens volleyball team, attending more than 500 athletic events in the last seven years.

Matt Walsh, the mens basketball teams equipment manager and friend of Howard, said people gravitate to Howard because of how he treats people.

Stephen will go out of his way for you and the players, youll see them go out of their way for him, Walsh said. Its just the respect everyone has for him.

Howard, 32, developed personal relationships with the players and coaches around the Mean Green athletic family. The volleyball team even refers to him as dad. Walsh said that as he prepares to graduate, he looks to Howard for advice.

Even now, basketball season being over and my career winding down here, I still go to him daily for stuff, Walsh said. Stephen has given some good life lessons to myself and Roger Franklin, and given some funny marital advice for our futures.

Sometimes you can find Howard at Dans Silverleaf having a drink. Its been his favorite bar since he was a student at UNT, and the place where he met his wife, Kirbie. The two hit it off over Texas Rangers baseball and Howards infectious laugh.

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