USATF Foundation Awards Second Maternity Grant to Olympian Marisa Howard

PITTSBURGH – The USA Track & Field Foundation proudly announces that Olympian Marisa Howard has been awarded a second Maternity Grant, marking a historic first for the Foundation. Howard, a 3000m steeplechase standout and expecting mother of one, becomes the first athlete to receive this grant twice—an achievement that highlights both her resilience as a mother and her continued excellence on the track. Howard was first awarded a Maternity Grant in 2022 while pregnant with her now 3-year-old son. She went on to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in the 3000m steeplechase after a thrilling third-place finish at the U.S. Olympic Trials, where she clocked a 15-second personal best of 9:07.14—a time that ranks 5th on the U.S. All-Time List. In Paris, Howard competed in Round 1, Heat 3 of the steeplechase, placing seventh with a time of 9:24.78. 

“Honestly, the Foundation has been such a huge part of my life for the past five years,” said Howard. “Since I was awarded my first grant in 2021, they’ve really funded my career. I don’t have a shoe sponsor, and every time I get one of these grants I’m just in shock, in disbelief, and in awe that they’re willing to invest this much money into American athletes. I’m very, very thankful and forever grateful.” 

The USATF Foundation’s Maternity Grant program is designed to support elite female athletes during and after pregnancy, helping cover expenses as they return to competition. Howard’s second grant reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting motherhood and athletic excellence simultaneously. 

Looking ahead, Howard is eager to return to training and competition post-pregnancy. “The goal is to get back on the world stage as soon as I can. We’re tentatively looking at January or February for a return race. Since there’s no World Championships for the steeplechase next summer, I might get to dabble in the 5K or the 1500. But the long-term goal is definitely L.A. 2028!” 

Howard also shared advice for other women pursuing both elite sport and family: “There’s so much gratification in doing both things that you love at the same time. I didn’t know how much I would love motherhood until I actually had a child. It’s my favorite thing in the world! Now that I have a three-year-old that says, ‘Mommy, I love you,’ there’s just nothing better than snuggling your little children and I’m very thankful that I’m able to pursue both passions at the same time.” 

The USATF Foundation is proud to support Marisa as she embarks on this next chapter, blazing a trail for mother-athletes and proving that family and greatness can go hand in hand.