John Douglas "Hezzy" Howard (December 12, 1934 – July 19, 2007) was an American educator, college lacrosse player and coach.

[6] In 1954, Howard led the nation in assists and helped the Shoremen capture the Laurie Cox Division championship.

[3] The United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association named Howard an honorable mention All-American.

[3] Howard was invited to participate in the 1956 North/South Senior All-Star Game, and scored five goals and earned six assists on the way to a South squad win.

[3] Howard set the record for career assists with 173, which stood until broken by Tim Nelson of Syracuse in 1985.

[10] In 1967, Howard guided Maryland to an 8–1 record, which was enough to secure a share of the USILA national championship alongside Navy and Johns Hopkins.

[10] An upset of heavy favorites Johns Hopkins, 9–4, was the deciding factor in Maryland's title stake.

[3] The following season in 1968, Maryland defeated the dominant team of the period, Navy, 5–3, which was the Terrapins' first victory against the Midshipmen in eight years.

[12] Rennie Smith, a Maryland assistant coach and Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee, said, "Hezzy was a bit of a free spirit, but he was very likeable.

[12] Howard authored numerous books, essays, and literature reviews,[12] including several on English poet William Blake.