WASHINGTON (June 14, 2021) – Howard University women's volleyball team continued adding to its 2021 fall roster on the defensive end, adding a middle blocker and libero to the rotation.
 
Newcomers Taylor Johnson (Fairburn, Ga.) and Collen Temple (Baton Rouge, La.) bring their talents to The Mecca, joining fellow new Bison Oluwadamilola (Dami) Awojobi (Atlanta, Ga.), Maya Gerlach (Philadelphia, Pa.), Bria Woodard (Missouri City, Texas) and Cimone Woodard (Missouri City, Texas).
 
"Adding these two women to our already great class feels like we are getting greedy," said Howard women's volleyball head coach Shaun Kupferberg. "These women are great student-athletes and will excel on the court and in the classroom for the next four years. I am excited for the possibilities with this group and if we work hard, we are going to have a great journey forward."
 
This class looks to continue the winning tradition while recapturing the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship.
 
Here is more information on the two newcomers:
 
Taylor Johnson (5-1 / The Heritage School / Fairburn, Ga.) – Libero / Defensive Specialist
 
Johnson arrives at The Mecca from Fairburn, Ga., where she finished her high school career as The Heritage School's (Newnan, Ga.) all-time digs leader. The 3x-state champion chose HU because of its culture and academic reputation.
 
"Taylor is an athletic, quick libero," Kupferberg stated on Johnson. "Her energy is contagious and her passion for the game will allow her to develop into a great libero. She has trained at the highest levels and I look forward to seeing her contribute this fall."
 
The former Hawk received numerous accolades, including All-Region (2017-19), All-State (2018-19) and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year. Johnson plans to study political science and English in the fall.
 
Colleen Temple (6-2 / University Lab High School / Baton Rouge, La.) – Middle Blocker
 
Temple hails from Baton Rouge, La., where she won several LHSAA (Louisiana High School Athletic Association) awards at University Lab High School (Baton Rouge, La.), including All-Metro (3x), All-District (2x) and All-State.
 
"We are very excited to add Colleen to the great hitters in this class," Kupferberg expressed. "She can play all three front row positions and will be a tough competitor no matter where we put her on the court. If she works hard, she can make an impact in the back row as well."
 
Colleen has done some amazing civil rights work in her community and will major in political science this fall.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.