WASHINGTON (July 2, 2021) – Howard University rising senior public relations major, sports administration minor A'Maiya Allen chats with volleyball's Jurnee Tipton (Ypsilanti, Mich.) for the Senior Spotlight series.
 
Q: When did you start playing volleyball?
A: I started playing volleyball in sixth grade and since I was making the transition from a public elementary school to a small Christian middle school, my mom suggested I start playing volleyball to make friends.
 
Initially, I didn't enjoy the sport at first, but ended up being naturally good and grew to like it.
 
Q: Why did you choose Howard?
A: My mom played volleyball in college at Southern University (Baton Rouge, La.), so it's funny that I played volleyball at an HBCU too (lol).
 
The Howard Legacy is what drew me to the school. HU also has a great volleyball program, so I felt as though I could grow and compete against good competition.
 
Also, I'm from a rural area and wanted to experience the city life in Washington, D.C.
 
Lastly, I went to a Catholic high school and wanted a different experience in college while meeting people from all over the world.
 
Q: What is one thing you've learned at Howard?
A: When I came to Howard, I gained a lot of confidence. Howard helped me truly feel intelligent while being comfortable in my own skin. I learned to not underestimate myself. As long as I work hard, I'll be able to achieve anything.
 
Q: What advice would you give to your freshman year self?
A: I'd tell myself not to be afraid and ask for help. Many times, asking for help can seem like a lack of intelligence or weakness. When in actuality, admitting when you don't know something takes a lot of strength. I didn't understand that until halfway through my freshman year.
 
Q: Your mom being a former HBCU volleyball player, what advice did she give you coming to Howard?
A: When I first started playing in middle school, my mom was actually my coach. So, the best advice she gave me was to be aggressive and have fun.
 
During the time when I was looking to secure scholarships while playing collegiately, I became overwhelmed because of the pressure. My mom always told me that as long as I was doing my best on the court and trusting God, everything would work out. And it did!
 
Q: What do you think are some factors that aided your volleyball success?
A: My trust in God. In the past, I've had some coaches that didn't believe I could even play collegiate volleyball. It put a damper on my confidence, but I brought my desire to play at the next level to God.
 
On top of that, working hard and channeling the advice of my mother really helped me succeed and defy the odds of what people thought I could achieve.
 
Q: If you could meet any athlete, who would it be and why?
A: When I was younger, I had dreams of playing on the U.S. Women's Volleyball Team and one of the players I admired was Destinee Hooker because of her high vertical. One day, I hope to achieve that same goal.
 
Q: What kept you motivated during the pandemic?
A: Keeping in touch with my Howard friends definitely helped with my motivation. Talking to them about school work was great because we were able to motivate each other. I also was able to cheer on my team by watching live streams.
 
Lastly, doing little things like praying and leaving the house helped to make sure I didn't stay stagnant and unmotivated.
 
Q: How did you balance school, volleyball and a social life at Howard?
A: That was definitely a challenge (lol)!
 
I was in a group called the KARSH STEM Scholars and they really put an emphasis on performing well in school. Within my cohort, we definitely built a family that helped each other with projects through communication.
 
Along with that, taking the initiative to talk to professors and doing my work early helped me with time management.
 
Q: Now that you've graduated, what's next for you?
A: Right now, I'm working as a software engineer and pursuing a master's degree. I'm also looking to become an assistant coach for a local high school soon.
 
About Tipton:

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Ypsilanti, Mich.
  • Major: Computer Science
• Athletic Achievements at Howard
  • 3x-MEAC Champion
  • 2x-MEAC All-Conference Selection
• Academic Achievements at Howard
  • 2x-MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team

 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.