WASHINGTON (August 17, 2023) – Howard University women's volleyball team rounded out its 2023 roster with the addition of two middle blockers, a DMV libero and an All-American setter.
 
Coach Shaun Kupferberg welcomed Gabby Allen (Laurel, Md.), Amanda Ifeanyichukwu (The Woodlands, Texas), Sydnei Jones (Bridgeville, Pa.) and Kaitlynn Robinson (Oklahoma City).
 
"This class is filled with great talent," said Kupferberg. "All four newcomers are terrific students-athletes and will have a tremendous impact on the Howard University community off the court."
 
Here is more information on the new Bison in alphabetical order by last name:
 
Gabby Allen (5-5 / Reservoir HS / Metro Volleyball Club [DC] / Laurel, Md.) – Libero
 
Allen arrives at The Hilltop from Reservoir H.S. (Fulton, Md.), guiding the Gators to the 2021 3A Maryland State Championship. She went on to win a pair of Howard County Titles (2021 & 2022) while being named 2022 StadiumTalk Best Player in Maryland and DC.
 
"Gabby comes to us from one of the best clubs in the country," Kupferberg stated. "As a local student-athlete with parents who went to Howard, she is no stranger and we can't wait to see her passion on the court."
 
The DMV native also played for the Metro Volleyball Club of DC where she was an Under Armour All-American nominee.
 
Amanda Ifeanyichukwu (5-11 / USTA / The Woodlands, Texas) – Middle Blocker
 
Ifeanyichukwu brings her talents to The Mecca after three seasons at UTSA (2020-22). During her time with the Roadrunners, she competed in 53 matches (180 sets) while racking up 354 kills, 104 total blocks (11 solos), 78 digs and 13 service aces. In her final two years, she led the team in hitting percentage.
 
"Amanda has shown great talents at UTSA, both on the court and in the classroom," said Kupferberg. "She will be a great addition to our middle core as we push to continue the legacy of great middle blockers at Howard."
 
Before her arrival at UTSA, Ifeanyichukwu was a four-year letterwinner at The Woodlands H.S., where she earned two All-District First Team honors (2018 & 2019).
 
Sydnei Jones (5-8 / North Catholic HS / Bridgeville, Pa.) – Setter
 
Jones comes to Howard after an illustrious career at North Catholic H.S. (Cranberry Township, Pa.). Last season, the Pennsylvania native received AVCA High School All-American honors and became the program's all-time assist leader.
 
"Sydnei is a student-athlete that has shown tremendous talent at the high school level," Kupferberg explained. "In the first weeks of practice, we have already seen her athletic ability and skill. She is clearly a student-athlete who is passionate about the sport and we can't wait to see what she does over her four years as a Bison."
 
Jones' parents were former HU student-athletes (father – men's soccer & mother – women's volleyball) and she chose The Mecca because of its rich academic history.
 
Kaitlynn Robinson (6-3 / Westmoore HS / Oklahoma City, Okla.) – Middle Blocker
 
Robinson hails from Oklahoma City where she earned All-Conference Second Team at Westmoore H.S. (Oklahoma City). She chose Howard because of its HBCU culture.
 
"Kaitlynn is a terrific student-athlete who we have been in awe since we saw her in high school," Kupferberg expressed. "She is an ultimate competitor and that is always great to have in the gym."
 
Academically, Robinson is a member of the National Honor Society while earning a minimum 4.0 grade point average throughout high school.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.