WASHINGTON (August 28, 2025) - In sports and athletics, the term "program" is often loosely used to describe success and an outstanding season here and there can be attributed to a strong "program." But the true mark of a "program" is winning with a great deal of consistency, year in and year out, no matter the changes in talent and the unexpected mishaps that take place.
 
The Howard University women's volleyball program falls into that elite category. Since 2013, the program has become the standard by which others are measured. During that period, the Bison have had seven 20-plus win seasons and seven postseason tournament appearances. They have had rookies and players of the year consistently.
 
It always starts at the top, and at Howard, look no further than Shaun Kupferberg. He inherited a program that had measured success at various junctures but was never able to consistently achieve success.
 
It took him one year to change that dynamic. After winning only one game and posting a 1-23 mark in 2012, Kupferberg has developed the program into the kingpin of the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) and the best in HBCUs.
 
Last season was one of the best in recent history, posting a 23-6 record and went undefeated in MEAC play (14-0).
 
After posting wins in the MEAC Tournament first round and semifinals, Howard ran into a spirited and upset-minded Delaware State team that ended the team's dream of a double regular season and tournament title and another automatic NCAA bid.
 
 "We had a great year last season, right up to the final match," Kupferberg recalled, the winningest coach in school history and a sure-fire Hall of Fame candidate. "The biggest focus is being the best we can be individually and as a team. We do not want to leave any opportunities on the table."
 
The 2024 team was made up a number of seniors, who played a part in the team's success. But before you start broadcasting the end of an era, hold up the press. The Bison return four key starters and 10 players, who were an integral part in the program's success.
 
The Fantastic Four include seniors Rya McKinnon (Hoover, Ala.) and Leah Reeves (Allen, Texas). An elite player in women's college volleyball, McKinnon was the MEAC Player of the Year for an unprecedented third straight year while Reeves was the league's Setter of the Year.
 
"Rya has been a special player for her entire career," said Kupferberg, who has won over 400 matches in his 24 years as a college coach. "She is a quiet force that lets her play speak for itself. Some players with her success become complacent; Rya is incredibly coachable and has improved every offseason by adding new elements to her game. The plays she is making in practice right now will be a problem this year for our opponents."
 
Last season, the Alabama native wrapped up her junior campaign topping the conference in kills per set (4.40), which ranks 25th in the nation.
 
"We wanted very much to win it for the seniors on the team last year," McKinnon expressed, who holds the distinction of being the MEAC Rookie and Player of the Year three years ago. "It was very disappointing to get that far and then not get that championship."
 
Last week (Aug. 20), McKinnon was selected MEAC Preseason Player of the Year after becoming the first player in league history to win the conference's player of the year for three straight seasons since 1998.
 
"It has been a great experience to be a part of the consistent success of the program," said McKinnon on her illustrious career at Howard. "That is why this season is so important. We want to use last year's disappointment as fuel for a fresh start and I like what I see so far."
 
For Reeves, she was named team captain and it should come as no surprise to those who follow the team. The senior let it be known that she is interested in coaching once she completes her studies at Howard.
 
"Looking back on last year, it was a heartbreak not winning for the seniors," Reeves said. "But because of the culture that has been developed here at Howard, the mindset has shifted. There seems to be less emotion on this team and it is more vocal. Everyone is locked in and practices are more competitive. I am very excited because we have a nice blend of seniors and juniors to go along with some very talented freshmen and transfers."
 
A year ago, Reeves finished the regular season with a conference-leading 8.74 assists per game.
 
"Leah is the returning MEAC Setter of the Year, so we obviously have great expectations for her to improve," Kupferberg explained. "She had a great spring, which should help her grow and be a big asset to this team."
 
Other players who Kupferberg cited as expected contributors include graduate outside hitter Aziah Buckner (Memphis, Tenn.) and senior libero Claire Simpson (Plainfield, Ill.).
 
"Aziah and Claire were key contributors who will be looking to take another step forward, building on the confidence they gained last year," Kupferberg expressed. "All of them are being pushed by their fellow returners and incoming players. There is a lot of competition across the net every practice, which is pushing all of our players to grow their game."
 
Entering this season, the program welcomed nine new faces to the program.
 
"We have nine talented new players who have brought a lot of energy and talent into the gym," said Kupferberg. "They have pushed for playing time at every position and they are just getting started to find their footing in our gym. They are a special group and have us very excited for the year to come."
 
In an effort to continue its quest for another tournament crown, Kupferberg has again put together a schedule with purpose.
 
"We wanted to keep playing high level teams from a variety of conferences before we enter our MEAC schedule," Kupferberg stated. "We play against top teams from nine different conferences and that should prepare us for the MEAC as it has gotten much better recently. We have had a good run and the conference has gotten better every year. The MEAC has continued to get more difficult every year and all of the teams are improving. The expectations do not change, which is winning the conference, but none of these programs are going to make that easy."
 
It would be remiss of there was no mention of the academic standard that the program has set over the years, annually winning individual and team awards and national academic awards while also producing some of the top alumni who have gone on to achieve. Howard volleyball continues to uphold the standard that it has set.
 
"I am really proud of our young women and their accomplishments, both in the classroom and post-grad," Kupferberg continued. "They really get all the credit for being able to balance the rigorous academic schedule, alongside the athletic commitments."
 
Howard opens the 2025 season Friday, August 29, when it hosts George Washington at 6 p.m. inside Burr Gymnasium. Following an away match at George Mason (August 30), Howard will host Power Four opponent Virginia from the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) Sunday, August 31 at 1 p.m.
 
Derek W. Bryant, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations & Sports Information, contributed to this story
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.