WASHINGTON (June 11, 2026) – Howard University Department of Athletics rolls on with another senior spotlight, featuring volleyball standout Maddie Siegel (Fishers, Ind.), who was interviewed by rising junior Tanbrance Berry.
 
Q: Why did you start playing volleyball?
A: I started playing volleyball when I was 11 years old and played because of my friends. So, I did a summer camp at a college in Indiana and I fell in love with the sport. So, yeah, I was a super active kid and tried every sport and volleyball was the one I stuck with.
 
Q: If you were not playing volleyball, what other sport would you play?
A: I definitely would probably be running track because I ran track before high school while playing volleyball at the same time. I really loved that sport and the energy around it.
 
Q: How did you balance volleyball, on- campus involvement and off-campus activities?
A: Being very intentional and prioritizing what is important to me. A lot of times people say that you cannot be an athlete and be active on campus. So, I was very intentional with the organizations, whether that was going to different networking events for the School of Business had or going to different meetings.
 
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced as a student-athlete and how did you overcome it?
A: One of my biggest challenges was transitioning to Howard and figuring out my own identity outside of volleyball. Growing up your whole life, you prepare to play in college and sports is a big part of your life. So, figuring out who I was outside of volleyball and developing my own brand at first was challenging, but once I got my footing, I learned who I was outside of volleyball and I have been able to transition now that I am not playing anymore and really know my interest and know who I am outside of being an athlete.
 
Q: What is next for you after graduation?
A: I will be attending Georgetown University for law school, pursuing a career in sports and entertainment with goals of becoming a president or CEO of a professional sports team.
 
Q: What advice would you give to an incoming Howard volleyball player?
A: The advice that I would give an incoming Howard volleyball player is take advantage of all Howard has to offer outside of athletics. Yes, in athletics, you have an incredible support system with your teammates and staff, but also take advantage of the career opportunities and the other things that Howard has to offer. You are there for four years playing volleyball, but Howard's a lifetime decision and you get what you make of the experience.
 
Q: What is something people would not expect about you?
A: I love all types of sports other than volleyball. I spend a lot of time watching sports, following current events and trying different sports. Personality wise, people probably would not expect how driven I am. I do not let anything or anyone get in the way of me pursuing my dream. If someone tells me I cannot do something, then that just makes me want to do it more.
 
About Siegel

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Fishers, Ind.
  • Major: Marketing
• Academic Accomplishments at Howard:
  • Member of the AVCA/USMC Team Academic Award
  • Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Volleyball All-Academic Team

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