WASHINGTON (June 9, 2026) – Howard University Department of Athletics brings back its annual Senior Spotlight series with three-time MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Player of the Year Rya McKinnon (Hoover, Ala.), who was interviewed by rising junior Tanbrance Berry.
 
Q: Why did you start playing volleyball?
A: I used to be a gymnast for a few years and loved it but I was too tall for the sport at the time and, honestly, I was not that good (lol). So, my mom had a good idea to put me in volleyball and my cousin was playing at the time and it looked fun. So, I tried it, loved it and good at it. The rest is history.
 
Q: You are the first three-time MEAC Player of the Year, who played a role in helping you achieve this?
A: A lot of people played a part in my success. My parents for all the training that they invested in for me, my coaches and teammates for pushing me at practice each day and our sports medicine staff, Bobby and Nonso, for helping me stay healthy.
 
Q: Did you have any pre-game rituals?
A: I have had different superstitions every season, but last year, I would have to wear my hair in a low slick back in either a bun or ponytail.
 
Q: Which of your accolades are you most proud of and why?
A: I am most proud of being a three-time MEAC Player of the Year because it is challenging to maintain a high level of play for three years straight.
 
Also, our team winning the regular season conference title.
 
Q: Does the No. 9 have any significance to you?
A: No actually (lo.). When I played in high school during my eighth-grade year, that was the only number left. So, I picked that one and have been lucky to wear throughout my whole college career.
 
Q: What advice would you give an incoming Howard volleyball player?
A: My advice would be to work hard, be there for your teammates and to enjoy it because the time really does go by fast.
 
Q: What is next for you after graduation?
A: I plan to coach and pour into the high school program that poured so much into me.
 
About McKinnon:

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Hoover, Ala.
  • Major: Computer Science
• Athletic Achievements at Howard:
  • Three-time MEAC Player of the Year
  • Two-time AVCA All-America Honorable Mention
  • All-ECAC First Team
• Academic Achievements at Howard:
  • Three-time MEAC Volleyball All-Academic honoree
  • CSC Academic All-District Team

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