WASHINGTON (August 27, 2026) – Howard University women's volleyball team opens its 2026 season with the annual DMV Challenge, hosting Maryland Friday (Aug. 28) and George Mason Sunday (Aug. 30) inside Burr Gymnasium.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Bison Nation can follow all the action via
live stats and/or MEAC Network.
SEASON OUTLOOK
In the past two years, HU has reached the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Championship match but came up short against rival Coppin State.
In his 15
th season at the helm, Bison head coach
Shaun Kupferberg took a program that was in disarray when he orchestrated one of the most dramatic turnarounds in school history, struggling through a 1-23 record his first season and posted a 21-11 mark the following year.
With so much lack of experience entering this season, leadership has to a key and Kupferberg is looking to senior middle blockers
Zenai Jethroe (Dallas) and
Kaitlynn Robinson (Oklahoma City), senior libero
Gabby Allen (Laurel, Md.) and sophomore setter
Alexys James (Houston).
MATCHUP PREVIEWS
HOWARD
A year ago, HU placed second in the standings and reached the MEAC Title match.
Before the season, James, Jethroe and Robinson made the Preseason All-MEAC Team.
Additionally, the conference unveiled its predicted order of finish where the Bison were projected to finish second. Howard tallied 85 points with two first-place votes.
MARYLAND
Maryland enters the season with a blend of returning talent, transfer additions and a highly touted freshman class.
Terps head coach Adam Hughes enters his ninth season, looking to build on its foundation and raise the program's standards in 2026.
Maryland returns Duru Gökçen, who led the Terps with 127 total blocks a year ago and was a key contributor to the team's defensive effort.
GEORGE MASON
Last season, the Patriots had their best season in over 15 years with 7-4 nonconference mark and first winning season since 2010. George Mason also qualified for the A-10 Tournament for the first time since 2018.
Entering this season, George Mason was projected to finish fourth in the standings.
Four newcomers joined over the summer and are expected to make an immediate impact: Rylee Kinnell; McKenna Reynolds; Jenna Hunt and Ady Bollinger.
Megan Shifflett Bachmann, a three-time NCAA Champion and decorated defensive specialist, enters her fifth season at George Mason.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
On Sept. 3-5, HU goes to Ithaca, N.Y., for the Cornell Invitational, hosted by the Big Red.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
