In August, 2021, former collegiate standout
Sareea Freeman joined the Howard University women's volleyball program after having an impressive professional playing career. She also adds a unique array of coaching experience.
"We are incredibly excited to add Sareea to our staff," said Howard women' volleyball head coach
Shaun Kupferberg. "She has top level playing experience at the collegiate and professional levels while growing her coaching resume. Sareea brings a lot of energy and she is exactly what we need in continuing to grow our program moving forward."
In fall 2021, the Bison claimed its sixth Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship in seven seasons. Freeman coached a trio of Bison to MEAC Postseason honors: Tamar Wells (All-MEAC Second Team); Bria Woodard (MEAC Rookie of the Year; All-MEAC First Team; All-Rookie Team) and Cimone Woodard (All-MEAC Second Team; All-Rookie Team).
Before Howard, Freeman has served as an assistant coach at Chicago State University and University of Albany. During her three years with Chicago State she helped lead the team to their best season in program history (2017), while winning the Eastern Illinois Panther Classic and winning a school record six consecutive matches. While with Albany she mentored the middles and her squad lead the conference in blocks per set.
Freeman played professionally with several teams in various countries including Hungary, Peru, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey and USA finishing with Athletes Unlimited last season. Freeman has medaled in every country she played and has received various awards including Best Opposite Spiker and Most Valuable Foreign Player awards in 2017 while playing in Thailand.
"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to be part of the Howard Volleyball Program," said Freeman. "I want to thank Shaun for the opportunity because Howard has the potential to compete with Top 25 teams. I truly believe in the direction Shaun is taking the program."
Prior to her professional career, Freeman played volleyball at Florida State University (FSU). During her collegiate career (2009-12), she posted a .356 hitting percentage as a middle blocker. In her senior campaign, the California native earned AVCA All-America honors after ranking second in the nation with a .438 hitting percentage, finishing with 268 kills and 111 blocks.
FSU made the NCAA Tourney all four years with Freeman while securing at least one victory every season. In her first season, Florida State made the Elite Eight and two years later, Florida State had her Final Four berth. She also played a season of college basketball at FSU during the 2013-14 season.
