Howard University Women’s Volleyball Team Concludes Regular Season with 14-Game Winning Streak

Howard Volleyball team practicing before the MEAC tournament. (Courtesy/Howard Volleyball Instagram, @howardvolleyball)

Howard University women’s volleyball team closed their regular season in electrifying fashion, securing a 14-game winning streak that has catapulted them to the top of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). 

On Nov. 15, the Howard Bison clinched their 14th consecutive victory in front of a raucous home crowd at Burr Gymnasium, sweeping Norfolk State in three straight sets (25-19, 25-18, 25-17). The Bison’s unrelenting defense, explosive offense and strong team chemistry set a high bar for the program and its competitors.

Head Coach Shaun Kupferberg, in his 11th season at Howard, praised the team’s growth throughout the season. 

“It’s been incredible to watch how these young women have come together. This streak is a testament to their hard work, discipline, and belief in each other,” said Kupferberg. “Every win has brought us closer as a team and more determined to achieve our goals.”

Howard’s dominance has been led by standout performances from key players, including senior outside hitter Kayla Diaz, who has been a consistent force at the net, and junior libero Tasha Simmons, who has anchored the defense.

Diaz, a veteran of the program, expressed pride in her team’s accomplishments. 

“We’ve been through a lot this season, but the one thing that never wavered was our commitment to each other,” Diaz said. “Winning 14 straight is amazing, but we know the job isn’t finished,” she said. “The postseason is where we really want to make our mark.”

The Bison’s balanced play has been evident throughout the streak, with their offense averaging 13.5 kills per set and their defense limiting opponents to a hitting percentage of just 0.153. Team chemistry and depth have also been pivotal, with younger players stepping up in key moments.

Fans have been a crucial part of the team’s success, consistently filling Burr Gymnasium to provide an electric atmosphere. Howard senior and lifelong volleyball fan Malik Thompson, who has attended every home game this season, described the energy as “unreal.”

“This team has brought so much excitement to the campus,” said Thompson. “You can feel the pride and passion they play with, and it’s contagious. They’ve inspired all of us, and we’re going to keep cheering them on into the playoffs.”

The Bison will carry their winning momentum into the MEAC Tournament, where they will enter as the top seed. 

While the regular season streak is cause for celebration, the team remains focused on its ultimate goal: capturing the MEAC championship and earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

“Our motto has been ‘One match at a time,’ and that won’t change now,” said Kupferberg. “We’re excited, but we’re also locked in. We know what we’re capable of, and we’re ready to show it.”

With their unwavering focus, skilled roster and the backing of their passionate fanbase, Howard University’s Women’s Volleyball team is poised to make history. The postseason begins next week, with the Bison eager to extend their remarkable run.