Howard University Volleyball Set To Become First HBCU To Take An International Tour

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Howard University women's volleyball team is making history as it heads to Africa for the team's international debut. With its exceptional academic and athletic achievements, the 11-time MEAC champions are traveling overseas to expand on their success. They will become the first volleyball team from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) to take an international tour. The team will compete against opponents from Botswana and Zimbabwe.

"This trip to Africa is a chance for our team to grow both on and off the court. While the matches will give us the opportunity to play against some of the best teams on the continent, the real opportunity will come from our outreach events," stated head coach Shaun Kupferberg. "The cultural immersion and education will prepare our student-athletes for a more global workplace in the coming years. Their worldview will be changed forever by this experience and will give them a better sense of their place in the world."

Elite college programs across the United States take international tours once every four years to train against foreign teams and experience other cultures. In addition to the matches, Howard's team will participate in community service, hosting youth volleyball skills clinics in rural African communities. Student-athletes have an opportunity to volunteer in areas within their current field of study while broadening their worldview and developing their global leadership skills.

"Howard has a legacy of making history and paving the way for others. We are proud to be the first HBCU volleyball team to go on a foreign tour and we look forward to planning future tours for each cohort of players that we have," said assistant coach Ciara Jones.

The team ran an online fundraising campaign to offset the cost of the trip. The money donated goes toward traveling expenses that include transportation, meals and lodging for the entire team.

"Going to Africa with this team is nothing short of a once in a lifetime opportunity," expressed Khaila Donaldson, a graduating senior from Illinois. "I cannot wait to fully immerse in African culture while being afforded the ability to play against some of the best national teams on the continent. Having the privilege of this experience alongside some of my best friends is the greatest graduation gift I can receive."

Travel will take place May 13-25. Tax-deductible donations can still be made online by clicking here.

For media inquiries contact Brittany Bell Surratt, brittany.bell@howard.edu.

About Howard University Athletics

The Howard University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors 19 NCAA Division I men and women varsity sports. The programs represent six conferences: the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association (CCSA), Sun Belt Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Conference. Visit www.hubison.com to learn more.