Courtesy of Howard University Athletics
WASHINGTON – In the upcoming months, student-athletes from Washington DC-based HBCU Howard University will be bringing the Travel Channel to life and getting their passports stamped consistently, starting with the volleyball program.
With its exceptional academic and athletic achievements, Howard will be worldwide on three continents over the next six months.
The volleyball team departs for Africa this week and will visit Botswana and Zimbabwe (May 16-27). The Bison volleyball program went to Africa in 2018, the first Division I volleyball team to see the continent.
Later this summer, the men’s basketball team will embark on a journey of historical significance, traveling to Brazil (August 2 to 14). The two-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament champions will spend time in Sao Paolo, Salvador and Rio, the site of the 2016 Olympics. This trip holds special meaning for the HBCU program, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of US/Brazil relations, marking a significant milestone in the history of both nations.
In October, the Howard University men’s golf team will compete at historic St. Andrew’s (Scotland), the oldest golf course in the world. The tournament will air on the Golf Channel, sponsored by NBC/Universal.
“These tours are an invaluable opportunity for our student-athletes to expand their horizons,” said Kery Davis, Director of Athletics at Howard University. “By experiencing new cultures and engaging with communities abroad, they will develop into well-rounded individuals who are equipped to become leaders in their respective career fields upon graduation.”
The volleyball team will embark on a 20-hour flight across the Atlantic Ocean for its trip.
The tour will see the HBCU squad participate in an international tournament where they will showcase their skills and compete against teams from throughout the African continent. But it is not just about the competition. The team will also have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the local communities of Botswana and Zimbabwe, leaving a lasting impression and fostering international goodwill.
“I feel that this trip is essential to a well-rounded educational experience while at Howard,” Howard volleyball head coach Shaun Kupferberg said. “There is only so much you can learn in the classroom. Those ideas have to find a useful place in the real world and this trip gives our students the ability to make that connection. Sports allows us this opportunity to interact and learn from our hosts when we travel abroad. The global perspective that this trip brings is invaluable as our student-athletes lead the next generation in their respective fields of study.
The Howard University players will visit schools and conduct student volleyball camps while engaging in community service initiatives. They aim to inspire and empower young individuals through sport. In addition to playing against elite international competition and sightseeing, each Howard volleyball, men’s basketball and men’s golf student-athlete will participate in various community service opportunities, enjoy robust cultural experiences and develop global leadership skills.
“This is my first trip abroad with the team and I am excited to get to bond with them for 10 days,” said Howard super sophomore Rya McKinnon (Hoover, Ala.), the two-time MEAC Player of the Year. “I’m also excited to see the different culture. This is not only an opportunity for us to play but also to give back by working with students and hosting clinics.”
By visiting other countries, the HBCU student-athletes are gaining something more precious than money, which is sometimes lost in today’s society of instant gratification. They broaden their horizons outside the classroom by being exposed to different languages, customs and traditions, promoting cross-cultural understanding and global awareness. They also learn about the history and art of the places they visit, gaining a rich and rewarding experience.
Being able to enjoy these chances to create lifetime memories requires a lot of support from different people, something that was not lost on sophomore Maddie Siegel (Fishers, Ind.) as she packed her bags for her first visit in her life to Africa.
“I am extremely grateful to see so many people come together to donate and support our team,” Siegel said. “It’s truly a blessing to have this opportunity, but it wouldn’t be possible without the village of supporters behind us from alums to donors to friends to family to fans and everybody who supports women’s athletics. Their belief in our team is something we hold close to our heart and are forever grateful for.”
The trips will also give each program extra practice and bonding time, which is even more crucial with the transfer portal shuffling rosters like never before in HBCU sports. Each Bison student-athlete will return from its overseas trip a changed person, which will set them up for success in life.
“I am hoping that we can make an impact on the volleyball community there,” McKinnon said. “I am sure that we will learn just as much and I hope that we are proud of what we accomplish while we are there. Also, I just want to have a fun trip.”