Howard University is proud to announce the naming of Shaun Kupferberg as the new head women's volleyball coach.  Kupferberg joins the Bison family with more than 10 years of coaching experience at the Division I, the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), the collegiate club, and the high school levels.

"Joining Howard University is a prestigious moment whether you are a student, faculty or staff member," said Kupferberg.  "I'd like to thank Mr. Louis "Skip" Perkins for allowing me to be a part of this program and build upon the history and traditions that are so special here."

Prior to Kupferberg's appointment at HU, the Miami University graduate was the head women's volleyball coach at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla., for five seasons (2006-11).  During his tenure there, he led the squad to four consecutive winning seasons (2006-09). Kupferberg guided the Dolphins to the title match of the Atlantic Sun conference tournament on two occasions. 

In 2008, Kupferberg's team notched a program-best 20-10 record. He followed with a 19-9 mark the following year.  In the process, eight of his student-athletes were named to the all-conference teams.

Equally impressive was Kupferberg's academic leadership. Fifty-two of his student athletes were selected to the academic all-conference team and garnered a team grade point average of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.00 scale). 

Prior to his coaching tenure with the Dolphins, Kupferberg spent five seasons at Northwest University in Kirkland, Wash., as the head women's volleyball coach.  Over the course of that period, Kupferberg increased the school's winning percentage.  He started his career at Northwest with a record of 12-14 and gradually showed progress, leading the team to a 28-4 mark during his last season there.

While he was still an undergraduate student at Miami University, Kupferberg served as the head women's volleyball coach for the University's club team, acquiring three years of invaluable collegiate coaching experience to jump start coaching career. 

During his time as head coach of the club program, he developed a nationally recognized program with three consecutive Top 10 national finishes.  Kupferberg displayed his other skills as he developed sponsorships with Mizuno, Pepsi and Jimmy Jones, and served as the tournament director for 11 major tournaments hosted by Miami University.

At the high school level, Kupferberg was the assistant coach at Union County High School in Oxford, Ind., during the fall of 2000.  As the assistant coach, he introduced a more effective offensive and defensive system to better fit the athletic abilities of his student-athletes while helping guide the team to the Indiana state semi-finals.

"I am very excited about Coach Kupferberg and what he will bring to the athletics department and our women's volleyball program," said Director of Athletics Louis "Skip" Perkins. "His diverse background at the Division I, NAIA and club volleyball level brings a wealth of knowledge to our student-athletes and the experience needed to turn our program around.  Along with his knowledge of the game, he brings a strong academic focus, which will be invaluable to our young ladies in their future endeavors."

To rebuild a program that went 6-24 during the 2011 campaign, Kupferberg will bring passion, consistency and pride to the Bison program.

"I believe our student-athletes are a true reflection of the their coach and I hope that we embody those characteristics as we build our program," said Kupferberg.  "The passion I have for coaching is something that I like to see in the student-athletes on my team.  I think everyone does better at any task when they are emotionally invested in the activity.  Consistency is important so that my student-athletes know what to expect from me day in and day out.  I need it from them, so I need to demonstrate that myself.  Pride is not arrogance, but a belief in our team that we have put enough effort into the preparation so we are confident in representing Howard University on the court and in the classroom."

Kupferberg obtained his Bachelors of Science degree in Health and Sports Studies with a concentration in Sports Organization from Miami University in 2000.

"Very few student-athletes are going to play their given sport professionally for many years; in volleyball the number is even smaller," said Kupferberg.  "This makes it obvious that our student-athletes and coaching staff must put a very high priority on being excellent in the classroom, so they can be prepared for the rigors of the world and represent themselves and our program well for the rest of their lives in whichever career path they take."

As the clock descends to usher in a new academic and athletic season, Kupferberg would like to send a message to the Bison nation:

"In my first year of MEAC competition, I am looking forward to getting to know the conference and the team is eager to get to work," said Kupferberg.  "Thank you for inviting me to Howard University; it's a very special place to be.  Our program will represent you well and give you plenty to cheer for in the upcoming years."

Kupferberg will reside in the Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland area with his wife Erin and children Payton and Kyle.