Courtesy of Howard University Athletic Media Relations


WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 20, 2020 – The Howard University volleyball team welcomed four new faces during the early signing period, including a pair of outside hitters and middle blockers. 
 
This class looks to continue the winning tradition and extend the streak of five consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championships and trips to the NCAA Tournament.
 
"Each of these women have unlimited potential," Howard head volleyball coach Shaun Kupferberg said. "If they work hard, they can make a statement to the volleyball world."
 
The four committed Bison include Oluwadamilola (Dami) Awojobi (Atlanta, Ga.), Maya Gerlach (Philadelphia, Pa.), Bria Woodard (Missouri City, Texas) and Cimone Woodard (Missouri City, Texas); each of which brings unique skills with them to Howard.
 
"These student-athletes will raise the expectations of our program," Kupferberg said. "They will help us achieve the new levels of excellence both on the court and in the classroom. I am looking forward to them each bringing their unique personalities and skills to Howard University."
 
Here is more information on the four newcomers:
 
Dami Awojobi (6-0 / Grady H.S. / A5 South Volleyball Club / Atlanta, Ga.) – Outside Hitter
Awojobi arrives at The Mecca after competing for the A5 South Volleyball Club in Atlanta. She chose HU because of its academics, culture and prestigious volleyball program.
 
"Dami is a great, physical outside hitter with the ability to become one of our best," Kupferberg said. "She has a strong arm and a high contact point, which will allow her to score against anyone."
 
Academically, Awojobi graduated with honors and plans to enroll in the School of Business to study marketing in the fall.
 
"She is a very determined student-athlete," Kupferberg said. "That will allow her to do well in our gym."
 
Maya Gerlach (6-2 / Springside Chestnut Hill Academy / East Coast Power Volleyball Club / Philadelphia, Pa.) – Middle Blocker
Gerlach hails from the City of Brotherly Love and after a successful high school career at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, she chose Howard because of its culture and family atmosphere.
 
"Maya is a prototype middle hitter," Kupferberg said. "She is tall, strong and physical, which allows her to be an intimidating presence at the net. I think many people are going to be surprised when she steps on the court."
 
On the court, Gerlach earned All Inter-Ac honors twice. Off the court, the Philly native plans to enroll in the School of Business.
 
"If she works hard, there are no limits to what she can accomplish," Kupferberg added.
 
Bria Woodard (6-3 / Episcopal H.S. / Houston Skyline Juniors / Missouri City, Texas) – Outside Hitter
Woodard comes to The Hilltop after an illustrious career at Episcopal H.S. She chose Howard because of its rich history and culture, along with countless opportunities.
 
"Bria is a long, athletic outside with great potential," Kupferberg said. "She has good footwork that helps her everywhere on the court. She is focused on becoming a great six rotation pin hitter."
 
The Texas product has accumulated numerous accolades, including 2020 Vype Houston Private School Player of the Year and selected to the Under Armour All-Region team. Bria is enrolling in the School of Business next fall.
 
"Bria has great energy," Kupferberg said. "She is a natural leader, which is always hard to find."
 
Cimone Woodard (6-3 / Episcopal H.S. / Houston Skyline Juniors / Missouri City, Texas) – Middle Blocker
Cimone joins her twin sister at The Mecca after a terrific high school career of her own. She selected HU because of its outstanding academics and volleyball program. She also chose Howard to learn more about her African-American heritage.
 
"Cimone has had a great prep career; however, she is just getting started," Kupferberg said. "She is great offensively and has a big block, but more importantly, Cimone is focused on continued growth, which will allow her to achieve her goals."
 
Woodard has racked up countless accolades with most recently being honored as a 2020 Under Armour All-American.
 
Cimone plans to study biology with a concentration in pre-med.