OAKWOOD 2026 VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW

8/19/2026 10:25:00 AM

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – After losing five key seniors from last year's HBCU Athletic Conference tournament team, Oakwood University volleyball appears to be in for a rebuilding year.

Not so fast, says head coach Wayne Bucknor.

The Ambassadors return five players from last year's team, including junior middle hitter Kamaria Murray, a first-team All-HBCUAC selection last season, and senior setter Alexis Wiley.

Murray was among the league leaders in kills and was named the HBCUAC Attacker of the Week twice during the season, while Wiley was among the league leaders in assists and digs.

Middle blockers Harmonie Banks, Morgan Bone and Nia Tate, who played at Sparkman High School, are also back, along with libero Shania McKelvey, who is back after sitting out last season.

The addition of outside hitter Tonie Davis, a transfer from Bethel College, and freshmen libero Hannah Daniel, middle blocker Massiah Sterling and outside hitter Shanelle Price has Bucknor excited about his team.

"I know we lost some key players, but in most positions, we've upgraded," Bucknor said. "We're more experienced than people think. We've only got two seniors, but Alexis and Morgan have played a lot and our juniors, Kamaria, Harmonie, Tonie and Shania have a lot of experience.

"I'm really excited about our young players. Hannah, Massiah and Shanelle have been really good during our preseason camp. Massiah is a power hitter and Hannah is very solid."

Sterling is a former Buckhorn High School star.

Oakwood will host Johnson College today at 4:30 inside Ashby Auditorium in the season opener for both teams.

Follow the Ambassadors
Visit the official home of Oakwood University athletics at Oakwood University - Official Athletics Website.

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