GABORONE, Botswana – Members of the Bowie State women’s volleyball team, Nina Edards, Taylor Johnson, Trinity Loundmon and Nicole Taylor, will compete in the second annual Ditsala International Cup from May 29 – June 1 in Gaborone, Bostwana hosted by Bring It Promotions (BIP) and the Bostwana Volleyball Federation.

The second annual Ditsala International Cup is a premier women’s volleyball tournament bringing together collegiate student-athletes from the United States and national teams from across Southern Africa.

The tournament provides a platform for elite-level competition while offering local student-athletes the opportunity to sharpen their skills and engage with international players and coaches. Beyond the matches, the event promotes cultural exchange and fosters the development of volleyball in the region.

This year’s tournament will feature a historic showing from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with two teams comprising student-athletes from eight HBCUs: Alabama State University, Bowie State University, Elizabeth City State University, Hampton University, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, Virginia State University, and Winston-Salem State University. Additionally, two BIP-sponsored mixed teams will include 18 student-athletes from 14 universities nationwide. The participation of HBCU student-athletes highlights a growing commitment to expanding global opportunities for HBCU student-athletes in collegiate volleyball.

Coaching the U.S. delegation are representatives from Alabama State University, Bowie State University, Morgan State University, and Winston-Salem State University, among others. Former Olympian and current San Diego Mojo assistant coach Deitre Collins-Parker will lead the delegation alongside Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, a retired NCAA Division I athletic director, head women’s volleyball coach, and Sr. Associate Director of Duke Sports Sciences Institute Sports Performance.  Wicker McCree is also CEO/founder of WM Leadership & Legacy Coaching, which helps prepare young leaders and executives for career success.

“This is a game-changing moment for these young women,” McCree said. “For many, it’s their debut on the international stage, and the opportunity to showcase their talents while representing their universities, communities, and HBCU athletics worldwide is incredibly exciting.”

The tournament also serves as the first leg of a three-country African tour for the U.S. delegation. Following the event, the group will travel to Francistown and Kasane, hosting youth volleyball clinics and coaching workshops for local players. The trip includes visits to the Mokolodi Game Reserve, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, and a Chobe River Safari, providing student-athletes with an immersive cultural experience. The delegation will conclude the tour with an overnight stay in Zambia and a visit to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

In addition to competing, the American student-athletes will visit the U.S. Embassy in Botswana to meet with diplomats, learn about embassy initiatives, and engage in discussions on sports diplomacy. This visit underscores how athletics serve as a bridge for international collaboration and development.

All matches will be livestreamed on BallerTV at: https://www.ballertv.com/events/ditsala-international-cup.

About the Botswana Volleyball Federation

Founded in 1979, the Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) has grown into a competitive force in Southern Africa, with 44 teams and more than 500 active players. Affiliated with international governing bodies, the BVF continues to elevate the sport through grassroots programs, annual competitions, and player development initiatives.

About Bring It Promotions

Bring It Promotions (BIP) is a full-service volleyball travel agency with a global presence, specializing in international volleyball tours, events, and professional career development. Since 1996, BIP has organized volleyball experiences at all levels, leveraging an extensive international network to serve athletes and coaches.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.

News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

*ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RELEASE COURTESY WeCOACH*

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Three Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference coaches will attend this year’s NCAA Women Coaches Academy (WCA), hosted by WeCOACH: Clarion Men’s and Women’s Swimming head coach Brehan Kelley, Millersville Field Hockey assistant coach Erica Metz, and Kutztown Women’s Soccer assistant coach Madeline Reed. Reed was also the recipient of the Margueritte Aozasa Legacy Coach Academy Scholarship, awarded as one of multiple legacy scholarships that honor the memory of the trailblazing women coaches who came before.

Set to take place May 18-21, 2025 in Denver, Colorado and hosted in collaboration with the NCAA, the WeCOACH Academies offer multi-day transformational experiences focused on leadership development and personal growth for women coaches from all sports and collegiate levels, including both two-year and four-year institutions.  

A total of 103 women coaches will convene in Denver, with 85 participating in WCA and 18 engaging in the advanced Academy 2.0 program. 

These women represent 24 different sports and come from a diverse range of institutions including NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, NAIA, 3C2A, NJCAA, and NWAC. 

“The NCAA is proud to continue its partnership with WeCOACH to host the 2025 NCAA Women Coaches Academy and NCAA Academy 2.0,” said DeeDee Merritt, NCAA Managing Director of Leadership Development. “The NCAA remains committed to educating and empowering student-athletes, coaches, and athletics administrators through transformative experiences that foster effective leadership, promote inclusive excellence, and strengthen the college sports landscape. These academies align seamlessly with our mission and have consistently delivered meaningful outcomes in the support, advancement, and retention of women coaches in collegiate athletics. WeCOACH continues to be an invaluable partner in providing development and community for women coaches. Through collaborations like this, we are able to expand our reach and deepen our impact.”  

A highlight of this year’s Academies will be the presentation of the 2024-25 Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented by Jostens, recognizing five outstanding women coaches for their enduring impact on the profession. Attendees will also gain insights and inspiration during a keynote conversation with the honorees.  

“The Academy experience is nothing short of transformational,” said Vanessa Fuchs, CEO of WeCOACH. “Our participants leave feeling renewed and equipped with tools, strategies, and a powerful sisterhood of support. Data shows our graduates remain in the coaching profession at rates well above the national average—and that’s the kind of impact we aim to scale. Thanks to our generous donors, we’re proud to have awarded more than $39,000 in scholarship funding for Denver participants to expand access and support participation.”  

Since its inception, more than 2,300 coaches have graduated from the NCAA WCA. The program centers on holistic leadership development, providing women coaches with the skills, confidence, and community to elevate their effectiveness both personally and professionally. Academy 2.0, an advanced program exclusively for WCA alumnae, offers a deeper dive into leadership and professional growth in a highly interactive, small-group setting.  

WeCOACH extends deep gratitude to the NCAA for its longstanding support. WeCOACH also wants to extend thanks to this year’s generous Academy Partners whose support makes these programs possible: Gatorade, Hudl, Marines, Simple Modern, Jostens, Alex Morgan Foundation, Athlete Assessments, Bakline, Betsy Butterick – the Coaches’ Coach, Equitable Advisors – Latrice Smith, Legends of the Ball, Natasha Watley Foundation, NOX, Return on Inclusion, The Sports Bra Project, This One Media, and Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport.  

Several conferences and sport associations also stepped up to support our Academies as sponsors: Atlantic 10 Conference, Big Ten Conference, College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC), Horizon League, Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA), Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA), National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), Pac-12 Conference, Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), and Sunshine State Conference (SSC).  

May 19-21 NCAA Women Coaches Academy Class #54 Participants:  

Claire Abele | Butte College – Head Coach, Soccer   

Devan Acosta | Hanover College – Head Coach, Golf  

Lindsay Allman | Florida State University – Associate Head Coach, Volleyball  

Lauryn Andrew | Concordia University-Irvine – Graduate Assistant Coach, Volleyball  

Miranda Armstrong | Pomona-Pitzer Colleges – Associate Head Coach, Soccer  

Sloane Baumgartner | Elmhurst University – Head Coach, Lacrosse  

Emily Bitka | Daemen University – Head Coach, Lacrosse  

Jenn Blomme | Whitman College – Head Coach, Swimming  

Eileen Bringman | Cornell University – Associate Head Coach, Swimming & Diving  

Laura Broderick | Yale University – Assistant Coach, Cross Country, Track & Field  

Jasmine Brown | Oberlin College – Head Coach, Volleyball  

Lynnzee Brown | Pennsylvania State University – Assistant Coach, Gymnastics  

Daiysa Burrell | Norfolk State University – Assistant Coach, XC, Track & Field  

Kendra Bush | Rochester Institute of Technology – Assistant Coach, XC, Track & Field  

Karen Byers | Seattle Pacific University – Head Coach, Basketball  

Jasmine Chambers | South Carolina State University – Assistant Coach, Volleyball  

Erin Chrissobolis | Ohio Northern University – Assistant Coach, Swimming & Diving  

Adeline Chung-Feder | Wagner College – Assistant Coach, Fencing  

Shannon Coughlin | UW Green Bay – Assistant Coach, Volleyball  

Alexandria Courtney | Minot State University – Head Coach, Volleyball  

Vinsetta Covington | Kentucky State University – Assistant Coach, Basketball  

Chloe Curtis | Loyola Marymount University – Head Coach, XC, Track & Field  

Jeanne Czipri | Central College (Iowa) – Head Coach, Volleyball  

Jessica Darmelio | Carmel High School – Head Coach, Basketball  

Arla Davis | McDaniel College – Assistant Coach, Field Hockey  

Melissa DeVore | Coker University – Head Coach, Basketball  

Amy Donovan | University of Alaska Fairbanks – Head Coach, Basketball  

Kaycie Dunkerley | Lewis & Clark College – Assistant Coach, Basketball  

Maisie Elston | Mount St. Joseph University – Head Coach, Basketball  

Catherine Ely | Bryn Mawr College – Head Coach, Crew  

Uloma Enyogasi | Lynn University – Assistant Coach, Basketball  

Alyxx Estrada | Regis University – Assistant Coach, Softball  

Amanda Evans | New Mexico Highlands University – Head Coach, Soccer  

Hillary Fitts | Hofstra University – Head Coach, Field Hockey  

Allison Fordyce | Susquehanna University – Head Coach, Field Hockey  

Marissa Fortuna | St. Lawrence University – Graduate Assistant Coach, Soccer  

Lindsey Garcia | Occidental College – Head Coach, Water Polo  

Mahogany Green | Hamilton College – Head Coach, Basketball  

Katie Guns | St. Norbert College – Head Coach, Soccer  

Elyssa Hawkins | Biola University – Assistant Coach, Water Polo  

Madison Heck | Virginia Wesleyan University – Head Coach, Lacrosse  

Shirlynn Hight | Talladega College – Head Coach, Acrobatics & Tumbling  

Gabrielle Holko | Susquehanna University – Head Coach, Basketball  

Katie Horton | Florida State University – Director of Operations, Beach Volleyball  

Cornysia Island | University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff – Assistant Coach, Volleyball  

Kellis Johnson | Dominican University – Assistant Coach, Soccer  

Jenna Kalwa | University of Saint Joseph – Head Coach, Soccer  

Maile’ana Kanewa-Hermelyn | University of Michigan – Assistant Coach, Gymnastics  

Brehan Kelley | PennWest Clarion – Head Coach, Swimming  

Abigail Kemble | Eastern University – Head Coach, Field Hockey  

Nina Klein | Quinnipiac University – Head Coach, Field Hockey  

Megan Kronschnabel | Claremont Mudd Scripps – Assistant Coach, Volleyball  

Courtney Kust | Hope College – Associate Head Coach, Basketball  

Moneshia McKenney | Clemson University – Assistant Coach, Volleyball  

Erica Metz | Millersville University – Assistant Coach, Field Hockey  

Baylee Mires | University of Louisville – Assistant Coach, XC, Track & Field  

Brittney Morris | St. Mary’s College of Maryland – Head Coach, Lacrosse  

Raina Nolan | Emmanuel University – Head Coach, Acrobatics & Tumbling  

Haley Overstreet | Sewanee, The University of the South – Head Coach, Field Hockey  

Sara Pasour | University of North Carolina at Pembroke – Assistant Coach, Volleyball  

Kate Pearson | Rowan University – Head Coach, Basketball  

Ana Pego | Quinnipiac University – Assistant Coach, Volleyball  

Barbara Perkins | University of Denver – Head Coach, Triathlon  

Megan Rabenberg | Loyola University Maryland – Assistant Coach, Rowing  

Madeline Reed | Kutztown University – Assistant Coach, Soccer  

Erin Reeves | Colby College – Head Coach, Tennis  

Kaitlyn Reny | University of Redlands – Assistant Coach, Swimming & Diving  

Kelly Rider | Curry College – Head Coach, Hockey  

Toccara Ross | Central Michigan University – Assistant Coach, Basketball  

Erin Schneidtmiller | University of Louisville – Assistant Coach, Field Hockey  

Katelyn Sherman | Ave Maria University – Head Coach, Lacrosse  

Janelle Silver-Martin | Florida Gulf Coast University – Assistant Coach, Basketball  

Katie Smith | Xavier University – Head Coach, Soccer  

Claire Sporer | Michigan State University – Strength Coach, Basketball  

Hannah Tepper | Trinity College – Assistant Coach, Field Hockey  

Arli Tilves | Carnegie Mellon University – Assistant Coach, Swimming  

Julieta Toledo | The Ohio State University – Assistant Coach, Fencing  

Arieon Trinity | Agnes Scott College – Head Coach, Volleyball  

Melissa Valenzuela | Illinois Wesleyan University – Head Coach, Flag Football  

Amy Vaughan | Nova Southeastern University – Head Coach, Soccer  

Jae-Lyn Visscher | University of South Florida – Assistant Coach, Beach Volleyball  

Lauren Voigt | The College of Wooster – Head Coach, Field Hockey  

Janice Washington | Lincoln University – Head Coach, Basketball  

Shannon Witzel | Spalding University – Head Coach, Lacrosse  

Doshia Woods | University of Denver – Head Coach, Basketball  

For the first time since returning to in-person Academies after the COVID-19 pandemic, WeCOACH will host a second Women Coaches Academy in Indianapolis at the NCAA National Office from November 16-18. Applications are currently open for WCA Class #55 in Indianapolis. 

ABOUT the NCAA

The NCAA is a diverse association of more than 1,100 member colleges and universities that prioritize academics, well-being and fairness to create greater opportunities for more than half a million student-athletes each year. The NCAA provides a pathway to higher education and beyond for student-athletes pursuing academic goals and competing in NCAA sports. More than 54,000 student-athletes experience the pinnacle of intercollegiate athletics by competing in NCAA championships each year. Visit www.ncaa.org and www.ncaa.com for more details about the Association and the corporate partnerships that support the NCAA and its student-athletes.

ABOUT WeCOACH 

Founded in 2011, WeCOACH is a one-of-a-kind 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches in all sports and levels through year-round professional growth & leadership development programs. Prior to Title IX, over 90% of women’s collegiate sports teams were coached by women. Today, over 50 years later, the data indicates that number has decreased to 41% across all three NCAA Divisions, with only 7% women head coaches of color. Only 5% women coach men’s teams. At the youth level, the data is hard to estimate, approximately less than 20% of teams are coached by women. WeCOACH launched MOVE the NUMBERS in 2022 to help change the landscape for women coaches and the student-athletes they lead. If she can see her, she can be her. For more information visit MOVE the NUMBERS. 

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Nineteen members of the St. Olaf College men’s track and field team were recognized for their performances at the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the 2025 MIAC Track & Field Awards, as announced on Thursday.

At the outdoor conference meet last week, St. Olaf recorded seven All-MIAC (places 1-3) individual performances, one All-MIAC relay, nine Honorable Mention All-MIAC (places 4-6) individual showings, and one honorable-mention relay. The Oles finished third in the team standings at the meet.

Junior Lance Nemecek and senior Andrew Skemp accounted for St. Olaf’s two first-place individual finishes, as Nemecek won the 800-meter run and Skemp won the 10,000-meter run. The Oles also won the 4×800-meter relay with the quartet of first year Jackson Bullock, senior Sean Hartney, junior Zach Martin, and first year Austin McInturff.

Below is a complete list of St. Olaf’s honorees in the 2025 MIAC Track & Field Awards.

 

Valley City State volleyball has released its fall schedule to mark the Vikings’ debut season in the Frontier Conference, head coach Michelle Meiklejohn announced.
 
The Vikings open the season at home on Aug. 16 against Dakota Wesleyan University. VCSU then travels to Sioux City, Iowa to face Morningside University in a non-conference game before competing at the Siouxland Invitational Aug. 22-23.
 
VCSU kicks off the Frontier Conference schedule on Sept. 3 when the Vikings host Mayville State. VCSU will play 22 games in the Frontier Conference season, including 11 home and 11 away contests. Frontier Conference member schools include Mayville State, Bismarck State, Dickinson State, Dakota State, Bellevue University, Montana Western, Montana Tech, Montana State University Northern, University of Providence, Rocky Mountain College and Carroll College.
 
The Vikings will recognize Faculty and Staff during its home game against Montana Western on Sept. 5. Parent’s Night is scheduled for Oct. 25 when VCSU hosts Rocky Mountain College and Senior Day will on Nov. 8 for its season finale against Dakota State.
 
The Frontier Conference Postseason Tournament is slated for Nov. 13-15 hosted by Carroll College in Helena, Mont.
 
View the complete 2025 VCSU Volleyball Schedule
 

The venue and some history

Bridlington is a seaside coast in the East Riding of Yorkshire and is situated on the East Coast of England.

With history as an important Roman port and also the site of a medieval priory that can still be visited today, the town was (and still is) home to fleets of fisherman and is now most commonly known as a resort for people to get away and relax.

The beach volleyball event is being hosted on Bridlington Beach itself, with support from Skyball Beach Volleyball Club, which is based in the town.

The club regularly hosts UK Beach Tour events each summer and will stage the Yorkshire Series and Four-Star Northern Open this year. 

Although the South Beach, where volleyball is played does not have a postcode, the postcode for the nearby Princess Mary Promenade is Y015 3LG. 

England last hosted a NEVZA event in 2018 when the NEVZA U17 and U19 Championships (indoor) were contested at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering. 

Prior to that, the NEVZA Senior Beach Volleyball Championships were held in Bournemouth in 2016.