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.

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