GABORONE, Botswana – In association with Bring It Promotions (BIP), UTSA volleyball sophomores Megan Hawkins and Ally Tribe are set to compete at the second annual Ditsala International Cup, hosted by the Botswana Volleyball Federation across May 29 – June 1, 2025, in Gaborone, Botswana.
“Getting the chance to play volleyball in Botswana is such a great opportunity,” said Hawkins. “I’m really grateful to grow through the game I love while experiencing a new culture and connecting with a different community. It’s meaningful to be part of something beyond just myself … it will be great to represent UTSA among all the different colleges and athletes.”
The tournament will feature four collegiate-aged teams from the United States, two of which are made up exclusively of HBCU student-athletes. Former Olympian and current coach of the San Diego Mojo, Dietre Collins, heads up the American squads, while coaches from Portland State University, Regis College, Ferris State University, Morgan State University, Alabama State University, Winston-Salem State University, Bowie State University will assist.
The event spans three counties, and following the tournament, the group will visit Francistown and Kasane, hosting youth volleyball and coaching clinics for local players, ahead of stops at the Mokolodi Game Reserve, Khama Rhino Reserve, and a Chobe River Safari to explore local wildlife conservation efforts. The trip concludes with experiencing Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, following an overnight stay in Zambia, and American athletes will also visit the U.S. Embassy in Botswana to engage with diplomats, learn about embassy initiatives, and strengthen cultural ties through sport.
“I am so lucky and grateful for this opportunity,” said Tribe. “To be able to not only compete in another country, but also share my love and passion for the game with the community there … traveling and volunteering my help to another country has always been a dream of mine, and I am so excited.”
Matches throughout the tournament will be livestreamed on BallerTv at the following link. https://www.ballertv.com/events/ditsala-international-cup. Additionally, Hawkins and Tribe will be taking over the UTSA volleyball Instagram account through their journey and fans can follow along at @utsa_vb.
The Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF), established in 1979, has grown to 44 teams and 500 active players across Botswana. Affiliated with international bodies, BVF promotes inclusive participation and development in volleyball through grassroots programs and annual competitions. With strong government and private sector support, BVF has achieved regional success, including recent victories in Zone 6 Senior National Championships. The federation continues to foster volleyball's growth, highlighted by its commitment to player, coach, and referee development. More info at BNSC.
Bring it Promotions (BIP) is a full-service volleyball travel agency with partners and staff across the globe. BIP specializes in international volleyball tours and events as well as professional career development. BIP and has been running volleyball tours of all lengths and abilities since 1996 and prides themselves on their extensive international network committed to serving clients.
Keep up with UTSA Volleyball on goutsa.com, and by following the program on Facebook at /UTSAVBall, Twitter @UTSAVolleyball, and on Instagram @utsa_vb.
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