Following a highly successful debut in 2025, North Carolina Wesleyan University is proud to announce the return of the N.C. Wesleyan Women’s Volleyball Invitational, set to take place September 4-5, 2026, inside Everett Gymnasium on the University’s campus.
The unique event will once again bring together NCAA Division III programs from across the East Coast for two days of high-level competition and an unmatched student-athlete experience. Participating institutions in this year’s invitational include North Carolina Wesleyan University, Hollins University, Regent University, Randolph College, Mary Baldwin University, and Mount Aloysius College.
Invitational Structure
Building upon the foundation established during its inaugural year, the 2026 invitational continues to reflect N.C. Wesleyan’s commitment to elevating the student-athlete experience while creating a premier event atmosphere. Teams will compete in a pool-play format on Friday before advancing into championship bracket play on Saturday, with prize money awarded to the top five finishers.
“Our goal has always been to create an event that goes beyond the matches being played on the court,” said N.C. Wesleyan Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Vicky Gentile. “The invitational is an opportunity to showcase our campus, our community, and our commitment to providing a first-class experience for student-athletes. We are excited to welcome another outstanding field of programs to Rocky Mount and continue growing this event.”
Prize Pool
The tournament champion will receive $3,000, while the runner-up will earn $2,000. Third place will receive $1,000, fourth place will earn $750, and the fifth-place finisher will take home $500. The competitive structure ensures meaningful matches throughout the weekend while rewarding excellence on the court.
The six-team field will be divided into two three-team brackets during Friday’s pool play, with Saturday’s schedule featuring a fifth-place match, third-place match, and championship contest. The format guarantees every team multiple opportunities to compete while creating an exciting championship atmosphere for fans and participants alike.
As the tournament enters its second year, N.C. Wesleyan remains committed to growing the event into one of the premier early-season tournaments in NCAA Division III volleyball. With competitive programs, a championship atmosphere, and a focus on student-athlete experience, the 2026 N.C. Wesleyan Women’s Volleyball Invitational is poised to build upon the momentum generated during its inaugural season.
Additional tournament information, including team previews, match coverage, and event details, will be released in the coming weeks through N.C. Wesleyan Athletics social media channels and ncwports.com.
Disc Golf Championship Brings Regional Players to NC Wesleyan
North Carolina Wesleyan University will welcome competitors from across the region as it hosts a round of the Spike Hyzer’s North Carolina Disc Golf Championship XV, a premier tournament in the sport of disc golf. The event will take place Friday through Sunday, March 20–22, 2026, with NC Wesleyan serving as one of the featured courses during the competition weekend.
The tournament is an A-Tier sanctioned event by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) and is presented by Discraft with support from Grip EQ. The championship is expected to draw players from across the United States and the Mid-Atlantic region.
The NC Wesleyan round will take place Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m., when amateur division players compete on the university’s scenic course located along a two-mile loop on campus. The round will feature a shotgun start, meaning players will begin simultaneously from multiple holes throughout the course.
Overall, the tournament features both professional and amateur divisions competing across three days at multiple courses in the area, including Sunset Park and Farmington Park. Professional competitors, currently totaling more than 50 registered players, will compete across three rounds over three days. The amateur field, which includes players from across North Carolina as well as Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C., will compete in multiple rounds throughout the weekend, including the Saturday morning competition at NC Wesleyan.
Notable competitors include professional players Chandler Kramer, Colten Montgomery, Barry Schultz, and Brian Schweberger, among others.
The tournament is organized by Chuck Connelly, tournament director of Spike Hyzer Disc Golf.
“I am looking forward to partnering with Chuck to present our course on the stage of one of his tournaments,” said Marcus Rich of North Carolina Wesleyan University. “This is the first year we have had the opportunity to present NC Wesleyan’s course in one of his tournaments, and this goes much further than just a round of disc golf. With this tournament, it expands our reach as more players set foot on campus and witness all that North Carolina Wesleyan University has to offer. We have a great course on a beautiful campus, and sharing this gem with the local community and beyond is a true honor.”
Spectators and members of the community are welcome to attend and experience the action as players navigate the university’s course.
More information about the tournament, including registration and schedules, can be found online.
