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.
NCWU Grad Hits Home Run with Internship Mentorship!
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) continues to highlight the power of experiential learning and alumni engagement through a unique internship opportunity connecting a current student-athlete with a Bishop alumna working in professional sports.
NC Wesleyan student Brooklynn Covic, a communications major and member of the Bishops Volleyball team, gained hands-on experience this past summer as a Creative Video Intern with the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Covic’s internship was guided by Callie Cline, a North Carolina Wesleyan alumna and the Grasshoppers’ Manager of Social Media and Media Services.
Covic’s journey began on campus, where she works as a student assistant with NC Wesleyan Athletics, creating social media content and graphics to promote Bishop athletic programs. That foundational experience helped prepare her for the professional sports environment she now navigates daily.
“I really hope to bring these skills back to our athletic department to continue capturing and celebrating our student-athletes,” Covic said. “This internship has allowed me to grow creatively and professionally while seeing how the skills I’ve learned at NC Wesleyan translate to the real world.”
For Cline, the opportunity to mentor a current Bishop is both personal and purposeful. As a former NC Wesleyan volleyball student-athlete and multimedia intern, she understands the impact early professional experience can have on a student’s career trajectory.
“I wish I would have started sooner and prioritized internships and experience earlier,” Cline said. “Being able to give back and help a current student see what’s possible is incredibly rewarding. NC Wesleyan helped lay the foundation for my career, and it’s exciting to be part of that process for someone else.”
This internship reflects NC Wesleyan’s commitment to hands-on learning, career readiness, and fostering meaningful alumni connections. By creating opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, the university continues to prepare students for success in competitive professional fields.
For more information about internship opportunities and experiential learning at North Carolina Wesleyan University, visit ncwu.edu.
