Rocky Mount, NC — With excitement building across campus and the region, North Carolina Wesleyan has officially released the full schedule for its inaugural N.C. Wesleyan Women's Volleyball Invitational, set for August 29–30, 2025. This groundbreaking NCAA Division III event will bring four programs to Rocky Mount for a weekend of exciting competition, hospitality, and first-class student-athlete experience.
The tournament opens on Friday, August 29 with a special pre-tournament match between host N.C. Wesleyan and Regent at 11:00 a.m. This contest is designed to create an opportunity for local elementary school students to experience the college athletics setting. Official tournament play begins that afternoon, as Penn State DuBois faces Regent at 4:00 p.m., followed by Mary Baldwin taking on N.C. Wesleyan at 6:00 p.m.
Action resumes on Saturday, August 30 with Regent and Mary Baldwin squaring off at 9:00 a.m. N.C. Wesleyan returns to the court against Penn State DuBois at 11:00 a.m., followed by a 1:00 p.m. matchup between Mary Baldwin and Penn State DuBois. The tournament concludes at 3:00 p.m. as N.C. Wesleyan and Regent meet for the second time in a marquee matchup.
In addition to on-court action, the Invitational will offer a one-of-a-kind experience off the court. Teams will enjoy a luxury hospitality tent, curated spa experience, gift bags, and a banquet-style meal at their hotel. The tournament, entirely donor funded, will also award prize money to the top three finishers—$3,000 to the champion, $2,000 to the runner-up, and $1,000 to the third-place team.
For NCWU players, the opportunity to host and compete in such an event is personal.
"This Invitational is a great opportunity to grow as a team and show the work we've put in," said senior Emily Foraker (Longmont, Colo.). "We're excited to compete and represent NCWU with pride!"
Sophomore Jadyn Smith (Greenville, N.C.) added, "Hosting this tournament is a huge turning point for our program. It's not just a tournament—it's a statement that we're rebuilding, pushing forward, and setting a new standard for what our program is capable of. The exposure, the competition, and the energy of this event will definitely elevate our team's mindset."
"The N.C. Wesleyan Invitational is not just another tournament—it's a unique experience that reflects our program's values and future direction," said Head Coach Vicky Gentile. "It's a testament to our unwavering commitment to creating an environment where student-athletes can excel both on and off the court. The level of competition and the
attention to every detail make this event truly exceptional. It's an experience that will not only elevate our team but also every athlete who steps into our gym."
"This is not just a tournament, it's a symbol of the foundation of success for our women's volleyball program," said NCWU Director of Athletics Aaron Denton. "We are delivering an experience that puts student-athletes first. From the competitive format to the hospitality and attention to detail, this event will set a new standard for what Division III events can be."
All matches will be held at Everett Gymnasium on the NCWU campus and streamed live via the FloSports Network. Admission is free to the public, and the event is expected to draw support from across the community and beyond.
Fans are encouraged to follow NCWU Athletics and the tournament's official social media channels for ongoing updates, behind-the-scenes content, and coverage of what promises to be an incredible event.
