HAMPTON, Va. (July 15, 2025) … Morgan Warren and Taylor Shumate, members of the 2024 Hampton Volleyball team, got to spend part of their summer competing internationally as part of an HBCU group at the Ditsala International Cup in Gaborone, Botswana. Bring It Promotions (BIP) and the Botswana Volleyball Federation put on the tournament for the second year from May 29 to June 2.

The HBCU contingent competed against collegiate student-athletes from the United States and national teams from across Southern Africa in the tournament. They went undefeated and won the tournament after defeating a team representing BIP.

"Going undefeated in an international tournament was an amazing feeling. I hope other HBCU volleyball players will take advantage of an amazing opportunity such as this," Shumate, a native of Austin, Texas said.

The tournament also served as the first leg of a three-country African tour for the U.S. delegation. Following the event, the group traveled to Francistown and Kasane, hosting youth volleyball clinics and coaching workshops for local players. The trip included visits to the Mokolodi Game Reserve, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, and a Chobe River Safari, providing student-athletes with an immersive cultural experience. The delegation concluded the tour with an overnight stay in Zambia and visited 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.

"I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent Hampton University in this historic moment," said Warren, a Durham, N.C. native. "This journey reaffirmed my commitment to excellence both on and off the court and deepened my pride in being a part of Hampton's legacy."