University of Northern Iowa Athletics
UNI volleyball: Kaitlyn Sellner selected for Ditsala International Cup
4/18/2025 9:57:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
GABORONE, Botswana --- UNI middle blocker Kaitlyn Sellner has been selected to participate in the second annual Ditsala International Cup in Botswana this spring, an international women's volleyball tournament featuring collegiate-aged teams from the United States and national teams from across southern Africa from May 29 through June 1 in Gaborone.
The tournament will showcase high-level competition while giving local athletes the chance to gain exposure, sharpen their skills and engage with players and coaches from around the world while also experiencing an exchange of cultures and diverse playing styles designed to help the growth of volleyball in the region.
Sellner, who just completed her redshirt freshman season with the Panthers in 2024, appeared in 33 matches and tallied 103 total kills, 18 service aces, 37 digs and 100 blocks in her first full season of action, helping Northern Iowa capture its third straight Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) regular season and tournament titles, and reach the NCAA Tournament for the 26th time in program history. She notably recorded a season-high nine kills against UIC in the MVC Tournament championship match, and posted nine blocks against Louisville in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be able to represent UNI volleyball on an international stage," Sellner said. "This trip will give me the chance to grow and share the sport I love with others around the world makes it even more meaningful. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience that I am beyond excited for."
From the United States, the tournament will feature two teams made up of athletes from eight Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs), as well as two BIP-sponsored mixed teams made up of 18 athletes from 14 universities across the country. This year's teams will include coaches from Portland State, Regis College, Ferris State, Morgan State, Alabama State, Winston-Salem State and Bowie State, with former Olympian and San Diego Mojo coach (Pro Volleyball Federation) Dietre Collins leading the U.S. delegation.
The event will see the U.S. delegation visit three countries as part of its African tour. Following tournament play, athletes will travel to Francistown and Kasane, hosting youth volleyball and coaching clinics for local players. The trip will also include visits to the Mokolodi Game Reserve, the Khama Rhino Reserve, the Chobe River Safari, along with a stop in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and an overnight stay in Zambia.
Matches during the tournament can be streamed through BallerTV.
