Rocky Mount, NC — In a powerful gesture recognizing the significance of collegiate athletics and student-athlete experience, an American flag was flown over the United States Capitol on July 16, 2025, in honor of the inaugural N.C. Wesleyan Women's Volleyball Invitational. The flag's flight commemorates the upcoming event set for August 29–30, 2025, at North Carolina Wesleyan University and stands as a national salute to the vision behind this landmark NCAA Division III tournament.
The honor was made possible through the Capitol Flag Program, operated by the Architect of the Capitol and the offices of U.S. Senators and Representatives. Each flag is flown from a designated flagpole at the Capitol, then issued a Certificate of Authenticity to commemorate the occasion. The program, which has recognized countless civic and educational milestones across the country, serves as a symbol of national unity and appreciation for efforts that uplift communities and champion excellence.
"This is an incredibly special moment for our campus and our athletic department," said NCWU Director of Athletics Aaron Denton. "Having a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of the N.C. Wesleyan Invitational is not only a tribute to this event but also to the values we uphold—excellence, opportunity, and student-athlete experience. It's a proud day for N.C. Wesleyan."
Set to take place August 29–30 inside Everett Gymnasium, the NC Wesleyan Invitational will welcome Penn State DuBois, Regent University, and Mary Baldwin University for two days of high-level competition, community engagement, and unmatched student-athlete hospitality. The tournament, fully donor-funded, will award $6,000 in prize money, with $3,000 going to the champion, and provide first-class experiences such as a luxury hospitality tent, curated spa services, and banquet meals for each program.
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.
"I am so excited for this tournament because of the incredible amount of support it will bring to our program," said junior Jenna Pilkenton (North Charleston, S.C.). "We have a tight-knit community here at N.C. Wesleyan, and this tournament gives us the opportunity to share that. I believe this tournament will impact me personally as I will be able to grow my skills in live gameplay over the course of two days. I'm mostly looking forward to having fun and playing my favorite sport with my favorite people ever—my sisterhood."
"The Invitational is an excellent opportunity not only for my team and me, but also for the other teams participating," said junior Fiona Egan (Sugar Loaf, N.Y.). "We have the chance to represent our team and our school in a big way, and being able to include three other excellent schools in this is a great way to enhance the experience for everyone. I look forward to hosting these teams on our home court and learning more about the importance of what makes a team come together."
"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."
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.
