Developing volleyball players at a younger age could boost the sport in Botswana and elevate the level of play among athletes, a former top-flight US volleyball player has advised.
Bonita Wise of Bring It Promotions (BIP) was on a visit to Botswana. BIP, a full-service volleyball travel agency with a global network of partners and staff, specialises in international volleyball tours, events, and professional career development. Since 1996, BIP has been organising volleyball tours for players of all skill levels and durations.
Recently, BIP facilitated the visit of the Howard University Women’s Volleyball team to Botswana. The team, hailing from the United States, participated in an international women’s volleyball tournament held this past weekend at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Centre. Howard University arrived in Botswana last Friday, May 17, 2024, and departed today, May 24, 2024. During their stay, they also conducted coaching clinics at several schools.
In an interview, Wise noted that the team visited two schools where they conducted volleyball clinics. “At some schools, some of the kids have never touched a volleyball in their life,” Wise remarked. “Now they’re asking for volleyball. I think if you start them early, you’ll see a big growth in the sport and an advancement in their level of play.”
Wise shared that the Howard University team also practiced with the Botswana national team. “It was a mixed practice, so the players got to play together and get to know each other. They were exchanging social media, right? We just finished our farewell party where the girls got to know each other better. They were socialising and asking questions, and I think they’re great friends now.”
Reflecting on the trip, Wise described it as an unforgettable experience, highlighting the volleyball clinics at Bokamoso Secondary School and Ledumang Primary School as particularly memorable.
“The joy of the children is unmatched, and the matches we played were great. We loved the atmosphere and high energy.”
Although Howard University finished the tournament undefeated, Wise emphasised the potential of the local teams.
“I feel the teams have a lot of potential if they train hard and work at their craft. I expect good things from them in the future. Botswana volleyball players are super athletic. If they’re able to train more year-round, I think the sky is the limit with their game.”
When asked about the impact of the trip on the personal growth and development of the Howard team members, both on and off the court, Wise was unequivocal in her response. “These types of experiences are unforgettable and invaluable. It’s priceless, and we will have memories that last a lifetime. It’s very eye-opening. I’ve seen some girls with tears in their eyes while they interact with some kids. It truly touches your heart and makes you realise, in the end, we’re all human, we’re all family.”
The interaction between the Howard University team and the local students has sparked a newfound interest in volleyball among the youth. Wise believes that with early exposure and consistent training, Botswana’s volleyball scene can witness substantial growth and improvement. The camaraderie and shared experiences between the visiting team and the local players underscore the unifying power of sports, bridging cultural and geographical gaps and fostering a sense of global community.
