Chippewa Valley Times

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball players Ella Kiebel and Bailey Leeke have been chosen to join the USA D-3 Blue Team for the One World Outreach/USA D-3 Volleyball Brazil Tour. The event, organized by USA Sports Tours & Events, will take place from June 23 to July 2, 2025.

The tour assembles top NCAA Division III women's volleyball athletes from various schools across the country. The Blue Team includes ten student-athletes from six different institutions, with Kiebel and Leeke representing UW-Eau Claire.

Before heading to Brazil, the team will undergo orientation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In Brazil, they will compete in matches held in Jundiaí, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro. While in Rio de Janeiro, they are scheduled to participate in an International Challenge and conduct a youth clinic hosted by Ripper Vôlei as part of a social outreach initiative.

"This is an outstanding group of young women," said Ron Smith, Director of USA Sports Tours & Events. "This tour is designed to expose players to a great international volleyball experience while providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for educational, cultural, and social growth."

During their stay in Brazil, the team plans to visit local schools and landmarks. They will be accommodated on Copacabana Beach, known for hosting the beach volleyball competition during the 2016 Olympics.

Kiebel and Leeke follow teammate Sasha Bovard as Blugold volleyball players competing internationally this summer. Bovard is set to participate in the Ditsala International Cup in Botswana later this month.