Elayna Duprey to Compete at 19th European Global Challenge
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia pin hitter Elayna Duprey has accepted an invitation to compete in the 19th European Global Challenge. This year’s tournament will be held in Pula, Croatia, July 15-19.
Bring it Promotions (BIP) selected two SE teams (U19 and U23) for a tour of Europe and tournament in Croatia July 11-21. The tour begins in Vienna, Austria before moving just across the border to Bratislava, Slovakia. The squads then make their way to both Bled and Ljubljana, Slovenia before reaching the site of the tournament in Pula, Croatia. Both teams will play in a four-day tournament that features other national teams from the U.S., junior national teams as well as elite club teams from all over the world.
“I’m very much looking forward to going back overseas,” said Duprey. “I’m excited to be able to learn and grow my game as well as compete against other women from across the country. It’s a bonus to be able to play with other athletes who want to compete at the same level as me on this trip. One of my goals is to play professionally and this is a challenging opportunity which will give me a glimpse into what that’s like.”
Duprey transferred to UVA in January after a three-year stint with Virginia Tech from 2021-23. She also participated in last year’s Global Challenge. During her time in Blacksburg, Duprey appeared 65 matches and totaled 374 kills and 204 digs. In 2023, Duprey posted a career year after leading the Hokies with 222 kills, including a career-high 19 kills and 15 digs against East Carolina.
We are looking forward to Elayna competing in the Global Challenge this summer,” said UVA head coach Shannon Wells. “Elayna aspires to continue to play volleyball when her college career is over, and this is an unbelievable experience for her to learn more about the international game and get exposed to international coaches and team owners. We know she will represent our program well and we look forward to setting our alarm clocks to the early mornings so we can watch her compete.”
Virginia middle blocker Abby Tadder previously competed in the 17th European Global Challenge, which was also held in Pula, Croatia in 2022.
The opening ceremonies will stream live on July 17 beginning at 3 p.m. ET on the Global Challenge Facebook Page here.
2024 Team BIP SE U23
Elayna Duprey, OH/RS, Virginia
Jaden McBride, OH, Embry Riddle
Skye Ekes, OH/RS, Mercer
Quinci Thomas, OH/RS, Xavier
Savannah Spitzer, MH, Colorado Mesa
Emily Johnson, MH, Wingate
Jasmine Robinson, MH, Virginia Tech
Makena Smith, S, Lehigh
Georgia McGovern, S, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
Ireland Ferguson, DS/L, Angelo State
Abigail Havrilla, DS/L, Mercer