TULSA, Oklahoma – Bethune-Cookman incoming freshman Rakaya Neely helped Team Florida take a bronze medal in the Women's International Junior Division at the USA Volleyball High Performance championships last week in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The middle blocker started in all eight matches as Team Florida compiled a 4-1 record in pool play, advanced to the division semifinals where it fell to the USA Jr. National Red team and then won the third place match with a 3-0 win over the USA Jr. National White team.

“I was truly impressed to see Rakaya play, and hold her own, against some of the top players in the Nation," said B-CU Head Coach Isaac Raphael. "I'm looking forward to see what she can do  for us on the court come August."

Raphael coached Team Florida's entry in the Girl's National Youth division to an eight place finish in the week-long tournament. After a 3-2 pool play record, Raphael's squad advanced to the second round finals with two victories before dropping a 3-0 decision to the USA Select All Stars.

“Even though we didn't finish the way I would have liked, I was happy to see the players grow as individuals and improve their understanding of the game," Raphael said. " Hopefully they will take this experience back to their respective clubs and high school teams and help them excel”.

B-CU opens Raphael's fourth season August 29th at the Florida Atlantic Invitational with matches against host FAU and cross county rival Stetson.