TAMPA - - Two members of the University of South Florida volleyball team, Nakia Williams and Alli Arbogast, have accepted invitations and will be traveling to Holland this June to be a part of the prestigious USA Athletes International (USAAI) group.

The USAAI is the sponsoring organization to represent the United States in the 2008 DKV International Volleyball Tournament that will take place on June 5-13 in Groningen, Holland.

"I am proud of Nakia and Alli for accepting the invitation and taking advantage of this awesome opportunity; they are both well deserving,” said USF head coach Claire Lessinger. “I know the experience will help them grow as players and as people. Both Nakia and Alli are returning starters from the 2007 squad and their commitment to their own development as well as team success is obvious by participating in this summer tour."

Established in 1991, the USAAI is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving amateur athletes the opportunity to promote the game on an international level while promoting goodwill.

Williams, a 6'2” middle blocker from Bowie, MD, will be entering her senior year for the Bulls this upcoming fall and her 2.72 points per game last season is the second-highest among all returners.

"I am very excited about going on this trip,” said Williams. “I plan on building relationships and taking advantage of an opportunity not too many collegiate athletes get. I am grateful that I was chosen for this team."

Arbogast heads into the summer in preparation of her junior season at USF. The 6'3” middle blocker from St. Louis, MO led the team in total blocks (171) and blocks per game (1.60) in 2007.

"I am excited to go play oversees and experience a different type of volleyball and learn from experienced players,” said Arbogast. “I think it will be a humbling experience. I am anxious to learn about the culture and tour the beautiful country of Holland. Best of all, I get to share this experience with Nakia, one of my best friends and teammates.”