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Volleyball Video: NSU Volleyball Senior Day Interviews - Beatriz Ferreira and Nicole Kessner

NSU Volleyball Senior Day Interviews - Beatriz Ferreira and Nicole Kessner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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UAB Volleyball Player Kate Morrell Selected To Compete In European Global Challenge

UAB Volleyball Player Kate Morrell Selected To Compete In European Global Challenge
Blazer outside hitter named to Bring It Promotions Southeastern Team

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Senior Kate Morrell of the UAB volleyball team recently was selected to compete in the eighth annual 2012 European Global Challenge for the Bring IT Promotions (BIP) Southeastern team.  The outside hitter from Ogallala, Neb., joins nine other student-athletes from across the country to play in the European event.

The European Global Challenge dates are set for July 15-20, 2012 in Pula, Croatia. Six teams from across America will compete against eight European teams representing Russia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, Romania and Montenegro in the three-day tournament. American teams include SCVA High Performance team, NCVA High Performance team, BIP Midwest team, BIP Southeastern team, BIP/USA Developmental team and the USA Youth National team.

The American teams competing in the tournament are invited to join Bring IT Promotions on tour this summer traveling around Europe from July 11-23, 2012.  This tour will include practices, matches, a competitive tournament and sightseeing, as well as great cultural experiences in four European countries.

The BIP Southeastern Team is a select group of rising college student-athletes from the Southeastern part of the United States. The team will begin in Munich, Germany to sightsee, practice and compete against the Bavarian U19 team (former High Performance champions of Germany). Then the group will head to Innsbruck, Austria to practice and sightsee among the beautiful homes, shops and cafés, including a visit to the Golden Roof House.

From Austria the team will travel to Pula, Croatia for the eighth annualGlobal Challenge opening ceremonies. Here, the team will compete in a three-day tournament. This tour will end in Venice, Italy with a day trip through theamazing canals of Venice.

Representing their colleges and universities, as well as the United States on the BIP Southeastern Team are the following 10 student-athletes from NCAA Division I, II, and III institutions:

Anna Hilton                Wingate University

Breanna Lewis            Washburn University

Cory McGowan         Wingate University

Erin Wellwood            University of Missouri-Kansas City

Iris Brewer                  Ursuline Academy/Wingate University

Kate Morrell               UAB

Kearby Benak             Eastern University

Madi Comperry          Tennessee Tech University

Sarah Scott                  University of West Florida

Taylor Permenter        Armstrong-Atlantic State University

Coaches:
Margaret “CJ” Sherman          BIP/JJVA, Florida, USA
Daniel Magnusson                  Ljungby Volleybollklubb, Sweden
Meghan Sherman                    Ljungby Volleybollklubb, Sweden

 

Kurisch Returns to Beijing for China-USA Challenge Invitational Tournament

Kurisch Returns to Beijing for China-USA Challenge Invitational Tournament

 

Senior-to-be makes third overseas trip with USA Volleyball as a Huskie

 

DeKALB, Ill. – Per the trend over the last two summers, Northern Illinois volleyball middle blocker Mary Kurisch (La Crosse, Wis./West Salem) is headed overseas to further her experience, skill set, and knowledge of the game. 

 

After traveling to Brazil in 2010 and China in 2011, the senior-to-be will return to China for the second annual China-USA Challenge Invitational Tournament in Beijing and Tianjin as one of 24 members of the Bring It Promotions (BIP) USA Development Team to face top Chinese collegiate and club teams.  Some of the matches will even feature live video, courtesy of CNTV English’s CCTV online streaming (http://english.cntv.cn/news/sports/).

 

“We’re proud to have Mary once again represent NIU with the USA/BIP select team,” said NIU Head Coach Ray Gooden, who has sent seven NIU players overseas since 2005.  “This will be Mary’s third tour with the program, and each time she returns her game and level of confidence grows.  We’re looking for her to have another positive experience.”

 

Kurisch, who arrived in Beijing on Tuesday, will be competing and site-seeing in China until July 12.  Some of the finer details of her trip itinerary include sight-seeing tours of Tianjin Museum, Haihe River, Tianjin Harbor, Great Wall, Tianman Square, and Forbidden City, as well as shopping expeditions at Hongquia and Xiushui Markets.

 

After a rookie 2009 season that saw Kurisch get thrown into the fire due to NIU’s lack of middle blocker depth, the Wisconsin native held her own as the youngest member of the Bring It Promotions/USA Development Team in Brazil. When she returned to DeKalb, she had a noticeable change in confidence and performance once preseason camp began. The result was an outstanding sophomore season as Kurisch annihilated her freshman numbers, netting 287 kills, a .324 hitting percentage, 108 blocks, 62 digs and 17 aces. Her rookie line was 160 kills, a .247 hitting percentage, 71 blocks, 30 digs and 0 aces. Her much-improved play in the middle was a large reason for the 2010 Huskies’ highest win total (27) since 1998.

 

Coming back from last year’s trip to China, Kurisch kept elevating her game in 2011.  She notched a career-best 22 aces, 80 digs, and 109 blocks, and 378.5 points.  She also stayed right on pace with her 2010 attacking numbers with 285 kills and a .321 hitting percentage to earn a First Team All-Mid-American Conference selection for the first time.

 

Not coincidentally, Kurisch’s stellar 2011 campaign was one of a few reasons the Huskies reached the NCAA Tournament and won the MAC regular season title for the first time since 2001, and put up the most wins (28) since 1993.

 

Stay tuned to NIUHuskies.com as Kurisch will be providing blog updates from China with photos and maybe even a video or two.

 

CCTV Online Streaming Schedule (http://english.cntv.cn/news/sports/)

July 10th
3:30pm USA Team Select vs Shanghai Team
7:30pm USA All Star vs Liaoning Team

July 11th
3:30pm USA Team Select vs Liaoning Team
7:30pm USA All Star vs Shanghai Team

FSU Indoor Volleyball Players Wickstrom, Freeman Have Successful Showing at A2 Volleyball Tournament

FSU Indoor Volleyball Players Wickstrom, Freeman Have Successful Showing at A2 Volleyball Tournament

Florida State indoor volleyball student-athletes perform well against some of the nation’s best competition; lead USA Blue team to a 4-1 record

 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (seminoles.com) – Florida State indoor volleyball student-athletes Sareea Freeman (senior MB/Fresno, Calif.) and Sarah Wickstrom (sophomore S/Stuart, Fla.) combined to help lead USA Blue to a 4-1 record at this week’s United States Women’s National Volleyball A2 Tournament in Columbus, Ohio.

 

Both Seminole players were selected among some of the top student-athletes in the country to participate in the four-team pool that was held in conjunction with the USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships. Both were among 48 players split into four teams, with Wickstrom and Freeman competing on the same USA Blue squad that earned third place but held the best overall record among the participating teams.

 

Freeman and Wickstrom, whom were a large part of FSU volleyball’s NCAA Final Four run last season, arrived at Ohio Dominican University on June 26 to begin training before participating in matches from June 30 to July 4. For both, the summer tournament served as a tremendous experience filled with great competition that only made them better.

 

“Overall I would have to say it was a great experience being in the same gym with the best volleyball players in the nation and playing with them is an experience that is not granted easily,” Freeman said. “I am really happy that I was able to go my last year. I met some great people and made new friends.”

 

With indoor volleyball being longer than a three-month season including the NCAA Tournament, it is a grind for student-athletes that go through the rigors of practice and preparing for each and every opponent. Summer tournaments like the A2 championship sponsored by USA Volleyball allow many collegiate players to develop a familiarity with others and learn of each other’s makeup more-so away from the court.

 

“Bonding with these girls and knowing them by their personality instead of their team was a big difference and was something I most enjoyed,” Freeman added.

 

It was also beneficial for Freeman and Wickstrom to rekindle a bond of their own that developed well last season. With fall practice slated to begin Aug. 8, each player used the competitive tournament as a head start to get one another’s timing down on their sets. In 2011, it was noticeable that Freeman got better as the season wore on and much of that development could be attributed to Wickstrom putting her in great position at the net to attack as each built a general knowledge of where one another would be on the court.

 

“It was great playing with Sareea again,” Wickstrom said. “I haven't been in a game situation with her since the final four and playing together for 10 straight days will definitely put us at an advantage going into season.”

 

Last year, Wickstrom went from possibly redshirting the season to becoming an All-ACC Freshman after splitting time with setter Duygu Duzceler. Freeman made plenty of noise defensively, finishing 37^th nationally in blocks per set with a 1.25 average while being named to the Minneapolis Region All-Tournament Team for her ferocious play against opposing hitters.

 

However, Freeman’s offensive game and her ability to put down balls were on display throughout the 2011 year. The more she gets to play with Wickstrom and work on sets, the more trust that accumulates between the two talented players.

 

“Sarah is a young player with a lot of experience. I feel like she is starting to trust me now to make the big point and giving the ball to me and giving me these opportunities with the A2 program,” Freeman mentioned. “Trust is a big thing in volleyball and I finally think we are getting to that point. With her and I making the A2 program and playing for the same team, it was a blessing because we got that little something that was missing and this experience can only make us better. I am really glad we shared this together.”

 

The rise of the Seminole indoor volleyball program has been well-documented in many ways, ranging from two Atlantic Coast Conference titles in the last three seasons, the team’s No. 7 final ranking last year or the fact that they’ve won eight NCAA Tournament matches since 2009.

 

But another factor in FSU’s success is its presence of players taking part in national tournaments during the offseason. Last year, student-athletes Katie Mosher and Elise Walch competed for the A2 squad and won the European Global Challenge championship in Croatia. With Wickstrom and Freeman’s participation in this year’s tournament that wound up being an entirely different format, it only bodes well for the program.

 

“I think it's beneficial (for FSU) because you are getting the best training and coaching right before you start the season. I think the A2 team can only help you,” Wickstrom said. “Training with some of the best girls in the country automatically improves my game. The balls are coming faster and the rallies last longer and experiencing that definitely improved my game.”

 

USA Blue started off the tournament 3-0 in the pool play portion, defeating Red, White and Gold before falling in the semifinals to White in four sets. However, it won its final match to assure a third-place finish, which paled in comparison to the overall experience enjoyed by both Wickstrom and Freeman.

 

In nearly a month, both Seminoles will revert back to their colors of garnet and gold and begin preparing to face many of the players they competed with and against at the A2 Tournament. With last year’s incredible run fresh in the minds of many across the NCAA volleyball parameters, FSU will once again have a target on its back not only in the ACC but across the nation. But as Wickstrom and Freeman return from holding their own against some of the top collegiate volleyball players, they are out to prove that the Seminoles are no longer looking back on their own success story, instead being more focused on doing what it takes to write the next chapter.

 

 

CSU's Breion Paige Wins Gold at USA Volleyball A2 Tournament

CSU's Paige wins gold at USA Volleyball A2 Tournament
Senior hopes to bring skills, memories back to Fort Collins

By Nic Hallisey
Athletic Media Relations

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Given the chance to showcase her talents on a national stage, Colorado State senior Brieon Paige excelled, helping her team to a gold medal in the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball A2 Tournament. The competition took place June 26-July 4 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, in conjunction with the USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships.

“It was such a great experience,” Paige said, “and it made it that much better coming out on top. It was hard both physically and mentally, but I cherished every moment of it and would definitely do it again.”

After four days of training at Ohio Dominican University, the 48 selected athletes were divided into four teams. Paige’s team, USA White, dropped all three matches during pool play and entered the semifinal round as the last seed. However, given a fresh start, USA White responded with a 3-1 win over top-seeded USA Blue (25-16, 20-25, 25-22, 25-14). Paige and her teammates followed that win up with another upset, this time a 3-0 triumph over USA Gold (25-22, 25-22, 25-23) to take first.

“We had a really good team, we just had to put it all together,” Paige said. “It’s hard sometimes when you have so many good players on a team because everyone tries to step up. We emerged in those last two games. It just shows what we can all do in each position by working together and working hard.”

Paige started each set during the semifinal match and was fourth on her team in total points (6), in addition to recording a block. She again was solid in the finals, posting five points and a block in two sets.

“It was great to train with all of the other coaches and learn from them,” Paige said. “There were a lot of Olympic athletes there. Them talking to us and mentoring us was such a good experience, because a lot of people don’t get that one-on-one time with Olympians.”

Paige, who hails from Sacramento, Calif., was originally invited to compete with USA Volleyball after earning one of the 48 roster spots during an open tryout in February. The tryout featured 207 hopeful participants, and took place at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Athletes in college with collegiate eligibility remaining for the 2012 collegiate season not selected to join the U.S. Women’s National team were eligible for the U.S. Women’s A2 program.

While she worked hard on the court—training twice per day during the camp’s first several days—the athletes also gave back by volunteering.

“We went to the third-largest Ronald McDonald House in the nation,” Paige said. “We visited the whole facility and met some amazing kids. It was great to see that girls like us could put such a big smile on their faces.”

The experiences both on and off the court made it a memorable week for Paige.

“The girls I met will probably be some of my best friends for life,” she said. “This is definitely something I’ll always remember.”

Paige enters her senior season in hopes of a fourth consecutive Mountain West title and trip to the NCAA tournament. As a junior in 2011, she led the Mountain West with a .333 hitting percentage. She also ranked seventh with 1.02 blocks per set in addition to averaging 2.16 kills per set. Paige earned all-MW honors for her production on the court.

“I learned a different side of competing,” she said. “Seeing how all of the girls have different ways of fighting and overcoming obstacles, I was able to see competing in a new light. This experience makes me want to work so much harder and not be a taker, but to give to my team.”

 

Fernanda Nelson Named FAU Head Volleyball Coach

Fernanda Nelson Named FAU Head Volleyball Coach

Former FGCU Assistant Is Fifth Head Coach in Program History

                                                                                                                                                                                   

BOCA RATON, FL (June 4, 2012) – Fernanda Nelson has been named Florida Atlantic University’s head volleyball coach, announced Melissa Dawson, FAU’s  interim athletics director.

“We are excited to have Fernanda take the reins of our volleyball program,” said Dawson. “We believe her successful playing and coaching career, as well as her passion for the sport of volleyball will propel the program to new heights.” 

            Nelson becomes the fifth head coach in FAU volleyball history and will look to make her mark as a first-year head coach after serving as an assistant at Florida Gulf Coast University for the last four seasons. While at FGCU, Nelson helped the Eagles to a 63-43 overall record (46-17 Atlantic Sun Conference record) and the 2008 regular season A-Sun title. She also assisted head coach Dave Nichols in guiding FGCU to a winning record in its first season of sand volleyball in 2012.

            “I am very excited to be joining the FAU family.  I would like to thank FAU President Mary Jane Saunders and Melissa Dawson for giving me the opportunity to start my head coaching career,” said Nelson. “I would also like to thank FGCU head volleyball coach Dave Nichols and FGCU for helping me realize my dream of heading my own volleyball program. I’m looking forward to leading a great group of girls, turning the program around and winning championships.” 

            One of the best setters in the storied history of the Brazilian National Team and named Brazil’s best setter in 1997, Nelson helped FGCU setter Roberta Santos and outside hitter Ana Kokanvic, two of the best players in FGCU history, earn first team All-Atlantic Sun honors in their senior campaign. Additionally, libero Holly Youngquist was a two-time second-team All-Atlantic Sun selection under Nelson’s charge. In four seasons, Nelson has helped coach seven All-Atlantic Sun selections (three first team), four conference Freshmen Team honorees, a unanimous A-Sun Freshman of the Year, an ESPN/CoSIDA Academic All-District 3 selection (Holly Youngquist; second team) and 27 A-Sun All-Academic selections.

            The position at FGCU came after eight years as both a player and a coach at National American University in Sioux City, South Dakota. Nelson arrived at NAU in 2000 and earned second-team NAIA All-American honors as a freshman. She was National Player of the Year as both a sophomore and a senior and led NAU to a national championship as a junior. Nelson ended her career as a three-time All-American selection. She was named to the NAU coaching staff immediately following the conclusion of her playing career. While an assistant, NAU won four straight regional championships and the 2006 NAIA National Championship.

            Nelson and her husband Ethan have a daughter, Bella.

 

Nelson’s Coaching Resume

Assistant Coach, Florida Gulf Coast University (2008-2012)

Assistant Coach, National American University (2004-2008)

 

What They’re Saying About Nelson

Dave Nichols, FGCU Head Volleyball Coach

“FAU made a great decision with their hire. Not only is Fernanda an amazing coach, she is an even better person. I am so happy for her and her family with this wonderful opportunity to advance her career. We will certainly miss her in the Eagle family, but we are excited for the great opportunities that are ahead of her.”

 

            Todd Lowrey, Texas-Brownsville Athletic Director/Head Volleyball Coach

(Head Volleyball Coach at NAU from 2002-2008)

“FAU is getting not only an outstanding coach but an even better person in Fernanda.  She has an incredible passion for the game of volleyball. Fernanda has the unique ability to make everybody around her excited and has a work ethic that never quits.  She was one of the best players I have ever had a chance to coach and became great asset to our coaching staff after her playing career. I have no doubt that Fernanda is going to be very successful at FAU.”  

 

 

Volleyball Quotes About The 2011 USA Volleyball Team Annual Tryouts

 

Volleyball Quotes About The 2011 USA Volleyball Team Annual Tryouts

A record 208 collegiate female volleyball players are scheduled to participate in the open USA Volleyball tryouts that will take place in the Sports Center II at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado.

Among the participants 81 different colleges will be represented, including 57 outside hitters, 52 middle blockers, 46 liberos, 27 setters and 26 opposites.

Female volleyball players are in contention this weekend for a spot on the USA Women’s National Team for this summer's roster spot for the Pan American Cup and/or the World Cup roster.

In addition, players are competing for roster spots on the USA Senior A2 team that will participate in Dallas, May 23-June 1 at the US Open Championships.

 

Memphis Volleyball​'s Altrese Hawkins to Compete at U.S. Women's National Team Open Tryouts

University of Memphis sophomore outside hitter Altrese Hawkins will make the trip to Colorado Springs, Colo., to participate in open tryouts for the U.S. Women’s National Team, U.S. Women’s National A2 Program and U.S. Women’s Junior National Team. The three-day affair will run February 25-27, 2011, at the Sports Center II at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (USOTC). 

“I began talking with Altrese about sending her to the National Team tryout over a year ago,” said Memphis head coach April Jauregui. “I felt that she could represent our university well and have a solid chance to make a squad. What it came down to was Altrese deciding if this is what she wanted to pursue. I also wanted Altrese to challenge herself, and push her limits against the best players in the country. We will wait and see what happens for the next step, but, no matter what, I am proud of Altrese and I hope she enjoys this unique experience. I couldn't ask for a better student-athlete to go to Colorado Springs as a representative for the University of Memphis.”

Three Jackrabbit standouts hope to earn their stars and stripes on Feb. 25-27, when USA Volleyball holds its annual open tryouts for the U.S. Women’s National Team and Associated Training Programs at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Defending Summit League Player of the Year Kelli Fiegen, along with teammates Shay Birath and Ellyce Youngren, who makes the trip for a second straight year, all plan to showcase their skills with the nations best. 
 
“This is a tremendous opportunity for these three student-athletes to spend a weekend competing with the best collegiate volleyball players in the country,” SDSU assistant volleyball coach Kristin Belzung said. “Not only do they get a chance to train at an extremely high level, they get to represent South Dakota State University and our volleyball program on a national stage.”

 Mayfield to Tryout for USA National Team

Kansas volleyball junior Allison Mayfield will attend tryouts for the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team this weekend, Feb. 25-27, at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (USOTC) in Colorado Springs, Colo.
 
A 6-foot outside hitter, Mayfield will arrive at the USOTC Friday to participate in evaluations with over 200 collegiate volleyball players from across the nation. Multiple training sessions will be held throughout the day Saturday and Sunday morning.

The tryouts are used by the USA National Team to identify talent for its current and future competitions.

"This is a great opportunity for Allison to train with high level athletes in a USA volleyball setting at our Olympic training center in Colorado," said KU volleyball coach Ray Bechard. "I am really excited for her to have this opportunity."

Mayfield, who averaged 2.87 kills per set in 2010, will be competing for a spot on the U.S. National Team but could also be chosen for the U.S. Women’s Senior A2 teams. Athletes invited to participate in the A2 program will train and compete in the 2010 USA Volleyball Open National Championships in the Open Division from May 28-31. 
 
“I’m very excited to go to the tryout,” said Mayfield, who also attended the event last year. “It was a lot of fun last year. It’s a really good experience because you get to play some high-level volleyball for a couple of days with some of the best players from around the country.”

 

Three Sycamores To Compete For Spot On USA Volleyball Women's National Team

Dall, James, Qualizza in Colorado this weekend to compete against best in the nation
 

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Three members of the Indiana State volleyball team will be competing in Colorado this weekend during the U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryout which is scheduled for the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.
 
Junior’s Stacy Qualizza and Kiya James will be joined by sophomore Morgan Dall in their bid to make either the USA Women’s Volleyball National Team or the USA Women’s Senior A2 team.
 
“I am really thrilled to have Indiana State volleyball players in such good company at this tryout,” Traci Dahl, Indiana State volleyball coach, said. “It will be a great experience for them and I look for it to carry over into this next season. The competition alone will be something that they have never seen before.
I will be anxious to hear about their experiences with the caliber of players at the tryout.”

Indiana State junior middle blocker Stacy Qualizza (Crown Point, Ind.) was a co-winner of the Most Valuable Player award for the 2010 season along with junior setter Shelbi Fouty (Plainfield, Ind.). Qualizza was named to the second team of the All-Missouri Valley Conference selections this year and finished the season ranked 238th nationally in hitting percentage with a .289 average. That is the seventh best hitting percentage for a season in school history. She is currently tied for fifth in career hitting percentage at .262.

Sophomore outside hitter Morgan Dall (Aviston, Ill.) was named the Most Improved Player on the 2010 team and was also named to the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete first team. Dall was ranked among the top 50 nationally in both kills per set and points per set throughout the 2010 campaign. She finished the season ranked 28th in kills per set (4.11) and 40th in points per set (4.49). She led the Missouri Valley Conference in kills (469), kills per set (4.11), points (511.5), and points per set (4.49) for all games while leading the MVC in kills per set (4.06) and ranked second in kills (264), points (281.6) and points per set (4.33) during Valley contests.
 
Junior defensive specialist Kiya James (Indianapolis, Ind.) recorded 496 digs during the 2010 campaign which is the fifth best single season total in school history. She also has the third best single season total after recording 527 digs during the 2009 season. She currently ranks fifth in the ISU career dig list with 1,204 digs.  The junior also finished the 2010 season ranked 123rd nationally in digs per set at 4.35.
 

Dayton Flyers Send Five Female Volleyball Players To 2011 USA Volleyball Tryouts

The University of Dayton volleyball program will send four players and Assistant Coach Brittany Dildine to the U.S. Women's National Team tryouts this weekend at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (USOTC) in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Freshman middle Megan Campbell, junior opposite Yvonne Marten, sophomore outside hitter Rachel Krabacher, and sophomore libero Paige Vargas will try out for a spot on the U.S. Women’s National A2 Program. Campbell is one of 65 student-athletes also eligible to be evaluated as a U.S. Women’s Junior National Team prospect. Dildine will be coaching as a member of the support staff for the tryouts under National Team Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon.

“It is an opportunity that allows our program to experience the highest level of volleyball in the country,” Dildine said. “We are bringing someone from almost every position on our team while I can be there working on it from the coaching angle. It will be a great experience and one that our players and I are very excited about.”

Three-time All-American and recent Dayton volleyball alumnus Lindsay Fletemier was a two-time selection to the National A2 Program.

“Lindsay was transformed after her first experience on the national team,” Dildine said. “She brought back a different character and motivation. She really recognized her talent when competing at that level and what a high level of volleyball is. She had a new-found respect for the game after that experience and really saw her leadership skills transform because of that experience. She did a great job of having our team understand that we can really accomplish things and be great. Having a taste of greatness at that level really fueled her last two years here.”

Dayton makes up four of the five players from the Atlantic 10 at this weekend’s tryouts in Colorado Springs. – Saint Louis setter Hannah Kvitle will be the only other A-10 representative.

“It has been a part of the Dayton tradition to see what volleyball is like at the next level,” Dildine concluded. “I think our girls are prepared and excited for this new challenge to compete against the best players in the country.”

Junior opposite hitter Michelle Bartsch, freshman libero Jennifer Bonilla, junior setter Annie Luhrsen, freshman outside hitter Jazmine Orozco and junior outside hitter Colleen Ward will represent the University of Illinois at the tryouts as well as Liz McMahon, a 6-6 opposite hitter and 2011 incoming freshman. Bartsch, Bonilla and McMahon are also eligible for participation on the U.S. Junior National Team. Illinois head coach Kevin Hambly is among the evaluators.

“It has sort of become a tradition for us to have several players involved in USA Volleyball,” Hambly said. “Many of our players have been involved in the system for several years. As a result, they know what it’s like to play at a high level.”

 

Five current Illinois players and one signee have been invited to Colorado Springs this weekend to open tryouts for the U.S. Women’s National Team and the U.S. Women’s National A2 program.

UNI's Payton Aiming For Spot on U.S. Women’s National A2 Team

Pair Of Houston Volleyball Players Head To National Team Tryout

(video)University of Dayton Volleyball Right Side Hitter Yvonne Marten Previews Todays Match

University of Dayton Volleyball Right Side Hitter Yvonne Marten Previews Todays Match

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(video)Stanford Women's Volleyball Team Ready For A Happy Halloween

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Happy Halloween from Stanford Women's Volleyball.

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(video) UCLA Volleyball "Dishin With Dicey"-This Week Discusses Win Over Oregon, Presents Middle Blocker Mariana Aquino

(video) UCLA Volleyball "Dishin With Dicey"-This Week Dicey Discusses Win Over Oregon, Presents Middle Blocker Mariana Aquino

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(video)V.Voices Exclusive! Bryant Volleyball Player Emily Kaup Updates VV Readers On Team's Midseason Progress!

VV Exclusive! Bryant Volleyball Player Emily Kaup Updates Bryant Fans On Midseason Team Progress!

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(video) NIU Husky Volleyball Player Lauren Wicinski Talks Midseason Goals,Upcoming Games With Kent State, Ohio

NIU Husky Volleyball Player Lauren Wicinski Talks Midseason Goals,Upcoming Games With Kent State, Ohio

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Getting to Know Western Michigan Volleyball Player Sam Viox

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Getting to Know Western Michigan volleyball player Sam Viox

  Sam Viox is a junior setter for Western Michigan that currently ranks 25th in the country with 11.13 assists per set.

She was the most valuable player at the 2010 IUPUI Hampton Inn Invitational and all-tournament at the Ohio State Sports Imports Classic this season.

She is approaching the top 10 all-time at Western Michigan with 1,455 career assists.

 
 
 

College Volleyball Players: UCLA'S Boat Is Leaking, All-American Amanda Gil Transfers To Huskies

College Volleyball Players: UCLA'S Boat Is Leaking 

All-American Amanda Gil Transfers To Huskies

The 2008 Pac-10 Freshman of the Year ranked second in the NCAA in blocks last year.

SEATTLE – Washington volleyball received a huge boost today as All-America middle blocker Amanda Gil transferred into the Husky program from UCLA. The Pac-10 leader in blocks in 2009 and an All-Pac-10 First Team selection, Gil will have two years of eligibility remaining and will be able to patrol the net for UW starting in 2011.

 

Gil, a 6-foot, 6-inch native of San Jose, Calif. was voted to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-America Second Team following her sophomore season with the Bruins in 2009. Gil’s 180 total blocks and 1.57 blocks per set average both easily led the Pac-10, and ranked second in the NCAA.

 

“We are very excited about Amanda joining our program,” said head coach Jim McLaughlin. “Not only is she an outstanding volleyball player, she is also a wonderful young lady.  We were impressed with her ability coming out of high school and, at this point, we feel she has the potential to upgrade our team in a number of areas. We have big plans for her and each day will be important as she works towards the objectives we have set for her.”

 

Despite knowing she would have to sit out a year due to Pac-10 transfer rules, Gil knew she had found the right fit when she visited Seattle.

 

“I know in my heart Washington is the right place for me because Washington has everything I could have ever wanted in a school: a beautiful campus, a great community, an amazing coaching staff, hardworking and committed girls, and excellent academics,” said Gil.

 

Washington has had great success in recent years developing standout middle blockers, with Alesha Deesing (2006) and Jessica Swarbrick (2006-08) earning AVCA All-America honors and sophomore Bianca Rowland earning AVCA honorable mention and Volleyball Magazine Second Team All-America honors this past year.

 

“What I like most about the coaching staff at Washington is that they are genuine people. Jim, Leslie (Tuiasosopo), and Keno (Gandara) care about you as a volleyball player and as a person,” said Gil. “I was impressed with how the coaches conducted their practices, and how focused and hard all the girls were working to improve as volleyball players. I have always been a hard worker and to see the commitment from everyone involved was impressive.”

 

Gil also led the Bruins last season with a .360 hitting percentage that ranked fifth in the conference while averaging 2.37 kills per set. The Bruins tied with Washington for second in the Pac-10 with a 13-5 league record, and they reached the NCAA second round. She was named the 2008 Pacific Region as well as Pac-10 Freshman of the Year when her 1.46 blocks per set ranked sixth in the NCAA.

 

“She has a very good arm and a good feel for the game and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to work with her in the gym on a daily basis,” McLaughlin says. “She is a tremendous talent and we feel very fortunate that she has decided to come to the University of Washington.”

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