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Avery and Addison Junk (left) finishing with the silver medal at the 2025 FIVB U18 World Championship; Malachi Brewington and Titus Lance (right) together at the 2025 FIVB U21 World Championship

Avery Junk, Addison Junk, Malachi Brewington, and Titus Lance to represent USA Volleyball in San Salvador Oct. 16–18

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Thursday, October 8, 2026) — USA Volleyball today announced that its Beach U23 National Team is set to compete in the 2026 U23 NORCECA Continental Tour, which brings together the top national beach volleyball teams from across North, Central America, and the Caribbean to compete at the highest regional level. The 2026 U23 NORCECA Continental Tour will take place Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18, 2026, in San Salvador, El Salvador. Match schedules for the tournament will be announced at a later date.

Representing USA Volleyball on the sand, both Main Draw pairs carry momentum from strong 2025 international campaigns. On the women’s side, sisters Avery Junk and Addison Junk headline the Main Draw team under the leadership of USA Volleyball Women’s Head Coach, Mike Dodd, a 1996 Olympic Silver Medalist, International Volleyball Hall of Famer, and coach with MB Sand Beach Volleyball Club. The Junk sisters build on a stellar international season where they won silver at the 2025 Girl’s FIVB U18 World Championships in an all-American final.

“Avery and Addison Junk are always prepared for battle and always give 110% effort…a coach’s dream,” said Mike Dodd, USA Volleyball Women’s Head Coach.

In the men’s Main Draw, Malachi Brewington and Titus Lance pair up under USA Volleyball Men’s Head Coach Hudson Bates, a 10-year AVP Tour veteran, former U.S. National Team player, and Beach Director at Elite Volleyball Training Center. After winning gold together in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic, the duo earned their spot at the 2025 FIVB U21 World Championship in Puebla, Mexico, where they tied for fifth place with an impressive 4-1 match record.

“This is a men’s team with enough experience, physicality, and IQ to put together a championship run at this tournament,” said Hudson Bates, USA Volleyball Men’s Head Coach. “We’ve already discussed some game plans and goals for the week, and we’re excited to get down there and compete with ‘USA’ on our chest!”

In addition to USA Volleyball Women’s Head Coach Mike Dodd and USA Volleyball Men’s Head Coach Hudson Bates, supporting the athletes in San Salvador are Emma Stratmoen, LOVB LA Orbit Athletic Trainer and Joviana Romero, USA Volleyball Beach NTDP Lead.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Wednesday, October 7) – USA Volleyball announced today the appointment of Heidi Taliaferro as its new General Counsel, effective Monday, October 26, 2026. In this role, Taliaferro will lead USA Volleyball’s legal operations, providing strategic counsel on corporate governance, high-stakes transactions, property and asset management, and organizational policy to support the continuous growth and protection of the national governing body and its athletes. 

Taliaferro brings more than 20 years of legal expertise to USA Volleyball. She spent the past seven years as Vice President and Senior Counsel at Healthpeak Properties, a publicly traded S&P 500 company with an approximately $25 billion portfolio. As lead counsel for Healthpeak’s approximately 12-million-square-foot national Life Science portfolio of 141 properties, she advised on more than $2.5 billion in acquisitions and joint ventures, supported a landmark $21 billion merger with Physicians Realty Trust and subsequent integration and internalization of the property management function, and contributed to public-company governance and other enterprise matters. She also co-chaired an employee-led council that launched several initiatives, including company-wide mentorship and community service programs. Prior to Healthpeak, Taliaferro spent the majority of her legal career in private practice at Allen Matkins, advising institutional investors, lenders, and developers on complex acquisitions, dispositions, developments, financings, joint ventures, and other sophisticated transactions. 

In addition to her legal career, Taliaferro brings a deep personal connection to the sport as a former NCAA champion and team captain for the Stanford University women’s volleyball team. She has also demonstrated a strong commitment to service through pro bono advocacy for children’s rights and recently advised USA Volleyball on key real estate matters. 

“Joining USA Volleyball as General Counsel at this pivotal moment in the organization’s growth is an extraordinary honor,” said Heidi Taliaferro, General Counsel, USA Volleyball. “Combining my legal background with a lifelong passion for volleyball is a unique privilege. I look forward to partnering with the leadership team, Board, and staff to help USA Volleyball grow responsibly, support the well-being and safety of our athletes, and build strong operational foundations that drive long-term success across every level of our sport.” 

“Throughout her career, Heidi has demonstrated exceptional legal judgment, strategic insight, and a proven track record of managing complex, high stakes matters,” said John Speraw, President & CEO of USA Volleyball. “She combines world-class legal acumen with a firsthand connection to our sport as a champion athlete. Her leadership will be invaluable as we continue to advance USA Volleyball’s mission and prepare our organization for sustained success on and off the court as we build toward the 2027 Women’s Volleyball World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.”

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Two experienced leaders join USA Volleyball to strengthen the national officiating pipeline and expand grassroots and club programming nationwide. 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Monday, October 5, 2026) — USA Volleyball (USAV) today announced the appointments of Craig Madson as Director, Officials, and Lindsay Rosenthal as Director, Club Programming. Both leaders bring deep roots in the sport alongside proven operational leadership, and both will begin their new roles effective today. 

As Director, Officials, Madson will lead USAV’s national officiating pipeline across indoor, outdoor, and sitting disciplines, guiding recruitment, certification, and retention strategies. Madson brings more than 20 years of officiating and leadership experience, including NCAA tournament assignments and League One Volleyball (LOVB) challenge refereeing. He most recently served as Vice President, North America Commercial at Alliance Laundry Systems, where he led a $690 million business unit. Madson was also a member of Lewis University’s 1998 MIVA Championship team, which was inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame, and holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. 

“I am honored to join USA Volleyball and help build a stronger, more supportive ecosystem for officials across the country,” said Madson. “Officiating is vital to the integrity and growth of our sport, and I look forward to enhancing our certification pipelines, supporting our leadership assemblies, and elevating officiating standards across all disciplines.” 

Reporting to Chief Operating Officer Bari Greenfield, Rosenthal will step into this newly created role to deepen support and value provided to clubs and expand access and opportunities for volleyball participation. In this capacity, she will lead the design, delivery, and scaling of USAV’s grassroots and club-adjacent programming, converting the USAV Athlete Development Model into repeatable, accessible programs. Rosenthal brings more than two decades of club ownership and leadership experience, most recently at LOVB, where she developed community initiatives and supported $3.5 million in athlete financial aid. A former team captain, MVP, and assistant coach at the University of Notre Dame, Rosenthal also holds a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law. 

“Joining USA Volleyball is an incredible opportunity to expand access and deepen athlete engagement at every stage of the pathway,” said Rosenthal. “I am excited to collaborate with clubs, regions, and leaders nationwide to build dynamic, sustainable programs that introduce more players to the game and create lifelong opportunities in volleyball.” 

Both appointments support USA Volleyball’s overarching strategy to elevate member services, expand grassroots participation, and build world-class operational standards. 

“As we build momentum toward the LA28 Games, strengthening our infrastructure from grassroots participation to officiating excellence is essential to our long-term growth,” said John Speraw, President & CEO of USA Volleyball. “Craig and Lindsay bring exceptional leadership, proven operational track records, and a deep dedication to volleyball. Their vision will help us expand opportunities for our members, clubs, and officials across the country.” 

“We are thrilled to welcome Craig and Lindsay to USA Volleyball,” said Bari Greenfield, Chief Operating Officer of USA Volleyball. “Their deep expertise across the entire volleyball ecosystem, club operations, and elite competition will add tremendous value to our organization as we expand grassroots access and strengthen support for our officials, clubs, and members across the country.”

The U.S. Women's National Team poses for a team photo, celebrating gold at the NORCECA Final Six
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 27, 2026) – The U.S. completed its undefeated run through the 2026 Women’s Final Six by taking the gold medal with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-22) victory over host Mexico on Sunday in Zinacantepec. The U.S. won all seven of its matches in the tournament, dropping only four sets in the process.

The U.S. held advantages in kills (43-35), blocks (8-4) and served three of the four aces in the match. The U.S. made four fewer errors.

Rachel Fairbanks earned MVP honors. Eva Hudson was Second Best Spiker and Ella Powell was Best Setter.

Five U.S. players scored between eight and 11 points as the balanced attack brought home the gold medal. Middle blocker Onye Ofoegbu recorded five blocks, one more than the entire Mexico team, and six kills to share match-high honors with 11 points. Outside hitter Jess Mruzik paced the team with 10 kills. Setters Rachel Fairbanks (two kills and an ace) and Ella Powell ran the U.S. offense that hit .427 for the match. Mruzik and Hudson each recorded six excellent receptions.

Outside Eva Houston totaled nine kills and nine digs, and opposite Temi Thomas-Ailara also scored nine points, recording eight kills and a block. Outside Callie Schwarzenbach finished with eight points on five kills, a block and a pair of aces. Opposite Sami Francis scored four points on three kills and a block. Libero Elena Oglivie led all players with seven excellent receptions and added six digs.

Mexico took an early two-point lead, 5-3, to begin the match. Trailing 8-5, a Schwarzenbach kill and Ofoegbu block cut the lead to one point. A Mruzik kill tied the set 9-9 and the U.S. took the lead on a Mexico tip that went out of bounds. After 22 consecutive side-outs, the U.S. took its first two-point lead of the set, 22-20, on a Schwarzenbach ace. After a Mexico timeout, a hitting error and back-to-back blocks by Ofoegbu ended the set. Ofoegbu led the U.S. with seven points on four kills and three blocks.

A Fairbanks kill gave the U.S. a 7-5 lead in the second set. After yielding the next point, the U.S. used a five-point run to double up the score, 12-6. A Mruzik kill and Fairbanks ace helped run the lead to five when Ofoegbu recorded another block, this one going down the line of the net and dropping in right front to cap the run. A Hudson kill put the U.S. up by seven points, 16-9. A Francis block and Mexico hitting error gave the U.S. an 18-10 advantage. The lead reached double digits, 22-12, on a Francis kill and a Schwarzenbach ace. Thomas-Ailara scored the final two points of the set on a crosscourt kill and a block and finished as the team’s leading scorer in the set with four kills and the block. Mruzik added four kills.

A Schwarzenbach block gave the U.S. a 7-5 lead in the third set. Mexico scored back-to-back points to square the set at 10 apiece. After four more ties, the U.S. moved back ahead by two, 16-14, on a Schwarzenbach kill and a Mexico hitting error. Ogoegbu scored to give the U.S. a 17-15 lead a hitting error raised the margin to three and sent Mexico to a timeout. Mexico scored the next two points, but the U.S. regained a three-point margin with Ofoegbu scoring off the block. Hudson tooled the block for a 23-18 lead. Thomas-Ailara scored to give the U.S. match point at 24-19. Mexico saved three match points, the third on a block, before Hudson put a ball away to seal the gold medal with her fifth kill of the set.

2026 USA Volleyball Women’s Final Six Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College)
3 Toyosi Onabanjo (MB, 6-1, Houston, Texas, Kansas)
7 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Washington)
9 Jess Mruzik (OH, 6-1, Livonia, Mich., Michigan/Penn State)
11 Natalie Foster (MB, 6-4, Mattawan, Mich., Wichita State/SMU)
12 Temi Thomas-Ailara (OPP, 6-2, Glenwood, Ill., Northwestern/Wisconsin)
13 Onye Ofoegbu (MB, 6-3, Cerritos, Calif., UC Irvine/Oregon)
19 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford)
20 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt)
21 Claire Hoffman (OH, 6-2, Pleasant Hill, Oreg., Washington)
22 Elena Scott (L, 5-10, Louisville, Ky., Louisville, Pioneer)
25 Callie Schwarzenbach (OH, 6-5, Kearney, Mo., Nebraska/Long Beach State)
30 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Purdue/Kentucky)
77 Sami Francis (OPP, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford)
99 Caitie Baird (OH, 6-3, Indianapolis, Ind., Stanford)

Schedule

All times PT

Sept. 21: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-16)
Sept. 22: USA def. Cuba, 3-0, (25-17, 25-22, 25-13)
Sept. 23: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (25-19, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25)
Sept. 24: USA def. Mexico, 3-1 (25-27, 25-19, 25-23, 27-25)
Sept. 25: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-21, 25-13)
Sept. 26 Semifinals: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (25-17, 22-25, 25-17, 25-21)
Sept. 27: Finals: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-22)

Stories

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Toyosi Onabanjo raises her fist to celebrate a USA point
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 26, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team continued its unbeaten streak at the 2026 Final Six with a 3-1 (25-17, 22-25, 25-17, 25-21) victory over Cuba in the semifinals on Saturday in Zinacantepec, Mexico. The U.S. (6-0) will play for the gold medal against the winner of Saturday’s second semifinal between Puerto Rico and host Mexico tomorrow at 3 p.m. PT.

The U.S. finished with advantages in kills (54-41), blocks (9-5) and service aces (4-2).

Outside hitter Callie Schwarzenbach paced the U.S. with 17 points with 12 points, three blocks and a pair of aces. Middle blocker Onye Ofoegbu finished with 10 kills and fellow middle Toyosi Onabanjo recorded a match-best four blocks to go with four kills for eight points.

Outside Jess Mruzik and opposite Temi Thomas-Ailara (five kills, one ace), outside Claire Hoffman (five kills, one block) and outside Eva Hudson (six kills) all scored six points. Opposite Sami Francis scored four points on three kills and a block. Setter Ella Powell recorded two kills while leading the U.S. offense. Libero Elena Scott finished with a match-highs of 18 digs and nine excellent receptions. Hudson added nine digs and Mruzik finished with five excellent receptions.

A kill and ace from Thomas-Ailara put the U.S. up 5-2 to begin the match. A Schwarzenbach ace doubled up the early lead, 8-4. Cuba pulled with two points, 12-10, before a Schwarzenbach kill started the U.S. on a 4-2 run that put the lead back at four when Mruzik scored off the block for a 16-12 lead. Cuba cut the lead in half but consecutive kills from Ofoegbu and Thomas-Ailara restored the four-point advantage. Two Cuba errors and a Mruzik kill stretched the lead to seven, 21-14, capping a 5-0 run. Back-to-back kills from Hudson and Schwarzenbach gave the U.S. set point at 24-16. Two points later, Schwarzenbach ended the set with her fifth point.

A Mruzik ace and Hudson kill staked the U.S. to a 4-1 lead in the second set. Cuba used a 7-4 stretch to even the score 8-8. With the score tied 10-10., Hudson registered back-to-back kills. A hitting error stretched the margin to three points, 16-13. Cuba scored three of the next four points to cut the deficit back to one point before Mruzik restored the two-point lead. Cuba used a 5-1 run to take a 21-19 lead and force a U.S. timeout. The U.S. got as close as one point, 21-20 on an Ofoegbu kill and 22-21 on an error but were unable to even the set as Cuba tied the match 1-1. Ofoegbu and Hudson each recorded four kills.

A Schwarzenbach kill gave the U.S. a 6-4 lead in the third set. Cuba used a 3-1 run to square the set at seven apiece. Back-to-back Onabanjo put the U.S. up 10-7. Consecutive Cuba errors pushed the margin to five points, 13-8. Hoffman registered kills on consecutive plays for a 16-11 U.S. advantage. Cuba scored the next three points to cut the deficit to two points, but the U.S. responded with its own three-point stretch, keyed by a Schwarzenbach kill. Baird scored off a back set from Scott for a 24-17 lead and Onabanjo finished the set with a kill. Onabanjo used three blocks and the set-clinching kill to score four points.

Cuba led 13-9 in the fourth set but the U.S. ran off six points in a row starting with kills from Onabanjo and Schwarzenbach and a block from Hoffman. Three consecutive hitting errors put the U.S up two points. Cuba tied the set 16-16 before a kill and block from Schwarzenbach gave the U.S. the lead for good. An Onabanjo block put the U.S. up 21-17. Cuba got as close as two points, 22-20 and 23-21, but the U.S. ended the match on an Ofoegbu kill and a Cuba hitting error. Schwarzenbach scored five points on three kills and two blocks.

2026 USA Volleyball Women’s Final Six Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College)
3 Toyosi Onabanjo (MB, 6-1, Houston, Texas, Kansas)
7 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Washington)
9 Jess Mruzik (OH, 6-1, Livonia, Mich., Michigan/Penn State)
11 Natalie Foster (MB, 6-4, Mattawan, Mich., Wichita State/SMU)
12 Temi Thomas-Ailara (OPP, 6-2, Glenwood, Ill., Northwestern/Wisconsin)
13 Onye Ofoegbu (MB, 6-3, Cerritos, Calif., UC Irvine/Oregon)
19 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford)
20 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt)
21 Claire Hoffman (OH, 6-2, Pleasant Hill, Oreg., Washington)
22 Elena Scott (L, 5-10, Louisville, Ky., Louisville, Pioneer)
25 Callie Schwarzenbach (OH, 6-5, Kearney, Mo., Nebraska/Long Beach State)
30 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Purdue/Kentucky)
77 Sami Francis (OPP, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford)
99 Caitie Baird (OH, 6-3, Indianapolis, Ind., Stanford)

Schedule

All times PT

Sept. 21: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-16)
Sept. 22: USA def. Cuba, 3-0, (25-17, 25-22, 25-13)
Sept. 23: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (25-19, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25)
Sept. 24: USA def. Mexico, 3-1 (25-27, 25-19, 25-23, 27-25)
Sept. 25: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-21, 25-13)
Sept. 26 Semifinals: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (25-17, 22-25, 25-17, 25-21)
Sept. 27: Finals

Stories

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Elena Scott celebrates a point at the 2026 NORCECA Final Six
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 25, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team finished preliminary round play undefeated after a 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-21, 25-13) win over Puerto Rico on Friday in Zinacantepec, Mexico.

The U.S. (5-0) advances to the semifinal round tomorrow at 5 p.m. PT

The U.S. finished the match with 10 more kills (56-46) with both teams recording six blocks and two service aces.

Outside hitter Claire Hoffman led all players with 15 points on 13 kills and two blocks. Opposite Sami Francis recorded 11 kills and outside Caitie Baird finished with 10. Middle blocker Natalie Foster scored nine points on seven kills, a block and an ace, while fellow middle Toyosi Onabanjo shared match-high honors with three blocks and added four kills for seven points.

Libero Elena Oglivie led the team with 19 digs with Francis (12) and Hoffman (11) also reaching double digits. Hoffman paced the team with five excellent receptions and Oglivie contributed four. Middle Onye Ofoegbu registered five kills and outside Jess Mruzik totaled five points on four kills and an ace. Setter Ella Powell ran the U.S. offense and ended the match with a kill.

Kills by Foster and Ofoegbu started the match, but neither team led by two again until Ofoegbu put a ball down for an 11-9 advantage. Francis followed with an off-speed shot that found the middle of the court and sent Puerto Rico to a timeout. Puerto Rico charged out of the break with a 5-2 run to regain the lead. A block gave Puerto Rico its first two-point lead, 16-14. A great Oglivie block cover led to a Hoffman kill that evened the set at 17 apiece. A strong dig from Hoffman led to a Mruzik kill off a Temi Thomas-Ailara set to tie the score 20-20 and the U.S. retook the lead on a Puerto Rico hitting error. After a timeout, Puerto Rico scored the next two points, taking a 22-21 lead on a kill off an overpass. The U.S. roared back out of its timeout to score the final four points and take the set. A Hoffman block gave the U.S. a 23-22 lead. Mruzik followed with an ace for set point and Hoffman registered another block for the final point. Mruzik scored five points on four kills and an ace, and Ofoegbu added four kills.

Puerto Rico raced out to a 7-2 lead in the second set, forcing the U.S. to take an early timeout. The lead grew to seven points, 13-6, before a second U.S. timeout. Following a Puerto Rico service error, a Foster ace and Baird kill cut the margin to four points. An Onabanjo tip brought the U.S. with four points again at 22-18, but Puerto Rico scored the final three points to even the match. Foster scored six points on four kills, one block and one ace.

A Hoffman kill put the U.S. up 6-3 in the third set. An Onabanjo kill and a Puerto Rico hitting error extend the margin to four points, 12-8. A Hoffman kill gave the U.S. a 15-10 lead and the lead remained four or five points with a Baird kill putting the U.S. up 21-16. Puerto Rico scored the next two points to close the gap to three but could get no closer. Hoffman registered five kills with Onabanjo contributing four points on two kills and two blocks.

Two Francis kills gave the U.S. a quick 4-1 lead in the fourth set. A Hoffman kill and Puerto Rico hitting error put the U.S. ahead 7-4 and prompted a timeout. The U.S. doubled up the score, 10-5, on a Baird kill and another Puerto Rico hitting mistake. The lead grew to double digits, 17-7, on kills from Baird and Francis. The U.S. continued to roll as an Onabanjo kill pushed the lead to 20-8. A kill from Hoffman and an eighth Puerto Rico hitting error of the set made the score 23-10. A Baird kill set up match point and after two match points were saved, Powell put a second ball down to clinch the victory. Hoffman (six), Francis (five) and Baird (four) combined for 15 kills in the set.

2026 USA Volleyball Women’s Final Six Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College)
3 Toyosi Onabanjo (MB, 6-1, Houston, Texas, Kansas)
7 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Washington)
9 Jess Mruzik (OH, 6-1, Livonia, Mich., Michigan/Penn State)
11 Natalie Foster (MB, 6-4, Mattawan, Mich., Wichita State/SMU)
12 Temi Thomas-Ailara (OPP, 6-2, Glenwood, Ill., Northwestern/Wisconsin)
13 Onye Ofoegbu (MB, 6-3, Cerritos, Calif., UC Irvine/Oregon)
19 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford)
20 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt)
21 Claire Hoffman (OH, 6-2, Pleasant Hill, Oreg., Washington)
22 Elena Scott (L, 5-10, Louisville, Ky., Louisville, Pioneer)
25 Callie Schwarzenbach (OH, 6-5, Kearney, Mo., Nebraska/Long Beach State)
30 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Purdue/Kentucky)
77 Sami Francis (OPP, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford)
99 Caitie Baird (OH, 6-3, Indianapolis, Ind., Stanford)

Schedule

All times PT

Sept. 21: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-16)
Sept. 22: USA def. Cuba, 3-0, (25-17, 25-22, 25-13)
Sept. 23: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (25-19, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25)
Sept. 24: USA def. Mexico, 3-1 (25-27, 25-19, 25-23, 27-25)
Sept. 25: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-21, 25-13)
Sept. 26 Semifinals, 5 p.m.
Sept. 27: Finals

Stories

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The Women's National Team celebrates
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 23, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team battled back after losing the third set to defeat the Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-19, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25) at the 2026 NORCECA Final Six in Zinacantepec, Mexico.

The U.S. (3-0) plays Mexico (2-0) on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. PT. Mexico defeated the U.S. last week at the Pan Am Cup.

The United States led in kills (60-54), blocks (10-7) and aces (3-1).

Four players scored in double figures, led by Caitie Baird with 19 (17 kills, two blocks). Onye Ofoegbu had 16 (13 kills, three blocks); Sami Francis had 14 (12 kills, one block, one ace); and Claire Hoffman scored 13 (11 kills, two blocks). Natalie Foster added three kills, and Rachel Fairbanks had a kill and two aces. Toyosi Onabanoy had two kills, and Ella Powell had a block. Elena Oglivie had 20 digs.

The U.S. led for all of set one, taking a 10-5 edge midway through the set on a Dominican error. The lead was cut to two, but five straight U.S. points, including kills from Ofoegbu and Francis, made it 15-8. This time, the Dominican Republic had a harder time closing the gap but still got withn four at 22-18. A Baird attack and Francis ace gave the U.S. set point, and Foster ended it on a kill.

The U.S. had the upper hand in set two as well, leading by two or three points most of the way. The lead was still just two at 22-20, but the U.S. used an Ofoegbu kill, Fairbanks ace and Francis kill for the win.

Set three was a tighter battle with the U.S. finally taking a two-point lead at 15-13 on a Francis kill. But the Dominican Republic kept pace, tying the match at 19 and then grabbing a block for 19-18. The two teams exchanged points and were tied at 23, but two straight Dominican kills forced a fourth set.

The U.S. let a 22-17 lead in set four disappear as the Dominican Republic scored three straight to pull within two. An Ofoegbu block gave the U.S. a lead at 23-20, but the team lost the next three points for another tie. The U.S. had its first set point at 24-23, but a Dominican kill tied it. At 25-25, two consecutive blocks – one from Onabanjo and one from Powell – ended the match for the U.S.

2026 USA Volleyball Women’s Final Six Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College)
3 Toyosi Onabanjo (MB, 6-1, Houston, Texas, Kansas)
7 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Washington)
9 Jess Mruzik (OH, 6-1, Livonia, Mich., Michigan/Penn State)
11 Natalie Foster (MB, 6-4, Mattawan, Mich., Wichita State/SMU)
12 Temi Thomas-Ailara (OPP, 6-2, Glenwood, Ill., Northwestern/Wisconsin)
13 Onye Ofoegbu (MB, 6-3, Cerritos, Calif., UC Irvine/Oregon)
19 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford)
20 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt)
21 Claire Hoffman (OH, 6-2, Pleasant Hill, Oreg., Washington)
22 Elena Scott (L, 5-10, Louisville, Ky., Louisville, Pioneer)
25 Callie Scharzenbach (OH, 6-5, Kearney, Mo., Nebraska/Long Beach State)
30 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Purdue/Kentucky)
77 Sami Francis (OPP, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford)
99 Caitie Baird (OH, 6-3, Indianapolis, Ind., Stanford)

Schedule

All times PT

Sept. 21: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-16)
Sept. 22: USA def. Cuba, 3-0, (25-17, 25-22, 25-13)
Sept. 23: USA def. Dominican Republic, (25-19, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25)
Sept. 24: USA vs. Mexico, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 5 p.m.
Sept. 26 Semifinals
Sept. 27: Finals

Stories

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USA Volleyball Foundation 2026 Day of Giving

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 23, 2026) – The USA Volleyball Foundation, the philanthropic arm of USA Volleyball dedicated to improving lives, will host its annual ‘Day of Giving’ on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, coinciding with National Volleyball Day.

The campaign highlights that volleyball is more than a game; it’s a pathway for confidence, leadership and opportunity. Through strategic grants, the foundation supports life-changing programs, like USA Volleyball grant recipient Building Brilliant Futures, which, in partnership with Louisiana State University, introduces young athletes to college environments. This year, the initiative welcomed 64 girls from 13 schools, providing many with their first exposure to a university campus and volleyball.

Contributions raised during ‘Day of Giving’ directly impact critical initiatives, including:

  • Strengthening the pipeline by expanding youth-to-elite resources and eliminating financial barriers to high performance training
  • Driving program expansion across the U.S., directly supporting collegiate men’s volleyball and opening new athletic pathways

“Volleyball builds community, fosters growth and creates opportunities that transform what athletes believe is possible,” said Wade Garard, USA Volleyball Foundation president. “We are excited to launch this year’s ‘Day of Giving’ campaign, bringing our community together alongside generous donors to expand access and deliver life-changing experiences for athletes nationwide.”

Join the USA Volleyball Foundation on Sept. 23 to celebrate National Volleyball Day and help make a lasting impact.

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The U.S. women's national team celebrates in a huddle
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 21, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team opened play at the 2026 NORCECA Final Six in Zinacantepec, Mexico, the way it left off at last week’s Pan Am Cup – with a win. Using 13 points from Eva Hudson, the American squad swept its Canadian counterpart, 25-21, 25-16, 25-16.

The U.S. led Canada in kills (48-28) and aces (4-2). Both teams had two blocks. Setters Ella Powell and Rachel Fairbanks led the team to a .451 hitting efficiency.

Besides Hudson’s 13 points, Temi Thomas-Ailara had 11 kills, and Claire Hoffman had 10 points on nine kills and one block. Natalie Foster had six kills, one block and two aces, and Toyosi Onabanjo had six kills. Sami Francis had three kills, and Powell had two aces.

Thomas-Ailara notched seven kills in the first set as the U.S. broke open a 17-17 tie with three staight points. The set had remained close throughout the first half with 11 ties. But a kill from Foster, and a block and a kill from Hoffman gave the U.S. the edge it needed, 20-17. Canada moved within one at 21-20, but the U.S. closed it out with kills from Onabanjo, Hudson, Hoffman and Thomas-Ailara.

The U.S. led through almost all of set two after jumping out to a 4-0 lead. Canada tied the match at 11, but four straight points from the U.S., including three Hoffman kills, gave the U.S. back its lead. Canada never got closer than four points, and the U.S. ended it with six straight, finishing on a Powell ace. Hudson had four points for the U.S.

Canada had a short-lived lead at 8-7 in the third set, but the U.S. scored eight of the next nine for a 15-9 lead. A Hoffman kill later increased the lead to eight, 20-12. The U.S. had multiple match points at 24-13, but Canada saved one on a U.S. service error, and then served into the net to end the match.

2026 USA Volleyball Women’s Final Six Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College)
3 Toyosi Onabanjo (MB, 6-1, Houston, Texas, Kansas)
7 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Washington)
9 Jess Mruzik (OH, 6-1, Livonia, Mich., Michigan/Penn State)
11 Natalie Foster (MB, 6-4, Mattawan, Mich., Wichita State/SMU)
12 Temi Thomas-Ailara (OPP, 6-2, Glenwood, Ill., Northwestern/Wisconsin)
13 Onye Ofoegbu (MB, 6-3, Cerritos, Calif., UC Irvine/Oregon)
19 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford)
20 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt)
21 Claire Hoffman (OH, 6-2, Pleasant Hill, Oreg., Washington)
22 Elena Scott (L, 5-10, Louisville, Ky., Louisville, Pioneer)
25 Callie Scharzenbach (OH, 6-5, Kearney, Mo., Nebraska/Long Beach State)
30 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Purdue/Kentucky)
77 Sami Francis (OPP, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford)
99 Caitie Baird (OH, 6-3, Indianapolis, Ind., Stanford)

Schedule

All times PT

Sept. 21: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-16)
Sept. 22: USA vs. Cuba, 3 p.m.
Sept. 23: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 3 p.m.
Sept. 24: USA vs. Mexico, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 5 p.m.
Sept. 26 Semifinals
Sept. 27: Finals

Onye Ofoegbu celebrates
Onye Ofoegbu (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 17, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team advanced to the gold medal match of the 2026 Pan American Cup with a 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 28-26, 26-24) victory over Puerto Rico Thursday in León, Guanajuato, Mexico.

The U.S. (5-1) will play the winner of tonight’s Mexico-Dominican Republic match. Mexico is the only team to defeat the U.S. in the tournament, while the U.S. has not met the Dominican Republic this week.

The U.S. had the advantage in kills (65-49), blocks (11-17) and aces (1-0).

Onye Ofoegbu and Temi Thomas-Ailara each had stellar nights, with Ofoegbu scoring 19 points on 13 kills and a match-high six blocks. Thomas-Ailara had 16 kills and two points for 18 points. Callie Schwarzenbach and Jess Mruzik also reached double figures, with Schwarzenbach scoring 15 (12 kills, three blocks) and Mruzik collecting 10 kills.

Eva Hudson had five kills, and Hoffman and Baird each had four. Setter Rachel Fairbanks had the lone U.S. ace, and Sami Francis had a kill. Libero Elena Oglivie had a match-high 22 digs, and Fairbanks had 15.

The first set was tight until 13-13 when the U.S. won four straight points off of two Puerto Rico errors and two blocks from Thomas-Ailara and Ofoegbu. Up 18-14, the U.S. took advantage of three more Puerto Rico errors and an Ofoegbu kill to increase the lead to eight, 22-14. Puerto Rico moved within five at 22-17, but another Ofoegbu kill and a Schwarzenbach block gave the U.S. set point. Schwarzenbach finished with her second kill of the set.

The U.S. was in control of set two early, building an early 13-7 lead. Puerto Rico eventually closed the gap to one with consecutive blocks, 16-15, forcing a U.S. timeout. Hoffman came out of the timeout with a kill to make it 17-15, but another Puerto Rico point tightened the lead. Francis was called for a lift and it was 17-17, and a few points later, Puerto Rico grabbed a 19-18 lead.

Down 20-18, the U.S. took another timeout. The break worked, as the U.S. quickly scored two to tie the game. At 21-21, Puerto Rico scored three straight for set point. The U.S. saved two set points until Puerto Rico tied the match with a kill.

Set three was a barnburner, with 15 ties and neither team getting much of an edge throughout. The U.S. broke through at 26-26 with consecutive kills from Thomas-Ailara and Hudson for the 28-26 win.

Puerto Rico held the lead for much of set four, including a four-point advantage at 16-12. The U.S. scored three, twice on Baird kills, to cut the gap to 16-15. Puerto Rico held a 19-18 advantage when a great rally ended with a Puerto Rico block to up the lead to two. But Thomas-Ailara notched a kill and Ofoegbu blocked a Puerto Rico attack to even the set at 20.

Just as in set three, the two teams traded points and the U.S. took a 23-22 lead on another Thomas-Ailara kill. Puerto Rico tied it, but Thomas-Ailara unleashed a rocket for match point, but a kill of the block tied it again. A Baird kill made it 25-24, and Mruzik tipped the ball over for the win.

2026 Women’s Pan American Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College)
3 Toyosi Onabanjo (MB, 6-1, Houston, Texas, Kansas)
5 Lauren Briseño (L, 5-7, San Antonio, Texas, Baylor)
7 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Washington)
9 Jess Mruzik (OH, 6-1, Livonia, Mich., Michigan/Penn State)
11 Natalie Foster (MB, 6-4, Mattawan, Mich., Wichita State/SMU)
12 Temi Thomas-Ailara (OPP, 6-2, Glenwood, Ill., Northwestern/Wisconsin)
13 Onye Ofoegbu (MB, 6-3, Cerritos, Calif., UC Irvine/Oregon)
19 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford)
20 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt)
21 Claire Hoffman (OH, 6-2, Pleasant Hill, Oreg., Washington)
25 Callie Scharzenbach (OH, 6-5, Kearney, Mo., Nebraska/Long Beach State)
30 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Purdue/Kentucky)
77 Sami Francis (OPP, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford)
99 Caitie Baird (OH, 6-3, Indianapolis, Ind., Stanford)

Schedule

All times PT

Sept. 11: USA def. Cuba, 3-0 (25-16, 25-15 , 25-20)
Sept. 12: Mexico def. USA, 3-1 (25-21, 25-21, 20-25, 25-20)
Sept. 13: USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-9, 25-8, 25-16)
Sept. 15: USA def. Guatemala, 3-0 (25-9, 25-8, 25-14)
Sept.16: Quarterfinals: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-12)
Sept. 17: Semifinals: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 28-26, 26-24)
Sept. 18: Finals: USA vs. Mexico/Dominican Republoc, 7 p.m. PT

Stories

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The U.S. Women's National Team members huddle in celebration on the court
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 16, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team swept Canada 25-15, 25-19, 25-12 Wednesday at the 2026 NORCECA Pan American Cup to advance to Thursday’s semifinals.

The U.S. (4-1) will play Puerto Rico at 5 p.m. PT on Sept. 17. Puerto Rico won Group A with a 4-0 record and advanced directly to the semifinals.

The U.S. had just 11 hitting errors in the match and led Canada in kills (43-22), blocks (11-4) and aces (4-1). The team hit .390 behind setters Rachel Fairbanks and Ella Powell.

Temi Thomas-Ailara and Callie Schwarzenbach led the team with 13 points apiece. Thomas-Ailara had 11 kills and two blocks, and Schwarzenbach had 10 kills and three blocks. Claire Hoffman and Jess Mruzik also reached double figures, with Hoffman scoring 11 (eight kills, two blocks, one ace) and Mruzik with nine kills and an ace.

Onye Ofoegbu added three kills and three blocks, and Sami Francis had two kills and a block. Lauren Briseño and Rachel Fairbanks each had an ace. Libero Elena Oglivie led the team with 12 digs and Fairbanks had 10.

The U.S. jumped out quickly in set one, leading 10-7 before scoring five straight to take a commanding eight-point lead. During that run off Fairbanks’ serve, Thomas-Ailara collected two kills, Mruzik had one, and Ofoegbu picked up a block. After a Canada kill, a four-point run made it 19-8, and the U.S. cruised from there, with Schwarzenbach closing the set with a kill. Mruzik scored five in the set.

It took longer for the U.S. to break free in set two, as the squad only led by three at 15-12. A Schwarzenbach kill, Francis block and Hoffman ace increased the lead to six. Canada inched within four points at 23-19, but another Schwarzenbach kill, followed by a Hoffman kill, sealed the set. Mruzik scored five points again to lead the U.S.

The U.S. continued its dominance in set three, breaking open a slim 6-4 lead with six straight points. Canada never got within seven points, thanks to strong hitting and five U.S. blocks. Thomas-Ailara led the team with five kills and two blocks.

2026 Women’s Pan American Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College)
3 Toyosi Onabanjo (MB, 6-1, Houston, Texas, Kansas)
5 Lauren Briseño (L, 5-7, San Antonio, Texas, Baylor)
7 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Washington)
9 Jess Mruzik (OH, 6-1, Livonia, Mich., Michigan/Penn State)
11 Natalie Foster (MB, 6-4, Mattawan, Mich., Wichita State/SMU)
12 Temi Thomas-Ailara (OPP, 6-2, Glenwood, Ill., Northwestern/Wisconsin)
13 Onye Ofoegbu (MB, 6-3, Cerritos, Calif., UC Irvine/Oregon)
19 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford)
20 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt)
21 Claire Hoffman (OH, 6-2, Pleasant Hill, Oreg., Washington)
25 Callie Scharzenbach (OH, 6-5, Kearney, Mo., Nebraska/Long Beach State)
30 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Purdue/Kentucky)
77 Sami Francis (OPP, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford)
99 Caitie Baird (OH, 6-3, Indianapolis, Ind., Stanford)

Schedule

All times PT

Sept. 11: USA def. Cuba, 3-0 (25-16, 25-15 , 25-20)
Sept. 12: Mexico def. USA, 3-1 (25-21, 25-21, 20-25, 25-20)
Sept. 13: USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-9, 25-8, 25-16)
Sept. 15: USA def. Guatemala, 3-0 (25-9, 25-8, 25-14)
Sept.16: Quarterfinals: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-12)
Sept. 17: Semifinals: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 5 p.m. PT
Sept. 18: Finals

Stories

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The U.S. Men's national team
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 16, 2026) – With a berth in the 2027 Men’s World Volleyball Cup already secured, the U.S. Men’s National Team kept its foot on the gas to win gold Wednesday night at the 2026 NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship in Moncton, NB, Canada. The squad defeated Canada for the top spot, 3-2 (25-19, 26-24, 25-27, 17-25, 15-13), avoiding the reverse sweep.

With the gold, the U.S. Men have concluded the 2026 national team season with a 28-6 record. Canada will now play a mini-tournament against Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico for an 2028 Olympic bid.

Erik Shoji was named tournament MVP.

The U.s. led Canada in kills (64-55) and aces (7-4), but Canada had the edge in aces, 7-4.

Matt Anderson and Jake Hanes led the U.S. scorers with 18 points apiece. Anderson had 17 kills and an ace while Hanes had 15 kills, two blocks and an ace. Jordan Ewert also hit double figures with 12 points on 11 kills and a block. Jeff Jendryk scored seven points with five kills, one block and an ace.

Jacob Pasteur came in late in the fourth set and made the most of it, notching six kills, including five in the deciding set. Cole Hartke also made a late appearance to grab five kills, including four in the final set. Merrick McHenry had two kills, a block and an ace, and setter Micah Ma’a had four points (two kills, two aces). Matt Knigge had one kill.

Set one was tight early on, with the two teams exchanging leads until a McHenry ace and Ewert kill put the U.S. up by two. Still up by just two at 18-16, a Canada error and two Ewert kills increased the lead to five, 21-16. Two more Canada errors made it 23-17, and after a Canada kill, errors plagued the Canadians again for two points and the set loss. Hanes had six points and Ewert had five.

The U.S. was up by five in set two, 16-11, when Canada chipped away at the lead to close it to one at 19-18. A Canada kill and service ace tied it at 20, then Canada used a huge block on Hanes for a 21-20 lead. The U.S. took the lead back at 23-22 on a Hanes overpass kill that was unsuccesfully challenged by Canada for a net touch. The teams exchanged points until 24-24, when the U.S. used an Ewert kill and Hanes block for the 26-24 win.

Despite being down 2-0, Canada came out fighting in set three, leading early 10-6. But the U.S. used Hanes’ firepower with a kill and a block, along with an Anderson ace to move within one at 10-9. The U.S. tied it at 11 and took a lead at 15-14 with another Hanes kill. Canada regained the lead and increased it to two at 21-19, and then it was a battle to the finish with a couple great rallies. At 25-25, Canada finally gained the advantage with two straight kills for the win. Anderson led the U.S. with 10 points.

The U.S. had no answers for Canada in the fourth set as every ball dropped in the opponent’s favor. Head coach Karch Kiraly tried a number of different lineups, but Canada kept at it, setting up a decisive fifth set.

The two teams continued to battle in the fifth, with the set tied at 6 midway through. The U.S. took at 7-6 lead on a Canada service error, and Pasteur (who came in late in set four), notched a kill after a great defensive save to give the U.S. a two-point lead. Another Pasteur kill kept the U.S. ahead 9-7 after a Ma’a service error. But, Canada tied it again two points later at 9, forcing Kiraly to call a timeout.

The timeout worked as Hartke notched a kill for a 10-9 lead, but Knigge served it long for 10-10. Pasteur came through again with his fourth kill of the set for 11-10. At 11-11, Canada served into the net and Anderson went to the line. But Canada grabbed a kill off the U.S. block for 12-12.

Canada served it out for a 13-12 U.S. lead. Patrick Rogers then came in to serve,  Canada called a timeout, and Rogers served it out for 13-13. But Canada served it in the net to give the U.S. match point with Ma’a at the line. Shoji made a great dig on a Canada attack, and Pasteur finished it off with a kill for the gold medal, 15-13.

2026 NORCECA Continental Championship Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
12 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst/Team Manager: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Statistician: Kailani Wang

Schedule

All times Pacific
Sept. 11: USA def. Guatemala, 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-11)
Sept. 12: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-19)
Sept. 13: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (19-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-14)
Sept. 14: Quarterfinals: USA received a bye
Sept. 15: Semifinals: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-19)
Sept. 16: Final: USA def. Canada, 3-2 (25-19, 26-24, 25-27, 17-25, 15-13)

Stories

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USA Volleyball logo

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 15, 2026) – USA Volleyball congratulates its new National level officials.

Junior National Officials

Alora Allen, Bayou
James Ashton, Intermountain
Talita Benavides, Lone Star
Jamie Bissmeyer, Old Dominion
Jessica Bissmeyer, Old Dominion
Kyler Branin, North Texas
Kaylor Austin, Delta
Kayla Brissett, Chesapeake
Kaitlyn Caba, Bayou
Natasha Campbell, Sun Country
Wendy Carter, Florida
Erick Chapman, North Texas
Journee Crutcher, Bayou
Whitman Czajkowski, Pioneer
Jacqueline Davis, Chesapeake
Chase Ekins Gulick, Puget Sound
Kevin Foley, Gulf Coast Region
Andrew Franco, Great Lakes
James Gehrke, Heart of America
Daniel Halberg, Keystone
Timothy Hallauer, Ohio Valley
Eric Harvey, SCSN
Evan Hilberg, Columbia Empire
Kenneth Holstine, Gateway
Grant Jackson, New England
Charlsee Johns, Intermountain
Jasmine Johnson, Old Dominion
Sadi Jones, Bayou
Patrick Kinast, Chesapeake
Kathryn Koch, Heart of America
David Langley, Sun Country
Christopher Lucero, Sun Country
Kamika Mack, Carolina
Hossein Mafinejad, Columbia Empire
Kaona Mercer, Palmetto
Olga Miskova, SCSN
Bryan Montanez, Justiniano Florida
Searia Nations, Gateway
Danielle Newsom, Oklahoma
Lawrence Ngai, Northern California
Roberto Ortiz, Rodriguez Southern
Macy Page, Evergreen
Paul Priego, Great Lakes
Frederick Rover III, Florida
Sylvia Saau, Puget Sound – NODP
Christopher Seager, Western Empire
Scott Sheets, Great Lakes
Joshua Slone, Rocky Mountain
Alaina Smith, Walker Southern
Kyle Steffens, Great Plains
Sherman Stinson, Carolina
Nicholas Stock, Lone Star
DeWayne Stutzman, Hoosier
Christina Taylor, Rocky Mountain
Joshua Tharp, Ohio Valley
Brett Whaley, Southern
Luke Willamon, Great Plains
Angela Williams, Old Dominion

National Scorers

Hunter Haliniak, Aloha Region
Mackenzie Fulk, Carolina
Sydni Horner, Chesapeake
Eva Hormazabal, Florida
Daniella Llano, Florida
Alexi Keating, Heart of America
Reiko Allred, Chesapeake
Liam Kreikemeier, Great Plains
Colleen Kelly, Gulf Coast
Amberly Perry, Southern
Jaslin Mani, SCSN
Amy Hancock, Sun Country

National Officials

Cherlie Adorno De Jesus, Southern – NODP
Reiko Allred, Chesapeake
John Becker, Great Plains
Gavin Blanchette, Southern – NODP
Laura Cortazar, Sun Country
Carlos Cosme Quinones, Lone Star
Chanel Davis, Carolina
Tara Dye, Iowa
Kaitlyn Eilenfeld, Ohio Valley – NODP
Bryan Ford, Rocky Mountain – NODP
Julie Fortin-Klahn, Iowa
Lindsey Freson, Ohio Valley
Tremayne Gamble, Gulf Coast Region
Yancy Guadalupe Canales, Florida
Angela Hummeldorf, Pioneer
Nathaniel Hutson, Oklahoma – NODP
Craig Lamb, Intermountain
James Landry, Bayou
Michael Migliaro, Delta
Vance Pitman, Delta
Cristina Rexach, Florida
Nicole Rousey, Palmetto
Kailee Rowe, Arizona – NODP
Kyleigh Stanton, Palmetto
Shane White, Ohio Valley

Eva Hudson attacks
Eva Hudson (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 15, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team will play in the quarterfinals on Sept. 16 after sweeping Guatemala (25-9, 25-8, 25-14) today at the 2026 NORCECA Pan American Cup in León, Guanajuato, Mexico.

The U.S. (3-1) finished second in Group B and will play the third-place finisher of Group A (either Canada or Nicaragua) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. PT.

The U.S. led in kills (38-13), blocks (8-1) and aces (9-0). Twelve of the 14 players scored, led by Sami Francis with 10 (seven kills, two blocks and one ace).

Eva Hudson scored nine with two kills and two aces; and Temi Thomas-Ailara and Caitie Baird each notched six (Thomas-Ailara with five kills and an ace, and Baird with four kills and a block). Jess Mruzik and Claire Hoffman each scored five, and Natalie Foster, Rachel Fairbanks and Callie Scharzenbach scored three. Toyosi Onabanjo and Ella Powell had two, and Onye Ofoegbu had one kill. Both liberos, Lauren Briseño and Elena Oglivie, had five digs.

Guatemala did not threaten the U.S. during the match. Up by four at 10-6 in the first, the U.S. won 15 of the next 18 points for the first-set win. Hudson had five points (four kills and an ace) in the set.

Francis led the team in set two with six points as the U.S. reeled off nine straight to take an early 11-2 lead. The team continued to dominate throughout the set, extending the lead until Francis ended it with a kill.

The U.S. broke open the third set at 8-6 with a three-point run, but Guatemala stayed within four until 15-11. Then, the U.S. scored six straight for a 21-11 lead. The two teams traded points until 23-14 when a Guatemala service error and Francis kill ended the match. Thomas-Ailara had six points.

2026 Women’s Pan American Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College)
3 Toyosi Onabanjo (MB, 6-1, Houston, Texas, Kansas)
5 Lauren Briseño (L, 5-7, San Antonio, Texas, Baylor)
7 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Washington)
9 Jess Mruzik (OH, 6-1, Livonia, Mich., Michigan/Penn State)
11 Natalie Foster (MB, 6-4, Mattawan, Mich., Wichita State/SMU)
12 Temi Thomas-Ailara (OPP, 6-2, Glenwood, Ill., Northwestern/Wisconsin)
13 Onye Ofoegbu (MB, 6-3, Cerritos, Calif., UC Irvine/Oregon)
19 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford)
20 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt)
21 Claire Hoffman (OH, 6-2, Pleasant Hill, Oreg., Washington)
25 Callie Scharzenbach (OH, 6-5, Kearney, Mo., Nebraska/Long Beach State)
30 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Purdue/Kentucky)
77 Sami Francis (OPP, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford)
99 Caitie Baird (OH, 6-3, Indianapolis, Ind., Stanford)

Schedule

All times PT

Sept. 11: USA def. Cuba, 3-0 (25-16, 25-15 , 25-20)
Sept. 12: Mexico def. USA, 3-1 (25-21, 25-21, 20-25, 25-20)
Sept. 13: USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-9, 25-8, 25-16)
Sept. 15: USA vs. Guatemala, 1 p.m.
Sept.16: Quarterfinals and Classification
Sept. 17: Semifinals
Sept. 18: Finals

Stories

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The Women's National Team at the Pan Am Cup
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 13, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team returned to its winning ways Sunday at the 2026 NORCECA Pan American Cup in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, with a sweep of Costa Rica (25-9, 25-8, 25-16).

The U.S. (2-1) closes pool play action on Tuesday, Sept. 15, with a matchup against Guatemala at 1 p.m. PT.

The U.S. led Costa Rica in kills (36-14), blocks (8-0) and aces (7-0). Setter Rachel Fairbanks led the team to a .402 hitting efficiency with only nine errors.

Sami Francis had a match-high 15 points (12 kills, two blocks, one ace), and Claire Hoffman scored 11 on eight kills and three aces. Eva Hudson also reached double figures with 11 points (nine kills, two blocks). Toyosi Onabanjo had four kills and two blocks, and Natalie Foster added two kills, two blocks and two aces. Fairbanks added a kill and an ace.

Up by just one in the first set at 6-5, the U.S. began pulling away with a nine-point run that included two Hoffman aces and kills from Onabanjo, Hudson, Fairbanks and Francis. After a Costa Rica kill for 15-6, the U.S. scored another five straight for 20-6. Fairbanks notched an ace for set point, and Hudson followed up a point later with a kill for the win. Hoffman and Hudson both had five points in the set.

The U.S. continued its domination in sets two and three. Francis came alive in set two for seven points, and Foster, Hoffman, Hudson and Francis all scored four in the final set.

2026 Women’s Pan American Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College)
3 Toyosi Onabanjo (MB, 6-1, Houston, Texas, Kansas)
5 Lauren Briseño (L, 5-7, San Antonio, Texas, Baylor)
7 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Washington)
9 Jess Mruzik (OH, 6-1, Livonia, Mich., Michigan/Penn State)
11 Natalie Foster (MB, 6-4, Mattawan, Mich., Wichita State/SMU)
12 Temi Thomas-Ailara (OPP, 6-2, Glenwood, Ill., Northwestern/Wisconsin)
13 Onye Ofoegbu (MB, 6-3, Cerritos, Calif., UC Irvine/Oregon)
19 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford)
20 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt)
21 Claire Hoffman (OH, 6-2, Pleasant Hill, Oreg., Washington)
25 Callie Scharzenbach (OH, 6-5, Kearney, Mo., Nebraska/Long Beach State)
30 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Purdue/Kentucky)
77 Sami Francis (OPP, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford)
99 Caitie Baird (OH, 6-3, Indianapolis, Ind., Stanford)

Schedule

All times PT

Sept. 11: USA def. Cuba, 3-0 (25-16, 25-15 , 25-20)
Sept. 12: Mexico def. USA, 3-1 (25-21, 25-21, 20-25, 25-20)
Sept. 13: USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-9, 25-8, 25-16)
Sept. 15: USA vs. Guatemala, 1 p.m.
Sept.16: Quarterfinals and Classification
Sept. 17: Semifinals
Sept. 18: Finals

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Erik Shoji passes
Erik Shoji (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 13, 2026) –  The U.S. Men dropped its first set of the 2026 NORCECA Continental Volleyball Championship before returning to form to defeat Cuba, 3-1 (19-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-14) on Sunday.

The U.S. (3-0 and pool winner) will get a bye in the quarterfinals and play again on Tuesday, Sept. 15 in the semifinals.

The two teams were even in blocks (9-9) and aces (9-9), but the U.S. had a 51-40 advantage in kills and scored 25 points off of Cuba errors.

Hanes led all scorers with 27 points (23 kills and a team-leading four blocks). Matt Anderson had 13 kills, two blocks and two aces for 17 points, and Jordan Ewert had nine kills and an ace. Merrick McHenry had six points (four kills, two aces), setter Micah Ma’a had five points (all aces), and Jeff Jendryk had two kills, a block and an ace.

Set one was a back-and-forth battle until midway through the set. Up 12-11, Cuba reeled off five of the next seven points for a 17-13 lead. Twice, Hanes got the U.S. within three at 17-14 and 18-15, but two straight blocks gave Cuba a five-point advantage, 20-15. The U.S. could not make up the deficit in the 25-19 loss. Hanes scored nine points on nine kills.

Cuba had a three-point lead three times during set two, including leading 14-11 after a Ma’a service error. But kills from Ewert and Hanes, and a McHenry block, evened the score at 14. A Cuba service error followed by another Hanes kill gave the U.S. a 16-14 lead. Cuba battled to take the lead with a block at 20-19, but a service error and Anderson block gave the lead back to the U.S., 21-20. Tied again at 22, the U.S. benefited from a Cuba error (and a block touch challenge that failed) to go up 23-22. Kills from Ewert and Hanes finally evened the match at 1-1 at 25-23. Hanes led the U.S. again with six points.

The U.S. was in control during the third set, grabbing a four-point lead (14-10) after a Cuban service error. Anderson notched an ace and a kill on the next two points to increase the lead to six. Cuba closed it to three with a service ace and block of Hanes, but McHenry grabbed a kill to make it 22-18. Ma’a stepped to the service line to deliver two aces to give the U.S. set point, and a U.S. block closed it out. Anderson scored six for the U.S. and Ma’a had four aces.

Back in its rhythm, the U.S. jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the fourth. Cuba cut the lead in half at 10-8, but a Ewert kill, Cuba error, another Ma’a ace, two Hanes kills, and blocks from both McHenry and Hanes increased the lead to nine, 17-8. A tough Anderson serve led to a back row kill from the U.S. star to make it 20-9, and he followed it with an ace for 21-9. Hanes gave the team match point with a kill, and Anderson finished it out with his fifth kill of the set.

2026 NORCECA Continental Championship Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
12 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst/Team Manager: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Statistician: Kailani Wang

Schedule

All times Pacific
Sept. 11: USA def. Guatemala, 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-11)
Sept. 12: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-19)
Sept. 13: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (19-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-14)
Sept. 14: Quarterfinals and Classification
Sept. 15: Semifinals
Sept. 16: Finals

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U.S. Men celebrate a point against the Dominican Republic at the 2026 NORCECA Men's Continental Championship.
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 12, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team moved to 2-0 at the 2026 NORCECA Continental Volleyball Championship in Canada with its second sweep of the tournament, this time over the Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-19).

Next up for the U.S. Men is Cuba (2-0) on Sept. 13 at 12:30 p.m. PT.

The U.S. used a powerful blocking game to win the match, notching 14 to just three for the Dominican Republic. The squad also led in kills (44-25) and aces (7-1). Setters Micah Ma’a and Andrew Rowan helped the team to a .436 hitting efficiency with just six errors.

Opposite Jake Hanes led the U.S. with 11 points on nine kills and two blocks, while outside hitter Jordan Ewert also hit double figures with eight kills, one block and one ace for 10 points. Middle Merrick McHenry had a match-high five blocks and added three kills and an ace. Outside Matt Anderson had six kills, opposite Cole Hartke had five kills and an ace, and outside Patrick Rogers had two kills, one block and two aces.

Rounding out the scoring: middle Jeff Jendryk had four points (two kills, two blocks), outside hitter Jacob Pasteur had four kills, middle Mike Marshman had two kills and two blocks, Rowan had a kill, a block and two aces, and Ma’a and middle Matt Knigge had a kill apiece. A

Libero Mason Briggs had seven digs in the third set to lead the U.S. All 14 players on the roster hit the court during the win.

The U.S. used the block well in the first set to keep the Dominican Republic at bay, led by McHenry with four. The Americans never trailed in the set, and a Hanes kill opened up the squad’s first four-point lead, 10-6. The Dominican Republic scored three straight to close it to 10-9, but a McHenry block made it 11-9. He followed with a service error to make it 11-10 USA, but two kills from Ewert, one from Hanes and a Jendryk block made it 15-10. The Dominican Republic never closed the gap, and the U.S. had a seven-point lead at 22-15 on a Hanes block. The U.S. finished the set on another McHenry kill and Hanes block.

Ewert took control in set two with six points. Up 9-7, the U.S. scored six of the next seven points to build a 15-8 lead. The Dominican Republic couldn’t get any closer than 17-11, as the U.S. scored three straight for a 20-11 lead. Anderson finished the set with his fourth kill.

The two teams stayed close early in set three, with the U.S. finally breaking open the match at 8-7 with a four-point run that included a Hartke kill, Marshman block and two aces from Rowan. Kills from Knigge, Pasteur (2) and Rowan helped extend the lead to 19-12. The Dominican Republic closed the gap to four at 23-19 before a Hartke kill gave the U.S. match point, and Rogers followed with an ace for the victory.

2026 NORCECA Continental Championship Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
12 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst/Team Manager: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Statistician: Kailani Wang

Schedule

All times Pacific
Sept. 11: USA def. Guatemala, 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-11)
Sept. 12: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-19)
Sept. 13: USA vs. Cuba, 12:30 p.m.
Sept. 14: Quarterfinals and Classification
Sept. 15: Semifinals
Sept. 16: Finals

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Jess Mruzik, Elena Ogilvie and Caitie Baird celebrate a point against Cuba.
Jess Mruzik, Elena Oglivie, Caitie Baird (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 11, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team earned its first win in a 3-0 (25-16, 25-15 , 25-20) sweep of Cuba on Friday at the 2026 NORCECA Pan American Cup in León, Guanajuato, Mexico. Despite limited training time together, the U.S. led in attacks (44-21), blocks (6-3) and aces (5-2), committing 24 fewer errors (51-75) than its opponent.

The U.S. will continue pool play at 7 p.m. PT tomorrow against host Mexico.

Middle Onye Ofoegbu led all players in points with 13 on 10 kills and 3 blocks. Outside hitter Jess Mruzik also earned 10 points on 10 kills with 15 digs while opposite Temi Thomas-Ailara ended with 7 kills and one block. Outside hitter Caitie Baird showcased her all around game with 8 points on 4 kills, 1 block and 3 aces. Libero Elena Oglivie added 4 digs while captain and setter Rachel Fairbanks led the offense while contributing 7 digs and 2 aces.

In the opening set, the U.S. displayed a dominant offense. A Callie Schwarzenbach slide off a Fairbanks set made it 4-3 in favor of the U.S. The same play two points later helped the U.S. maintain a 5-4 lead. A 3-point run for the U.S. put them up 9-6 and forced a Cuba timeout. A kill out of the middle from Ofoegbu later in the set would bring it to 14-6 and force the second Cuba timeout. Baird served up back to back aces and stretched the lead for the U.S. to ten points at 19-9. Cuba would win seven of the next twelve points before a hitting error handed the U.S. the first set.

The U.S. began the second set on a 4-0 run to start, causing an early timeout by Cuba. After battling back, consecutive Cuban errors would make it 9-5. The U.S. would extend its lead in the second frame with three Mruzik kills in four points to bring the score from 11-6 to 14-7 and forcing a second Cuba timeout. A thunderous Ofoegbu kill at 16-8 doubled the U.S. lead and a service error from Cuba would double it again at 18-9. Schwarzenbach and Baird combined for a block to put stretch the lead to 20-10, but a 4-1 Cuba run made it 21-14 and forced the U.S. to take its first timeout. Out of the timeout, a Schwarzenbach kill, Baird ace and Mruzik kill put the U.S. on its own 3-1 run to close out the set, ending on Francis kill.

The third set was the most competitive of the match, starting with another Ofoegbu kill to make it 1-0. After trading the next 8 points, the U.S. would pull away to make it 7-4. A back row swing from outside hitter Claire Hoffman at 9-5 would cause Cuba to take a timeout. However, a Cuba kill after a series of U.S. errors brought them level at 10-10. Ofogebu controlled the net with a block and a kill to put the U.S. up 12-10. Cuba would earn the next two points before another Ofoegbu kill inched the U.S. back in the lead. A 16-14 Cuba lead triggered a U.S. timeout before the teams traded errors to level at 17-17. A Mruzik cross-court kill gave the U.S. a slim lead at 18-17 and forced the last timeout for Cuba. A Fairbanks ace, Cuba error and U.S. block made it 23-18. The U.S. returned to Ofoegbu in the middle who notched her tenth kill to end the match.

2026 Women’s Pan American Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College)
3 Toyosi Onabanjo (MB, 6-1, Houston, Texas, Kansas)
5 Lauren Briseño (L, 5-7, San Antonio, Texas, Baylor)
7 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Washington)
9 Jess Mruzik (OH, 6-1, Livonia, Mich., Michigan/Penn State)
11 Natalie Foster (MB, 6-4, Mattawan, Mich., Wichita State/SMU)
12 Temi Thomas-Ailara (OPP, 6-2, Glenwood, Ill., Northwestern/Wisconsin)
13 Onye Ofoegbu (MB, 6-3, Cerritos, Calif., UC Irvine/Oregon)
19 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford)
20 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt)
21 Claire Hoffman (OH, 6-2, Pleasant Hill, Oreg., Washington)
25 Callie Scharzenbach (OH, 6-5, Kearney, Mo., Nebraska/Long Beach State)
30 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Purdue/Kentucky)
77 Sami Francis (OPP, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford)
99 Caitie Baird (OH, 6-3, Indianapolis, Ind., Stanford)

Schedule

All times PT

Sept. 11: USA def. Cuba, 3-0 (25-16, 25-15 , 25-20)
Sept. 12: USA vs. Mexico, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13: USA vs. Costa Rico, 3 p.m.
Sept. 15: USA vs. Guatemala, 1 p.m.
Sept.16: Quarterfinals and Classification
Sept. 17: Semifinals
Sept. 18: Finals

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2026 Men's U23 National Team picture
Photo by Jamari Logan

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 3, 2026) – USA Volleyball has announced the 14 athletes on the Men’s U23 National Team who will compete at the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup, Sept. 20-28, in San Salvador, El Salvador.

The team was chosen after a training block at the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Five athletes have previous experience with U.S. age-group national teams.

  • Kellen Larson: 2022 and 2023 Boys U19 National Team, 2024 and 2025 Men’s U21 National Team; most recently won bronze at the U21 World Championship
  • Connor Oldani: 2026 Men’s U21 National Team
  • Braydon Savitski-Lynde: 2024 Men’s U21 National Team
  • Aleksey Mikhailenko: 2024 and 2025 Boys U19 National Team; 2026 Men’s U21 National Team: most recently won gold at the 2026 U21 Pan Am Cup
  • Aidan Klein: 2024 and 2025 Men’s U21 National Team; won gold at the 2024 U21 Continental Championship

The remaining athletes will make their age-group national team competition debut.

2026 Men’s U23 National Team Pan American Cup Roster

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)

1 Kellen Larson (L, 5-9, Irvine, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
2 Zach Chapin (L, 5-11, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Pepperdine, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Ayden DesLauriers (OH, Eastport, N.Y., Loyola University Chicago, Garden Empire)
4 Trevor Herget (OH, 6-3, Darien, Conn., BYU, Intermountain)
5 Owen Douphner (S, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
6 Connor Oldani (OPP, 6-5, Phoenix, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
9 AJ Cottle (MB, 6-8, Provo, Utah, BYU, Intermountain)
10 Braydon Savitski-Lynde (Opp, 6-7, Roscoe, Ill., Ball State, Great Lakes)
12 David Decker (OPP, 6-9, Winston-Salem, N.C., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Cameron Hoying (S, 6-9, Columbus, Ohio, Lewis, Ohio Valley)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
15 Ryan Louis (OPP, 6-9, Waddell, Ariz., Ball State, Arizona)
16 Aidan Klein (MB, 6-10, Evanston, Ill., Loyola University Chicago, Great Lakes)
17 Will Patterson (MB, 6-10, Loveland, Ohio, Ball State, Ohio Valley)

Alternates
7 Trent Taliaferro (S, 6-6, San Clemente, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 Sean Harvey (OH, 6-7, Bartlett, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
11 David Wolff (6-8, Wilmette, Ill., Stanford, Great Lakes)
18 Gaige Gabriel (MB, 6-8, Reading, Pa., Penn State, Keystone)
19 George Bruening (OPP, 6-10, 2004, Newport Beach, Calif., UCSB, Southern California Southern Nevada)
20 Jake Pazanti (S, 6-3, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Coaches
Head Coach: Nickie Sanlin (McKendree University)
Assistant Coach: Ali’i Keohohou (Menlo College)
Assistant Coach: Ryan Mason (California State University, Northridge)
Performance Analyst: Mackenna Basore (LOVB Minnesota/Utah State)
Athletic Trainer: Hazel Reyes (USOPC)
Team Lead: Will Berdecia (OTVA – Jacksonville)

Schedule

All times Pacific

Sept. 23: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 2 p.m.
Sept. 24: USA vs. Trinidad & Tobago, 4 p.m.
Sept. 25: Quarterfinals and Classification
Sept. 26: Semifinals and Classification
Sept. 27: Finals

Sophee Peterson celebrates
Sophee Peterson (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 1, 2026) — The U.S. swept Canada 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-17) in its opening match of the NORCECA Women’s U23 Pan Am Cup in Managua, Nicaragua.

The U.S. squad (1-0)  faces Costa Rica (0-1) on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 2 p.m. PT.

Head coach Alex Dunphy was pleased with how her team performed right out of the gate.

“What a great team win to start the tournament,” she said. “Sophee (Peterson) did a nice job keeping the middle and opposite attackers involved throughout the match, and they were extemely efficient. Our passers held up well against a strong Canadian team.”

The U.S. led Canada in kills (28-25), blocks (14-8) and aces (9-8). Opposite Kendall Omoruyi led the U.S. with 15 points on nine kills, three blocks and three aces. Outside hitter Tessa Larkin scored 13 with seven kills, five blocks and an ace. Middle Megan Hodges had 11 points with four kills, a match-high six blocks and an ace.

Peyton Kubik had four kills and three aces for seven points, and Shayla Rautenberg had three kills and an ace. In addition to running the efficient offence, Peterson had one kill.

The U.S. was down 2-0 to open the first set but evened the match at six on a Larkin block. She followed with a kill to give the U.S. its first lead of the match, 7-6. A Hodges kill gave the U.S. a four-point lead at 13-9. Canada worked its way back into the match, cutting the lead to one at 13-12 and 15-14. But four straight U.S. points gave the U.S. a 19-15 lead. Canada came back within one at 22-21, but two Hodges blocks and a Canada error gave the U.S. the win. Hodges had five points in the set.

The U.S. led for all of set two, opening up an eight-point lead at 19-11. Down 22-16, Canada scored six of the next seven points to move within one at 23-22, and then tied it at 23 on a Larkin attack error. She rebounded for a kill, and another Canada error gave the U.S. set two. Larkin finished with six points.

In set three, the U.S. did not let Canada back in the match after leading early. Canada closed the gap to five at 18-13, but four straight Canada errors moved the lead to 22-13. The U.S. closed out the match on an Omoruyi kill for her ninth point of the set.

U23 Pan American Cup Roster
1 Taimane Ainu’u (S, 6-0, 2009, Kapolei, Hawaii, Iolani HS, Aloha)
3 Cala Haffner (L, 5-8, 2009, Fort Wayne, Ind., Carroll HS, Hoosier)
6 Megan Hodges (MB/OPP, 6-5, 2009, Ladera Ranch, Calif., San Juan Hills HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Shayla Rautenberg (MB, 6-4, 2009, Pleasant Dale, Neb., Milford HS, Great Plains)
14 Ireland Real (OH, 6-4, 2009, San Clemente, Calif., Santa Margarita Catholic HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Ava Burgess (OH, 6-2, 2009, Lehi, Utah, Lone Peak HS, Intermountain)
20 Willtrace Ngoh (MB, 6-1, 2009, Richmond, Texas, Katy Seven Lakes HS, Lone Star)
21 Sophee Peterson (S, 5-11, Fort Worth, Texas, Byron Nelson HS, North Texas)
22 Isabel Incinelli (OPP/OH, 6-5, Winter Park, Fla., Winter Park HS, Florida)
23 Nyla Livings (MB, 6-2, The Colony, Texas, Prestonwood Christian Academy, North Texas)
24 Kendall Omoruyi (OPP/MB, 6-4, Los Angeles, Calif., Sierra Canyon HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
25 Peyton Kubik (OH, 6-2, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley West HS, Heart of America)
26 Tessa Larkin (OH, 6-1, Phoenix, Ariz., Xavier College Preparatory, Arizona)
27 Mallory Johnson (L, 5-9, Bryon Center, Mich., Bryon Center HS, Lakeshore)

Coaches
Head Coach: Alex Dunphy (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Haley Brightwell (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Tori Dixon (LOVB)
Performance Analyst: Thomas Shaffer (Loyola Chicago)
ATC: Anthony Tam, MD, CAQSM (Henry Ford Health)
Team Lead (training block): Mallory Burbage (NTDP)
Team Lead (competition): Courtney Smith (NTDP)

U23 Pan American Cup Schedule
All times PT

Tuesday, Sept. 1: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-17)
Wednesday, Sept. 2: USA vs. Costa Rica, 2 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 3: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 2 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 4: USA vs. Nicaragua, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 5: USA vs. Mexico, 4 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 6: Finals

The U19 and U21 athletes going to the u23 pan am cup in 2026
Photo by Mari Logan

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 30, 2026) — Fourteen U.S. women’s U19 and U21 athletes are in Nicaragua for the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup, Sept. 1-6, in Managua, Nicaragua.

Due to the conflict with the NCAA season, the U.S. is sending younger athletes, many of whom helped the U.S. win gold at the 2026 U19 Continental Championship earlier this summer. The tournament is in a round-robin format with the U.S. facing Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Nicaragua.

U23 Pan American Cup Roster
1 Taimane Ainu’u (S, 6-0, 2009, Kapolei, Hawaii, Iolani HS, Aloha)
3 Cala Haffner (L, 5-8, 2009, Fort Wayne, Ind., Carroll HS, Hoosier)
6 Megan Hodges (MB/OPP, 6-5, 2009, Ladera Ranch, Calif., San Juan Hills HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Shayla Rautenberg (MB, 6-4, 2009, Pleasant Dale, Neb., Milford HS, Great Plains)
14 Ireland Real (OH, 6-4, 2009, San Clemente, Calif., Santa Margarita Catholic HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Ava Burgess (OH, 6-2, 2009, Lehi, Utah, Lone Peak HS, Intermountain)
20 Willtrace Ngoh (MB, 6-1, 2009, Richmond, Texas, Katy Seven Lakes HS, Lone Star)
21 Sophee Peterson (S, 5-11, Fort Worth, Texas, Byron Nelson HS, North Texas)
22 Isabel Incinelli (OPP/OH, 6-5, Winter Park, Fla., Winter Park HS, Florida)
23 Nyla Livings (MB, 6-2, The Colony, Texas, Prestonwood Christian Academy, North Texas)
24 Kendall Omoruyi (OPP/MB, 6-4, Los Angeles, Calif., Sierra Canyon HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
25 Peyton Kubik (OH, 6-2, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley West HS, Heart of America)
26 Tessa Larkin (OH, 6-1, Phoenix, Ariz., Xavier College Preparatory, Arizona)
27 Mallory Johnson (L, 5-9, Bryon Center, Mich., Bryon Center HS, Lakeshore)

Coaches
Head Coach: Alex Dunphy (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Haley Brightwell (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Tori Dixon (LOVB)
Performance Analyst: Thomas Shaffer (Loyola Chicago)
ATC: Anthony Tam, MD, CAQSM (Henry Ford Health)
Team Lead (training block): Mallory Burbage (NTDP)
Team Lead (competition): Courtney Smith (NTDP)

U23 Pan American Cup Schedule
All times PT

Tuesday, Sept. 1: USA vs. Canada, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 2: USA vs. Costa Rica, 2 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 3: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 2 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 4: USA vs. Nicaragua, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 5: USA vs. Mexico, 4 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 6: Finals

Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 29, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team completed its August sweep of gold medals with an incredible performance in the gold medal match at the 2026 NORCECA Final Six in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The U.S. defeated Canada, 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-21) on Saturday night to win the NORCECA Final Six after capturing the NORCECA Pan American Cup earlier this month.

The U.S., which won all seven of its matches in the tournament, dominated the match at the net with 16 blocks to only three for Canada. The U.S. also led in kills (31-27) and service aces (6-1).

Outside hitter Jacob Pasteur served three of the combined six aces in the match to go with 10 kills and a block to record a match-high 14 points. He also shared the team lead with five digs. Outside Sean Kelly was one of four U.S. players with multiple blocks, sharing match-high honors with four in addition to seven kills and an ace for 12 points.

Middle blocker Parker Tomkinson delivered kills on all six of his swings and added two blocks for eight points. Middle Cameron Thorne finished with three blocks and four kills for seven points. Setter Tread Rosenthal shared top blocking honors with four blocks, totaling six points with a kill and a block. He led the team to a .333 hitting efficiency percentage and joined Pasteur with five digs.

Libero Troy Gooch finished with 18 excellent receptions, seven more than the next highest total. Opposite Kainoa Wade scored four points on two kills, one block and an ace. Opposite Kyle Hobus entered the match in the third set, contributing a kill and a block.

The U.S. started the match on a 6-1 run. Kelly scored three points, two on kills and one on an ace, while also setting Rosenthal for a kill. A solo block by Pasteur sent Canada to a quick timeout down five. Kelly scored and then set Wade for a kill for a 9-4 lead. A Tomkinson block pushed the advantage to six points. A Wade block, a Pasteur ace off the tape, and an out-of-system hitting error off another tough Pasteur serve gave the U.S. a 13-5 lead and forced Canada to take its second timeout. Another hitting error and a Pasteur score on a pipe attack raised the margin to double digits, 15-5. Wade scored high off the block and Tomkinson followed with a block to give the U.S. an 18-8 lead. Thorne went to swing with his right hand but had to adjust and tip it with his left hand for a point and a 19-9 lead. Rosenthal recorded the fifth U.S. block of the set for an 11-point lead. Kelly’s block cover led to a Pasteur kill off the block and a 23-13 lead. A Tomkinson kill gave the U.S. set point and two points later, the set ended on a Canada hitting error. Pasteur scored five points on three kills, a block and an ace with Rosenthal (three blocks and an ace) and Kelly (three kills and an ace) each scoring four points.

The quick start in the second set belonged to Canada, which scored five of the first six points. A series of Canada errors and blocks from Thorne and Rosenthal evened the set 6-6. The score was tied four more times before Pasteur gave the U.S. its first lead of the set, 11-10. Pasteur found the floor on a crosscourt shot and Tomkinson put a ball down to put the U.S. up 14-12. Two more errors and a Rosenthal ace extended the lead to four points, 17-13. Pasteur crushed a serve for an ace and a 19-14 advantage. Pasteur soared past Tomkinson for a kill to make the score 20-15. Thorne put a ball down, Wade served an ace and the U.S. moved ahead 23-16 on a Kelly kill that ended a rally with two great ups from Gooch, including a one-handed stab at the first Canada attack of the point. The U.S. scored its final two points of the set on service errors to take a 2-0 set lead. Pasteur totaled six points on five kills and an ace in the set.

A Kelly block and Thorne kill helped the U.S. take a 3-1 lead to start the third set, but Canada used a 6-1 run to take a three-point lead. A Kelly kill capped a three-point U.S. spurt that tied the set at seven apiece. Canada regained its three-point advantage, 12-9, and eventually stretched the margin to five points, 15-10. Two Thorne blocks helped bring the U.S. within a pair, 15-13. A Tomkinson block cut the lead to one point, 16-15. Trailing 18-16, the U.S. regained the lead with three consecutive points with Pasteur tying the set on a back row attack and putting the U.S. ahead 19-18 with an ace that found the back of the court. Strong serves from Rogers kept Canada’s offense off guard and led to back-to-back Kelly blocks for a 22-19 U.S. lead. Yet another great Rogers serve had Canada unable to get off a good attack with a Thorne block ending the point to make it 23-19. The U.S. earned set point when Canada was finally able to put together a strong pass off Rogers only to have Hobus join the block party to set up match point. Canada saved two match points, the second on an ace, before a service error clinched the gold medal for the U.S. Kelly scored six points on three kills and three blocks with Thorne adding five points on three kills and a pair of blocks.

U.S. Men’s Final Six Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
3 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
6 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
9 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Micah Wong Diallo (MB, 6-9, Los Angeles, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida)
25 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
27 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
28 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Southern California Southern Nevada)
30 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach: Reid Priddy
Assistant Coach: David Lee
Assistant Coach: Jonathan Winder
Performance Analyst/Team Manager:  Jesse Tupac
Physiotherapist: Mandolyn Peterson

2026 Final Six Schedule
(All times PDT)

Aug. 23: USA def. Mexico, 3-1 (32-30, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20)
Aug. 24: USA def. Guatemala, 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-16)
Aug. 25: USA vs. Canada, 3-2 (17-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-11)
Aug. 26: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-2 (21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 15-11)
Aug. 27: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-1 (25-23, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21)
Aug. 28: Semifinals: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-23)
Aug. 29: Gold Medal Match: USA def, Canada, 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-21)

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 28, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team advanced to the gold medal match at the 2026 NORCECA Final Six with a hotly contested 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-23) victory over host Puerto Rico in Ponce. The win was the second for the U.S. over Pan American Cup silver medalists Puerto Rico in two nights. The teams played a combined seven sets in the two matches with no set decided by more than four points and four decided by two points.

The U.S. (6-0) will face Canada (4-2) tomorrow at 5 p.m. PT for the gold medal. The teams have split two matches this summer with Canada winning in straight sets in the preliminary round of the Pan American Cup, where the U.S. captured the gold medal. The teams met in an epic match in this tournament with the U.S. storming back from a two-set deficit to win.

The U.S. finished with a 46-39 advantage in kills, while holding slight edges in blocks (7-6) and service aces (3-2). Puerto Rico made one fewer error (20-19).

Outside hitter Sean Kelly led all players with 17 kills and 18 points, contributing an ace, six digs, and four excellent receptions. Outside Jacob Pasteur posted a match-high three blocks to go with 10 kills for 13 points, while leading the team with seven excellent receptions.

Opposite Kainoa Wade also reached double digits with 10 kills. Middle blockers Cameron Thorne and Parker Tomkinson each recorded two blocks with Thorne recording five attacks and Tomkinson four. Patrick Rogers and setter Tread Rosenthal each served an ace. Rosenthal led the offense to a .352 hitting efficiency percentage. Libero Troy Gooch shared match-high honors with 10 digs.

The teams alternated the first 10 points before Puerto Rico took the first two-point lead of the match, 7-5. Scrambling defense led to a Wade kill off a Pasteur set to square the set at 7-7. Puerto Rico responded with three points in a row, taking a 10-7 lead on a kill off an overpass and forcing a U.S. timeout. A kill from Kelly and block from Thorne cut the deficit to one point, 12-11. Kills by Thorne and Kelly again pulled the U.S. within one, 13-12 and 14-13, respectively. Pasteur cut the lead to one with a kill, 15-14. A Rogers ace following a Kelly kill evened the set at 16 apiece, the first tie since 7-7. Puerto Rico scored the next two points to regain its two-point advantage.

Trailing 19-17, the U.S. scored three points in a row to lead for the first time early in the set. Wade scored to pull the U.S. within one and then a Gooch dig helped set up a Pasteur kill off the block for a 19-19 tie. A Kelly serve forced an overpass and Thorne scored off the block as the U.S. took the lead and forced a Puerto Rico timeout. A one-handed up by Wade and a dig over the net by Pasteur kept a rally going that ended with a Puerto Rico hitting error that gave the U.S. its first two-point lead, 21-19. A Rosenthal one-handed set on a ball close to the net allowed Wade to put a free ball over and the U.S. defended an attack before Kelly scored on a back row attack for a 22-20 advantage. Tomkinson recorded a solo block on the next point to extend the lead to three. With the score 23-21, Puerto Rico defended a pipe attack but couldn’t stop Tomkinson on the next U.S. attack as he put a ball down for set point. Rosenthal finished the set with an ace. Kelly led the U.S. with six kills and Thorne added four points on three kills and a block.

The U.S. began the second set with a block from Thorne, a Wade kill off a bump set from Tomkinson and another Wade kill, this time against a triple block off a bump set from Pasteur. A Pasteur kill put the U.S. up 8-5. The lead was 14-11 on a Kelly kill before Puerto Rico scored twice to cut the lead to one. Pasteur pounded a ball down to the back court for a 15-13 U.S. lead, but Puerto Rico scored the next three points to take its first lead of the set and send the U.S. to a timeout. Kills from Kelly and Wade, who found the back court past the left back defender, put the U.S. back in front, 18-17.

After Puerto Rico scored the next point, a service error gave the U.S. the lead back and Pasteur drilled a ball to make it 20-18 and lead to a Puerto Rico timeout. A Pasteur block as part of a triple block and then a Tomkinson kill after a great Foley serve led to a free ball extended the U.S. margin to three points, 22-19. Another Pasteur kill gave the U.S. set point at 24-21. Puerto Rico scored the next two points and the U.S. called timeout. On the ensuing play, Gooch made a nice pass on a tough serve and Rosenthal fed Tomkinson on a quick to put the U.S. up two sets. Wade (five kills) and Pasteur (four kills, one block) each scored five points with Kelly adding four kills.

A Tomkinson block put the U.S. ahead 6-4 in the third set and after a hitting error on the next play, the lead reached three and led to a Puerto Rico timeout. Kelly scored off a back row set from Pasteur for a 9-6 U.S. advantage. The lead grew to five on two more Kelly kills, the second on an overpass after a great Wade serve. Another strong Wade serve forced Puerto Rico to put over a free ball that led to a Pasteur score on a back row attack that put the U.S. up 12-7. Thorne put the ball straight down on consecutive plays for a 14-8 lead that caused Puerto Rico to take its final timeout. With the score 16-9, Rosenthal sent an attack back across the net and on the next Puerto Rico swing, Pasteur recorded a block for a 17-9 lead. Wade scored for an 18-10 advantage before scored three points in a row to cut the deficit to five points. Kelly soared past Tomkinson from the back row to put a ball away and give the U.S. a 19-13 lead. Tomkinson scored for a 20-14 advantage, but Puerto Rico rattled off three consecutive points to cut the lead in half and prompt a U.S. timeout.

Taking a swing from off the net, Kelly was able to score off the block for a 21-17 lead. A Kelly ace pushed the lead to 23-18, and Kelly came up the middle to score off the block for match point at 24-19. After gaining the next point on a service error, Puerto Rico used an ace and back-to-back blocks to save four match points and force the U.S. to take a timeout. Puerto Rico put the next serve into the net to send the U.S. into the gold medal match. Kelly scored eight points on seven kills and an ace.

U.S. Men’s Final Six Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
3 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
6 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
9 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Micah Wong Diallo (MB, 6-9, Los Angeles, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida)
25 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
27 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
28 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Southern California Southern Nevada)
30 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach: Reid Priddy
Assistant Coach: David Lee
Assistant Coach: Jonathan Winder
Performance Analyst/Team Manager:  Jesse Tupac
Physiotherapist: Mandolyn Peterson

2026 Final Six Schedule
(All times PDT)

Aug. 23: USA def. Mexico, 3-1 (32-30, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20)
Aug. 24: USA def. Guatemala, 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-16)
Aug. 25: USA vs. Canada, 3-2 (17-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-11)
Aug. 26: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-2 (21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 15-11)
Aug. 27: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-1 (25-23, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21)
Aug. 28: Semifinals: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-23)
Aug. 29: Gold Medal Match: USA vs. Canada, 5 p.m.

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 27, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team completed preliminary round play at the 2026 NORCECA Final Six without a loss, defeating host Puerto Rico, 3-1 (25-23, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21) on Thursday night in Ponce.

The two teams will meet again tomorrow in the semifinals at 5 p.m. PT.

The U.S. finished with 47 kills to 41 for Puerto Rico, but the key statistic was a 13-6 advantage in service aces. Puerto Rico held a slight edge in blocks (12-10) and made six fewer errors (33-27).

Seven players reached double digits in scoring, including four from the U.S. Outside Sean Kelly led the U.S. with 14 points on 12 kills, a block and an ace. He also led the team with six excellent receptions. Opposite Kyle Hobus totaled 13 points on seven kills, three blocks and three aces. Outside Sterling Foley served five aces for the second consecutive match to go with six kills and a block for 12 points. He led the team with seven digs.

Middle blocker Jackson Cryst rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points on seven kills, two blocks and an ace with fellow middle Parker Tomkinson finishing with seven kills and a block for eight points. Both middles scored seven points on 11 attacks and combined for a .500 hitting efficiency percentage. Outside Jacob Pasteur recorded four kills in the third set and Patrick Rogers contributed three points on two kills and an ace.

Opposite Kainoa Wade (one kill, one ace) and setter Tread Rosenthal (one block, one ace) each scored two points, setter Michael Wright scored on a kill and middle Micah Wong Diallo added a block. The U.S. used both liberos with Jacob Reilly (four excellent receptions, three digs) and Troy Gooch (four digs, two excellent receptions) combining for seven digs and six excellent receptions.

In the opening set, Foley served an ace and when next serve was passed over the net, he finished the point with a kill on a back row attack for an 8-5 U.S. lead. A Hobus kill raised the lead to four points, 10-6. Kelly caught the sideline for an ace and Foley followed with a block for a 14-9 U.S. advantage, causing a second Puerto Rico timeout. A Foley cut shot put the U.S. up 15-10 and the lead moved to six points, 17-11, on a Hobus ace. Foley came flying in from the back row for a kill and a 20-14 U.S. lead before Puerto Rico used a three-point spurt to cut the deficit in half. After a U.S. timeout, a mistimed swing extended Puerto Rico’s run to four points. Tomkinson scored to restore the three-point margin, but Puerto Rico ran off another three points to even the set at 21-21. The teams exchanged the next four points before Cryst scored on a quick and a tough Foley serve led to an out-of-system hitting error from Puerto Rico to end the set. Foley scored six points on four kills, a block and an ace, and Kelly added five points on four kills and an ace.

Puerto Rico scored the first three points of the second set. A Hobus ace cut the deficit to a point, 6-5. After a Foley kill, Kelly scored against a triple block to tie the set at seven apiece. A Puerto Rico ace capped a 4-1 run for an 11-8 lead, prompting a U.S. timeout. Rosenthal was able to set a ball from close to the net that Tomkinson finished for a kill and a Rosenthal ace on the next serve tied the set at 11-11. A Tomkinson block evened the set again at 12 and a Hobus block gave the U.S. its first lead of the set, 14-13. Cryst continued the strong net play with another ace for a 15-13 lead that sent Puerto Rico to a timeout. Puerto Rico charged right back with a block ending a three-point run for a 16-15 lead.

Down 18-16, the U.S. cut the lead in half on a Cryst kill and Foley continued his strong serving with a strong serve that led to a Kelly kill off the block and then back-to-back aces, the second catching the tape of the net for a 20-18 U.S. lead. Once again, Puerto Rico went on a 3-0 run to retake the lead. Another Kelly kill tied the score before Puerto Rico covered a Tomkinson block to score for a 22-21 advantage. The U.S. called timeout after falling behind by two on an error. Puerto Rico won the set to even the match on a miscommunication on the U.S. side on set point. Kelly recorded five kills in the set to pace the U.S.

Puerto Rico raced out to a 5-0 lead in the third set, forcing the U.S. to use an early timeout. The lead was three points, 12-9, when the U.S. took its first lead of the set with four consecutive points, starting with a pair of Tomkinson kills and ending with a Pasteur kill. Kelly kills put the U.S. up 14-13 and his back-to-back kills gave the U.S. its first two-point lead, 16-14. A Foley ace put the U.S. up 20-18, but Puerto Rico scored four of the next five points to take a 22-21 lead. After a U.S. timeout and some court maintenance furthering the stoppage, Puerto Rico served the next ball out and hit a ball out to give the U.S. a 23-22 lead. Kelly followed with a huge block to earn set point and after Puerto Rico saved one set point, Tomkinson put the U.S. ahead 2-1 in the match with his third kill of the set. Pasteur recorded four kills and Kelly totaled four points on three kills and a block.

Hobus scored off the top of the block, and a great Rogers dig on the ensuing point kept a rally alive that ended with a Wong Diallo block for a 7-4 U.S. lead in the fourth set. Hobus put down back-to-back kills for a 9-6 advantage. Foley’s fifth ace put the U.S. ahead 11-7 and forced a Puerto Rico timeout. A Hobus attack went off the block and landed in the middle of the Puerto Rico court for a 12-9 lead and Wong Diallo made a nice dig after serving that Rogers put up for a Wright kill that stretched the margin to four points. After Puerto Rico cut the deficit to one, 14-13, Cryst delivered back-to-back kills, the second set up by a great Rogers serve that forced Puerto Rico to put over a free ball, for a 16-13 lead. After a Puerto Rico timeout, Cryst scored again, this time with a block as part of a double block with Hobus. After two Puerto Rico points, Cryst pounded a ball straight down for an 18-15 advantage. A Hobus ace put the U.S. ahead 20-16. Puerto Rico, facing a triple block, hit into the net for a 22-18 U.S. lead. Hobus scored to set up match point and Rogers completed the team’s undefeated run in pool play by placing a ball perfectly over a triple block. Hobus scored seven points on four kills, two blocks and ace.

U.S. Men’s Final Six Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
3 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
6 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
9 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Micah Wong Diallo (MB, 6-9, Los Angeles, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida)
25 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
27 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
28 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Southern California Southern Nevada)
30 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach: Reid Priddy
Assistant Coach: David Lee
Assistant Coach: Jonathan Winder
Performance Analyst/Team Manager:  Jesse Tupac
Physiotherapist: Mandolyn Peterson

2026 Final Six Schedule
(All times PDT)

Aug. 23: USA def. Mexico, 3-1 (32-30, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20)
Aug. 24: USA def. Guatemala, 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-16)
Aug. 25: USA vs. Canada, 3-2 (17-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-11)
Aug. 26: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-2 (21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 15-11)
Aug. 27: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-1 (25-23, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21)
Aug. 28: Semifinals: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 5 p.m.
Aug. 29: Medal rounds

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Carolina Garbato

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 27, 2026) – USA Volleyball has announced the appointment of Carolina “Gabi” Garbato as its new General Manager, USA Beach Volleyball, effective immediately. In this role, Garbato will lead the overall management, performance and continuous evolution of USA Volleyball’s beach program, spanning the senior national teams and the Beach National Team Development Program (BNTDP) to build a world-class, athlete-centered program capable of sustained international success and winning Olympic and World Championship medals.

Since joining USA Volleyball in 2019, Garbato has advanced through key leadership roles, including most recently, director of the Beach National Team Development Program where she led the national scouting network and athlete pathway strategy connecting emerging youth talent directly into the senior national team pipeline. In addition to her leadership roles at USA Volleyball, Garbato holds a doctorate focused on the transition of volleyball Olympians from elite sport into life beyond competition, bringing a whole-person perspective to athlete support, well-being and high-performance leadership.

“I am honored to lead USA Volleyball’s beach program at such an important moment for our sport,” said Garbato. “Our success will be built on a clear shared vision, strong alignment across our athletes, coaches, staff and partners, and an unwavering commitment to creating a world-class, athlete-centered environment. I look forward to building on the tremendous foundation already in place, strengthening the pathway from emerging talent to the senior national teams, and pursuing sustained international success for Team USA.”

“Throughout her tenure with USA Volleyball, Gabi has demonstrated the strategic clarity, collaborative leadership and deep commitment to athlete development required to build a world-class beach program,” said John Speraw, President & CEO of USA Volleyball. “She brings the exact vision and high-performance expertise needed to elevate our program and lead Team USA to the global stage at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.”

Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 26, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team earned a silver medal at the 2026 NORCECA Continental Championship in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after falling 3-2 (25-23, 25-23, 20-25, 20-25, 15-10) to Canada in the gold medal match on Wednesday. The win was Canada’s fifth in as many meetings between the teams this summer and the second in five sets in this tournament.

The teams were nearly even statistically with each team recording 53 kills. Canada finished with one more block (16-15) and led 7-4 in aces with four of them coming down the stretch in the three sets it won.

Opposite Jordan Thompson scored 15 points on 13 kills and two blocks with middle blockers Chiaka Ogbogu (14 points on a match-high five kills to go with nine kills) and Dana Rettke (13 points on eight kills, three blocks and two aces) combining for 27 points.

Outside hitter Simone Lee-Wank totaled nine points on eight kills and a block, opposite Stephanie Samedy delivered eight kills and outside Logan Eggleston scored seven points on six kills and a block. Setter Jordyn Poulter registered three blocks and served an ace for four points.

A Thompson block gave the U.S. its first lead of the match, 5-4, and on the next rally Rettke sent back an attack, which led to a free ball and a Thompson kill. After the eighth tie of the set at 9-9, the U.S. regained a two-point lead on an Ogbogu kill on a slide and a block. Another Ogbogu kill put the U.S. up 13-11 and two Canada errors raised the lead to four, prompting a Canada timeout. Thompson scored on a crosscourt shot for a 16-12 lead and Rettke put down an overpass to make the score 17-13. Canada closed the gap to two points, 18-16, before Samedy scored off the block. Canada scored the next two points, cutting the deficit to one on an ace and sending the U.S. to a timeout. Another Thompson block put the U.S. back up by two points, but Canada used an incredible dig on a block cover to score the next point and appeared to tie the set on the next point, but the U.S. successfully challenged a block touch. A Thompson kill put the U.S. ahead 22-20, but this time Canada did even the set by scoring the next two points. Canada served two aces in a row to earn set point, taking its first two-point lead of the match. Thompson’s fourth kill and sixth point saved one set point but after calling timeout, Canada took the opening set. Lee-Wank appeared to tie the set on a kill off the block, but Canada successfully challenged the play to take the opening set.

Two Poulter blocks gave the U.S. a 3-1 lead early in the second set. Canada took its own two-point lead with a 6-2 run. A Thompson kill tied the score at eight apiece and Lee-Wank tied the set at 11-11 before Canada regained its two-point advantage. The U.S. used a three-point stretch to take its first lead since in the early in the set with kills from Thompson and Banks bringing the set even at 14-14 and a Rettke block giving the U.S. the lead. After Canada took the lead back, a Rettke kill and Canada hitting error put the U.S. up 17-16. A block capped a 4-1 Canada run for a 20-18 advantage, but a hitting error and a Rettke ace tied the set at 20-20. Canada scored the next point and as it did in the first set, served a key late ace. Samedy scored off the middle back on the next play before Canada put two points together to earn set point. Ogbogu scored down the middle and Thompson tooled the block to save two set points and lead Canada to take a timeout. Despite scrambling U.S. defense, including a diving dig by Poulter, Canada took the set on the following play to take a two-set lead. Thompson produced five kills and Rettke scored four points on a kill, a block and two aces.

Eggleston served for four points as the U.S. took a 9-5 lead in the third set keyed by another Poulter block and a Rettke kill. Two kills by Ogbogu and another by Rettke put the U.S. ahead 14-8. Another Ogbogu kill gave the U.S. a five-point advantage, 15-10. After yielding two points, the U.S. outlasted Canada on the longest rally of the match with a hitting error on the 10th attack and 14th ball over the net. A Samedy kill on the following rally reestablished the five-point U.S. margin. Lee-Wank scored off the block as Ogbogu also went up and left the blockers slow to react for a 21-16 U.S. lead. Poulter did feed Ogbogu for a kill to put the U.S. up 22-18. Canada errors gave the U.S. set point at 24-20 and a Lee-Wank block as part of a double block with Rettke ended the set. Ogbogu led all scorers with five points on four kills and a block.

Two Eggleston blocks and back-to-back Ogbogu blocks put the U.S. out in front 5-1 in the fourth. On the following play, a strong Thompson swing out of system led to an overpass that she put away to move the lead to five points. Thompson scored off the top of the block on a successful video challenge for an 11-5 lead. The U.S. doubled up the score, 14-7, on a Rettke kill and a Canada attack into the net. Canada used back-to-back blocks to pull within five, 15-10. An Ogbogu kill and a Canada hitting error raised the difference back to seven points, 18-11. A solo Rettke block gave the U.S. a 23-14 lead and Thompson found the back corner on an attack for a 24-16 lead. Canada saved two set points before Eggleston sent the match to a fifth set.

Unlike the previous five-setter between the two teams in which the U.S. led most of the set, it never led in the deciding set in this match. Canada scored the first three points of the deciding set, sending the U.S. to an early timeout. Rettke posted a block and on the next rally, Ogbogu sent an attack back that led to a Canada hitting error and cut the deficit to one, 4-3. A one-handed up on a block cover by Poulter kept the ball going on a play that ended with an Ogbogu block to cut the lead to 6-4. Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres served an ace and then when Canada struggled to handle her next serve, the U.S. tied the set off a free ball when Samedy put a ball down. Samedy ended another long rally with a kill off the block for a 7-7 tie and scored again off the block to make it 8-8. Rettke scored to even the set again at nine apiece, but Canada scored the next three points, the second after an unsuccessful U.S. challenge. After a U.S. timeout, Canada served an ace to raise the margin to four points. The teams traded service errors before Canada won the gold medal.

U.S. Women’s Roster for Continental Championship
No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
25 Kara Hallock (OH, 6-2, Lyndon, Wash., Univ. of Washington, Puget Sound)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctor: Steven Stovitz
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

2026 NORCECA Continental Championship Schedule
All times PT

August 21: USA def. Trinidad and Tobago, 3-0 (25-6, 25-11, 25-4)
August 22: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-17)
August 23: Canada def. USA, 3-2 (22-25, 26-24, 22-25, 25-23, 15-13)
August 24: Quarterfinals: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (26-24, 25-15, 25-17)
August 25: Semifinals: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-10)
August 26: Gold Medal Match: Canada def. USA, 3-2 (25-23, 25-23, 20-25, 20-25, 15-10)

Stories

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 26, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team improved to 4-0 at the 2026 NORCECA Final Six with a 3-2 (21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 15-11) victory over Dominican Republic on Wednesday in Ponce, Puerto Rico. It marked the second five-set win in two days for the U.S., who came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Canada on Tuesday.

The U.S. will conclude preliminary round play against host Puerto Rico (2-1) at 6 p.m. tomorrow.

The Dominican Republic held a slight edge in kills (56-53), but the U.S. led in blocks (12-5) and service aces (11-6). The teams combined for 35 service errors and 65 total errors.

Outside hitter Sterling Foley recorded match-bests in points (26), kills (18), blocks (3) and shared match-high honors with five aces. He hit .571 with only two errors in 28 attacks and finished with seven excellent receptions.

Opposite Kainoa Wade scored 14 points on nine kills, two blocks and three aces. Outside Patrick Rogers rounded out the U.S. double-digit scorers with 13 points on 10 kills, one block and two aces, while also recording a match-high 10 excellent receptions. Middle blockers Jackson Cryst (nine points on six kills, two blocks and an ace) and Micah Wong Diallo (seven points on five kills and two blocks) combined for 16 points.

Setter Tread Rosenthal led the U.S. offense to a .375 hitting efficiency percentage and totaled six points on four kills and a pair of blocks. Libero Jacob Reilly led the team with nine digs and also added nine excellent receptions.

The teams alternated the first 10 points before the Dominican Republic took a three-point lead, 8-5. A Foley kill brought the U.S. within two, 11-9, but Dominican Republic scored five of the next six points. Wade and Foley recorded back-to-back kills to cut the deficit to four points, 17-13. Back-to-back Wade aces cut the deficit to one point, 19-18. The U.S. pulled within a point two more times, once an error and another on a Wade kill, but an ace put Dominican Republic back up by three, 23-20. After a service error, Dominican Republic scored the last two points to take the set. Foley (six kills) and Wade (three kills, two aces) combined for 11 points.

A Rosenthal block gave the U.S. its first lead of the match, 3-2, in the second set. A Cryst kill and Foley ace put the U.S. up 5-3, but Dominican Republic ran off the next four points. A Rogers kill tied the set at 10 apiece and a Foley block gave the U.S. the lead again. Another Rogers kill put the U.S. up 17-15 and a Foley kill made the score 20-18. A Dominican Republic error gave the U.S. a 22-19 advantage. Rosenthal earned set point for the U.S., 24-20, with a kill on the second ball. Nine of the previous 12 combined points between the two teams before Rosenthal’s score resulted from an error. Wade ended the set with a kill. Foley scored six points on three kills, two blocks and an ace.

A Cryst kill and Foley ace gave the U.S. its first lead of the third set, 5-4. After Dominican Republic scored the next two points, the U.S. regained the advantage on a block and kill from Rosenthal and a Cryst ace. Kills by Foley and Wong Diallo pushed the U.S. lead to four points, 11-7. Wade scored on consecutive plays, first on a block and then on a kill, for a 14-8 lead. A Rogers ace doubled up the score, 16-8. A Wade ace put the U.S. up 19-10 and a Foley ace raised the margin to double digits, 21-11. A Wong Diallo block put the U.S. ahead 23-12 before Dominican Republic ran off the next four points to force a U.S. timeout. Two errors gave the U.S. a 2-1 set lead. Foley paced the U.S. with six points on four kills and a pair of aces.

A Cryst block to start the fourth set marked the first time in the match that the U.S. scored the first point. Cryst gave the U.S. a 5-3 lead with a kill and Rogers extended the lead to three points, 8-5, before Dominican Republic tied the score with three points in a row. With the score 11-11, a kill and two aces from Foley combined with a Rogers block put the U.S. up 15-11. Rosenthal scored on a second ball to raise the margin to five points, 17-12. After Dominican Republic cut the deficit to three, 19-16, Wong Diallo and Foley delivered kills to push the lead back to five. Dominican Republic scored the next six points to take a 22-21 lead and prompt a second U.S. timeout during the 6-0 run. A Wade kill tied the set again, but Dominican Republic earned set point by scoring the next two points. The U.S. saved one set point on a Cryst kill before an error evened the match at two sets apiece. Foley scored six points on four kills and two aces with Rogers adding five points on three kills, a block and an ace.

A Foley block gave the U.S. an early 3-1 lead in the decisive set. Leading 3-2, the U.S. ran its advantage to four points, 6-2, with a Cryst kill and block surrounding a Rosenthal kill. Rogers scored to put the U.S. up 8-4. After a Dominican Republic hitting error and timeout, a Wade block extended the margin to six, 10-4. After surrendering the next two points, the U.S. took an 11-6 lead on a Foley kill. Wong Diallo kill put the U.S. ahead 12-7 and a Dominican Republic service error made the score 13-8. A Dominican Republic block cut the lead to three points, 13-10. Cryst’s team-high third point of the set and second kill set up match point at 14-11, and the U.S. sealed the win on another Dominican Republic hitting error.

U.S. Men’s Final Six Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
3 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
6 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
9 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Micah Wong Diallo (MB, 6-9, Los Angeles, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida)
25 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
27 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
28 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Southern California Southern Nevada)
30 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach: Reid Priddy
Assistant Coach: David Lee
Assistant Coach: Jonathan Winder
Performance Analyst/Team Manager:  Jesse Tupac
Physiotherapist: Mandolyn Peterson

2026 Final Six Schedule
(All times PDT)

Aug. 23: USA def. Mexico, 3-1 (32-30, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20)
Aug. 24: USA def. Guatemala, 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-16)
Aug. 25: USA vs. Canada, 3-2 (17-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-11)
Aug. 26: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-2 (21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 15-11)
Aug. 27: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 6 p.m.
Aug. 28: Semifinals
Aug. 29: Medal rounds

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A team of girls celebrates on the court after winning
Photo by Texas Star

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 26, 2026) – USA Volleyball continues to expand its girls junior national qualifying calendar with the addition of the inaugural USAV Golden Gate Classic Girls Junior National Qualifier for the 2027 season. Following a successful 2026 Girls Junior National Championship (GJNC) with more than 1,400 participating teams, the Golden Gate Classic provides more opportunities for youth athletes to earn national championship bids and strengthens club competition nationwide.

In partnership with the San Francisco Travel Association, the Golden Gate Classic Qualifier will take place Friday, Feb. 19 through Sunday, Feb. 21, 2027, at the iconic Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. The Golden Gate Classic Qualifier will offer competition across the 15s, 16s and 17s age groups in the Open, USA, Liberty and American divisions. Participating teams in these bid divisions will compete for the opportunity to qualify for the 2027 USA Volleyball Girls 14-17s Junior National Championship presented by Credit Union 1, which will be held Sunday, June 27 through Monday, July 5, 2027, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Bringing a girls junior national qualifier to San Francisco affirms USA Volleyball’s dedication to creating new bid opportunities for clubs and teams in the Pacific Zone,” said Molly Crockett, director of indoor events at USA Volleyball. “Pairing elite competition with an established hub of sports and culture in San Francisco and the Moscone Center was an ideal joining of forces to continue to elevate our athletes’ and families’ tournament experiences.”

“We can’t wait to welcome USA Volleyball and its athletes, their families, and fans to San Francisco beginning in 2027. Hosting a new girls national qualifier next year builds the kind of momentum every host city wants,” said Anna Marie Presutti, president & CEO of the San Francisco Travel Association. “The competition site, Moscone Center, sits in the heart of the city, making it easy for visitors to explore our waterfront, incredible restaurants, and iconic neighborhoods between matches.”

Key Info

  • Registration Opens: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, at 8 a.m. PT/11 a.m. ET
  • Event Dates: Friday, Feb. 19-Sunday, Feb. 21, 2027
  • Location: Moscone Center | San Francisco, Calif.
  • Divisions Offered: 15s (Open, USA, Liberty, American), 16s (Open, USA, Liberty, American), 17s (Open, USA, Liberty, American)

For questions, please contact USA Volleyball Events.

For a list of all 2026-2027 GJNC qualifiers, please visit USAV Girls Indoor page.

The U.S. team celebrates
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 25, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team dominated host and three-time defending NORCECA Continental Championship winners the Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-10) in the semifinals on Tuesday night in Santo Domingo. The U.S. will play for the gold medal against Canada tomorrow at 4 p.m. PT. The meeting will be the fifth this summer between the teams and second in this tournament with Canada winning each of the previous four matches.

The U.S. recorded 15 blocks to just three for the Dominican Republic while also leading in kills (38-26) and service aces (7-1).

Outside hitter Simone Lee-Wank led the four U.S. players with the most points in the match, totaling 16 points on 13 kills and three blocks. Middle blocker Asjia O’Neal registered a match-high six blocks with five kills and an ace for 12 points. Outside Logan Eggleston scored 12 points on seven kills, two blocks and three aces, and opposite Jordan Thompson also reached double digits with 11 points on nine kills and two blocks.

Libero Lexi Rodriguez led the team with five excellent receptions and finished with a match-high 18 digs. Setter Jordyn Poulter matched Eggleston with three aces and recorded a pair of blocks for five points while leading the U.S. offense to a .333 hitting efficiency percentage. The Dominican Republic hit .019 for the match. Middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu contributed three kills and opposite Stephanie Samedy added one.

The Dominican Republic took an early 6-3 lead in the first set before the U.S. scored six consecutive points with three kills from Lee-Wank and a block and ace from Eggleston. The U.S. went on another 6-0 run highlighted by two more Lee-Wank kills and an O’Neal ace. Dominican Republic cut the deficit to five points, 18-13, before Thompson delivered a crosscourt kill and Eggleston recorded a block on the following play for a seven-point U.S. lead. A Samedy kill put the U.S. up 22-15. With the score 23-18, Ogbogu scored to give the U.S. set point and two plays later, Eggleston sealed the first set win. Lee-Wank finished with seven kills and Eggleston totaled six points with two kills, blocks and aces each.

The U.S. stormed out to a 9-2 lead in the second set. Lee-Wank and Ogbogu began the set with kills. Eggleston and Thompson registered kills for a 5-1 lead. After Dominican Republic scored the next point, the U.S. scored four points in a row, finishing with a powerful attack from Eggleston that went off the left back defender. An Eggleston ace pushed the lead to nine points, 12-3. The Dominican Republic used a three-point spurt to come within six points, 17-11. The U.S. called a timeout when its lead fell to five points, 19-14. The Dominican Republic had a chance to cut the lead to four points twice but were blocked by O’Neal and Lee-Wank. A Lee-Wank kill brought the U.S. to set point and a hitting error sent the U.S. to a two-set lead. Lee-Wank scored six points on five kills and a block.

Poulter began the third set with an ace, and the following long rally featured great defense from both teams, ending with a Thompson block. An O’Neal kill and block upped the lead to 4-1. Another Thompson block put the U.S. ahead 6-4 and a Poulter block made it 8-6. An Eggleston kill and O’Neal block raised the margin to four points. A Dominican Republic timeout could not stop the U.S. dominance at the net with Lee-Wank, Poulter and O’Neal blocks combined with an O’Neal kill giving the U.S. a 14-6 lead and forcing another timeout. Another O’Neal block finished an 8-0 U.S. run in which six points were from blocks. The lead reached double digits, 18-8, when Thompson tooled the block off a set from Rodriguez. Poulter’s second ace of the set pushed the lead to 20-8 and after a Lee-Wank block, Poulter served another ace. Eggleston scored off the block to give the U.S. match point and Lee-Wank ended it on a back row attack. O’Neal scored seven points on three kills and four blocks with Poulter scoring five points on two blocks and three aces. The U.S. recorded 10 blocks in the set, the same number of points Dominican Republic scored.

U.S. Women’s Roster for Continental Championship
No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
25 Kara Hallock (OH, 6-2, Lyndon, Wash., Univ. of Washington, Puget Sound)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctor: Steven Stovitz
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

2026 NORCECA Continental Championship Schedule
All times PT

August 21: USA def. Trinidad and Tobago, 3-0 (25-6, 25-11, 25-4)
August 22: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-17)
August 23: Canada def. USA, 3-2 (22-25, 26-24, 22-25, 25-23, 15-13)
August 24: Quarterfinals: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (26-24, 25-15, 25-17)
August 25: Semifinals: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-10)
August 26: Gold Medal Match: USA vs. Canada, 4 p.m.

Stories

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 25, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team battled back from a two-set deficit to defeat Canada, 3-2 (17-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-11) and move to 3-0 at the 2026 NORCECA Final Six on Tuesday in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. will next face the Dominican Republic tomorrow at 1 p.m. PT.

The U.S. recorded one more kill, 55-54, and finished with a 10-7 advantage in blocks. Canada led 9-3 in service aces, but the U.S. served three of the four aces in the fifth set.

Outside hitter Jacob Pasteur led the U.S. with 17 kills. Outside Sean Kelly totaled 15 points on 13 kills and two fifth-set aces. Middle Parker Tomkinson finished with eight blocks, one more than the entire Canada team, and five kills for 13 points. Opposite Kainoa Wade entered the match in the third set with 10 points on eight kills, one block and one ace. Middle blocker Cameron Thorne finished with nine points on eight kills and a block.

Libero Troy Gooch recorded a double-double with 15 excellent receptions and 10 digs. Kelly finished with seven digs and Parkinson added six. Opposite Kyle Hobus contributed three points and outside Patrick Rogers added a kill. Setter Michael Wright led the U.S. offense to a .297 hitting efficiency percentage. Libero Jacob Reilly added three excellent receptions.

For the second match in a row, Tomkinson started with a block. A Thorne kill put the U.S. ahead 5-2. Trailing 8-6, Canada went on a four-point run to move ahead by two. A Rogers kill pulled the U.S. within a point, 13-12, but Canada used a 5-2 stretch to extend its lead to four. A Tomkinson kill cut the lead to 18-15, before Canada finished the set on a 7-2 run. Pasteur delivered four kills and Tomkinson scored four points on three kills and a block.

A Tomkinson block gave the U.S. its last lead of the second set, 9-8. Canada used a 5-1 run to take a three-point lead. A Kelly kill on a rally that featured strong digs from him and Rosenthal that tied the set at 13. Two Thorne kills tied the set (14-14 and 16-16) and a Pasteur kill tied the set at 17. Canada scored the next four points to take the lead for good. A Tomkinson kill and two Canada hitting errors cut the deficit to one point, 21-20, but Canada defended an attack off an overpass and scored four of the last six points to take a 2-0 match lead and earn its fifth consecutive set win over the U.S. dating back to the Pan American Cup. Pasteur produced five kills.

Three Wade kills and a Tomkinson block helped the U.S. take a 6-2 lead in the third set. Kelly put a ball straight down and Pasteur followed with a kill to put the U.S. ahead 10-4. A Wade kill and another Tomkinson block pushed the margin to seven points, 13-6, and forced a Canada timeout. The U.S. doubled up the lead, 14-7, on Tomkinson’s third block of the set. Canada ran off the next four points to cut the lead to three and prompt a U.S. timeout and then continued the run with two more points to pull within a point, 14-13. Pasteur delivered back-to-back kills to put the U.S. back up by three. Gooch played a serve that clipped the net leading to a Wade kill off the block for a 19-16 advantage. Scrambling play from Gooch, Pasteur and Wade kept a rally alive that ended with a Canada error for a 21-17 U.S. lead. Pasteur tooled the block for a 23-20 lead and a Wright dig led to a Gooch set and Kelly kill off the block to give the U.S. set point. Two points later, Kelly ended the set with a kill. Wade delivered six kills and Pasteur added five.

The U.S. scored the first point of the fourth set, its last lead until taking a 12-11 lead. A Kelly kill and back-to-back blocks from Tomkinson and Wade evened the score at 10 apiece. After Canada scored the next point, the U.S. scored the next three points to take its first two-point advantage of the set, 13-11, with Kelly and Tomkinson each delivering kills. The teams traded service errors before a Wade kill put the U.S. up by three, 15-12. The lead grew to four, 17-13, on a Thorne kill and Canada hitting error. A Pasteur kill and Canada hitting error increased the margin to five points, 21-16. Tomkinson’s seventh block put the U.S. up 22-17, and a Kelly kill made the score 23-18. A service error and hitting error sent the match to a fifth set. Kelly posted five kills in the set.

Wade crushed a serve off the Canada center back defender for a 4-2 U.S. lead in the fifth set, forcing an early timeout. Wade’s next serve also gave Canada trouble and Kelly ended up scoring to raise the lead to three points. Thorne scored off the block for a 6-3 lead. Kelly served back-to-back aces to put the U.S. up 8-3. A scrambling defensive play helped Canada pull within three points, 8-5. A Thorne kill gave the U.S. a 9-6 lead but Canada scored the next two points to pull within a point, 9-8. A service error and Tomkinson block restored the three-point lead. Reilly played a serve that hit the net, which led to a Pasteur swing that Canada put back over the net, which Thorne put down to set up match point, 14-11. After a Canada timeout, the U.S. defended two attacks before Pasteur finished the match with his 17th kill. Kelly scored four points on two kills and two aces with Thorne adding three kills.

U.S. Men’s Final Six Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
3 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
6 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
9 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Micah Wong Diallo (MB, 6-9, Los Angeles, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida)
25 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
27 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
28 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Southern California Southern Nevada)
30 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach: Reid Priddy
Assistant Coach: David Lee
Assistant Coach: Jonathan Winder
Performance Analyst/Team Manager:  Jesse Tupac
Physiotherapist: Mandolyn Peterson

2026 Final Six Schedule
(All times PDT)

Aug. 23: USA def. Mexico, 3-1 (32-30, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20)
Aug. 24: USA def. Guatemala, 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-16)
Aug. 25: USA vs. Canada, 3-2 (17-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-11)
Aug. 26: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 1 p.m.
Aug. 27: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 6 p.m.
Aug. 28: Semifinals
Aug. 29: Medal rounds

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Dana Rettke celebrates
Dana Rettke (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 24, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team earned a spot in the semifinal round of the 2026 NORCECA Continental Championship in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with a 3-0 (26-24, 25-15, 25-17) win over Puerto Rico in a quarterfinal match on Monday.

The U.S. (3-1) will play host Dominican Republic at 5:30 p.m. PT in Tuesday’s second semifinal. The Dominican Republic has won the last three titles (2019, 2021, 2023).

The U.S. finished with a 42-33 advantage in kills, 13-5 in blocks and with a 3-2 edge in service aces. The U.S. also made two fewer errors (18-16).

The top three scorers were all from the U.S. Simone Lee-Wank totaled 16 points on 13 kills and three blocks. Middle blocker Asjia O’Neal equaled the number of Puerto Rico blocks with five, adding six kills and was the only player in the match to serve two aces for 13 points. Opposite Stephanie Samedy rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points on nine kills and a block, while posting a match-best 13 digs.

Outside hitter Logan Eggleston recorded seven kills and led all players with five excellent receptions, middle Dana Rettke totaled six points on three kills, two blocks and an ace. Setter Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres and outside Kara Hallock each scored three points on two kills and a block. Libero Lexi Rodriguez made several outstanding digs, finishing with 11.

A Lee-Wank kill put the U.S. ahead 9-6 in the first set. Lee-Wank was all over the court chasing the ball down before a Rodriguez set from the back row led to an Eggleston kill for an 11-7 lead. An Eggleston kill down the line put the U.S. up 15-11. Rettke scored on a slide and Ka’aha’aina-Torres followed with a score on a second ball for a five-point advantage, 17-12. A Puerto Rico block cut the deficit to three points, 17-14. Puerto Rico had a swing to pull within two points, but a Lee-Wank score off the block after the U.S. defended the attack put the U.S. up 19-15. O’Neal put a ball straight down for a 20-16 advantage.

Puerto Rico scored four of the next five points to pull within a point, 21-20. After a U.S. timeout, Puerto Rico scored again to even the set. After Rettke put the U.S. back ahead, Puerto Rico took a 23-22 advantage and sent the U.S. to take its second timeout. A critical Lee-Wank block and a Puerto Rico hitting error gave the U.S. set point at 24-23. Puerto Rico saved one set point before O’Neal scored on a play set up by a great pass from Eggleston and again on an overpass off a tough Ka’aha’aina-Torres serve to give the U.S. the set. Lee-Wank scored six points on five kills and a block. The teams were even in kills (15) and errors (eight) with the U.S. using a 3-1 edge in blocks to account for the two-point difference.

Puerto Rico began the second set by scoring the first three points. Eggleston ended a long rally with a kill for the first U.S. lead of the set, 6-5. An O’Neal block and Rettke ace put the U.S. ahead 10-8 and a Ka’aha’aina-Torres block pushed the margin to four points. An Eggleston dig found the floor for a kill, Lee-Wank delivered a kill and a Puerto Rico hitting error extended the lead to six points, 15-9. O’Neal scored off a one-handed set from Ka’aha’aina-Torres and then served an ace for an 18-12 lead. Eggleston followed with a kill for a seven-point lead. Lee-Wank scored on a back row attack for a 20-13 advantage. Two great digs by Rodriguez and a save from Lee-Wank to keep the rally going led to Lee-Wank eventually ending the rally with a kill for a 22-14 lead, and Hallock scored on the next play to lift the margin to nine points. Lee-Wank scored the final two points of the set, the last on a tip, to put the U.S. ahead 2-0 in the match. She finished with six kills, and O’Neal added five points on two kills, a block and two aces.

Back-to-back Lee-Wank kills and an O’Neal block put the U.S. ahead 9-6 in the third set. After Puerto Rico scored the next point, the U.S. used a 5-0 run to move ahead 14-7 with blocks by Lee-Wank and Samedy advancing the lead to seven points. A Hallock kill put the U.S. ahead 18-10. Blocks by Hallock and Rettke gave the U.S. a 20-11 lead. A Wank block raised the margin to double digits, 22-12. On the following play, one-hand stabs by Lee-Wank and Rettke led to a Samedy kill off a Rodriguez set. Samedy scored for a 24-13 lead before Puerto Rico saved four match points in a row. O’Neal scored to send the U.S. to the semifinal round. Samedy scored six points on five kills and a block.

U.S. Women’s Roster for Continental Championship
No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
25 Kara Hallock (OH, 6-2, Lyndon, Wash., Univ. of Washington, Puget Sound)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctor: Steven Stovitz
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

2026 NORCECA Continental Championship Schedule
All times PT

August 21: USA def. Trinidad and Tobago, 3-0 (25-6, 25-11, 25-4)
August 22: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-17)
August 23: Canada def. USA, 3-2 (22-25, 26-24, 22-25, 25-23, 15-13)
August 24: Quarterfinals: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (26-24, 25-15, 25-17)
August 25: Semifinals: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 5:30 p.m.
August 26: Medal Matches

Stories

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 24, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team earned its second consecutive win at the 2026 NORCECA Final Six with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-16) victory over Guatemala on Monday in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. will next face rival Canada tomorrow at 3 p.m. PT. It will be the first U.S. match in the tournament with live video. Canada defeated the U.S. in three sets, 34-32 in the final set, in the Pan American Cup preliminary round. The U.S. ended up taking the gold medal in the tournament, defeating Puerto Rico, who upset Canada in the semifinals.

The U.S. led in every statistical category, 41-23 in kills and 11-4 in blocks, while serving all five aces of the match.

Each of the top five scorers were U.S. players, led by outside hitter Jacob Pasteur, who led all players with 11 kills and two aces, and shared match-high honors with three blocks for 16 points. Outside Patrick Rogers totaled 12 points on 10 kills and two blocks with opposite Kyle Hobus rounding out the double-digit scorers with 11 points on nine kills, a block and an ace, while leading the team with five digs.

Middle blocker Cameron Thorne finished with nine points on eight kills and a block, and fellow middle Parker Tomkinson scored seven points on three kills, three blocks and an ace. Setter Michael Wright contributed a block and an ace in addition to running the U.S. offense that hit .403 for the match, including .591 over the final two sets. Libero Troy Gooch posted a match-high 12 excellent receptions to go with four digs.

The Pan American Cup’s top blocker, Tomkinson, started the match with a block. The teams split the first eight points before the U.S. scored the next four points with a Pasteur ace and a Guatemala hitting error giving the U.S. an 8-4 lead. Guatemala ran off five points of its own to take its first lead. Another Tomkinson block put the U.S. ahead 12-10. A Hobus kill and Pasteur block gave the U.S. its first three-point lead, 15-12. A Pasteur kill, Thorne block and Hobus ace pushed the margin to six points, 19-13. A Tomkinson kill made the score 23-17 and a seventh Guatemala hitting error gave the U.S. set point. Guatemala staved off two set points before a Rogers kill ended the set. Pasteur scored six points on three kills, two blocks and an ace.

Back-to-back Hobus kills put the U.S. ahead 3-1 to start the second set. A Tomkinson ace extended the lead to four, 6-2, causing Guatemala to take an early timeout. A Pasteur kill and Thorne block started a 5-0 run that raised the margin to nine points, 13-4. Kills by Rogers and Thorne followed by a Pasteur ace sent Guatemala to its second timeout. The U.S. moved ahead by double digits, 16-6, on a Tomkinson block. Thorne and Hobus produced kills for a 20-10 U.S. lead. Hobus gave the U.S. a 24-12 lead and two points later, Rogers ended the set for the second set in a row. After committing eight hitting errors in the opening set, the U.S. made only one in the second set on its way to hitting at a .650 hitting efficiency percentage. Hobus delivered six kills in seven total attacks.

A Thorne kill gave the U.S. a 7-4 lead in the third set. Guatemala pulled within a point, 8-7, before Rogers recorded back-to-back kills to start a five-point U.S. run. A Hobus block and Wright ace completed the run that put the U.S. ahead 13-7. Hobus and Pasteur kills raised the margin to seven points, 15-8. A Thorne kill gave the U.S. an 18-11 lead before a Guatemala timeout. A Wright block after the timeout extended the margin to eight points. Guatemala scored the next three points before Pasteur’s 10th and 11th kills of the match put the lead back to seven. Thorne put the U.S. ahead 23-15 and a Tomkinson kill gave the U.S. match point at 24-16. Rogers ended the set for the third consecutive set, this time with a block.

U.S. Men’s Final Six Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
3 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
6 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
9 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Micah Wong Diallo (MB, 6-9, Los Angeles, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida)
25 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
27 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
28 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Southern California Southern Nevada)
30 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach: Reid Priddy
Assistant Coach: David Lee
Assistant Coach: Jonathan Winder
Performance Analyst/Team Manager:  Jesse Tupac
Physiotherapist: Mandolyn Peterson

2026 Final Six Schedule
(All times PDT)

Aug. 23: USA def. Mexico, 3-1 (32-30, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20)
Aug. 24: USA def. Guatemala, 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-16)
Aug. 25: USA vs. Canada, 3 p.m.
Aug. 26: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 1 p.m.
Aug. 27: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 6 p.m.
Aug. 28: Semifinals
Aug. 29: Medal rounds

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Jordan Thompson attacks
Jordan Thompson (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 23, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team and rival Canada played another classic match with no set decided by more than three points in the final pool play contest at the 2026 NORCECA Continental Championship in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Canada came away with a 3-2 (22-25, 26-24, 22-25, 25-23, 15-13) victory on Sunday, its fourth win in as many meetings with the U.S. this summer.

The U.S. (2-1) will play in tomorrow’s quarterfinal round at 2:30 p.m. PT against an opponent to be determined.

As the set scores indicated, the match was statically even with each team scoring 110 points with 67 kills. The U.S. finished with a slight edge in blocks (11-10) and service aces (8-7). Canada scored two more points on opponent errors (28-26).

Outside hitter Logan Eggleston shared match-high honors with 20 kills, 16 digs and three aces, adding a block to lead all scorers with 24 points. Outside Avery Skinner scored 15 points on 14 kills and a block, while leading the team with five excellent receptions. Middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu again finished with the most blocks, totaling five to go with six kills for 11 points. Opposite Stephanie Samedy rounded out the U.S. double-digit scorers with 11 kills.

Opposite Jordan Thompson totaled nine points on eight kills and a block. Middle Dana Rettke finished with eight points on five kills, two blocks and an ace. Setter Jordyn Poulter served three aces, adding a kill and a block for five points.

A Thompson kill gave the U.S. an early 3-1 lead and an Ogbogu kill made it 8-7 before Canada scored three points in a row to take a two-point lead. Trailing 12-10, the U.S. retook the lead on back-to-back kills from Eggleston and Rettke. Canada responded with another three-point stretch before the U.S. used a 7-0 run to take a 20-15 lead. Thompson scored two points on the run and the U.S. took advantage of several Canada errors. An Ogbogu kill put the U.S. ahead 23-17 and a Skinner kill gave the U.S. a 24-18 lead. The U.S. appeared to win the set on the following point, but after a lengthy delay for a challenge review, Canada was awarded the point for a center line violation. Canada went on to save three set points before Ogbogu scored off an overpass to give the U.S. the set. Eggleston scored five points on four kills and a block with Thompson, Rettke and Ogbogu each scoring four points.

An Eggleston kill put the U.S. ahead 5-2 early in the second set. Back-to-back Eggleston aces and a Skinner kill pushed the lead to six points, 10-4. Canada scored the next four points to cut the deficit to two. An Ogbogu kill made it 15-11 and a great dig by Hentz on the following play led to a Thompson kill off the block to raise the lead back to five points. Eggleston scored again to put the U.S. ahead 19-14, but Canada tied the set at 22 with an 8-3 run. A kill despite a great hustling effort by Thompson trying to track down the ball and an ace capped the run. The U.S. took 23-22 and 24-23 leads on service errors, but Canada scored the final three points of the set, including another successful and lengthy video challenge at 24-24. Eggleston scored six points on four kills and two aces.

Trailing 5-3 in the third set, Canada scored six points in a row for a 9-5 lead. Despite an incredible block cover by Rodriguez to keep a rally going, Canada extended the margin to five points, 11-6. The lead reached six, 14-8, before the U.S. scored four consecutive points. Eggleston and Samedy scored the start the run and a strong Eggleston dig led to Skinner’s off-speed kill off the block for cut the deficit to two points. The U.S. pulled within one, 16-15, when a great Poulter up and an Ogbogu set produced an Eggleston kill off the top of the block. A Samedy kill on an overset evened the score at 17.

A great set from Rodriguez from the back row fed Skinner for a kill to tie the score again at 20 and an Ogbogu block put the U.S. in front. After Canada tied the set at 22 apiece, Poulter dropped in an ace for a 23-22 lead. Ogbogu followed with a one-on-one block to give the U.S. set point, and Skinner ended the set with a kill. After falling behind 14-8, the U.S. finished the set on a 17-8 run. Eggleston and Samedy each recorded four kills in the set.

A kill and block from Skinner gave the U.S. its first two-point lead of the fourth set, 9-7. Another Poulter ace raised the lead to three points, 11-8, but Canada scored the next three points to square the set. Canada moved ahead 15-13, its first two-point lead since scoring the first two points of the set. A block put Canada ahead by four, 18-14, leading to a second U.S. timeout. An Eggleston kill and Skinner score on a tip cut the deficit in half, 19-17. Two more Eggleston kills, the second set up by a dig from Rodriguez, sandwiched Samedy putting a ball straight down to tie the set 20-20 and force a Canada timeout. Canada scored the next two points to take the lead for good and eventually send the match to a fifth set. Skinner (four kills and an ace) and Eggleston (five kills) scored five points in the set.

Neither team led by more than a point in the dramatic final set until the end. The U.S. tailed 4-3 and 5-4, but either led by one point or the set was tied until 13-13. Eggleston and Asjia O’Neal each scored on plays started by Rodriguez successfully playing a serve that clipped the net, each time tying the score. Eggleston served an ace off the tape for a 6-5 U.S. lead. Skinner kills gave the U.S. 7-6 and 8-7 leads. Samedy delivered kills for 10-9 and 11-10 U.S. advantages, the second after a great up by Skinner started the play. The U.S. successfully challenged a block touch on an Eggleston swing for a 12-11 lead and took a 13-12 lead off a key Rodriguez dig and an Eggleston kill that just caught the back line. Canada scored the final three points to earn the win. Eggleston scored four points on three kills and an ace.

U.S. Women’s Roster for Continental Championship
No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
25 Kara Hallock (OH, 6-2, Lyndon, Wash., Univ. of Washington, Puget Sound)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctor: Steven Stovitz
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

2026 NORCECA Continental Championship Schedule
All times PT

August 21: USA def. Trinidad and Tobago, 3-0 (25-6, 25-11, 25-4)
August 22: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-17)
August 23: Canada def. USA, 3-2 (22-25, 26-24, 22-25, 25-23, 15-13)
August 24: Quarterfinals: USA vs. TBA, 2:30 p.m.
August 25: Classification and semifinals
August 26: Classification and Finals

Stories

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 23, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team opened the 2026 NORCECA Final Six with a hard-fought 3-1 (32-30, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20) win over Mexico on Sunday in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. will next face Guatemala tomorrow at 1 p.m. PT.

The U.S. finished with slight advantages in kills (48-43) and blocks (8-6), while each team served 10 aces.

Outside hitter Sean Kelly led all players with 18 kills and paced the U.S. with 19 points, adding an ace. He also recorded 10 excellent receptions and finished with seven digs. Opposite Kainoa Wade returned to the court and totaled 16 points on 12 kills and a team-best four aces.

Setter Tread Rosenthal, playing in his first match since suffering a concussion in the Pan American Cup earlier this month, shared team-best honors with four blocks, contributing a kill and three aces for eight points. Middle blocker Jackson Cryst also recorded four blocks to go with seven kills for 11 points.

Libero Jacob Reilly recorded a match-high 14 excellent receptions and finished with seven digs. Outside hitter Sterling Foley scored nine points on seven kills and two aces, while leading the team with nine digs and also finished with six excellent receptions. Middle Micah Wong Diallo added three kills.

Kills by Wade and Foley gave the U.S. an early 3-1 lead in the match, the last time either team led by two points until a Cryst block put the U.S. up 11-9. Down 12-10, Mexico scored three points in a row, taking the lead on an ace for a 13-12 advantage. After the 15th tie of the set at 19-19, Mexico scored the next two points to take its first two-point lead of the match. The U.S. tied the set again at 23-23 on a Rosenthal block. Mexico earned set point at 24-23, but a Kelly kill tied the score again. The U.S. earned two set points of its own that Mexico held off. A Wade kill kept the set going and the U.S. took a 29-28 lead on a hitting error and a 30-29 lead on a Kelly kill, but Mexico saved set point each time. Kelly again put the U.S. out in front, this time 31-30, and a Mexico hitting error gave the U.S. the first set. Kelly registered nine kills on 12 attacks in the set.

Rosenthal started the second set with an ace followed by Kelly’s 10th kill. Mexico used a five-point run to turn a 4-2 deficit into a three-point lead. The U.S. responded by scoring the next six points, five of them by Wade, who delivered a pair of kills and three aces for a 10-7 advantage. The margin grew to five points, 13-8, on another Rosenthal block. Cryst kills put the U.S. ahead 15-10 and 16-11 with a Foley kill stretching the lead to six points and forcing a Mexico timeout. Mexico scored three points in a row of the timeout to cut the deficit in half before kills from Wade and Foley pushed the margin back to five points. A Rosenthal block and Foley ace gave the U.S. a 24-18 lead. Two points later, a Mexico hitting error gave the U.S. a two-set lead in the match. Wade scored six points on three kills and three blocks, while Foley contributed five points on four kills and an ace.

Mexico began the third set with three consecutive aces, but the U.S. quickly tied the set at 3-3 with a Rosenthal ace tying the score. A Kelly kill tied the set 7-7 and a hitting error gave the U.S. its first lead of the set, followed by Rosenthal scoring on a second ball for a 9-7 lead. An ace capped a 5-1 Mexico run for a two-point lead. The U.S. tied the score on a Kelly ace (13-13), Cryst kill (14-14) and Foley kill (15-15) before Mexico went back up by two points, 17-15. Mexico stretched the margin to three points, 19-16, before a hitting error and Rosenthal’s fourth block of the match closed the gap to one point and prompted a Mexico timeout. Kills by Wade tied the score at 19-19 and 20-20, but Mexico ran off three points in a row to take control of the set. Wade paced the U.S. with four kills.

Mexico took the first two-point lead of the fourth set before a pair of hitting errors evened the score at 7-7. Mexico moved ahead 10-8 and did not relinquish the lead until two Kelly kills tied the score 14-14 and a Cryst block put the U.S. ahead and sent Mexico to a timeout. After dropping the next two points, the U.S. took its first two-point lead of the set, 18-16, on a Cryst kill and back-to-back Kelly kills. A Mexico timeout did not slow Kelly down as he produced another kill to raise the margin to three. The U.S. completed a 7-0 run with a Cryst kill and a Rosenthal ace for a 22-16 advantage. Mexico used a three-point spurt to cut the lead in half before a service error and a Cryst block set up match point. After Mexico saved one match point, the U.S. clinched the victory on Cryst’s third kill and sixth point of the set. Kelly delivered six kills.

U.S. Men’s Final Six Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
3 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
6 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
9 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Micah Wong Diallo (MB, 6-9, Los Angeles, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida)
25 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
27 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
28 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Southern California Southern Nevada)
30 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach: Reid Priddy
Assistant Coach: David Lee
Assistant Coach: Jonathan Winder
Performance Analyst/Team Manager:  Jesse Tupac
Physiotherapist: Mandolyn Peterson

2026 Final Six Schedule
(All times PDT)

Aug. 23: USA def. Mexico, 3-1 (32-30, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20)
Aug. 24: USA vs. Guatemala, 1 p.m.
Aug. 25: USA vs. Canada, 3 p.m.
Aug. 26: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 1 p.m.
Aug. 27: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 6 p.m.
Aug. 28: Semifinals
Aug. 29: Medal rounds

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Stephanie Samedy attacks
Stephanie Samedy (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 22, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team earned its second win in as many days at the 2026 NORCECA Continental Championship with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-17) victory over Mexico on Saturday in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The U.S. (2-0) will meet Canada (2-0) tomorrow at 3 p.m. PT to round out pool play. Neither team has dropped a set in its first two matches. The winner of the match will automatically advance to Tuesday’s semifinals with the other team playing in the quarterfinal round on Monday. The U.S. has not beaten Canada this season, losing 3-0 during VNL play and more recently dropping two four-set matches at the USAV Cup.

The U.S. put together another great offensive effort with 44 kills and only five errors in 84 total attacks for a .464 hitting efficiency percentage. Mexico served one more ace (5-4) while the U.S. held a 9-2 advantage in blocks with six of them coming from middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu.

Outside hitter Avery Skinner shared match-high honors with 11 kills, adding two blocks and an ace to lead all players with 14 total points. Fellow outside Logan Eggleston also reached double digits with 10 kills and an ace for 11 points. Ogbogu added two kills and an ace to her blocks for nine points. Opposite Stephanie Samedy finished with nine kills.

Setter Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres recorded a block and kill in addition to running the effective U.S. offense with Jordyn Poulter. Middle Asjia O’Neal totaled seven points on six kills and an ace, while opposite Jordan Thompson produced five kills. Libero Morgan Hentz recorded a match-high 10 digs with Eggleston recording eight and Poulter contributing seven. Libero Lexi Rodriguez led the team with three excellent receptions.

An Ogbogu one-on-one block gave the U.S. its first lead of the match, 5-4. Two Skinner points, the first on a cross-court kill off a Hentz set and the second on a block, helped the U.S. take a 9-6 advantage. After a Mexico timeout, Eggleston scored on a back row attack to raise the lead to four points. Another Ogbogu block made the score 13-9 and after a Mexico hitting error, an Eggleston kill off an overpass pushed the lead to six points, 15-9. Ogbogu served an ace for a 17-10 lead. A Samedy kill raised the advantage to eight points, 20-12. Eggleston scored on a pipe attack for a 22-13 lead before Mexico scored five of the next six points to cut the deficit to five. After a U.S. timeout, Samedy found the back corner to end a back-and-forth rally and after Mexico saved one set point, Skinner scored to end the set. Eggleston and Samedy each registered four kills.

An Ogbogu block put the U.S. ahead 8-5 in the second set. Mexico closed the gap to one point, 11-10, before a Skinner kill and another Ogbogu block stretched the lead back to three points. Consecutive kills by Eggleston and Skinner raised the margin to five, 16-11. Ogbogu recorded her fifth block for a 19-13 lead. Mexico pulled back within three points, 22-19, on two successful block touch challenges and a kill off the block. Back-to-back Skinner kills put the U.S. up 24-19 and two points later, Samedy delivered a kill off the block for a two-set U.S. lead. Skinner scored six points on five kills and an ace, while Ogbogu totaled four points on three blocks and a kill.

Mexico raced out to a 5-2 lead in the third set, but the U.S. scored the next four points with a Samedy kill tying the score and an O’Neal score on a slide putting the U.S. in front. A Skinner block raised the lead to three, 9-6. Another Ogbogu block made it 10-7. A good up by Skinner and set by Ka’aha’aina-Torres led to an Eggleston kill for a 15-11 lead and Eggleston followed with an ace. After a Mexico timeout, Skinner scored on a play set up by a great dig from Hentz that put the U.S. ahead 17-11. A Ka’aha’aina-Torres setter dump and an ace from O’Neal pushed the lead to 19-12. The lead grew to nine on a Ka’aha’aina-Torres block and kills from Skinner and Samedy. Skinner scored against a double block for a 23-14 lead. Mexico scored three points in a row before Ogbogu put a ball down to set up match point and on the ensuing play, she set Eggeston for the winning kill. Skinner and Eggleston each scored five points in the set.

U.S. Women’s Roster for Continental Championship
No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
25 Kara Hallock (OH, 6-2, Lyndon, Wash., Univ. of Washington, Puget Sound)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctor: Steven Stovitz
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

2026 NORCECA Continental Championship Schedule
All times PT

August 21: USA def. Trinidad and Tobago, 3-0 (25-6, 25-11, 25-4)
August 22: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-17)
August 23: USA vs. Canada, 3 p.m.
August 24: Quarterfinals
August 25: Classification and semifinals
August 26: Classification and Finals

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Members of the U.S. women's national team in a court huddle after a point
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 21, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team returned to competition with a 3-0 (25-6, 25-11, 25-4) sweep of Trinidad and Tobago in the opening match of the 2026 NORCECA Continental Championship on Friday in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The U.S. will next face Mexico tomorrow at 3 p.m. PT.

The U.S. offense, when not serving one of its 19 aces, was nearly unstoppable with 41 kills and only three errors in 52 attacks for a .731 hitting efficiency percentage. Trinidad and Tobago was limited to seven kills and two aces, while posting the only block of the match.

Middle blocker Asjia O’Neal served seven aces to go with 11 kills for a match-high 18 points. Opposite Stephanie Samedy recorded a match-best 13 kills and added an ace for 14 points. Middle Dana Rettke served four aces combined with five kills for nine points.

Madi Kubik-Banks registered seven kills and a match-high seven digs, and outside hitter Simone Lee-Wank scored five points on four kills and an ace. Outside Kara Hallock totaled four points on three aces and a kill. In addition to running the nearly flawless offense, setter Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres served three aces.

Ka’aha’aina-Torres served the first six points of the match, highlighted by three consecutive aces. O’Neal scored twice and Lee-Wank once in the run. Another O’Neal kill, a Lee-Wank ace and a Samedy kill pushed the lead to 9-1. The lead reached double digits, 13-3, on a Samedy ace. Rettke put down an overpass off a Banks serve for a 17-4 advantage. A hitting error gave the U.S. an 18-5 lead and Rettke served for six points in a row, including two aces. O’Neal and Lee-Wank each produced two kills for the other points in the run. O’Neal finished the set with her sixth kill. Lee-Wank (three kills, one ace), Rettke (two kills, two aces) and Samedy (three kills, one ace) each contributed four points.

O’Neal produced a kill and an ace for an early 3-1 U.S. lead in the second set. A series of Trinidad and Tobago errors raised the margin to seven points, 11-4. Samedy scored on a back row attack off a back set from Ka’aha’aina-Torres and Rettke followed with an ace for a 13-5 lead. Rettke served for three more points and an 11-point advantage before Trinidad and Tobago took a timeout. A Samedy pancake dig led to the first kill for Hallock that made it 16-5. Another Samedy kill gave the U.S. a 19-8 lead. A Banks tip and Samedy kill made it 22-11 with O’Neal serving three aces to end the set. The U.S. served 13 aces in the first two sets. O’Neal paced the U.S. with six points on two kills and four aces.

The third set began with back-to-back kills by Samedy as the U.S. scored the first four points. Hallock served an ace to start a nine-point serving run that put the U.S. ahead 14-1. With the U.S. leading 15-2, O’Neal started an eight-point service run with an ace. She served two more aces, Rettke delivered a pair of kills, and back-to-back kills by Banks put the U.S. ahead 23-2. A Banks kill set up match point and a 24-3 lead with Samedy’s sixth kill of the set two plays later ending the match. O’Neal also scored six points with three kills and three aces.

U.S. Women’s Roster for Continental Championship
No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
25 Kara Hallock (OH, 6-2, Lyndon, Wash., Univ. of Washington, Puget Sound)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctor: Steven Stovitz
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

2026 NORCECA Continental Championship Schedule
All times PT

August 21: USA def. Trinidad and Tobago, 3-0 (25-6, 25-11, 25-4)
August 22: USA vs. Mexico, 3 p.m.
August 23: USA vs. Canada, 3 p.m.
August 24: Quarterfinals
August 25: Classification and semifinals
August 26: Classification and Finals
August 28: Semifinals for Continental Qualification
August 2: Finals for Continental Qualification

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The U.S. women's national team celebrates

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 19, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team is on its way to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic for the 2026 NORCECA Continental Championship, August 21-28 The competition is a qualifier for both the 2027 Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games for all teams except the U.S.

As the host country for the World Cup and Olympics, the U.S. will conclude play in the Dominican Republic on August 26 after the finals. The top four teams in the competition (excluding the U.S.) will stay for a semifinal and final event to determine Olympic qualification.

The U.S. Women are in Group A for the Continental Championship with Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico and Canada. They open play on August 21 against Trinidad and Tobago at 10 a.m. PT.

Fourteen players are on the U.S. roster, including 2024 Olympians Chiaka Ogbogu, Jordyn Poulter, Dana Rettke, Avery Skinner and Jordan Thompson.

U.S. Women’s Roster for Continental Championship
No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
25 Kara Hallock (OH, 6-2, Lyndon, Wash., Univ. of Washington, Puget Sound)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctor: Steven Stovitz
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

2026 NORCECA Continental Championship Schedule
All times PT

August 21: USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago, 10 a.m.
August 22: USA vs. Mexico, 3 p.m.
August 23: USA vs. Canada, 3 p.m.
August 24: Quarterfinals
August 25: Classification and semifinals
August 26: Classification and Finals
August 28: Semifinals for Continental Qualification
August 2: Finals for Continental Qualification

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(Photo by NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 15, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team reached the gold medal match at the 2026 NORCECA Pan American Cup in Cuernavaca Morelos with a 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-16) win over host Mexico in Saturday night’s semifinals.

The U.S. (5-1) will meet Puerto Rico, an upset winner over previously unbeaten Canada, in the semifinals, in tomorrow’s gold medal match at 4:30 p.m. PT. The teams met in preliminary round action with the U.S. winning in three sets.

The U.S. finished with 39 kills to 27 for Mexico and again dominated in blocks with a 12-5 advantage, including 10-1 in the final two sets. Each team served a pair of aces.

Five U.S. players scored at least eight points with the balanced attack helping the U.S. hit at a .426 efficiency percentage. Middle blocker Cameron Thorne hit .889 with eight kills in nine attacks, adding three blocks for 11 points. Outside hitter Patrick Rogers hit at a .444 clip and also finished with 11 points, combining nine kills, a block and an ace. Setter Michael Wright ran the offense that kept Mexico off guard and scored three points on two blocks and a kill.

Middle Parker Tomkinson again led the team in blocks with four, reaching double digits in scoring with six kills. Opposite Kyle Hobus totaled nine points on eight kills and a block and outside Jacob Pasteur contributed eight points on seven kills and a block. Libero Troy Gooch led all players with 11 digs and five excellent receptions. Outside Sterling Foley served for seven points in the match, including one ace.

Mexico took an early 5-2 lead in the match, but the U.S. scored the next three points and the set was tied five times before the U.S. moved ahead 13-10 on a Rogers kill, a Pasteur kill on a back row attack and a Mexico hitting error that caught the net and landed out of bounds. Hobus scored to put the U.S. ahead 16-12 but Mexico registered a block on a rally that included terrific defense on both sides and scored again on a hitting error, leading to a U.S. timeout.

A Thorne stuff gave the U.S. a 19-15 lead and forced Mexico to use its final timeout. Foley served for five points, including an ace, to give the U.S. set point at 24-15. Two points later, Thorne scored off the block for his fourth point of the set, joining Hobus and Tomkinson with three kills apiece.

Thorne went to swing with his right hand, missed and somehow delivered an off-speed kill with his left hand and Rogers followed that with a block for a 5-2 U.S. lead in the second set. Wright put away an overpass off a Hobus serve for a 7-3 advantage. Mexico scored twice out of a timeout before Tomkinson handled a short serve and put a ball away on a feed from Wright. An ace capped a 5-1 Mexico run that tied the set at 8-8, leading the U.S. to take its first timeout. Tomkinson scored again followed by a Wright block as part of a double block with Thorne. Mexico scored the following point and had a swing to tie the set, but a Pasteur block shut down that attack.

A diving Gooch dig that led to a Hobus kill gave the U.S. a 13-11 lead. A great up by Pasteur set himself up for a kill after a set from Wright and a 15-13 advantage. A Mexico block evened the set at 16-16 before Pasteur put the U.S. back ahead and Foley came in to serve for two points, one on a Thorne block, for a three-point U.S. lead. After a Mexico point, the U.S. moved back ahead by four points for the first time since early in the set on a Thorne kill and a Mexico hitting error. Thorne scored his fifth point of the set for a 23-19 lead. A great up by Pasteur on a difficult serve combined with a Rogers kill gave the U.S. set point, which it immediately converted on a Tomkinson block. Pasteur joined Thorne in scoring five points on four kills and a block.

Rogers drilled a ball off the block to put the U.S. up 7-4 in the third set. A Thorne kill and another Tomkinson block extended the lead to four points, 11-7. Thorne extended his serving run to three points on a Rogers kill high off the double block and a Hobus block. Jacob Reilly came in to serve, not wearing the libero jersey, and a Mexico hitting error raised the margin to seven points, 15-8, causing Mexico to take a timeout. Wright put down a first ball for a 17-10 lead and the lead grew to eight, 19-11, when Mexico committed a hitting error after a great up on a tough Wright serve. Thorne’s third block of the match put the U.S. up 21-12. The U.S. earned match point when Rogers scored on a set from Hobus after a block cover from Pasteur and completed the victory on a Tomkinson block, keeping his streak alive of recording at least four blocks in each match he has played in the tournament.

U.S. Men’s Pan Am Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
3 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
6 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
9 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Micah Wong Diallo (MB, 6-9, Los Angeles, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida)
25 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
27 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
28 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Southern California Southern Nevada)
30 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach: Andy Read
Assistant Coach: David Lee
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy
Performance Analyst/Team Manager:  Ethan Jenkins
Physiotherapist: Emma Stratmoen

2026 Pan Am Cup Schedule
(All times PDT)

Aug. 9: USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-15, 26-24, 25-14)
Aug. 11: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-21, 26-24, 25-18)
Aug. 12: USA def. Trinidad and Tobago, 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-14)
Aug. 13: Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 34-32)
Aug. 14: Quarterfinals:  USA vs. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (23-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-13)
Aug. 15: Semifinals: USA vs. Mexico, 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-16)
Aug. 16: Gold Medal Match: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 4:30 p.m.

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 15, 2026) – In its first appearance in the FIVB Girls U17 World Championship, the U.S. Girls U17 National Team will be playing for a gold medal after dispatching the 2024 Girls U17 gold medalists China, 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-18). The U.S. has not lost a set in the championship in eight matches.

The U.S. (8-0) will play for gold tomorrow at 4 p.m. PT against the winner of the second semifinal match between Chinese Taipei and Türkiye.

The U.S. offense was dominant, finishing with a 44-19 advantage in kills. The U.S. also held significant advantages in blocks (9-2) and service aces (9-3).

Opposite Kari Knotts paced the U.S. with 19 points, 18 kills and a block, with outside hitter Maya Ogbogu also reaching double digits with 15 points on 12 kills and three aces. Middle blocker Maija Mortensen recorded six blocks, equaling the total of every other player combined, and added three kills for nine points.

Setter Ellie Enger scored five points on two kills, two blocks and an ace, while running the efficient U.S. offense that hit at a .326 hitting efficiency clip for the match. Middle blocker Madlen Gloessner totaled eight points on four kills, one block and a trio of aces. Outside Julia Masselink finished with six points on five kills and an ace. Libero Brynli Burgess posted a match-best 16 kills and led the U.S. with four excellent receptions.

Gloessner scored on a slide and Knotts scored to put the U.S. up 8-5 to start the match. A kill by Ogbogu and a Mortensen block pushed the lead to four points, 10-6. Ogbogu served a pair of aces around her own kill for a 14-8 U.S. advantage. Another Ogbogu kill gave the U.S. a 19-11 lead and she scored off the block for a double-digit lead, 21-11. A Gloessner ace gave the U.S. set point and Knotts ended the set with a kill. Gloessner and Ogbogu (three kills and two aces) and Knotts (five kills) all scored five points.

A block and kill by Mortensen helped the U.S. move out in front 5-2 in the second set. China could not get past the doube block of Enger and Gloessner, and Masselink followed with a crosscourt kill for an 8-3 lead. A kill and ace from Ogbogu doubled up the score, 14-7. Knotts found the back of the court for an 18-9 U.S. advantage. An Enger block pushed the lead to 20-11 and after China scored the next two points, Ogbogu and Knotts each scored off the block for a 22-13 lead. Knotts tooled the block again to give the U.S. a 23-13 lead and she scored off a set from Burgess to give the U.S. a two-set advantage. Knotts delivered eight kills in the set.

A Knotts ace cut the China third-set lead to 5-4 and a Gloessner kill again cut the deficit to one, 7-6. After China raised the lead to three, Ogbogu scored down the line and Gloessner served an ace off the net to cut the lead to one point again, 9-8.

The U.S. used a three-point run to take its first lead, 14-13, behind a Masselink tip off the block, a Gloessner block and an Enger kill on an overpass. A setter dump from Enger and a kill from Ogbogu gave the U.S. its first two-point lead of the set, 16-14. A Mortensen block raised the margin to three points, 19-16. A China block cut the deficit to one, 19-18. An Ogbogu kill started the U.S. on a decisive 5-0 run that included back-to-back Mortensen blocks. Knotts produced a kill to end the match and send the U.S. to the gold medal match. Ogbogu recorded six kills in the set.

Roster for World Championship

No., Name (Position, Height, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
3 Lexi Coleman  (PIN, 6-0, Northville, Mich., South Lyon East HS, Lakeshore)
5 Kaelyn Easton (S, 5-11, Saline, Mich., Mercy HS, Lakeshore)
6 Ellie Enger (S, 6-1, Forest City, Fla., Orangewood Christian HS, Florida)
7 Madlen Gloessner (MB, 6-5, Denver, Colo., Lakewood HS, Rocky Mountain)
8 Kari Knotts (PIN, 6-3, Marietta, Ga., The Lovett School, Southern)
9 Grace Hengler (L, 5-6, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas)
11 Taylor Johnson (PIN, 6-0, Plano, Texas, Hebron HS, North Texas)
13 Julia Masselink (PIN, 6-2, Sioux Falls, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
15 Madison Middleton (MB, 6-1, Roswell, Ga., St. Francis HS, Southern)
16 Maya Ogbogu (PIN, 6-0, Parker, Texas, Allen HS, North Texas)
19 Brynli Burgess (L, 5-9, Van Alstyne, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
24 Maija Mortensen (MB, 6-3, Draper, Utah, Corner Canyon HS, Intermountain)
26 Peyton Smith (PIN, 6-0, Arlington, Texas, Duncanville HS, North Texas)
28 Kaya Young (MB, 6-3, Rockville, Md., Kaiserslautern HS)

Coaches

Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (NTDP)
Assistant Coach: Amir Lugo-Rodriguez (SC Rockstar/Long Beach State men’s volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Laura “Bird” Kuhn (MLV)
Performance Analysts: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M – domestic leg), Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club – international leg)
Athletic Trainer/Team Doctor: Madison Hauge (domestic leg), Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic – international leg)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT
Matches are on Volleyball World YouTube

August 6: USA def. Egypt, 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-17)
August 7: USA def. Türkiye, 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-16)
August 8: USA def. Chile, 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-19)
August 10: USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 25-16)
August 11: USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-17)
August 12: Round of 16: USA def. Argentina, 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-15)
August 14: Quarterfinals: USA def. Italy, 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 26-24)
August 15: Semifinals: USA def. China, 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-18)
August 16: Gold Medal Match: USA vs. Chinese Tapei/Türkiye, 6 p.m.

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Ellie Enger (Photo by Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 13, 2026) – The U.S. Girls U17 National Team swept Italy, 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 26-24) on Friday in the quarterfinal round of the 2026 FIVB Girls U17 World Championship in Czechia in Santiago, Chile. The win guarantees that the U.S., which extended its set winning streak to 21, will play for a medal in its first appearance in the U17 World Championship.

The U.S. advances to the semifinals tomorrow against the winner of the quarterfinal match between China and Croatia.

The U.S. served 13 aces while yielding just one, while holding advantages in kills (39-29) and blocks (7-3).

Opposite Kari Knotts served six aces and also finished with match-best totals of 11 kills and 18 points, adding a block and five digs. She did not commit an error on 20 swings, hitting at a .550 efficiency percentage. Setter Ellie Enger scored five points on three kills, a block and an ace, while running the offense to a .410 hitting percentage.

Outside hitter Maya Ogbogu registered a match-high three blocks to go with nine kills and an ace for 13 points. Outside Julia Masselink rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points on eight kills, two blocks and an ace. Middle blocker Maija Mortensen totaled seven points on five kills and two aces with Madlen Gloessner finishing with three kills and an ace for four points.

The U.S. took a 10-5 lead in the first set with Italy committing five errors before taking a timeout. An Ogbogu kill and a crosscourt score from Knotts made it 12-6. Masselink delivered a kill that doubled up the score, 16-8. A hitting error pushed the lead to double digits, 19-9. A kill and ace by Knotts sandwiched a Gloessner block for a 23-9 lead. A setter dump by Enger and a Masselink ace ended the set. Knotts scored eight points on three kills, a block and four aces. Masselink added six points on four kills, a block and an ace.

Two Knotts kills and another ace helped put the U.S. in front 11-7. Ogbogu produced a kill to stretch the lead to five points. Three consecutive blocks, including one by Masselink when Italy had a swing to cut the lead to two points, to take a 16-10 lead. Masselink put away an overpass for an eight-point advantage, 19-11. A Gloessner scored on an overpass and another Knotts ace advanced the lead to 22-13. Italy continued to struggle with Knotts’ strong serving as Masselink scored on an overpass off the serve for set point at 24-13. After Italy saved two points, Enger scored to give the U.S. a two-set lead.

Another Knotts kill followed by a Masselink off-speed shot to the middle back of the court gave the U.S. a 6-1 lead in the third set. A Knotts kill and an Ogbogu ace put the U.S. up 13-7 and force and Italy timeout. Gloessner scored on a slide for a 15-8 lead before Italy ran off four points in a row to pull within three points. After a timeout, Knotts scored down the line for a 16-12 advantage. Italy pulled within a point, 16-15, but Enger scored the next two points on a setter dump and a block to put the U.S. back up by three. Italy cut the deficit to one point at 18-17 and 19-18, but Ogbogu delivered a kill each time, the second after a great save by Enger kept a rally going. A Masselink block put the U.S. ahead 21-18. The U.S. moved ahead 23-20 on a Coleman ace and earned match point, 24-21, on a Knotts kill.

Another Knotts kill followed by a Masselink off-speed shot to the middle back of the court gave the U.S. a 6-1 lead in the third set. A Knotts kill and an Ogbogu ace put the U.S. up 13-7 and force and Italy timeout. Gloessner scored on a slide for a 15-8 lead before Italy ran off four points in a row to pull within three points. After a timeout, Knotts scored down the line for a 16-12 advantage. Italy pulled within a point, 16-15, but Enger scored the next two points on a setter dump and a block to put the U.S. back up by three. Italy cut the deficit to one point at 18-17 and 19-18, but Ogbogu delivered a kill each time, the second after a great save by Enger kept a rally going. A Masselink block put the U.S. ahead 21-18. The U.S. moved ahead 23-20 on a Lexi Coleman ace and earned match point, 24-21, on a Knotts kill. Italy staved off three match points before a Knotts kill and a Masselink ace off the tape secured the semifinal spot for the U.S.

2026 U.S. Girls U17 National Team Roster for World Championship

No., Name (Position, Height, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
3 Lexi Coleman  (PIN, 6-0, Northville, Mich., South Lyon East HS, Lakeshore)
5 Kaelyn Easton (S, 5-11, Saline, Mich., Mercy HS, Lakeshore)
6 Ellie Enger (S, 6-1, Forest City, Fla., Orangewood Christian HS, Florida)
7 Madlen Gloessner (MB, 6-5, Denver, Colo., Lakewood HS, Rocky Mountain)
8 Kari Knotts (PIN, 6-3, Marietta, Ga., The Lovett School, Southern)
9 Grace Hengler (L, 5-6, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas)
11 Taylor Johnson (PIN, 6-0, Plano, Texas, Hebron HS, North Texas)
13 Julia Masselink (PIN, 6-2, Sioux Falls, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
15 Madison Middleton (MB, 6-1, Roswell, Ga., St. Francis HS, Southern)
16 Maya Ogbogu (PIN, 6-0, Parker, Texas, Allen HS, North Texas)
19 Brynli Burgess (L, 5-9, Van Alstyne, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
24 Maija Mortensen (MB, 6-3, Draper, Utah, Corner Canyon HS, Intermountain)
26 Peyton Smith (PIN, 6-0, Arlington, Texas, Duncanville HS, North Texas)
28 Kaya Young (MB, 6-3, Rockville, Md., Kaiserslautern HS)

Coaches

Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (NTDP)
Assistant Coach: Amir Lugo-Rodriguez (SC Rockstar/Long Beach State men’s volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Laura “Bird” Kuhn (MLV)
Performance Analysts: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M – domestic leg), Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club – international leg)
Athletic Trainer/Team Doctor: Madison Hauge (domestic leg), Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic – international leg)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT
Matches are on Volleyball World YouTube

August 6: USA def. Egypt, 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-17)
August 7: USA def. Türkiye, 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-16)
August 8: USA def. Chile, 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-19)
August 10: USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 25-16)
August 11: USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-17)
August 12: Round of 16: USA def. Argentina, 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-15)
August 14: Quarterfinals: USA def. Italy, 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 26-24)
August 15: Semifinals: USA vs. China/Croatia, TBD
August 16: Medal Match

Stories

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(Photo by NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 13, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team suffered its first loss of the 2026 NORCECA Pan American Cup, 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 34-32) to Canada, on Thursday night in Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico.

The U.S. (3-1) will play in the quarterfinal round tomorrow at 5 p.m. PT against an opponent still to be determined. Canada received a bye into Saturday’s semifinals.

Each team recorded 32 kills with the U.S. serving one more ace (4-3). Canada led 10-7 in blocks and most significantly, made 13 fewer errors (39-26), including seven fewer in the third set.

Outside hitter Patrick Rogers led all players with 11 kills and shared match-high honors with 13 points, adding a block and an assist. Middle blocker Parker Tomkinson led the team with four blocks and finished with eight points. Jackson Cryst (four kills, one block), Kainoa Wade (five kills) and Sean Kelly (four kills, one ace) each scored five points.

Setter Tread Rosenthal contributed a kill, a block and an ace. He also paced the team with nine kills. Jacob Pasteur recorded a kill and an ace, while Kyle Hobus produced two kills. Libero Jacob Reilly led the way in excellent receptions with seven followed by Rogers with five.

The teams exchanged the first six points of the match before Rogers gave the U.S. its first lead, 4-3. A Rosenthal block and a Kelly kill on a rally that featured an incredible dig by Wade gave the U.S. an 8-6 lead. A block gave Canada its first two-point lead, 15-13, the first time either team put together three consecutive points. Canada scored five points in a row for a 21-15 lead. Pasteur came in to serve and immediately delivered an ace to cut the deficit to four points, 22-18. Canada earned set point by scoring the next two points and took the set in spite of the U.S. saving one set point on the seventh kill of the set for Rogers.

Canada jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the second set. A Kelly kill off a Rosenthal dig brought the U.S. within a point, 4-3, but Canada regained its three-point advantage, 7-4, on an ace. Another ace pushed the margin to five points, 11-6, before a Tomkinson kill and Cryst block cut the deficit to three. A Pasteur kill and Kelly ace brought the U.S. within two points, 14-12. The U.S. did not get any closer than two points as Canada took a two-set lead.

Rosenthal started the third set with an ace and kills by Cryst and Tomkinson gave the U.S. its first two-point lead, 4-2, since 8-6 in the opening set. Back-to-back Tomkinson blocks helped push the U.S. lead to four points, 9-5. The lead doubled, 12-6, on kills from Cryst and Wade. Canada used a 7-3 spurt to cut the deficit back to two points, 15-13. Another Tomkinson block increased the U.S. lead to four, 18-14, but Canada scored the next two points to prompt a U.S. timeout. Rogers scored for a 19-16 U.S. lead and two points later, both Rosenthal and Cryst went to put away an overpass with Rosenthal ending up shaken up on the Canada side of the net. A Canada block evened the set at 20 apiece.

A Cryst kill and Rogers ace put the U.S. up 22-20 but a pair of U.S. errors out of a timeout tied the set again. Canada took its first lead of the set, 23-22, before Rogers delivered an off-balance kill. The teams split the next two points before Canada earned its second match point with a block. Hobus saved match point and the teams traded service errors. Cryst scored on a give-and-go to save another match point and tie the set at 27-27. Rogers scored off the block to save a fourth match point. The teams exchanged errors before Canada earned its sixth match point, but a service error tied the set at 30 each. After the teams traded errors, Canada scored off the block for a 32-31 lead, but a Rogers kill kept the match going. Two U.S. errors ended the match. Rogers (three kills, one block, one ace) and Tomkinson (two kills, three blocks) scored five points apiece.

U.S. Men’s Pan Am Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
3 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
6 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
9 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Micah Wong Diallo (MB, 6-9, Los Angeles, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida)
25 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
27 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
28 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Southern California Southern Nevada)
30 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach: Andy Read
Assistant Coach: David Lee
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy
Performance Analyst/Team Manager:  Ethan Jenkins
Physiotherapist: Emma Stratmoen

2026 Pan Am Cup Schedule
(All times PDT)

Aug. 9: USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-15, 26-24, 25-14)
Aug. 11: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-21, 26-24, 25-18)
Aug. 12: USA def. Trinidad and Tobago, 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-14)
Aug. 13: Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 34-32)
Aug. 14: USA vs. TBD, 5 p.m.
Aug. 15: Classification and Semifinals
Aug. 16: Classification and Medal Matches

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Kari Knotts (Photo by Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 12, 2026) – The U.S. Girls U17 National Team advanced to the quarterfinal round of the 2026 FIVB Girls U17 World Championship with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-15) win over Argentina in the Round of 16 on Wednesday night in Czechia in Santiago, Chile.

The tournament takes a day before quarterfinal play on Friday. The U.S. will meet Italy on Friday at 8 a.m. PT.

The U.S. finished with 47 kills to just 29 for Argentina and led 9-3 in aces and 7-5 in blocks.

Outside hitter Maya Ogbogu finished with match-highs of 13 kills and 16 points, while hitting .765 for the match with no errors in 17 total attacks. She was one of four U.S. players with two aces and added a block. Opposite Kari Knotts scored 15 points with 12 kills, a block and two aces. Outside Julia Masselink totaled 13 points on 12 kills and a block.

With Ellie Enger running the offense, the U.S. hit at a .457 efficiency percentage. She also contributed a kill, block and ace for three points. Middle blocker Madlen Gloessner scored nine points on six kills, two aces and a block. Fellow middle Maija Mortensen finished with six points on two kills, two blocks and two aces. Libero Brynli Burgess shared match-high honors with eight digs.

A Gloessner block capped a 6-1 U.S. start to the match that forced Argentina into an early timeout. Masselink scored on a crosscourt kill for an 8-2 lead and a Knotts ace made it 10-2. Argentina used two pancake digs in the same rally to pull within seven points, 12-5. A Knotts block put the U.S. ahead 17-9. After a timeout, Masselink put down an overpass, Mortensen served an ace and Ogbogu scored from the back row for a 20-9 advantage. Argentina went on a 6-1 run to cut the deficit to six points, prompting the U.S. to take a timeout. The U.S. scored the final four points of the set on a Taylor Johnson tip, a Gloessner kill off an overpass and a pair of Ogbogu points, the first on a block and the second on a kill. Knotts scored seven points on five kills, a block and an ace.

A Knotts ace gave the U.S. a 6-5 lead in the second set. Consecutive Knotts kills extended the lead to three, 11-8. Argentina scored the next three points, the third on an ace, to even the set. Knotts scored off the block and Ogbogu served an ace for a two-point U.S. lead. Back-to-back blocks ended a 5-1 run that gave Argentina a 16-14 lead. Ogbogu kills tied the set at 17 and 18. Another Ogbogu kill and an Argentina hitting error put the U.S. back in front, 21-20. Argentina scored the next two points but the U.S. tied the set when Enger handled a serve that hit the net and Knotts scored off the block. On the following play, Ogbogu made a one-handed dig and eventually scored on a back row attack for a 23-22 U.S. lead. Argentina errors gave the U.S. two of the final three points and a 2-0 match lead. Ogbogu scored eight points on seven kills and an ace and Masselink finished with six points on five kills and a block.

Gloessner put a ball down to give the U.S. an early 5-2 lead in the third set. Argentina came back to take an 8-7 lead, but the U.S. scored the next three points, keyed by a Gloessner ace and Argentina being unable to get past the double block of Enger and Mortensen. After a timeout, Gloessner served another ace to push the lead to three points. An outstanding dig by Burgess highlighted a defensive U.S. effort that led to an Argentina hitting error and a 13-9 U.S. advantage. A Mortensen block raised the margin to six points, 15-9, and forced the second Argentina timeout. The U.S. kept rolling behind Enger’s serving with a Mortensen kill pushing the lead to 17-9. Knotts scored on a cut shot to put the U.S. ahead 19-11. A Gloessner kill made it 22-14. A Mortensen block ended the match. Knotts delivered five kills in the set.

2026 U.S. Girls U17 National Team Roster for World Championship

No., Name (Position, Height, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
3 Lexi Coleman  (PIN, 6-0, Northville, Mich., South Lyon East HS, Lakeshore)
5 Kaelyn Easton (S, 5-11, Saline, Mich., Mercy HS, Lakeshore)
6 Ellie Enger (S, 6-1, Forest City, Fla., Orangewood Christian HS, Florida)
7 Madlen Gloessner (MB, 6-5, Denver, Colo., Lakewood HS, Rocky Mountain)
8 Kari Knotts (PIN, 6-3, Marietta, Ga., The Lovett School, Southern)
9 Grace Hengler (L, 5-6, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas)
11 Taylor Johnson (PIN, 6-0, Plano, Texas, Hebron HS, North Texas)
13 Julia Masselink (PIN, 6-2, Sioux Falls, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
15 Madison Middleton (MB, 6-1, Roswell, Ga., St. Francis HS, Southern)
16 Maya Ogbogu (PIN, 6-0, Parker, Texas, Allen HS, North Texas)
19 Brynli Burgess (L, 5-9, Van Alstyne, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
24 Maija Mortensen (MB, 6-3, Draper, Utah, Corner Canyon HS, Intermountain)
26 Peyton Smith (PIN, 6-0, Arlington, Texas, Duncanville HS, North Texas)
28 Kaya Young (MB, 6-3, Rockville, Md., Kaiserslautern HS)

Coaches

Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (NTDP)
Assistant Coach: Amir Lugo-Rodriguez (SC Rockstar/Long Beach State men’s volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Laura “Bird” Kuhn (MLV)
Performance Analysts: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M – domestic leg), Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club – international leg)
Athletic Trainer/Team Doctor: Madison Hauge (domestic leg), Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic – international leg)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT
Matches are on Volleyball World YouTube

August 6: USA def. Egypt, 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-17)
August 7: USA def. Türkiye, 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-16)
August 8: USA def. Chile, 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-19)
August 10: USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 25-16)
August 11: USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-17)
August 12: Round of 16: USA def. Argentina, 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-15)
August 14: Quarterfinals: USA vs. Italy, 8 a.m.
August 15: Semifinals and Playoffs
August 16: Medal matches and Playoffs

Stories

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Michael Wright and Cameron Thorne (Photo by NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 12, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Trinidad and Tobago, 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-14) on Wednesday to move to 3-0 at the 2026 NORCECA Pan American Cup in Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico.

The U.S. will conclude pool play against undefeated Canada tomorrow at 5 p.m. PT. The winner will finish first in Pool A and advanced directly to the semifinals on Saturday night.

The U.S. held substantial advantages in kills (37-17), blocks (9-4) and service aces (5-0).

The top five scorers in the match were all U.S. players, led by outside hitter Jacob Pasteur with 12 points on 10 kills, a block and an ace. Opposite Kyle Hobus also reached double digits with 11 points on nine kills, a block and an ace. Middle blockers Cameron Thorne and Micah Wong Diallo each produced five kills and three blocks with Thorne adding an ace.

Outside Sterling Foley finished the match with eight points on six kills, one block, and one ace, while adding four excellent receptions. Setter Michael Wright scored three points on two kills and an ace, while running the nearly unstoppable U.S. offense that hit at a .525 hitting efficiency percentage. Libero Jacob Reilly led all players with 11 digs and five excellent receptions.

A Wright ace and four Trinidad and Tobago errors gave the U.S. a 5-0 lead to begin the match. A Foley kill put the U.S. up 7-2. A Pasteur block and a strong dig from Foley led to a Hobus kill and a 14-6 advantage. Another Hobus kill and a block by Wong Diallo pushed the margin to nine points, 17-8. A Thorne block on a one-on-one stretched the lead to double digits, 19-9, and he followed with another block, the fifth of the set for the U.S. Thorne took a short serve and put a ball away on a perfect set from Wright for a 21-10 U.S. lead. Trinidad and Tobago was able to play a Thorne serve off the net only to get blocked by Wong Diallo for set point at 24-12 with the U.S. eventually taking the set on a service error. Wong Diallo and Thorne each scored four points, combining for five blocks.

Pasteur opened the scoring in the second set and then teamed with Wright to keep the next rally going. Pasteur recycled off the Trinidad and Tobago block that led to a Hobus kill. Thorne played a serve off the net and Wright fed Pasteur on a back row attack and crushed the ball. A Hobus ace and a Trinidad and Tobago error extended the lead to five points, 9-4. A Foley serve caused an overpass that Wright put away for an 11-5 lead. Trinidad and Tobago pulled within four points, 13-9, on a block. Using his high vertical leap, Wong Diallo scored over the block for a 15-10 lead. Back-to-back blocks by Foley and Hobus pushed the lead to seven points. After two Trinidad and Tobago blocks, the U.S. ran off three points in a row on kills by Pasteur and Thorne, followed by another Wright score off an overpass, this time on a Hobus serve. The U.S. earned set point on a Pasteur kill and Hobus scored off the block to finish the set. Hobus scored six points on four kills, a block and an ace with Pasteur adding five kills.

A great Reilly pass led to a Foley kill to open the third set. An up by Reilly off a tough serve and a one-handed set from Wright set up Foley for a kill and a 7-4 U.S. lead. Thorne put a ball away and Pasteur ended one of the longer rallies with a kill off the block for a 10-5 U.S. advantage. A Hobus kill extended the margin to six points, 14-8. The lead reached eight, 18-10, on another Hobus kill, a Thorne block, and a hitting error that forced Trinidad & Tobago to take a timeout. Thorne recorded another block out of the timeout to push the score to 19-10. Pasteur went crosscourt for a kill and Hobus raised the lead to double digits with a kill set up by a great dig from Hobus. A Thorne ace doubled up the score, 22-11. Pasteur bombed a serve for an ace to end the match, his fourth point of the set. Foley delivered four kills with Hobus and Thorne each scoring three points.

U.S. Men’s Pan Am Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
3 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
6 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
9 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Micah Wong Diallo (MB, 6-9, Los Angeles, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida)
25 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
27 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
28 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Southern California Southern Nevada)
30 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach: Andy Read
Assistant Coach: David Lee
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy
Performance Analyst/Team Manager:  Ethan Jenkins
Physiotherapist: Emma Stratmoen

2026 Pan Am Cup Schedule
(All times PDT)

Aug. 9: USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-15, 26-24, 25-14)
Aug. 11: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-21, 26-24, 25-18)
Aug. 12: USA def. Trinidad and Tobago, 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-14)
Aug. 13: USA vs. Canada, 5 p.m.
Aug. 14: Classification and Quarterfinals
Aug. 15: Classification and Semifinals
Aug. 16: Classification and Medal Matches

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 11, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team improved to 2-0 at the 2026 NORCECA Pan American Cup in Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico with a 3-0 (25-21, 26-24, 25-18) win over Puerto Rico on Tuesday.

The U.S. will continue pool play against Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow at 1 p.m. PT.

For the second time in as many Pan Am Cup matches, the U.S. controlled the middle with 11 blocks to just one for Puerto Rico. The U.S. led 41-30 in kills and served three of the four aces.

All six U.S. scorers totaled at least seven points. Setter Tread Rosenthal served all three of the team’s aces and recorded three blocks and three kills for nine points while leading the U.S. offense to an impressive .383 hitting efficiency percentage. Outside hitter Patrick Rogers led all scorers with 12 points on 11 kills and a block and also led all players with 11 excellent receptions. Libero Troy Gooch finished with 20 digs, nine more than the next-highest total, and added five successful receptions.

Outside Sean Kelly totaled 11 points on 10 kills and one block. Middle blocker Jackson Cryst (six kills, two blocks) and opposite Kainoa Wade (eight kills) each scored eight points. Cryst hit .750 for the match with his six kills without an error in eight attacks. Middle blocker Parker Tomkinson led the team in blocks again with four, giving him 12 in two matches, and added three kills for seven points.

Kelly scored on a back row attack to start a 3-0 stretch that gave the U.S. a 13-10 lead. A Tomkinson block made it 12-10 and Kelly followed with another kill, prompting a Puerto Rico timeout. Out of the timeout, Tomkinson recorded another block and Rosenthal scored on a setter dump after a strong Rogers serve forced Puerto Rico to put over a free ball. A great up by Rogers and a set from Gooch that resulted in an out-of-system kill from Wade gave the U.S. a four-point lead, 18-14. Puerto Rico scored five of the next seven points to pull within a point, 20-19, before a three-point run by the U.S. with a Rosenthal ace putting the lead back to four points. Puerto Rico took the set’s longest point of the set that featured great defense by the U.S., but Rogers pounded a ball into the backcourt for set point, which the U.S. converted two points later on a service error. Six players scored two or three points for the balanced U.S. attack.

Neither team led by more than a point in the second set until Puerto Rico used a five-point run to take a 11-7 lead. The only U.S. lead to that point was 6-5 when Cryst dug a ball that Rosenthal tried to set from the back row that ended up going over the net for a kill. The string of five points ended when Tomkinson put a ball down after two strong Puerto Rico digs on his earlier swings in the rally. A great up by Rogers on a tough serve and a strong dig from Wade led to a Tomkinson score to cut the deficit to four points, 13-9. A Kelly block brought the U.S. within three, 14-11.

After falling behind by five points, Cryst and Rogers scored and then another good Rosenthal serve forced a free ball that ended with Rogers scoring off the block to close the gap to two points, 16-14. Puerto Rico regrouped in its timeout and regained a four-point advantage, 18-14, that led the U.S. to call timeout. A Wade kill followed by consecutive blocks from Rogers and Rosenthal cut the lead to one, 19-18. The U.S. tied the set four times before finally taking the lead, 23-22, on a great Gooch dig and a backset from Rosenthal that Wade scored off. A Cryst block gave the U.S. set point 24-23. After Puerto Rico saved one set point, Kelly scored on a pipe attack and then Michael Wright floated a serve that played right into the block of Tomkinson to put the U.S. up two sets. Kelly, Rogers and Cryst combined for 12 kills and each recorded a block in the set.

A Rosenthal block put the U.S. ahead 9-5 in the third set. Kills by Rogers and Kelly gave the U.S. a 13-9 advantage that forced Puerto Rico to take a timeout. Rosenthal served another ace out of the timeout for a five-point margin. Kills by Cryst and Tomkinson in the middle put the U.S. up 17-12. A perfect setter dump by Rosenthal and a Puerto Rico hitting error restored a the five-point difference, 19-14, after Puerto Rico had pulled within three.

Puerto Rico scored three points in a row out of a timeout to cut the gap to two points, prompting a U.S. timeout. The U.S. returned the favor by scoring three in a row on a Cryst kill and two Puerto Rico errors. Wade tooled the block for a 23-18 lead and after a Puerto Rico hitting error, Rogers ended the match on a pipe attack, his fourth kill of the set. Rosenthal scored four points on a kill, a block and two aces.

U.S. Men’s Pan Am Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
3 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
6 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
9 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Micah Wong Diallo (MB, 6-9, Los Angeles, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida)
25 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
27 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
28 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Southern California Southern Nevada)
30 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach: Andy Read
Assistant Coach: David Lee
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy
Performance Analyst/Team Manager:  Ethan Jenkins
Physiotherapist: Emma Stratmoen

2026 Pan Am Cup Schedule
(All times PDT)

Aug. 9: USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-15, 26-24, 25-14)
Aug. 11: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-21, 26-24, 25-18)
Aug. 12: USA vs. Trinidad Tobago, 1 p.m.
Aug. 13: USA vs. Canada, 3 p.m.
Aug. 14: Classification and Quarterfinals
Aug. 15: Classification and Semifinals
Aug. 16: Classification and Medal Matches

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 11, 2026) – The U.S. Girls U17 National Team completed pool play with a 5-0 record, completing its preliminary round sweep with a 3-0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-17) victory over Czechia in Santiago, Chile on Tuesday. The U.S. has not dropped a set in the tournament.

The U.S. will meet Argentina in tomorrow’s Round of 16 at 5 p.m. PT.

The U.S. dominated in every aspect, registering 22 more kills (38-16), six more blocks (8-2) and five more service aces (9-4). The U.S. also finished with 10 more digs (35-25).

Opposite Kari Knotts was the only player to score in double digits with 16 points on a match-best 10 kills and four blocks, while being one of two players to serve two aces. Outside hitter Maya Ogbogu finished with nine points on six kills, one block and two aces, while recording a match-high five digs. Setter Ellie Enger contributed a kill and an ace while running the offense that hot at a .538 clip.

Outside hitter Lexi Coleman scored seven points on five kills, a block and an ace. Middle blocker Madlen Gloessner (four kills, one block, one ace) and outside Julia Masselink (five kills, one ace) each totaled six points. Maija Mortensen scored four points on two kills, one block and an ace.

Madison Middleton scored on a tip and teamed with Knotts for a double block that put the U.S. ahead 5-2 in the first set. Ogbogu followed with an ace that sent Croatia to take an early timeout. Masselink scored on an off-speed shot out of system and then served for three points, one on an ace, to up the lead to 11-4. Tips by Ogbogu and Knotts put the U.S. up 16-7. Mortensen scored to give the U.S. a double-digit advantage, 19-9. Knotts scored on a tip and Gloessner posted a block for a 23-10 lead. Two Czechia mistakes ended the set. Knotts scored six points five kills and a block with Masselink totaled five points on four kills and an ace.

Czechia took the first two-point lead of the second set, 5-3, on an ace. Gloessner scored to bring the U.S. within a point before a great Burgess dig led to a Ogbogu crosscourt kill that evened the set at 7-7. A great up by Enger on a serve that dribbled off the net kept a rally alive and led to an Ogbogu kill for a 9-9 tie. Another Ogbogu kill and a Czechia hitting error gave the U.S. its first two-point lead of the set, 11-9. Knotts scored down the line for a 14-11 advantage. A one-handed up by Gloessner led to Masselink putting a ball down and on the following rally, Gloessner put away an overpass for a 17-12 lead. Knotts served for five consecutive points to stretch the margin to double digits. A Gloessner block and a Coleman ace off the tape gave the U.S. up two sets. Knotts paced the U.S. with six points on three kills, a block and two aces.

A Knotts kill off the block put the U.S. ahead 5-1 in the third set. An Enger setting dump made it 8-4 with an Ogbogu kill and Gloessner ace pushing the lead to five, 10-5. A Coleman block raised the margin to seven points, 14-7. Enger used a one-hand set on a ball at the net to feed Coleman, who scored for a 16-9 U.S. lead. Taylor Johnson scored on back-to-back plays for a 20-13 U.S. lead after Czechia had cut the deficit to five. A Czechia ace cut the margin back to five points, 21-16, before a Peyton Smith kill. Coleman scored off a set from Kaya Young to put the U.S. ahead 23-17. After a Czechia hitting error, Coleman ended the match with her third kill and fourth point of the set. Knotts also scored four points with two kills and two blocks.

2026 U.S. Girls U17 National Team Roster for World Championship

No., Name (Position, Height, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
3 Lexi Coleman  (PIN, 6-0, Northville, Mich., South Lyon East HS, Lakeshore)
5 Kaelyn Easton (S, 5-11, Saline, Mich., Mercy HS, Lakeshore)
6 Ellie Enger (S, 6-1, Forest City, Fla., Orangewood Christian HS, Florida)
7 Madlen Gloessner (MB, 6-5, Denver, Colo., Lakewood HS, Rocky Mountain)
8 Kari Knotts (PIN, 6-3, Marietta, Ga., The Lovett School, Southern)
9 Grace Hengler (L, 5-6, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas)
11 Taylor Johnson (PIN, 6-0, Plano, Texas, Hebron HS, North Texas)
13 Julia Masselink (PIN, 6-2, Sioux Falls, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
15 Madison Middleton (MB, 6-1, Roswell, Ga., St. Francis HS, Southern)
16 Maya Ogbogu (PIN, 6-0, Parker, Texas, Allen HS, North Texas)
19 Brynli Burgess (L, 5-9, Van Alstyne, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
24 Maija Mortensen (MB, 6-3, Draper, Utah, Corner Canyon HS, Intermountain)
26 Peyton Smith (PIN, 6-0, Arlington, Texas, Duncanville HS, North Texas)
28 Kaya Young (MB, 6-3, Rockville, Md., Kaiserslautern HS)

Coaches

Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (NTDP)
Assistant Coach: Amir Lugo-Rodriguez (SC Rockstar/Long Beach State men’s volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Laura “Bird” Kuhn (MLV)
Performance Analysts: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M – domestic leg), Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club – international leg)
Athletic Trainer/Team Doctor: Madison Hauge (domestic leg), Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic – international leg)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT
Matches are on Volleyball World YouTube

August 6: USA def. Egypt, 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-17)
August 7: USA def. Türkiye, 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-16)
August 8: USA def. Chile, 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-19)
August 10: USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 25-16)
August 11: USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-17)
August 12: Round of 16: USA vs. TBD, 2 p.m.
August 14: Quarterfinals and Playoffs
August 15: Semifinals and Playoffs
August 16: Medal matches and Playoffs

Stories

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the girls u17 team celebrates
Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 10, 2026) – The U.S. Girls U17 National Team won its fourth match in a row at the 2026 FIVB Girls U17 World Championship with a 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 25-16) win over Thailand on Monday in Santiago, Chile.

The U.S. (4-0) faces Czechia (3-0) in a key preliminary round matchup tomorrow at 11 a.m. PT.

The U.S. finished with large margins in kills (39-21) and blocks (12-4), while also recording four more service aces (9-5).

Outside hitter Julia Masselink served five aces in the opening set and finished with a match-high 17 points with 11 kills and a block. Outside Peyton Smith totaled 12 points on eight kills, a block and three aces. Opposite Kari Knotts also posted double-digits with 11 points on 10 kills and a block. Libero Brynli Burgess finished with 11 digs, followed by Smith with nine, Knotts with five and Masselink with four.

Middle blocker Maija Mortensen shared match-high honors with three blocks and delivered six kills for nine points. Middle Madison Middleton recorded three kills and two blocks for five points. Setter Ellie Enger led the U.S. offense to a .312 hitting efficiency percentage, while also sharing match-high honors with three blocks and adding a block for four points. Kaya Young contributed a block and an ace.

A Masselink kill gave the U.S. a 5-1 lead and another 5-1 run pushed the lead to 12-4. Mortensen scored twice in the later run with a block and a kill on a slide while Masselink served two aces. A second Thailand timeout did not stop the momentum with four more points pushing the advantage to 16-4 on a fifth Masselink ace. A Smith ace put the U.S. ahead 21-9. A Masselink kill gave the U.S. set point at 24-10 and two points later, Knotts kept a rally alive with a one-hand ball over the net and finished the set on a crosscourt kill. Masselink scored seven points on two kills and her five aces.

A block gave Thailand a 6-2 lead in the second set. Knotts and Masselink scored to cut the lead to two, but Thailand went up 9-4 with an ace capping a three-point stretch. Three Smith kills helped draw the U.S. within four points, 13-9, before three more Thailand points raised the margin to seven. A block by Knotts marked the third consecutive U.S. point that cut the lead to four points, 16-12. Knotts appeared to have a kill on the next rally, but a pancake dig led to a Thailand point. The U.S. scored the next two points with a hitting error cutting the deficit to three points and prompting a Thailand timeout.

Back-to-back Mortensen blocks tied the set at 17 apiece. Blocks by Enger and Mortensen gave the U.S. a 21-18 advantage. Mortensen scored off the block for a 22-19 lead. Blocks by Middleton and Enger put the U.S. ahead 24-20. Thailand scored the next point and tried to put down an overpass, but Masselink saved it with a one-arm dig and an eventual hitting error by Thailand ended the set. The U.S. finished with 10 blocks in the set, three by Enger and two from Mortensen. Smith led the team with five points on four kills and a block.

A Knotts kill off the block put the U.S. ahead 5-0 to start the third set and force an early Thailand timeout. Smith’s serving run continued for three more points with another Mortensen kill raising the score to 8-0. Thailand responded with a 7-3 run to cut the lead in half. An Enger setter dump put the U.S. ahead 14-8. Mortensen scored on an overpass for a 16-9 advantage. Knotts scored back-to-back points, the second off an overset, and Masselink put away an overpass for a 20-13 U.S. lead. A Middleton kill put the U.S. up 23-14 and a Masselink kill set up match point. Middleton scored on a slide to seal the victory. Knotts led the team with five kills and Masselink added four.

2026 U.S. Girls U17 National Team Roster for World Championship

No., Name (Position, Height, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
3 Lexi Coleman  (PIN, 6-0, Northville, Mich., South Lyon East HS, Lakeshore)
5 Kaelyn Easton (S, 5-11, Saline, Mich., Mercy HS, Lakeshore)
6 Ellie Enger (S, 6-1, Forest City, Fla., Orangewood Christian HS, Florida)
7 Madlen Gloessner (MB, 6-5, Denver, Colo., Lakewood HS, Rocky Mountain)
8 Kari Knotts (PIN, 6-3, Marietta, Ga., The Lovett School, Southern)
9 Grace Hengler (L, 5-6, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas)
11 Taylor Johnson (PIN, 6-0, Plano, Texas, Hebron HS, North Texas)
13 Julia Masselink (PIN, 6-2, Sioux Falls, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
15 Madison Middleton (MB, 6-1, Roswell, Ga., St. Francis HS, Southern)
16 Maya Ogbogu (PIN, 6-0, Parker, Texas, Allen HS, North Texas)
19 Brynli Burgess (L, 5-9, Van Alstyne, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
24 Maija Mortensen (MB, 6-3, Draper, Utah, Corner Canyon HS, Intermountain)
26 Peyton Smith (PIN, 6-0, Arlington, Texas, Duncanville HS, North Texas)
28 Kaya Young (MB, 6-3, Rockville, Md., Kaiserslautern HS)

Coaches

Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (NTDP)
Assistant Coach: Amir Lugo-Rodriguez (SC Rockstar/Long Beach State men’s volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Laura “Bird” Kuhn (MLV)
Performance Analysts: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M – domestic leg), Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club – international leg)
Athletic Trainer/Team Doctor: Madison Hauge (domestic leg), Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic – international leg)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT
Matches are on Volleyball World YouTube

August 6: USA def. Egypt, 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-17)
August 7: USA def. Türkiye, 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-16)
August 8: USA def. Chile, 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-19)
August 10: USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 25-16)
August 11: USA vs. Czechia, 11 a.m.
August 12: Round of 24 and Round of 16
August 14: Quarterfinals and Playoffs
August 15: Semifinals and Playoffs
August 16: Medal matches and Playoffs

Stories

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The U.S. Men's National Team celebrates a win
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 9, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team got off to a strong start at the 2026 NORCECA Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-15, 26-24, 25-14) victory over Costa Rica on Sunday in Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico.

The U.S. will have a day off before meeting Puerto Rico at 3 p.m. PT on Tuesday.

The U.S. recorded 16 blocks in the match (to just three for Costa Rica) with middle blocker Parker Tomkinson posting half of his team’s blocks. The U.S. finished with nearly double the number of kills (38-20) and served all three aces in the match.

Tomkinson finished with a match-high 15 points, contributing six kills and an ace to his eight blocks. Outside hitter Sean Kelly totaled 11 points on nine kills, a block and an ace. Middle blocker Cameron Thorne rounded out the double-digit scorers with six kills and four blocks.

Libero Troy Gooch recorded a match-high 12 digs and finished with six excellent receptions, second only to Kelly’s seven. Opposite Kyle Hobus scored eight points on seven kills and a block. Setter Tread Rosenthal led the team to a .368 hitting efficiency percentage while scoring five points on two kills, two blocks and an ace. Outside hitters Jacob Pasteur (four) and Patrick Rogers (three) combined for seven kills.

The U.S. scored the first three points of the match behind a Thorne kill and a Rosenthal ace. The lead grew to four points, 6-2, on a Hobus kill. Costa Rica was within three points, 10-7, when the U.S. scored four points in a row with Pasteur recording a pair of kills. A Tomkinson kill and block followed by a Rosenthal block pushed the lead to 19-11. A Kelly kill in between a Thorne kill and block raised the advantage to double digits, 23-13. Another Thorne kill, his fifth point of the set, made it 24-14 and two points later, Pasteur ended the set. Hobus (four kills) and Rosenthal (two kills, a block and an ace) each scored four points.

Blocks by Hobus and Kelly helped stake the U.S. to a 4-0 lead in the second set before Costa Rica battled back to tie the set 9-9. Costa Rica took a 13-11 lead before a service error and Thorne block tied the set back up. A four-point Costa Rica stretch forced the U.S. to take a timeout, down 17-13. A Rogers kill and a Kelly kill set up by a diving dig from Hobus cut the lead to two, 19-17. After a Costa Rica timeout, Tomkinson scored back-to-back points on a kill and a block to square the set. Costa Rica regained its two-point lead, 23-21, before serving a ball that went off the net before falling out of bounds and Rogers tied the set 23-23.

On the following play, a miscommunication appeared to cause the ball to be going out of bounds, but Rogers made a phenomenal save and Gooch sent the ball over the net. Costa Rica’s ensuing attack was blocked by Thorne to give the U.S. set point. Costa Rica scored on the next play but then served well beyond the end line to give the U.S. a second set point. The U.S. took a 2-0 match lead on Tomkinson’s second block of the set and third of the match. Kelly led the U.S. with six points on five kills and a block.

Consecutive Tomkinson kills put the U.S. out in front, 9-5, and started a five-point run that ended with another Tomkinson block, this time as part of a triple block. Thorne pounded a ball down to the middle of the court to give the U.S. a 16-7 advantage. Three strong serves from Kainoa Wade doubled the U.S. lead, 22-11, as Tomkinson recorded two more blocks and Wade scored on a tip. Costa Rica scored the next three points before the U.S. finished the match with a three-point run of its own. Tomkinson’s fifth block of the set gave the U.S. match point and Kelly put down an overpass to complete the victory. Tomkinson scored nine points in the set, adding three kills and an ace to his five blocks.

U.S. Men’s Pan Am Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
3 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
6 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
9 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Micah Wong Diallo (MB, 6-9, Los Angeles, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida)
25 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
27 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
28 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Southern California Southern Nevada)
30 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach: Andy Read
Assistant Coach: David Lee
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy
Performance Analyst/Team Manager:  Ethan Jenkins
Physiotherapist: Emma Stratmoen

2026 Pan Am Cup Schedule
(All times PDT)

Aug. 9: USA def. Costa Rica, (25-15, 26-24, 25-14)
Aug. 11: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 3 p.m.
Aug. 12: USA vs. Trinidad Tobago, 1 p.m.
Aug. 13: USA vs. Canada, 3 p.m.
Aug. 14: Classification and Quarterfinals
Aug. 15: Classification and Semifinals
Aug. 16: Classification and Medal Matches

Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 9, 2026) – The U.S. Boys U17 National Team saved its best for last at the 2026 NORCECA Boys U17 Pan American Cup, earning the bronze medal with an impressive 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-19) victory over Mexico on Sunday in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

The U.S. hit at a .500 efficiency percentage for the match with 52 kills and just 10 errors in 84 total attacks, finishing with 14 more kills than Mexico. The U.S. also led 8-2 in blocks with each team serving two aces.

“We were pretty disappointed after our loss yesterday to Venezuela. It’s always a hard thing to have to bounce back from when you have a shot to play for a gold medal. We had to regroup and we went back to the hotel, had some meetings, watched some video and got the guys ready for today,” said U.S. Boys U17 head coach Mike Wall. “They were fantastic. They showed up and were steady. They had great energy and when you go through these journeys, it’s always good to take home some hardware. I’m proud of the boys for doing something that is really hard and that’s coming back after a tough loss and winning the bronze medal.”

Outside hitter Gabe Desiderio led all players with 21 kills and 23 points and was one of four U.S. players with two blocks. In two matches against Mexico, Desiderio recorded 43 kills and 50 points. Opposite Jackson Real totaled 15 points on 13 kills and two blocks, while outside Sid Saikanth finished with 13 points on nine kills, two aces and both U.S. aces. Desiderio and Saikanth hit .500 for the match and Real hit .450.

Setter Carter Tchaikovsky ran the highly effective U.S. offense and added a kill. Libero Collin Tullis recorded match-bests of 18 excellent receptions and 12 kills. Middle blocker Nikodem Opiola scored seven points on five kills and two blocks with fellow middle Frankie Vincent adding three kills.

After the teams exchanged the first 14 points of the match, Saikanth served an ace, his fourth point in the early going, to give the U.S. its first lead, 8-7. Desiderio followed with a kill and a block for a three-point lead, prompting a Mexico timeout. Saikanth converted an off-speed back row attack to raise the margin to four points, 13-9. A kill from Real and a hitting error extended the lead to 15-10. Another Desiderio kill put the U.S. ahead 20-14 and a kill by Real stretched the advantage to seven points, 22-15. Real scored cross court for a 23-15 lead and later recorded his seventh kill to give the U.S. the set. Saikanth (six kills, one ace) also scored seven points.

Mexico scored four of the first five points of the second set and extended the lead to five, 8-3. Trailing 13-9, the U.S. ran off four consecutive points with Opiola starting the run with a kill and tying the set with a block, causing Mexico to take a timeout. A Saikanth kill gave the U.S. its first lead of the set, 15-14. A Desiderio kill put the U.S. ahead 19-17 and forced Mexico into its second timeout, capping a 10-4 run. Saikanth recorded a block and then a great up to set up a Desiderio kill for a 22-18 lead. Desiderio scored the final two U.S. points to finish with nine kills in the set and give the U.S. a two-set advantage.

Mexico ran out to a 6-3 lead in the third set, forcing an early U.S. timeout. A Saikanth block cut the deficit to two points, 7-5, and his ace put the U.S. back within a pair, 10-8. An Opiola kill and Desiderio block evened the score at 11 apiece. An Opiola kill and Mexico hitting error put the U.S. up by two points, 16-14, for the first time in the set. The teams exchanged the next eight points before the U.S. scored four points in a row to set up match point on two Desiderio kills and blocks from Opiola and Real. The U.S. converted match point on a serving error. Desiderio finished with nine points on eight kills and a block in the set.

2026 Boys U17 National Team Roster for Pan American Cup

No. (Name, Position, Height, Hometown, High School, USAV Region)
2 Logan Flores (OH, 6-1, Cypress, Calif., Cypress HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Collin Tullis (L, 6-2, Slidell, La., Seton Catholic Homeschooling, Southern)
4 Sid Saikanth (OH, 6-3, Leander, Texas, Rouse HS, Lone Star)
5 Dane Schaefer (S, 6-3, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Gabe Desiderio (OH, 6-6, Los Altos Hills, Calif., Saint Francis HS, Northern California)
10 Nikodem Opiola (MB, 6-5, Arlington Heights, Ill., Rolling Meadows HS, Great Lakes)
12 Carter Tchaikovsky (S, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Frankie Vincent (MB, 6-6, Schaumburg, Ill., Schaumburg High School, Great Lakes)
15 Noah Mbaitoloum (OH, 6-7, Rockville, Md., Winston Churchill HS, Chesapeake)
16 Jackson Real (OPP, 6-9, Irvine, Calif., San Clemente HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Nolan Barrett (MB, 6-7, Encinitas, Calif., La Costa Canyon HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
20 Louis “Lula” Kordus III (OH, 6-5, Los Altos, Calif., Homestead HS, Northern California)
21 Gavin McWaters (OPP, 6-8, Loveland, Ohio, Loveland HS, Ohio Valley)
24 Jonah Tuaniga (S, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Millikan HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Alternates
1 Nate Paige (L, 5-10, Wheaton, Ill., Wheaton Warrenville South HS, Great Lakes)
6 Paxon Boynton (L, 5-11, Mesa, Ariz., Mountain View, HS, Arizona Region)
7 Sean John (MB, 6-3, Mount Prospect, Ill., John Hersey HS, Great Lakes)
8 Tommy Clifford (OH, 6-5, Glen Ellyn, Ill., Glenbard West HS, Great Lakes)
11 Kekoa Wade (OPP, 6-5, Kailua, Hawaii, University Laboratory School, Aloha)
14 Jackson Vanderpool (MB, 6-6, Queen Creek, Arizona, Higley HS, Arizona Region)
17 Kellen Saurer (S, 6-8, Elgin, Ill., Wheaton Academy, Great Lakes)
19 Miles Crotty (MB, 6-3, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Grant Schmidt (OPP, 6-7, San Diego, Calif., Clairemont HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
23 Luis Tarja (OH, 6-7, Temecula, Calif., Temecula Valley HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
25 Dean Wagner (OH, 6-1, Irvine, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
26 Ryder Wilper (OH, 6-6, Golden, Colo., Ralston Valley HS, Rocky Mountain)

Coaches
Head Coach: Mike Wall (USA Volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State)
Assistant Coach: Tom Stillwell (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Beth Drayer (BD Movement)
Performance Analyst: Alex Hurlburt (The Volleyball Institute)
Team Lead: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)
Training Coach: Sean Byron (Daemen), Derek Sullivan (Belmont Abbey)
Mental Performance Coach: Mitzi Kincaid (Performance GRIT)

Schedule

All Times PT

August 4
USA def. Mexico, 3-2 (25-17, 18-25, 25-20, 24-26, 15-8)

August 5
USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-14, 25-23, 25-17)

August 6
Canada def, USA, 3-1 (19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 32-30)

August 7
Quarterfinals: USA def. Guatemala, 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-14)

August 8
Semifinals: Venezuela def. USA, 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 26-24)

August 9
Bronze Medal Match: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-19)

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 8, 2026) – The U.S. Boys U17 National Team will play for the bronze medal at the 2026 NORCECA Boys U17 Pan American Cup after a 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 26-24) semifinal loss to a scrappy Venezuela team in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

The U.S. (3-2) will play Mexico for the bronze medal tomorrow at 1 p.m. PT. The teams met in the opening match of the tournament with the U.S. prevailing in five sets. Mexico dropped its semifinal contest in five sets to Canada, forcing a fifth set after dropping the first two.

The U.S. recorded two more kills (40-38) and just one fewer block (7-6) with each team serving just one ace. The difference was Venezuela making nine fewer errors (30-21).

Outside hitter Gabe Desiderio led the team with 10 kills with middle blocker Nikodem Opiola using seven kills and three blocks to also score 10 points. Outside Sid Saikanth came off the bench to score seven points on four kills and three blocks. Middle blocker Frankie Vincent and opposite Gavin McWaters each produced five kills.

Libero Collin Tullis continued his strong play, recording match-best totals of 12 digs and 31 excellent receptions. Noah Mbaitoloum finished with four kills and middle Nolan Barrett added three. Logan Flores contributed a kill and served the only U.S. ace.

Three consecutive Venezuela errors gave the U.S. its first lead of the match, 8-7. Venezuela took a 13-10 lead, the first time either team led by three points, prompting a U.S. timeout. A Desiderio kill brought the U.S. within a point, 14-13, before Venezuela regained its three-point advantage. Trailing 20-16, the U.S. went on a 5-1 run to even the set keyed by a back row attack from Desiderio and a Flores ace. Venezuela scored the next two points on its way to taking the set. Desiderio paced the U.S. with five kills.

Two Desiderio kills helped the U.S. take a 5-2 lead in the second set. Venezuela’s fifth error of the set helped the U.S. move ahead 11-5. A Vincent kill put the U.S. up 14-9 before Venezuela scored three consecutive points to cut the deficit to two and force a U.S. timeout. A block on the first point out of the timeout brought Venezuela within a point. Desiderio scored off a set from Tuangia, who had just entered the match, and Opiola recorded a block to extend the lead back to three. Venezuela responded with a 5-0 run to take a 19-17 advantage. Saikanth entered the match and delivered a kill to cut the lead to one point. The U.S. would pull within a point again on a Mbaitoloum kill but could get no closer as Venezuela took a two-set lead. Desiderio led the U.S. with five kills.

Another Desiderio tied the third set 6-6. Venezuela took the lead and still led 12-9 when the U.S. went on a five-point surge behind a Barrett kill, a Saikanth block and three Venezuela errors. A Saikanth kill, his fourth point of the set, put the U.S. up 15-13. The teams exchanged the next six points before another Venezuela error put the U.S. up by three points for the first time in the set, sending Venezuela to a timeout. Another Saikanth block extended the lead to four points and two points later, McWaters scored down the line for a 21-17 lead. Venezuela used a 4-1 run to cut the deficit back to one point and cause the U.S. to take a timeout. Venezuela finished the match on a 5-2 run. Saikanth scored six points on three kills and three blocks.

2026 Boys U17 National Team Roster for Pan American Cup

No. (Name, Position, Height, Hometown, High School, USAV Region)
2 Logan Flores (OH, 6-1, Cypress, Calif., Cypress HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Collin Tullis (L, 6-2, Slidell, La., Seton Catholic Homeschooling, Southern)
4 Sid Saikanth (OH, 6-3, Leander, Texas, Rouse HS, Lone Star)
5 Dane Schaefer (S, 6-3, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Gabe Desiderio (OH, 6-6, Los Altos Hills, Calif., Saint Francis HS, Northern California)
10 Nikodem Opiola (MB, 6-5, Arlington Heights, Ill., Rolling Meadows HS, Great Lakes)
12 Carter Tchaikovsky (S, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Frankie Vincent (MB, 6-6, Schaumburg, Ill., Schaumburg High School, Great Lakes)
15 Noah Mbaitoloum (OH, 6-7, Rockville, Md., Winston Churchill HS, Chesapeake)
16 Jackson Real (OPP, 6-9, Irvine, Calif., San Clemente HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Nolan Barrett (MB, 6-7, Encinitas, Calif., La Costa Canyon HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
20 Louis “Lula” Kordus III (OH, 6-5, Los Altos, Calif., Homestead HS, Northern California)
21 Gavin McWaters (OPP, 6-8, Loveland, Ohio, Loveland HS, Ohio Valley)
24 Jonah Tuaniga (S, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Millikan HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Alternates
1 Nate Paige (L, 5-10, Wheaton, Ill., Wheaton Warrenville South HS, Great Lakes)
6 Paxon Boynton (L, 5-11, Mesa, Ariz., Mountain View, HS, Arizona Region)
7 Sean John (MB, 6-3, Mount Prospect, Ill., John Hersey HS, Great Lakes)
8 Tommy Clifford (OH, 6-5, Glen Ellyn, Ill., Glenbard West HS, Great Lakes)
11 Kekoa Wade (OPP, 6-5, Kailua, Hawaii, University Laboratory School, Aloha)
14 Jackson Vanderpool (MB, 6-6, Queen Creek, Arizona, Higley HS, Arizona Region)
17 Kellen Saurer (S, 6-8, Elgin, Ill., Wheaton Academy, Great Lakes)
19 Miles Crotty (MB, 6-3, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Grant Schmidt (OPP, 6-7, San Diego, Calif., Clairemont HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
23 Luis Tarja (OH, 6-7, Temecula, Calif., Temecula Valley HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
25 Dean Wagner (OH, 6-1, Irvine, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
26 Ryder Wilper (OH, 6-6, Golden, Colo., Ralston Valley HS, Rocky Mountain)

Coaches
Head Coach: Mike Wall (USA Volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State)
Assistant Coach: Tom Stillwell (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Beth Drayer (BD Movement)
Performance Analyst: Alex Hurlburt (The Volleyball Institute)
Team Lead: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)
Training Coach: Sean Byron (Daemen), Derek Sullivan (Belmont Abbey)
Mental Performance Coach: Mitzi Kincaid (Performance GRIT)

Schedule

All Times PT

August 4
USA def. Mexico, 3-2 (25-17, 18-25, 25-20, 24-26, 15-8)

August 5
USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-14, 25-23, 25-17)

August 6
Canada def, USA, 3-1 (19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 32-30)

August 7
Quarterfinals: USA def. Guatemala, 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-14)

August 8
Semifinals: Venezuela def. USA, 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 26-24)

August 9
Bronze Medal Match: USA vs. Mexico, 1 p.m.

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Maija Mortensen (FIVB)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 8, 2026) – The U.S. Girls U17 National Team won its third consecutive match at the 2026 FIVB Girls U17 World Championship in Santiago with a 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-19) victory over host Chile on Saturday night.

The tournament takes a day off tomorrow. The U.S. (3-0) will play Thailand (1-2) on Monday at 11 a.m. PT.

The U.S. dominated statistically with a 47-23 advantage in kills and 7-4 in blocks, while serving seven of eight aces.

Outside Taylor Johnson led all players with 14 points on 11 kills and a match-high three aces. Outside Lexi Coleman posted a match-high 12 kills and added a block for 13 points. Outside Peyton Smith rounded out the double-digit scorers with 12 points on 11 kills and a block. Smith shared team-high accolades with libero Brynli Burgess with 12 digs.

Middle blocker Maija Mortensen totaled seven points on four kills, a block and a pair of aces. Setter Ellie Enger (two kills, one block and one ace) and middle Madlen Gloessner (three kills, one block) scored four points apiece. Middle Kaya Young scored three points on two kills and a block, while middle Madison Middleton finished with two points on a kill and a block.

After dropping the opening point of the match, the U.S. took the lead for good in the set with four points in a row, two on back-to-back aces from Johnson. A Middleton block gave the U.S. a 6-3 lead. Consecutive kills by Johnson, one on a swing and another on a tip, put the U.S. up 10-7. The advantage grew to seven, 15-8, with Enger and Middleton connecting on a quick set and kill and Johnson serving another ace. Hengler served an ace for a 17-9 lead. A strong Burgess dig led to a Coleman kill and a 19-10 advantage. An Engler setter dump stretched the margin to double digits, 22-12. A Coleman block ended the set.

Smith began the second set with her fifth kill of the match. Middleton served for three points in a row for a 6-3 U.S. lead. She served an ace, forced an overpass that Coleman hit off the block, and Chile was unable to return her next serve. A great dig by Smith started a play that ended with a Coleman kill and a 9-4 U.S. lead. After Chile was unable to get past the U.S. double block and put over a free ball, Gloessner scored on a slide for a six-point lead, 11-5. Gloessner batted back an attempted tip on the next play, and she also gave the U.S. a double-digit advantage, 15-5, with a block. Another Coleman kill made the score 19-10. A great dig by Hengler led to a Gloessner kill and a Chile lift extended the margin back to double digits, 22-12. Chile went on an 8-1 run to pull within three points, 23-20. Kaelyn Easton scored on a second ball for the only U.S. point during that stretch. Johnson put a ball down for a 24-20 lead and two points later, Smith scored off the block. Coleman led the way with six kills in the set.

A pair of kills by Young staked the U.S. to a 3-0 lead in the third set. A Smith kill upped the lead to 6-1, forcing a Chile timeout. Smith scored two more times for an 9-2 lead. Middleton scored to push the U.S. lead to 12-3 before Chile ran off three points in a row. The U.S. doubled up the score, 14-7, on a Johnson kill. Chile scored the next four points to cut the deficit to three. A Mortensen block and a Coleman put down on an overpass put the U.S. up 20-14. Chile pulled within four points, 22-18, but the U.S. scored three of the final four points to take the match. Johnson and Smith each scored five points in the set.

2026 U.S. Girls U17 National Team Roster for World Championship

No., Name (Position, Height, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
3 Lexi Coleman  (PIN, 6-0, Northville, Mich., South Lyon East HS, Lakeshore)
5 Kaelyn Easton (S, 5-11, Saline, Mich., Mercy HS, Lakeshore)
6 Ellie Enger (S, 6-1, Forest City, Fla., Orangewood Christian HS, Florida)
7 Madlen Gloessner (MB, 6-5, Denver, Colo., Lakewood HS, Rocky Mountain)
8 Kari Knotts (PIN, 6-3, Marietta, Ga., The Lovett School, Southern)
9 Grace Hengler (L, 5-6, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas)
11 Taylor Johnson (PIN, 6-0, Plano, Texas, Hebron HS, North Texas)
13 Julia Masselink (PIN, 6-2, Sioux Falls, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
15 Madison Middleton (MB, 6-1, Roswell, Ga., St. Francis HS, Southern)
16 Maya Ogbogu (PIN, 6-0, Parker, Texas, Allen HS, North Texas)
19 Brynli Burgess (L, 5-9, Van Alstyne, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
24 Maija Mortensen (MB, 6-3, Draper, Utah, Corner Canyon HS, Intermountain)
26 Peyton Smith (PIN, 6-0, Arlington, Texas, Duncanville HS, North Texas)
28 Kaya Young (MB, 6-3, Rockville, Md., Kaiserslautern HS)

Coaches

Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (NTDP)
Assistant Coach: Amir Lugo-Rodriguez (SC Rockstar/Long Beach State men’s volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Laura “Bird” Kuhn (MLV)
Performance Analysts: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M – domestic leg), Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club – international leg)
Athletic Trainer/Team Doctor: Madison Hauge (domestic leg), Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic – international leg)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT
Matches are on Volleyball World YouTube

August 6: USA def. Egypt, 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-17)
August 7: USA def. Türkiye, 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-16)
August 8: USA def. Chile, 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-19)
August 10: USA vs. Thailand, 11 a.m.
August 11: USA vs. Czechia, 11 a.m.
August 12: Round of 24 and Round of 16
August 14: Quarterfinals and Playoffs
August 15: Semifinals and Playoffs
August 16: Medal matches and Playoffs

Stories

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Troy Gooch, Cam Thorne and Tread Rosenthal
Troy Gooch, Cam Thorne and Tread Rosenthal are all on the Pan Am Cup roster (Lisa Dietrich)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 8, 2026) – Fourteen Men’s National Team athletes are in Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico, for the 2026 NORCECA Pan American Cup, scheduled for Aug. 9-15.

The U.S. Men are in a pool with Canada, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and Trinidad Tobago, and kick off play Sunday, Aug. 9, at 3 p.m. PT against Costa Rica. The second pool consists of Cuba, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Mexico.

Under head coach Andy Read, the roster includes seven current collegiate athletes: Jackson Cryst, Sterling Foley, Sean Kelly, Kainoa Wade, Tread Rosenthal, Parker Tomkinson and Micah Wong Diallo. Patrick Rogers and Cam Thorne recently completed their college volleyball careers, while Troy Gooch, Kyle Hobus, Jacob Reilly and Micahel Wright (and Thorne) were all part of the 2025 Men’s Pan Am Cup team. Jacob Pasteur has been part of the Men’s National Team for the last two seasons.

David Lee and Reed Priddy, both 2008 gold medalists for the Men’s National Team, are the assistant coaches.

Last year, the U.S. Men finished sixth at the Pan Am Cup. The U.S. has won the event five times, most recently in 2012. The team finished second in 2024.

U.S. Men’s Pan Am Cup Roster

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
3 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
6 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
9 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Micah Wong Diallo (MB, 6-9, Los Angeles, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida)
25 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
27 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
28 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Southern California Southern Nevada)
30 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach: Andy Read
Assistant Coach: David Lee
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy
Performance Analyst/Team Manager:  Ethan Jenkins
Physiotherapist: Emma Stratmoen

2026 Pan Am Cup Schedule
(All times PDT)

Aug. 9: USA vs. Costa Rica, 3 p.m.
Aug. 11: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 3 p.m.
Aug. 12: USA vs. Trinidad Tobago, 1 p.m.
Aug. 13: USA vs. Canada, 3 p.m.
Aug. 14: Classification and Quarterfinals
Aug. 15: Classification and Semifinals
Aug. 16: Classification and Medal Matches

Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 6, 2026) – The U.S. Boys U17 National Team advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 NORCECA Boys U17 Pan American Cup in Guatemala City with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-14) win over host Guatemala on Friday.

The U.S. (3-1) will play Venezuela in tomorrow’s semifinal round at 7 p.m.

The U.S. offense dominated the match, hitting .470 for the match with 37 kills and only six errors in 66 attacks. Meanwhile, Guatemala was limited to 24 kills with the same number of errors. The U.S. also recorded nine blocks to only one for Guatemala and led 5-3 in service aces.

Outside hitter Sid Saikanth led all players with 14 points on 10 kills, a match-high three blocks and an ace. He hit .714 for the match without an error in 14 total attacks.

“I think it was a great fight between both teams. I’m just happy that USA came out on top and excited to move on to the semifinals,” Saikanth said.

Opposite Jackson Real also reached double digits with 12 points on nine kills, a pair of blocks and an ace. Libero Collin Tullis finished with a match-best 15 digs and led the U.S. with six excellent receptions. Saikanth added five excellent receptions and four digs.

Outside Logan Flores scored seven points on six kills without an error in nine attacks and one block. Middle blocker Nolan Barrett hit .500 with five kills and only one error on eight attacks, adding a block for six points. Middle Frankie Vincent scored five points on four kills and a block and setter Jonah Tuaniga scored five points on three kills and two aces in addition to running the highly effective U.S. offense.

Guatemala served an ace to take an early 5-2 lead in the match. Tuaniga put a second ball over to cut the deficit to one, 6-5. A Lula Kordus III ace evened the set at nine apiece and a Saikanth block gave the U.S. its first lead at 11-10. Real put away a backset from Tuaniga on the third U.S. swing of the rally for a 16-15 U.S. lead and a hitting error put the U.S. ahead by two points for the first time, prompting a Guatemala timeout. A Barrett block and another Real kill stretched the lead to four points. After another timeout, Tuaniga stretched his serving run to five points on a Real block and a Guatemala error that put the U.S. up 21-15. A Saikanth kill gave the U.S. a 24-18 lead and after Guatemala saved two set points, Vincent scored to give the U.S. the opening set. Real led all players with eight points on six kills and two blocks.

After the U.S. scored the first two points of the second set, the teams were tied 12 times before the U.S. regained a two-point lead, 15-13, on a Saikanth tip that landed in between the entire Guatemala defense. Barrett recorded a kill for an 18-14 lead and then Flores adjusted mid-air to score on a tip. A Tuaniga ace put the U.S. up by six and forced Guatemala to take a timeout. Saikanth scored off the block for a seven-point advantage, 22-15. The U.S. earned set point on a Real kill with Saikanth ending the set with fifth kill and seventh point of the set.

After falling behind 4-3 in the third set, the U.S. went on an 8-1 run behind the serving of Vincent and Tuaniga. Kills by Saikanth and Tuaniga followed by a Flores block put the U.S. ahead 9-5. Real and Barrett recorded kills on consecutive plays and a Tuaniga ace increased the lead to 15-6. A Flores kill and the 21st Guatemala hitting error capped a 14-2 U.S. run. A block by Dane Schaefer gave the U.S. an 18-8 advantage. A Flores kill and Vincent block extended the lead to 11 points, 20-9. Saikanth and Vincent kills gave the U.S. match point at 24-12. Guatemala fought off two match points before serving into the net. Flores and Vincent each scored four points on three kills and a block.

2026 Boys U17 National Team Roster for Pan American Cup

No. (Name, Position, Height, Hometown, High School, USAV Region)
2 Logan Flores (OH, 6-1, Cypress, Calif., Cypress HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Collin Tullis (L, 6-2, Slidell, La., Seton Catholic Homeschooling, Southern)
4 Sid Saikanth (OH, 6-3, Leander, Texas, Rouse HS, Lone Star)
5 Dane Schaefer (S, 6-3, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Gabe Desiderio (OH, 6-6, Los Altos Hills, Calif., Saint Francis HS, Northern California)
10 Nikodem Opiola (MB, 6-5, Arlington Heights, Ill., Rolling Meadows HS, Great Lakes)
12 Carter Tchaikovsky (S, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Frankie Vincent (MB, 6-6, Schaumburg, Ill., Schaumburg High School, Great Lakes)
15 Noah Mbaitoloum (OH, 6-7, Rockville, Md., Winston Churchill HS, Chesapeake)
16 Jackson Real (OPP, 6-9, Irvine, Calif., San Clemente HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Nolan Barrett (MB, 6-7, Encinitas, Calif., La Costa Canyon HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
20 Louis “Lula” Kordus III (OH, 6-5, Los Altos, Calif., Homestead HS, Northern California)
21 Gavin McWaters (OPP, 6-8, Loveland, Ohio, Loveland HS, Ohio Valley)
24 Jonah Tuaniga (S, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Millikan HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Alternates
1 Nate Paige (L, 5-10, Wheaton, Ill., Wheaton Warrenville South HS, Great Lakes)
6 Paxon Boynton (L, 5-11, Mesa, Ariz., Mountain View, HS, Arizona Region)
7 Sean John (MB, 6-3, Mount Prospect, Ill., John Hersey HS, Great Lakes)
8 Tommy Clifford (OH, 6-5, Glen Ellyn, Ill., Glenbard West HS, Great Lakes)
11 Kekoa Wade (OPP, 6-5, Kailua, Hawaii, University Laboratory School, Aloha)
14 Jackson Vanderpool (MB, 6-6, Queen Creek, Arizona, Higley HS, Arizona Region)
17 Kellen Saurer (S, 6-8, Elgin, Ill., Wheaton Academy, Great Lakes)
19 Miles Crotty (MB, 6-3, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Grant Schmidt (OPP, 6-7, San Diego, Calif., Clairemont HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
23 Luis Tarja (OH, 6-7, Temecula, Calif., Temecula Valley HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
25 Dean Wagner (OH, 6-1, Irvine, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
26 Ryder Wilper (OH, 6-6, Golden, Colo., Ralston Valley HS, Rocky Mountain)

Coaches
Head Coach: Mike Wall (USA Volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State)
Assistant Coach: Tom Stillwell (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Beth Drayer (BD Movement)
Performance Analyst: Alex Hurlburt (The Volleyball Institute)
Team Lead: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)
Training Coach: Sean Byron (Daemen), Derek Sullivan (Belmont Abbey)
Mental Performance Coach: Mitzi Kincaid (Performance GRIT)

Schedule

All Times PT

August 4
USA def. Mexico, 3-2 (25-17, 18-25, 25-20, 24-26, 15-8)

August 5
USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-14, 25-23, 25-17)

August 6
Canada def, USA, 3-1 (19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 32-30)

August 7
Quarterfinals: USA def. Guatemala, 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-14)

August 8
Semifinals: USA v. Venezuela, 7 p.m.

August 9
Medal match

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Photo by FIVB

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 7, 2026) – The U.S. Girls U17 National Team earned a 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-16) win over Türkiye on Friday at the 2026 FIVB Girls U17 World Championship in Santiago, Chile.

The U.S. (2-0) returns to play tomorrow against Chile at 5 p.m. PT.

The U.S. led in all statistical categories, 37-26 in kills, 11-4 in blocks and 8-3 in service aces. The U.S. made five fewer errors (19-14) and finished with one more dig (47-46).

Outside hitter Maya Ogbogu recorded five blocks, one more than Türkiye, and finished with eight kills and an ace for a match-best 14 points. Opposite Kari Knotts led all players with 11 kills, adding two aces for 13 points, and recorded nine digs.

“I give Team Türkiye credit for putting pressure on us from the start and allowing us to play good USA volleyball. We stuck together as a team during challenges, and I am excited to be Team USA through the rest of this tournament,” Knotts said.

Setter Ellie Enger scored seven points with five kills on five attacks, a block and an ace, while leading the offense to a .351 hitting efficiency percentage. Libero Brynli Burgess led all players with 13 digs and six successful receptions. Outside Julia Masselink served a match-high four aces to go with five kills for nine points. Middle blocker Maija Mortensen registered three blocks along with six kills for nine points. Middle Madison Middleton finished with four points on two kills and two blocks.

Türkiye scored the first five points of the match before the U.S. quickly cut the deficit to one, 6-5, behind a pair of Knotts kills and an Ogbogu ace. An Ogbogu block capped an 8-2 U.S. run for a 15-11 lead that forced a Türkiye timeout. Ogbogu scored three times in the run that included an ace from Masselink and a pancake from Knotts that kept a point alive that the U.S. eventually won with a block. The U.S. scored seven points in a row out of the timeout to double up Türkiye, 22-11, highlighted by a one-handed kill by Enger, who later ended the set with an ace. The U.S. finished the set on an 18-3 run. Ogbogu scored five points on three kills, one block and an ace.

The U.S. kept the momentum going, using a pair of blocks, to move ahead 4-0 and forcing an early Türkiye timeout. A Knotts kill and Middleton tip pushed the lead to five points, 6-1. Middleton ended two of the longer rallies with kills for a 9-3 U.S. advantage. A Masselink ace raised the margin to seven, 11-4. The U.S. kept scoring after a timeout with another Masselink ace and a Knotts kill on a back row attack set up by a great up from Burgess. Türkiye cut the lead back to six, 13-7, on one of the best plays of the match, using a kick and save from out of bounds to keep the rally alive and then scoring with a block.

Türkiye pulled within four points, 16-12, on an ace off the net. A Masselink kill and Knotts ace pushed the lead to 18-12. Enger scored on a second ball for a 21-14 U.S. lead. Türkiye saved two set points before Masselink ended the set with a crosscourt kill. Knotts scored six points on five kills and an ace with Masselink totaling five points on three kills and a pair of aces.

Ogbogu scored to open the third set, followed by scrambling U.S. defense on a rally that ended with a Mortensen block. Türkiye took its first lead since early in the opening set, 4-3. Two Enger kills and a Knotts ace put the U.S. up 7-4. Ogbogu put an overset down for a 9-6 lead and drilled a ball off a Türkiye defender for a 12-7 advantage. Knotts scored off the block for a 13-10 lead after Türkiye had cut the deficit to two points. Türkiye pulled within a point before Masselink put a ball down for a 14-12 lead. Türkiye scored the next two points to even the set for the first time since 4-4 and moved ahead 16-15 on a kill off an overpass.

After a timeout, the U.S. scored the next four points on a kill and block from Ogbogu and two Türkiye errors to move back ahead, 19-16. A Türkiye hitting error and Knotts score off the block moved the margin to five and forced Türkiye to take it second timeout in a three-point span. The U.S. finished the match by scoring the next four points with back-to-back blocks by Ogbogu and Middleton, a Türkiye hitting error and an ace from Masselink. Ogbogu finished with six points on four kills and two blocks.

2026 U.S. Girls U17 National Team Roster for World Championship

No., Name (Position, Height, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
3 Lexi Coleman  (PIN, 6-0, Northville, Mich., South Lyon East HS, Lakeshore)
5 Kaelyn Easton (S, 5-11, Saline, Mich., Mercy HS, Lakeshore)
6 Ellie Enger (S, 6-1, Forest City, Fla., Orangewood Christian HS, Florida)
7 Madlen Gloessner (MB, 6-5, Denver, Colo., Lakewood HS, Rocky Mountain)
8 Kari Knotts (PIN, 6-3, Marietta, Ga., The Lovett School, Southern)
9 Grace Hengler (L, 5-6, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas)
11 Taylor Johnson (PIN, 6-0, Plano, Texas, Hebron HS, North Texas)
13 Julia Masselink (PIN, 6-2, Sioux Falls, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
15 Madison Middleton (MB, 6-1, Roswell, Ga., St. Francis HS, Southern)
16 Maya Ogbogu (PIN, 6-0, Parker, Texas, Allen HS, North Texas)
19 Brynli Burgess (L, 5-9, Van Alstyne, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
24 Maija Mortensen (MB, 6-3, Draper, Utah, Corner Canyon HS, Intermountain)
26 Peyton Smith (PIN, 6-0, Arlington, Texas, Duncanville HS, North Texas)
28 Kaya Young (MB, 6-3, Rockville, Md., Kaiserslautern HS)

Coaches

Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (NTDP)
Assistant Coach: Amir Lugo-Rodriguez (SC Rockstar/Long Beach State men’s volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Laura “Bird” Kuhn (MLV)
Performance Analysts: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M – domestic leg), Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club – international leg)
Athletic Trainer/Team Doctor: Madison Hauge (domestic leg), Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic – international leg)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT
Matches are on Volleyball World YouTube

August 6: USA def. Egypt, 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-17)
August 7: USA def. Türkiye, 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-16)
August 8: USA vs. Chile, 5 p.m.
August 10: USA vs. Thailand, 11 a.m.
August 11: USA vs. Czechia, 11 a.m.
August 12: Round of 24 and Round of 16
August 14: Quarterfinals and Playoffs
August 15: Semifinals and Playoffs
August 16: Medal matches and Playoffs

Stories

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Carter Tchaikovsky sets up an attack during the 2026 NORCECA Boys U17 Pan American Cup
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 6, 2026) – The U.S. Boys U17 National Team dropped its final pool play match, 3-1 (19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 32-30) to Canada on Thursday at the 2026 NORCECA Boys U17 Pan American Cup in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

The U.S. (2-1) will play an opponent to be determined in the quarterfinal tomorrow at 3 p.m. PT.

The U.S. finished with a slight edge in kills (58-55) with both teams serving two aces. Canada finished with a 12-8 advantage in blocks and made two fewer errors (32-20).

“Unfortunately, we didn’t have the energy. We just could never really get it going, ” said U.S. head coach Mike Wall. “Our passing broke down a little bit. And then when things were on the line and it mattered most, Canada made those plays today. We didn’t, so you got to tip your hat to those guys. We’ll regroup and come back ready to play tomorrow.”

Outside hitter Noah Mbaitoloum scored at least five points in each set and finished as the match leader with 23 kills and 24 points, hitting .404 on 42 attacks and adding a block. Gabe Desiderio totaled 18 points on 15 kills, a block and both the U.S. aces. Middle blocker Nikodem Opiola also reached double digits with 11 points on nine kills.

Libero Collin Tullis posted match-highs of 18 digs and 17 excellent receptions. Setter Carter Tchaikovsky added four kills.

A Mbaitoloum kill and block helped the U.S. take a 6-3 lead to start the match. Tchaikovsky scored by putting a pass close to the net down and a Canada hitting error on the following play gave the U.S. a 10-5 lead. An Opiola block stretched the margin to six, 12-6. A Canada block capped a 5-1 run that cut the deficit to two points and prompted a U.S. timeout. A Mbaitoloum kill and Canada error stretched the lead back to four, 15-11. Canada pulled within a point, 17-16, but a service error followed by a pair of Opiola kills, the first set up by a running dig from Tullis, restored the four-point advantage. Mbaitoloum scored out-of-system to give the U.S. set point at 24-18 and two points later, Real scored off the block. Mbaitoloum led all players with five points on four kills and a block.

A Vincent block gave the U.S. an early 3-1 in the second set. Canada took its first lead of the set, 7-6 and recorded a block for a 9-7 advantage. Tchaikovsky put another second ball over for a point that cut the deficit to a point, 12-11. Following a Canada hitting error, Desiderio put the U.S. back ahead on a kill off a running set from Mbaitoloum. A block put Canada back in the lead, 16-15, and the lead stretched to two, 18-16, leading to a U.S. timeout. Vincent pounded a ball down to cut the Canada lead to 21-19 but Canada scored the next two points. The U.S. rebounded with three points in a row on kills by Opiola and Desiderio with a Real block making it 23-22 and forcing a Canada timeout. A hitting error on the following play tied the set at 23 before Canada evened the match by scoring the next two points. Desiderio (six) and Mbaitoloum (five) combined for 11 kills.

Canada raced out to a 8-2 lead in the third set, prompting the U.S. to use both its timeouts in the first 10 points. Mbaitoloum and McWaters delivered kills to pull the U.S. within three points, 11-8. After the U.S. pulled within a point, 14-13, Canada scored the next two points to re-establish a three-point margin. A block cover by Mbaitoloum and a Tullis bump set allowed Desiderio to end a long rally and cut the deficit to one point again, 19-18. Canada took control of the set by scoring three points in a row, the third on a block, one of six Canada blocks in the set. Desiderio recorded six kills with Mbaitoloum scoring five points for the third consecutive set.

An Opiola block put the U.S. ahead 4-3 in the fourth set, its first lead since 13-12 in the second set. Canada went on a 5-1 run to take an 8-5 advantage. A Barrett block and Mbaitoloum kill cut the deficit back to a point, 11-10. Opiola scored off the block to square the set at 14 apiece before Canada regained its two-point lead. Mbaitoloum scored three points in a row to give the U.S. its first lead since 4-3 and set up set point, 24-23. It was the first of five set points the U.S. was unable to convert before Canada converted on its third match point. Mbaitoloum recorded nine kills in the set.

2026 Boys U17 National Team Roster for Pan American Cup

No. (Name, Position, Height, Hometown, High School, USAV Region)
2 Logan Flores (OH, 6-1, Cypress, Calif., Cypress HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Collin Tullis (L, 6-2, Slidell, La., Seton Catholic Homeschooling, Southern)
4 Sid Saikanth (OH, 6-3, Leander, Texas, Rouse HS, Lone Star)
5 Dane Schaefer (S, 6-3, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Gabe Desiderio (OH, 6-6, Los Altos Hills, Calif., Saint Francis HS, Northern California)
10 Nikodem Opiola (MB, 6-5, Arlington Heights, Ill., Rolling Meadows HS, Great Lakes)
12 Carter Tchaikovsky (S, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Frankie Vincent (MB, 6-6, Schaumburg, Ill., Schaumburg High School, Great Lakes)
15 Noah Mbaitoloum (OH, 6-7, Rockville, Md., Winston Churchill HS, Chesapeake)
16 Jackson Real (OPP, 6-9, Irvine, Calif., San Clemente HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Nolan Barrett (MB, 6-7, Encinitas, Calif., La Costa Canyon HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
20 Louis “Lula” Kordus III (OH, 6-5, Los Altos, Calif., Homestead HS, Northern California)
21 Gavin McWaters (OPP, 6-8, Loveland, Ohio, Loveland HS, Ohio Valley)
24 Jonah Tuaniga (S, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Millikan HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Alternates
1 Nate Paige (L, 5-10, Wheaton, Ill., Wheaton Warrenville South HS, Great Lakes)
6 Paxon Boynton (L, 5-11, Mesa, Ariz., Mountain View, HS, Arizona Region)
7 Sean John (MB, 6-3, Mount Prospect, Ill., John Hersey HS, Great Lakes)
8 Tommy Clifford (OH, 6-5, Glen Ellyn, Ill., Glenbard West HS, Great Lakes)
11 Kekoa Wade (OPP, 6-5, Kailua, Hawaii, University Laboratory School, Aloha)
14 Jackson Vanderpool (MB, 6-6, Queen Creek, Arizona, Higley HS, Arizona Region)
17 Kellen Saurer (S, 6-8, Elgin, Ill., Wheaton Academy, Great Lakes)
19 Miles Crotty (MB, 6-3, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Grant Schmidt (OPP, 6-7, San Diego, Calif., Clairemont HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
23 Luis Tarja (OH, 6-7, Temecula, Calif., Temecula Valley HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
25 Dean Wagner (OH, 6-1, Irvine, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
26 Ryder Wilper (OH, 6-6, Golden, Colo., Ralston Valley HS, Rocky Mountain)

Coaches
Head Coach: Mike Wall (USA Volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State)
Assistant Coach: Tom Stillwell (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Beth Drayer (BD Movement)
Performance Analyst: Alex Hurlburt (The Volleyball Institute)
Team Lead: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)
Training Coach: Sean Byron (Daemen), Derek Sullivan (Belmont Abbey)
Mental Performance Coach: Mitzi Kincaid (Performance GRIT)

Schedule

All Times PT

August 4
USA def. Mexico, 3-2 (25-17, 18-25, 25-20, 24-26, 15-8)

August 5
USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-14, 25-23, 25-17)

August 6
Canada def, USA, 3-1 (19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 32-30)

August 7
Quarterfinals: USA v TBA, 3 p.m.

August 8
Classification and semifinals

August 9
Classification and Finals

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Photo by FIVB

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 6, 2026) – The U.S. Girls U17 National Team made its world championship debut with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-17) win over Egypt at the 2026 FIVB Girls U17 World Championship on Thursday in Santiago, Chile. This is the second-ever U17 World Championship and the first time the U.S. has competed.

The U.S. (1-0) returns to play tomorrow against Türkiye at 11 a.m. PT.

The U.S. dominated with a 48-22 advantage in kills, while finishing with a 10-4 edge in blocks and serving all five aces. Egypt made 15 fewer errors (27-12), while the U.S. led 54-43 in digs.

Outside hitter Julia Masselink led all players with 13 kills and 17 points, sharing team- and match-high honors with three blocks and serving an ace. Outside Maya Ogbogu finished with 15 points on 12 kills and a match-best three aces. Opposite Kari Knotts rounded out the U.S. double-digit scorers with 11 kills and two blocks for 13 points. Ogbogu totaled nine digs, Knotts finished with seven and Masselink contributed six.

Libero Brynli Burgess led all players with 10 digs and nine successful receptions. Middle blocker Maija Mortensen matched Masselink with three blocks and registered four kills for seven points. Middle Madison Middleton added five kills. Setter Ellie Enger recorded two blocks and an ace.

An Ogbogu block and ace helped the U.S. open the match on a 5-1 run. A tip and ace by Masselink put the U.S. up 11-6 and force an Egypt timeout. Ogbogu put a ball down and then served two deep balls that led to free balls for the U.S. with Knotts scoring off the block to stretch the lead to 17-9. An Egypt timeout could not stop Ogbogu’s service run, which included an ace, that put the U.S. ahead by double digits, 19-9. Masselink tooled the block as the U.S. doubled up the score, 22-11. A Mortenson solo block ended the set. Masselink scored five points on four kills and an ace with Ogbogu totaling four points on two kills and two blocks.

Knotts scored on a back row attack that went off the net for an 8-5 U.S. advantage in the second set. An Egypt block cut the deficit to two points, 10-8. Masselink used the block to give the U.S. a 13-9 lead, its largest to that point in the set and prompt a timeout. A Smith kill extended the margin to five points, 16-11, and her kill off the top of the block made it 18-13. Despite some phenomenal hustle and defense by the U.S., Egypt cut the lead to one by scoring the next four points. Egypt kept the run going with three more points out of a U.S. timeout to take a 20-18 lead. Ogbogu stopped the streak with a kill. A Mortensen block and Masselink kill put the U.S. ahead 22-21. Knotts kills gave the U.S. 23-22 and 24-23 leads and an Enger block as part of a double block with Middleton sealed the set win. Knotts, Masselink and Ogbogu each scored five points.

A strong Masselink dig led to an Ogbogu kill that put the U.S. up 3-0 in the third set. A Masselink kill and Knotts block pushed the margin to five points, 7-2. Egypt closed the gap to two points, 11-9, before an Ogbogu kill and Mortensen block put the U.S. back up by four. Another Masselink kill put the U.S. ahead 16-11 and forced an Egypt timeout. Scrambling defense led to the second U.S. block in three points for a 19-11 lead. A Taylor Johnson gave the U.S. a 21-14 advantage and another Mortensen block upped the score to 22-15. After the teams split the next four points, Knotts ended the match. Masselink totaled six points on four kills and two blocks, while Ogbogu delivered five kills.

2026 U.S. Girls U17 National Team Roster for World Championship

No., Name (Position, Height, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
3 Lexi Coleman  (PIN, 6-0, Northville, Mich., South Lyon East HS, Lakeshore)
5 Kaelyn Easton (S, 5-11, Saline, Mich., Mercy HS, Lakeshore)
6 Ellie Enger (S, 6-1, Forest City, Fla., Orangewood Christian HS, Florida)
7 Madlen Gloessner (MB, 6-5, Denver, Colo., Lakewood HS, Rocky Mountain)
8 Kari Knotts (PIN, 6-3, Marietta, Ga., The Lovett School, Southern)
9 Grace Hengler (L, 5-6, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas)
11 Taylor Johnson (PIN, 6-0, Plano, Texas, Hebron HS, North Texas)
13 Julia Masselink (PIN, 6-2, Sioux Falls, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
15 Madison Middleton (MB, 6-1, Roswell, Ga., St. Francis HS, Southern)
16 Maya Ogbogu (PIN, 6-0, Parker, Texas, Allen HS, North Texas)
19 Brynli Burgess (L, 5-9, Van Alstyne, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
24 Maija Mortensen (MB, 6-3, Draper, Utah, Corner Canyon HS, Intermountain)
26 Peyton Smith (PIN, 6-0, Arlington, Texas, Duncanville HS, North Texas)
28 Kaya Young (MB, 6-3, Rockville, Md., Kaiserslautern HS)

Coaches

Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (NTDP)
Assistant Coach: Amir Lugo-Rodriguez (SC Rockstar/Long Beach State men’s volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Laura “Bird” Kuhn (MLV)
Performance Analysts: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M – domestic leg), Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club – international leg)
Athletic Trainer/Team Doctor: Madison Hauge (domestic leg), Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic – international leg)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT
Matches are on Volleyball World YouTube

August 6: USA def. Egypt, 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-17)
August 7: USA vs. Türkiye, 11 a.m.
August 8: USA vs. Chile, 5 p.m.
August 10: USA vs. Thailand, 11 a.m.
August 11: USA vs. Czechia, 11 a.m.
August 12: Round of 24 and Round of 16
August 14: Quarterfinals and Playoffs
August 15: Semifinals and Playoffs
August 16: Medal matches and Playoffs

Stories

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 5, 2026) – The U.S. Boys U17 National Team earned its second consecutive win on Wednesday with a 3-0 (25-14, 25-23, 25-17) win over Puerto Rico at the 2026 NORCECA Boys U17 Pan American Cup in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

The U.S. (2-0) concludes pool play against Canada tomorrow at 1 p.m. PT.

The U.S. maintained statistical advantages in kills (37-23), blocks (6-2) and service aces (4-2). The teams were nearly even in errors with the U.S. committing one fewer (28-27).

Five players scored at least five points for the balanced U.S. attack, led by outside hitter Logan Flores, who totaled 10 points on seven kills, two blocks and an ace. Middle blocker Nikodem Opiola and opposite Gavin McWaters each scored nine points on seven kills, one block and an ace.

“The match was extremely fun. Puerto Rico is a really scrappy team, but we held our ground. Our energy throughout the whole match was amazing,” Opiola said.

Libero Collin Tullis led the squad with nine digs and 13 excellent receptions, while Flores contributed five excellent receptions. Setter Carter Tchaikovsky ran the offense to a .315 hitting efficiency percentage, adding three kills and six digs.

Middle Nolan Barrett finished with seven points on five kills while joining Flores as the only players to record two blocks. Outside Gabe Desiderio scored five points on four kills and an ace, and Noah Mbaitoloum registered three kills in the final set.

The U.S. jumped out to a 6-2 lead, forcing Puerto Rico to take an early timeout. Puerto Rico scored the next three points before the U.S. used a 6-2 run to take a 12-7 lead. Desiderio scored when Puerto Rico sent a Tchaikovsky setter dump over the net and Opiola scored for the five-point advantage. Puerto Rico pulled within three points, 12-9, before a 4-0 U.S. run capped by a Flores kill raised the margin to eight points. A Barrett block gave the U.S. a 19-11 lead. Flores recorded a kill and then his tough serve led to an overpass that Lula Kordus III put down for a 21-13 lead. After a Puerto Rico hitting error, Tchaikovsky scored and Flores served an ace off the net to give the U.S. set point, 24-13 and two points later, Barrett ended the set with his third kill and match-best fifth point. Flores finished with four points on three kills and his ace.

McWaters delivered kills for the first two points of the second set. Opiola and McWaters scored to establish a two-point margin again at 9-7. A Flores block put the U.S. up 11-9 before Puerto Rico scored three of the next four points to even the set at 12. With the score tied at 15, Flores took over with three consecutive points on two kills and a block. A Puerto Rico hitting error raised the lead to four, 20-16, before four consecutive service errors. An Opiola block advanced the U.S. advantage to 23-18. Puerto Rico ran off the next three points to force a U.S. timeout. Puerto Rico scored again out of the timeout and after the teams exchanged service errors, Opiola ended the set and gave the U.S. a 2-0 match lead. McWaters led the U.S. with five points on four kills and a block with Flores (two kills, two blocks) and Opiola (three kills, one block) each scoring four points.

Kills by McWaters and Flores helped stake the U.S. to a 5-2 lead in the third set. Another McWaters kill put the U.S. up 10-7 and a Tchaikovsky kill on a second ball made it 11-8. An Opiola ace off the next raised the margin to four points, 14-10, and prompted a Puerto Rico timeout. A McWaters ace put the U.S. ahead 16-11. A Mbaitoloum kill off the block started a three-point run that ended with a Tchaikovsky setter dump and a 20-13 U.S. lead. Puerto Rico’s 15th service error (and the 28th of the match) gave the U.S. match point, which it converted on a Puerto Rico error. Mbaitoloum and McWaters each scored three points.

2026 Boys U17 National Team Roster for Pan American Cup

No. (Name, Position, Height, Hometown, High School, USAV Region)
2 Logan Flores (OH, 6-1, Cypress, Calif., Cypress HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Collin Tullis (L, 6-2, Slidell, La., Seton Catholic Homeschooling, Southern)
4 Sid Saikanth (OH, 6-3, Leander, Texas, Rouse HS, Lone Star)
5 Dane Schaefer (S, 6-3, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Gabe Desiderio (OH, 6-6, Los Altos Hills, Calif., Saint Francis HS, Northern California)
10 Nikodem Opiola (MB, 6-5, Arlington Heights, Ill., Rolling Meadows HS, Great Lakes)
12 Carter Tchaikovsky (S, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Frankie Vincent (MB, 6-6, Schaumburg, Ill., Schaumburg High School, Great Lakes)
15 Noah Mbaitoloum (OH, 6-7, Rockville, Md., Winston Churchill HS, Chesapeake)
16 Jackson Real (OPP, 6-9, Irvine, Calif., San Clemente HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Nolan Barrett (MB, 6-7, Encinitas, Calif., La Costa Canyon HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
20 Louis “Lula” Kordus III (OH, 6-5, Los Altos, Calif., Homestead HS, Northern California)
21 Gavin McWaters (OPP, 6-8, Loveland, Ohio, Loveland HS, Ohio Valley)
24 Jonah Tuaniga (S, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Millikan HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Alternates
1 Nate Paige (L, 5-10, Wheaton, Ill., Wheaton Warrenville South HS, Great Lakes)
6 Paxon Boynton (L, 5-11, Mesa, Ariz., Mountain View, HS, Arizona Region)
7 Sean John (MB, 6-3, Mount Prospect, Ill., John Hersey HS, Great Lakes)
8 Tommy Clifford (OH, 6-5, Glen Ellyn, Ill., Glenbard West HS, Great Lakes)
11 Kekoa Wade (OPP, 6-5, Kailua, Hawaii, University Laboratory School, Aloha)
14 Jackson Vanderpool (MB, 6-6, Queen Creek, Arizona, Higley HS, Arizona Region)
17 Kellen Saurer (S, 6-8, Elgin, Ill., Wheaton Academy, Great Lakes)
19 Miles Crotty (MB, 6-3, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Grant Schmidt (OPP, 6-7, San Diego, Calif., Clairemont HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
23 Luis Tarja (OH, 6-7, Temecula, Calif., Temecula Valley HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
25 Dean Wagner (OH, 6-1, Irvine, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
26 Ryder Wilper (OH, 6-6, Golden, Colo., Ralston Valley HS, Rocky Mountain)

Coaches
Head Coach: Mike Wall (USA Volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State)
Assistant Coach: Tom Stillwell (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Beth Drayer (BD Movement)
Performance Analyst: Alex Hurlburt (The Volleyball Institute)
Team Lead: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)
Training Coach: Sean Byron (Daemen), Derek Sullivan (Belmont Abbey)
Mental Performance Coach: Mitzi Kincaid (Performance GRIT)

Schedule

All Times PT

August 4
USA def. Mexico, 3-2 (25-17, 18-25, 25-20, 24-26, 15-8)

August 5
USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-14, 25-23, 25-17)

August 6
USA vs. Canada, 1 p.m.

August 7
Quarterfinals

August 8
Classification and semifinals

August 9
Classification and Finals

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 4, 2026) – The U.S. Boys U17 National Team began the 2026 NORCECA Boys U17 Pan American Cup with a 3-2 (25-17, 18-25, 25-20, 24-26, 15-8) victory over Mexico on Tuesday in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

The U.S. (1-0) continues pool play action against Puerto Rico tomorrow at 1 p.m. PT.

The U.S. held a 54-45 advantage in kills and served one more ace (4-3) but particularly controlled the net with 15 blocks compared to just seven for Mexico.

“It was a fun match. It’s hard to get a kill on those guys. They dug us a ton, they put pressure on us, they scrapped. It was just hard to kill the ball, so you just have to grind through it,” said U.S. head coach Mike Wall. “I don’t know if that was the first time I’ve seen 14 athletes on a roster all play in the same match. I’m sure it has happened, but it doesn’t happen very much. We had every single player in the match at one point or another, so it was a full team win. There were moments where Mexico was definitely better than us, playing with more energy, but we chipped away and when you get to that fifth set, you hope a couple plays go your way, which they did. We will take it and run.”

Gabe Desiderio led all players with 22 kills and shared match-high honors with three blocks and two aces for 27 total points. He led the team with 15 digs and added 14 successful receptions. Libero Collin Tullis led all players with 33 successful receptions.

Middle blocker Nikodem Opiola scored 13 points on nine kills, three blocks and an ace. Outside Noah Mbaitoloum entered the match in the third set and finished with eight points on six kills and two blocks. Opposite Gavin McWaters contributed seven points on five kills and a pair of blocks. Opposite Jackson Real added six points on four kills, a block and an ace, while middle Frankie Vincent delivered five kills.

Middle blocker Nolan Barrett registered two blocks and added a kill for three points and outside Logan Flores scored twice. Setter Carter Tchaikovsky was one of six U.S. players with at least two blocks as he contributed two blocks in addition to leading the offense to a .234 hitting percentage against an excellent Mexico defense.

After Mexico assumed a 12-11 lead in the first set, back-to-back points by Real, the second on an ace, and a Barrett kill put the U.S. back up by two, 14-12. Barrett’s second block helped raise the margin to three points, 16-13, and force Mexico to take a time out. The margin grew to four, 19-15, on a perfect Tullis pass, Tchaikovsky set and Desiderio kill. A Desiderio ace pushed the lead to five, 21-16. A Mexico timeout could not stop the Desiderio serving run as a Real block out of the timeout, Mexico hitting error and another Desiderio ace gave the U.S. set point at 24-16. One point later, Opiola put a ball away. Desiderio scored six points on four kills and his two aces, and Real added five points on three kills, one block and an ace.

Mexico jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the second set and raised the advantage to four points, 12-8. A block put Mexico ahead 16-9, prompting the U.S. to use its second timeout. A Tchaikovsky block brought the U.S. within six points, 17-11. A block pushed the margin to eight points, 20-12. A Desiderio kill and Opiola block cut the deficit to six, 23-17, before Mexico evened the match by scoring two of the last three points. Desiderio and Opiola each scored three points on two kills and a block.

For the third consecutive set, Mexico scored the first two points. The U.S. took its first two-point lead of the third set, 8-6. Desiderio put down an overpass on a dig off a strong Opiola attack to even the set before a pair of Mexico errors, the first after a Tchaikovsky dig off a setter dump. Mbaitoloum scored on back-to-back plays, the second point on a block, to put the U.S. ahead 12-8. Desiderio scored on a back row attack for a 14-11 lead before Mexico scored twice to cut the lead back to one. Mbaitoloum scored off the block and Desiderio followed with a block for a 16-13 U.S. advantage.

Mexico cut the deficit to one point again, 17-16, and had a swing to tie the set but Desiderio scored off a bump set from Tullis. A Mexico hitting error raised the margin to three points, 20-17, and forced a timeout. A Desiderio block cover led to a Mexico hitting error that made it 21-18. Vincent put a ball straight down for a 23-19 lead and Desiderio scored on a back row attack as part of a give-and-go to give the U.S. set point at 24-20. A Mbaitoloum serve forced an overpass and McWaters finished the set on a kill to put the U.S. ahead two sets to one. Desiderio led all players with eight points on six kills and a pair of blocks.

An off-speed attack from Desiderio started a 4-0 run that ended with a McWaters block and put the U.S. ahead 11-7. Opiola scored on a kill that hugged the net for a 12-8 advantage. A 5-2 Mexico run cut the deficit to one point, 14-13. A Desiderio kill stopped the run for a two-point U.S. lead. He scored again and an Opiola block pushed the margin back to three points, 17-14. After Mexico tied the set 18 apiece, a service error and a Mbaitoloum crosscourt kill put the U.S. up 20-18. Mexico went on a 5-1 run for a 23-21 lead. A Vincent kill and Mbaitoloum block tied the set at 23 and a Mbaitoloum kill evened the score 24-24 before Mexico scored the next two points to send the match to a decisive fifth set.

The U.S. started fast in the fifth set with two McWaters kills sandwiched by Opiola and Desiderio kills for a 4-0 lead. Mexico called a timeout and scored the next three points, causing the U.S. to take its own timeout. Mbaitoloum scored on the following play and a hitting error put the U.S. back up by three points, 6-3. An Opiola kill and a huge block by McWaters restored the four-point margin, 10-6. Two Desiderio kills and a Mexico hitting error followed a timeout and ran the lead to seven points. A Desiderio kill off a Tullis set moved the U.S. within a point of the match, 14-7. Two points later, Desiderio scored on a back row attack for his fifth kill of the set and 22nd of the match.

2026 Boys U17 National Team Roster for Pan American Cup

No. (Name, Position, Height, Hometown, High School, USAV Region)
2 Logan Flores (OH, 6-1, Cypress, Calif., Cypress HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Collin Tullis (L, 6-2, Slidell, La., Seton Catholic Homeschooling, Southern)
4 Sid Saikanth (OH, 6-3, Leander, Texas, Rouse HS, Lone Star)
5 Dane Schaefer (S, 6-3, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Gabe Desiderio (OH, 6-6, Los Altos Hills, Calif., Saint Francis HS, Northern California)
10 Nikodem Opiola (MB, 6-5, Arlington Heights, Ill., Rolling Meadows HS, Great Lakes)
12 Carter Tchaikovsky (S, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Frankie Vincent (MB, 6-6, Schaumburg, Ill., Schaumburg High School, Great Lakes)
15 Noah Mbaitoloum (OH, 6-7, Rockville, Md., Winston Churchill HS, Chesapeake)
16 Jackson Real (OPP, 6-9, Irvine, Calif., San Clemente HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Nolan Barrett (MB, 6-7, Encinitas, Calif., La Costa Canyon HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
20 Louis “Lula” Kordus III (OH, 6-5, Los Altos, Calif., Homestead HS, Northern California)
21 Gavin McWaters (OPP, 6-8, Loveland, Ohio, Loveland HS, Ohio Valley)
24 Jonah Tuaniga (S, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Millikan HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Alternates
1 Nate Paige (L, 5-10, Wheaton, Ill., Wheaton Warrenville South HS, Great Lakes)
6 Paxon Boynton (L, 5-11, Mesa, Ariz., Mountain View, HS, Arizona Region)
7 Sean John (MB, 6-3, Mount Prospect, Ill., John Hersey HS, Great Lakes)
8 Tommy Clifford (OH, 6-5, Glen Ellyn, Ill., Glenbard West HS, Great Lakes)
11 Kekoa Wade (OPP, 6-5, Kailua, Hawaii, University Laboratory School, Aloha)
14 Jackson Vanderpool (MB, 6-6, Queen Creek, Arizona, Higley HS, Arizona Region)
17 Kellen Saurer (S, 6-8, Elgin, Ill., Wheaton Academy, Great Lakes)
19 Miles Crotty (MB, 6-3, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Grant Schmidt (OPP, 6-7, San Diego, Calif., Clairemont HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
23 Luis Tarja (OH, 6-7, Temecula, Calif., Temecula Valley HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
25 Dean Wagner (OH, 6-1, Irvine, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
26 Ryder Wilper (OH, 6-6, Golden, Colo., Ralston Valley HS, Rocky Mountain)

Coaches
Head Coach: Mike Wall (USA Volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State)
Assistant Coach: Tom Stillwell (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Beth Drayer (BD Movement)
Performance Analyst: Alex Hurlburt (The Volleyball Institute)
Team Lead: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)
Training Coach: Sean Byron (Daemen), Derek Sullivan (Belmont Abbey)
Mental Performance Coach: Mitzi Kincaid (Performance GRIT)

Schedule

All Times PT

August 4
USA def. Mexico, 3-2 (25-17, 18-25, 25-20, 24-26, 15-8)

August 5
USA vs. Puerto Rico, 1 p.m.

August 6
USA vs. Canada, 1 p.m.

August 7
Quarterfinals

August 8
Classification and semifinals

August 9
Classification and Finals

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Jake Hanes and Merrick McHenry (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 2, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team earned the silver medal at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League Final, its first VNL medal since 2023, after a 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 25-27, 25-23, 15-10) loss to Poland on Sunday in Ningbo Beilun, China. The gold medal was the second in a row for Poland.

The U.S. finished with a 65-59 advantage in kills, while Poland recorded more blocks (12-8) and service aces (8-4).

Opposite Jake Hanes led all players with 21 points on 18 kills and a team-high three aces. Outside hitter Matt Anderson finished with 20 points on 18 kills, a block and an ace, while also leading the team with six successful receptions. Middle blocker Merrick McHenry put together his best offensive performance of VNL play with 11 kills and just one error in 17 total attacks, adding three blocks for 14 points.

Outside hitter Ethan Champlin scored nine points on eight kills, and middle Taylor Averill produced eight kills. Setter Micah Christenson scored three points on two blocks and an ace. Libero Erik Shoji led the U.S. with eight digs.

The U.S. held early two-point leads in the match, 4-2 and 5-3, on two Anderson kills and a kill and ace from Hanes. McHenry and Hanes scored on back-to-back points for the last U.S. lead at 9-8. Poland took its first two-point lead at 14-12, leading to a U.S. timeout. After Poland built a 21-17 lead, the U.S. cut the deficit in half with a strong Anderson serve leading to him scoring on a back row attack and forcing a Poland timeout at 21-19. Poland scored the next two points on its way to taking the opening set. Anderson paced the U.S. with four kills.

Trailing 6-4 in the second set, the U.S. went on a 6-2 run started by a McHenry kill for a two-point lead. Hanes scored on an overpass off a tough Christenson serve with Champlin and Anderson delivering kills. After a Poland ace tied the set 12-12, Averill produced a kill and then made a great pick up that led to a Hanes kill. Champlin scored after a great Hanes dig and McHenry scored on back-to-back plays with a kill and a block for a 17-13 U.S. advantage. Poland used great defense and a block to quickly cut the deficit back to a point, 17-16, and prompt a U.S. timeout. A great diving up by Anderson and Hanes kill put the U.S. back up by a pair and an Anderson kill on the next play made it 20-17.

Poland scored the next four points, taking the lead on a block. Anderson tied the set again with a tip off the block and Hanes put the U.S. back ahead with an ace, forcing a Poland timeout. The next Hanes serve caused an overpass that Christenson put down for a 23-21 U.S. advantage. Hanes scored down the line to give the U.S. set point, 24-22. Poland saved one set point before serving into the net, evening the match at a set apiece. Hanes scored five points on four kills and an ace, while Averill (four kills) and McHenry (three kills, one block) each totaled four points. In the first two sets, Averill and McHenry each hit .833 with five kills in six attacks.

An Anderson ace put the U.S. ahead 11-10 in the third set before Poland took the first two-point lead of the set by scoring the next three points, the last on an ace. Poland earned consecutive break points for a 19-15 advantage with a block extending the margin to four points. After a Poland service error, the U.S. cut the deficit back to two points with phenomenal defense from Champlin and Hanes led to an Anderson kill. A Christenson block cut the lead to 21-20, and his great backward set to Hanes cut the lead to 22-21 after a Poland point. A McHenry block evened the set at 22 though he inadvertently delivered an elbow to Anderson in the celebration that forced Anderson out of the match temporarily.

McHenry tied the set at 23 apiece with a kill. Another great Christenson set from a tight position led to a Hanes kill for a 24-23 lead. A great pass from T.J. DeFalco, who replaced Anderson, led to a Hanes kill and a second U.S. set point. Averill scored back-to-back points after Poland saved a second set point to give the U.S. a 2-1 match lead. Hanes led all players with seven kills in the set.

Anderson returned to score three of the first four U.S. points in the fourth set. Neither team gained a two-point advantage until a block put Poland ahead 11-9. Poland had a free ball swing to take a three-point lead, but Champlin chased down a ball nearly in the seats and Anderson finished the play with a block. A Champlin block squared the set at 13-13 and forced Poland to take a timeout. Poland served an ace to regain a two-point lead, 17-15. An Averill kill and Hanes ace tied the set again, 18-18. Cole Hartke came in the match to give the U.S. a big block with Anderson serving and immediately recorded a block for a 20-19 U.S. lead. Poland retook the lead, 21-20, with an ace, prompting a U.S. timeout. Poland served another ace, this time off the tape, for a two-point advantage. After a Poland service error, McHenry tied the set at 23 with a kill, but Poland won the set by scoring the next two points, the final one on a block. Anderson scored six points on five kills and a block.

Two Anderson kills and a McHenry kill helped give the U.S. a 5-4 lead in the deciding set before a 4-1 run gave Poland a lead it would never relinquish. A block pushed the margin to three points, 10-7, sending the U.S. to its second timeout. Poland scored the next three points, one in spite of an incredible defensive play by Shoji and the next two on blocks. A Cooper Robinson kill and McHenry block cut the lead to 13-9, but Poland earned its second consecutive title scoring two of the final three points.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2026 VNL Final

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
6 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League Final
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

July 30
Quarterfinal: USA def. Italy, 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-21)

August 1
Semifinal: USA def. Japan, 3-2 (25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 25-19, 15-13)

August 2
Final: Poland def. USA, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 25-27, 25-23, 15-10)

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Logan Flores attacks
Logan Flores

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 1, 2026) – Fourteen athletes have been selected to compete for the U.S. at the NORCECA Boys U17  Pan American Cup in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Aug. 4-9, 2026.

The athletes were chosen after a weeklong training roster at the National Team Training Center in Anaheim, Calif. This is the second-ever tournament for a U.S. Boys U17 national team; last year, the team finished third at the NORCECA Continental Championship in its first international appearance.

Ten of the athletes from that inaugural squad will compete this year: outside hitters Logan Flores, Sid Saikanth, Gabe Desiderio and Noah Mbaitoloum; libero Collin Tullis; setters Dane Schaefer and Carter Tchaikovsky; middle blockers Nikodem Opiola and Frankie Vincent; and opposite Jackson Real. Four athletes will make their U.S. competition debut: middle blocker Nolan Barrett, outside hitter Louis “Lula” Kordus III, opposite Gavin McWaters and setter Jonah Tuaniga.

Former U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team assistant coach Mike Wall will lead the team. He’s joined by Steven Duhoux (Ohio State) and Tom Stillwell (NTDP).

The team opens play against Mexico on Aug. 4 at 1 p.m., followed by pool play matches against Puerto Rico and Canada at the same time on Aug. 5 and 6.

2026 Boys U17 National Team Roster for Pan American Cup

No. (Name, Position, Height, Hometown, High School, USAV Region)
2 Logan Flores (OH, 6-1, Cypress, Calif., Cypress HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Collin Tullis (L, 6-2, Slidell, La., Seton Catholic Homeschooling, Southern)
4 Sid Saikanth (OH, 6-3, Leander, Texas, Rouse HS, Lone Star)
5 Dane Schaefer (S, 6-3, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Gabe Desiderio (OH, 6-6, Los Altos Hills, Calif., Saint Francis HS, Northern California)
10 Nikodem Opiola (MB, 6-5, Arlington Heights, Ill., Rolling Meadows HS, Great Lakes)
12 Carter Tchaikovsky (S, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Frankie Vincent (MB, 6-6, Schaumburg, Ill., Schaumburg High School, Great Lakes)
15 Noah Mbaitoloum (OH, 6-7, Rockville, Md., Winston Churchill HS, Chesapeake)
16 Jackson Real (OPP, 6-9, Irvine, Calif., San Clemente HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Nolan Barrett (MB, 6-7, Encinitas, Calif., La Costa Canyon HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
20 Louis “Lula” Kordus III (OH, 6-5, Los Altos, Calif., Homestead HS, Northern California)
21 Gavin McWaters (OPP, 6-8, Loveland, Ohio, Loveland HS, Ohio Valley)
24 Jonah Tuaniga (S, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Millikan HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Alternates
1 Nate Paige (L, 5-10, Wheaton, Ill., Wheaton Warrenville South HS, Great Lakes)
6 Paxon Boynton (L, 5-11, Mesa, Ariz., Mountain View, HS, Arizona Region)
7 Sean John (MB, 6-3, Mount Prospect, Ill., John Hersey HS, Great Lakes)
8 Tommy Clifford (OH, 6-5, Glen Ellyn, Ill., Glenbard West HS, Great Lakes)
11 Kekoa Wade (OPP, 6-5, Kailua, Hawaii, University Laboratory School, Aloha)
14 Jackson Vanderpool (MB, 6-6, Queen Creek, Arizona, Higley HS, Arizona Region)
17 Kellen Saurer (S, 6-8, Elgin, Ill., Wheaton Academy, Great Lakes)
19 Miles Crotty (MB, 6-3, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Grant Schmidt (OPP, 6-7, San Diego, Calif., Clairemont HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
23 Luis Tarja (OH, 6-7, Temecula, Calif., Temecula Valley HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
25 Dean Wagner (OH, 6-1, Irvine, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
26 Ryder Wilper (OH, 6-6, Golden, Colo., Ralston Valley HS, Rocky Mountain)

Coaches
Head Coach: Mike Wall (USA Volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State)
Assistant Coach: Tom Stillwell (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Beth Drayer (BD Movement)
Performance Analyst: Alex Hurlburt (The Volleyball Institute)
Team Lead: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)
Training Coach: Sean Byron (Daemen), Derek Sullivan (Belmont Abbey)
Mental Performance Coach: Mitzi Kincaid (Performance GRIT)

Schedule

All Times PT

August 4
USA vs. Mexico, 1 p.m.

August 5
USA vs. Puerto Rico, 1 p.m.

August 6
USA vs. Canada, 1 p.m.

August 7
Quarterfinals

August 8
Classification and semifinals

August 9
Classification and Finals

Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 1, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team will play for the gold medal at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League Final after rallying for a dramatic 3-2 (25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 25-19, 15-13) victory over previously undefeated Japan on Saturday in Ningbo Beilun, China. Japan finished 12-0 in preliminary round play, including a five-set win over the U.S. by a 15-13 score in the deciding set.

The U.S. will attempt to win its first VNL gold medal tomorrow, Sunday, at 4:30 a.m. PT against defending champion Poland. The gold medal match is a rematch of the 2023 VNL final won by Poland. The teams met in the final match of this year’s preliminary round with Poland winning in straight sets.

The U.S. led in multiple statistical categories: 67-57 in kills, 9-7 in blocks and 7-2 in service aces. Japan made 10 fewer errors (35-25).

“That team won 13 straight matches and a lot of them went to the tiebreaker. They are just an amazing team. You think you’ve got a kill and then they put a hand out and make a great set and all of a sudden, it’s point Japan,” said U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly. “A lot of credit to a couple of the guys who came in and gave us a lift, Jeff Jendryk and Cooper Robinson. Cooper came in for Ethan (Champlin) and Ethan stayed ready and made a couple of great serves down the stretch to put us in a position to win that tiebreak. We had to dig really deep and that’s what we expect every time against this great Japan team.”

Outside hitter Matt Anderson and opposite Jake Hanes shared match-high honors with 24 points apiece. Anderson led all players with 21 points to go with two blocks, an ace, five digs and sharing a match-best total with seven successful receptions. Hanes led all players with three aces, delivering 20 kills and a block while adding four digs. Anderson hit .450 for the match with Hanes hitting at a .485 clip.

“They are a really good team. They play all aspects of the game really well. We had to be just a tiny bit better in certain situations. Some of that is block and defense, some of that is being a little more aggressive in our serve and taking advantage of the plays where they misconnect or make a mistake,” Anderson commented.

In a matchup featuring two of the best liberos in the world, Erik Shoji led the match with 14 digs, several of which were spectacular, and added four successful receptions. Middle blocker Taylor Averill joined Anderson and Hanes in hitting at least .450 as he hit .455 with seven kills and totaled nine points with a block and an ace. Setter Micah Christenson led the team to a .385 hitting efficiency percentage against the strong Japan defense and scored three points on two kills and a block.

Outside hitters Robinson (six kills and an ace) and Champlin (five kills, a block and an ace) each scored seven points as did middle Merrick McHenry, who led all players with three blocks and produced four kills. Middle Jeff Jendryk contributed two kills.

Japan scored the first two points of the match and led 12-9 before the U.S. went on a 6-2 run to take its first lead. A diving up from Shoji led to an Averill kill that cut the deficit to one point, 14-13, when McHenry and Champlin recorded back-to-back blocks. A Hanes block as part of a double block with McHenry and a McHenry block put the U.S. up 18-16. A perfect pass from Shoji set up a Hanes kill. Micah Ma’a served two points for a 21-17 U.S. lead behind a diving up from Champlin for a Hanes kill and a strong serve that allowed Hanes to score on an overpass. Another perfect Shoji pass led to an Averill kill and a 22-18 lead. Anderson scored for a 23-19 lead and then his strong serve caused an overpass that Averill put away to give the U.S. set point. A Japan hitting error ended the set. Hanes scored eight points on six kills, a block and the only ace of the set. The U.S. recorded four of the five blocks.

Japan used some phenomenal early defense to take a 6-3 advantage in the second set. An Averill block and Anderson ace evened the set 7-7 but Japan regained a three-point lead with a 5-2 run that forced a U.S. timeout. Japan led 14-11 but the U.S. closed the gap to one taking advantage of a Japan service error and Anderson scoring on an overpass from a Ma’a serve. A Hanes kill and a solo block from Anderson made it a one-point set, 15-14. Japan called a timeout and scored the first two points afterward to regain its three-point lead on the 1,200th career VNL point from captain Yuki Ishikawa.

A great block cover and kill by Champlin and an Anderson kill cut the lead to two points, 19-17 and 20-18, before Japan scored on one of the match’s most exciting rally that included an incredible chase down by Shoji. Trailing 24-21, the U.S. saved two set points with a Hanes kill and Averill ace before Japan evened the match by taking the next point. Anderson scored nine points on six kills, two blocks and an ace.

Japan raced out to a 5-1 lead in the third set, prompting a quick U.S. timeout. The U.S. fired back with four consecutive points, keyed by strong Hanes serving. An Averill block tied the set at five apiece to end a rally that featured incredible defense from Japan libero Tomohiro Ogawa. After a timeout, Japan went on a 5-2 run to take a 10-7 lead. McHenry put a ball down to cut the deficit to one, 12-11. Japan regained a three-point advantage, 16-13, with a block after scrambling to return a strong Hanes serve. Champlin put a ball down to cut the lead to 17-15 before Japan scored the next two points to go back up by four and force a U.S. timeout. A Champlin kill set up by a McHenry pass and a Japan hitting error cut the lead in half, but Japan regained its four-point advantage on its way to taking the set and a 2-1 match lead. Anderson, Hanes and McHenry all produced three kills in the set.

Christenson scored on a setter dump to begin the fourth set but Japan scored the next three points. Hanes sliced a ball down the line to end another spectacular rally to tie the set 4-4. Hanes recorded back-to-back aces to put the U.S. ahead 7-5 and force a Japan timeout. Hanes’ next serve caused an overpass he handled and led to an Anderson kill. An Averill kill followed by a Hanes running kill off a set from Robinson extended the U.S. advantage to four points, 11-7. Anderson scored his 800th career VNL point for a 13-9 lead.

A great up by Hanes kept a rally going that ended with a Japan hitting error for a 15-10 U.S. lead. Another Hanes kill made the score 16-11 but Japan scored the next three points and had two swings to cut the margin to one before Anderson scored. A successful Japan video challenge cut the deficit back to two, 18-16. Averill put a ball down for a 19-16 lead. Japan scored the next point and had a swing to cut the lead to one, but a great Shoji dig led to a Robinson kill and when Robinson scored again on the next play, the U.S. forced a Japan timeout by taking a 21-17 lead. Hanes scored on the next play against a triple block after another great Shoji dig on the crosscourt angle. Robinson produced a kill and an ace to give the U.S. set point and two points later, Jendryk scored to send the match to a fifth set. Hanes scored seven points on five kills and a pair of aces with Anderson delivering six more kills.

The teams exchanged the first six points in the deciding set before a Hanes kill on a one-legged approach on a play that began with a great up from Shoji and a Robinson kill off a Hanes set gave the U.S. a 5-3 lead. A Robinson kill put the U.S. up 7-4 and Jendryk scored for an 8-5 lead. Japan scored the next two points, the second despite great defense from Christenson. Anderson tooled the block for a 9-7 advantage. Japan used a 5-2 run to take its first lead, 12-11, on the match’s most exciting point that featured great U.S. defense. After a Japan service error, Champlin came in to serve and immediately put the U.S. back in front with an ace. Robinson scored off the block to give the U.S. match point, 14-12. Two points later, Anderson scored on a give and go to send the U.S. to the gold medal match. Six players scored for the U.S. in the set with Hanes, Robinson and Anderson each producing three kills.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2026 VNL Final

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
6 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League Final
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

July 30
Quarterfinal: USA def. Italy, 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-21)

August 1
Semifinal: USA def. Japan, 3-2 (25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 25-19, 15-13)

August 2
Final: USA vs. Poland, 4:30 a.m.

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Monica Mendez

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 31, 2026) – USA Volleyball has announced the appointment of Monica Mendez as Chief of Experiential Events and Strategic Partnerships, effective August 3.

In this position, Mendez will lead the strategy, development and delivery of our off-court experiential platforms, ensuring that USA Volleyball’s events move beyond operational excellence to truly differentiated, world-class experiences for athletes, coaches, officials, families, partners and fans. Her portfolio will encompass non-competition event strategy and execution, including fan engagement, hospitality, partner activations and marquee experiential platforms tied to our national events and major global moments such as the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Cup and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“As USA Volleyball continues to grow and invest in the future of our sport, the experiences we create beyond the competition floor will become increasingly important to our long-term success,” said USA Volleyball President and CEO John Speraw. “Monica’s experience in creating meaningful events has the potential to inspire people to engage with our sport in new ways. Her track record of cultivating partnerships and leading collaborative teams aligns perfectly with us. We’re excited to welcome her to USA Volleyball and look forward to the impact she’ll have on our athletes, events, and the communities we serve.”

Mendez joins USA Volleyball from Angel City Football Club, where she most recently served as vice president of event operations and was a key member of the leadership team that built ACFC’s highly regarded, fan-centric matchday experience. She has overseen large-scale live events with multi-million-dollar budgets, led cross-functional production teams and delivered complex global partner experiences. Prior to ACFC, Mendez spent more than a decade in executive and leadership roles at Golden Boy Promotions, where she led operations and communications for high-profile boxing events around the world.

At USAV, she will collaborate closely with teams across the organization to build scalable systems and event models that support commercialization, and create inclusive and elevated experiences for all participants. She will also play a central role in coordinating key operational components for LA28.

“As USA Volleyball accelerates into a new era of growth, the way we design off‑court experiences and strategic partnerships will be central to how we elevate our sport and serve athletes, fans, coaches, officials and partners at the highest level,” said USA Volleyball Chief Operating Officer Bari Greenfield. “I’m thrilled for Monica to bring her rare blend of global event expertise, operational rigor, and inclusive leadership, proven across some of the most visible properties in sports. In her role as chief of experiential events and strategic partnerships, she will be instrumental in shaping differentiated, best‑in‑class experiential platforms around moments like WWC27 and the LA28 Olympic Games, while building the year-round foundation for premium experiential environments at USA Volleyball.”

Jake Hanes (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 30, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team used a barrage of service aces to defeat reigning world champion Italy, 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-21) in the quarterfinal round of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League Final on Thursday in Ningbo Beilun, China. The win avenged the U.S. team’s first preliminary round loss of the tournament.

The U.S. (9-4) advanced to the semifinals and will meet top-seeded Japan (13-0) at 4:30 a.m. PT on Saturday. The teams met in the second week of preliminary round play in the heat of Orleans, France, with Japan squeaking out a five-set win with a 15-13 victory in the deciding set. Japan defeated host China 3-1 in the quarterfinals. The U.S. will have a chance to clinch a VNL medal for the first time since 2023.

“We had a really fun battle in some very warm conditions in France. We are excited for another chance at (Japan). They are a great team. They play amazing defense and ball control. There were times during that match where we were flowing quite well, so we love we are getting a rematch,” said U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly.

The U.S. served 14 aces in the quarterfinal match compared to five for Italy. Otherwise, the match was nearly statistically even with the U.S. holding an edge in kills (39-38) and making two fewer errors (19-17), while Italy registered one more block (4-3).

“We were happy to be here and put together another good match. The guys did a great job with lots of strong serving. Jake (Hanes) dug us out of a hole in that last one with a monster serving run,” Kiraly stated.

Hanes served six aces, one more than the entire Italy team, while leading the U.S. with 13 kills and sharing match-high honors with two blocks to finish with a match-best 21 points. Hanes hit .409 for the match.

“It is more a feeling thing than a thinking thing,” Hanes said in reference to a question about what he was thinking during his strong serving. “You just trust yourself and the reps you put in. I think we all did a great job trying to stay aggressive there against a really good side-out team, so we had to come together and hit a bunch of good serves.”

Outside hitter Matt Anderson scored 15 points on 12 kills and three aces, hitting at a .611 efficiency percentage with just one error in 18 attacks. Anderson and Hanes each recorded five digs. Setter Micah Christenson served a pair of aces while leading the offense to a .438 hitting percentage in the match.

Outside hitter Ethan Champlin rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points on eight kills and a pair of aces. He shared match-high honors with libero Erik Shoji with four successful receptions. Shoji’s six digs tied the match-best total.

The U.S. middle blockers combined to score eight points with Taylor Averill leading the way with five points on four kills and an ace. Merrick McHenry delivered a kill and a block, and Jeff Jendryk added a kill.

The first two points of the match foreshadowed the result as Italy served into the net and Christenson followed with an ace. An Anderson ace gave the U.S. a 7-5 lead. A Hanes kill and Averill ace pushed the advantage to four points, 10-6, forcing Italy to use a timeout. Champlin scored off a Shoji set for a 12-8 lead. Italy pulled within two points, 14-12, but Anderson produced a perfect pass and scored on a give-and-go from Christenson on the next play. Italy used a 5-2 run to even the set at 17, but an Italy service error and Christenson ace, the same way the match started, put the U.S. ahead for good.

Anderson continued to handle tough Italy serves leading to a Hanes kill for a 21-19 lead. After an Averill kill, Hanes served his first ace of the match to put the U.S. up by four points. An Italy timeout didn’t stop Hanes, who served another ace to give the U.S. set point, 24-20. Italy saved two set points before Champlin scored on a back row attack. Hanes finished the set with seven points on five kills and two aces with Anderson scoring six points on five kills and an ace.

Blocks by Averill and Hanes gave the U.S. a 7-4 lead in the second set. After Italy scored the next two points, Hanes scored his 300th VNL point with a kill and promptly followed that with another ace. Back-to-back Anderson aces pushed the margin to five points, 13-8. A Champlin ace off the net gave the U.S. its largest lead, six points, 17-11. Italy pulled within three points, 18-15, on an ace but a great Shoji pass on the next serve led to a Champlin kill on a back row attack. The U.S. went back up by five when Anderson scored off a set from Hanes.

Averill put down a one-handed set from Christenson to restore the six-point margin, 21-15. Italy cut the deficit in half at 22-19 before Champlin produced a key crosscourt kill off a Shoji set. On the next rally, McHenry put up a pass from the front row to Christenson in the midcourt, where he found a way to deliver a great set to Hanes for a kill and set point. Italy scored the next two points, the second on an ace, before McHenry ended the set on a kill set up by a strong Champlin pass on a serve that clipped the net. Champlin (four kills, two aces) and Hanes (three kills, two blocks, one ace) each scored six points in the set.

An excellent block cover led to a kill and a hitting error gave Italy its first two-point lead of the match, 8-6, in the third set. An ace stretched the margin to three points, 11-8. Italy scored on the longest rally of the match with scrappy defense from both teams and followed with a kill off the block to open up a 14-9 lead. Hanes scored out of system off a Shoji set, then set Anderson for a kill and followed with a 79 mile per hour ace to cut the lead to two points, 15-13, and force an Italy timeout.

Hanes’ next serve hit 80 miles per hour and led to an overpass that Anderson put down. He served another ace that tied the set and led to another Italy timeout to try to slow the momentum. Instead, Hanes served another ace, this one off the net, to put the U.S. ahead for the first time since early in the set. Hanes delivered a kill falling away from the net off a Shoji bump set before another point put the U.S. up by two for the first time in the set, 19-17. Jendryk scored to raise the lead to three, 22-19, and a hitting error pushed the lead to four and capped an 11-4 U.S. run keyed by the Hanes serving run. Anderson scored to give the U.S. match point and after Italy scrambled to save one point, a great Anderson pass, Christenson set and Champlin kill ended the match.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2026 VNL Final

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
6 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League Final
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

July 30
Quarterfinal: USA def. Italy, 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-21)

August 1
Semifinal: USA vs. Japan, 4:30 a.m. PT

The men's national team huddles on the court
Photo by Daniel Bartel

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 27, 2026) – Fifteen U.S. Men’s National Team athletes are in Ningbo Beilun, China, for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League Final, featuring the top teams from preliminary round play.

The U.S. finished 8-4 in the first three weeks of play and is ranked No. 5 in the tournament. The team opens play at midnight on July 30 vs. No. 4 Italy, which also finished 8-4. The U.S. lost to Italy in five sets in week one in Ottawa, Canada. Other teams competing in the final are No. 1 Japan, No. 2 Poland, No. 3 Slovenia, No. 6 Türkiye, No. 7 Ukraine and host country China.

Three setters are part of the U.S. roster for the final: Micah Christenson, Micah Ma’a and Andrew Rowan. Middle blockers are Taylor Averill, Jeff Jendryk, Matt Knigge and Merrick McHenry. Outside hitters are Matt Anderson, TJ DeFalco, Ethan Champlin and Cooper Robinson, and opposites are Jake Hanes and Cole Hartke. Erik Shoji and Mason Briggs are the liberos.

The U.S. did not qualify for the VNL Final in 2025 and last medaled in 2023 when the team finished second to Poland.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2026 VNL Final

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
6 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League Final
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

July 30
Quarterfinal: USA vs. Italy, 12 a.m.

Beach ntdp

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 25, 2026) – Approximately 100 athletes are headed to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in California over the next 10 days for the 2026 Beach NTDP Summer Training Series, an intensive residential training experience.

The Summer Training Series brings together some of the nation’s most accomplished beach coaches to develop the next generation of beach players. Athletes will participate in two blocks, with the women going first, July 26-30 in U17-U19/U20 age groups, followed by the men, July 30-Aug. 3 in the same age groups. Each block with will have seven training sessions, two classrooms sessions, and learn from a guest speaker.

Check out the rosters.

Coaches

Men’s U19/20
Head Coach: Alvaro Filho, Olympian/Stetson
Assistant Coach: David Fischer, UNC Wilmington
Assistant Coach: Rachel Scott, Redondo Union HS

Boys U17
Head Coach: Hudson Bates Ohio State
Assistant Coach: Steve McFadden, Univ. of Washington

Women’s U19/20
Head Coach: Kristina Adams, Stetson
Associate Head Coach: Billy Allen, Stanford
Assistant Coach: Katie Dickens, LSU
Assistant Coach: Derek Olson, Univ. of San Diego

Girls U17
Head Coach: Andrew Fuller, Stanford
Associate Head Coach: Kelly Reeves, UCLA
Assistant Coach: Jose Loiola, Univ. of South Carolina
Assistant Coach: Benny White, LMU

Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 24, 2026) — The U.S. Women’s U19 National Team captured the gold medal at the 2026 NORCECA Women’s U19 Continental Championship with a 3-0 (25-7, 25-16, 25-20) win over Canada on Friday in San José, Costa Rica. The U.S. swept all four of its matches in the tournament.

The U.S. hit at a .434 efficiency percentage for the match with a 42-23 advantage in kills. The U.S. registered nine of the 11 blocks in the match and 12 of the 14 service aces.

“It was an incredible team win. Working with this group was an absolute pleasure. They represented USA at the highest level,” said U.S. head coach Alex Dunphy.

Libero Cala Haffner was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Best Receiver. In the gold medal match, she led all players with 10 digs and paced the U.S. with six successful receptions. Haffner passed 77 percent in system for the tournament.

Outside hitter Ireland Real entered the match in the third set and delivered eight kills. She took home Best Outside Hitter honors. In addition to running the very effective U.S. offense, setter Josalyn Samuels served six aces and added two kills for eight points. She was chosen as the tournament’s Best Server.

Five more U.S. players scored at least five points with outside hitter Ava Burgess leading the way with 10 points on five kills, two blocks and three aces in the first two sets. Opposite Nejari Crooks totaled nine points on seven kills and a pair of blocks playing in the first and second sets.

Outside hitter Olivia Henry recorded seven kills in the opening two sets. Middle blocker Shayla Rautenberg finished with six points on three kills, two blocks and an ace. Megan Hodges scored five points on two kills, two blocks and an ace.

Brynn Stephens (two kills, one ace) and Kyla Williams (three kills) each contributed three points. Opposite Sarah Floyd posted two kills with setter Taimane Ainu’u scoring a point in the third set and Willtrace Ngoh adding a block.

The U.S. scored the first point of the match on a Crooks kill and then Samuels served eight consecutive points, four on aces, for a 9-0 lead. After Canada scored its first point, the U.S. ran off another 10 points. Burgess recorded a kill and then served for nine points in a row, including three aces. A Rautenberg ace, the eighth of the set, pushed the lead to 21-2. A Henry kill raised the lead to 20 points, 24-4, before Canada scored three consecutive points. Samuels ended the set with a kill. Crooks, Samuels and Burgess each scored five points.

Blocks by Rautenberg and Burgess followed by an ace off the tape from Burgess staked the U.S. to a 4-0 lead in the second set. A Hodges kill put the U.S. ahead 8-3. A Burgess block and another Samuels ace raised the score to 13-6. Canada pulled within five points, 17-12, before a Henry kill and a hitting error raised the margin back to seven. A Hodges block and ace combined with back-to-back Burgess kills put the U.S. ahead 23-14. Burgess ended the set with her third kill and fifth point off a strong set from Samuels on a ball at the net.

Canada took its first lead of the match, 2-1, and still led 5-4 when the U.S. scored four points in a row, highlighted by a Stephens ace. Canada responded out of a timeout with a 6-1 run for an 11-9 lead. A Stephens kill gave the U.S. a 15-14 lead, but Canada scored the next four points for a three-point lead and prompting a U.S. timeout. A Williams kill and two by Real evened the score at 18.

An Ngoh block followed by a Real kill after stellar defensive plays from Crooks and Williams gave the U.S. a 21-19 lead. A hitting error after a Canada timeout extended the lead to three before Canada became the first team in the tournament to score 20 points in a set against the U.S. Two Canada errors gave the U.S. match point when Real delivered her eighth kill of the set to clinch the gold medal.

U19 Continental Championship Roster
1 Taimane Ainu’u (S, 6-0, 2009, Kapolei, Hawaii, Iolani HS, Aloha)
2 Nejari Crooks (OPP, 6-1, 2009, High Point, N.C., Wesleyan Christian Academy, Carolina)
3 Cala Haffner (L, 5-8, 2009, Fort Wayne, Ind., Carroll HS, Hoosier)
5 Olivia Henry (OH, 6-5, 2009, Bayside, N.Y., IMG Academy, Florida)
6 Megan Hodges (MB/OPP, 6-5, 2009, Ladera Ranch, Calif., San Juan Hills HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Pulelehua Laikona (L, 5-8, 2009, Gilbert, Ariz., Mesa HS, Arizona)
12 Brynn Stephens (OH, 6-3, 2009, Frisco, TX, Walnut Grove HS, North Texas)
13 Shayla Rautenberg (MB, 6-4, 2009, Pleasant Dale, Neb., Milford HS, Great Plains)
14 Ireland Real (OH, 6-4, 2009, San Clemente, Calif., Santa Margarita Catholic HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Josalyn Samuels (S, 6-1, 2009, Harrisburg, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
17 Sarah Floyd (OPP, 6-3, 2009, Dallas, TX, Highland Park HS, North Texas)
18 Kyla Williams (MB, 6-4, 2009, Cleveland, Ohio, Gilmour Academy, Ohio Valley)
19 Ava Burgess (OH, 6-2, 2009, Lehi, Utah, Lone Peak HS, Intermountain)
20 Willtrace Ngoh (MB, 6-1, 2009, Richmond, Texas, Katy Seven Lakes HS, Lone Star)

Alternates
4 Taylor Harrington (MB, 6-3, 2009, Arlington, Va., Wakefield HS, Chesapeake)
7 Averi Bridges (L, 5-7,2009, Ashland, Neb., Ashland HS, Great Plains)
8 Alex Knox (S, 5-11, 2009, McMurray, Pa., Peters Township High School, Keystone)
10 Leilani Lamar (OH, 6-2, 2009, Alpharetta, Ga., Alpharetta HS, Southern)
11 Westley Matavao (OH, 6-0, 2009, Ontario, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Taylor Freeland (OPP, 6-3, 2009, Riverton, Utah, Riverton HS, Intermountain)

Coaches 
Head Coach: Alex Dunphy (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Haley Brightwell (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Tori Dixon (LOVB)
Performance Analyst: Mackenna Basore (LOVB)
ATC: Hazel Peterson (USOPTC)
Team Lead: Courtney Smith (NTDP)

U19 Continental Championship Schedule
All times PT
July 19: USA def. Cuba, 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-10)
July 21: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-14)
July 22: Quarterfinals (USA received a bye)
July 23: Semifinals: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-16, 25-12, 25-10)
July 24 Gold Medal Match: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-7, 25-16, 25-20)

Stories

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 23, 2026) — The U.S. Women’s U19 National Team will play for the gold medal at the 2026 NORCECA Women’s U19 Continental Championship after a 3-0 (25-16, 25-12, 25-10) victory over Puerto Rico in a semifinal match on Thursday in San José, Costa Rica.

The U.S. (3-0) will compete for gold tomorrow at 3 p.m. PT against the winner of the second semifinal between Canada and Mexico. The U.S. has won all nine of its sets and yet to allow an opponent to reach the 20-point mark in any set.

The U.S. dominated in every statistical category, including 43-17 in kills, 13-3 in blocks, and 7-0 in service aces. The U.S. hit at a .452 efficiency percentage as a team with setters Taimane Ainu’u and Josalyn Samuels running the offense.

Playing the final two sets, outside hitter Ireland Real led all players with nine kills and 13 points, adding two blocks and a pair of aces. She also posted a match-high seven successful receptions, four more than any other player from either team.

Despite only playing the first set, Megan Hodges scored eight points on five kills and three blocks. Opposite Sarah Floyd (six kills), middle blocker Kyla Williams (three kills, three blocks) and middle Willtrace Ngoh (four kills, two blocks) all scored six points. Opposite Nejari Crooks scored five points in the first set on three kills and two aces, while Shayla Rautenberg added four points on three kills and a block.

Libero Pulelehua Laikona led all players with 11 digs and fellow libero Cala Haffner added seven. Outside hitter Olivia Henry registered three kills, and outside Ava Burgess totaled three points on two kills and a block.

A Hodges block gave the U.S. its first lead of the match, 4-3, and she followed with her second kill. A great dig by Crooks kept a rally going that ended with a Burgess block for a 9-4 lead. Kills by Burgess and Hodges pushed the lead to seven. Hodges scored her fifth point for a 12-6 U.S. advantage. Puerto Rico cut the deficit back to four points, 13-9, with a block. A Hodges block put the U.S. ahead 16-10 and after dropping the next point, the U.S. ran off five points in a row, two on aces by Crooks, for a commanding 10-point lead. Crooks ended the set with her third kill and fifth point. Hodges led all scorers with eight points.

Puerto Rico led 5-4 in the second set before Stephens scored three times and Rautenberg twice as part of a six-point run that gave the U.S. a 10-4 advantage. The U.S. doubled up the score, 12-6, with a block by Ngoh, and moved ahead by eight on a block from Real. The U.S. recycled a block into a Real kill, one of her four consecutive points and the lead reached 11 points, 18-7. Floyd scored for a 22-8 U.S. lead. Rautenberg kills gave the U.S. set point and the set. Real led all scorers with eight points on five kills, two blocks and an ace.

A Williams block gave the U.S. an early 4-1 lead in the third set. Another Williams block and a Stephens ace pushed the margin to seven points, 11-4. The lead grew to double digits, 16-6, on a Real kill off the block. Another Real kill and an ace by Ainu’u put the U.S. up 18-6. Floyd and Ngoh recorded back-to-back kills and Real followed with an ace to make the score 21-7. The teams split the next six points before Williams ended the match with a kill that sent the U.S. to the gold medal match. Williams (two kills, three blocks) and Real (four kills, one ace) each totaled five points in the set.

U19 Continental Championship Roster
1 Taimane Ainu’u (S, 6-0, 2009, Kapolei, Hawaii, Iolani HS, Aloha)
2 Nejari Crooks (OPP, 6-1, 2009, High Point, N.C., Wesleyan Christian Academy, Carolina)
3 Cala Haffner (L, 5-8, 2009, Fort Wayne, Ind., Carroll HS, Hoosier)
5 Olivia Henry (OH, 6-5, 2009, Bayside, N.Y., IMG Academy, Florida)
6 Megan Hodges (MB/OPP, 6-5, 2009, Ladera Ranch, Calif., San Juan Hills HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Pulelehua Laikona (L, 5-8, 2009, Gilbert, Ariz., Mesa HS, Arizona)
12 Brynn Stephens (OH, 6-3, 2009, Frisco, TX, Walnut Grove HS, North Texas)
13 Shayla Rautenberg (MB, 6-4, 2009, Pleasant Dale, Neb., Milford HS, Great Plains)
14 Ireland Real (OH, 6-4, 2009, San Clemente, Calif., Santa Margarita Catholic HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Josalyn Samuels (S, 6-1, 2009, Harrisburg, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
17 Sarah Floyd (OPP, 6-3, 2009, Dallas, TX, Highland Park HS, North Texas)
18 Kyla Williams (MB, 6-4, 2009, Cleveland, Ohio, Gilmour Academy, Ohio Valley)
19 Ava Burgess (OH, 6-2, 2009, Lehi, Utah, Lone Peak HS, Intermountain)
20 Willtrace Ngoh (MB, 6-1, 2009, Richmond, Texas, Katy Seven Lakes HS, Lone Star)

Alternates
4 Taylor Harrington (MB, 6-3, 2009, Arlington, Va., Wakefield HS, Chesapeake)
7 Averi Bridges (L, 5-7,2009, Ashland, Neb., Ashland HS, Great Plains)
8 Alex Knox (S, 5-11, 2009, McMurray, Pa., Peters Township High School, Keystone)
10 Leilani Lamar (OH, 6-2, 2009, Alpharetta, Ga., Alpharetta HS, Southern)
11 Westley Matavao (OH, 6-0, 2009, Ontario, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Taylor Freeland (OPP, 6-3, 2009, Riverton, Utah, Riverton HS, Intermountain)

Coaches 
Head Coach: Alex Dunphy (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Haley Brightwell (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Tori Dixon (LOVB)
Performance Analyst: Mackenna Basore (LOVB)
ATC: Hazel Peterson (USOPTC)
Team Lead: Courtney Smith (NTDP)

U19 Continental Championship Schedule
All times PT
July 19: USA def. Cuba, 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-10)
July 21: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-14)
July 22: Quarterfinals (USA received a bye)
July 23: Semifinals: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-16, 25-12, 25-10)
July 24 Gold Medal Match: USA vs. Canada/Mexico, 3 p.m.

Stories

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Dana Rettke and Jordan Thompson (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 23, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team dropped its Volleyball Nations League (VNL) quarterfinal match to host China, 3-2 (15-25, 25-23, 25-20, 17-25, 15-13) on Thursday in Macao, China. It marked the second consecutive VNL quarterfinal loss for the U.S. and China’s second 3-2 win over the U.S. in a row after a win in 2025 VNL preliminary round.

The top-seeded and third-ranked U.S. finished with a 74-58 advantage in kills, dominating the two sets it won. China recorded two more blocks (9-7) with the U.S. serving one more ace (5-4). China, which finished ninth in the preliminary round and was seeded eighth as the host country, made six fewer errors (26-20).

“You let a good team like them hang around – we had a lot of opportunities we didn’t take advantage of – and that’s what happens,” U.S. head coach Erik Sullivan said. “We’ll get home and take a little time off. It’s been a long trip for us. We didn’t come back after the third leg. We’ve been over here for three weeks or so. We’ll get a little rest and then get in a nice training block at the end of the summer.”

Opposite Jordan Thompson led all players with 21 kills and 24 points, adding a block and sharing match-high honors with two aces. She also contributed nine digs.

“We were not at our best today. In moments like this, you need to show up and I don’t think we executed to the best of our ability. China played an amazing match and are incredibly talented. They are a very strong team,” she stated. “It’s frustrating when you lose and feel like you beat yourself a little bit. Of course, China played amazing and we have to give props to them.”

Middle blocker Dana Rettke played an outstanding match, leading all players with four blocks and totaling 18 points on 14 kills without an error in 20 attacks for a .700 hitting percentage. Outside hitters Logan Eggleston (14 points on 13 kills and an ace) and Avery Skinner (13 points on 11 kills and two aces) combined for 27 points. Middle Asjia O’Neal rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points on 10 kills and a block. She hit .533 for the match as the U.S. middles hit a combined .667 with 24 kills.

Skinner led the team with 11 digs followed closely by libero Morgan Hentz with 10. Libero Lexi Rodriguez paced the team with five successful receptions and Eggleston added four. Setter Jordyn Poulter recorded six digs and scored two points on a kill and a block.

Rettke ended a long rally with a kill on a slide to give the U.S. a 6-2 lead to start the match. After a China timeout, Thompson served the first ace of the match. China was unable to get a tough Eggleston serve back over the net and Rettke followed with a block for a 10-3 advantage that forced China to use its final timeout just 13 points into the set. Rettke scored again off a one-handed set from Poulter for a 16-9 lead. A Rettke block on a rally that featured a great dig by Rodriguez and Eggleston chasing down the ball made it 18-10. Eggleston scored over the block into the deep corner to give the U.S. set point and Thompson followed with her second ace. Rettke scored six points on four kills and two blocks to lead the U.S., which recorded 17 kills with just one error in the opening set.

An O’Neal block gave the U.S. its first lead of the second set, 8-7. A Thompson kill and Skinner ace extended the margin to three points. A China timeout could not stop the run as Eggleston followed with a kill to cap a five-point stretch. A China ace cur the deficit back to one, 12-11, before Thompson scored on a sharp angle. A great up by Thompson led to an Eggleston score off the block on a set by Rettke on the next point. After China closed the gap to one, 14-13, Eggleston and Rettke delivered kills to raise the margin back to three points. Skinner kept a ball in play off the net and then put a ball down for an 18-14 lead, but China scored the next three points to prompt a U.S. timeout.

China scored the first point out of the timeout to even the set 18-18 and later used a three-point run to take a 22-20 advantage. A block out of a timeout upped the lead to three points. O’Neal scored and a China hitting error cut the deficit back to one, and a tough O’Neal serve led to a free ball that Rettke put down. China scored the final two points to even the match. Thompson recorded six kills in the set.

Two O’Neal kills and a Skinner ace staked the U.S. to a 3-1 lead in the third set, but an ace put China ahead for the first time in the set, 6-5. A Thompson block restored the U.S. lead, 8-7, but China scored the next three points. Thompson scored the next two points to even the set again. The teams split the next six points before China regained its two-point advantage. An ace stretched the lead to three, 19-16, forcing a U.S. timeout, but China scored the first two points out of the timeout for a five-point lead. Thompson scored her fifth point of the set to save one set point before China took a 2-1 lead in the match.

An O’Neal block gave the U.S. a 6-5 lead in the fourth set, capping a 4-1 U.S. stretch. A great hustle play by China led to a block that tied the set 8-8. A Rettke block put the U.S. up by two points, 11-9, and led to a China timeout. Thompson and Eggleston scored on consecutive plays for a four-point lead. A Rettke kill on the slide raised the margin to five, 16-11. A great dig by O’Neal helped the U.S. run the lead to six points, 21-15. A Poulter block and Rettke kill gave the U.S. set point, 24-16. A net call against China sent the match into a decisive fifth set. Thompson finished with five kills with Rettke scoring four points on three kills and a block. The U.S. evened its total from the first three sets with three blocks in the fourth set.

After two Thompson kills, the U.S. used a kill and block from Rettke and a Skinner kill inside the block for a 5-2 lead that forced a China timeout. Skinner pounded a ball down off a Poulter jump set for a 6-3 lead but China ran off three points in a row to tie the set 6-6. Thompson kills gave the U.S. 8-6 and 9-7 leads, but China went on a 6-2 run with back-to-back blocks for a 13-11 lead. The teams exchanged the next four points to send China to the semifinals.

U.S. Women’s Roster for VNL Final

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Results/Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28)
June 5 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-11)
June 7 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12)

Week 2: Pasig City, Philippines
June 16 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-12)
June 18 USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Italy, 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Serbia, 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-16, 25-19)

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-20)
July 8 Poland def. USA, 3-2 (20-25, 25-20, 25-23, 18-25, 15-12)
July 9 USA def. Türkiye, 3-2 (22-25, 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 15-8)
July 11 USA def. Brazil, 3-0 (25-24, 25-22, 25-16)

VNL Final
Quarterfinals July 23: China def. USA, 3-2 (15-25, 25-23, 25-20, 17-25, 15-13)

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Pulelehua Laikona (Photo by NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 21, 2026) — The U.S. Women’s U19 National Team defeated the Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-14) on Tuesday at the 2026 NORCECA Women’s U19 Continental Championship in San José, Costa Rica. The U.S. won all six of its sets in preliminary round play without yielding more than 18 points in any set.

The U.S. (2-0) earned a bye in the quarterfinal round and will play in Thursday’s semifinals against an opponent to be determined.

The U.S. finished with advantages in kills (33-21), blocks (7-4) and service aces (7-2), while committing five fewer errors (28-23).

The balanced U.S. attack finished with six players scoring between five and eight points. Middle blocker Willtrace Ngoh shared match-high honors with eight points on a match-best three blocks to go with five kills. Middle Shayla Rautenberg totaled seven points on four kills, two blocks and an ace.

Libero Pulelehua Laikona led the team with 12 digs with setter Taimane Ainu’u adding seven. Outside hitter Ava Burgess was the only player in the match with more than one successful reception, recording three.

Outsider hitter Brynn Stephens served four aces in the third set, just one short of all the other players combined in the match, and her two kills gave her six points. Opposite Sarah Floyd scored six points on five kills and an ace with Burgess also totaling six points with five kills and a block.

Opposite Nejari Crooks finished with five points on four kills and an ace with Megan Hodges adding three points on two kills and a block. Ireland Real and Kyla Williams produced two kills each, while Olivia Henry and Josalyn Samuels both scored once.

The Dominican Republic led 7-5 in the first set before the U.S. scored four consecutive points, starting with a block by Ngoh and ending with a Rautenberg kill. Dominican Republic ran off three points in a row, retaking the lead on a block, 10-9. Another Rautenberg kill put the U.S. back in front, 13-12. Haffner served an ace off the net and Burgess recorded a block for a 17-14 lead that prompted a second Dominican Republic timeout. Laikona moved out the way just in time on an errant serve for an 18-15 lead. A Stephens kill off the block capped a 5-0 U.S. run for set point at 24-17. Ngoh ended the set with her fourth point and third kill. Floyd led all scorers with five points on four kills and an ace.

A strong Henry serve led to an overpass that Hodges put down for a 7-5 U.S. lead in the second set. Back-to-back Ngoh blocks gave the U.S. a three-point advantage, 12-9. The U.S. upped its lead to five, 15-10, on a Crooks kill. After Dominican Republic scored the next two points, Hodges registered a kill and a block for a 17-12. A Crooks ace finished a 4-0 run that put the U.S. up by seven. Samuels was able to score on a tight pass to the net and a Dominican Republic hitting error extended the lead to eight, 22-14. The lead never narrowed to fewer than six points the rest of the way and ended on a service error. Ngoh led the U.S. with four points on two kills and two blocks.

Consecutive blocks put the Dominican Republic ahead, 6-5, early in the third set. Floyd scored to give the U.S. an 8-7 lead and Burgess scored on back-to-back plays, the second when she put down an overpass off a Haffner serve, for a three-point advantage. Two great digs by Haffner and Laikona each led to a Burgess kill off the block for an 11-8 U.S. lead. Stephens served three aces in a row, the second dribbling off the net, to extend the lead to 21-14. Crooks delivered two kills around another Stephens ace to set up match point. Rautenberg ended the match with a kill as the U.S. finished on an 8-0 run. Stephens’ four aces made her the team’s high scorer in the final set.

U19 Continental Championship Roster
1 Taimane Ainu’u (S, 6-0, 2009, Kapolei, Hawaii, Iolani HS, Aloha)
2 Nejari Crooks (OPP, 6-1, 2009, High Point, N.C., Wesleyan Christian Academy, Carolina)
3 Cala Haffner (L, 5-8, 2009, Fort Wayne, Ind., Carroll HS, Hoosier)
5 Olivia Henry (OH, 6-5, 2009, Bayside, N.Y., IMG Academy, Florida)
6 Megan Hodges (MB/OPP, 6-5, 2009, Ladera Ranch, Calif., San Juan Hills HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Pulelehua Laikona (L, 5-8, 2009, Gilbert, Ariz., Mesa HS, Arizona)
12 Brynn Stephens (OH, 6-3, 2009, Frisco, TX, Walnut Grove HS, North Texas)
13 Shayla Rautenberg (MB, 6-4, 2009, Pleasant Dale, Neb., Milford HS, Great Plains)
14 Ireland Real (OH, 6-4, 2009, San Clemente, Calif., Santa Margarita Catholic HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Josalyn Samuels (S, 6-1, 2009, Harrisburg, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
17 Sarah Floyd (OPP, 6-3, 2009, Dallas, TX, Highland Park HS, North Texas)
18 Kyla Williams (MB, 6-4, 2009, Cleveland, Ohio, Gilmour Academy, Ohio Valley)
19 Ava Burgess (OH, 6-2, 2009, Lehi, Utah, Lone Peak HS, Intermountain)
20 Willtrace Ngoh (MB, 6-1, 2009, Richmond, Texas, Katy Seven Lakes HS, Lone Star)

Alternates
4 Taylor Harrington (MB, 6-3, 2009, Arlington, Va., Wakefield HS, Chesapeake)
7 Averi Bridges (L, 5-7,2009, Ashland, Neb., Ashland HS, Great Plains)
8 Alex Knox (S, 5-11, 2009, McMurray, Pa., Peters Township High School, Keystone)
10 Leilani Lamar (OH, 6-2, 2009, Alpharetta, Ga., Alpharetta HS, Southern)
11 Westley Matavao (OH, 6-0, 2009, Ontario, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Taylor Freeland (OPP, 6-3, 2009, Riverton, Utah, Riverton HS, Intermountain)

Coaches 
Head Coach: Alex Dunphy (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Haley Brightwell (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Tori Dixon (LOVB)
Performance Analyst: Mackenna Basore (LOVB)
ATC: Hazel Peterson (USOPTC)
Team Lead: Courtney Smith (NTDP)

U19 Continental Championship Schedule
All times PT
July 19: USA def. Cuba, 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-10)
July 21: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-14)
July 22: Quarterfinals (USA received a bye)
July 23: Semifinals: USA vs. TBA
July 24 Medal match

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NTDP athletes gather around a coach to listen on the court

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 21, 2026) — USA Volleyball announces the full athlete roster for the 2026 Girls Indoor NTDP Summer Training Series, scheduled for July 27-30 in Hamilton, Ohio.

This immersive training experience brings together 131 of the country’s top young female volleyball athletes, representing 31 states and 30 USA Volleyball regions. Athletes have been identified and invited based on recommendations from the Indoor NTDP Scouting Network, which serves as the foundation of the NTDP’s comprehensive talent identification process. The NTDP Summer Training Series is designed to elevate the next generation of elite athletes through world-class coaching, development and mentorship aligned with USA Volleyball’s National Team philosophies. Each training session emphasizes the five core pillars of the NTDP Development Model: Craft, Mind, Body, Heart and Team.

View the rosters.

Participants will train in three  age-group sections: U15/U16; U17 and U18/19. South Carolina’s Sarah Noble will lead the U15/U16 age group, Louisville’s Dan Meske has the U17 age group, and Keith Smith of Utah State will lead the U18/U19 group.

Visit our NTDP home page to learn more about USA Volleyball’s ongoing athlete development initiatives.

Photo by Daniel Bartel

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 19, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team finished Volleyball Nations League (VNL) preliminary play with an 8-4 record after a 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-19) loss to world No. 1 Poland at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, on Sunday night. The U.S. will be seeded fifth in the VNL finals, while Poland earned the second seed behind undefeated Japan with the win before a large contingent of fans in the Chicago area.

The U.S. will face fourth-seeded Italy (8-4) in the quarterfinal round of the VNL finals, which begin on July 29 in Ningbo Beilun, China.

Poland finished with advantages in kills (45-34) and blocks (9-3) with each team serving three aces.

Outside hitter Matt Anderson was the only U.S. player in double figures with 13 points on 10 points and all three of his team’s aces, which came in the third set. Outside T.J. DeFalco (seven kills, one block) and opposite Jake Hanes (eight kills) each contributed eight points. Anderson also paced the team with six successful receptions, while DeFalco added five.

Middle blockers Merrick McHenry and Taylor Averill each recorded three kills with McHenry adding two blocks. Libero Erik Shoji led the team with eight digs.

McHenry scored the first point of the match, the only U.S. lead in the set. A block gave Poland the first three-point lead, 12-9. A great up by DeFalco led to a Hanes kill off an Anderson set to cut the lead to one, 14-13. The U.S. was in the net on the next point and Poland upped the lead back to three before a U.S. timeout. A triple block stifled the U.S. attack for a 21-17 Poland lead. The U.S. was unable to get closer than three points with the set ending on a block. Hanes led the U.S. with four points.

Poland took an 8-4 lead in the second set, forcing the U.S. into an early timeout. An ace pushed the lead to five, 11-6. A successful challenge helped Poland double up the score, 14-7. A McHenry block cut the deficit to five points, 19-14. A short McHenry serve gave Poland trouble and Anderson scored down the line to move the U.S. within four points, 22-18. The U.S. saved two set points before Poland took a two-set lead. Anderson paced the U.S. with five kills.

Anderson served back-to-back aces to give the U.S. a 4-1 lead to begin the third set, prompting an early Poland timeout. Anderson continued serving well after the timeout, setting up his own back row attack for one point and then serving another ace for a 6-1 advantage. A McHenry kill put the U.S. ahead 9-6 and Anderson scored twice for an 11-8 lead. Poland scored the next two points to pull within a point. After a service error, Averill put down an overpass on another strong Anderson serve to put the U.S. up 13-10. Poland scored four of the next five points to even the score at 14, leading to a U.S. timeout. Poland recorded a block on the first play out of the timeout to take the lead and later used a block for a 20-18 lead. Another block extended the margin to three points, 22-19. After a timeout, Poland ended the match with three consecutive points. Anderson scored seven points on four kills and his three aces.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2026 VNL Week Three

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
6 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 USA def. Türkiye, 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23),
June 12 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-20)
June 13 def. Canada, 3-2 (20-25, 33-35, 26-24, 25-21, 15-11)
June 14 Italy def. USA, 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-10)

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 USA def. Cuba, 3-0, (25-21, 25-21, 25-19)
June 25 USA def. Iran, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 31-29)
June 27 Japan def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22, 15-13)
June 28 def. Serbia, 3-1 (25-12, 25-23, 24-26, 25-17)

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
July 15 USA def. China, 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-20)
July 16 def. Brazil, 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-18)
July 18 Bulgaria def. USA, 3-1 (27-25, 22-25, 26-24, 25-18)
July 19 Poland def. USA, 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-19)

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Women's u19
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 19, 2026) — The U.S. Women’s U19 National Team opened play at the 2026 NORCECA Women’s U19 Continental Championship with a 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-10) victory over Cuba on Sunday in San José, Costa Rica. The U.S. broke open a close first two sets with late runs before dominating the third set.

The U.S. will have a day off before concluding pool play against the Dominican Republic on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. PT.

The U.S. nearly doubled Cuba in kills (41-21) while serving all 10 aces in the match and recording four of the five blocks. The U.S. hit nearly .500 for the match with a team efficiency percentage of .492.

“The first match was a great challenge,” said head coach Alex Dunphy. “Cuba had two strong attackers and forced our defense to work at the net and tin the back row. We responded and got better every set. I’m happy that we were able to have multiple athletes contribute in match one.”

Ten U.S. players scored at least three points with outside hitter Ireland Real leading the way with nine points on seven kills, one block and an ace. Outside Olivia Henry produced eight kills, while opposite Nejari Crooks scored six points on five kills and a block. Libero Cala Haffner led all players with 11 digs and eight successful receptions. Real contributed six digs.

Outside Ava Burgess (five kills) and middle blocker Willtrace Ngoh (three kills, one block, one ace) each scored five points. Four U.S. players each scored four points: setter Taimane Ainu’u (four aces), Megan Hodges (four kills), setter Josalyn Samuels (one kill, three aces) and middle Kyla Williams (three kills, one block). Brynn Stephens registered three kills, Shayla Rautenberg added a pair of kills, and libero Pulelehua Laikona  served an ace.

Cuba jumped out to a 6-2 lead to start the match before the U.S. went on a 6-1 run to take the lead. Crooks recorded back-to-back kills that evened the score 7-7. Hodges put a ball down to end a long rally and put the U.S. up 11-10. Another Crooks kill gave the U.S. a two-point lead, 13-11. A Real ace stretched the lead to three, 15-12. Leading 16-14, the U.S. scored three points in a row for a five-point cushion on a Burgess kill, Crooks block and Samuels ace. Following a Cuba timeout, back-to-back Burgess kills ran the advantage to seven points. The U.S. run continued with another Crooks kill and Samuels ace, finishing a 7-0 run. Rautenberg ended the set with a kill. Crooks scored six points on five kills and a block and Burgess also recorded five kills.

The U.S. took a two-point lead for the first time in the second set when Henry scored back-to-back points to make it 11-9. A kill by Real extended the margin to three points, 15-12, but Cuba scored the next four points to retake the lead. A kill and block by Real restored the U.S. lead, 17-16. Back-to-back aces by Ainu’u pushed the lead back to three points. Cuba tried to stop the momentum with a timeout, but the U.S. scored twice to force another Cuba timeout. Two more Ainu’u aces capped a 10-0 run to end the set. Real led all scorers with seven points on six kills and a block with Ainu’u serving four aces in the final run.

A Williams block and Stephens kill scored on consecutive plays for a 6-2 U.S. lead in the third set. Another Williams kill and a kill by Henry put the U.S. ahead 8-5. After Cuba scored the next point, the U.S. went on a 7-1 run to raise the lead to eight points. Henry delivered two kills and Ngoh recorded a kill and a block in that stretch. A Laikona ace doubled up the lead, 18-9, and forced a Cuba timeout. Three consecutive errors increased the U.S. advantage to 21-9. Williams gave the U.S. match point at 24-10, and Ngoh scored on the following play. Ngoh finished with five points on three kills, a block and an ace.

U19 Continental Championship Roster
1 Taimane Ainu’u (S, 6-0, 2009, Kapolei, Hawaii, Iolani HS, Aloha)
2 Nejari Crooks (OPP, 6-1, 2009, High Point, N.C., Wesleyan Christian Academy, Carolina)
3 Cala Haffner (L, 5-8, 2009, Fort Wayne, Ind., Carroll HS, Hoosier)
5 Olivia Henry (OH, 6-5, 2009, Bayside, N.Y., IMG Academy, Florida)
6 Megan Hodges (MB/OPP, 6-5, 2009, Ladera Ranch, Calif., San Juan Hills HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Pulelehua Laikona (L, 5-8, 2009, Gilbert, Ariz., Mesa HS, Arizona)
12 Brynn Stephens (OH, 6-3, 2009, Frisco, TX, Walnut Grove HS, North Texas)
13 Shayla Rautenberg (MB, 6-4, 2009, Pleasant Dale, Neb., Milford HS, Great Plains)
14 Ireland Real (OH, 6-4, 2009, San Clemente, Calif., Santa Margarita Catholic HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
15 Josalyn Samuels (S, 6-1, 2009, Harrisburg, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
17 Sarah Floyd (OPP, 6-3, 2009, Dallas, TX, Highland Park HS, North Texas)
18 Kyla Williams (MB, 6-4, 2009, Cleveland, Ohio, Gilmour Academy, Ohio Valley)
19 Ava Burgess (OH, 6-2, 2009, Lehi, Utah, Lone Peak HS, Intermountain)
20 Willtrace Ngoh (MB, 6-1, 2009, Richmond, Texas, Katy Seven Lakes HS, Lone Star)

Alternates
4 Taylor Harrington (MB, 6-3, 2009, Arlington, Va., Wakefield HS, Chesapeake)
7 Averi Bridges (L, 5-7,2009, Ashland, Neb., Ashland HS, Great Plains)
8 Alex Knox (S, 5-11, 2009, McMurray, Pa., Peters Township High School, Keystone)
10 Leilani Lamar (OH, 6-2, 2009, Alpharetta, Ga., Alpharetta HS, Southern)
11 Westley Matavao (OH, 6-0, 2009, Ontario, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Taylor Freeland (OPP, 6-3, 2009, Riverton, Utah, Riverton HS, Intermountain)

Coaches 
Head Coach: Alex Dunphy (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Haley Brightwell (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Tori Dixon (LOVB)
Performance Analyst: Mackenna Basore (LOVB)
ATC: Hazel Peterson (USOPTC)
Team Lead: Courtney Smith (NTDP)

U19 Continental Championship Schedule
All times PT
July 19: USA def. Cuba, 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-10)
July 21: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 2:30 p.m.
July 22: Classification matches and quarterfinals
July 23: Classification and semifinals
July 24 Medal matches and final classification

Stories

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Micah Christenson sets
Micah Christenson (Daniel Bartel)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 18, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team dropped an intense match to Bulgaria, 3-1 (27-25, 22-25, 26-24, 25-18) in its penultimate match in Volleyball Nations League (VNL) preliminary play on Saturday night at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Although the U.S. leads the all-time VNL series (4-3), Bulgaria won its second VNL match in a row and third overall, including the quarterfinals of last year’s world championship, between the teams.

The U.S. (8-3), ranked fourth in the world and already with a spot in the finals, will conclude VNL preliminary round play against world No. 1 Poland (9-2), who is in second place heading into the final match, at 6 p.m. PT on Sunday.

Get your tickets for the Poland match

The U.S. served for 10 aces and finished with just two fewer kills (51-49), but was out-blocked for the first time in 11 VNL matches, 14-5.

Opposite Jake Hanes led the U.S. with 19 points on 14 kills, a block and match-best four aces. Outside hitter Matt Anderson shared team-high honors with 14 kills and added a block and two aces for 17 points. T.J. DeFalco rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points on nine kills and an ace.

Libero Erik Shoji led all players with 10 digs and seven successful receptions with setter Micah Christenson contributing eight digs. Middle blocker Merrick McHenry finished with seven points on five kills and two blocks, while fellow middle Jeff Jendryk produced six kills. Christenson also recorded a block and two aces.

“We’re already qualified for the finals, so we’re going to have to go through some tough matches and figure out how we can dig our way out of a couple holes,” Christenson said. “I’d rather it happen now then in some quarterfinal match or semifinal. I think this is going to prove really useful for us. Obviously, it doesn’t feel good, but there’s a positive side as well.”

Bulgaria led 6-4 in the first set when the U.S. scored four points in a row. Hanes scored after making a great up earlier in the rally to even the score 6-6 and a great Shoji dig led to DeFalco scoring against the triple block for an 8-6 advantage that promoted a Bulgaria timeout. The U.S. scored the first point out of the timeout as Anderson served for four points. Bulgaria scored three points in a row, tying the set 12-12 on an ace. The U.S. regained a two-point lead, 16-14, on a Hanes kill and ace. Hanes scored when Christenson set him while facing the net after Anderson played the serve that hit the net. Christenson followed with an ace for a 19-16 lead.

A strong pass from DeFalco led to another Haynes kill and a 21-19 U.S. lead. Bulgaria dropped a serve between all six U.S. players to tie the set at 21. Jendryk scored to put the U.S. back again and Bulgaria called its second timeout just as Hanes was preparing to serve. Bulgaria scored the first two points after the timeout to move ahead for the first time since 6-5. Anderson passed a strong serve and scored against the triple block, but Bulgaria earned set point on the following play. A service error tied the set at 24. Micah Ma’a came in to serve for the first time and immediately delivered with an ace. Bulgaria saved set point and won a joust for another set point, which it won with a walk-off ace. Hanes scored six points on five kills and an ace.

A block helped Bulgaria to a 4-1 lead to begin the second set. Jendryk rattled an attack off the block after a Hanes serve caused an overpass to tie the score 5-5. Another excellent serve put Bulgaria out of system and led to a Christenson block, and Anderson followed with a block for a 7-5 U.S. advantage. An Anderson ace gave the U.S. a 10-7 lead, and he scored on a give-and-go to make the score 11-8. A McHenry kill and Jendryk kill off a one-handed set from Christenson put the U.S. up 15-12 as the teams continued to exchange points. Bulgaria used a pair of blocks in a 6-2 run for an 18-17 lead.

Hanes scored on a big swing after an unsuccessful block touch challenge by the U.S., but Bulgaria used a tip to regain the lead. Anderson scored off a triple block on a set from DeFalco for a 20-19 U.S. advantage that prompted the second Bulgaria timeout. Bulgaria scored the next two points, the second on the ace, to retake the lead, 21-20, and force a U.S. timeout. A service error and hitting error put the U.S. back ahead. Two Jendryk points, one on a swing and another on a trip, with a Hanes ace in between earned the set win for the U.S. Anderson led the way with five points on three kills, one block and an ace.

An ace put Bulgaria ahead 6-3 in the third set. Back-to-back blocks pushed the margin to four points, 9-5. A McHenry block closed the gap to two points, 12-10. A Hanes block cut the lead to one, 13-12. After yielding the next point, the U.S. took the lead by scoring three points in a row. From well beyond the end line, Shoji set Anderson, who scored against the triple block and then scored again after a great McHenry dig. A hitting error made it 15-14 U.S. before Bulgaria regained the lead 16-15. A Hanes ace put the U.S. back ahead, 17-16. A Christenson set off the net fed Anderson for a kill and an 18-17 lead.

A Christenson ace gave the U.S. its first two-point lead of the set, 21-19, which prompted Bulgaria to take its second timeout. Bulgaria used an ace and a kill on an overpass to take a 22-21 lead and then used great defense to take a two-point advantage. A service error and McHenry block evened the set at 23-23. Bulgaria earned a set point but served out on the next point before scoring the final two points, taking a 2-1 set lead on a block. Anderson, DeFalco and Hanes each scored five points.

A strong DeFalco serve led to an Anderson kill that tied the fourth set 6-6 after Bulgaria took an early lead again. Bulgaria scored the next two points, but the U.S. tied the set again 10-10 on a Hanes kill. Bulgaria ran off the next three points, the third on a block, to take the lead for good. Aleksander Nikolov scored his 30th point of the match for a 22-15 Bulgaria lead and his 32nd point ended the match and strengthened Bulgaria’s bid to reach the finals.

Tomorrow’s match-up with Poland will be a near sellout with a fantastic atmosphere.

“I think over my years with Team USA, we’ve always responded really well, so I’m excited for the challenge that is Poland tomorrow,” Christenson said. “They’re the No. 1 ranked team in the world for a reason. They’re very good with a lot of very good teammates; a very deep roster. We’re going to have to be ready for a lot of world-class roster. I’m excited to have the opportunity to respond.”

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2026 VNL Week Three

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
6 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 USA def. Türkiye, 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23),
June 12 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-20)
June 13 def. Canada, 3-2 (20-25, 33-35, 26-24, 25-21, 15-11)
June 14 Italy def. USA, 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-10)

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 USA def. Cuba, 3-0, (25-21, 25-21, 25-19)
June 25 USA def. Iran, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 31-29)
June 27 Japan def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22, 15-13)
June 28 def. Serbia, 3-1 (25-12, 25-23, 24-26, 25-17)

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
July 15 USA def. China, 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-20)
July 16 def. Brazil, 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-18)
July 18 Bulgaria def. USA, 3-1 (27-25, 22-25, 26-24, 25-18)
July 19 vs. Poland at 6 p.m.

Stories

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Jordan Thompson celebrates
Jordan Thompson (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 18, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team announces the roster for the Volleyball Nations League Final, July 22-26, in Macao, China. The U.S. is the top seed headed into the tournament and will face eighth-seeded China on July 23 at 4:30 a.m. PT.

After three weeks of preliminary play, the top seven teams captured a spot in the final, along with China as the host country, which finished ninth in the standings. The U.S was 10-2, losing to Canada in week one and Poland in week three.

Head coach Erik Sullivan will have the same roster for the third consecutive week, including Olympians Micha Hancock, Chiaka Ogbogu, Jordyn Poulter, Dana Rettke, Avery Skinner and Jordan Thompson.

The U.S. Women are the reigning Olympic silver medalists and ranked No. 3 in the world behind Italy and Brazil. They have won the VNL three times (2018, ’19, ’21) since its inception in 2018, and lost in the quarterfinal in 2025.

U.S. Women’s Roster for VNL Final

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Results/Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28)
June 5 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-11)
June 7 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12)

Week 2: Pasig City, Philippines
June 16 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-12)
June 18 USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Italy, 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Serbia, 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-16, 25-19)

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-20)
July 8 Poland def. USA, 3-2 (20-25, 25-20, 25-23, 18-25, 15-12)
July 9 USA def. Türkiye, 3-2 (22-25, 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 15-8)
July 11 USA def. Brazil, 3-0 (25-24, 25-22, 25-16)

VNL Final
Quarterfinals July 23: USA vs. China 4:30 a.m.
Semifinals July 25
Medal Matches July 26

Stories

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 17, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team finished fifth at the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship in Hangzhou, China, with a 3-2 (25-22, 27-25, 20-25, 20-25, 15-10) victory over Germany on Friday behind a 37-point performance from outside hitter Zach Upp. The fifth-place finish marks the best U.S. finish at the championship.

“We love playing Germany. They have always been a top-ranked team, and they are just a tough, gritty team. This was a grudge match from our last world championship. I’m just really happy about how we competed for five sets. We knew it would be a dogfight. It is an amazing thing to see they can do that,” said U.S. head coach Greg Walker. “I truly believe that from where we started to where we are going, I think that this is a generational team. They are able to accomplish so much and their commitment, not an overnight success, but to this long journey has been unparalleled. We have had our challenges and our growing pains, but for them to come in here and stay on their mission is just great to see in our development. We have consistently been doing what we say we are going to do and that was not always the case, so for us to get to the next competitive level, this shows how we can be on the podium at LA and we are on trajectory.”

Germany recorded 10 more kills than the U.S. (66-56) and blocks (13-11), but the U.S. nearly doubled Germany in aces (15-8)

Upp led all players with 25 kills and served 10 aces, two more than Germany. Eric Duda scored 19 points on 14 kills, two aces and two blocks. Roderick Green scored nine points on seven kills and two blocks, and James Stuck added eight points on six kills and a pair of blocks.

Robbie Onusko scored three points with a kill, block and ace. Dan Regan (one kill, one block), and Ben Aman and Jason Roberts (one kill, one ace each) all contributed two points.

The U.S. took an early 5-2 lead in the first set before Germany used a 10-4 run to take a three-point advantage. The lead was still three, 14-11, when the U.S. ran off four points in a row to retake the lead and start an 8-2 run. Germany pulled within a point twice (21-20 and 23-22), but the U.S. scored the final two points to take the set. Upp scored eight points on six kills, a block and an ace, and Duda totaled seven points on five kills and two aces.

Germany scored the first three points of the second set before the U.S. scored eight consecutive points. The lead remained five points, 14-9, when Germany used a 7-3 run to cut the deficit to one point, 17-16. Trailing 20-18, Germany scored the next four points to take a 22-20 lead, forcing the U.S. to take its second timeout in a three-point stretch. Each team saved a set point before the U.S. scored the final three points to take a 2-0 lead in the match. Upp scored nine points on seven kills, a block and an ace.

Neither team led by more than a point in the third set until Germany went up 11-9 and the lead grew to five points, 16-11. The U.S. scored the next four points to pull within one. The U.S. still trailed by only one, 20-19, when Germany finished the set on a 5-1 run. Duda (three kills, one block) and Upp (two kills, two aces) each scored four points.

The fourth set was even at 10 apiece when Germany went on a decisive 7-1 run. The U.S. was unable to get any closer than four points the rest of the way. Upp scored seven points on six kills and an ace.

The fifth set was even 4-4 when the U.S. ran off six consecutive points behind Upp’s serving. Germany got as close as four points, 11-7, but the U.S. earned match point by scoring the next three points. Germany saved three match points before the U.S. clinched its fifth-place finish. Upp saved his best for last with nine points on five aces and four kills.

U.S. Men’s Sitting Team Roster for World Championship

No. Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
1 Travis Ricks (L, 5-7, San Diego, Calif.)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo.)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb.)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla.)
5 Eric Duda (S/OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa.)
10 Robbie Onusko (OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla.)
11 Roderick Green (MB, 6-3, West Monroe, La.)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill.)
18 Jason Roberts (OH, 6-3, Moncks Corner, S.C.)
19 Danny Alvarez Rivadeneira (L/DS, 5-8, West Jordan, Utah, Intermountain)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Ladislav Lelkes
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Performance Analyst: Sydnie Mabry
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler
Athletic Trainer: Whitney Padgett
Team Leader: Connor Martin
Consultant: Dave Dantes

Schedule

July 10: USA def. Ukraine, 3-2 (25-23, 25-21, 15-25, 20-25, 15-12)
July 11: Egypt def. USA, 3-1 (24-26, 25-15, 25-18, 25-8)
July 12: USA def. Rwanda, 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-20)
July 13: Round of 16: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-23)
July 14: Quarterfinals, Iran def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-16)
July 15: USA def. Rwanda, 3-1 (23-25, 25-10, 25-15, 25-15)
July 16: Fifth-Place Match: USA def. Germany, 3-2 (25-22, 27-25, 20-25, 20-25, 15-10)

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TJ DeFalco with Micah Christenson and Matt Anderson
TJ DeFalco (Daniel Bartel)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 16, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team moved to 8-2 in Volleyball Nations League (VNL) play with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-18) victory over longtime rival Brazil on Thursday night at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

The U.S. improved to 6-4 all-time against Brazil in VNL play in the first matchup between the two teams since the U.S. won a four-setter in the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics.

The U.S. will have a day off before facing Bulgaria at 6 p.m. PT on Saturday.

Get your tickets for the remaining matches this week

The U.S. recorded 12 blocks in three sets to only five for Brazil, extending its streak of out-blocking every opponent in its 10 VNL matches. In addition to consistently strong serving throughout the match, the U.S. recorded eight aces. The U.S. registered four more kills (36-32).

Outside hitter T.J. DeFalco scored 18 points with one of the best serving matches of his career with seven aces to go with seven kills and four blocks.

“Grinding through a lot of the pressure, and keeping the pressure all on them, and then when it flipped and the pressure was on us, getting out of that pretty fast,” said DeFalco about what worked for the U.S early on. “Second set, we didn’t do that so well, but overall, we did a pretty good job of handling the pressure.

“I think we have to prioritize the day off tomorrow and rest and recover and get ourselves in the best possible shape to come out for the next two games,” he continued. “We keep doing what we’re doing and staying in our own lane.”

Jake Hanes added 13 points on 12 kills and an ace. After the match, he reflected on the packed house at NOW Arena.

“It’s pretty electric,” Hanes said. “It was my first time playing an international match in Chicago, so a lot of family and friends are here. I’m just trying to enjoy every moment.”

Matt Anderson scored 12 points on nine kills and three blocks, and Merrick McHenry had five kills and one block. Jeff Jendryk had two kills and two blocks, and Micah Christenson had a kill and two blocks. Libero Erik Shoji led the team with seven digs and shared team-high honors with five successful receptions.

After falling behind 3-1 to start the match, three DeFalco aces fueled a 5-0 run that put the U.S. up 6-3. A Jendryk kill and Hanes’ 10th ace of the VNL gave the U.S. a four-point advantage, 9-5. An ace capped a 4-1 run as Brazil cut the lead to one. A McHenry kill off a one-handed set from Christensen put the U.S. ahead 14-12 but Brazil tied the set by scoring the next two points, the second on a block. DeFalco gave the U.S. a 16-15 lead before Brazil took its first lead since early in the set on an ace, 17-16. A McHenry kill and Hanes’ seventh point of the set spurred a 3-1 U.S. run to earn set point, 24-23. After a Brazil timeout, the U.S. captured the set on a Christensen block.

After yielding the first two points, the U.S. scored the next six points with DeFalco serving three consecutive aces for the 6-2 lead. Anderson’s second block in three points gave the U.S. a 10-4 advantage. A DeFalco dig that Christensen laid off and went over the net for a point and a hitting error made it 12-4 and forced Brazil to use its second timeout. The U.S. pushed the lead to nine, 15-6, when DeFalco scored from the three-meter line off a set from Anderson. The margin hit double digits when a McHenry kill and Brazil hitting error put the U.S. up 17-7. After a successful U.S. triple block made the score 20-11, Brazil went on a 5-1 run to cut the lead to five and force a U.S. timeout. Brazil scored the first point out of the timeout on a block, but Anderson scored off the block as the U.S. regained the five-point lead. Brazil scored the next two points to cut the deficit to three and had a swing to make it two but Jendryk came up with a huge block. DeFalco and McHenry each recorded a block as part of their double block to finish the set. The U.S. recorded six blocks in the set.

Back-to-back DeFalco blocks helped stake the U.S. to a 3-0 lead to begin the third set. An Anderson block ended a rally that included a diving one-handed up by DeFalco put the U.S. ahead 5-1. Another DeFalco kill, this time off the block, gave the U.S. a 7-4 lead. A Christensen block and DeFalco kill on long rallies helped the U.S. raise the margin to five points, 12-7. DeFalco pushed the lead to six, 14-8, with his seventh ace. Two great defensive plays by Shoji led to an Anderson kill and a 16-11 lead. A perfect Shoji pass and Christensen set for a Jendryk kill put the U.S. up 19-13. DeFalco scored high off the block for a 20-14 lead in Brazil’s double substitution rotation without a setter. The U.S. earned six match points but only needed one as Anderson ended the match on a back row attack.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2026 VNL Week Three

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
6 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 USA def. Türkiye, 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23),
June 12 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-20)
June 13 def. Canada, 3-2 (20-25, 33-35, 26-24, 25-21, 15-11)
June 14 Italy def. USA, 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-10)

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 USA def. Cuba, 3-0, (25-21, 25-21, 25-19)
June 25 USA def. Iran, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 31-29)
June 27 Japan def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22, 15-13)
June 28 def. Serbia, 3-1 (25-12, 25-23, 24-26, 25-17)

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
July 15 USA def. China, 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-20)
July 16 def. Brazil, 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-18)
July 18 vs. Bulgaria at 6 p.m.
July 19 vs. Poland at 6 p.m.

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Roderick Green (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 16, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team advanced to the fifth-place match at the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship in Hangzhou, China, with its second win over Rwanda, 3-1 (23-25, 25-10, 25-15, 25-15) on Thursday.

The U.S. (4-2) will conclude the championship when it faces a familiar foe in Germany, which upended top-ranked Egypt to reach the fifth-place match, at 10 p.m. PT.

The U.S. averaged 14 kills per set, finishing with a huge advantage, 56-24, in the match. The U.S. served 12 aces while yielding only five, while Rwanda used its size for a 14-10 advantage in blocks.

“We’ve been in the spot where they were, coming in with the underdog mentality,” U.S. head coach Greg Walker said. “They had a great match with China (which went undefeated in pool play). We knew they were going to come out of the gate hyped for the match and took an opportunity to get on us fast. We were not mentally as ready and that showed fully in our execution, and we gave away way too many points (in the first set). It took us a little to get into rhythm. I was really proud of our guys that our starters were really able to control the first half of the rest of the sets, to break a lead and be able to get some other people in. It is their job to maintain that lead and create some separation, and I thought our guys did a great job. Travis (Ricks) came in and the first couple of big plays had a couple of great digs. Once we got into a rhythm, we were able to execute what we have been talking about this whole time about our process.”

Outside hitter Zach Upp led all players with 22 kills, just two fewer than the entire Rwanda team, and five aces. His two blocks gave him 29 points. Eric Duda was the next highest-scoring player in the match with 15 points on 13 kills, a block and an ace.

James Stuck finished with 12 points, sharing match-high honors with four blocks to go with seven kills and an ace. Roderick Green rounded out the double-digit scorers for the U.S. with 10 points on seven kills, two aces and a block. Robbie Onusko added six points on four kills and two aces. Ben Aman scored three points on a kill, ace and block. Alex Wilson recorded a kill and a block, and Sam Surowiec had a kill.

Rwanda jumped out to a 10-3 lead to start the match. Still trailing 22-16, the U.S. used a 6-1 run to pull within a point. Rwanda scored two of the last three points to take the set. Upp scored seven points on six kills and a block with Duda adding six kills.

The U.S. took control early in the second set, scoring seven of the opening eight points. The lead rose to 15 points when a 5-0 run gave the U.S. a 23-8 lead. Stuck scored seven points on six kills and a block with Green scoring four points on three kills and a block.

The U.S. started the third set with a 7-2 run. Rwanda used a 6-2 stretch to pull within three points, 17-14, but the U.S. scored the next six points and eight of the final nine to take a 2-1 lead in the match. Upp dominated with 13 points on eight kills and five aces.

Leading 4-3 in the fourth set, the U.S. ran off the next eight points and 11 of the next 12 to take a commanding lead. Rwanda cut the deficit to five points, 19-14, before the U.S. finished the match on a 6-1 run. Upp (five kills, one block) and Green (four kills, two aces) each scored six points.

U.S. Men’s Sitting Team Roster for World Championship

No. Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
1 Travis Ricks (L, 5-7, San Diego, Calif.)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo.)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb.)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla.)
5 Eric Duda (S/OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa.)
10 Robbie Onusko (OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla.)
11 Roderick Green (MB, 6-3, West Monroe, La.)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill.)
18 Jason Roberts (OH, 6-3, Moncks Corner, S.C.)
19 Danny Alvarez Rivadeneira (L/DS, 5-8, West Jordan, Utah, Intermountain)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Ladislav Lelkes
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Performance Analyst: Sydnie Mabry
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler
Athletic Trainer: Whitney Padgett
Team Leader: Connor Martin
Consultant: Dave Dantes

Schedule

All times Pacific
July 10: USA def. Ukraine, 3-2 (25-23, 25-21, 15-25, 20-25, 15-12)
July 11: Egypt def. USA, 3-1 (24-26, 25-15, 25-18, 25-8)
July 12: USA def. Rwanda, 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-20)
July 13: Round of 16: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-23)
July 14: Quarterfinals, Iran def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-16)
July 15: USA def. Rwanda, 3-1 (23-25, 25-10, 25-15, 25-15)
July 16: Fifth-Place Match: USA vs. Germany, 10 p.m.

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Photo by World ParaVolley

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 16, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team is headed to the gold medal match at the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship after an impressive 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-7) victory over Canada in the semifinals on Thursday in Hangzhou, China.

The U.S. (6-0) will play Brazil in the gold medal match at 1:30 a.m. PT. The U.S. is the top-ranked team in the world with Brazil ranked third.

“Brazil is playing some really good ball, so I expect we will have to play a lot better defense and good transition ball. Part of it is just us keeping our head in the match, making sure we are focused throughout and playing with a lot of good confidence,” said U.S. head coach Bill Hamiter on the keys to the matchup with Brazil. “I think at times we’ve lost confidence and then there have been times when we really had our confidence, and it shows on the court.”

The U.S. dominated from the service line with 13 aces to just three for Canada, while also recording more kills (31-24) and blocks (9-3).

“I don’t know that we played great, but the good thing is we executed well enough to not let Canada in the match. They were struggling and a lot of times when that happens, you have a tendency to let down. I think we kept our heads here, not looking past them, plugging away and doing what we had to do,” Hamiter commented.

Outside hitter Katie Bridge led all players with 15 points, combining team-highs of 10 kills and five blocks. Setter Kaleo Kanahele Maclay served a match-best six aces and added six kills and a block to total 13 points. Outside Emma Schieck also reached double digits with 12 points on nine kills and three aces.

Tia Edwards scored five points on four kills and an ace with Monique Matthews (two blocks, one kill, one ace) and Nicky Nieves (two aces, one kill, one block) each finishing with four points.

The U.S. began the match by scoring seven of the first eight points and raised the lead to seven, 10-3. Canada cut the deficit to three points, 13-10, before the U.S. used an 8-2 run to put the set out of reach. Schieck led all players with six points on four kills and two aces, and Kanahele Maclay registered two kills and a pair of aces for four points.

Neither team led by more than two points for the majority of the second set. Canada matched its biggest lead of the match with a 15-13 lead, but the U.S. ran off the next five points to take a three-point lead. Canada saved two set points after trailing 24-20 before the U.S. took the set and a 2-0 lead in the match. Bridge paced the U.S. with six points on four kills and two blocks, and Kanahele Maclay added three kills and an ace for four points.

Leading 4-2 in the third set, the U.S. took control by scoring the next 10 points. The U.S. finished the match on a 7-0 run to seal its spot in the gold medal match. Bridge again scored six points, this time with five kills and a block. Kanahele Maclay served three aces with a kill and a block for five points.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Championship

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
5 Katie Bridge (OH, 6-3, Lake Stevens, Wash.)
7 Monique Matthews (MB, 6-0, Ardmore, Okla.)
8 Whitney Dosty (OH/OPP, 6-3, Tucson, Ariz.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
11 Jillian Williams-Coffee (MB/OH/OPP, 5-10, Odem, Texas)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
14 Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (S, 5-6, Oklahoma City, Okla.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Layne Smith

Schedule

All times Pacific
July 10: USA def. Netherlands, 3-1 (25-12, 25-15, 23-25, 25-21)
July 11: USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-18)
July 13: USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-6, 25-8, 25-10)
July 14: Round of 16: USA def. Kenya, 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-15)
July 15: Quarterfinals: USA def. Italy, 3-1 (25-14, 15-25, 25-14, 25-19)
July 16: Semifinals: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-7)
July 17: Gold medal match: USA vs. Brazil, 2:30 a.m.

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Photo by Daniel Bartel

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 15, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team began play in Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week Three with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-20) win over China on Wednesday night at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The U.S. has won all five VNL matches in which the teams have met.

Get your tickets for the remaining matches this week

“Oh, it’s fantastic [playing at home]. So many people are still staying here right now,” U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly said of the fans at NOW Arena. “The match ended a number of minutes ago, and they’re so excited to see the players and get their photos and selfies and signatures. It’s always a blessing and an honor to play in our home country. We don’t get to do it that often. It wasn’t even really the plan for 2026 to be able to play in the USA, but I think something fell through, and [I’m] really thankful that USA Volleyball and CEO John Speraw kind of snapped up the opportunity so we could play here in week three near Chicago.”

The U.S. (7-2) will face Brazil (6-3) at 6 p.m. PT on Thursday. The U.S. is currently in second place in the VNL standings, while Brazil is seventh and battling to advance to the VNL Finals.

“Brazil put together a really nice match against France earlier today, just a few hours ago,” Kiraly said about the next opponent. “They’re gonna be a handful. Brazil is hungry for a lot of wins to advance to the finals. I would imagine they need one against us, and we need one against them to punch our ticket for finals week. So it should be a great battle. I’m really looking forward to it.”

The U.S. led in all statistical categories, including 42-31 in kills and 6-2 in blocks. The U.S. controlled the service game with a 10-4 advantage in aces, while also passing to target 51 percent of the time and passing to either target or mid-range at an 80 percent clip.

Outside hitters Cooper Robinson and Ethan Champlin shared match-high honors with 14 points. Robinson recorded nine kills, was one of three U.S. players with two blocks, and led all players with three aces and seven digs, while adding four successful receptions and hitting .467. Champlin led all players with 12 kills and added a pair of aces with a .476 hitting percentage.

Setter Micah Ma’a ran the offense that hit at a spectacular .544 efficiency percentage while serving two aces and adding a kill. Libero Mason Briggs led all players with nine successful receptions and finished with four digs.

Opposite Cole Hartke joined Robinson and Champlin in double-digit scoring with 11 points on seven kills, two blocks and two aces. Middle blockers Taylor Averill (seven points, two blocks) and Matt Knigge (six kills and an ace) combined for 16 points and an .813 hitting percentage. Averill recorded seven kills in eight attacks and Knigge registered six kills in eight attacks with neither player making an error.

“I think we came together as a team really well,” Hartke said. “Not saying we haven’t in the past, but it was just a great fight, a great team effort, and we took it all the way, and it was great. [We have to keep] the energy up. We’re at a good place in the league, but anything can happen. So we gotta keep pushing and keep our heads on straight as we keep fighting.”

Hartke also relished the chance to play in front of a home crowd.

“It means everything,” he said. “It’s what we play for. [It’s so] amazing out here, and it’s a Wednesday night, and we’re really showing out. It’s loud in here, it’s packed, and it’s Wednesday. It was a great atmosphere.”

The U.S. scored the first three points of the match. Robinson recorded a kill without an approach and Hartke found the back corner for his first kill and a 3-0 lead. China scored five of the next six points, tying the set on an ace and taking the lead with a block. Neither team led by more than one point again until Champlin scored off the block for a 12-10 U.S. lead. Ma’a made a great set on a pass close to the net that led to an Averill kill. A Hartke kill and Champlin ace extended the lead to three points, 16-13.

Hartke scored three U.S. points in a row with his block as part of a triple block putting the U.S. ahead 19-15. A Robinson ace pushed the margin to five points, 21-16. The U.S. earned set point as Robinson unleashed a kill and Champlin scored off the block for a 24-18 lead. Two points later, a China service error ended the set. Five different U.S. players recorded a kill in the set with Hartke leading the team with six points on five kills and a block. Champlin scored five points on four kills and an ace and Robinson added three kills and an ace.

Ma’a started the second set with a setter dump, and the U.S. took a 5-1 lead as Robinson served back-to-back aces and delivered a kill after another strong serve led to a free ball. A big swing from Champlin and a Hartke ace helped run the lead to seven points, 11-4. Three blocks (two by Robinson and one by Averill) and a Champlin ace gave the U.S. an 11-point advantage, 16-5. Champlin scored on a pipe attack in transition and Hartke recorded the fourth U.S. block of the set for a 19-7 lead. Knigge delivered a kill and Champlin scored off the block to put the U.S. up 21-9. The U.S. went up 23-10 when Averill scored off a jump set from Ma’a and Robinson finished the set with his sixth point of the set on a play that started with a great pass from Briggs. Averill and Champlin each scored four points in the set.

Knigge took advantage of an overpass to stake the U.S. to a 4-1 start to the third set. Trailing 6-2, China responded to its head coach receiving a yellow card with a 5-2 run to draw within a point. Another strong Ma’a serve led to an overpass, which Robinson put down for a 13-9 advantage. China scored four of the next five points with an ace cutting the deficit to one point. Knigge scored off a running backset from Ma’a and after a China hitting error, Knigge served an ace as the U.S. regained a four-point lead, 17-13. A great up from Briggs led to a Champlin kill through a triple block followed by an Averill kill and Hartke served an ace for a 20-14 lead. An off-speed shot from Averill and a Hartke kill made the score 23-19. Ma’a recorded the team’s 10th ace for a 24-19 lead and the match ended two points later on a service error.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2026 VNL Week Three

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
6 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 USA def. Türkiye, 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23),
June 12 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-20)
June 13 def. Canada, 3-2 (20-25, 33-35, 26-24, 25-21, 15-11)
June 14 Italy def. USA, 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-10)

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 USA def. Cuba, 3-0, (25-21, 25-21, 25-19)
June 25 USA def. Iran, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 31-29)
June 27 Japan def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22, 15-13)
June 28 def. Serbia, 3-1 (25-12, 25-23, 24-26, 25-17)

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
July 15 USA def. China, 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-20)
July 16 vs. Brazil at 6 p.m.
July 18 vs. Bulgaria at 6 p.m.
July 19 vs. Poland at 6 p.m.

Boys U17 celebrates

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 15, 2026) – USA Volleyball announces the 26 athletes for this year’s Boys U17 National Team who will train for the NORCECA Pan American Cup in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Aug. 4-9, 2026.

The athletes will participate in a training block July 25-Aug. 1 at the National Team Training Center in Anaheim, Calif. From this group, 14 athletes will be chosen to represent the United States on the final competition roster in Guatemala.

Former U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team assistant coach Mike Wall will lead the team. He’s joined by Steven Duhoux (Ohio State) and Tom Stillwell (NTDP).

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with this talented group of athletes as we represent the United States at the NORCECA Boys U17 Pan American Cup,” Wall said. “This tournament is an important step in their development, and we’re committed to building systems and habits that are directly aligned with how our senior national team plays. Creating that continuity throughout our pipeline is a key part of preparing these athletes for future success, and I’m looking forward to seeing this team compete.”

Sixteen of the 26 were part of the inaugural U.S. Boys U17 National Team last year. Twelve of them (Logan Flores, Collin Tullis, Sid Saikanth, Dane Schaefer, Sean John, Tommy Clifford, Gabe Desiderio, Nikodem Opiola, Carter Tchaikovsky, Frankie Vincent, Noah Mbaitoloum and Jackson Real) led the team to the bronze medal at the 2025 NORCECA Continental Championship. Mbaitoloum was named Best Opposite and Vincent was named First Best Blocker at the event.

2026 Boys U17 National Team

No. (Name, Position, Height, Hometown, High School, USAV Region)
1 Nate Paige (L, 5-10, Wheaton, Ill., Wheaton Warrenville South HS, Great Lakes)
2 Logan Flores (L, 6-1, Cypress, Calif., Cypress HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Collin Tullis (L, 6-2, Slidell, La., Seton Catholic Homeschooling, Southern)
4 Sid Saikanth (OH, 6-3, Leander, Texas, Rouse HS, Lone Star)
5 Dane Schaefer (S, 6-3, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
6 Paxon Boynton (L, 5-11, Mesa, Ariz., Mountain View, HS, Arizona Region)
7 Sean John (MB, 6-3, Mount Prospect, Ill., John Hersey HS, Great Lakes)
8 Tommy Clifford (OH, 6-5, Glen Ellyn, Ill., Glenbard West HS, Great Lakes)
9 Gabe Desiderio (OH, 6-6, Los Altos Hills, Calif., Saint Francis HS, Northern California)
10 Nikodem Opiola (MB, 6-5, Arlington Heights, Ill., Rolling Meadows HS, Great Lakes)
11 Kekoa Wade (OPP, 6-5, Kailua, Hawaii, University Laboratory School, Aloha)
12 Carter Tchaikovsky (S, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Frankie Vincent (MB, 6-6, Schaumburg, Ill., Schaumburg High School, Great Lakes)
14 Jackson Vanderpool (MB, 6-6, Queen Creek, Arizona, Higley HS, Arizona Region)
15 Noah Mbaitoloum (OH, 6-7, Rockville, Md., Winston Churchill HS, Chesapeake)
16 Jackson Real (OPP, 6-9, Irvine, Calif., San Clemente HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
17 Kellen Saurer (S, 6-8, Elgin, Ill., Wheaton Academy, Great Lakes)
18 Nolan Barrett (MB, 6-7, Encinitas, Calif., La Costa Canyon HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Miles Crotty (MB, 6-3, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
20 Louis “Lula” Kordus III (OH, 6-5, Los Altos, Calif., Homestead HS, Northern California)
21 Gavin McWaters (OPP, 6-8, Loveland, Ohio, Loveland HS, Ohio Valley)
22 Grant Schmidt (OPP, 6-7, San Diego, Calif., Clairemont HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
23 Luis Tarja (OH, 6-7, Temecula, Calif., Temecula Valley HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
24 Jonah Tuaniga (S, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Millikan HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
25 Dean Wagner (OH, 6-1, Irvine, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
26 Ryder Wilper (OH, 6-6, Golden, Colo., Ralston Valley HS, Rocky Mountain)

Coaches
Head Coach: Mike Wall (USA Volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State)
Assistant Coach: Tom Stillwell (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Beth Drayer (BD Movement)
Performance Analyst: Alex Hurlburt (The Volleyball Institute)
Team Lead: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)
Training Coach: Sean Byron (Daemen), Derek Sullivan (Belmont Abbey)
Mental Performance Coach: Mitzi Kincaid (Performance GRIT)

Photo by World ParaVolley

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 15, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team, ranked No. 1 in the world, defeated No. 4 Italy, 3-1 (25-14, 15-25, 25-14, 25-19) on Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship in Hangzhou, China.

The U.S. (5-0) will meet Canada in the semifinals at 10:30 p.m. PT.

“Getting to the semifinals is half the battle. We played a little up and down today, but solid overall. We did what we needed to do. I think the players are starting to feel a little bit of that pressure, so we’ve got to deal with that off the court,” said U.S. head coach Bill Hamiter. “Overall, they know they can do it, just they just need to keep settling down and play their game.”

The U.S. recorded more kills (40-34), blocks (12-9) and aces (17-12).

Middle blocker Nicky Nieves led all players with seven aces, adding six kills, and was one of six U.S. players with two blocks to finish with a team-best 15 points. Tia Edwards totaled 14 points on eight kills, four aces and two blocks. Monique Matthews also scored 14 points, combining a team-high 10 kills with two aces and two blocks. Emma Shieck rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points on seven kills, two aces and two blocks.

Kaleo Kanahele Maclay scored eight points on four kills, two aces and two blocks. Katie Bridge added seven points on five kills and two blocks.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Championship

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
5 Katie Bridge (OH, 6-3, Lake Stevens, Wash.)
7 Monique Matthews (MB, 6-0, Ardmore, Okla.)
8 Whitney Dosty (OH/OPP, 6-3, Tucson, Ariz.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
11 Jillian Williams-Coffee (MB/OH/OPP, 5-10, Odem, Texas)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
14 Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (S, 5-6, Oklahoma City, Okla.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Layne Smith

Schedule

All times Pacific
July 10: USA def. Netherlands, 3-1 (25-12, 25-15, 23-25, 25-21)
July 11: USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-18)
July 13: USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-6, 25-8, 25-10)
July 13: Round of 16: USA def. Kenya, 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-15)
July 14: Quarterfinals: USA def. Italy, 3-1 (25-14, 15-25, 25-14, 25-19)
July 15: Semifinals: USA vs. Canada, 10:30 p.m.
July 16: Bronze medal match and placement matches
July 17: Gold medal match

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Roderick Green (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 15, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team dropped a 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-16) quarterfinal match to reigning Paralympic champions Iran at the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship in Hangzhou, China on Wednesday.

The U.S. (3-2) will continue play with a rematch against Rwanda at 12:30 a.m. PT. The U.S. clinched second place in its pool when the teams met previously.

“I think it shows us how close we are, but it also shows us that in big moments, we are going to have to make a few less unforced errors. After the first set, we had more kills than they had, our kill percentage was better. We have to maintain a little bit more control. I told our servers you’re not going to go back there and ace them off the floor, so we need to be thinking about how we are going to give our defense a chance,” said U.S. head coach Greg Walker. “Our defense crushed it. We knew it was going to be a punch for punch match. At times, we were frustrating Iran and that is a different place than we have ever been. We made them uncomfortable from the service line in the first set and our block did such a great job with discipline and control.”

Iran led in all statistical categories with edges in kills (38-28), blocks (11-8) and aces (9-2).

Roderick Green led the U.S. with 13 points on nine kills and sharing match-high honors with four blocks. Eric Duda finished with 11 points on a team-best 10 kills and an ace.

Zach Upp contributed six points on five kills and an ace. Robbie Onusko (three kills) and James Stuck (two blocks, one kill) each scored three points. Ben Aman added two blocks.

U.S. Men’s Sitting Team Roster for World Championship

No. Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
1 Travis Ricks (L, 5-7, San Diego, Calif.)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo.)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb.)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla.)
5 Eric Duda (S/OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa.)
10 Robbie Onusko (OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla.)
11 Roderick Green (MB, 6-3, West Monroe, La.)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill.)
18 Jason Roberts (OH, 6-3, Moncks Corner, S.C.)
19 Danny Alvarez Rivadeneira (L/DS, 5-8, West Jordan, Utah, Intermountain)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Ladislav Lelkes
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Performance Analyst: Sydnie Mabry
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler
Athletic Trainer: Whitney Padgett
Team Leader: Connor Martin
Consultant: Dave Dantes

Schedule

All times Pacific
July 10: USA def. Ukraine, 3-2 (25-23, 25-21, 15-25, 20-25, 15-12)
July 11: Egypt def. USA, 3-1 (24-26, 25-15, 25-18, 25-8)
July 12: USA def. Rwanda, 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-20)
July 13: Round of 16: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-23)
July 14: Quarterfinals, Iran def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-16)
July 15: USA vs. Rwanda, 12:30 a.m.
July 16: Bronze medal match and placement matches
July 17: Gold medal match

Stories

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Photo by World ParaVolley

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 14, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team reached the quarterfinal round of the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship in Hangzhou, China, with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-15) victory over Kenya on Tuesday. With the victory, the U.S. clinched a spot in the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.

“It is always a little less stress to make sure (getting to the Paralympics) is done. We thought we could do it so it was good to see us follow through and get it done. Now it’s time we can look at other things and develop or whatever we need to do to get ready so we can perform better there and keepgoing for that next gold,” said U.S. head coach Bill Hamiter.

The U.S. (4-0) will face Italy at 1 a.m. PT in the quarterfinals.

The U.S. dominated in kills with a 36-21 advantage and served 11 aces compared to five. Kenya finished with an 8-4 lead in blocks.

“It was a good team effort. The lineup I put in the first set, some of them had a lot of nerves playing in a match like that and a match that meant so much to us because a win meant a ticket to LA. They felt a lot of pressure, but they fought through it,” Hamiter said.

Playing the first two sets, Monique Matthews led all players with eight kills and 12 points, and shared match-high honors with four blocks. Whitney Dosty (eight kills and two blocks) and Jillian Williams-Coffee (six kills and four aces) reached double digits with 10 points each.

Nicky Nieves posted six kills playing in just the third set. Alexis Patterson scored five points on three kills, a block and an ace, with Courtney Baker adding four points on two kills, a block and an ace. Jessie West registered three kills and Raelene Elam served an ace in the third set.

A Dosty block and Matthews kill began the match, but Kenya scored six of the next seven points for a 6-3 lead. A block extended the lead to four points, 8-4. Trailing 9-7, the U.S. went on a 6-0 run with Williams-Coffee serving for five points. Edwards recorded a block and then scored after a great dig by Matthews on back-to-back plays. Matthews scored on consecutive plays for a 17-12 U.S. lead. A Williams-Coffee kill and Matthews ace put the U.S. up 22-17 before a three-point Kenya run cut the deficit to two points. Williams-Coffee served an ace to give the U.S. set point, which it converted on the next play.

A Matthews kill staked the U.S. to a 5-2 lead in the second set. A Williams-Coffee kill and Matthews ace extended the margin to four points, 9-5. A Baker kill gave the U.S. a 13-9 lead before Kenya scored the next two points to cut the deficit to two points. The U.S. went on a 9-1 run to take control of the set with Matthews scoring three points in the stretch, including the final two, one on an overpass and another on a cross-court shot. Kenya was unable to get any closer than seven points the remainder of the set.

With the score 4-4 in the third set, the U.S. took advantage of numerous Kenya mistakes in an 8-1 run capped by a Baker kill for a 12-5 lead. A kill and block by Dosty gave the U.S. a 16-9 lead. Nieves delivered kills on back-to-back plays and Williams-Coffee tooled the block as the U.S. doubled up the score, 20-10. Dosty put a ball over the net that fell on the Kenya side for a 21-13 lead. A Williams-Coffee ace and Nieves kill gave the U.S. match point at 24-13. Kenya saved two match points before another Nieves kill sent the U.S. into the quarterfinals.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Championship

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
5 Katie Bridge (OH, 6-3, Lake Stevens, Wash.)
7 Monique Matthews (MB, 6-0, Ardmore, Okla.)
8 Whitney Dosty (OH/OPP, 6-3, Tucson, Ariz.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
11 Jillian Williams-Coffee (MB/OH/OPP, 5-10, Odem, Texas)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
14 Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (S, 5-6, Oklahoma City, Okla.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Layne Smith

Schedule

All times Pacific
July 10: USA def. Netherlands, 3-1 (25-12, 25-15, 23-25, 25-21)
July 11: USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-18)
July 13: USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-6, 25-8, 25-10)
July 13: Round of 16: USA def. Kenya, 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-15)
July 14: Quarterfinals: USA vs. Italy, 1 a.m.
July 15: Semifinals and knockout rounds
July 16: Bronze medal match and placement matches
July 17: Gold medal match

Stories

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Photo by World ParaVolley

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 13, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team finished pool play with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-20) victory over Rwanda at the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship in Hangzhou, China on Monday. The U.S. (2-1) advances to the round of 16.

The U.S. Men will play familiar foe Canada tonight at 8 p.m. PT, with Paralympic qualification on the line.

The U.S. led in all statistical categories, including a 29-16 advantage in kills, 7-3 in service aces and with five of the match’s six blocks.

“After Egypt, we had to get into a rhythm, and I thought we were great off the service line today. We were super accurate in our serving targets and we had multiple guys making some big runs. We were able to hit flat, catch a lot of hands because from here on out, all the teams we will see are going to have really big blocks and we need be really good at the top of the block. I thought the guys played with so much urgency regrouping after yesterday,” said U.S. head coach Greg Walker.

Outside hitter Zach Upp led all players with 10 kills, three aces and 14 points, adding a block. He hit .643 for the match with just one error in 14 total attacks. James Stuck (four kills, one block, one ace) and Roderick Green (three kills, two aces, one block) each scored six points.

Eric Duda registered five kills, while Robbie Onusko added four points on three kills and an ace. Ben Aman and Jason Roberts each contributed two kills and a block.

The U.S. jumped out to big leads, 8-1 in the first set and 14-3 in the second set in taking a two-set advantage. Rwanda held its biggest lead of the match, 13-9 in the third set before a 12-2 run put the U.S. ahead 21-15.

U.S. Men’s Sitting Team Roster for World Championship

No. Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
1 Travis Ricks (L, 5-7, San Diego, Calif.)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo.)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb.)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla.)
5 Eric Duda (S/OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa.)
10 Robbie Onusko (OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla.)
11 Roderick Green (MB, 6-3, West Monroe, La.)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill.)
18 Jason Roberts (OH, 6-3, Moncks Corner, S.C.)
19 Danny Alvarez Rivadeneira (L/DS, 5-8, West Jordan, Utah, Intermountain)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Ladislav Lelkes
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Performance Analyst: Sydnie Mabry
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler
Athletic Trainer: Whitney Padgett
Team Leader: Connor Martin
Consultant: Dave Dantes

Schedule

All times Pacific
July 10: USA def. Ukraine, 3-2 (25-23, 25-21, 15-25, 20-25, 15-12)
July 11: Egypt def. USA, 3-1 (24-26, 25-15, 25-18, 25-8)
July 12: USA def. Rwanda, 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-20)
July 13: Round of 16: USA vs. Canada, 8 p.m.
July 14: Quarterfinals and classification matches
July 15: Semifinals and knockout rounds
July 16: Bronze medal match and placement matches
July 17: Gold medal match

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Photo by World ParaVolley

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 13, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team finished unbeaten in pool play at the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship with a 3-0 (25-6, 25-8, 25-10) win over Germany on Monday in Hangzhou, China. The U.S. (3-0) advances to the round of 16, where they will face Kenya at 3 a.m. PT on July 14.

The U.S. recorded a 14-3 advantage in kills and 5-1 in service aces.

“It was good to win the pool. If we win tomorrow, we finish top 8 and qualify for LA28, which is one of our big goals. We served aggressively in good spots, and we ran our gam eplan just like we wanted. We served to people we wanted to, put up a big block, and we were hitting well against their block,” said U.S. head coach Bill Hamiter. “Everybody came in played well and did their job. Jillian (Williams-Coffee) had a great cutback swing out of the middle, Maddy (Ball) made a couple of great plays, Courtney (Baker) came in with a good serve and a really good dig. I was pleased with all of it. I was able to run a lineup that I might need later on in the tournament that other teams don’t know about it, so it was good to scoot it in there.”

Monique Matthews led all players with seven kills and Emma Schieck scored six points on four kills and was the only player with multiple aces with two.

Setter Kaleo Kanahele Maclay ran the effective U.S. offense and contributed a kill and an ace. Katie Bridge and Tia Edwards also recorded a kill and an ace. Williams-Coffee recorded the only block in the match.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Championship

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
5 Katie Bridge (OH, 6-3, Lake Stevens, Wash.)
7 Monique Matthews (MB, 6-0, Ardmore, Okla.)
8 Whitney Dosty (OH/OPP, 6-3, Tucson, Ariz.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
11 Jillian Williams-Coffee (MB/OH/OPP, 5-10, Odem, Texas)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
14 Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (S, 5-6, Oklahoma City, Okla.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Layne Smith

Schedule

All times Pacific
July 10: USA def. Netherlands, 3-1 (25-12, 25-15, 23-25, 25-21)
July 11: USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-18)
July 13: USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-6, 25-8, 25-10)
July 13: Round of 16: USA vs. Kenya, 3 a.m.
July 14: Quarterfinals and classification matches
July 15: Semifinals and knockout rounds
July 16: Bronze medal match and placement matches
July 17: Gold medal match

Stories

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Jake Hanes celebrates
Jake Hanes (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 13, 2026) – Four key matches are on tap for the U.S. Men’s National Team as the squad prepares for the final week of Volleyball Nations League preliminary action, July 15-19, at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

Tickets for many matches this week are close to being sold out, so don’t wait: Get your tickets.

The VNL brings together the world’s top 18 teams for three action-packed weeks of preliminary play, with each team competing in four matches per week. Only the top eight teams will earn a spot in the Final Round, where a VNL title will be on the line. The U.S. is 6-2 after the first two weeks of VNL play and currently are No. 2 in the VNL standings. This week’s opponents include Poland, ranked No. 3, Bulgaria (No. 8), Brazil (No. 9) and China (No. 17).

Head coach Karch Kiraly made just a few changes from last week’s VNL roster. Libero Mason Briggs returns to the lineup after not playing in week two, and Cooper Robinson is back at outside hitter. Kiraly is bringing two opposites (Jake Hanes, Cole Hartke) instead of three.

Micah Christenson and Micah Ma’a are the setters, and the middle blockers are Taylor Averill, Jeff Jendryk, Matt Knigge and Merrick McHenry. Joining Robinson at the outside are Matt Anderson, TJ DeFalco, Ethan Champlin and Jordan Ewert. Libero Erik Shoji is back for the third week.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2026 VNL Week Three

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
6 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 USA def. Türkiye, 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23),
June 12 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-20)
June 13 def. Canada, 3-2 (20-25, 33-35, 26-24, 25-21, 15-11)
June 14 Italy def. USA, 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-10)

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 vs. Cuba at 8 a.m.
June 25 vs. Iran at 8 a.m.
June 27 vs. Japan at 8 a.m.
June 28 vs. Serbia at 11:30 a.m.

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
July 15 vs. China at 6 p.m.
July 16 vs. Brazil at 6 p.m.
July 18 vs. Bulgaria at 6 p.m.
July 19 vs. Poland at 6 p.m.

The 2026 U.S. Women's U21 National Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 12, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team won the gold medal on home soil on Sunday evening with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-21) victory over Canada in the final of the 2026 NORCECA U21 Pan American Cup at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio. The U.S. dropped just one set in six matches in the tournament.

The U.S. finished with a huge advantage in kills (42-27), while also leading in blocks (9-5) and aces (7-4).

The top four scorers in the match were from the U.S., with outside hitter Suli Davis leading all players with 21 points and 16 kills, hitting .522. She shared match-high honors with three blocks and seven excellent receptions, while adding four digs. Setter Campbell Flynn ran the offense that hit .326 as a team.

“I just play with amazing people on and off the court. It was super easy setting them. I set in their space and they are so athletic. Suli jumps really high, so I had to make sure the set was higher. The passing was great so that made it easier,” said Flynn, who was named the 2026 NORCECA U21 Pan American Cup Most Valuable Player.

Outside Payton Petersen scored 12 points on 11 kills and a block with middle blocker Manaia Ogbechie (five kills, three blocks, one ace) and opposite Henley Anderson (four kills, three aces, two blocks) each scoring nine points. Petersen was named the tournament’s second-best spiker.

Libero Lily Hayes shared match-high accolades with seven successful receptions with Petersen adding six. Hayes led the team with six digs and Flynn finished with five.

A Petersen kill gave the U.S. a 6-4 lead in the first set, but the set remained close and the U.S. didn’t lead by two again until a Davis ace made it 10-8. Ames and Peterson recorded kills to help extend the margin to five points, 14-9. An Ogbechie block pushed the lead to seven, 17-10. A Canada block cut the deficit to four, 18-14, before an Ogbechie kill ended a three-point run. Canada got as close as three points, 19-16, before Davis scored twice as part of three consecutive U.S. points that raised the lead back to six. An Anderson kill clinched the set. Davis led all players with five points on four kills and an ace.

Ames and Andersen started the second set with kills and two hitting errors forced Canada to take an early timeout down 4-0. A Davis block made it 5-0 before Canada got on the scoreboard. Canada pulled within three, 7-4, before Ogbechie delivered another kill. An ace helped Canada cut the lead to 10-9, but Davis registered a kill and block for a three-point U.S. advantage. An Andersen block raised the margin to five points, 15-10, and led to the second Canada timeout. Back-to-back Petersen kills gave the U.S. an 18-12 lead. Canada responded by scoring the next four points to cut the deficit to two and prompt a U.S. timeout. An Anderson block and Petersen kill doubled the margin back to four points, 20-16. After surrending the next point, the U.S. ran off three points in a row on a setter dump by Flynn, a Davis kill and an Ogbechie block. Davis ended the set with her third block and sixth point of the set.

Canada took its biggest lead of the match, 6-3, to begin the third set. A Davis kill and ace cut the deficit to a point. The U.S. tied the set 8-8 on an Andersen ace off the tape and took a two-point lead on a Petersen kill and another Andersen ace. A Canada timeout could not stop the U.S. momentum as Ogbechie registered a block and Andersen completed a 6-0 run with another ace. Canada ran off three consecutive points and five of six to even the set at 13 apiece.

Peterson drilled a ball from the back row to put the U.S. up 16-14. A Petersen block stretched the margin to three, 18-15. Petersen ended a long rally with a kill off a set from Davis from the back row for a 20-17 lead. Out of a Canada timeout, Davis scored on a back row attack and Petersen delivered a kill to make the score 22-17. Ogbechie scored off an overpass and Davis scored to give the U.S. match point. Canada saved two match points before Davis sealed the gold medal with her ninth kill and 10th point of the set. Petersen added six points on five kills and a block.

2026 Women’s U21 National Team for the Pan Am Cup

Name, Position, Height, Hometown, Current School, USAV Region
2 Ayden Ames, MB, 6-4, Prosper, Texas, Creighton University, North Texas
5 Lily Hayes, L, 5-9, Tampa, Fla., University of Florida, Florida
6 Suli Davis, OH, 6-2, Euless, Texas, SMU, North Texas
7 Manaia Ogbechie, MB, 6-3, Santa Rosa Valley, Calif., University of Nebraska, Southern California Southern Nevada
9 Keoni Williams, MB, 6-4, Fort Worth, Texas, University of Nebraska, Lone Star
10 Taylor Harvey, MB, 6-3, Salt Lake City, Utah, University of Texas, Lone Star
11 Campbell Flynn, S, 6-3, Rochester Hills, Mich., University of Nebraska, Lakeshore
12 Genevieve Harris, S, 5-11, Raleigh, N.C., University of Texas, Carolina
13 Rachel Van Gorp, L, 5-9, Olathe, Kan., Iowa State University, Heart of America
15 Payton Petersen, OH, 6-0, Dike, Iowa, University of Louisville, Iowa
16C Abby Vander Wal, OH, 6-3, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes
17 Carly Gilk, OPP, 6-2, Minneapolis, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country
19 Henley Anderson, OPP/OH, 6-3, Dripping Springs, Texas, University of Texas, Lone Star
20 Devyn Wiest, OH, 6-3, Peoria, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona

Alternates
1 Reese Messer, S, 5-11, Olathe, Kan., University of Kansas, Gateway
3 Jordan Taylor, MB, 6-5, Houston, Texas, University of Minnesota, Lone Star
4 Kalyssa Blackshear, OPP, 6-5, Lomita, Calif., University of Louisville, Southern California Southern Nevada
8 Ayanna Watson, OH, 6-2, Las Vegas, Nev., University of Pittsburgh, Southern California Southern Nevada
14 Abbey Emch, MB, 6-4, New Waterford, Ohio, University of Pittsburgh, Ohio Valley
18 Spencer Etzler, L, 5-7, Coldwater, Ohio, Stanford University, Ohio Valley

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Alfee Reft (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Alisha Childress (MLV)
Performance Analyst: Will McDonald (LOVB)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (NTDP)

Schedule

July 7: USA def. Venezuela, 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-15)
July 8: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-18)
July 9: USA def. Canada, 3-1 (25-18, 25-14, 21-25, 25-18)
July 10: Quarterfinals (USA received a bye)
July 11: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-17, 25-11, 25-12)
July 12: Gold medal match, USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-21)

Stories

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Zach Upp, Eric Duda and Ben Aman celebrate
Zach Upp, Eric Duda and Ben Aman (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 12, 2026) – After a weather delay suspended play for a day, the U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team battled No. 1 ranked Egypt before falling, 3-1 (24-26, 25-15, 25-18, 25-8) on Sunday at the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship in Hangzhou, China.

The U.S. (1-1) will face Rwanda (0-2) at 10 p.m. PT tonight.

The U.S. nearly matched Egypt in kills (42-40) and service aces (11-8), while Egypt finished with a 17-5 advantage in blocks.

“I think these are the good opportunities that are going to help us find what it is really going to take to find ourselves on the podium more times than not. I told the guys we are not waiting for something, it is not just going to happen for us. They have to be able to do it every time. We are the underdogs, so we have to chase,” said U.S. head coach Greg Walker. “First set was great when we came from behind and chased it, but Egypt has a lot of experience, and they find themselves in medal rounds a lot. I think there is a lot to learn from it. To be on any podium, you have to have to go through Egypt and go through this type of team. There is a lot to learn.”

Zach Upp led all players with 22 points and six service aces, recording 15 kills and a block. Eric Duda totaled eight points on seven kills and a block, and middle Roderick Green finished with seven points on four kills, two blocks and an ace.

Robbie Onusko contributed six points on five kills and a block, and fellow outside Ben Aman scored five points on four kills and an ace. James Stuck delivered three kills and Jason Roberts added two.

U.S. Men’s Sitting Team Roster for World Championship

No. Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
1 Travis Ricks (L, 5-7, San Diego, Calif.)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo.)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb.)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla.)
5 Eric Duda (S/OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa.)
10 Robbie Onusko (OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla.)
11 Roderick Green (MB, 6-3, West Monroe, La.)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill.)
18 Jason Roberts (OH, 6-3, Moncks Corner, S.C.)
19 Danny Alvarez Rivadeneira (L/DS, 5-8, West Jordan, Utah, Intermountain)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Ladislav Lelkes
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Performance Analyst: Sydnie Mabry
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler
Athletic Trainer: Whitney Padgett
Team Leader: Connor Martin
Consultant: Dave Dantes

Schedule

All times Pacific
July 10: USA def. Ukraine, 3-2 (25-23, 25-21, 15-25, 20-25, 15-12)
July 11: Egypt def. USA, 3-1 (24-26, 25-15, 25-18, 25-8)
July 12: USA vs. Rwanda, 10 p.m.
July 13: Round of 16
July 14: Quarterfinals and classification matches
July 15: Semifinals and knockout rounds
July 16: Bronze medal match and placement matches
July 17: Gold medal match

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Kaleo Maclay and Tia Edwards celebrate
Tia Edwards and Kaleo Maclay (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 12, 2026) – After a day’s delay due to safety concerns over a potential typhoon, the U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team continued play at the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-18) victory over Germany in Hangzhou, China, on Sunday.

The U.S. (2-0) will complete pool play against Ukraine, who defeated Germany in its first match, tonight at midnight PT.

The U.S. finished with more kills (26-17), blocks (8-3), and had a significant advantage in service aces (16-5).

“It was good to have Katie (Bridge) back on the floor and we were serving really well,” said U.S. head coach Bill Hamiter. “We had really good net play, and when you combine those things, you are going to come out with a pretty good win. I was pleased with some of the other people we put in as we were trying some different things we may use later on, so it was good to see. You are always a little bit concerned about how a delay will affect you. I thought the players did an outstanding job. They were ready to play coming in and stayed pretty smooth throughout. No high or low emotions, it was just smooth.”

Bridge returned with 11 points on seven kills and a match-best four blocks, while middle Monique Matthews posted match-highs of 12 points and eight kills to go with four aces. Setter Kaleo Kanahele Maclay led all players with five aces and added three kills for eight points.

Nicky Nieves totaled seven points on three kills and four aces. Emma Schieck (three kills, one block, one ace) and Tia Edwards (three blocks, two kills) each scored five points. Libero Alexis Patterson served two aces.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Championship

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
5 Katie Bridge (OH, 6-3, Lake Stevens, Wash.)
7 Monique Matthews (MB, 6-0, Ardmore, Okla.)
8 Whitney Dosty (OH/OPP, 6-3, Tucson, Ariz.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
11 Jillian Williams-Coffee (MB/OH/OPP, 5-10, Odem, Texas)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
14 Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (S, 5-6, Oklahoma City, Okla.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Layne Smith

Schedule

All times Pacific
July 10: USA def. Netherlands, 3-1 (25-12, 25-15, 23-25, 25-21)
July 11: USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-18)
July 13: USA vs. Ukraine, 12 a.m.
July 13: Round of 16
July 14: Quarterfinals and classification matches
July 15: Semifinals and knockout rounds
July 16: Bronze medal match and placement matches
July 17: Gold medal match

Stories

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Avery Skinner celebrates
(Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 12, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team clinched the top seed for the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) finals with an impressive 3-0 (26-24, 25-22, 25-16) victory over Brazil on Saturday in Osaka, Japan. The U.S. entered the match ranked fourth in the world with Brazil ranked second.

The U.S. finished 10-2 in VNL pool play and will play the eighth seed in the quarterfinals of the VNL finals, which will be held in Macao, China, beginning on July 22.

The U.S. finished with a 46-42 advantage in kills, 13-9 in blocks (7-1 in the final set) and made seven fewer errors (15-8). Brazil served one more ace (3-2).

“I think we are about a six or seven (on a scale of 10), but I am kind of a pessimist. I like what we are doing, and I think we are going in the right direction,” said U.S. head coach Erik Sullivan. “I feel like we got better as the weeks progressed. I don’t care what seed we are. We are just going to be focused on our next opponent. We’re excited to be in the finals.”

Outside hitter Avery Skinner led all players with 18 kills and 21 points, adding three blocks and five digs.

“Winning that match, especially getting three points puts us in a good spot. Brazil is a really good team, so that’s a great win for us today. Things were working but we know they are very good and could have come back. For us it was about every point being locked in,” Skinner commented.

Opposite Jordan Thompson scored 16 points on 14 kills and two blocks, while also contributing 10 digs. Outside Logan Eggleston finished with 14 points on a match-best five blocks to go with seven kills and an ace. She also led all players with 12 digs.

Setter Jordyn Poulter led the offense to a .311 hitting percentage. Libero Lexi Rodriguez recorded a match-high seven successful receptions. Middle blocker Dana Rettke scored six points on three kills and three blocks, and middle Asija O’Neal totaled four points on three kills and an ace.

Brazil started the match scoring five of the first six points, forcing the U.S. to take a quick timeout. A great dig by Eggleston led to a Skinner kill to cut the deficit to two points, 8-6. Thompson scored three U.S. points in a row on a block and two kills, the second when she won a joust, to give the U.S. its first lead, 13-12. Skinner scored on a back row attack for a 16-14 lead before Brazil scored twice to even the score.

A Thompson kill and a Skinner kill against a triple block put the U.S. up by three, 19-16. Skinner scored on a sharp angle for a 22-19 lead, but Brazil scored the next three points to square the set again. Eggleston and Skinner scored to give the U.S. set point, 24-23, and it appeared that the set ended on a hitting error, but Brazil successfully challenged a block touch. Eggleston delivered a kill and then her strong serve led to a Skinner kill on an overpass to give the U.S. the opening set. Skinner scored nine points on eight kills and a block, while Thompson totaled seven points on six kills and a block.

Back-to-back blocks by Eggleston and Rettke gave the U.S. a 6-4 lead in the second set. The U.S. still led 8-6 when Brazil went on a 7-1 run to take a 13-9 advantage. Responding with an 8-4 streak, the U.S. tied the set at 17 on a Skinner kill off the block after a strong Eggleston dig and took the lead on a Rettke block. Skinner scored three points and a Thompson kill put the U.S. ahead 23-20. Brazil scored the next two points, the second on a block, but the U.S. took a two-set lead with Skinner’s fifth kill and sixth point of the set followed by a Brazil hitting error.

Rettke scored on an overpass and Eggleston finished a play that featured an incredible one-handed ball over the net by Poulter to give the U.S. a 5-2 advantage in the third set. After Skinner scored on a tip to make it 8-7, Brazil scored the next three points, including two on back-to-back aces. The U.S. trailed by three points, 13-10, before going on a 15-3 run to end the match. Eggleston blocks tied the set at 13 and the put the U.S. up 17-14 and 18-15. An Eggleston ace pushed the lead to five points, 20-15. The U.S. completed a 6-0 run to set up match point with an Eggleston ace, Rettke block, and a kill and block by Skinner.

The U.S. ended the match with Skinner’s fifth kill and sixth point of the set. Eggleston totaled six points on four blocks, a kill and an ace.

U.S. Women’s Week Three Roster for 2026 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28)
June 5 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-11)
June 7 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12)

Week 2: Pasig City, Philippines
June 16 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-12)
June 18 USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Italy, 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Serbia, 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-16, 25-19)

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-20)
July 8 Poland def. USA, 3-2 (20-25, 25-20, 25-23, 18-25, 15-12)
July 9 USA def. Türkiye, 3-2 (22-25, 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 15-8)
July 11 USA def. Brazil, 3-0 (25-24, 25-22, 25-16)

Stories

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Women's U21 celebrates
Photo by Joe Maiorana

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 11, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team will play for gold at the 2026 NORCECA U21 Pan American Cup after a 3-0 (25-17, 25-11, 25-12) win over Mexico at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday night.

GET TICKETS TO THE U21 PAN AM CUP Final

The U.S. (4-0) will face Canada (4-1) on Sunday at 4 p.m. PT for the gold medal. Canada defeated the Dominican Rebublic 3-0 in Saturday’s first semifinal.

The U.S. doubled Mexico in kills (42-20) and had just about five times as many blocks (14-3). The U.S. had four aces to zero for Mexico.

“One thing we focus on always is our serve and pass game, so obviously we want to side out as much as we can and use our serve as an advantage,” outside hitter Payton Petersen said. “When we get a team off the net, we want to make sure we’re taking advantage of knowing where the ball is going. So, our blocks are going to be well formed. We’re going to have a position that we know we’re going to be good in.”

All 14 players competed in the three-set victory. Suli Davis led all scorers with 10 points on seven kills, two blocks and an ace. Ayden Ames had nine points, including a team-leading five blocks. Henley Anderson had nine points on seven kills and two blocks. Devyn Wiest scored all seven of her points off of kills in the third set.

Taylor Harvey had six points (four kills, one ace, one block), and Petersen scored six with five kills and a block. Manaia Ogbechie had two aces and a kill; Keoni Williams had two kills and a block. Abby Vander Wal had two points, as did Carly Gilk. Setter Genevieve Harris scored on a kill.

Libero Lily Hayes led the team with eight digs.

Mexico jumped out to an early 4-1 lead, but U.S. tied it 6-6 on a Petersen kill. A block from Ogbechie and Petersen gave the U.S. its first lead at 7-6. A Mexico kill kept the match close at 10-9, but the U.S. reeled off three points to force a Mexico timeout. The U.S. stretched the lead to 18-10 on the strength of its block, particulary from Ames and Anderson. Mexico moved within five at 22-17 but got no closer. Vander Wal and Ames closed out the set with another block, the ninth for the U.S. in the set.

The U.S. took control of the second set early, with four kills from Anderson leading the way. At 22-11, three consecutive kills from Petersen, Davis and Petersen again gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead. Davis and Ames each had six points in the set.

The third set was close until an 8-1 run gave the U.S. a 14-7 advantage. That seven-point margin was as close as Mexico could get, with Wiest, Harris, Davis and Harvey recording kills in the second half of the set for the win.

2026 Women’s U21 National Team for the Pan Am Cup

Name, Position, Height, Hometown, Current School, USAV Region
2 Ayden Ames, MB, 6-4, Prosper, Texas, Creighton University, North Texas
5 Lily Hayes, L, 5-9, Tampa, Fla., University of Florida, Florida
6 Suli Davis, OH, 6-2, Euless, Texas, SMU, North Texas
7 Manaia Ogbechie, MB, 6-3, Santa Rosa Valley, Calif., University of Nebraska, Southern California Southern Nevada
9 Keoni Williams, MB, 6-4, Fort Worth, Texas, University of Nebraska, Lone Star
10 Taylor Harvey, MB, 6-3, Salt Lake City, Utah, University of Texas, Lone Star
11 Campbell Flynn, S, 6-3, Rochester Hills, Mich., University of Nebraska, Lakeshore
12 Genevieve Harris, S, 5-11, Raleigh, N.C., University of Texas, Carolina
13 Rachel Van Gorp, L, 5-9, Olathe, Kan., Iowa State University, Heart of America
15 Payton Petersen, OH, 6-0, Dike, Iowa, University of Louisville, Iowa
16C Abby Vander Wal, OH, 6-3, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes
17 Carly Gilk, OPP, 6-2, Minneapolis, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country
19 Henley Anderson, OPP/OH, 6-3, Dripping Springs, Texas, University of Texas, Lone Star
20 Devyn Wiest, OH, 6-3, Peoria, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona

Alternates
1 Reese Messer, S, 5-11, Olathe, Kan., University of Kansas, Gateway
3 Jordan Taylor, MB, 6-5, Houston, Texas, University of Minnesota, Lone Star
4 Kalyssa Blackshear, OPP, 6-5, Lomita, Calif., University of Louisville, Southern California Southern Nevada
8 Ayanna Watson, OH, 6-2, Las Vegas, Nev., University of Pittsburgh, Southern California Southern Nevada
14 Abbey Emch, MB, 6-4, New Waterford, Ohio, University of Pittsburgh, Ohio Valley
18 Spencer Etzler, L, 5-7, Coldwater, Ohio, Stanford University, Ohio Valley

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Alfee Reft (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Alisha Childress (MLV)
Performance Analyst: Will McDonald (LOVB)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (NTDP)

Schedule

All times PT
Streamed live on USA Volleyball YouTube

July 7: USA def. Venezuela, 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-15)
July 8: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-18)
July 9: USA def. Canada, 3-1 (25-18, 25-14, 21-25, 25-18)
July 10: Quarterfinals (USA received a bye)
July 11: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-17, 25-11, 25-12)
July 12: Gold medal match, USA vs. Canada, 4 p.m. PT

Stories

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Emma Schieck (WPV)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 10, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team opened play at the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship with a 3-1 (25-12, 25-15, 23-25, 25-21) win over the Netherlands in Hangzhou, China, on Friday.

The U.S. (1-0) will next face Germany (0-1) at 8:30 p.m. PT tonight.

The U.S. finished with a 45-30 advantage in kills and an eight-point margin in service aces (13-5). The Netherlands recorded six more blocks (15-9).

“It is always good to get a win. I thought the first two sets we played pretty well without high error counts. The last two sets we were scrambling. Netherlands really picked up their game, which put a lot of pressure on us. I didn’t feel like we handled the pressure too well, but well enough to pull out the win,” commented U.S. head coach Bill Hamiter. “We need to focus on what we’ve got to do and keep executing. I thought sometimes we were just making some gamble shots.”

Outside hitter Raelene Elam led the team in points (18), kills (10), aces (five) and shared team-high honors with three blocks. Middle blocker Monique Matthews totaled 12 points on eight kills, three aces and a block. Tia Edwards finished with 11 points on eight kills and equaled Elam with three blocks. Middle Nicky Nieves rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points on six kills, two blocks and two aces.

Outside Emma Schieck contributed eight points on seven kills and an ace, and setter Kaleo Kanahele Maclay added six kills and an ace for seven points.

The U.S. used a 10-0 run to turn a 7-5 deficit into a 15-7 lead in the first set. Netherlands scored the next three points out of a timeout, but the U.S. responded with five consecutive points to put the set out of reach.

It was a seven-point run that spurred the U.S. on in the second set, turning a 7-6 lead into an eight-point advantage, 14-6. The U.S. extended the lead to double digits, 21-11, and again with the final point of the set.

The U.S. stormed out to a 5-1 lead in the third set, but Netherlands eventually took the lead, 11-10. The U.S. held the only two-point leads, 15-13 and 23-21 before Netherlands scored the final four points of the set to cut the U.S. match lead to 2-1.

The U.S. jumped out to an 8-1 lead in the fourth set and still led by seven points, 16-9, when the Netherlands used a 7-1 run to close the gap to just one point, 17-16. A Matthews block put the U.S. back up by two. After Netherlands scored the next point, Schieck scored and then the Netherlands was unable to get past the double block of Matthews and Nieves. A hitting error and another Matthews kill gave the U.S. a 22-17 advantage. Keyed by two blocks and an ace, Netherlands again cut the margin to one point, 22-21, forcing a U.S. timeout. Nieves and Elam recorded kills to set up match point, and a net violation ended the match.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Championship

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
5 Katie Bridge (OH, 6-3, Lake Stevens, Wash.)
7 Monique Matthews (MB, 6-0, Ardmore, Okla.)
8 Whitney Dosty (OH/OPP, 6-3, Tucson, Ariz.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
11 Jillian Williams-Coffee (MB/OH/OPP, 5-10, Odem, Texas)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
14 Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (S, 5-6, Oklahoma City, Okla.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Layne Smith

Schedule

All times Pacific
July 10: USA def. Netherlands, 3-1 (25-12, 25-15, 23-25, 25-21)
July 10: USA vs. Germany, 8:30 p.m.
July 11: USA vs. Ukraine, 10 p.m.
July 13: Round of 16
July 14: Quarterfinals and classification matches
July 15: Semifinals and knockout rounds
July 16: Bronze medal match and placement matches
July 17: Gold medal match

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 10, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team began play at the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship in Hangzhou, China, with a critical 3-2 (25-23, 25-21, 15-25, 20-25, 15-12) victory over Ukraine.

The U.S. will return to the court later tonight at 9 p.m. PT to face world No. 1 Egypt (1-0).

The match was very even statistically with the U.S. holding a slight edge in aces (10-9) with Ukraine leading in kills (49-47) and blocks (19-15).

“We love Ukraine. I say it every time we play them. They make us better and are such a great team to play systematically for us. We are super fortunate that we have gotten to play them a lot recently. It was really good to see our guys battle back and we knew that was what it was going to be like the whole time,” said U.S. head coach Greg Walker.

Outside hitter Zach Upp led all players with 19 points on 13 kills, a team-best four blocks and a pair of aces. Outside hitter Eric Duda finished with 16 points on 10 kills, including three in the decisive fifth set, three blocks and three aces. Middle blocker Roderick Green shared team-high honors with Upp with 13 kills and added two blocks for 15 points.

James Stuck, who served for four points in the fifth set, totaled nine points on five kills, three blocks and an ace. Outside Ben Aman also finished with nine points on four kills, three aces and two blocks. Robbie Onusko added four points on two kills, a block and an ace.

Neither team was able to take a two-point lead in the opening set until the U.S. used a 3-0 spurt to move ahead 14-12. Ukraine called timeout and responded with three consecutive points of its own to retake the lead. The U.S. then went on a 5-0 run to move ahead 19-15. Ukraine closed the gap to two points, 22-20, before the U.S. earned three set points at 24-21. Ukraine saved the first two set points before the U.S. finished the set. The U.S. produced 15 kills in the set.

Ukraine jumped out to a 9-4 lead in the second set and still led by four points, 17-13, when the U.S. used a 9-3 run to take a 22-20 advantage. Ukraine scored the next point, but the U.S. successfully challenged the next play to take a 23-21 lead and scored the final two points to take a 2-0 match lead. The U.S. made half as many errors as Ukraine (10-5) in the set.

The U.S. trailed by just a point, 7-6, in the third set when Ukraine when on a 12-2 run to take a 19-8 lead. The U.S. made 11 errors in the set as Ukraine pulled within one set in the match. Ukraine kept the momentum going in the fourth set, scoring seven of the first eight points. Trailing 14-7, the U.S. scored four of the next five points to pull within four, 15-11. The U.S. got as close as three points, 17-14, before Ukraine scored the next two points and prompted the U.S. to take a timeout. The U.S. again closed the gap to three points, 21-18, with Ukraine unsuccessfully challenging a Duda kill. Ukraine won four of the final six points to send the match to a deciding fifth set.

The U.S. started the final set on a 5-1 run. Stuck served for four points with Green and Aman each recording blocks. A Duda kill made it 6-2, but Ukraine ran off five points in a row to take a 7-6 lead. Upp tied it on the next point before Ukraine took an 8-7 lead at the side switch. Upp scored again and the U.S. retook the lead after a great dig by Dadgostar led to a Stuck kill. Ukraine scored the following two points for a 10-9 lead, but the U.S. used a 4-0 run to pull within two points of winning the match. Upp served an ace for a 12-10 lead and another good serve led to a Regan kill on an overpass for the 13-10 advantage. Duda scored off the block to set up match point at 14-11 and two points later, a net violation against Ukraine ended the match.

U.S. Men’s Sitting Team Roster for World Championship

No. Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
1 Travis Ricks (L, 5-7, San Diego, Calif.)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo.)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb.)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla.)
5 Eric Duda (S/OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa.)
10 Robbie Onusko (OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla.)
11 Roderick Green (MB, 6-3, West Monroe, La.)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill.)
18 Jason Roberts (OH, 6-3, Moncks Corner, S.C.)
19 Danny Alvarez Rivadeneira (L/DS, 5-8, West Jordan, Utah, Intermountain)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Ladislav Lelkes
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Performance Analyst: Sydnie Mabry
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler
Athletic Trainer: Whitney Padgett
Team Leader: Connor Martin
Consultant: Dave Dantes

Schedule

All times Pacific
July 10: USA def. Ukraine, 3-2 (25-23, 25-21, 15-25, 20-25, 15-12)
July 10: USA vs. Egypt, 9 p.m.
July 11: USA vs. Rwanda, 8 p.m.
July 13: Round of 16
July 14: Quarterfinals and classification matches
July 15: Semifinals and knockout rounds
July 16: Bronze medal match and placement matches
July 17: Gold medal match

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Jordan Thompson and Morgan Hentz (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 10, 2026) – Playing its third match in as many days, the U.S. Women’s National Team rallied to defeat Türkiye, 3-2 (22-25, 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 15-8) on Friday in Osaka, Japan. The U.S. entered the match ranked fourth in the world with Türkiye ranked third.

The U.S. moved to 7-4 against Türkiye in VNL play. Türkiye won the last VNL matchup in 2024 and also defeated the U.S. in the 2025 FIVB World Championship quarterfinal round.

The U.S. (9-2) will conclude VNL pool play against Brazil (7-2) Saturday at 8 p.m. PT in a match that will likely determine the top seed for the VNL finals.

The key statistics for the U.S. were a 14-6 advantage in blocks and making 15 fewer errors (33-18). The U.S. trailed 8-7 in service aces but finished with a 6-2 advantage after the opening set. Türkiye recorded a 74-60 lead in kills.

“The way that things have lined up for us this summer gave us some time to prepare for these bigger matches in week three, It was a great test for us. We are going in the right direction. I think this is a step along that path. I am really happy with how we played and most importantly how we competed the whole match,” said U.S. head coach Erik Sulluvan. “There are some system things that aren’t quite as tight as we want, meaning we are not all on the same page. We are 80 or 90 percent there. If we want to get to LA28 to compete for a medal, we need to clean that part up.”

Five U.S. players scored nine or more points, led by outside hitters Avery Skinner (17 kills and two aces) and Logan Eggleston (14 kills, three blocks and two aces) with 19 points apiece. Eggleston added eight digs and five successful receptions.

Opposite Jordan Thompson scored 17 points on 16 kills, including three in the deciding set, and a block. Middle blocker Dana Rettke also played a key role in the fifth set and finished the match with 11 points on seven kills, three aces and a block. Middle Asjia O’Neal came off the bench to score nine points on a match-high four blocks to go with four kills and an ace.

“This is a testament to the hard work we have been putting in. We’ve been trying to find our team chemistry and our team identity. We are a younger team and what we may lack in experience we make up for in natural talent. It’s a really beautiful thing to see because as we continue to grow and gain more experience, we’re only going to get stronger,” Thompson remarked. “I’m so incredibly proud of the way this team fought and really proud of Asjia for coming in and everybody stepping up and making some really big plays.”

Libero Morgan Hentz made numerous great defensive plays and finished with a team-high 15 digs. In addition to leading the U.S. offense, setter Jordyn Poulter contributed 10 digs, two blocks and an ace. Libero Lexi Rodriguez led the team with six successful receptions.

The U.S. used four blocks by four different players to take a 10-8 lead in set one. A Thompson kill on a back row attack made it 11-9, but Türkiye went on a 6-2 run, taking a two-point lead on back-to-back aces. A Samedy kill kept the U.S. within two points, 19-17, but the U.S. could get no closer. Another Türkiye ace made it 23-19. Facing set point at 24-21, Eggleston scored on a rally kept alive by a great Hentz dig. Türkiye took the set on the next point. Thompson led the U.S. with five kills.

Türkiye scored the first two points of the second set and held the lead until a great dig by Eggleston led to a Thompson kill to even the set at seven points apiece. Eggleston recorded back-to-back kills to give the U.S. a 12-10 lead and her ace that dribbled off the net made it 14-11. Two O’Neal blocks and a Skinner kill with Rettke serving raised the margin to five points, 18-13. Türkiye used short serves and a block to run off four points in a row and even the set 19-19. After using its second timeout, Skinner and Thompson put the U.S. back up by two. A perfect pass by Skinner led to a Thompson kill to make it 22-20 and O’Neal followed with an ace. Eggleston gave the U.S. set point at 24-21, and Rettke ended the set after Türkiye saved two set points. Eggleston scored six points on five kills and an ace.

Türkiye scored the first three points to begin the third set. Blocks by Thompson and Eggleston cut the deficit to two points on two occasions but a Türkiye block raised the margin to four, 9-5. A Rettke kill brought the U.S. within a point at 12-11, and Eggleston tied the set at 13-13 on a set from Hentz. The teams split the next six points before Türkiye scored three points in a row for a 19-16 advantage. A successful challenge by the U.S. on a Rettke point narrowed the gap to one point, 20-19. A strong Thompson serve put Türkiye out of system, leading to a Poulter block that tied the set 23-23. A great up by Thompson helped give the U.S. set point. The score went back and forth until it was tied at 27. A lengthy review on a U.S. challenge eventually resulted in a Türkiye point and 28-27 lead after the challenge was initially deemed successful. Türkiye took the next set on an overpass off another short serve to take a 2-1 lead in the match. Skinner paced the U.S. with five kills.

With the score 6-6 in the fourth set, a Thompson kill, Skinner ace and Eggleston block gave the U.S. a three-point lead and prompted a Türkiye timeout. Poulter served back-to-back aces to push the lead to four points, 16-12. Türkiye scored the next three points, the third on an ace, to cut the deficit back to one. A Rettke block put the U.S. up 20-17 and an Eggleston ace made it 22-18. Rettke gave the U.S. a 23-20 lead and Skinner scored on the following play. After Türkiye saved one set point, Skinner scored her sixth point to send the match to a fifth set.

Thompson scored twice and Rettke registered a block early in the fifth set, but Türkiye led 4-3 when Rettke’s kill on a slide ignited a 12-4 U.S. run the rest of the way. A great dig by Poulter led to a Skinner kill and a 6-4 lead. A Rettke ace and an Eggleston point on a pipe attack put the U.S. up 10-5. O’Neal scored the team’s next two points on a block and a kill that doubled up the score, 12-6. A great set by Poulter on a pass close to the net fed Skinner to set up match point at 14-7. Two points later, Thompson finished the comeback victory.

U.S. Women’s Week Three Roster for 2026 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28)
June 5 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-11)
June 7 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12)

Week 2: Pasig City, Philippines
June 16 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-12)
June 18 USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Italy, 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Serbia, 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-16, 25-19)

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-20)
July 8 Poland def. USA, 3-2 (20-25, 25-20, 25-23, 18-25, 15-12)
July 9 USA def. Türkiye, 3-2 (22-25, 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 15-8)
July 11 at 8 p.m. vs. Brazil

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USA celebrates

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 9, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team advanced directly to the semifinals of the 2026 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup by virtue of a 3-1 (25-18, 25-14, 21-25, 25-18) win over Canada in a matchup of undefeated teams at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday.

GET TICKETS TO THE U21 PAN AM CUP

The U.S. (3-0) receives a bye in the quarterfinal round and will play in the second semifinal on Saturday at 4 p.m. PT.

The U.S. finished with a double-digit lead in kills (58-46) and dominated at the service line with a 10-2 advantage in aces. Canada finished with a slight edge (6-4) in blocks.

Five U.S. players scored in double figures with Henley Anderson leading the way with 17 points on 13 kills and a match-high four aces. Middle blocker Manaia Ogbechie led all players with three blocks to go with 11 kills for 14 points, and outside hitter Abby Vander Wal registered a match-best 14 kills.

“Canada came out really strong (in the third set), but I thought we still fought pretty well the whole time. We still played USA volleyball and really brought it back in set four,” Vander Wal said. “Coach (Tama Miyashiro) let us get our heads back together, but also she told us to take a deep breath, reset and take each point as it comes and find our game.”

Setter Campbell Flynn ran the U.S. offense while sharing match-high honors with Anderson with four aces, adding six kills for 10 points. Outside Payton Petersen reached 10 points on nine kills and an ace, while also pacing the team with nine successful receptions.

Libero Lily Hayes led the team with 15 digs and added eight successful receptions. Flynn and Peterson totaled 11 digs, and Vander Wal’s 10 gave the U.S. four players with double-digit digs.

Three Ogbechie kills helped the U.S. to a 9-6 start to the match. Canada pulled within a point, 12-11, before an Ogbechie kill and block bookended a Flynn kill to put the U.S. up four and force a Canada timeout. Ogbechie put down an overpass of a Petersen serve to up the margin to seven points, 19-12. An Ames block put the U.S. ahead 23-15. An Anderson kill gave the U.S. set point and a Canada service error ended the set. Ogbechie led all scorers with six points on five kills and a block.

Two Flynn aces helped the U.S. race out to a 5-1 lead in the second set. Anderson ended a long rally with a kill to make it 11-5. Anderson followed Canada’s second timeout with three consecutive aces for a nine-point advantage. The teams split the next 10 points before Vander Wal scored to give the U.S. a 17-10 lead. Three consecutive Canada errors raised the margin to nine, 20-11. The lead grew to double digits, 23-13, on a Petersen kill and Canada errors finished the set and gave the U.S. a two-set lead. Anderson led all scorers with six points on three kills and her three aces in a row.

An Anderson kill and back-to-back Flynn aces put the U.S. ahead 3-0 to begin the third set. A series of great defensive plays on the seventh point of the set keyed an 8-3 Canada run that put the U.S. down by two points. A kill on an overpass gave Canada a 13-10 lead. An Anderson kill helped the U.S. pull within two points, 21-19, but Canada finished the set scoring four of the final six points to hand the U.S. its first set loss of the tournament. Vander Wal finished with four kills in the set.

An Anderson ace gave the U.S. a 6-4 lead in the fourth set before Canada scored three consecutive points to take a one-point advantage. An Ogbechie kill and back-to-back Petersen points, the first on an ace, put the U.S. back up by two. Canada tied the set at 9-9 and the set was tied again at 10-10, 11-11 and 12-12 before the U.S. used a 4-1 run to take a 16-13 lead. Anderson and Petersen each scored in that span to go with two Canada errors.

After a timeout, Ogbechie scored to make it a four-point margin. Ogbechie pushed the lead to five points, 19-14, with a block, leading to the second Canada timeout. A setter dump by Flynn extended the lead to six, 21-15. A Vander Wal kill set up match point and the U.S. clinched its undefeated pool play mark on a Canada error. Anderson scored six points on five kills and an ace, while Ogbechie added five points on three kills and two blocks.

2026 Women’s U21 National Team for the Pan Am Cup

Name, Position, Height, Hometown, Current School, USAV Region
2 Ayden Ames, MB, 6-4, Prosper, Texas, Creighton University, North Texas
5 Lily Hayes, L, 5-9, Tampa, Fla., University of Florida, Florida
6 Suli Davis, OH, 6-2, Euless, Texas, SMU, North Texas
7 Manaia Ogbechie, MB, 6-3, Santa Rosa Valley, Calif., University of Nebraska, Southern California Southern Nevada
9 Keoni Williams, MB, 6-4, Fort Worth, Texas, University of Nebraska, Lone Star
10 Taylor Harvey, MB, 6-3, Salt Lake City, Utah, University of Texas, Lone Star
11 Campbell Flynn, S, 6-3, Rochester Hills, Mich., University of Nebraska, Lakeshore
12 Genevieve Harris, S, 5-11, Raleigh, N.C., University of Texas, Carolina
13 Rachel Van Gorp, L, 5-9, Olathe, Kan., Iowa State University, Heart of America
15 Payton Petersen, OH, 6-0, Dike, Iowa, University of Louisville, Iowa
16C Abby Vander Wal, OH, 6-3, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes
17 Carly Gilk, OPP, 6-2, Minneapolis, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country
19 Henley Anderson, OPP/OH, 6-3, Dripping Springs, Texas, University of Texas, Lone Star
20 Devyn Wiest, OH, 6-3, Peoria, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona

Alternates
1 Reese Messer, S, 5-11, Olathe, Kan., University of Kansas, Gateway
3 Jordan Taylor, MB, 6-5, Houston, Texas, University of Minnesota, Lone Star
4 Kalyssa Blackshear, OPP, 6-5, Lomita, Calif., University of Louisville, Southern California Southern Nevada
8 Ayanna Watson, OH, 6-2, Las Vegas, Nev., University of Pittsburgh, Southern California Southern Nevada
14 Abbey Emch, MB, 6-4, New Waterford, Ohio, University of Pittsburgh, Ohio Valley
18 Spencer Etzler, L, 5-7, Coldwater, Ohio, Stanford University, Ohio Valley

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Alfee Reft (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Alisha Childress (MLV)
Performance Analyst: Will McDonald (LOVB)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (NTDP)

Schedule

All times PT
Streamed live on USA Volleyball YouTube

July 7: USA def. Venezuela, 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-15)
July 8: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-18)
July 9: USA def. Canada, 3-1 (25-18, 25-14, 21-25, 25-18)
July 10: Quarterfinals (USA received a bye)
July 11: Semifinals, USA vs. TBA, 4 p.m.
July 12: Medal match, 5/7 p.m.

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Micha Hancock serves
Micha Hancock (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 9, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team fell to Poland, 3-2 (20-25, 25-20, 25-23, 18-25, 15-12) during Volleyball Nations League action in Osaka, Japan Thursday.

The U.S. (8-2) are back in action again tonight against Türkiye at 9 p.m. PT. All matches can be watched on VBTV.

While Poland had the advantage in kills (75-63), the U.S. outblocked Poland 16-8 and had a slim 4-3 margin in aces. The U.S. scored 22 points off Poland errors and Poland had 17 off the U.S.

“We just need to be cleaner on our side,” head coach Erik Sullivan said. “I love the way that we hung in there and fought. There were a bunch of moments in that match where I think it was easy to kind of give up, and we didn’t do that. We didn’t execute at the level we need to execute at to beat a team like Poland.”

Simone Lee-Wank led the U.S. with 15 points on 13 kills, one block and one ace. Five other players reached double figures. Molly McCage had 14 kills on four kills, three aces and a match-high seven blocks. Logan Eggleston had 13 kills and a block, and Stephanie Samedy scored 14 points on 12 kills and two blocks. O’Neal had 10 kills and three blocks.

Jordan Thompson collected eight points on seven kills and a block, and Madi Kubik-Banks had three kills. Setter Micha Hancock had a kill and a block.

U.S. Women’s Week Three Roster for 2026 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28)
June 5 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-11)
June 7 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12)

Week 2: Pasig City, Philippines
June 16 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-12)
June 18 USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Italy, 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Serbia, 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-16, 25-19)

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-20)
July 8 Poland def. USA, 3-2 (20-25, 25-20, 25-23, 18-25, 15-12)
July 9 at 9 p.m. vs. Türkiye
July 11 at 8 p.m. vs. Brazil

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Carly Gilk and Genevieve Harris

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 8, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team moved to 2-0 at the 2026 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-18) victory over Mexico on Wednesday at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio.

GET TICKETS TO THE U21 PAN AM CUP

The U.S. (2-0) will meet Canada (2-0) tomorrow at 4 p.m. PT. The winner will move directly into Saturday’s semifinal with the other team headed to a quarterfinal match on Friday.

The U.S. posted large advantages in kills (45-26), blocks (10-4) and aces (6-2).

Outside hitter Suli Davis led all players with 18 kills and 20 points, adding two blocks, four digs and four successful receptions. Setter Genevieve Harris ran the offense, served a match-leading four aces and contributed a kill and two blocks for seven points.

“Wearing the USA jersey is truly unreal and every time I put it on and step on the court, it makes me think about all the work we’ve done and where you are. It’s just a beautiful thing,” Harris stated. “We had a really good scout of Mexico. They are a good team with good hitters who were doing cool things. I think our team adjusted really well all during the match and found a way to dig out of the holes we may have dug ourselves. We followed the game plan and also adjusted as we went.”

Libero Rachel Van Gorp and outside Devyn Wiest paced the U.S. with six successful receptions, while opposite Carly Gilk registered a match-best nine digs. Wiest scored 11 points on nine kills and two aces, and Gilk delivered five kills.

Middle blocker Taylor Harvey scored 12 points on eight kills and a match-high four blocks. Middle blocker Keoni Williams totaled six points on four kills and a pair of blocks.

Mexico used an ace and a successful challenge to take a 3-1 lead to start the match. A block pushed the lead to three points, 7-4. A West kill capped a 3-0 U.S. run that tied the set 8-8. Back-to-back blocks put Mexico up by four points, 13-9, and prompted a U.S. timeout. Gilk and Davis recorded kills to cut the deficit to one, 14-13. Wiest served an ace, her sixth point of the set, to square the set at 15 apiece.

A Harvey kill tied the set at 17 before a tough Harris serve led to a Davis kill that put the U.S. in front for the first time since the set’s opening point. A Harvey block and a Davis kill off a Van Gorp set gave the U.S. a 20-17 lead. Harris served an ace and Van Gorp put up another set to Davis as the U.S. moved ahead 23-17. A Mexico error finished the 8-0 U.S. run before Mexico fought off four set points. After taking a timeout, the U.S. closed out the set when Davis put a ball down for her seventh kill.

Mexico started strong again in the second set, taking a 5-2 lead. Williams’ second kill of the set evened the score at six. Williams scored off an overpass for a 9-8 U.S. lead. Kills by Davis and Gilk extended the lead to two, 11-9, and forced a Mexico timeout. A Harvey block put the U.S. ahead 14-11. Mexico used a 3-0 mini run to square the set at 15 apiece. Wiest put the U.S. back up by two with a kill and an ace, leading to a Mexico timeout.

Three consecutive blocks, two by Harvey and one by Davis, followed by a Davis kill gave the U.S. set point at 24-17, concluding a 5-0 run. After yielding one point, the U.S. took a two-set lead on Davis’s sixth kill and seventh point of the set. Harvey added five points on two kills and three blocks.

The U.S. took its first lead of the third set, 8-7, on another Davis kill. Consecutive Mexico errors gave the U.S. its first two-point lead of the set, 14-12. Mexico appeared to tie the set at 15, but the U.S. successfully challenged a block touch on a Wiest attack. A Harris ace that nicked the net put the U.S. up three, 19-16.

Following a timeout, another strong Harris serve led to a Gilk kill and Davis followed with a kill for a five-point margin. A Harvey kill and Davis block made it 23-16 as the U.S. put together another strong run toward the end of the set just as did in the first two sets. The match ended on a service error. Davis again led the U.S. with six points on five kills and a block.

2026 Women’s U21 National Team for the Pan Am Cup

Name, Position, Height, Hometown, Current School, USAV Region
2 Ayden Ames, MB, 6-4, Prosper, Texas, Creighton University, North Texas
5 Lily Hayes, L, 5-9, Tampa, Fla., University of Florida, Florida
6 Suli Davis, OH, 6-2, Euless, Texas, SMU, North Texas
7 Manaia Ogbechie, MB, 6-3, Santa Rosa Valley, Calif., University of Nebraska, Southern California Southern Nevada
9 Keoni Williams, MB, 6-4, Fort Worth, Texas, University of Nebraska, Lone Star
10 Taylor Harvey, MB, 6-3, Salt Lake City, Utah, University of Texas, Lone Star
11 Campbell Flynn, S, 6-3, Rochester Hills, Mich., University of Nebraska, Lakeshore
12 Genevieve Harris, S, 5-11, Raleigh, N.C., University of Texas, Carolina
13 Rachel Van Gorp, L, 5-9, Olathe, Kan., Iowa State University, Heart of America
15 Payton Petersen, OH, 6-0, Dike, Iowa, University of Louisville, Iowa
16C Abby Vander Wal, OH, 6-3, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes
17 Carly Gilk, OPP, 6-2, Minneapolis, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country
19 Henley Anderson, OPP/OH, 6-3, Dripping Springs, Texas, University of Texas, Lone Star
20 Devyn Wiest, OH, 6-3, Peoria, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona

Alternates
1 Reese Messer, S, 5-11, Olathe, Kan., University of Kansas, Gateway
3 Jordan Taylor, MB, 6-5, Houston, Texas, University of Minnesota, Lone Star
4 Kalyssa Blackshear, OPP, 6-5, Lomita, Calif., University of Louisville, Southern California Southern Nevada
8 Ayanna Watson, OH, 6-2, Las Vegas, Nev., University of Pittsburgh, Southern California Southern Nevada
14 Abbey Emch, MB, 6-4, New Waterford, Ohio, University of Pittsburgh, Ohio Valley
18 Spencer Etzler, L, 5-7, Coldwater, Ohio, Stanford University, Ohio Valley

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Alfee Reft (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Alisha Childress (MLV)
Performance Analyst: Will McDonald (LOVB)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (NTDP)

Schedule

All times PT
Streamed live on USA Volleyball YouTube

July 7: USA def. Venezuela, 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-15)
July 8: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-18)
July 9: USA vs. Canada, 4 p.m.
July 10: Quarterfinals
July 11: Semifinals and classification matches
July 12: Medal and classification matches

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USAV Cup
Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 8, 2026) – USA Volleyball announces the USA Volleyball Cup, a two-match international series between the U.S. Women’s National Team and Canada, taking place Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Jenny Craig Pavilion in San Diego and Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, Calif. Tickets are now on sale.

Buy Tickets for San Diego

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The series provides a redemption opportunity for the U.S. Women following Canada’s straight set win (25-22, 25-22, 30-28) in Quebec City at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League. It was Canada’s first victory over the United States in four all-time VNL matchups.

“What happened in Quebec City is exactly what our sport needs. Canada earned that win, and our athletes haven’t forgotten it,” said USA Volleyball CEO and President John Speraw. “Bringing this rematch to Southern California as we all march toward LA28 is an opportunity to show sports fans in Southern California how amazing these athletes are.”

With the FIVB World Cup of Volleyball coming to the United States and Canada in 2027 and the Olympic Games returning to Los Angeles in 2028, every meeting between these two programs carries a heightened level of intensity. The Southern California series offers American fans a rare chance to see both national teams at full strength, just down the freeway from where Olympic volleyball history will be made in 2028 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

“That match in Quebec City stung, and it should have. Canada outplayed us in the moments that decided sets. But that’s exactly why this series matters. You don’t build a team that can win a World Cup in 2027 or stand on a podium in Los Angeles in 2028 without being tested,” said U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Erik Sullivan. “Playing back-to-back nights in front of our home crowd is the kind of test we need and want.”

USA Volleyball Cup Details

  • Match 1: Saturday, Aug. 15 — Jenny Craig Pavilion, San Diego, 7 p.m.
  • Match 2: Sunday, Aug. 16 — Bren Events Center, Irvine, 7 p.m.

The U.S. Women are currently ranked No. 1 in the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) preliminary standings with an 8-1 record. Canada comes into this matchup ranked No. 7 in the VNL with a record of 6-3.

Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 8, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team, currently atop the Volleyball Nations League standings, won its seventh consecutive match with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-20) victory over Thailand to begin the final week of VNL play on Wednesday in Osaka, Japan. The U.S. has won all eight VNL matches between the teams.

The U.S. (8-1) will face Poland (6-3) later tonight at 9 p.m. PT.

The U.S. dominated at the net with an 8-2 advantage in blocks, while also leading in kills (51-43) and service aces (3-2).

“A nice start for us in week three. Thailand can challenge you in a lot of different ways and we didn’t allow them to do that, so I am real happy with the way we played in that sense, but I feel like we need to do better as the week goes on,” said head coach Erik Sullivan. “We have some depth and we can get into our bench and our level does not come down at all. It’s nice to be able to have that, to sub some players in and get some productivity out of them.”

Each of the final three opponents for the U.S. are currently in a position to qualify for the VNL finals with a combined 20-6 record. Poland (fifth place), Türkiye (third), and Brazil (second) round out VNL play for the U.S.

“Thailand can really challenge you. They are just different. I think the other three teams play a little more like us, so maybe it’s a little easier to match up, not meaning those matches will be easy for us by any means, but systematically you don’t need to make as many changes,” Sullivan commented.

Opposite Jordan Thompson led all players with 17 points on 12 kills, a match-high four blocks and an ace. She added six digs.

“I’m really happy with how we performed. They are such a talented team and run a really creative offense that is very fast with people moving around quickly. I think we did a great job of adjusting. They are going to get their amazing swings, but I think we held through and steadied through the storm,” Thompson remarked. “Your eye work is your biggest weapon in a match like this, being able to see where the players are moving. If you get stuck on the ball, the players are going to move past you really quickly and then you are going to be in ‘no man’s land.'”

Outside hitter Avery Skinner shared match-high honors with 13 kills. Fellow outside Logan Eggleston reached double digits with eight kills, a block and an ace, while leading all players with 13 digs. Middle blockers Dana Rettke and Chiaka Ogbogu each scored seven points on six kills and a block. Opposite Stephanie Samedy finished with five kills.

Setter Jordyn Poulter ran the effective U.S. offense that hit .443 for the match, adding a kill and a block. Libero Lexi Rodriguez posted a match-best eight successful receptions with libero Morgan Hentz totaling six digs.

Thailand jumped out to a 6-3 lead to begin the match, but Thompson’s tough serving put the U.S. in front, 7-6. Her ace cut the deficit to one, and the U.S. moved ahead on kills by Skinner on a back row attack and Eggelston. Rettke’s first kill made it 10-7 but Thailand scored the next three points to even the set and had a swing to take the lead on an overpass but were stopped by a Poulter block. A Thompson off-speed shot capped a 3-0 U.S. run for a 13-10 lead. A Thailand ace tied the set at 15 before the U.S. retook a two-point advantage with an Eggleston block. Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres came in to serve as part of a double switch with Stephanie Samedy and paid off dividends immediately as she served an ace after an Eggleston kill for a 20-16 lead. A strong Poulter serve led to a Thompson top for set point at 24-20 and after yielding one point, the U.S. ended the set the same way it started it, with an Ogbogu kill. Thompson led the way with seven points on six kills (with a .667 hitting percentage) and an ace.

Thailand scored three of the first four points of the second set, but the U.S. scored the next four points with a Thompson block and kill putting the U.S. up 5-3. Thompson scored again for an 8-4 lead that caused Thailand to use a timeout on the wrong end of a 7-1 run. Poulter scored on a one-handed dump and three Skinner kills helped extend the margin to eight, 16-8. A great defensive play by Hentz and a Thailand error doubled the lead, 18-9. The U.S. led by at least six points the rest of the way and ended the set on a Samedy kill. Thompson scored six points on four kills and two blocks and Skinner produced five kills.

Thailand got off to a strong start in the third set, taking a 4-1 lead. The U.S. rallied with back-to-back Skinner kills and an Eggleston ace capping an 8-3 run that forced Thailand to take a timeout. Another Skinner kill upped the lead to four points, 13-9. Another Thompson block pushed the lead to six, 18-12. Samedy scored on a deep ball for a 20-15 U.S. lead. Skinner put the U.S. ahead 23-19 and a Thailand hitting error set up match point. Thailand defended one match point before the U.S. converted a free ball with an Ogbogu kill.

U.S. Women’s Week Three Roster for 2026 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28)
June 5 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-11)
June 7 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12)

Week 2: Pasig City, Philippines
June 16 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-12)
June 18 USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Italy, 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Serbia, 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-16, 25-19)

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 at USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-20)
July 8 at 9 p.m. vs. Poland
July 9 at 9 p.m. vs. Türkiye
July 11 at 8 p.m. vs. Brazil

Stories

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 7, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team never trailed in its first match as host of the 2026 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup, earning a 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-15) win over Venezuela at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday.

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The U.S. plays Mexico tomorrow at 4 p.m. PT. Mexico dropped a heartbreaker in five sets to Canada earlier on Tuesday.

The U.S. more than doubled Venezuela in kills (47-23), while also leading in blocks (5-3) and service aces (4-2). Led by setters Campbell Flynn and Genevieve Harris, who entered in the third set, the U.S. hit nearly .500 as a team for the match.

“We didn’t know much (about Venezuela). We got the roster last night, but we didn’t have a ton of data on them, so it became a matchup about ourselves and how quickly we could get to our U.S.A. systems. That was the fun part, just to challenge the women to pick the lock and also find our rhythm,” said U.S. head coach Tama Miyashiro. “That was ultimately the goal, to keep it about us. It’s fun when you get to play teams from other countries who play such a different style. They have different solutions and provide different problems for us. The women were excited to finally play. We have been training for a while and it’s good to get on the court.”

Ten different players scored for the U.S. with captain and outside hitter Abby Vander Wal reaching double figures with 13 points on 12 kills and a block. Middle blocker Manaia Ogbechie totaled nine points on seven kills and a pair of blocks. Outside Payton Petersen finished with eight points on six kills, one block and one ace, with middle Ayden Ames scoring seven points on six kills and an ace. Henley Anderson produced five kills and Flynn contributed three points on two kills and an ace.

Flynn started the match with a setter dump and served for four points, one on an ace, as the U.S. amassed a 5-0 lead. An Anderson kill pushed the margin to seven, 10-3. Ogbechie and Vander Wal scored on consecutive plays put the U.S. ahead 14-5. Petersen became the sixth U.S. player to score, and Ames followed with an ace for a double-digit lead, 20-10. Ogbechie’s fourth kill made it 23-13 and two points later, Vander Wal delivered her fifth kill to end the set.

Ames put a ball down from the middle to stake the U.S. to a 4-1 early lead in the second set. Vander Wal ended a long rally for an 8-4 advantage. Venezuela scored the next three points to pull within one. Vander Wal made a diving stab to keep a rally going and finished it with a block for a 10-7 U.S. lead. A Petersen kill and Ogbechie block put the U.S. back up by four points, 15-11. Petersoen served an ace with Vander Wal and Ames posting back-to-back kills to make it 19-13. Venezuela scored seven of the next 10 points to cut the deficit to two, 22-20. After a U.S. timeout, Venezuela had a swing to cut the lead to a point but were stymied by a Petersen block. A great up by Hayes led to an Ogbechie kill to end the set and give the U.S. a two-set lead. Vander Wal paced the U.S. with eight points on seven kills and a block.

After the third tie of the third set, the U.S. went on a 5-1 run to take a 10-6 lead capped by a Devyn Wiest kill. Venezuela scored on an overpass to cut the deficit back to two points, 12-10. The U.S. ran off the next three points with an Ogbechie kill stretching the margin to five points. A Genevieve Harris block extended the U.S. lead to seven, 20-13, and led to Venezuela’s final timeout. Wiest’s team-leading fourth point (third kill) of the set gave the U.S. match point, which it converted on the next play off a Venezuela error. Suli Davis and Carly Gilk each added three kills.

2026 Women’s U21 National Team for the Pan Am Cup

Name, Position, Height, Hometown, Current School, USAV Region
2 Ayden Ames, MB, 6-4, Prosper, Texas, Creighton University, North Texas
5 Lily Hayes, L, 5-9, Tampa, Fla., University of Florida, Florida
6 Suli Davis, OH, 6-2, Euless, Texas, SMU, North Texas
7 Manaia Ogbechie, MB, 6-3, Santa Rosa Valley, Calif., University of Nebraska, Southern California Southern Nevada
9 Keoni Williams, MB, 6-4, Fort Worth, Texas, University of Nebraska, Lone Star
10 Taylor Harvey, MB, 6-3, Salt Lake City, Utah, University of Texas, Lone Star
11 Campbell Flynn, S, 6-3, Rochester Hills, Mich., University of Nebraska, Lakeshore
12 Genevieve Harris, S, 5-11, Raleigh, N.C., University of Texas, Carolina
13 Rachel Van Gorp, L, 5-9, Olathe, Kan., Iowa State University, Heart of America
15 Payton Petersen, OH, 6-0, Dike, Iowa, University of Louisville, Iowa
16C Abby Vander Wal, OH, 6-3, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes
17 Carly Gilk, OPP, 6-2, Minneapolis, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country
19 Henley Anderson, OPP/OH, 6-3, Dripping Springs, Texas, University of Texas, Lone Star
20 Devyn Wiest, OH, 6-3, Peoria, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona

Alternates
1 Reese Messer, S, 5-11, Olathe, Kan., University of Kansas, Gateway
3 Jordan Taylor, MB, 6-5, Houston, Texas, University of Minnesota, Lone Star
4 Kalyssa Blackshear, OPP, 6-5, Lomita, Calif., University of Louisville, Southern California Southern Nevada
8 Ayanna Watson, OH, 6-2, Las Vegas, Nev., University of Pittsburgh, Southern California Southern Nevada
14 Abbey Emch, MB, 6-4, New Waterford, Ohio, University of Pittsburgh, Ohio Valley
18 Spencer Etzler, L, 5-7, Coldwater, Ohio, Stanford University, Ohio Valley

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Alfee Reft (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Alisha Childress (MLV)
Performance Analyst: Will McDonald (LOVB)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (NTDP)

Schedule

All times PT
Streamed live on USA Volleyball YouTube

July 7: USA def. Venezuela, 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-15)
July 8: USA vs. Mexico, 4 p.m.
July 9: USA vs. Canada, 4 p.m.
July 10: Quarterfinals
July 11: Semifinals and classification matches
July 12: Medal and classification matches

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Reinder Nummerdor

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 6, 2026) – Reinder Nummerdor joined the U.S. Men’s Beach National Team as an assistant coach in July 2026. He works with head coach Matt Fuerbringer and assistant coach Casey Patterson in leading the program’s top athletes through the 2026 season and building a world-class national beach volleyball team pipeline aimed at the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

Nummerdor brings an extraordinary competitive and coaching resume to the U.S. Beach National Team. A five-time Olympic athlete and a two-time Olympic coach, Nummerdor’s career spans seven consecutive Olympic Games. Over a 20-year international playing career, he served as team captain for the Dutch Indoor National Volleyball Team from 2000 to 2004, played in two Olympic Games and competed eight seasons in Italy’s prestigious Serie A1 league.

Transitioning to the sand, he captured 12 FIVB World Tour gold medals, won three European Championship titles, and earned a silver medal at the 2015 World Championships. He represented the Netherlands in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Games, with a top placement of fourth in 2012. He was fifth in both 2009 and 2016.

Most recently, he spent seven years as a high performance beach volleyball coach for the Dutch Volleyball Federation (2018–2025).

“I am thrilled to join USA Volleyball and contribute to the growth and success of the Men’s Beach National Team,” Nummerdor said. “Working alongside Matt (Fuerbringer) and Casey (Patterson) presents an incredible opportunity to build a dominant, high-performance training environment. USA Volleyball has a rich tradition on the beach, and I am eager to collaborate with our world-class athletes to help them reach peak performance on the international stage.”

“I am excited to welcome Reinder to our staff,” Fuerbringer said. “I’ve known him since we competed against each other on the FIVB World Tour, and I’ve always respected his work ethic, preparation and understanding of the game. Reinder has been part of seven consecutive Olympic Games, first as a player and now as a coach, which speaks to the level of respect he’s earned and the sustained excellence he’s demonstrated throughout his career. He’s gone on to become one of the top coaches in international beach volleyball, and his experience helping build the Dutch National Team’s centralized training system makes him an incredible addition to our program. As we continue building a unified national team here in the U.S., I’ll rely heavily on his experience and leadership. More than anything, Reinder is a great person and a great coach, and I know he’ll have a tremendous impact on our athletes and our program. I can’t wait to get to work with him.”

Ayden Ames
Ayden Ames (Joe Maiorana)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 4, 2026) – USA Volleyball has selected the 14 elite athletes from the U.S. Women’s U21 National Team who will compete at the 2026 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup, July 7-12, at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio.

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The 14 athletes were chosen from a group of 20 who just finished a training block in Columbus. The roster includes numerous athletes who have been part of previous USA Volleyball age-group national teams: Ayden Ames, Henley Anderson, Suli Davis, Campbell Flynn, Carly Gilk, Genevieve Harris, Taylor Harvey, Lily Hayes, Manaia Ogbechie, Abby Vander Wal, Devyn Wiest and Keoni Williams.

Payton Petersen and Rachel Van Gorp are part of an age-group national team for the first time.

“The amazing talent in this group of athletes made roster decisions incredibly difficult,” said head coach Tama Miyashiro. “Everyone brings unique strengths to the court, and seeing how they’ve worked hard together over the past week has been fun to watch. We’re excited about this team and are ready to make the U.S. proud at the Pan American Cup.”

The U.S. is in a pool with Canada, Mexico and Venezuela, and their first match is Tuesday, July 7, at 4 p.m. PT against Venezuela.

2026 Women’s U21 National Team for the Pan Am Cup

Name, Position, Height, Hometown, Current School, USAV Region
2 Ayden Ames, MB, 6-4, Prosper, Texas, Creighton University, North Texas
5 Lily Hayes, L, 5-9, Tampa, Fla., University of Florida, Florida
6 Suli Davis, OH, 6-2, Euless, Texas, SMU, North Texas
7 Manaia Ogbechie, MB, 6-3, Santa Rosa Valley, Calif., University of Nebraska, Southern California Southern Nevada
9 Keoni Williams, MB, 6-4, Fort Worth, Texas, University of Nebraska, Lone Star
10 Taylor Harvey, MB, 6-3, Salt Lake City, Utah, University of Texas, Lone Star
11 Campbell Flynn, S, 6-3, Rochester Hills, Mich., University of Nebraska, Lakeshore
12 Genevieve Harris, S, 5-11, Raleigh, N.C., University of Texas, Carolina
13 Rachel Van Gorp, L, 5-9, Olathe, Kan., Iowa State University, Heart of America
15 Payton Petersen, OH, 6-0, Dike, Iowa, University of Louisville, Iowa
16C Abby Vander Wal, OH, 6-3, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes
17 Carly Gilk, OPP, 6-2, Minneapolis, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country
19 Henley Anderson, OPP/OH, 6-3, Dripping Springs, Texas, University of Texas, Lone Star
20 Devyn Wiest, OH, 6-3, Peoria, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona

Alternates
1 Reese Messer, S, 5-11, Olathe, Kan., University of Kansas, Gateway
3 Jordan Taylor, MB, 6-5, Houston, Texas, University of Minnesota, Lone Star
4 Kalyssa Blackshear, OPP, 6-5, Lomita, Calif., University of Louisville, Southern California Southern Nevada
8 Ayanna Watson, OH, 6-2, Las Vegas, Nev., University of Pittsburgh, Southern California Southern Nevada
14 Abbey Emch, MB, 6-4, New Waterford, Ohio, University of Pittsburgh, Ohio Valley
18 Spencer Etzler, L, 5-7, Coldwater, Ohio, Stanford University, Ohio Valley

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Alfee Reft (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Alisha Childress (MLV)
Performance Analyst: Will McDonald (LOVB)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (NTDP)

Schedule

All times PT
Streamed live on USA Volleyball YouTube

July 7: USA vs. Venezuela, 4 p.m.
July 8: USA vs. Mexico, 4 p.m.
July 9: USA vs. Canada, 4 p.m.
July 10: Quarterfinals
July 11: Semifinals and classification matches
July 12: Medal and classification matches

Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 27, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s U21 National Team turned in its most impressive performance of the 2026 U21 Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-14) over Canada in the gold medal match on Sunday in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The U.S. defeated Canada in four sets in the 2025 final.

The U.S. dominated statistically with edges in kills (36-21), blocks (8-1) and service aces (4-0).

Outside hitter Blake Fahlbusch led all scorers with 14 points on 11 kills and three blocks, hitting .556 with just one error in 18 attacks.  Middle blocker Jackson Cryst also reached double digits with 10 points on nine kills and a block. He was nearly unstoppable on offense with just one error in 11 attacks for an .818 hitting efficiency percentage.

Setter Cameron Kosty ran the U.S. offense that finished with a .431 team hitting percentage Opposite Kainoa Wade totaled nine points on eight kills and a block, while leading the team with seven digs.

Middle Trevell Jordan sharing match-high honors with Fahlbusch with three blocks, adding three kills and the championship-clinching ace. Outside Mateo Fuebringer finished with five points on four kills and an ace. He and libero Johnny Dykstra each registered six digs. Dykstra led the team with nine successful receptions followed closely by Fuerbringer with eight.

Tough Fahlbusch serves led to kills on an overpass by Fuebringer and Cryst as the U.S. started the match with a 4-1 run. Canada came back to even the set 8-8 before the U.S. used a kill and block by Cryst and a Fahlbusch kill that put the U.S. up by four and prompted a Canada timeout. A hitting error and another Cryst kill made it 14-8 before Canada stopped the 6-0 run. Cryst’s fourth kill and fifth point of the set gave the U.S. a 17-10 advantage. Jordan tipped a dig that seemed destined for the net to an open spot on the Canada side and followed with a block on the next play for a 21-12 U.S. lead. Kosty then served back-to-back aces for an 11-point margin. Canada held off two set points before Jordan recorded his third kill and fifth point, giving the U.S. middle blockers 10 points in the set.

Canada took an early two-point lead in the second set, but the U.S. tied the score 6-6 on a Jordan block and took the lead on a Fuerbringer ace. A kill and block by Fahlbusch gave the U.S. a three-point lead, 10-7. Kills by Fahlbusch and Wade extended the lead to five points, 13-8. The teams traded off the next 10 points before Cryst kept the Canada offense at bay before scoring on an overpass for an 18-13 advantage. Fahlbusch scored on the next rally for a six-point U.S. lead that forced Canada to call a timeout. A Cryst kill made it 22-16 and when he scored on a give-and-go, the U.S. earned set point, 24-18. Canada scored the next point before a service error ended the set. Fahlbusch scored seven points on six kills and a block with Cryst adding four kills.

The third set opened with a great up from Dykstra that led to another Fahlbusch kill. A Fuerbringer kill put the U.S. ahead 5-2. Canada tied the score at 6-6 before the U.S. went on a 6-1 run keyed by a block and kill from Fahlbusch and capped by a Wade kill. Trailing 12-8, Canada had a swing to pull back within three points but was thwarted by a Wade block. An error and Cryst kill later, the U.S. extended its lead to seven points, 15-8. The margin grew to eight, 18-10, on another Cryst kill. Another Fahlbusch block made it 22-14 and an error put the U.S. within two points of the gold medal. Fuerbringer delivered a kill to set up match point and Jordan sealed gold with an ace. Fahlbusch scored five points on three kills and Wade finished with four points on three kills and a block.

2026 Men’s U21 National Team Roster for the Pan American Cup

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Cameron Kosty (S, 6-5, Hayward, Calif., UC Irvine, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Drake Foley (L, 6-4, Newport Beach, Calif., Corona Del Mar HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Mateo Fuerbringer (OH, 6-5, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Trevell Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Hawai’i, Arizona)
10 Johnny Dykstra (L, 6-2, Manhattan Beach, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Rafa Urbina (S, 6-5, Broomfield, Colo., UCLA, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
15 Blake Fahlbusch (OH, 6-8, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Loyola HS of Los Angeles, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine, Carolina)
21 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Grayson Bradford (OPP, 6-11, Redondo Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
24 Isiah Powell (MB, 6-8, Silver Spring, Md., Springbrook HS, Chesapeake)
28 Tommy Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Alternates
2 Griffin Dieter (L, 6-4, San Diego, Calif., Torrey Pines HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
6 Connor Oldani (OPP, 6-5, Phoenix, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Long Beach State, Lone Star)
11 Cooper Keane (OPP, 6-7, Hermosa Beach, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Logan Hutnick (OH, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
17 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Coaches
Head Coach: Donan Cruz (Hawai’i)
Assistant Coach: Rory Prager (USC)
Assistant Coach: Ryan Ammerman (Arizona women’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Athletic Trainer: Ben Colletti (Loyola Chicago)
Team Leader: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)

Schedule

All times Pacific

June 23: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-13, 25-9, 25-21)
June 24: USA def. Venezuela, 3-1 (22-25, 25-12, 25-15, 25-19)
June 25: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-19)
June 26: Quarterfinals: USA received a bye
June 27: Semifinals: USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-14, 27-25, 25-18)
June 28: Gold Medal Match: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-14)

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Matt Anderson and Merrick McHenry (Photo by FIVB)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 28, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team completed the second week of 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) play with a 3-1 (25-12, 25-23, 24-26, 25-17) victory over Serbia on Sunday in Orleans, France. Just as it did in the first week of VNL, the U.S. won three of four matches in the second week.

The U.S. (6-2), which stands in second place behind undefeated Japan, will host the third week of 2026 VNL in Chicago (Hoffman Estates, Illinois) and will open against China on July 15 at 6 p.m. PT.

“Incredibly challenging conditions here this week. It is a beautiful venue, but it doesn’t have air conditioning. The temperatures were regularly above 90 degrees inside. The guys did an incredible job working through that. The players, who we call game changers, who were not on the court at the time were great about bringing towels and ice for those on the court,” remarked U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly. “We are only a couple points away from being undefeated, so lots of good things happening and love how the guys are battling. We are pretty happy coming away with six wins, two losses.”

The U.S finished with an 11-8 advantage in blocks and made 22 fewer errors (38-16). Serbia held slight leads in kills (49-46) and service aces (5-4).

“Things came far too easily against Serbia in the first set. They made a lot of mistakes and handed us a lot of gifts. We talked before the second set that they would come back at us harder. They did and we didn’t respond very well, but our guys kept fighting and we came back to squeak that second one out very late,” Kiraly said. “We fell down again and couldn’t come back in the third, but in general, it was a great team effort. We got help from so many people in the second and third. TJ (DeFalco) came in as a serving substitute, Micah Ma’a and Cole Hartke came in on the double sub and gave us a lift, and Ethan Champlin came in (after Jordan Ewert tweaked something in his leg), so it was a total team effort. The guys have a lot to be proud of. We will be happy to get home and regroup. We will be happy to host in the U.S.A. with lots of juice and enthusiasm from the fans for all teams.”

Outside hitter Matt Anderson paced the U.S. with 14 points on 12 kills, two blocks and an ace. Opposite Jake Hanes (six kills, two blocks, two aces) scored 10 points in the opening set. Opposite Cole Hartke came in the match later and also scored 10 points with eight kills and two blocks.

Middle blockers Taylor Averill and Merrick McHenry combined for 16 points. Averill scored eight on seven kills and a block with McHenry totaling eight on six kills and two blocks. Setter Micah Christenson ran the much more effective U.S. offense while adding five points on two kills, two blocks and an ace. Outside hitter Jordan Ewert produced four kills. Christenson and Anderson shared the team lead with seven digs and Anderson added five. Anderson and Ewert led the way with seven successful receptions each.

Keyed by a pair of points from Hanes, and one each from McHenry and Ewert, the U.S. ran out to a 6-1 lead in the opening set. Hanes scored against a triple block off a set from Shoji for an 8-3 advantage at the first hydration break. Hanes came out of the break with a pair of aces in nearly the identical spot for a 10-3 lead, forcing Serbia to use its final timeout early in the set. An Averill block increased the margin to eight points, 13-5. Consecutive Serbia errors gave the U.S. a double-digit lead, 16-6, at the second hydration break. Hanes scored back-to-back points, the second when he put down an overpass, to make it 18-7. A Hanes kill and block made it 23-10. Hanes finished the set with 10 points on six kills, two block and two aces, just two points fewer than Serbia scored in the set.

The U.S. began the second set with an Anderson block and Christenson ace. An Ewert kill and Anderson tip put the U.S. ahead 7-5. An ace gave Serbia its first lead of the match, 9-8. Another ace on a miscommunication on the reception put Serbia and a great defensive effort on the following play put Serbia up 15-12, and a kill on the next extended the lead to four points at the second cooling break. Serbia continued its impressive stretch to go up six points, 18-12, before Hartke came in and provided a block as part of a 3-0 U.S. run. A good up by Ewert led to an Anderson swing that went high off the block and cut the deficit to two points, 20-18. An Anderson kill and ace put the U.S. ahead 23-22. A hitting error gave the U.S. set point and two points later, Anderson ended the set with a kill up the pipe for a 2-0 U.S. lead in the match. Anderson finished the set with eight points on six kills, a block and an ace.

An ace gave Serbia an 8-3 lead at the opening hydration break in the third set. A block made it 10-4. An illegal attack when the libero set the ball inside the three-meter line pulled the U.S. within two points, 15-13. Christenson and Averill teamed up on a block to even the score at 16. Errors put the U.S. in front 18-17, but Serbia regained the lead 20-19 on a kill off the block. A Serbia block raised the lead to two points, 22-20. Hartke scored off an Anderson set to even the score at 22. Serbia served just out when leading 24-23 but scored the final two points to take the set.

After yielding the first point of the fourth set, the U.S. scored the next three points on a McHenry kill, a Hartke block on a double block with McHenry, and a McHenry block. Two Serbia errors followed for a 5-1 lead. An Averill block made it 8-2 at the first cooling break. Averill scored for a 9-3 lead on a play in which Ewert went down and was replaced by Ethan Champlain. Serbia took a timeout down seven points, 11-4. Averill played a serve off the net and put a ball down on a give-and-go for a 12-5 lead. Serbia cut the lead to five before a Champlin roll shot and another McHenry block raised the lead back to seven. A Matthew Knigge kill and a Champlin attack that found the sideline put the U.S. in front 23-16. The match ended on a service error. Averill led the U.S. with four points on three kills and a block.

After returning from France, the U.S. men prepare for an anticipated homestand in Hoffman Estates, Illinois (July 15-19). Get your tickets.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2026 VNL Week Two

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
10 Kyle Dagostino (L, 5-9, Tampa, Florida, Stanford Univ., Florida)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 USA def. Türkiye, 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23)
June 12 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-20)
June 13 def. Canada, 3-2 (20-25, 33-35, 26-24, 25-21, 15-11)
June 14 Italy def. USA, 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-10)

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 USA def. Cuba, 3-0, (25-21, 25-21, 25-19)
June 25 USA def. Iran, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 31-29)
June 27 Japan def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22, 15-13)
June 28 def. Serbia, 3-1 (25-12, 25-23, 24-26, 25-17)

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
July 15 vs. China at 6 p.m.
July 16 vs. Brazil at 6 p.m.
July 18 vs. Bulgaria at 6 p.m.
July 19 vs. Poland at 6 p.m.

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 27, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s U21 National Team advanced to the gold medal match at the 2026 U21 Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-14, 27-25, 25-18) semifinal win over Costa Rica on Saturday in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

The U.S. (4-0) will face the winner of the other semifinal between Canada and Mexico in Sunday’s gold medal match no earlier than 3 p.m. PT.

The U.S. finished with substantial advantages in kills (43-27) and service aces (9-1), while also leading in blocks (10-6).

Opposite Kainoa Wade led all players with 19 points on 12 kills, three blocks and four aces. Outside hitter Mateo Fuerbringer totaled 13 points on 11 kills, one block and one ace, while also leading the team with 10 successful receptions. Middle blockers Jackson Cryst (eight points on three kills, a block and four aces) and Trevell Jordan (six points on four kills and two blocks) combined for 14 points.

Libero Johnny Dykstra posted a match-best nine digs and added eight successful receptions. Outside hitter Blake Fahlbusch recorded six kills with fellow outside Aleksey Mikhailenko adding five points on four kills and a block. Opposite Grayson Bradford contributed four points on two kills and two blocks.

Wade scored three points, two on aces, and Cryst scored two as the U.S. started the match on a 5-0 run. Costa Rica pulled within three points, 8-5, but back-to-back Fuerbringer kills doubled the lead, 10-5. A Fuerbringer ace pushed the margin to seven, 13-6, and forced Costa Rica to take its second timeout. Wade and Cryst continued their scoring, giving the U.S. 16-8 and 17-9 leads, respectively. A Cryst ace pushed the margin to nine points, 19-10. Jordan gave the U.S. set point and a double-digit lead, 24-14, Wade ended the set with a block and his seventh point. Fuerbringer scored six points on five kills and an ace, and Cryst finished with five points on two kills, two blocks and an ace.

Costa Rica used a 5-2 run to take a 6-5 lead in the second set. A three-point Costa Rica run raised the lead to five points, 12-7, and prompted a U.S. timeout. Another Wade kill made it 12-9 but Costa Rica went on another 3-0 mini-run for a six-point advantage. Back-to-back blocks by Wade and Jordan cur the deficit to two, 18-16. A Wade kill and Bradford block again cut the lead to a pair, 21-19. Jordan delivered a kill to bring the U.S. within a point, 23-22, for the first time since 7-6.

Costa Rica led 24-22 but after a service error, failed to convert on set point for a second time as a Fuerbringer block evened the score at 24. Costa Rica earned its third set point when it put a second ball down but Wade tied the set again. A pancake by Kosty on the following rally led to a Wade block and then Wade completed the comeback with the set-winning kill, his seventh kill and 10th point of the set. Fuerbringer totaled six points for the second set in a row with five kills and his key block.

With the score 3-3 in the third set, four different U.S. players scored on the next four plays, capped by a Jordan block. Cryst followed a Costa Rica timeout with an ace for an 8-3 lead. Jordan and Fahlbusch registered back-to-back kills for a seven-point advantage, 13-6. Cryst scored for a 15-7 lead. Bradford’s kill gave the U.S. an eight-point cushion again, 19-11. Costa Rica cut the deficit to five points, 22-17, but a kill from middle Isiah Powell and a hitting error set up match point. Two points later, a service error ended the match. Fahlbusch led the U.S. with five kills in the set.

2026 Men’s U21 National Team Roster for the Pan American Cup

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Cameron Kosty (S, 6-5, Hayward, Calif., UC Irvine, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Drake Foley (L, 6-4, Newport Beach, Calif., Corona Del Mar HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Mateo Fuerbringer (OH, 6-5, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Trevell Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Hawai’i, Arizona)
10 Johnny Dykstra (L, 6-2, Manhattan Beach, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Rafa Urbina (S, 6-5, Broomfield, Colo., UCLA, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
15 Blake Fahlbusch (OH, 6-8, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Loyola HS of Los Angeles, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine, Carolina)
21 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Grayson Bradford (OPP, 6-11, Redondo Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
24 Isiah Powell (MB, 6-8, Silver Spring, Md., Springbrook HS, Chesapeake)
28 Tommy Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Alternates
2 Griffin Dieter (L, 6-4, San Diego, Calif., Torrey Pines HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
6 Connor Oldani (OPP, 6-5, Phoenix, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Long Beach State, Lone Star)
11 Cooper Keane (OPP, 6-7, Hermosa Beach, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Logan Hutnick (OH, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
17 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Coaches
Head Coach: Donan Cruz (Hawai’i)
Assistant Coach: Rory Prager (USC)
Assistant Coach: Ryan Ammerman (Arizona women’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Athletic Trainer: Ben Colletti (Loyola Chicago)
Team Leader: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)

Schedule

All times Pacific

June 23: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-13, 25-9, 25-21)
June 24: USA def. Venezuela, 3-1 (22-25, 25-12, 25-15, 25-19)
June 25: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-19)
June 26: Quarterfinals: USA received a bye
June 27: Semifinals: USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-14, 27-25, 25-18)
June 28: Gold Medal Match: USA vs. Canada/Mexico, 3 p.m.

Stories

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Jake Hanes (Photo by FIVB)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 27, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team battled to the end before falling to unbeaten Japan, 3-2 (18-25, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22, 15-13) on Saturday at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Orleans, France. It marked the third five-setter for Japan in its first seven matches.

The U.S. (5-2) will complete the second week of VNL play tomorrow against Serbia (4-2) at 11:30 a.m. PT.

The U.S. finished with a slight advantage in kills (69-66) and more than doubled Japan in blocks (9-4), while Japan served one more ace (4-3) and made four fewer errors (29-25).

“It doesn’t feel good to lose that, but it’s so good to be in those kind of matches for this different group of U.S.A. men. We need experiences like that. We need to suffer some, to learn some. We had four or five chances in the fifth that we didn’t convert. Ultimately that is an experience we are going to put in our pockets to make us better,” said U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly.

Opposite Jake Hanes led all scorers with 25 points on 21 kills, two blocks and two aces. “We relish the chance to play a great team in a great atmosphere. There is a little bit of a feeling out process that will come naturally with time. Iron sharpens iron, so we want to keep playing good teams, playing tough matches and a lot of this stuff will sort itself out,” Hanes commented.

Outside hitters TJ DeFalco and Matt Anderson each produced 15 kills with DeFalco contributing a block and an ace, and Anderson adding a block. Middle blocker Merrick McHenry finished with eight kills to go with a match-high four blocks, and middle Jeff Jendryk totaled nine points on eight kills and a block.

Libero Erik Shoji made numerous great plays on defense and led all players with 13 digs. DeFalco and setter Micah Christenson each added 12 digs. Anderson recorded a match-high 13 successful receptions with DeFalco adding nine and Shoji posting five.

The match started with 11 consecutive side-outs before Japan took a 7-5 lead. Hanes scored to tie the set again at 7-7 before Japan took the lead at the first break. An Anderson kill gave the U.S. its first lead, 10-9. DeFalco scored off the block for a 12-10 advantage. Japan evened the set 13-13, but the U.S. scored the next two points, the second on a Hanes kill off the block. Anderson put the U.S. up 16-14 at the second break.

A McHenry block and Hanes kill put the U.S. up by four, 18-14, and sent Japan to take a timeout. DeFalco served an ace for a 20-16 lead. The U.S. pushed the margin to five, 22-17, on a Jendryk block. The U.S. earned set point on a one-handed dig from DeFalco that Christenson retrieved from across the net to Hanes, who hit the back corner for a 24-18 lead and the set ended on the next point on a Japan error. DeFalco scored five points on four kills and an ace with Anderson and Hanes also recording four kills.

The U.S. took an 8-7 lead into the first break of the second set on a DeFalco block as part of a triple block. The U.S. led 16-14 at the second break as Christenson put up a great set from a pass tight to the net, feeding Hanes for a kill. A McHenry block ended a play that featured great defense from both team’s liberos for a 17-15 lead. Continued great defense by Japan tied the set at 17. A one-handed Christenson set to Jendryk put the U.S. up 20-19 before Japan scored the next five points for set point. Anderson paced the U.S. with four kills in the set.

A Hanes kill gave the U.S. a 6-2 lead and his ace sent the U.S. to the first hydration break of the third set with an 8-3 advantage. Christenson took advantage of the Japan block shifting too quickly to deliver a kill for a 13-7 lead. Anderson scored on a back row attack after a great save by Christenson and then tooled the block on the next rally to make it 22-15. Japan scored the next three points to pull within four, but a DeFalco kill made if 23-18. A one-foot approach and kill from Hanes made it set point and two points later, Hanes produced his seventh kill and 10th point of the set to put the U.S. ahead 2-1 in the match.

Japan led 8-6 at the first hydration break in a fourth set that remained close throughout. Hanes scored after his tough serve caused an overpass to give the U.S. a 20-19 lead. Anderson produced a kill for a 21-20 advantage, but as it did in the second set, Japan finished strong, evening the match with a 5-1 run. DeFalco (five kills) and Hanes (four kills, one ace) each scored five points in the set.

The first 10 points of the deciding set were side-outs before Japan took a two-point lead, 7-5 and forced the U.S. a timeout right before the side switch. Hanes scored again to cut the deficit back to a point, but Japan scored the next two points for a 9-6 lead. An ace raised the lead to four, 12-8. McHenry started a three-point U.S. run with a kill. Hanes followed with a kill off the block and then set Anderson for a kill to bring the U.S. within a point, 12-11. A Jendryk kill cut the lead to 13-12 and the U.S. had a swing for a tie, but a block gave Japan match point. After a service error, Japan produced a kill to stay undefeated in 2026 VNL play.

After returning from France, the U.S. men prepare for an anticipated homestand in Hoffman Estates, Illinois (July 15-19). Get your tickets.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2026 VNL Week Two

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
10 Kyle Dagostino (L, 5-9, Tampa, Florida, Stanford Univ., Florida)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 USA def. Türkiye, 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23),
June 12 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-20)
June 13 def. Canada, 3-2 (20-25, 33-35, 26-24, 25-21, 15-11)
June 14 Italy def. USA, 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-10)

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 USA def. Cuba, 3-0, (25-21, 25-21, 25-19)
June 25 USA def. Iran, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 31-29)
June 27 Japan def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22, 15-13)
June 28 vs. Serbia at 11:30 a.m.

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
July 15 vs. China at 6 p.m.
July 16 vs. Brazil at 6 p.m.
July 18 vs. Bulgaria at 6 p.m.
July 19 vs. Poland at 6 p.m.

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Jackson Cryst and Cameron Kosty on the block (Photo by NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 25, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s U21 National Team completed 2026 U21 Pan American Cup pool play undefeated with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-19) victory over Mexico on Thursday in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

The U.S. (3-0) received a bye in the quarterfinal round and will play in the semifinals on Saturday evening at 5 p.m. PT.

The U.S. used a dominating block (11-1 advantage) and a 6-3 advantage in service aces to offset Mexico’s narrow lead in kills (36-35).

Five players scored at least six points for the U.S. with opposite Kainoa Wade as the only player reaching double digits with nine kills and an ace. Outside hitter Blake Fahlbusch (eight kills and a block) and middle blocker Jackson Cryst (match-high four blocks, four kills and an ace) both scored nine points.

“I thought the team came out super prepared and played a very complete match all around. I thought we won the serve and pass game, which led us to the 3-0 victory. Great win tonight,” Fahlbusch said.

Libero Johnny Dykstra shared match-high honors with 13 successful receptions and led the team with seven digs. Middle Trevell Jordan (five kills, one block, one ace) and outside Aleksey Mikhailenko (seven kills) each contributed seven points, while setter Cameron Kosty served three aces to go with a kill and two blocks for six points.

Jordan served for four points to start with the match with a Cryst block on the first play setting the tone. Mexico used a 5-1 run to square the set 5-5. A Fahlbusch tip and Cryst ace put the U.S. back up by two, 8-6. A strong dig from Mikhailenko led to another Fahlbusch kill and Kosty served an ace for an 11-7 lead. Mexico recorded its second 5-1 run of the set to even the score at 12 apiece. A Mikhailenko kill and Jordan ace put the U.S. back up by two. Another Fahlbusch kill and back-to-back Kosty aces extended the U.S. advantage to 20-16. Mexico came back again, this time with a 6-2 stretch, to tie the score at 22. Mikhailenko put the U.S. back up off a back set from Kosty and a Mexico error gave the U.S. set point, which it converted two plays later on an error. Cryst led the U.S. with five points on two kills, two blocks and an ace with Mikhailenko and Fahlbusch each contributing four kills.

A Wade ace gave the U.S. the first two-point lead for either team in the second set, 6-4. A Cryst tip upped the lead to three points, 9-6. Fahlbusch put a ball down in the corner and a Mexico error on the following play extended the U.S. lead to five points, 15-10. Two more Mexico errors pushed the advantage to six, 18-12. A Fahlbusch attack found the back of the court for a 20-13 lead. Mikhailenko crushed a ball on a free ball as the U.S. moved ahead 22-14. After yielding the next point, the U.S. scored three points in a row to take the set behind kills from Kosty and Wade. Fahlbusch (three kills and a block) and Wade (three kills and an ace) scored four points each to pace the U.S.

A Cryst block and kill, Kosty block and Wade kill led the U.S. to a 7-3 start to the third set. Mexico scored the next three points and had a swing to tie the score, but Cryst registered another block. A Jordan kill and block helped the U.S. establish a five-point advantage, 13-8. A Grant Lamoureux block pushed the lead to six points, 16-10. Mexico narrowed the deficit to four, 19-15, before a Wade kill and back-to-back Grayson Bradford blocks raised the lead back to seven. A service error with the U.S. up 24-19 ended the match. Wade led all scorers with five kills in the set.

2026 Men’s U21 National Team Roster for the Pan American Cup

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Cameron Kosty (S, 6-5, Hayward, Calif., UC Irvine, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Drake Foley (L, 6-4, Newport Beach, Calif., Corona Del Mar HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Mateo Fuerbringer (OH, 6-5, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Trevell Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Hawai’i, Arizona)
10 Johnny Dykstra (L, 6-2, Manhattan Beach, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Rafa Urbina (S, 6-5, Broomfield, Colo., UCLA, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
15 Blake Fahlbusch (OH, 6-8, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Loyola HS of Los Angeles, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine, Carolina)
21 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Grayson Bradford (OPP, 6-11, Redondo Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
24 Isiah Powell (MB, 6-8, Silver Spring, Md., Springbrook HS, Chesapeake)
28 Tommy Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Alternates
2 Griffin Dieter (L, 6-4, San Diego, Calif., Torrey Pines HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
6 Connor Oldani (OPP, 6-5, Phoenix, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Long Beach State, Lone Star)
11 Cooper Keane (OPP, 6-7, Hermosa Beach, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Logan Hutnick (OH, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
17 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Coaches
Head Coach: Donan Cruz (Hawai’i)
Assistant Coach: Rory Prager (USC)
Assistant Coach: Ryan Ammerman (Arizona women’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Athletic Trainer: Ben Colletti (Loyola Chicago)
Team Leader: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)

Schedule

All times Pacific

June 23: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-13, 25-9, 25-21)
June 24: USA def. Venezuela, 3-1 (22-25, 25-12, 25-15, 25-19)
June 25: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-19)
June 26: Quarterfinals: USA received a bye
June 27: Semifinals: USA vs. TBA, 5 p.m. PT
June 28: Medal matches

Stories

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Cole Hartke (Photo by FIVB)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 25, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team swept Iran, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 31-29) on Thursday at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Orleans, France. The teams had split their last four meetings in VNL play with the U.S. now holding a 5-3 advantage.

The U.S. (5-1) have a day off before meeting undefeated Japan on Saturday at 8 a.m. PT.

The match was close not only on the scoreboard, but also statistically. The U.S. finished with slight advantages in kills (51-49), blocks (6-5) and served five of the seven aces in the match.

“Love that Iran really came at us hard in that third set, had us down, and I think our team responded really well. Then our side-out game got particularly clean and everything kind of heightened our senses and played the probably the cleanest volleyball those last 10-12 points of that match,” said U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly. “I love when we get pushed and have to respond. I like to play more volleyball. It’s really hot in here, but I don’t mind playing a little extra volleyball, even an extra set. It is good for us to be in those very close situations, what we would call extra innings in the U.S.A.”

Veteran outside hitter Matt Anderson (15 kills, two blocks, one serve) and young opposite Cole Hartke (17 kills, one ace) shared match-high honors with 18 points. Anderson also led the team with eight digs and added five successful receptions. “The key was trusting our block and defense system at the end, getting some digs, and turning into some points. Our goal, regardless of who is out there is to win and give us a chance to go to the finals and hopefully win the finals,” Anderson stated. “We are still early in the quad. We have the luxury of getting the automatic bid for the LA Games, so it gives us a little more time to play with some lineups, to play with some new guys out there and see how certain guys play together and how they perform individually out there.”

Hartke saved his best for the third set when he scored nine points. “He’s 20 years old. It’s pretty wild, he’s 19 years younger than me,” Anderson laughed. “I can remember my first couple of summers with the team and how difficult it can be, how much pressure there can be if you let it be there. He’s doing really well and giving himself a chance.”

“To see a young guy like Cole Hartke respond with some great kills, including match point, along with all the other guys on the court at the time and the whole group of 15 was exceptional. It wasn’t always clean, but we were together and battled,” Kiraly added.

Libero Kyle Dagostino contributed seven digs and setter Micah Christenson finished with six. Outside hitter Ethan Champlin scored 11 points on eight kills, a block, and was the only player with two aces. Middle blocker Jeff Jendryk also reached double digits with 10 points on eight kills and a pair of blocks. Middle Tyler Averill totaled four points on three blocks and a kill.

The match started with a successful U.S. challenge and an Averill block put the U.S. ahead 6-3. Hartke served an ace for an 8-4 lead at the first hydration break. A Champlin ace gave the U.S. a 10-7 lead. Iran tied the set at 13 apiece and had a swing for its first lead at 15-15, but a Champlin block gave the U.S. a one-point lead at the second break. Anderson and Hartke scored on consecutive plays as the U.S. regained its two-point lead, 19-17.

Iran scored the next two points but an Anderson tip and Hartke kill put the U.S. back up by two points, prompting Iran to take its last timeout. A back row attack by Anderson and an Averill kill gave the U.S. two set points. Iran scored the next point but committed a foot fault to end the set. Hartke scored six points on five kills and an ace, while Anderson also recorded five kills.

Back-to-back blocks put Iran ahead 6-4 in the second set and led 8-7 at the first break. Iran scored the first two points out of the break, the first with great scrambling defense, for its first three-point lead of the match. Iran took advantage of an overpass to make it 12-8. The U.S. quickly tied the set with the next four points with Anderson earning a pair of kills and joining Jendryk in a double block that made it 12-12. After an Iran timeout, Anderson kept the run going with a block and kill. With Christenson continuing his strong service run and Iran made an error to give the U.S. a three-point advantage, 15-12. A Champlin kill put the U.S. up 16-14 at the second break.

A strong Anderson serve put Iran out of system and led to a Jendryk block for a 17-14 lead. Iran made consecutive errors to fall behind by five points, 19-14, and called its final timeout. The U.S. led 21-17 on a Hartke kill and ended the set on another Anderson kill after scoring three points on Iran errors. Anderson led the way with seven points on four kills, two blocks and an ace.

Hartke scored off the block to give the U.S. an 8-6 lead at the first break. Anderson scored on a pipe attack for an 11-8 U.S. lead, but Iran scored the next two points to pull back within a point and served an ace to even the set at 12 apiece. A Hartke kill and Champlin ace quickly put the U.S. back up by a pair. Iran used another ace to tie the set, 15-15. Anderson scored for a 16-15 lead at the second break.

Iran scored the first two points out of the break to take the lead for the first time since very early in the set. A kill and block by Jendryk made it 18-17 U.S. Micah Ma’a came in to serve and immediately got Iran out of system, leading to a Champlin kill and 20-18 advantage. Iran scored the next two points, the second on a block, to tie the set again. A strong Hartke ace led to an Anderson kill and a 22-20 U.S. lead. Iran leveled the set with a touch kill making it 22-22 and then earned its first set point, three points later, 24-23.

The U.S. defended three set points before taking a 27-26 lead after a one-handed up by Anderson led to a Hartke kill. Dagostino set Hartke, who scored against a triple block, for a 29-28 lead. After a service error put the U.S. ahead 30-29 and Hartke ended the match with another kill after Champlin served and stayed deep to be able to play the ball off the block from the Iran attack. Hartke finished the set with nine kills and Anderson registered six more kills.

After returning from France, the U.S. men prepare for an anticipated homestand in Hoffman Estates, Illinois (July 15-19). Get your tickets.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2026 VNL Week Two

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
10 Kyle Dagostino (L, 5-9, Tampa, Florida, Stanford Univ., Florida)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 USA def. Türkiye, 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23),
June 12 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-20)
June 13 def. Canada, 3-2 (20-25, 33-35, 26-24, 25-21, 15-11)
June 14 Italy def. USA, 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-10)

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 USA def. Cuba, 3-0, (25-21, 25-21, 25-19)
June 25 USA def. Iran, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 31-29)
June 27 vs. Japan at 8 a.m.
June 28 vs. Serbia at 11:30 a.m.

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
July 15 vs. China at 6 p.m.
July 16 vs. Brazil at 6 p.m.
July 18 vs. Bulgaria at 6 p.m.
July 19 vs. Poland at 6 p.m.

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The U.S. women's team celebrates in a huddle
Volleyball World photo

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 26, 2026) –The U.S. Women’s National Team has an extra week of training before heading to Osaka, Japan, July 8-12, for the final week of preliminary-round play at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League.  Through the first two rounds, the U.S. sits atop the VNL standings with a 7-1 record and 20 points, putting itself firmly in contention for a spot in the Finals.

The VNL brings together the world’s top 18 teams for three weeks of preliminary play, with each team competing in four matches per week. Only the top eight teams will earn a spot in the Final Round, where a VNL title will be on the line.

The team’s strong start has been fueled by a blend of veteran leadership, Olympic experience, and the emergence of players who have stepped into key roles throughout the tournament. Second-year head coach Erik Sullivan has used a variety of lineups through the first eight matches, with different athletes stepping up throughout the competition.

The United States opened VNL play in Quebec City, Canada, where it finished Week One with a 3-1 record. After sweeping Ukraine in its opener, the U.S. fell to host Canada before rebounding with victories over France and Germany. The week provided an early test for the team, which saw solid play from two-time Olympian Jordan Thompson, back with the U.S. after taking 2025 off, and from 2024 Olympian Avery Skinner.

Simone Lee-Wank, who saw only limited playing time in 2024, twice led the U.S. in scoring, grabbing 16 points against Germany and 24 points in the five-set win over France.

That momentum carried into Week Two in Pasig City, Philippines, where the U.S. put together one of the most impressive stretches of the tournament. Bolstered by the addition of Olympians Chiaka Ogbogu, Jordyn Poulter and Dana Rettke, the Americans went a perfect 4-0, defeating the Dominican Republic, Czechia, Italy and Serbia.

The highlight came against world No. 1 Italy, as the United States earned a straight-set victory over the defending Olympic champion. By the end of the week, the U.S. had climbed to the top of the standings on set ratio, giving the team the inside track as the preliminary round enters its final stage.

Thompson and Ogbogu had major impacts in the second week. Thompson scored 15 points in each of their first two matches, while Ogbogu had six blocks against Czechia. Stephanie Samedy also made her mark, leading the U.S. in scoring against Italy with 12 points. In the last match against Serbia, it was Skinner who took the reins with 18 points.

With four matches remaining in preliminary-round play, the U.S. Women are well positioned to secure a place in the VNL Finals.

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28)
June 5 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-11)
June 7 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12)

Week 2: Philippines
June 16 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-12)
June 18 USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Italy, 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Serbia, 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-16, 25-19)

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 at 11:30 p.m. vs. Thailand
July 8 at 9 p.m. vs. Poland
July 9 at 9 p.m. vs. Türkiye
July 11 at 8 p.m. vs. Brazil

Stories

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Athletes

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 24, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s U21 National Team moved to 2-0 at the 2026 U21 Pan American Cup with a 3-1 (22-25, 25-12, 25-15, 25-19) win over Venezuela on Wednesday in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

The U.S. (2-0) completes pool play tomorrow against Mexico (1-0) at 3 p.m. PT.

The U.S. finished the match with more kills (49-35) and blocks (10-6 after being outblocked 6-1 early in the match). The U.S. served nine aces to none for Venezuela.

Opposite Kainoa Wade led all players with 19 points on 13 kills, one block and a match-best five aces. “It was great, a little slow start on our side, but it was good to see the guys bounce back in the second, third and fourth sets to pull away. The fourth was a little scary at the start, but we ended the match well,” Wade said.

Outside hitter Mateo Fuebringer scored 12 points on 11 kills and a block, while outside Aleksey Mikhailenko totaled 12 points on seven kills, a match-high four blocks and an ace. Fuerbringer led all players with 15 successful receptions with libero Johnny Dykstra adding nine. Dykstra posted a match-best 12 digs, while Fuerbringer finished with eight.

Middle blockers Trevell Jordan (five kills and an ace) and Jackson Cryst (four kills and two blocks) scored six points apiece. Setter Camerson Kosty contributed four points on two blocks and two kills, and opposite Grayson Bradford added four kills.

Venezuela took a 7-5 lead in the opening set. With the score tied 10-10, Venezuela ran off four points in a row. A block capped a 7-2 run that put Venezuela up by five points. Trailing 18-13, the U.S. scored three consecutive points with a Jordan block cutting the deficit to two points. A service error and block upped the Venezuela lead to four points, 20-16. The U.S. fought off set points after being down 24-20 before dropping the set. Bradford paced the U.S. with four kills.

A Kosty block gave the U.S. a two-point lead for the first time, 5-3, as part of a six-point run highlighted by a Wade ace for a 9-3 lead. The sixth Venezuela block of the match cut the margin to four, 11-7. A Mikhailenko kill allowed the U.S. to double up the score, 14-7. A Wade block made it 16-9. Wade delivered a kill, three consecutive aces and another kill for a 24-11 lead. Two points later, Wade evened the match at a set apiece with his 10th point and fifth kill of the set.

Kills by Jordan and Wade and a block by Mikhailenko staked the U.S. to a 4-0 lead in the second set. Fuerbringer scored on back-to-back plays with a kill and an ace for a 10-5 U.S. advantage. The lead was still at five, 15-10, on a Jordan kill. Venezuela cut the deficit to four points before another Wade kill began a three-point run that raised the U.S. lead to seven, 20-13. A Cryst kill and block followed by a Kosty kill pushed the margin to nine, 23-14. Wade gave the U.S. set point at 24-15, and a Powell ace put the U.S. up two sets to one. Wade led the team with five kills, while Mikhailenko added four points on two kills and two blocks.

Venezuela jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the fourth set, but back-to-back blocks by Cryst and then Mikhailenko evened the score at 5-5. Consecutive Fuerbringer kills put the U.S. ahead 8-6. A Kosty block upped the lead to three points, 10-7 but Venezuela tied the set by scoring the next three points. The U.S. went back up three points, 14-11, on three Venezuela errors. Two kills and an ace by Wade gave the U.S. an 18-13 lead. After dropping the next point, the U.S. went up 20-14 on a Wade kill and Mikhailenko ace. A Jordan kill extended the lead to seven, 22-15. A Fuerbringer kill set up match point, 24-17, and three points later Mikhailenko ended the set and match with a kill.

 

2026 Men’s U21 National Team Roster for the Pan American Cup

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Cameron Kosty (S, 6-5, Hayward, Calif., UC Irvine, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Drake Foley (L, 6-4, Newport Beach, Calif., Corona Del Mar HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Mateo Fuerbringer (OH, 6-5, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Trevell Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Hawai’i, Arizona)
10 Johnny Dykstra (L, 6-2, Manhattan Beach, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Rafa Urbina (S, 6-5, Broomfield, Colo., UCLA, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
15 Blake Fahlbusch (OH, 6-8, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Loyola HS of Los Angeles, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine, Carolina)
21 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Grayson Bradford (OPP, 6-11, Redondo Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
24 Isiah Powell (MB, 6-8, Silver Spring, Md., Springbrook HS, Chesapeake)
28 Tommy Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Alternates
2 Griffin Dieter (L, 6-4, San Diego, Calif., Torrey Pines HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
6 Connor Oldani (OPP, 6-5, Phoenix, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Long Beach State, Lone Star)
11 Cooper Keane (OPP, 6-7, Hermosa Beach, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Logan Hutnick (OH, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
17 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Coaches
Head Coach: Donan Cruz (Hawai’i)
Assistant Coach: Rory Prager (USC)
Assistant Coach: Ryan Ammerman (Arizona women’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Athletic Trainer: Ben Colletti (Loyola Chicago)
Team Leader: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)

Schedule

All times Pacific

June 23: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-13, 25-9, 25-21)
June 24: USA def. Venezuela, 3-1 (22-25, 25-12, 25-15, 25-19)
June 25: USA vs. Mexico, 3 p.m.
June 26: Quarterfinals
June 27: Semifinals
June 28: Medal matches

Stories

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Micah Christenson and Jeff Jendryk (Photo by FIVB)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 24, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team moved to 4-1 at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-19) win over Cuba on a hot Wednesday in Orleans, France.

The U.S. (4-1) will face Iran at 8 a.m. tomorrow.

Playing in greater than 85 degrees heat the U.S. finished with a 10-4 advantage in blocks and made 12 fewer errors (29-17). Cuba recorded one more kill (36-35) and recorded four of five aces.

“This is the first time this group has been together and it’s a long season. I told the guys this is a very long process. This is only match five and teams want to really peak and hit their best in late July as finals week occurs, so we would love to qualify for finals week, continue to improve every day. We knew these conditions would be really challenging. It’s very warm in here. (The temperature) was much higher than it should be for an indoor volleyball event, but our team handled it really well,” said U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly.

“Generally, I thought we did a nice job. We can play a lot better. Mostly I didn’t like how in each of the three sets, it was close until about 16. We’re waiting too long. We need to exert pressure earlier and try to break it open. We that around 16-17-18 in each of those sets. You don’t want to let a really good team hang around if there is a way to avoid that,” Kiraly added. “A lot of guys made contributions. We are still learning how to use eight substitutions. We had Gabi Garcia come in, Ethan Champlin served and double serve/double change with Cole Hartke and Micah Ma’a. Each team it seemed to give us something, so we’ll learn more about all of those options as this tournament unfolds.”

Opposite Jake Hanes scored 14 points on 13 kills and a block. Outside hitter TJ DeFalco, playing for the national team for the first time in nearly two years, reached double digits with 10 points on eight kills, a block and the team’s lone ace. “It feels fantastic. It’s been almost two years without playing with this jersey on, so having it back on my chest gives me a happy feeling,” DeFalco remarked. “Playing against Cuba, they are always going to come with heavy weapons, but arms, big serves, so getting a 3-0 win against them is really big. We capitalized a lot today. We just keep stacking brick by brick by brick to build the foundation of what USA is. Just being here and being able to do that with these guys is a once-in-a-world feeling. It’s a positive environment because we have so much depth, which is good especially in an environment like this where it is so hot that we have to change in and change out. We’re finding our groove.”

Matt Anderson (five kills and two blocks) and middle blocker Merrick McHenry (four kills and three blocks) scored seven points apiece. Middle Jeff Jendryk recorded four kills and setter Micah Christenson, in addition to running the effective offense, shared the team lead with three blocks and added a kill for four points. Libero Erik Shoji led all players with seven digs, followed closely by Christenson with six. Shoji and Anderson shared match-high honors with six successful receptions.

McHenry and Hanes each scored two points as the U.S. took an 8-7 lead into the first hydration break of the match. Consecutive kills by Jendryk, Hanes and DeFalco gave the U.S. the first two-point lead for either team, 16-14. The U.S. lead increased to three, 22-19, on Cuba’s third service error in four attempts and a hitting error. Anderson won a joust after another Cuba error to give the U.S. set point, 24-19. Cuba saved two set points, the second on an ace, before another service error ended the set. Hanes recorded four kills, while the U.S. earned six points in the middle with McHenry and Jendryk each delivering three kills.

A McHenry kill and block gave the U.S. a 4-2 lead to begin the second set. Hanes scored out of system after a great Shoji dig and Christenson followed with a block to put the U.S. up 8-7 at the break. The U.S. took a two-point lead, 11-9, on a DeFalco kill and a Hanes score after DeFalco’s serve was passed over the net. A McHenry block gave the U.S. a 16-15 lead at the second break. Cuba served an ace to take a 17-16 lead, but a Hanes kill and DeFalco ace put the U.S. back in front.

After taking a timeout when Cuba tied the score 20-20, the U.S. retook a two-point advantage on kills by Anderson and DeFalco. After a Cuba timeout, DeFalco scored again, benefitting from a strong Anderson serve, to give the U.S. the first three-point lead of the set. Scrambling defensive plays by Shoji, Anderson and DeFalco led to a Cuba error and set point at 24-21. DeFalco ended the set with his team-best fifth kill and sixth point of the set.

Cba took its only two-point lead of the match, 4-2. For the third consecutive set, the U.S. took an 8-7 lead into the first break and maintained the one-point advantage at the second break, 16-15. A Hanes block as part of a triple block and an Anderson kill off a Shoji set gave the U.S. a three-point lead, 18-15. Cuba errors increased the deficit to four points, 20-16, and forced Cuba to use its final timeout. DeFalco scored for a 23-18 lead and a service error made it match point at 24-19. McHenry ended the match with a block. Hanes paced the U.S. in the set with six points on five kills and a block.

After returning from France, the U.S. men prepare for an anticipated homestand in Hoffman Estates, Illinois (July 15-19). Get your tickets.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2026 VNL Week Two

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
10 Kyle Dagostino (L, 5-9, Tampa, Florida, Stanford Univ., Florida)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 USA def. Türkiye, 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23),
June 12 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-20)
June 13 def. Canada, 3-2 (20-25, 33-35, 26-24, 25-21, 15-11)
June 14 Italy def. USA, 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-10)

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 USA def. Cuba, 3-0, (25-21, 25-21, 25-19)
June 25 vs. Iran at 8 a.m.
June 27 vs. Japan at 8 a.m.
June 28 vs. Serbia at 11:30 a.m.

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
July 15 vs. China at 6 p.m.
July 16 vs. Brazil at 6 p.m.
July 18 vs. Bulgaria at 6 p.m.
July 19 vs. Poland at 6 p.m.

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 23, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s U21 National Team started strong at the 2026 U21 Pan American Cup on Tuesday with a dominating 3-0 (25-13, 25-9, 25-21) victory over the Dominican Republic in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

The U.S. (1-0) returns to play tomorrow against Venezuela (0-1) at 1 p.m. PT.

The U.S. held a 32-25 advantage in kills and 9-5 in blocks, but it was the service game that was the key as the U.S. served 11 aces to none for the Dominican Republic.

“I thought the guys played really well from start to finish. Our goal was to come out and serve the ball well and try to give ourselves some good rhythm going into the pool play here. Sets one and two were really good and in set three, kind of late we made some good serves. Overall, I am excited for the guys and we’ll see how we could use this as a launching pad into Venezuela,” said U.S. Men’s U21 National Team head coach Donan Cruz.

Middle blocker Jackson Cryst led the U.S. with 10 points on seven kills and three blocks with outside hitter Aleksey Mikhailenko scoring nine points on five kills, three blocks, and an ace while playing the first two sets.

Opposite Kainoa Wade scored seven points on four kills and three aces, outside Mateo Fuerbringer scored six points on four kills, a block and an ace, and outside Blake Fahlbusch added five points on four kills and an ace.

A kill followed by a block from Mikhailenko put the U.S. ahead for good in the first set, 5-3. Another Mikhailenko kill and a Wade ace made it 9-5. A Jordan block helped push the lead to six, 15-9. Kills by Wade and Jordan, and blocks by Cryst and Mikhailenko gave the U.S. a double-digit lead, 20-10. Another Wade ace made it 22-11. A Mikhailenko ace gave the U.S. set point, and he ended the set two points later with his fourth kill and seventh point of the opening set.

Cameron Kosty served four aces to get the U.S. off to a 6-0 start in the second set, forcing a Dominican Republic timeout. Fahlbusch served an ace for an 8-1 lead and registered a kill for a double-digit advantage, 12-2. Another Wade ace increased the lead to 11 points, 14-3. Mikhailenko and Fahlbusch recorded back-to-back kills to increase the lead to 18-6. Trevell Jordan and Grant Lamoureux posted kills as the U.S. tripled up the Dominican Republic, 21-7. Kills by Cryst and Grayson Bradford ended the set and put the U.S. up 2-0 in the match. Kosty (four aces) and Fahlbusch (three kills and an ace) scored points in the set with Cryst adding three on a pair of kills and a block.

Cryst’s second kill of the third set gave the U.S. a 7-4 advantage. The Dominican Republic pulled within two points, 9-7, before Fuerbringer scored on back-to-back plays with a kill and a block. Dominican Republic used consecutive blocks to end a 5-1 run and even the set at 12 apiece. Three consecutive errors put the U.S. back in front. After Dominican Republic cut the margin back to a point, 16-15, the U.S. went on a 4-0 run keyed by Cryst delivering a kill and a block, and Lamoureux serving an ace. Fuerbringer served two points in a row for a 23-20 U.S. lead and a Bradford kill set up match point. Two points later, the U.S. completed the sweep on an error. Fuerbringer scored six points on four kills, a block and an ace, while Cryst added five points on four kills and a block.

2026 Men’s U21 National Team Roster for the Pan American Cup

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Cameron Kosty (S, 6-5, Hayward, Calif., UC Irvine, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Drake Foley (L, 6-4, Newport Beach, Calif., Corona Del Mar HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Mateo Fuerbringer (OH, 6-5, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Trevell Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Hawai’i, Arizona)
10 Johnny Dykstra (L, 6-2, Manhattan Beach, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Rafa Urbina (S, 6-5, Broomfield, Colo., UCLA, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
15 Blake Fahlbusch (OH, 6-8, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Loyola HS of Los Angeles, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine, Carolina)
21 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Grayson Bradford (OPP, 6-11, Redondo Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
24 Isiah Powell (MB, 6-8, Silver Spring, Md., Springbrook HS, Chesapeake)
28 Tommy Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Alternates
2 Griffin Dieter (L, 6-4, San Diego, Calif., Torrey Pines HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
6 Connor Oldani (OPP, 6-5, Phoenix, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Long Beach State, Lone Star)
11 Cooper Keane (OPP, 6-7, Hermosa Beach, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Logan Hutnick (OH, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
17 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Coaches
Head Coach: Donan Cruz (Hawai’i)
Assistant Coach: Rory Prager (USC)
Assistant Coach: Ryan Ammerman (Arizona women’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Athletic Trainer: Ben Colletti (Loyola Chicago)
Team Leader: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)

Schedule

All times Pacific

June 23: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-13, 25-9, 25-21)
June 24: USA vs. Venezuela, 1 p.m.
June 25: USA vs. Mexico, 3 p.m.
June 26: Quarterfinals
June 27: Semifinals
June 28: Medal matches

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TJ DeFalco celebrates

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 22, 2026) – Olympians Micah Christenson and TJ DeFalco return to the U.S. Men’s National Team lineup for week two of Volleyball Nations League, June 24-28, in Orleans, France.

The VNL brings together the world’s top 18 teams for three action-packed weeks of preliminary play, with each team competing in four matches per week. Only the top eight teams will earn a spot in the Final Round, where a VNL title will be on the line. In week one, the U.S. went 3-1, defeating Türkiye, Germany and Canada before falling to Italy in five sets.

Christenson and DeFalco join five other Olympians who played in week one: Matt Anderson, Taylor Averill  Micah Ma’a, Jeff Jendryk and Erik Shoji. Christenson did not play during the 2025 VNL season but returned to lead the team to a quarterfinal finish at the World Championship. DeFalco took the entire 2025 season off to rest and will play with the national team for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Three other athletes will also make their first appearance this season at the VNL: libero Kyle Dagostino, opposite Gabi Garcia and middle blocker Matt Knigge. All three players were part of VNL and the World Championship in 2025. Also returning from week one: outside hitters Ethan Champlin and Jordan Ewert; opposites Jake Hanes and Cole Hartke; and middle blocker Merrick McHenry

Head coach Karch Kiraly, who is in his second year coaching the U.S. Men’s National Team, is assisted by Luka Slabe and Javier Weber.

After returning from France, the U.S. men prepare for an anticipated homestand in Hoffman Estates, Illinois (July 15-19). Get your tickets.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2026 VNL Week Two

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
10 Kyle Dagostino (L, 5-9, Tampa, Florida, Stanford Univ., Florida)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 USA def. Türkiye, 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23),
June 12 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-20)
June 13 def. Canada, 3-2 (20-25, 33-35, 26-24, 25-21, 15-11)
June 14 Italy def. USA, 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-10)

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 vs. Cuba at 8 a.m.
June 25 vs. Iran at 8 a.m.
June 27 vs. Japan at 8 a.m.
June 28 vs. Serbia at 11:30 a.m.

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
July 15 vs. China at 6 p.m.
July 16 vs. Brazil at 6 p.m.
July 18 vs. Bulgaria at 6 p.m.
July 19 vs. Poland at 6 p.m.

Men's sitting celebrste

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 21, 2026) — The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team won gold after posting a 5-1 mark at the 2026 Dutch Tournament in Assen, Netherlands after splitting two matches on Sunday. The U.S. dropped a five-setter to Germany, 3-2 (26-24, 20-25, 25-13, 18-25, 15-11) before defeating Kazakhstan, 3-1 (27-25, 25-18, 10-25, 25-19).

The U.S. won the event based on its set ratio against other teams in the tournament, and the win over Kazakhstan gave the U.S., ranked seventh in the world, an encouraging victory over the sixth-ranked team headed into next month’s World Championship.

U.S. vs. Germany

MATCH STATISTICS

The team statistics reflected how evenly matched the teams were. Each team recorded 54 kills with Germany holding a slight edge in service aces (9-7) and blocks (17-16).

Zach Upp paced the U.S. with 24 points on 19 kills, two blocks and shared team-high honors with three aces. Eric Duda totaled 14 points on 12 kills, a block and an ace. Roderick Green led all players with seven blocks, shared the team lead with Upp with three aces and recorded three kills for 13 points.

Ben Aman finished with nine points on six kills and three blocks, while Fabricio added seven kills.

Back-to-back Upp aces that hit the back of the court untouched gave the U.S. a 10-5 lead in the first set. A Duda ace doubled up the score, 14-7. Germany used a 5-1 run to cut the deficit to three points. A kill by Upp put the U.S. in front 21-16 but Germany scored the next four points to pull within a point before Duda ended the run with a kill. Down 22-20, Germany scored four of the next five points to serve for the set, but an Aman kill tied the set at 24 apiece. Germany scored the final two points to take the set.

Germany led 12-10 in the second set before the U.S. scored three points in a row to take the lead. With the set even 16-16, the U.S. scored the next three points, the third on an ace by Green that led to a Germany timeout. Upp scored for a 21-17 advantage and the U.S. went on to take the set with Stuck finishing the set.

Germany raced out to a 5-0 lead in the third set and never trailed. Germany doubled up the U.S., 14-7, and the margin grew to double digits, 18-8. Germany took a 2-1 set lead with a 12-point win in the set.

A Fabricio kill and Green block started the fourth set as the U.S. scored the first four points. An Upp kill gave the U.S. a 14-10 lead after Germany had pulled within a point on multiple occasions. Up 17-13, the U.S. took control of the set with five points in a row. Duda and Green scored the final two points of the run. Upp scored the winner at 24-18 to send the match to a deciding set.

Neither team could get a run going in the final set with the U.S. leading 8-7 when the teams switched sides. Germany scored the first four points when play resumed to send the U.S. to a timeout down three. The U.S. scored the next two points to pull back within a point, 11-10, but Germany scored four of the final five points to take the match.

U.S. vs. Kazakhstan

MATCH STATISTICS

The U.S. held significant leads in blocks (23-10) and service aces (15-8), while Kazakhstan finished with a 42-28 edge in kills.

Upp again led the U.S. in scoring, combining a match-high eight aces with 11 kills and two blocks for 21 points. Duda scored 13 points on six kills, five blocks and two aces, while Green registered a match-best seven blocks with two aces and a block for 10 points.

Stuck totaled nine points on four kills, four blocks and an ace. Fabricio scored five points on three blocks, a kill and an ace, and Roberts added four points on three kills and a block.

When Kazakhstan failed to get Green’s serve back over, the U.S. took a 6-2 lead in the opening set. The lead moved to five points, 11-6, and the lead was still four points, 15-11, before Kazakhstan scored three points to cut the deficit to one point. Kazakhstan took the lead, 18-17, and maintained the one-point advantage, 22-21. The U.S. earned set point on a Green kill that capped a 3-0 run. Kazakhstan responded with three points of its own to earn set point. Roberts scored off the block and Kazakhstan put Green’s serve into the net to give the U.S. the set.

Neither team led by more than two points in the second set until the U.S. strung together three points in a row for a 16-13 lead. A hitting error and Fabricio block put the U.S. up 22-17. A block by Stuck ended the set and gave the U.S. a two-set lead.

Kazakhstan started the third set with 11 consecutive points before Green scored. The lead grew to 22-6 for Kazakhstan, which forced a fourth set.

The fourth set was back-and-forth until the U.S. scored four points in a row, the last on a Duda block, to take a 10-7 lead and force a Kazakhstan timeout. Kazakhstan responded to take a 12-11 lead. With the U.S. clinging to a one-point lead, Green scored twice and Fabricio once to give the U.S. an 18-14 lead. Back-to-back blocks by Fabricio and Aman upped the lead to six points, 22-16. A Duda kill made it 23-17. The teams split the following two points before a lengthy delay as the officials talked things over and the U.S. finished the match.

Men’s Roster

No Name (Position, Height, Hometown, Region)
1 Travis Ricks (L, 5-7, San Diego, Calif., Southern California)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo., Gateway)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb., Great Plains)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla., Oklahoma)
5 Eric Duda (S/OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Florida)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.,)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa., Keystone)
10 Robbie Onusko (OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla., Florida)
11 Roderick Green (MB, 6-3, West Monroe, La., Bayou)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill., Great Lakes)
18 Jason Roberts (OH/RS, 6-3, Perry, Ga., Southern)
19 Danny Alvarez Rivadeneira (L/DS, 5-8, West Jordan, Utah, Intermountain)
24 Fabricio da Silva Pinto (OH, 6-1, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil and Dublin, Calif.)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Ladislav Lelkes
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler
Performance Analyst: Sydnie Mabry
Therapist: Whitney Padgett
Team Manager: Connor Martin
Consultants: Jeff Smith, Dave Dantes

Schedule
Watch Live
All times Pacific

June 19
USA def. Ukraine, 3-2 (17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 21-25, 15-11)
USA def. Netherlands, 3-0 (30-28, 25-13, 25-16)

June 20
USA def. Italy, 3-0 (26-24, 25-23, 25-17)
USA def. Poland, 3-2 (25-14, 22-25, 22-25, 25-23 ,15-7)

June 21
Germany def. USA, 3-2 (26-24, 20-25, 25-13, 18-25, 15-11)
USA def. Kazakhstan, 3-1 (27-25, 25-18, 10-25, 25-19)

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The Women's Sitting Team with their bronze medals from the Dutch Tournament

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 21, 2026) — The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team completed play at the 2026 Dutch Tournament in Assen, Netherlands, with the bronze medal and a 4-2 mark after dropping two matches on Sunday. The U.S. lost to Italy, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-13) and Canada, 3-2 (14-25, 18-25, 25-13, 25-22, 15-5).

vs. Italy

The U.S. recorded one more block (7-6) and just one fewer ace (7-6), but Italy finished with a 47-19 advantage in kills.

Ten players scored for the U.S. with Nicky Nieves leading the way with seven points on six kills and an ace. Tia Edwards (team-best three blocks, one kill, one ace) and Kendra Hall (three kills and team-leading two aces) each totaled five points. Emma Schieck finished second on the team with four kills.

The U.S. raced out to a 6-1 lead before a six-point run by Italy. Coffee tied the score 7-7 with a kill. Italy used a three-point spurt to take a four-point lead, 13-10, and eventually built the advantage to six points, 17-11. The U.S. got no closer than three points the rest of the set.

Italy took an early 6-2 lead and ledt throughout the remainder of the second set, doubling up the U.S, 16-8, and taking a double-digit lead, 19-9. The U.S. pulled within five points, 23-18, after scoring three consecutive points, but Italy won the final two points.’

Another hot start by Italy in the third set put the U.S. down 5-1. The lead quickly grew to seven points, 9-2. The U.S. cut the deficit to five points, 12-7, before Italy used a 6-0 run to push the lead to 11 points. The lead grew to 13 points, 23-10, and Italy coasted to the set and match.

vs. Canada

Canada had the edge in kills (34-27) while the U.S had a 21-18 edge in aces. The real difference was in blocking, with Canada having 17 to four for the U.S.

MaKenzie Franklin-Wittman led the U.S. with 15 points six kills, one block and an outstanding eight aces. Emma Schieck had nine points (eight kills, one block.) Cami Wood had seven points (four kills, two aces, one block), and Nicky Nieves had three kills and four aces for seven points. Gia Cruz scored six points with three aces and three kills; and Annie Flood, Courtney Baker, Jillian Coffee and Tia Edwards all scored twice.

The U.S. ran out to a 9-3 lead in the opening set. Canada pulled within two points, 12-10, before the U.S. scored three points in a row to prompt a timeout. A kill from Cruz and consecutive aces from Nieves made it 15-10. After the timeout, an Edwards block keyed three more points on Nieves’ serve for an 18-10 advantage. A Nieves kill on a second ball put the U.S. up 23-14 and after a Canada hitting error, Coffee delivered a kill to end the set.

Canada took an early 3-1 lead in the second set, but the U.S. scored the next seven points with two Franklin-Wittman aces sending Canada to a timeout. A 5-1 Canada run closed the gap to two points, 10-8. The U.S. scored six of the next seven points for a 16-9 lead, but the set of runs continued as Canada ran off the next six points to force the U.S. to take a timeout. After the teams split the next two points, a Franklin-Wittman kill and a Schieck kill on a scrambling play started the U.S. on an 8-2 run to end the set.

Canada roared out to a 7-3 lead in the third set. The U.S. cut the lead to two points, but Canada pushed the lead back to five points, 12-7, when the U.S. took a timeout. An ace raised the margin to eight points, 18-10. Canada finished the set by scoring seven of the final nine points.

Canada continued its momentum from the third set by scoring the first four points of the fourth set. Led by Franklin-Wittman’s serving, the U.S. tied the set 5-5. A Baker ace gave the U.S. its first lead of the set, 9-8. A Franklin-Wittman ace expanded the lead to four points, 18-14. Canada scored the next four points to tie the set, but after a timeout, Schieck scored to put the U.S. back in front. Canada regained the lead 22-21 and the U.S. took its final timeout. Canada scored three of the last four points to send the match to a fifth set.

An ace gave Canada a 3-0 lead in the fifth set. After giving up two points, Canada used another three-point run for a 6-2 lead. Schieck stopped the run with a kill and after a hitting error, the U.S. cut the deficit to two points. Canada took an 8-4 lead into the side switch and scored the next six points to set up match point. The U.S. stopped one match point before Canada completed the reverse sweep.

Women’s Roster

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
1 Lora Webster (MB, 5-11, Point Lookout, N.Y.)
4 Maddy Ball (L, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
11 Jillian Williams Coffee (M/OPP/OH, 5-10, Odem, Texas, Oklahoma)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas)
15 Kendra Hall (5-7, Westfield, Ind.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (OH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
19 Cami Wood (S, Fort Wayne, Ind.)
20 Kylee Doremus (S/OH, Waverly, Neb.)
21 Annie Flood (S, 5-7, Salem, Ore.)
22 MaKenzie Franklin-Wittman (OH, 6-0, Red Wing, Minn., North Country)
28 Vivian Eagle (MB/OH, Avon, Ind.)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Assistant Coach: Steve Florio
Team Leader: Layne Smith
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter

Schedule
All times Pacific

Watch Live

June 19
USA def. Poland, 3-0 (25-14, 26-24, 25-15)
USA def. Ukraine, 3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 25-19, 25-18).

June 20
USA def. Germany, 3-1 (22-25, 26-24, 25-12, 25-13)
USA def. Netherlands, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-8)

June 21
Italy def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-13)
Canada def. USA, 3-2 (14-25, 18-25, 25-13, 25-22, 15-5)

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Photo by FIVB

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 21, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team went undefeated during the second week of Volleyball Nations League (VNL) and improved to 7-1 overall with a 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-16, 25-19) victory over Serbia on Sunday in Pasig City, Philippines. The U.S. is currently ranked fifth in the world with Serbia ranked ninth. The four-setter marked the first time in the past four VNL matches between the teams that did not go five sets.

The U.S. will travel to Osaka, Japan and begin VNL Week Three on World Volleyball Day, July 7th at 11:30 p.m. PT against Thailand.

The U.S. finished the match with advantages in kills (62-55) and blocks (11-8), while serving one fewer ace (5-4).

“Obviously we are out here trying to win matches, so the results feel good. I’m more excited about the growth and progress we showed this week. We got to play a lot of different players against really high-level competition, so I feel like we are going in the right direction,” U.S. head coach Erik Sullivan said. “I think there is some system stuff we can still clean up. Some of it is get back and recover a little bit. These road trips can be a little daunting. We’ll take a couple days off and get back in the gym.”

Outside hitter Avery Skinner shared match-high honors with 16 kills and 18 points, adding a block and ace. Outside Logan Eggleston also recorded 16 kills and totaled 17 points with a block. She led the team with nine successful receptions and hit double-digits in digs with 10. “I just think about finding space. Obviously there are really great blockers in this tournament, so it’s about going up and seeing space and just trying to find the floor. (Setter Jordyn) Poulter does a really a good job of mixing up our offense and so our middles are giving us really good seams,” commented Eggleston, who hit at a .429 clip for the match.

Poulter ran the effective offense that hit .392 for the match, totaled eight digs, and kept the team on the court for a conversation after a challenging second set. “She told us, and we talked about it as a team, that we let a lot of plays go in the second set. There was a lot we could have controlled and we didn’t, so she talked about slowing it down and focusing on what we can control. I think we came out in the third and fourth and did exactly that,” Eggleston stated.

Libero Morgan Hentz led the team with 11 digs with fellow libero Lexi Rodriguez finished with five successful receptions and four digs. Opposite Jordan Thompson scored 14 points on 10 kills, two blocks and two aces. Middle blocker Asjia O’Neal gave the U.S. four double-digit scorers with 10 points on eight kills, a block and an ace.

Opposite Stephanie Samedy, who entered the match as part of a double switch with setter Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres, continued her torrid hitting with eight kills and just one error in 10 attacks for a .700 hitting percentage. Middle Dana Rettke led the team with three blocks, combining those with four kills for seven points, and middle Chiaka Ogbogu added a pair of blocks.

Serbia called a very quick timeout in the first set, trailing 3-1 after an Ogbogu block. An ace gave Serbia an 8-6 lead. Eggleston scored on a great set from Rodriguez to pull the U.S. within a point, 14-13. A block and a kill off the block gave Serbia a 19-15 advantage. A service error followed by kills from Eggleston and Thompson cut the deficit to a point. A great dig by Skinner led to a set from Ogbogu and kill from Eggleston that evened the set at 20. Thompson served short for an ace and two more tough serves led to a kill from Eggleston and a Poulter block on an out-of-system attack for a 24-21 U.S. lead. Serbia took the next point despite three consecutive great digs from Hentz. Eggleston ended the set with her eighth kill on a bump set from Poulter. The U.S. ended the set on a 10-3 run.

Serbia took a 7-4 lead in the second set. The U.S. tied the set 10-10 but Serbia regained its three-point lead by scoring three consecutive points. A block raised the margin to four points, 18-14, and led to a U.S. timeout. Serbia followed with a pair of aces to make it 20-14 and went on to tie the match, handing the U.S. its first set loss of the week. Skinner and Eggleston each scored three points in the set.

A tough Poulter serve led to a Rettke kill that staked the U.S. to a 3-0 lead to start the third set. A good up from Rodriguez led to a Skinner kill on a pipe attack for a 5-2 lead. O’Neal scored back-to-back points on a slide and a kill on an overpass for an 8-4 advantage. A Skinner serve compromised the pass and the play ended with a Rettke block for a five-point lead, 12-7. A Serbia timeout could slow down the U.S. as an Eggleston kill doubled the score, 14-7. A Serbia block cut the deficit to four points, 17-13, but an O’Neal block on the next play increased the margin back to five. Rodrgiuez set Samedy, who tooled the block, for a 20-15 lead. A Thompson block and Skinner kill helped bring the U.S. to set point, 24-16, and Skinner served an ace to put the U.S. up two sets to one. The U.S. recorded six blocks in the set. Skinner scored seven points on five kills, a block and the ace on the final play.

A Skinner kill capped a 4-0 U.S. run after dropping the first two points of the fourth set. Thompson put a ball down the line for an 8-6 lead. Neither team scored two points in a row again until Samedy and Skinner delivered back-to-back kills for a 14-11 U.S. lead. A block by Thompson extended the lead to five points, 18-13. An O’Neal kill on a slide gave the U.S. a 20-15 lead and prompted the final Serbian timeout. Thompson followed with an ace and her next serve caused an overpass that Eggleston put away to raise the margin to seven. Another O’Neal score on a slide set up match point. Serbia staved off two match points before Skinner put a ball down for the four-set victory. Thompson paced the team with seven points on five kills, one block and one ace.

U.S. Women’s Week Two Roster for 2026 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28)
June 5 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-11)
June 7 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12)

Week 2: Philippines
June 16 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-12)
June 18 USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Italy, 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Serbia, 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-16, 25-19)

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 at 11:30 p.m. vs. Thailand
July 8 at 9 p.m. vs. Poland
July 9 at 9 p.m. vs. Türkiye
July 11 at 8 p.m. vs. Brazil

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Jessie West cheers her teammates
Jessie West

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 19, 2026) — The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team continued its winning ways on Saturday at the 2026 Dutch Tournament in Assen, Netherlands. The U.S. defeated Germany, 3-1 (22-25, 26-24, 25-12, 25-13) before rallying to defeat host Netherlands, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-8) to move to 4-0 in the tournament.

The U.S. will finish 2026 Dutch Tournament play tomorrow against Italy at 1:30 a.m. PT and Canada at 5:30 a.m. PT.

vs. Germany

MATCH STATISTICS

The U.S. serve was the statistical difference as the U.S. served twice as many aces (22-11). The U.S. led in kills, 37-29, while Germany recorded two more blocks (13-11).

Middle blocker Nicky Nieves led all players with 14 points and was the only player to record double-digit kills, combining 10 kills with three aces and a block. Outside hitter Emma Schieck totaled 10 points on six kills, two blocks and a pair of aces. Jillian Coffee scored nine points with seven kills and two aces, Cami Woods led all players with six aces and added a kill and a block for eight points, and Tia Edwards totaled seven points on four kills, two aces and a block.

Jessie West (three aces and a kill) and Courtney Baker (two kills and two blocks) scored four points apiece. Kylee Doremus (two kills and a block), Annie Flood (one kill, one block, one ace) and MaKenzie Franklin-Wittman (two kills and a block) each contributed three points.

A strong Nieves serve led to a Germany error that put the U.S. ahead 12-9 in the opening set. A Schieck ace kept the margin at three points, 18-15, but Germany came out of a timeout with four consecutive points to take the lead. The U.S. retook the lead and was up 22-21 when Germany scored the final four points to take the set.

An ace from West and a kill by Nieves gave the U.S. an early 9-4 lead in the second set. Germany used a 7-2 run to square the set at 11 apiece. A Flood ace capped a four-point streak that put the U.S. ahead 15-11. Germany scored seven of the next eight points to move ahead 18-16 and force a U.S. timeout. Two more aces from West put the U.S. back out in front, 20-19. It was Germany’s turn to make a run in the back-and-forth set, scoring five of the next six points for a 24-21 advantage and three set points to take a two-set lead. A great pass by West led to a Schieck kill to stave off the first set point. A Germany hitting error and a kill by Baker tied the set at 24-24. Nieves followed with an ace and Doremus delivered the set-winning kill that evened the match.

A Nieves ace gave the U.S. the lead it would never relinquish, 9-8, in the third set. The U.S. led 12-10 before finishing the set on a 13-2 run. Edwards served an ace to make it 23-12, Germany made an error on the following play, and Schieck ended the set with a kill.

Wood served back-to-back aces for a 7-2 U.S. lead to start the fourth set. The U.S. stretched the lead to nine points, 11-2, before Germany scored again. From the point of leading 12-10 in the third set, the U.S. went on a 24-4 run. A Nieves kill made it 17-6 and led to the final Germany timeout. Germany scored the next three points but could not get closer. Schieck scored the final two U.S. points.

vs. Netherlands

MATCH STATISTICS

The Netherlands moved out to an 11-6 lead to start the match. The U.S. used a 9-3 run, keyed by a Franklin-Wittman ace that caught the back line, to take its first lead, 15-14. A Nieves ace put the U.S. ahead by three points for the first time, 22-19. The Netherlands scored the next two points to pull back within a point, but the U.S. earned the final three points. Schieck scored the final point off a Franklin-Wittman set.

The U.S. took a 4-1 lead in the second set before a six-point run by the Netherlands. Nieves scored to finish a four-point run that put the U.S. ahead 12-8. Trailing 14-9, the host team ran off five points in a row to tie the set. Nieves scored to put the U.S. ahead 21-20 and again to tie the set once again at 23, but the Netherlands scored the final two points to even the match.

The Netherlands opened a 9-5 lead in the third set before the U.S. scored five consecutive points with a Coffee kill putting the U.S. ahead, 10-9, and leading to a timeout. A Coffee tip put the U.S. ahead 14-10, completing a 9-1 run. The Netherlands scored the next four points to even the set. A block that ended one of the longest rallies of the match put the Netherlands up 19-18. The U.S. tied the set at 22-22, but the Netherlands scored three of the following four points to take the lead in the match.

The U.S. doubled up the Netherlands early in the fourth set, 10-5. A Nieves serving run helped extend the lead to nine points, 18-9. The Netherlands scored the next five points to cut the deficit to four points. A Nieves kill pushed the lead back to seven points, 23-16, and a Schieck ace gave the U.S. set point. The Netherlands fought off two set points before another Nieves kill sent the match to a deciding fifth set.

Edwards scored the first two points of the fifth set and a Schieck ace put the U.S. up 3-0. An Edwards kill made it 6-3 and after Cruz pushed a third ball over that found the floor, Edwards served an ace for an 8-3 U.S. advantage when the teams switched sides. A Schieck kill made it 9-5 and Nieves scored for a 10-6 lead after great defensive plays by Ball and Wood. Coffee followed with an ace for an 11-6 advantage. The U.S. moved ahead 13-8 on a Netherlands hitting error and ended the match on a Schieck kill off the block and a Cruz ace.

Women’s Roster

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
1 Lora Webster (MB, 5-11, Point Lookout, N.Y.)
4 Maddy Ball (L, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
11 Jillian Williams Coffee (M/OPP/OH, 5-10, Odem, Texas, Oklahoma)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas)
15 Kendra Hall (5-7, Westfield, Ind.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (OH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
19 Cami Wood (S, Fort Wayne, Ind.)
20 Kylee Doremus (S/OH, Waverly, Neb.)
21 Annie Flood (S, 5-7, Salem, Ore.)
22 MaKenzie Franklin-Wittman (OH, 6-0, Red Wing, Minn., North Country)
28 Vivian Eagle (MB/OH, Avon, Ind.)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Assistant Coach: Steve Florio
Team Leader: Layne Smith
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter

Schedule
All times Pacific

Watch Live

June 19
USA def. Poland, 3-0 (25-14, 26-24, 25-15)
USA def. Ukraine, 3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 25-19, 25-18).

June 20
USA def. Germany, 3-1 (22-25, 26-24, 25-12, 25-13)
USA def. Netherlands, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-8)

June 21
USA vs. Italy, 1:30 a.m.
USA vs. Canada, 5:30 a.m.

Stories

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Zach Upp celebrates
Zach Upp and Fabicio (SpikeNet)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 20, 2026) — The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team stayed undefeated at the 2026 Dutch Tournament in Assen, Netherlands, with two more wins on Saturday. The U.S. defeated Italy, 3-0 (26-24, 25-23, 25-17) and finished the day with a come-from-behind 3-2 (25-14, 22-25, 22-25, 25-23 ,15-7) victory over Poland.

U.S. vs. Italy

MATCH STATISTICS

The U.S. held slight advantages in kills (33-28) and blocks (9-6), while both teams served seven aces.

Eight U.S. players scored at least four points with Jason Roberts posting a team-high nine points with six kills, two blocks and an ace. James Stuck led the team with three blocks to go with three kills and an ace for seven points. Outside hitter Eric Duda shared team-high honors with Roberts with six kills.

Four players each scored five points: Dan Regan (match-high three aces and two kills), Alex Wilson (three kills, two blocks), outside Robbie Onusko (five kills) and middle blocker Roderick Green (five kills). Fabricio added three kills and an ace for four points.

The U.S. took its first lead at 7-6 in the opening set and built a 12-9 lead before Italy used a 5-1 run to retake the lead. A great dig by Travis Ricks led to a Regan kill to tie the set on the net point and the U.S. scored the next five points behind the blocking of Stuck, including back-to-back blocks for a 19-14 advantage. An ace capped a four-point streak for Italy that cut the deficit back to one point. An Onusko kill and Regan ace gave the U.S. a 22-19 lead before Italy scored three consecutive points to even the set again. Green gave the U.S. 23-22 and 24-23 leads, but Italy saved set point each time. Duda scored off the block and a hitting error gave the U.S. the set.

Neither team could gain a large advantage in the second set. Stuck gave the U.S. a 22-21 lead and after Italy tied the score again, Duda put the U.S. back ahead and Roberts took advantage of an overpass for a 24-22 lead. Italy saved one set point before Fabricio scored to give the U.S. a two-set advantage.

The U.S. scored the first two points of the third set and never trailed. Wilson scored to give the U.S. a five-point lead, 12-7. Fabricio delivered back-to-back kills to expand the margin to eight points, 18-10. Italy was unable to make a late run and Roberts finished the match with a kill.

U.S. vs. Poland

MATCH STATISTICS

The U.S. finished with a 55-43 advantage in kills, 12-9 in service aces and 14-13 in blocks.

Outside hitter Zach Upp led all players with 26 points, 19 kills and five aces while adding a pair of blocks. Duda also reached double digits in kills with 10, adding two aces and a team-best five blocks. Green finished with 13 points on eight kills, four blocks and an ace.

Fabricio totaled eight points on five kills, two blocks and an ace. Ben Aman scored seven points on six kills and an ace, while Stuck added six points on four kills, ace and a block. Roberts contributed three kills.

The U.S. scored the first four points of the match and extended the lead to double digits at 16-6. The lead reached 12 points, 21-9. Poland scored four of the next six points to bring the deficit back to single digits before the U.S. took the set by winning the final two points.

Poland took an early lead in the second set, building a four-point lead, 15-11. The U.S. took its first lead, 17-16, on an Upp ace. An Upp kill extended the lead to two points, 20-18, but Poland scored seven of the final nine points to even the match at one set each.

The U.S. took a 6-4 lead in the third set, but Poland used an 11-2 lead to move ahead 15-8 on its way to taking the lead in the match. The lead grew to eight points, 18-10, before a valiant U.S. comeback, using a 7-1 run to pull within two points, 19-17. Green scored on a second ball off the block to pull the U.S. within 23-21, but the U.S. could get no closer than two points.

Poland used a 7-2 run to take a 15-10 lead in the fourth set. The U.S. battled back by scoring the next five points to even the set. The score was tied at 19 when Poland scored three consecutive points to pull within three points of winning the match. A Duda block capped a three-point stretch by the U.S. to tie the set at 22 apiece. After the teams split the next two points, Fabricio and Green recorded kills to give the U.S. the set and send the match to a fifth set.

Fabricio scored three points in a row with a kill, a block, and another kill on an overpass for a 4-2 U.S. lead in the fifth set. Green scored on the next two plays for a 6-2 advantage. An Upp kill and a Poland hitting error put the U.S. up 8-4 when the teams switched sides. Poland pulled within two points, 8-6, before Upp delivered another kill to start a 5-0 run and a 13-6 lead. The U.S. scored two of the final three points to complete the comeback win.

Men’s Roster

No Name (Position, Height, Hometown, Region)
1 Travis Ricks (L, 5-7, San Diego, Calif., Southern California)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo., Gateway)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb., Great Plains)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla., Oklahoma)
5 Eric Duda (S/OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Florida)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.,)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa., Keystone)
10 Robbie Onusko (OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla., Florida)
11 Roderick Green (MB, 6-3, West Monroe, La., Bayou)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill., Great Lakes)
18 Jason Roberts (OH/RS, 6-3, Perry, Ga., Southern)
19 Danny Alvarez Rivadeneira (L/DS, 5-8, West Jordan, Utah, Intermountain)
24 Fabricio da Silva Pinto (OH, 6-1, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil and Dublin, Calif.)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Ladislav Lelkes
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler
Performance Analyst: Sydnie Mabry
Therapist: Whitney Padgett
Team Manager: Connor Martin
Consultants: Jeff Smith, Dave Dantes

Schedule
Watch Live
All times Pacific

June 19
USA def. Ukraine, 3-2 (17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 21-25, 15-11)
USA def. Netherlands, 3-0 (30-28, 25-13, 25-16)

June 20
USA def. Italy, 3-0 (26-24, 25-23, 25-17)
USA def. Poland, 3-2 (25-14, 22-25, 22-25, 25-23 ,15-7)
USA vs. Germany, 11:30 p.m.

June 21
USA vs. Kazakhstan, 7:30 a.m.

Stories

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Blake Fahlbusch attacks
Blake Fahlbusch (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 20, 2026) – USA Volleyball announces the 14 athletes named to the roster for the 2026 U21 Pan American Cup, June 23-28, in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The roster was selected from the 23 athletes who completed training this week at the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

At the Pan Am Cup, the U.S. is in Pool A with the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Venezuela, while Pool B includes Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Nicaragua. The U.S., which won bronze at the FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship last year, opens play against the Dominican Republic on June 23 at 2 p.m. PT.

Eleven of the 14 players on the roster have previous experience on USA Volleyball age-group national teams.

  • Grayson Bradford: 2025 U21 National Team
  • Jackson Cryst: 2022, 2024 and 2025 U19 National Team (2025 U21 World Championship – bronze; 2024 U21 Continental Championships – gold)
  • Johnny Dykstra: 2025 U21 National Team (2025 U21 Pan Am Cup – gold)
  • Blake Fahlbusch: 2024 and 2025 U19 National Team (2025 U19 Pan Am Cup – gold)
  • Tommy Henige: 2025 U19 National Team (2025 U19 World Championship)
  • Trevell Jordan: 2023, 2024 and 2025 U21 National Team (2025 U21 World Championship – bronze; 2025 U21 Pan Am Cup – gold)
  • Grant Lamoureux: 2023, 2024 and 2025 U19 National Team (2025 U19 World Championship, 2024 U19 Continental Championship – gold)
  • Aleksey Mikhailenko: 2024 and 2025 U19 National Team (2025 U19 World Championship, 2024 U19 Continental Championship – gold)
  • Isiah Powell: 2025 U19 National Team (2025 U19 Pan Am Cup – gold)
  • Rafa Urbina: 2024 and 2025 U19 National Team  (2025 U19 World Championship; 2024 U19 Continental Championship – gold)
  • Kainoa Wade: 2024 and 2025 U21 National Team (2025 U21 World Championship – bronze; 2025 U19 Pan Am Cup – gold)

Drake Foley, Mateo Fuerbringer and Cameron Kosty are all making their first appearances on a U.S. national team.

The 2025 Men’s U21 National Team was the most successful in history, winning the first-ever medal at a U21 World Championship (bronze) and gold at the Pan Am Cup.

2026 Men’s U21 National Team Roster for the Pan American Cup

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Cameron Kosty (S, 6-5, Hayward, Calif., UC Irvine, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Drake Foley (L, 6-4, Newport Beach, Calif., Corona Del Mar HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Mateo Fuerbringer (OH, 6-5, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Trevell Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Hawai’i, Arizona)
10 Johnny Dykstra (L, 6-2, Manhattan Beach, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Rafa Urbina (S, 6-5, Broomfield, Colo., UCLA, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
15 Blake Fahlbusch (OH, 6-8, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Loyola HS of Los Angeles, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-9, Kailua, Hawai’i, Hawai’i, Aloha)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine, Carolina)
21 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Grayson Bradford (OPP, 6-11, Redondo Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
24 Isiah Powell (MB, 6-8, Silver Spring, Md., Springbrook HS, Chesapeake)
28 Tommy Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Alternates
2 Griffin Dieter (L, 6-4, San Diego, Calif., Torrey Pines HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
6 Connor Oldani (OPP, 6-5, Phoenix, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Long Beach State, Lone Star)
11 Cooper Keane (OPP, 6-7, Hermosa Beach, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Logan Hutnick (OH, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
17 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Coaches
Head Coach: Donan Cruz (Hawai’i)
Assistant Coach: Rory Prager (USC)
Assistant Coach: Ryan Ammerman (Arizona women’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Athletic Trainer: Ben Colletti (Loyola Chicago)
Team Leader: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)

Schedule

All times Pacific

June 23: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 2 p.m.
June 24: USA vs. Venezuela, 12 p.m.
June 25: USA vs. Mexico, 2 p.m.
June 26: Quarterfinals
June 27: Semifinals
June 28: Medal matches

Photo by FIVB

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 20, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team won its fifth consecutive Volleyball Nations League (VNL) match with an impressive 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-16) sweep of Italy in a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal match on Saturday in Pasig City, Philippines. Italy is the top-ranked team in the world and won 39 consecutive VNL matches before falling to Brazil in the first week. The victory was the fifth for the U.S. in nine all-time VNL meetings, breaking a four-match Italy winning streak.

The U.S. (6-1) ends the second week of VNL play at 9 p.m. PT against Serbia (2-5).

The U.S. finished with a 49-41 advantage in kills and 9-7 in blocks, including 7-2 over the final two sets. Italy served more aces (4-2), but the U.S. serve kept Italy off-balance throughout the match. The U.S. made almost half as many errors with Italy committing 17 errors to just nine for the U.S.

“I thought we did a good job from the service line. That set the tone and got them off the net and then we converted on some opportunities when we did that,” said U.S. head coach Erik Sullivan, who was asked about what the match meant for two of the team’s top scorers in the match, opposite Stephanie Samedy and Simone Lee-Wank. “It was awesome for us to get them experience and to come away with a win like that against a quality Italy team. It solidifies the depth we have on our team. Now they have some confidence and they know they can do it.”

Samedy led the team with 12 kills, hitting .600 for the match with no errors in 20 attacks. Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres ran the offense that hit .398 against one of the best blocking teams in the world.

Outside hitter Madi Kubik-Banks scored 11 points on 10 kills and a block and led all players with 12 successful receptions. Middle blockers Asjia O’Neal (seven kills and two blocks) and Molly McCage (match-high four blocks with three kills and both the team’s aces) each scored nine points. Lee-Wank recorded eight kills with a .429 hitting percentage, and opposite Jordan Thompson added six points on five kills and a block.

Libero Morgan Hentz shared match-high honors with 10 digs. Banks added seven with libero Lexi Rodriguez and Lee-Wank each contributing five.

The U.S. took an early 7-3 lead in the match, forcing a rare early timeout by Italy. A McCage block put the U.S. up 11-8, but an ace off the net capped a 4-1 Italy run that evened the set at 12. The U.S. responded by scoring the next four points with Kubik-Banks serving three of them. Skinner went down the line for a 19-16 U.S. lead and her back row attack made it 22-19.

Back-to-back Italy blocks tied the set at 22. After a timeout, O’Neal put the U.S. back in front, but Italy took the lead by scoring the next two points, the second on another block that led to the second U.S. timeout. After an Italy hitting error on set point, a strong Ka’aha’aina-Torres serve led to a Samedy kill on a free ball. With the score tied at 25, Samedy scored back-to-back points to take the set. Skinner and O’Neal recorded four kills with McCage scoring four points on two blocks, a kill and an ace.

A Ka’aha’aina-Torres block gave the U.S. the first two-point lead of the second set, 7-5. Italy regained the lead at 11-10 and took its first two-point lead at 13-11. The U.S. used a 5-2 stretch to take a 16-15 lead. A Thompson kill extended the lead to 18-16 and Lee-Wank scored off a McCage set for a 19-17 lead that led to an Italy timeout. A Hentz dig led to a Kubik-Banks kill that extended the margin to four points, 22-18. After an Italy hitting error, a Lee-Wank serve handcuffed the Italy defender and led to a free ball and Samedy kill for set point. Italy scored the next two points before putting a serve in the net. Samedy led all players with six kills in the set for the U.S., who held Italy without a block while recording five.

The U.S. started the third set with a Samedy kill and a McCage ace, and two O’Neal kills helped put the U.S. ahead 6-1. A Lee-Wank kill pushed the lead to six points, 9-3. Lee-Wank covered a tip and followed with a kill for an 11-5 lead that prompted an Italy timeout. Hentz put up a set for a Lee-Wank kill over her shoulder to make it 12-6. Kubik-Banks found the back corner on an out-of-system attack for a 15-10 lead. An Italy block cut the margin to three points, 16-13, and led to a U.S. timeout. Another Italy timeout cut the margin to two, 17-15. Samedy scored off a Hentz set and McCage put down an overpass for a 22-16 lead. After an Italy hitting error, Lee-Wank scored the final two points to complete the sweep. Kubik-Banks led the team with four points on three kills and a block.

U.S. Women’s Week Two Roster for 2026 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28)
June 5 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-11)
June 7 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12)

Week 2: Philippines
June 16 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-12)
June 18 USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-16)
June 20 USA def. Italy, 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-16)
June 20 at 9 p.m. vs. Serbia

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 at 11:30 p.m. vs. Thailand
July 8 at 9 p.m. vs. Poland
July 9 at 9 p.m. vs. Türkiye
July 11 at 8 p.m. vs. Brazil

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Emma Schieck celebrates
Emma Schieck

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 19, 2026) — The U.S. Women’s Sitting National  Team earned a pair of victories on the first day of the 2026 Dutch Tournament in Assen, Netherlands. The U.S. started with a 3-0 (25-14, 26-24, 25-15) win over Poland before defeating Ukraine, 3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 25-19, 25-18).

vs. Poland

MATCH STATISTICS

All 14 players saw action as the U.S. dominated with 31 kills and 28 service aces compared to just eight kills and nine aces for Poland, which did have a 13-8 edge in blocks.

Setter Gia Cruz led all players with 12 points on a match-best nine aces to go with two kills and a block. Outside hitter Emma Schieck was the only other player to reach double digits with 10 points on seven kills and three aces. Outside MaKenzie Franklin-Wittman finished with nine points on four aces, three kills and two blocks.

Middle blocker Nicky Nieves equaled match-high honors with seven kills and added a block to total eight points. Jillian Coffee (two blocks, two aces, one kill), Courtney Baker (three kills, two aces) and Kylee Doremus (two kills, two aces, one block) each scored five points. Tia Edwards totaled four points on three kills and an ace, while Kendra Hall added two aces and a kill for three points.

Vivian Eagle served a pair of aces, Annie Flood recorded one kill and one ace, Jessie West added a kill, and Cami Wood registered a block.

The U.S. scored the first five points of the match with Poland scoring the next five. The streaks continued with the U.S. taking an 8-5 lead and Poland evening the set at eight apiece. An Edwards ace put the U.S. up three points again, 11-8. After the Netherlands scored the next point, a Coffee kill marked the first quick side-out of the match. A Schieck ace pushed the lead to seven points, 16-9. A Coffee ace made it 19-10 and the lead reached double digits on a Doremus kill. Schieck ended the set on a kill off a set from Cruz.

Poland jumped out in front in the second set, leading to a U.S. timeout down 11-8. A Franklin-Wittman aced even the set at 12. Consecutive kills by Franklin-Wittman and Nieves gave the U.S. a three-point lead, 18-15, ending a 10-4 stretch. Poland ran off the next five points to retake a two-point advantage. An ace gave Poland a 23-21 lead, but a service error followed by a Franklin-Wittman ace tied the set and prompted a Poland timeout. The teams split the following two points before a West kill and Eagle ace gave the U.S. the set.

A Schieck kill and Hall ace gave the U.S. an early two-point lead in the third set, 4-2. After Poland scored the next two points, the U.S. went on a 6-1 run for a 10-5 advantage and a Poland timeout. Hall put a ball down to stretch the lead to six points, 16-10. A Hall ace made it 20-11 and Poland got no closer than seven points down the stretch. A Schieck ace set up match point and the U.S. scored on the next play to complete the sweep.

vs. Ukraine

MATCH STATISTICS

In a very even match, the difference was a 42-30 U.S. advantage in kills. Each team served 14 aces and the U.S. held a slim advantage in blocks (16-13).

Four U.S. players led a balanced attack, scoring between 10 and 12 points. Schieck paced the team with 12 points on seven kills, three blocks and two aces, and Coffee finished with 11 points on five kills, three blocks and three aces. Nieves again shared the team lead in kills with seven to go with three aces and a block to total 11 points. Franklin-Wittman reached double digits with a team-high four blocks in addition to four kills and two aces.

Edwards scored nine points on six kills and a trio of blocks, while Wood also registered six kills and added a block for seven points. Cruz added three more aces to her total for the day, finishing with a kill and a block for five points.

A Nieves kill gave the U.S. a 9-4 lead in the opening set and forced Ukraine to take an early timeout. Ukraine used a 6-2 run to close the gap to a point, 11-10, before the U.S. moved back in front by four points by scoring on the next three plays. Ukraine scored eight consecutive points for an 18-14 lead. The U.S. roared back with five points in a row to regain the lead on a Franklin-Wittman kill that caused Ukraine to take its second timeout. Cruz followed with an ace and three more U.S. points made it 22-18 as the U.S. posted its own 8-0 run. The U.S. took the set by scoring 11 of the final 12 points.

A kill by Wood staked the U.S. to a 6-3 lead to begin the second set. A nice dig by Schieck led to another Wood kill for a 9-5 advantage. A kill by Wood ran the margin to six points, 15-9. Ukraine used an 11-4 burst to take the lead, 20-19. The set was tied at 21 apiece before Ukraine scored the final four points to even the match.

Ukraine kept the momentum from the previous set going and took a 9-4 lead in the third set. An ace by Cruz capped an 8-2 run that gave the U.S. a 12-11 lead. The set remained close with Ukraine moving back out in front, 17-16. After the U.S. tied it at 17, Coffee served three consecutive aces and forced a Ukraine timeout. After yielding the next two points, the U.S. scored the final five points to take a 2-1 lead in the match.

Neither team made a big run through the first half of the fourth set. With the score tied at 12, the U.S. moved ahead by two points on a Nieves kill and Franklin-Wittman ace. Ukraine again tied the set by scoring the next two points, but the U.S. ran off three points in a row for the first three-point lead of the set, 17-14. Consecutive kills by Schieck, the second on a tip after a great defensive stab by libero Maddy Bell, raised the lead to four points, 20-16. Ukraine could not get the ball past the double block of Franklin-Wittman and Nieves, giving the U.S. a 22-17 advantage. After a Ukraine timeout, the U.S. scored again when Franklin-Wittman two-handed a ball to the back left corner. Shieck ended the match with another kill, this time on a set from Franklin-Wittman.

The tournament, usually held the first weekend in July, is the last tournament before the team travels to Hangzhou, China, for the World ParaVolley Championship, July 10-17.

Women’s Roster

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
1 Lora Webster (MB, 5-11, Point Lookout, N.Y.)
4 Maddy Ball (L, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
11 Jillian Williams Coffee (M/OPP/OH, 5-10, Odem, Texas, Oklahoma)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas)
15 Kendra Hall (5-7, Westfield, Ind.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (OH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
19 Cami Wood (S, Fort Wayne, Ind.)
20 Kylee Doremus (S/OH, Waverly, Neb.)
21 Annie Flood (S, 5-7, Salem, Ore.)
22 MaKenzie Franklin-Wittman (OH, 6-0, Red Wing, Minn., North Country)
28 Vivian Eagle (MB/OH, Avon, Ind.)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Assistant Coach: Steve Florio
Team Leader: Layne Smith
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter

 

Schedule
All times Pacific

Watch Live

June 19
USA def. Poland, 3-0 (25-14, 26-24, 25-15)
USA def. Ukraine, 3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 25-19, 25-18).

June 20
USA vs. Germany, 1:45 a.m.
USA vs. Netherlands, 6:30 a.m.

June 21
USA vs. Italy, 1:30 a.m.
USA vs. Canada, 5:30 a.m.

Stories

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Rod Green celebrates
Rod Green (Brian Livergood)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 19, 2026) — The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team began play at the 2026 Dutch Tournament in Assen, Netherlands, with a pair of wins. The U.S. defeated Ukraine, 3-2 (17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 21-25, 15-11) and host Netherlands, 3-0 (30-28, 25-13, 25-16) on Friday.

U.S. vs. Ukraine

MATCH STATISTICS

The U.S. finished with a 22-19 edge in blocks and 9-7 in aces, while the Netherlands recorded four more kills (47-43).

Outside hitter Zach Upp led the U.S. with 23 points on 18 kills, four blocks and an ace. Middle blocker Roderick Green posted a team-high seven blocks, a match-best six aces and seven kills to total 20 points. Outside Eric Duda also reached double digits with 11 points on nine kills and two blocks.

Outsides Dan Regan (five blocks) and Jason Roberts (four kills, one block) each scored five points. Ben Aman added four points on two kills, a block and an ace. Setter James Stuck contributed two kills and an ace, and Fabricio registered two blocks.

Ukraine jumped out to a 12-6 lead in the match. An ace pushed the lead to 15-8. Duda scored twice in a 4-1 U.S. run that cut the margin to four points, 16-12. A kill on an overpass put Ukraine up 19-13 and forced the U.S. to use its final timeout. An ace gave Ukraine an eight-point advantage, 22-14. The teams split the final six points of the set as Ukraine took the set.

Back-to-back blocks by Green and Aman helped the U.S. start fast in the second set, taking a 5-1 lead. Trailing 8-3, Ukraine ran off the next five points to even the score. A Green block put the U.S. back up by three, 12-9. Ukraine pulled back within a point, 14-13, but a Roberts kill started the U.S. on a 5-1 run capped by a Green ace for a 19-14 lead. A timeout did not stop the momentum as a Duda kill and a Ukraine hitting error raised the margin to seven points. Ukraine could get no closer than five points the rest of the way as the U.S. squared the match.

The U.S. fell behind 5-2 in the third set before scoring the next six points, five of which came with Green serving. Ukraine bounced back with four consecutive points to regain the lead, 9-8. The back-and-forth set was even at 13 when a Duda kill began an 8-1 U.S. run capped by back-to-back Upp kills for a 21-14 lead. Ukraine ran off the next five points to cut the deficit to two points and prompt a U.S. timeout. Upp scored off the block to stop the run. Roberts scored from a tough angle for a 23-20 lead and a great dig by Dadgostar kept the play alive on the following point, eventually won by the U.S., who then converted set point to take a 2-1 lead in the match.

Ukraine opened the fourth set by scoring the first four points and six of the first seven. A kill by Stuck brought the U.S. within a point, 8-7, as the U.S. scored six of the next eight points. Ukraine quickly regained a four-point advantage, 12-8 and led the rest of the way to even the match.

The U.S. scored the first two points of the deciding set, but Ukraine scored the next three points. Trailing 7-6, the U.S. regained the lead on kills by Duda and Aman. With the U.S. clinging to a one-point lead, 10-9, Fabricio ended the longest rally of the match featuring numerous defensive gems by the U.S. with a block. He produced another block on the following play and consecutive errors by Ukraine gave the U.S. multiple match points at 14-9. Ukraine saved two match points before Upp ended the marathon match that included multiple stoppages to wipe the floor of sweat.

U.S. vs. Netherlands

MATCH STATISTICS

The U.S. recorded more blocks (14-9) and service aces (6-2), while the Netherlands led in kills (32-25).

Farbricio was the only player on either team to reach double digits with 11 points on a team-high six kills and match-best five blocks. Duda scored nine points on four kills, four blocks and an ace. Roberts finished with six points on four kills and two aces.

Alex Wilson scored five points on three blocks and two kills, while outside hitter Robbie Onusko (four kills) and Regan (two blocks, two aces) each totaled four points.

Two kills and a block by Duda keyed a 4-1 U.S. run in the first set that turned a 10-9 lead into a four-point advantage at 14-10. Duda served an ace that clipped the net for an 18-13 U.S. lead. Still trailing by five, 20-15, the Netherlands went on an 8-1 run to take a 23-21 lead. After the teams exchanged the next two points, the U.S. scored the next three points, defending two set points on a Fabricio kill and a Duda kill on an overpass from a strong Green serve. The Netherlands saved set point three times before a Green kill put the U.S. up 29-28 and a nice up from Dadgostar went over the net and the Netherlands hit the ball into the net.

With the score tied at eight apiece in the second set, a seven-point serving run by Onusko gave the U.S. a 15-8 lead. A Roberts ace extended the margin to double digits, 22-12. A Fabricio kill made it 23-13 and Sam Surowiec served the final two points of the set to give the U.S. a two-set lead. Libero Travis Ricks and defensive specialist Danny Alvarez Rivadeneira made their tournament debuts in the set.

Wilson opened the back-and-forth scoring in the third set with neither team leading by more than a point until the Netherlands took an 8-6 lead. The Netherlands was unable to handle a Regan serve that put the U.S. back out in front, 13-12. With the score even at 14, Fabricio scored four of the next five points with two kills and back-to-back blocks for a 19-14 U.S. lead. Another Fabricio block and an Onusko kill pushed the margin to seven points, 22-15. The U.S. dropped just one of the final four points in finishing with the victory.

The tournament, usually held the first weekend in July, is the last tournament before the team travels to Hangzhou, China, for the World ParaVolley Championship, July 10-17.

Men’s Roster

No Name (Position, Height, Hometown, Region)
1 Travis Ricks (L, 5-7, San Diego, Calif., Southern California)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo., Gateway)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb., Great Plains)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla., Oklahoma)
5 Eric Duda (S/OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Florida)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.,)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa., Keystone)
10 Robbie Onusko (OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla., Florida)
11 Roderick Green (MB, 6-3, West Monroe, La., Bayou)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill., Great Lakes)
18 Jason Roberts (OH/RS, 6-3, Perry, Ga., Southern)
19 Danny Alvarez Rivadeneira (L/DS, 5-8, West Jordan, Utah, Intermountain)
24 Fabricio da Silva Pinto (OH, 6-1, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil and Dublin, Calif.)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Ladislav Lelkes
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler
Performance Analyst: Sydnie Mabry
Therapist: Whitney Padgett
Team Manager: Connor Martin
Consultants: Jeff Smith, Dave Dantes

Schedule
Watch Live
All times Pacific

June 19
USA def. Ukraine, 3-2 (17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 21-25, 15-11)
USA def. Netherlands, 3-0 (30-28, 25-13, 25-16)

June 20
USA vs. Italy, 4:30 a.m.
USA vs. Poland, 8:30 a.m.

June 21
TBA

Stories

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Photo by FIVB

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 18, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team moved to 5-1 at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-16) win over Czechia on Thursday in Pasig City, Philippines. It was the second meeting between the teams in the VNL after Czechia, making its debut in the tournament, defeated the U.S. in an epic reverse sweep (27-25 in the fifth set) in 2025.

The U.S. (5-1) will face Italy (4-1), the top-ranked team in the world and defending VNL champion, on Saturday at 1 a.m. PT. The two teams have accounted for six of the seven VNL titles with each winning three championships. Italy has captured three of the past four titles.

The U.S. finished with a 12-5 advantage in blocks and 40-27 in kills. Each team served eight aces with the U.S. putting pressure on the Czechia passers throughout the match. Czechia, trying to find a way around the U.S. block, committed 10 more errors (15-5).

“I thought we played one of our most complete matches that I’ve seen us play since I’ve been the coach. It started from the service line. I thought we got a very good passing team and very efficient offensive team struggle there,” said U.S. head coach Erik Sullivan. “This is a tournament that is long and we’ve got some depth. We’ll see what we do with our lineup. We are looking at bigger picture things, not just the next match. It is a great opportunity for us to compete against an awesome Italy team. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Setter Jordyn Poulter used great ball distribution to lead the U.S. offense to a .493 hitting percentage. She served three aces and added a kill for four points. “All of us were chomping at the bit, ready to play this summer, adding Micah (Hancock) and JT (Jordan Thompson) back into the mix, some of my closest friends and people I have competed with for a while. It’s been really cool to see the collective team effort that we’ve had. Our passing was really solid and our serving was maybe the best serving we have had this quad. It made them uncomfortable and made our jobs a little easier,” stated Poulter, who served well throughout the match. “Coach was just giving me a seam to hit and I did my best to get some pop on the ball. The couple practices we have had here have been a little up and down with our serving, so it was so nice seeing everyone go to the back of the line putting in really tough serves.”

Opposite Jordan Thompson led the team in scoring for the second consecutive match with 15 points on 14 kills and a block. She hit an astounding .824 for the match with no errors in 17 attacks. Middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu dominated the net with six blocks and was part of multiple other double blocks. She finished with 11 points on four kills and an ace.

Outside hitters Logan Eggleston (11 points on nine kills and two aces) and Avery Skinner (nine points on seven kills and two blocks) each hit over .400 for the match. Skinner and libero Morgan Hentz paced the team with six digs apiece, and Eggleston added four. Skinner and libero Lexi Rodriguez each recorded four successful receptions.

Middle Dana Rettke scored four points on two kills and two blocks, and opposite Stephanie Samedy contributed four points on three kills and a block. Setter Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres served a pair of aces, giving the setters five of the team’s eight aces.

Skinner scored three points with Eggleston and Rettke scoring twice to help the U.S. jump out to a 9-4 lead in the first set. Samedy, who came in as part of a double switch with Ka’aha’aina-Torres, put a ball down the line for a 17-13 lead. Ogbogu recorded the first block of the match for a 19-14 U.S. advantage. Czechia used its first block and third ace to cut the deficit to two points, 19-17. The U.S. scored the final six points, keyed by three blocks with Ogbogu either registering the block or being part of the double block. Eggleston led all players with six points.

Poulter opened the second set with her second ace and Eggleston scored off a set from Rettke for a 5-3 U.S. lead. Eggleston served back-to-back aces, the off the tape to increase the margin to five points, 9-4. Consecutive kills by Ogbogu and Thompson doubled up the score, 16-8. Thompson drilled another shot down the line for a double-digit lead, 19-9. A Ka’aha’aina-Torres ace and Rettke block made it 23-11. Samedy ended the set with a kill to put the U.S. up two sets to none. Thompson scored six points in the set. The U.S. recorded all three blocks in the set and served four aces.

Back-to-back aces gave Czechia a 5-2 lead to begin the third set. An Ogbogu block gave the U.S. its first lead of the set, 10-9. Two more Ogbogu blocks increased the lead to five, 14-9, and forced Czechia to use a timeout. A great one-handed save by Poulter set Thompson for a kill and a 20-12 U.S. advantage. Samedy ended the match on a kill.

U.S. Women’s Week Two Roster for 2026 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28)
June 5 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-11)
June 7 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12)

Week 2: Philippines
June 16 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-12)
June 18 USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-16)
June 20 at 1 a.m. vs. Italy
June 20 at 9 p.m. vs. Serbia

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 at 11:30 p.m. vs. Thailand
July 8 at 9 p.m. vs. Poland
July 9 at 9 p.m. vs. Türkiye
July 11 at 8 p.m. vs. Brazil

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Jordan Thompson (Photo by FIVB)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 16, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team began the second week of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-12) victory over the Dominican Republic on Tuesday in Pasig City, Philippines. The U.S. entered the match ranked seventh in the world with the Dominican Republic ranked 12th. The win was the sixth for the U.S. in seven all-time meetings between the teams in VNL play.

The U.S. (4-1) will play again Thursday at 1 a.m. PT against Czechia (3-1).

The U.S. dominated in kills (43-31) and blocks (8-2) and made six fewer errors (22-16). Each team served two aces.

“For most of the match I thought we performed pretty well. There was just a little bit of a lull there in the second set. I was real happy with how we came out in the third set and got after them and didn’t let up at all. That’s a very dangerous team. Give them a little bit of oxygen and they can get going,” said U.S. head coach Erik Sullivan. “Systematically we are trying to do the right thing. It’s just a matter of how we can tighten it up and play at the edge of us being really good. We’re trying to execute, to do the things we really want to do.”

Opposite Jordan Thompson led all players with 13 kills, two aces, 15 points, and 10 digs. “I’m proud of the way we just come together. Sometimes it’s difficult to mix lineups and we are changing rosters from week to week, but we find ways to work together. It might not always be pretty, but I think part of our DNA as a team is being gritty and I think that showed tonight,” she remarked. “Every team in VNL is really strong, so as we look ahead, it’s taking the time to recover and get a really good scout in and taking care of business where we can.”

Outside hitter Logan Eggleston registered 10 kills and led the team with five successful receptions with middle blocker Dana Rettke scoring 10 points on five kills and five blocks. Middle Chiaka Ogbogu scored eight points on six kills and two blocks, hitting .625 with just one error in eight attacks. Primary setter Jordyn Poulter led the U.S. offense to a .358 hitting percentage. Rettke, Ogbogu and Poulter were all making their first VNL appearances this season.

Libero Morgan Hentz recorded nine digs and Eggleston finished with eight. Outside hitter Madi Kubik-Banks contributed six points on five kills and a block, while opposite Stephanie Samedy registered three kills. Kubik-Banks recorded four successful receptions and libero Lexi Rodriguez added three.

The Dominican Republic served an ace on the first point of the match and scored the first three points before the U.S. got on the board. Eggleston scored her third point to give the U.S. its first lead, 7-6. Ogbogu’s first block and third point gave the U.S. its first two-point advantage, 12-10. Ogbogu served for two points to make it 15-11 and prompt the Dominican Republic to take the first timeout of the match. Back-to-back blocks and a kill on an overkill by Rettke made it 21-15. Eggleston and Thompson scored the final two U.S. points, each recording their fifth kill of the set.

Eggleston tooled the block to put the U.S. up 4-0 to start the second set. A Rettke kill on a slide extended the margin to five points, 11-6. Eggleston scored on consecutive plays for a 16-8 U.S. advantage. The U.S. doubled up the Dominican Republic, 20-10, on a Kubik-Banks kill. Thompson scored her fifth point of the set on an attack that nearly reached 100 kilometers an hour and Rettke followed with another block for a 24-13 lead. The Dominican Republic scored six consecutive points before Poulter ended the set on a kill.

Rettke and Ogbogu each scored two early points as the U.S. rolled to an 11-3 start to the third set before the Dominican Republic recorded its first two blocks on consecutive plays. Thompson ripped a ball down the line for an 18-8 lead. Another Rettke block put the U.S. up by 12 points, 21-9. Rettke reached double digits in scoring to set up match point. Samedy scored off the block to end the match.

U.S. Women’s Week Two Roster for 2026 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28)
June 5 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-11)
June 7 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12)

Week 2: Philippines
June 16 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-12)
June 18 at 1 a.m. vs. Czechia
June 20 at 1 a.m. vs. Italy
June 20 at 9 p.m. vs. Serbia

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 at 11:30 p.m. vs. Thailand
July 8 at 9 p.m. vs. Poland
July 9 at 9 p.m. vs. Türkiye
July 11 at 8 p.m. vs. Brazil

Matt Anderson (Photo by FIVB)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 14, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team completed Volleyball Nations League (VNL) play with a 3-1 record after falling to world top-ranked Italy, 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-10) on Sunday in Ottawa, Canada. Despite the close match score, no set was decided by fewer than five points.

The U.S., currently ranked fourth in the world, will begin VNL Week Two in Orleans, France against Cuba at 8 a.m. PT on Wednesday, June 24.

“I give us a lot of nice marks,” U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly responded to a question of what grade he would give the team after week one. “Any team would be happy to come away with three W’s even though it is not only about the victories. It’s about are we making progress, are we improving, are we learning about some of our people since it’s only week one for VNL and I think we accomplished a number of those objectives.”

Italy finished with a 57-50 advantage in kills, while the U.S. held slight leads in blocks (12-10) and service aces (8-7).

“It was a struggle the whole night and I credit our guys for fighting through. It was like we were slogging through quicksand the whole time and that is a really good team across the net, and they had three sets where they were just bombing serves and that serving overwhelmed us. I admire the way we kept fighting, losing the first, fight back second, lose the third, fight back in the fourth. We never quit, never gave up and that’s a part of who we are. We’re not going away,” Kiraly commented.

Opposite Jake Hanes led the U.S. as he did in all three of his matches this week with a match-high 25 points on 18 kills, two blocks and a match-high five aces. Captain and outside hitter Matt Anderson totaled 17 points on 16 kills and a block. “It came down to a couple plays and that’s how high-level volleyball is. They made a couple risky serves that caught lines and they had some really good passes on hard serves from us. A couple plays here and there swayed the match for them,” Anderson remarked. “It was a great weekend for us. Last night was a big win and just a great experience for us to build off, especially for some of the young guys out there.”

Outside hitter Jordan Ewert scored 14 points on 11 kills and three blocks. Middle blockers Jeff Jendryk (three blocks, one kill, one ace) and Taylor Averill (three kills, one block, one ace) scored five points apiece. In addition to setting, Micah Ma’a contributed four points on a pair of blocks, a kill and an ace. Libero Erik Shoji and Ewert shared the team lead with seven digs with Ma’a adding six. Shoji led all players with nine successful receptions of the strong Italy serve and Anderson finished with seven.

Italy scored four consecutive points to take an 8-5 lead in the first set. After Italy stretched the advantage to five points, 12-7, the U.S. went on a 4-1 run to cut the deficit to two points, the closest it would get the rest of the set. Italy scored the next three points to regain its five-point lead, 16-11. Jendryk served an ace to make it 16-13 but Italy scored four of the next five points to take command of the set. Ewert was the only U.S. player with more than two points with six points on four kills and two blocks.

A 121-kilometer ace by Hanes gave the U.S. a 6-3 lead in the second set. A Ma’a block put the U.S. ahead 8-5. Averill served an ace and Jendryk finished the next rally with a block that sent the U.S. to a five-point lead, 11-6, and forced Italy to take its second timeout. The U.S. scored the first three points after the timeout with Anderson giving the U.S. a 14-6 lead. Another Jendryk block doubled up the score, 16-8.

Italy used a 5-2 stretch to cut the deficit to five, 19-14, but Averill and Ma’a delivered kills to push the lead back to seven points. Ma’a ended the set with an ace. It marked just the second time in eight VNL meetings between the teams that went past three sets. Hanes paced the U.S. with five points on four kills and an ace and Jendryk recorded three blocks.

Italy started fast in the third set, taking a 9-5 lead. The margin stretched to five points at 13-8. An Anderson kill and Hanes ace on back-to-back plays brought the U.S. within three, 14-11, but the lead remained at least three points for the rest of the set. The U.S. scored three of the next four points after a fiery timeout speech by Kiraly with an Averill kill cutting the deficit back to three, 21-18, but Italy finished the set on a 7-1 run. Anderson (four kills) and Hanes (three kills and an ace) each scored four points in the set.

Back-to-back aces helped Italy go on a 4-0 run for an 8-5 lead in the fourth set. Hanes scored three consecutive points on a kill and consecutive aces, the second at 124 kilometers (77 miles) per hour, to even the set at 8-8. Another Hanes kill and an Anderson cut shot put the U.S. back in front, 10-9. Anderson scored consecutive points, the first on a play in which Ma’a defended a serve off the tape, for a two-point U.S. advantage, 13-11. An Ewert block raised the margin to four points, 16-12.

Hanes’ fifth ace of the match gave the U.S. a 19-14 lead. Ethan Champlin entered the match to serve, and Italy was unable to get his first attempt back over the net, putting the U.S. up 22-16. Anderson used a hard angle to score on a triple block on a set from Shoji for a 23-17 lead and the U.S. eventually sent the match to a fifth set on a hitting error that was unsuccessfully challenged. Hanes led all scorers with eight points on four kills, three aces and a block. Anderson added five points on four kills and a block.

Italy took advantage of errors on the first two points of the deciding set to take a 3-0 lead and never trailed in earning the match victory. An ace made it 6-2 before Hanes scored the first offensive point of the set for the U.S. An Ewert kill brought the U.S. as close as it would get at 6-4. Hanes and Ma’a collided on a scrambling play that gave Italy a 12-6 lead. Hanes scored three points in a row on match point to bring the U.S. within 14-10 before the U.S. finished the match with a kill. Hanes scored six points on five kills and a block.

U.S. Men’s Week One Roster for 2026 VNL

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
6 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 USA def. Türkiye, 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23),
June 12 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-20)
June 13 def. Canada, 3-2 (20-25, 33-35, 26-24, 25-21, 15-11)
June 14 Italy def. USA, 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-10)

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 vs. Cuba at 8 a.m.
June 25 vs. Iran at 8 a.m.
June 27 vs. Japan at 8 a.m.
June 28 vs. Serbia at 11:30 a.m.

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Get your tickets.

July 15 vs. China at 6 p.m.
July 16 vs. Brazil at 6 p.m.
July 18 vs. Bulgaria at 6 p.m.
July 19 vs. Poland at 6 p.m.

Stories

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Jeff Jendryk
Jeff Jendryk (Photo by FIVB)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 12, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team swept Germany 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-20) at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League on Friday in Ottawa, Canada. Germany rallied for a five-set victory over the U.S. in last year’s VNL.

The U.S. (2-0) returns to action tomorrow at 1 p.m. PT against host Canada (1-1), which dropped a five-setter to Germany earlier this week.

The U.S. dominated in kills (41-27) and blocks (9-2), while Germany, playing its third match in as many days, served four of six aces.

“Shout to a German team that just played a third match in a row. That’s a really tough part of the schedule. I don’t want to say we got lucky but it’s nice to play a tired German team,” commented middle blocker Taylor Averill, who contributed six points on five kills and a block.

“We’re going to have to watch for the same thing when we get to Sunday’s third match in a row against Italy,” said U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly. “A lot of our guys have played a lot in Germany and know these guys well, they’re good friends, and they could see that they looked a little gassed today. We lucked out and caught them on a good day, but that is a really good team. I warned our team about the easy first set. Don’t assume anything. They can come back at us with amazing volleyball. They were playing some different guys and were just tired. Clinical is a good word. Business-like is another good word. We did some nice things. One of our goals is to take care of the easy plays. If an easy serve comes over the net to pounce on that as an opportunity or if we get a great serve, it should be easier for us to score a point off that, so we are taking great pride in doing that hopefully close to 100 percent.”

Opposite Jake Hanes again paced the U.S., recording match-highs of 14 kills and five blocks for 19 points. Outside hitters Matt Anderson (six kills, two aces) and Ethan Champlin (eight kills) both scored eight points. Champlin led the team with 10 digs and four successful receptions. Setter Micah Ma’a finished with six digs and added a block, while libero Erik Shoji posted five digs.

Seven other players scored.

“We just have a really solid group. We have a younger generation coming in that provides a lot of value and energy. We are having a good time. I am feeling much older with every day that goes by,” Averill quipped. “My hair is thinning. Life is changing for me, but I still love it. I am still honored to be a part of the program.”

Opposite Cole Hartke scored three points on two kills and a block, middle Merrick McHenry scored twice, recorded four digs and put pressure on Germany with his serve, and outsides Cooper Robinson and Jordan Ewert each scored two points in the third set.

Hanes and Champlin each scored two points to give the U.S. a 7-2 start to the match. Ma’a won a joust to push the lead to seven points, 12-5. After an Anderson back row attack and a Germany hitting error raised the lead to eight, 16-8, Germany ran off four consecutive points to cut the deficit in half and prompt a U.S. timeout. The lead went back to six points on a service error and hitting error, leading Germany to take its final timeout of the set.

A second successful video challenge by the U.S. made it 23-17 after Germany’s fifth service error of the set. An Anderson ace set gave the U.S. seven points. Germany scored the next three points to cut the lead to 24-20 and led to U.S. timeout. Back-to-back aces made it 24-22 before Champlin scored on an out-of-system kill off the triple block. Hanes led the team with six points on five kills and a block, and Champlin delivered four kills.

Hanes scored three early points and Averill put a ball down to help the U.S. off to a 6-2 start in the second set. A Hanes block advanced the U.S. advantage to five points, 11-6. The U.S. doubled up Germany, 14-7, when Champlin scored off the block. After two more errors raised the margin to eight points, 16-8, Germany called time out. Averill registered a block on the next point for a nine-point lead. A block by Hartke and an Anderson kill off a set from Andrew Rowan gave the U.S. its first double-digit lead, 21-11. Hartke scored to give the U.S. set point and Champlin ended the set with a kill set up by a Hartke pass. Hanes scored five points on three kills and two blocks, while Germany only produced four kills in the set.

With the score 7-7 in the third set, Hanes scored his fourth point with a swipe off the double block in the middle, McHenry went up high to score his first point, and Anderson scored for a three-point lead. A Germany timeout did not stop the momentum as two points by Anderson, one led by a pass on an overpass by McHenry, and another by Hanes raised the lead and run to six. Hanes’ eighth point of the set upped the scored to 18-12. Germany cut the deficit to three points, 22-19, before a U.S. timeout. A service error followed by a Rowan block set up match point. The U.S. ended the match with a Mason Briggs pass to Rowan, who set Ewert for a kill.

The U.S. expects a large and boisterous home crowd in tomorrow’s match.

“This is what it is about, playing Canada on its home court. We had a couple of friendlies last weekend and they are such a good team playing high-level volleyball. Hopefully we will get a sold-out crowd. Bring the kids back!” Averill referred to the large number of school children at last weekend’s matches. “They came to our first match. It was kids camp and I loved it. It was super fun. That is what it takes to get better, playing in really intense environments when you are the away team. We are ready to roll the dice.”

U.S. Men’s Week One Roster for 2026 VNL

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
6 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 USA def. Türkiye, 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23),
June 12 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-20)
June 13 vs. Canada at 1 p.m.
June 14 vs. Italy at 3 p.m.

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 vs. Cuba at 8 a.m.
June 25 vs. Iran at 8 a.m.
June 27 vs. Japan at 8 a.m.
June 28 vs. Serbia at 11:30 a.m.

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Get your tickets.

July 15 vs. China at 6 p.m.
July 16 vs. Brazil at 6 p.m.
July 18 vs. Bulgaria at 6 p.m.
July 19 vs. Poland at 6 p.m.

Stories

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Girls U17 athletes celebrate
Maija Mortensen and Kaelyn Easton

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 12, 2026) – USA Volleyball has selected the 14 athletes who will represent the United States at the 2026 FIVB Girls U17 World Championship, Aug. 6-16 in Santiago, Chile. This is the second-ever U19 World Championship and the first time the U.S. has competed.

The team will train July 25-29 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs before departing to Chile. The squad will then participate in a pre-tournament training camp hosted by the Volleyball Federation of Chile from July 31-Aug. 4.

The United States will compete in Pool A at the World Championship alongside host Chile, Türkiye, Egypt, Thailand and Czechia, with the first match scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on August 6 vs. Egypt.

Among the athletes participating is Kari Knotts, who helped the U.S. Women’s U19 National Team win gold at the 2025 U19 Pan American Cup, where she was named MVP and Best Spiker. 

Several athletes return after helping the U.S. win gold at the 2025 NORCECA Girls U17 Continental Championship. Maya Ogbogu earned tournament MVP and Best Spiker honors, while Lexi Coleman was named Second Best Spiker. Kaelyn Easton, Ellie Enger,  Madlen Gloessner, Taylor Johnson, Julia Masselink and Madison Middleton also return from the gold-medal team. Grace Hengler was part of the 2025 U17 National Team as well.

Brynli Burgess, Maija Mortensen, Peyton Smith and Kaya Young are making their U.S. national team debut.

2026 U.S. Girls U17 National Team Roster for World Championship

No., Name (Position, Height, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
3 Lexi Coleman  (PIN, 6-0, Northville, Mich., South Lyon East HS, Lakeshore)
5 Kaelyn Easton (S, 5-11, Saline, Mich., Mercy HS, Lakeshore)
6 Ellie Enger (S, 6-1, Forest City, Fla., Orangewood Christian HS, Florida)
7 Madlen Gloessner (MB, 6-5, Denver, Colo., Lakewood HS, Rocky Mountain)
8 Kari Knotts (PIN, 6-3, Marietta, Ga., The Lovett School, Southern)
9 Grace Hengler (L, 5-6, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas)
11 Taylor Johnson (PIN, 6-0, Plano, Texas, Hebron HS, North Texas)
13 Julia Masselink (PIN, 6-2, Sioux Falls, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
15 Madison Middleton (MB, 6-1, Roswell, Ga., St. Francis HS, Southern)
16 Maya Ogbogu (PIN, 6-0, Parker, Texas, Allen HS, North Texas)
19 Brynli Burgess (L, 5-9, Van Alstyne, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
24 Maija Mortensen (MB, 6-3, Draper, Utah, Corner Canyon HS, Intermountain)
26 Peyton Smith (PIN, 6-0, Arlington, Texas, Duncanville HS, North Texas)
28 Kaya Young (MB, 6-3, Rockville, Md., Kaiserslautern HS)

Coaches

Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (NTDP)
Assistant Coach: Amir Lugo-Rodriguez (SC Rockstar/Long Beach State men’s volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Laura “Bird” Kuhn (MLV)
Performance Analysts: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M – domestic leg), Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club – international leg)
Athletic Trainer/Team Doctor: Madison Hauge (domestic leg), Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic – international leg)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule

August 6: USA vs. Egypt, 11 a.m. PT
August 7: USA vs. Türkiye, 11 a.m. PT
August 8: USA vs. Chile, 5 p.m.
August 10: USA vs. Thailand, 11 a.m.
August 11: USA vs. Czechia, 11 a.m.
August 12: Round of 24 and Round of 16
August 14: Quarterfinals and Playoffs
August 15: Semifinals and Playoffs
August 16: Medal matches and Playoffs

Photo by FIVB

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 10, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Türkiye 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23) to begin 2026 Volleyball Nations League play on Wednesday in Ottawa, Canada. The U.S. finished fifth and Türkiye placed sixth at the 2025 FIVB World Championship.

The U.S. (1-0), ranked fifth in the world, will face 11th-ranked Germany on Friday at 1 p.m. PT.

The U.S. led in kills (59-53) and blocks (7-5), while Türkiye served six of eight aces in the match.

“I really liked how it wasn’t always smooth and pretty and easy on our side, but our team kept moving forward. Türkiye did a great job of storming back at the very end of that match (falling 25-23 after trailing 23-15). We didn’t panic or lose our poise. I love how they pushed us. Great competition means both sides push hard and our team responded well and we have a lot to get better at,” said U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly. “2026 VNL, here we are. Some interesting rule tests this year, including more substitutions. Teams can do some different things, so it will be really exciting to see the evolution of the game in this year with a lot of people thinking not only about VNL, but also Olympic qualification later this year. It is a very important year.”

Opposite Jake Hanes led all players with 21 points and 20 kills, adding one block. Libero Erik Shoji contributed six digs and five successful receptions.

“We came out pretty strong and we wanted to compete well. We learned a couple of things the last week. Obviously, we want to finish a little bit stronger, but three points is three points,” remarked Shoji, who was playing in his 81st VNL match. “I think we were a little bit tight. We were working on the seams a little bit, putting the ball just a little over the net, so we tried to adjust to bring off a little bit for Micah (setter Ma’a) to better run the offense. After that we only gave up one ace in the third and fourth and that’s pretty good.”

Captain Matt Anderson scored 15 points on 13 kills, one block and one ace. He also paced the team with eight successful receptions and added five digs. In addition to running the strong U.S. offense, Ma’a led the team with seven digs, while scoring four points on two kills and two blocks.

Middle blocker Jeff Jendryk led all players with three blocks, finishing with seven kills and an ace for 11 points. Outside hitter Ethan Champlin recorded 10 kills and contributed four successful receptions. Middle Taylor Averill posted five kills with opposite Cole Hartke, playing in his first VNL match, adding a pair of kills.

Hanes scored six of the first nine U.S. points with five kills and a block. A triple block put the U.S. up 10-6 and led to a Türkiye timeout. A tough Hanes serve led to an overpass and an eventual kill by Averill for a 16-12 lead. Back-to-back aces brought Türkiye within a point, 17-16, for the first time since early in the set. A great set by Ma’a led to Hanes’ seventh point of the set to regain the two-point lead on the next play. A Ma’a dump and Anderson kill put the U.S. up 20-18.

A diving up by Ma’a led to a Hanes kill high off the block and a Türkiye hitting error extended the margin back to four points, 22-18. A Jendryk kill off a strong Ma’a set off the net made it 23-19 and Jendryk served an ace to give the U.S. five set points. After Türkiye scored the next point, the U.S. finished the set on a Champlin kill after a diving up from Shoji and a hustle set from Ma’a. Hanes led all players with eight points on seven kills and a block.

Türkiye jumped out to a 7-3 lead in the second set, taking the four-point advantage after putting away an overpass. Hanes’ 10th point of the match cut the deficit to two points, 12-10. A great dig by Shoji led to an Anderson kill against the triple block off a set from Champlin to bring the U.S. within a point, 13-12. A Champlin kill on a back row attack kept the U.S. within a point, 15-14, but Türkiye scored the next three points to match its biggest lead of the set at four points. An ace raised the lead to five, 21-16, and the U.S. trailed by at least four points the remainder of the set as Türkiye evened the match with a triple block on set point. Anderson led the U.S. with six kills.

Hanes scored on an overpass to give the U.S. a 4-1 lead in the third set. An Anderson kill followed by a Ma’a solo block put the U.S. ahead 9-5. Champlin scored off the highest hands of a triple block as the U.S. extended the lead to six points, 14-8. In spite of a great effort by Hanes chasing the ball down and Shoji somehow one-arming the ball over the net, Türkiye cut the deficit to three points, 15-12, and led to a U.S. timeout.

A block cut the deficit to two points, 18-16, but Hanes scored on a cross-court attack to extend the lead back to three. An excellent Shoji pass led to a Jendryk kill for a 20-17 lead and another Hanes cross-court kill made it 21-18. Anderson and Hartke scored on back-to-back plays to give the U.S. five set points. Averill finished the third consecutive set with a 25-20 score. Hanes paced the team with six kills.

A Jendryk tip put the U.S. ahead 10-6 in the fourth set. An Anderson ace stretched the advantage to six points, 13-7. Jendryk registered his second block and 10th point for a 14-8 lead. Türkiye pulled within four points, 15-11, but Hanes hammered a ball down after a great Anderson pass and Champlin scored on a back row attack to raise the margin back to six points. A Jendryk block gave the U.S. a 19-12 advantage. Ma scored after a lengthy successful U.S. challenge to make it 20-13.

Anderson scored consecutive points, the second keyed by another strong dig by Shoji, for a 22-14 lead. Türkiye scored four points in a row to cut the lead in half, 23-19. Following a U.S. timeout, Hanes scored to set up match point. Türkiye held off three match points, including an ace, to make it 24-22 and prompt the U.S. to take its final timeout. Türkiye scored off the block to pull within a point to cap an 8-1 run before Hanes ended the match with a kill. Jendryk scored five points on three kills and two blocks with Anderson (three kills and one ace) and Hanes (four kills) adding four points apiece.

U.S. Men’s Week One Roster for 2026 VNL

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
6 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 USA def. Türkiye, 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23),
June 12 vs. Germany at 1 p.m.
June 13 vs. Canada at 1 p.m.
June 14 vs. Italy at 3 p.m.

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 vs. Cuba at 8 a.m.
June 25 vs. Iran at 8 a.m.
June 27 vs. Japan at 8 a.m.
June 28 vs. Serbia at 11:30 a.m.

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Get your tickets.

July 15 vs. China at 6 p.m.
July 16 vs. Brazil at 6 p.m.
July 18 vs. Bulgaria at 6 p.m.
July 19 vs. Poland at 6 p.m.

Stories

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Simone Lee-Wank and Asjia O'Neal (Mathieu Belanger)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 7, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team finished 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week One with a 3-1 record after sweeping Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12) on Sunday in Quebec City, Quebec.

The U.S. will begin 2026 VNL Week Two play at 9 p.m. PT on Tuesday, June 16 in the Philippines.

The U.S. dominated offensively with 45 kills compared to just 28 for Germany and finished with an 11-6 edge in blocks. Germany served one more ace (5-4).

“There was a lot of good stuff on our side. We weathered the storm. Germany came out playing at a very high level at the start (the U.S. trailed 17-12). From that point on, you could see the resolve. I thought we did a good job of not getting back on our heels and staying aggressive. I’m really proud of how we competed,” said U.S. head coach Erik Sullivan. “Hopefully we walk away from this last match knowing that we can play with anybody in the world. We don’t have to be anything that we are not. We just need to be us. If we play at a high level for a long period of time, we are right in the midst.”

Outside hitter Simone Lee-Wank led all players with 16 points and 15 kills, adding a block. She led the team with eight digs and finished second on the squad with three successful receptions.

“We learned a lot from our match two days ago against France. We always have a chance to bounce back and we always have a chance to improve. What we talked about in video as well as amongst ourselves and the coaches helped push the needle forward and helped us secure this victory,” she communicated. “I’ve been in and out of national teams, so it’s fun to see the swagger (Sullivan answered a question prior to the third set saying he didn’t believe the team had lost any swagger) myself up close and personal. If this is the swagger we are talking about, I can’t wait to see what more we can bring.”

Outside Avery Skinner totaled 15 points on 12 kills, two aces and a block, while opposite Jordan Thompson also reached double digits with 10 points on eight kills and a pair of blocks. Primary setter Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres ran the offense that hit .414 (45 kills, nine errors, 87 attacks) for the match. The U.S. used two liberos with Morgan Hentz and Lexi Rodriguez each recording five digs.

Middle blocker Asjia O’Neal registered a match-high four blocks to go with three kills and an ace for eight points. Opposite Stephanie Samedy added five points on four kills and a block, and middle Molly McCage contributed four points on two kills and two blocks with key points late in the opening set.

The first set began with eight consecutive side outs. A block gave Germany the first two-point lead for either team, 9-7. Another block extended the margin to four points, 12-8. Germany scored on the longest play of the set to take a five-point lead, 14-9. A Lee-Wank kill off a set from O’Neal followed by an O’Neal block cut the deficit to two points. Germany responded out of a timeout to score three consecutive points for a 17-12 advantage.

Back-to-back Skinner kills and a Samedy kill capped a five-point U.S. streak that evened the set. O’Neal served an ace to give the U.S. the lead and McCage scored the next two points, one on a block and another on a kill, for a 21-18 lead. A hitting error ended a 10-1 U.S. run that raised the lead to four points. A McCage kill gave the U.S. set point. Germany fought off three set points before a McCage block put the U.S. in front in the match. The U.S. out-blocked Germany 5-3 in a nearly even statistical opening set. Six U.S. players scored at least two points.

A one-handed set from Ka’aha’aina-Torres to Lee-Wank and a Ka’aha’aina-Torres attack on an overpass gave the U.S. a 6-3 lead in the second set. A Germany kill off an overpass squared the set at 8-8. A Skinner serve caused an overpass, which Lee-Wank put down for a 12-9 U.S. advantage. Germany called timeout but Skinner followed with an ace for a four-point margin. Consecutive blocks by Thompson and O’Neal pushed the margin to five points, 16-11.

Back-to-back aces, the second dribbling off the net, cut the deficit to two points. Lee-Wank scored on the next play. After a hitting error, Samedy followed with a kill and O’Neal recorded a block after a great defensive play by Hentz kept the play going to give the U.S. a six-point lead. Lee-Wank, who served the final seven points of the set for a 10-point victory, paced the U.S. with six kills.

Three Lee-Wank kills and a Skinner ace, combined with diving defensive plays by Hentz and Lee-Wank, helped state the U.S. to a 5-0 start to the third set. An ace cut the deficit to two points, 7-5. A great up by Hentz led to an O’Neal kill on a slide for an 11-7 lead and Skinner scored on the next play to raise the margin back to five. A strong Rodriguez dig helped the U.S. go up 13-9 on another Skinner kill.

A Lee-Wank block as part of a triple block stretched the lead to seven points, 17-10. Samedy, part of the U.S. double switch with Hancock, scored after a great dig by Hentz, for a 20-12 lead. After a Germany timeout, Hancock served an ace, Lee-Wank scored her 15th point, and Skinner and Samedy scored to set up match point. Germany was unable to get the ball over the net on the final play. Skinner (six kills, one ace) and Lee-Wank each scored seven points as the U.S. nearly tripled Germany (17-6) in blocks in the set.

U.S. Women’s Week One Roster for 2026 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
14 Anna Hall (MB, 6-2, Laurens, S.C., Univ. of Louisville, Palmetto)
20 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt, Southern California Southern Nevada)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)
77 Sami Francis (MB, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28)
June 5 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-11)
June 7 USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12)

Week 2: Philippines
June 16 at 9 p.m. vs. Dominican Republic
June 18 at 1 a.m. vs. Czechia
June 20 at 1 a.m. vs. Italy
June 20 at 9 p.m. vs. Serbia

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 at 11:30 p.m. vs. Thailand
July 8 at 9 p.m. vs. Poland
July 9 at 9 p.m. vs. Türkiye
July 11 at 8 p.m. vs. Brazil

Stories

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Stephanie Samedy (Mathieu Belanger)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 5, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team earned a thrilling 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-11) victory over France at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Friday night in Quebec City, Quebec.

The U.S. (2-1) has a day off before finishing up VNL Week One against Germany (1-1) on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. PT.

Both teams finished with 66 kills. France led in blocks (10-8) and service aces (7-4) but committed 35 errors compared to 24 for the U.S.

“Every match at VNL is going to be like that this year. Teams that may have been a little lower last year have gotten better, the middle teams have gotten stronger, and the top teams are great. I’m real proud of the way we hung in there and fought,” said U.S. head coach Erik Sullivan. “It’s awesome to see the systems that people are running and to have five great physical attackers on the court. It’s a really fun game to watch.”

Outside hitter Simon Lee-Wank led all players with 22 kills and paced the U.S. with 24 points, adding a block and an ace. Wank also contributed 14 digs and a team-high seven successful receptions.

“It was really exciting. It was a good fight from a really good French team. It’s not our typical starters and I think we did such a great job staying together and fighting to the last point,” she commented. “It’s so nice to look at your teammates and know they are going to fight just as hard as you. You can see that on the court, and you can see that in our celebrations. It’s mentally and physically exhausting, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. To fight with these women is amazing.”

Opposite Stephanie Samedy carried the U.S. in the third set and finished with 20 points on 18 kills, a block and an ace. Libero Morgan Hentz made several spectacular plays and led the team with 15 digs, while also finishing with four successful receptions. Samedy and setter Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres, whose setting led the U.S. to a .417 hitting percentage (11 kills, 1 error, 24 attacks) in the decisive set, each totaled 12 digs.

Outside hitter Madi Kubik-Banks scored 16 points on 13 kills, two blocks and an ace. She added nine digs. Middle blockers Molly McCage (six kills, one block) and Sami Francis (five kills, two blocks) each finished with seven points.

Three consecutive kills by Lee-Wank gave the U.S. a 10-5 lead in the first set. The lead stretched to five points, 14-9, when Francis scored on the longest rally of the set. France scored the next two points, and its next serve went off the net, where Kubik-Banks made a great pickup and Samedy ended up scoring for a 15-11 lead.

A Kubik-Banks ace raised the advantage back to five, 18-13. Lee-Wank pushed a ball of the block and out of bounds for her fifth point of the set to make it 20-16. France pulled within two points, 22-20, on a block, but the U.S. scored three of the final four points to take the set. Jordan Thompson came in on the last play as part of a double substitution with Rachel Fairbanks and produced the set-ending block.

Two strong Hentz digs led to a Lee-Wank kill gave the U.S. a 7-6 lead in the second set. Lee-Wank broke another tie with a kill for a 9-8 lead and Ka’aha’aina-Torres scored on an overpass on the following play for a two-point lead. France moved ahead 16-15, its first lead since 6-5, and then used a block to double the margin to two points, 18-16. France’s 12th service error of the match and hitting error tied the set at 18.

The teams exchanged points with the U.S. getting kills from Samedy, Lee-Wank and McCage before France took a 23-21 advantage and forced the second U.S. timeout. A hitting error cut the deficit back to one, at which point France called a timeout. McCabe’s kill stopped one set point and made it 24-23 France with a U.S. serving error evening the match at a set apiece. Lee-Wank (four points) and Kubik-Banks (three points) led the U.S. in the second set. France won the set despite 12 errors.

France used a three-point spurt to take the first two-point lead of the third set, 9-7. A Samedy kill put the U.S. in front, 13-12 but France used a pair of blocks to regain a two-point lead, 15-13. A McCage kill evened the set again at 15 but France bounced back with the next four points, the last on an ace, for the biggest lead of the set, 19-15. A back row attack by Kubik-Banks cut the margin back to two points, 20-18.

Down 21-18, the U.S. went on a 5-1 run to retake the lead. Kills by Francis and Lee-Wank helped the U.S. tie the set at 20 and back-to-back kills by Samedy put the U.S. ahead 23-22. Samedy turned, fired and scored from a tough position for a 24-23 lead. France had set point at 25-24 but Samedy scored again to tie it and then served an ace that just caught the back line to give the U.S. another set point with her set-high ninth point. The U.S. took the set and a 2-1 match lead on a McCage block.

A setter dump by Ka’aha’aina-Torres and a kill from Lee-Wank gave the U.S. a 7-5 lead in the fourth set before France used a 6-2 run for a 11-9 lead. A Francis block tied the set back up at 11. After giving up the next two points, the U.S. went on a 5-1 run to take a 16-14 lead. Francis tied the score at 14 apiece after great defense by Lee-Wank and Hentz, the first of three consecutive Francis kills, the final on a set from Lee-Wank. Samedy made it 16-14 with another kill. France called timeout and promptly tied the set again by scoring the next two points.

The U.S. took an 18-17 lead on a Francis kill off the block and 19-18 on a Lee-Wank kill but France scored the next three points for a 21-19 advantage. Lee-Wank and Samedy produced kills that tied the score at 22 and a Lee-Wank ace put the U.S. up 23-22. France scored the final three points of the set to send the match to a fifth set.

An ace gave France its first lead of the fifth set, 5-4, but Lee-Wank registered three consecutive kills, the third of which was her 20th of the match and was set up by a great dig from Kubik-Banks. A Logan Eggleston ace capped a 4-0 stretch that gave the U.S. an 8-5 lead. Francis scored on an overpass to make it 10-7 and Lee-Wank scored again, this time with a successful video challenge by the U.S., to establish a four-point margin.

Another Lee-Wank kill, her fifth of the set, made it 12-8. France scored the next two points, the second on a successful video challenge, but Samedy scored her 20th point of the night to put the U.S. ahead 13-10. After surrendering the next point, the U.S. finished the match with a McCage kill that clipped the net and a Kubik-Banks kill set up by another great dig from Hentz.

U.S. Women’s Week One Roster for 2026 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
14 Anna Hall (MB, 6-2, Laurens, S.C., Univ. of Louisville, Palmetto)
20 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt, Southern California Southern Nevada)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)
77 Sami Francis (MB, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28)
June 5 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-11)
June 7 at 11:30 a.m. vs. Germany

Week 2: Philippines
June 16 at 9 p.m. vs. Dominican Republic
June 18 at 1 a.m. vs. Czechia
June 20 at 1 a.m. vs. Italy
June 20 at 9 p.m. vs. Serbia

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 at 11:30 p.m. vs. Thailand
July 8 at 9 p.m. vs. Poland
July 9 at 9 p.m. vs. Türkiye
July 11 at 8 p.m. vs. Brazil

Stories

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Merrick McHenry
Merrick McHenry (Daniel Bartel)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 5, 2026) – Five Olympians are on the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for week one of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League, set for June 10-14 in Ottawa, Canada.

The VNL brings together the world’s top 18 teams for three action-packed weeks of preliminary play, with each team competing in four matches per week. Only the top eight teams will earn a spot in the Final Round, where a VNL title will be on the line.

Four-time Olympian Matt Anderon is back after taking the 2025 season off, while three-time Olympian Erik Shoji returns for another round of VNL play. Setter Micha Ma’a and middle blockers Jeff Jendryk and Taylor Averill are also on the roster for Ottawa. The team’s first match is Wednesday, June 10 at 8 a.m. ET vs.Türkiye

Returning from the 2025 VNL season are outside hitters Ethan Champlin, Cooper Robinson and Jordan Ewert; setter Andrew Rowan; libero Mason Briggs; and middle blocker Merrick McHenry.

Middle blocker Michael Marshman and opposite Jake Hanes make their first appearance on a VNL roster since 2024. Opposite Cole Hartke is making his senior national team debut.

Head coach Karch Kiraly, who is in his second year coaching the U.S. Men’s National Team, is assisted by Luka Slabe and Javier Weber.

The U.S. Men finished 6-6 in 2025 VNL preliminary play and and just missed advancing to the VNL Finals. At the World Championship, the team advanced to the quarterfinals, where they lost a five-set heartbreaker to Bulgaria.

U.S. Men’s Week One Roster for 2026 VNL

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
6 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
12 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 at 8 a.m. vs. Türkiye
June 12 vs. Germany at 1 p.m.
June 13 vs. Canada at 1 p.m.
June 14 vs. Italy at 3 p.m.

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 vs. Cuba at 8 a.m.
June 25 vs. Iran at 8 a.m.
June 27 vs. Japan at 8 a.m.
June 28 vs. Serbia at 11:30 a.m.

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Get your tickets.

July 15 vs. China at 6 p.m.
July 16 vs. Brazil at 6 p.m.
July 18 vs. Bulgaria at 6 p.m.
July 19 vs. Poland at 6 p.m.

Micha Hancock sets while Avery Skinner looks on
Micha Hancock (Mathieu Belanger)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 4, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team fell to 1-1 at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), dropping its match to host Canada 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28) on Thursday night in Quebec City, Quebec. It marked the first win for Canada over the U.S. at the VNL in four all-time matchups.

The U.S. (1-1), ranked seventh in the world, will play France (0-1) tomorrow at 5 p.m. PT.

Canada recorded statistical advantages in kills (40-34), blocks (10-7) and aces (5-2), while the U.S. made four fewer errors (29-25).

“We talked about being the aggressor and I don’t think we did that all night. I thought we were a little too passive. We were kind of waiting to see what Canada was going to do instead of coming out and enforcing our will. I think the same thing happened in the third set,” said U.S. head coach Erik Sullivan. “We can’t let this push us into the weeds too far. We just have to get ready for France. You learn something in every win and loss. We’ll go back and look at the film, try to clean up the stuff we can clean up and praise the stuff that we can praise.”

“I think it came down to the small things like it always does in a tight match like that. It’s a learning opportunity for us to be more creative and try to find solutions, which is what we’ve been trying to figure out over the last two summers. A big thing for us will be to figure out how to score in uncomfortable situations and working at that as a team. We have to take what we learned from this loss and keep going and I’m sure we will,” said setter Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres, who entered the match in the second set and gave the U.S. a spark.

Outside hitter Simone Lee-Wank (six kills, two aces and a block) and opposite Jordan Thompson (nine kills) each scored nine points. Middle blocker Asjia O’Neal shared match-high honors with four blocks and posted three kills for seven points. Outside Avery Skinner finished with five kills. Lexi Rodriguez had 12 digs.

Neither team led by more than two points until the final point of the first set. A Thompson kill put the U.S. ahead 19-17 before Canada scored three consecutive points to retake the lead. Skinner scored on a back row attack to even the set at 21 but Canada scored four of the final five points. Thompson paced the U.S. with three kills. The teams combined for 19 errors in the set with 10 by Canada.

Canada kept the momentum early in the second set with an ace capping a 7-2 start and forcing a U.S. timeout. A kill by Thompson and an ace from Lee-Wank keyed a 4-0 U.S. run that cut the deficit to a point, 8-7. Canada responded with a 7-3 stretch to regain its five-point lead, 15-10. Samedy and O’Neal kills from Ka’aha’aina-Torres cut the deficit to two points, 16-14. The U.S. nearly pulled within two points down 19-16 when an O’Neal serve missed landing in by a sliver.

The U.S. did pull within two points on four more occasions, twice on kills from Lee-Wank before Canada took its second consecutive set by a 25-22 score. O’Neal led seven U.S. scorers with three points on two kills and her fourth block of the match.

A Lee-Wank kill after back-to-back Canada errors gave the U.S. a three-point lead for the first time in the match, 8-5. Two Molly McCage kills put the U.S. up 11-8 and the lead stretched to four points, 14-10, when O’Neal put down a set over the net after a great scrambling defensive effort by the U.S. to get the ball over the net. A Lee-Wank kill on a counterattack raised the margin to five points, 17-12. Lee-Wank served an ace for a 20-14 advantage.

Canada used a 11-4 run to take a 25-24 lead. Lee-Wank produced a kill and a block for a 26-25 U.S. lead. Canada scored the next two points for another match point, but a Lee-Wank kill tied the set again. A tip point gave Canada its third match point, but Thompson registered a kill to square the set again. Canada scored the final two points to earn its first 2026 VNL win after falling to Germany in its opener.

U.S. Women’s Week One Roster for 2026 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
14 Anna Hall (MB, 6-2, Laurens, S.C., Univ. of Louisville, Palmetto)
20 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt, Southern California Southern Nevada)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)
77 Sami Francis (MB, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 Canada def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 30-28)
June 5 at 5 p.m. vs. France
June 7 at 11:30 a.m. vs. Germany

Week 2: Philippines
June 16 at 9 p.m. vs. Dominican Republic
June 18 at 1 a.m. vs. Czechia
June 20 at 1 a.m. vs. Italy
June 20 at 9 p.m. vs. Serbia

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 at 11:30 p.m. vs. Thailand
July 8 at 9 p.m. vs. Poland
July 9 at 9 p.m. vs. Türkiye
July 11 at 8 p.m. vs. Brazil

Stories

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Avery Skinner (Photo by FIVB)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 3, 2026) – The U.S. Women’s National Team opened play at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) with a 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23) win over Ukraine on Wednesday before a boisterous crowd that included 3,500 school children in Quebec City, Quebec. It was the first VNL match ever for Ukraine.

The U.S. (1-0), ranked seventh in the world, will face host Canada tomorrow at 5 p.m. PT.

“We want to see everyone’s best. It is a very good Ukraine team, very well-coached, and you could see it at the start of that third set. It was a nice job by our team bouncing back. They got after us pretty hard and it took a little while for us to get out feet underneath us, but I thought we did a nice job there,” said U.S. head coach Erik Sullivan. “It’s a nice start for us in the first match of the summer. Some of it is just getting comfortable under the lights, with the uniform on, against another opponent. I told our group, ‘VNL is short lived. Let’s celebrate for an hour and then we need to move on to our next match.”

The U.S. finished with three fewer kills (42-39) but dominated in blocking (9-2) and service aces (9-3) while also making half as many errors (18-9).

Outside hitter Avery Skinner led all players with 12 points on eight kills, a match-high three aces and a block.

“We were down in that third set, and I think that was important. It’s the first match and you have to get through the jitters and get into the flow. I’m proud of us for sticking with it and pulling it out in the end,” Skinner said. “I think it is just about building each set, each match, and hopefully getting more comfortable with each other. Every team we are going to play is really good. I think it is just about finding our own rhythm.”

Middle blocker Asjia O’Neal registered a match-best five blocks to go with five kills for 10 points. Opposite Jordan Thompson made her return with eight kills, and outside Logan Eggleston also scored eight points with six kills, a block and an ace. Eggleston and libero Lexi Rodrguez shared the team lead with six successful receptions. Rodriguez also paced the team with six digs.

Middle Anna Hall contributed seven points on four kills, two blocks and an ace. In addition to running the efficient U.S. offense, setter Micha Hancock added two aces and a kill for three points.

The U.S. moved out to a 4-1 lead on an ace from Hall and pushed the lead to four points, 7-3, on a roll shot by Skinner. Ukraine pulled within two points twice, but the U.S. responded each time with an Eggleston block extending the lead to five points, 15-10. After a Ukraine timeout, Eggleston served an ace for an 18-11 advantage. Ukraine got no closer than six points the remainder of the set. Eggleston led all players with six points on four kills, one block and one ace. The U.S. recorded all four blocks in the set and made four fewer errors.

Strong defensive plays by Rodrigiuez and Hancock, and a Skinner ace, on the first two plays helped the U.S. jump out to a 4-0 lead and force an early Ukraine timeout in the second set. Another Skinner ace raised the stretch to six points to open the set. Hancock put a ball down on an overpass and served an ace that trickled off the net for a 12-5 U.S. lead.

Ukraine scored four of the next five points to cut the lead back to four points. Back-to-back kills by Stephanie Samedy and O’Neal increased the margin back to seven points, 18-11. The teams split the next six points with a Hancock ace making it 21-14. Simone Lee-Wank put a ball straight down and served an ace to give the U.S. set point. Ukraine defended two set points before a service error gave the U.S. a 2-0 match lead. Eight players scored for the U.S. in the set.

Ukraine used a 5-1 run to take an 11-6 lead in the third set. The U.S. pulled within a point, 14-13, after Thompson drilled a kill and O’Neal followed with a block. A Samedy kill evened the set at 16 apiece and a hitting error put the U.S. out in front. Two kills and an ace from Skinner gave the U.S. its first two-point lead of the set, 21-19. Two Thompson kills and an ace from Morgan Hentz, in which the defender failed to get out of the way, set up four match points, 24-20. Ukraine fought off three match points and had a swing to square the set, but O’Neal ended it with a block.

U.S. Women’s Week One Roster for 2026 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
14 Anna Hall (MB, 6-2, Laurens, S.C., Univ. of Louisville, Palmetto)
20 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt, Southern California Southern Nevada)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)
77 Sami Francis (MB, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 USA def. Ukraine, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-23)
June 4 at 5 p.m. vs. Canada
June 5 at 5 p.m. vs. France
June 7 at 11:30 a.m. vs. Germany

Week 2: Philippines
June 16 at 9 p.m. vs. Dominican Republic
June 18 at 1 a.m. vs. Czechia
June 20 at 1 a.m. vs. Italy
June 20 at 9 p.m. vs. Serbia

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 at 11:30 p.m. vs. Thailand
July 8 at 9 p.m. vs. Poland
July 9 at 9 p.m. vs. Türkiye
July 11 at 8 p.m. vs. Brazil

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 31, 2026) – The U.S. Girls U17 National Team captured the gold medal at the 2026 NORCECA Girls U17 Pan American Cup with a 3-1 (25-14, 25-16, 20-25, 25-20) victory over a spirited Venezuela squad on Sunday evening in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The U.S. finished 4-0 in the tournament and dropped just one set.

MATCH STATISTICS

The U.S. totaled double-digit advantages in kills (44-34) and blocks (14-4), while holding a 7-5 lead in service aces. The U.S. made 11 fewer hitting errors (28-17).

Six U.S. players scored at least seven points in the gold medal-winning performance with opposite Mesa Jameson (10 kills, two blocks, two aces) and middle blocker Madlen Gloessner (nine kills and a match-high five blocks) sharing team-best honors with 14 points. Jameson led the team with 12 digs and eight successful receptions, while libero Bella Osborn added 11 digs.

Outside hitter MC Crutcher reached double digits with 10 points on eight kills and a pair of blocks. Middle Jael Smith scored nine points on six kills and three blocks. Starting setter Sophia Gregg led all players with five aces, adding a kill and a block, for seven points. Opposite Naomi Stevenson totaled seven points on six kills and a block.

The match started nearly three hours after its scheduled time after Peru defeated Canada in a five-setter for the bronze medal in the previous match, and then a power outage hit the facility. The U.S. used two Gregg aces to take a quick 4-0 lead in set one. Venezuela roared back with a 6-2 run before the U.S. ran off five consecutive points for an 11-6 lead. A Smith kill raised the U.S. lead to eight points, 18-10. A Jameson kill ended the set with the largest lead. Five U.S. players scored at least three points with Gloessner leading the way with four points.

Venezuela took its first lead of the match by scoring three of the first four points in the second set and still led by two, 10-8, when the U.S. scored the next six points to take a four-point lead. A Jameson blocked pushed the lead to six points, 19-13, and forced Venezuela to take its final timeout of the set. A Stevenson kill and Gregg ace gave the U.S. set point, 24-16, and Jameson’s third point of the set brought the U.S. one set away from the gold medal. Three other U.S. players also scored three points in the set.

A Gloessner block capped a 7-2 U.S. start to the third set. A Gregg block increased the margin to six points, 10-4. Venezuela used a 10-3 run to take its first lead of the set, 14-13, and took a two-point lead at 18-16. The U.S. called a timeout trailing 21-18 but a hitting error stretched the margin to four points. Venezuela scored four of the final six points to hand the U.S. its first set loss of the tournament. Jameson paced the U.S. with five points on four kills and an ace.

The U.S. moved out to a 7-4 lead to begin the fourth set before Venezuela put together three points in a row to even the score. Another Gregg ace and a hitting error put the U.S. back in front by three points, 12-9 and a Jameson ace increased the margin to four, 15-11. A Gloessner kill made it 17-13 but Venezuela scored the next two points to close the gap back to two points.

Three consecutive errors gave the U.S. a five-point margin, 20-15. A Gloessner block after a Venezuela timeout raised the lead to six. Venezuela used back-to-back aces to cut the deficit to three points, 22-19, before a hitting error and Jameson kill set up match point. Two points later, the U.S. took the gold medal on a Stevenson kill. Jameson led the U.S. with three kills and four points in the set.

2026 U.S. Girls U17 Pan Am Cup Roster

Name, Position, Height, Hometown, School, Region
1 McKenzie Andrews – MB, 6-5, Grosse Pointe, Mich. Mercy HS, Lakeshore
2 Chloe Burbage – S, 6-1, Cary, N.C., Green Hope HS, Carolina
4 MC Crutcher – OH, 5-11, Mansfield, Texas, Mansfield HS, North Texas
7 Madlen Gloessner – MB, 6-5, Wheat Ridge, Colo., Lakewood HS, Rocky Mountain
10 Mesa Jameson – OPP, 6-2, Cottage Grove, Minn., Eagan HS, North Country
12 Shiloh Braddick – OH, 6-1, Acworth, Ga., Etowah HS, Southern
14 Mikayla Matuszko – OH, 6-3, Wellington, Fla., The King’s Academy, Florida
17 Bella Osborn – L, 5-4, Plano, Texas, Plano Senior HS, North Texas
18 Shaun Waller – MB, 6-3, Franklin, Tenn., Centennial HS, Southern
20 Piper Coady – OH, 6-2, Newport Beach, Calif., Newport Harbor HS, Southern California
22 Sophia Gregg – S, 6-2, Chandler, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona
23 Hope Hengler – L, 5-2, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas
25 Jael Smith – MB, 6-2, Carson, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada
27 Naomi Stevenson – OPP, 6-1, Chapel Hill, N.C., Seaforth HS, Carolina

Coaches
Head Coach: Marie Zidek (DePaul University)
Assistant Coaches: Heather Olmstead (NTDP), Joshua Walker (Baylor)
Performance Analyst: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M)
Athletic Trainer: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times Pacific
May 26: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 28-26)
May 28: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, 25-14)
May 29: Quarterfinals (USA received a bye)
May 30: Semifinals, USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-21, 25-11, 25-17)
May 31: Gold Medal Match, USA def. Venezuela, 3-1 (25-14, 25-16, 20-25, 25-20)

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 30, 2026) – The U.S. Girls U17 National Team defeated Canada, 3-0 (25-21, 25-11, 25-17) in the semifinal round of the 2026 NORCECA Girls U17 Pan American Cup on Saturday in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The U.S. (3-0) will meet Venezuela (4-0) in the gold medal match on Sunday at 3 p.m. PT.

MATCH STATISTICS

The U.S. dominated on offense with 40 kills to just 16 for Canada, while making 10 fewer errors (29-19). The U.S. led 9-6 in blocks and 4-3 in service aces.

Middle blocker Madlen Gloessner led all player with 11 points on eight kills and a match-high three blocks. Outside hitter MC Crutcher also reached double digits with 10 points on a match-best nine kills plus a block. She also shared the team lead with six digs.

“Shout out to Canada for always applying pressure to us. I’m glad my team made it through. We play for each other, and we had a great match. I’m glad we made it to the final,” Crutcher said.

Opposite Mesa Jameson recorded seven kills and a block for eight points, while outside Makayla Matuszko also totaled eight points on six kills and two aces. She was the only player with more than one ace and tied for the team lead with six digs. Jameson shared the team lead with libero Hope Hengler with five successful receptions.

Setters Sophia Gregg and Chloe Burbage ran the offense that hit at a .280 clip, while Canada hit -.165.

Trailing 9-8 in the opening set, the U.S. scored four consecutive points to take the first three-point lead of the match. Jameson scored four of the first 12 U.S. points with three kills and a block. A Gloessner kill and block extended the margin to four points, 14-10, leading to a Canada timeout. The U.S. kept the pressure on with kills by Gregg and Gloessner for a six-point advantage. Jameson’s fifth kill of the set put the U.S. up 21-15. Canada responded with three quick points to cut the deficit in half but could not close the gap further. Gloessner’s fourth kill ended the set.

The second set began with a trio of Canada hitting errors. Another Jameson kill gave the U.S. a 10-5 lead. After dropping the next two points, the U.S. went on a 7-0 run for a 17-7 lead with Gloessner and Gregg recording blocks and Matuszko serving an ace during the stretch. The margin reached 11 points, 19-8, on a Crutcher kill. A Burbage ace gave the U.S. set point and Matuszko’s fourth point of the set on a kill put the U.S. up two sets to none.

Matuszko started the third set with an ace to give the U.S. a lead it would never relinquish. A kill and block on consecutive plays by Gloessner made it 5-1. Canada tried to stop the momentum with a timeout after a Crutcher kill pushed the lead to five points, 8-3, but the U.S. followed with a Crutcher kill and Waller block. The U.S. stretched the lead to 11 points, 17-6, on a Matuszko kill. Middle blocker McKenzie Andrews’ third kill of the set gave the U.S. a 21-8 lead. Canada scored nine of the next 12 points before the U.S. ended the match on a Shiloh Braddick block.

2026 U.S. Girls U17 Pan Am Cup Roster

Name, Position, Height, Hometown, School, Region
1 McKenzie Andrews – MB, 6-5, Grosse Pointe, Mich. Mercy HS, Lakeshore
2 Chloe Burbage – S, 6-1, Cary, N.C., Green Hope HS, Carolina
4 MC Crutcher – OH, 5-11, Mansfield, Texas, Mansfield HS, North Texas
7 Madlen Gloessner – MB, 6-5, Wheat Ridge, Colo., Lakewood HS, Rocky Mountain
10 Mesa Jameson – OPP, 6-2, Cottage Grove, Minn., Eagan HS, North Country
12 Shiloh Braddick – OH, 6-1, Acworth, Ga., Etowah HS, Southern
14 Mikayla Matuszko – OH, 6-3, Wellington, Fla., The King’s Academy, Florida
17 Bella Osborn – L, 5-4, Plano, Texas, Plano Senior HS, North Texas
18 Shaun Waller – MB, 6-3, Franklin, Tenn., Centennial HS, Southern
20 Piper Coady – OH, 6-2, Newport Beach, Calif., Newport Harbor HS, Southern California
22 Sophia Gregg – S, 6-2, Chandler, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona
23 Hope Hengler – L, 5-2, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas
25 Jael Smith – MB, 6-2, Carson, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada
27 Naomi Stevenson – OPP, 6-1, Chapel Hill, N.C., Seaforth HS, Carolina

Coaches
Head Coach: Marie Zidek (DePaul University)
Assistant Coaches: Heather Olmstead (NTDP), Joshua Walker (Baylor)
Performance Analyst: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M)
Athletic Trainer: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times Pacific
May 26: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 28-26)
May 28: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, 25-14)
May 29: Quarterfinals (USA received a bye)
May 30: Semifinals, USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-21, 25-11, 25-17)
May 31: Gold Medal Match, USA vs. Venezuela, 3 p.m.

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 28, 2026) – The U.S. Girls U17 National Team advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 NORCECA Girls U17 Pan American Cup by defeating the Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, 25-14) to conclude pool play on Thursday in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

The U.S. (2-0) will compete in the semifinal round on Saturday at 6 p.m. PT.

MATCH STATISTICS

The U.S. more than doubled the Dominican Republic offense with 44 kills to just 20. The U.S. dominated in blocks (10-3) and service aces (9-1).

“Today was a tremendous team effort behind the service line. Combined with strong reception and blocking, we were able to keep our middles involved from start to finish. Our pins also played a great match,” said U.S. head coach Marie Zidek. “Dominican Republic is a tough, versatile team, but we absolutely improved our ability to earn and stack points. We have a lot to build on and we’re excited to keep this momentum going.”

Outside hitter Piper Coady led all players with 14 points on 10 kills, adding three aces and a block. Opposite Mesa Jameson scored 13 points on 10 kills, two aces and a block.

Middle blocker Jael Smith totaled 11 points on eight kills and a match-best three blocks. Madlen Gloessner added seven points on seven kills, a block and an ace. Opposite Naomi Stevenson (five kills) and middle McKenzie Andrews (three kills, one block, one ace) each contributed five points.

Two Jameson kills sparked a 5-0 U.S. start to the match. Jameson served an ace for a 10-1 lead. Coady produced consecutive aces to push the advantage to 12 points, 16-4. Jameson recorded her sixth point of the set with a block to make it 19-6. A kill and block by Smith gave the U.S. a 22-8 advantage. Jameson (six) and Smith (five) combined for 11 points in the set, just one fewer than all of the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic stayed close for much of the second set, trailing by just a point as late as 14-13. Another Jameson kill stretched the lead to three points, 16-13, and promoted a Dominican Republic timeout. A Smith kill gave the U.S. a four-point lead for the first time in the set, 18-14. Coady’s fifth kill of the set put the U.S. out in front, 21-17, while Jameson’s fifth kill made it 22-18. Coady added a late ace to finish the set with six points. Two Dominican Republic hitting errors ended the set and gave the U.S. a two-set advantage.

A five-point run gave the Dominican Republic its largest lead of the match, 7-2, early in the third set. The lead remained at five points, 9-4, before the U.S. ran off eight consecutive points, keyed by blocks from Gloessner and Coady, and back-to-back aces by Shiloh Braddick. A Gloessner kill and ace helped put the U.S. ahead 17-12. A Braddick block started a six-point stretch that gave the U.S. match point, 24-13. Andews ended the match with her third kill and fifth point of the set.

2026 U.S. Girls U17 Pan Am Cup Roster

Name, Position, Height, Hometown, School, Region
1 McKenzie Andrews – MB, 6-5, Grosse Pointe, Mich. Mercy HS, Lakeshore
2 Chloe Burbage – S, 6-1, Cary, N.C., Green Hope HS, Carolina
4 MC Crutcher – OH, 5-11, Mansfield, Texas, Mansfield HS, North Texas
7 Madlen Gloessner – MB, 6-5, Wheat Ridge, Colo., Lakewood HS, Rocky Mountain
10 Mesa Jameson – OPP, 6-2, Cottage Grove, Minn., Eagan HS, North Country
12 Shiloh Braddick – OH, 6-1, Acworth, Ga., Etowah HS, Southern
14 Mikayla Matuszko – OH, 6-3, Wellington, Fla., The King’s Academy, Florida
17 Bella Osborn – L, 5-4, Plano, Texas, Plano Senior HS, North Texas
18 Shaun Waller – MB, 6-3, Franklin, Tenn., Centennial HS, Southern
20 Piper Coady – OH, 6-2, Newport Beach, Calif., Newport Harbor HS, Southern California
22 Sophia Gregg – S, 6-2, Chandler, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona
23 Hope Hengler – L, 5-2, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas
25 Jael Smith – MB, 6-2, Carson, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada
27 Naomi Stevenson – OPP, 6-1, Chapel Hill, N.C., Seaforth HS, Carolina

Coaches
Head Coach: Marie Zidek (DePaul University)
Assistant Coaches: Heather Olmstead (NTDP), Joshua Walker (Baylor)
Performance Analyst: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M)
Athletic Trainer: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times Pacific
May 26: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 28-26)
May 28: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, 25-14)
May 29: Quarterfinals (USA received a bye)
May 30: Semifinals, USA vs. TBA, 6 p.m.
May 31: Medal Matches

Stories

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Shaun Waller, Chloe Burbage, Mesa Jameson (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 26, 2026) – The U.S. Girls U17 National Team made its first appearance in a Pan American Cup a successful one with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 28-26) victory over Puerto Rico on Tuesday Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The team made its international debut last year, taking gold at the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U17 Continental Championship.

The U.S. will conclude pool play in the 2026 NORCECA Girls U17 Pan American Cup on Thursday at 2 p.m. PT against the Dominican Republic.

MATCH STATISTICS

The U.S. held statistical advantages in kills (40-19), blocks (11-4) and aces (9-6).

“A huge shoutout to Puerto Rico for applying pressure the entire match and keeping us on our toes. The first set is always so intimidating and I’m proud of my team for pushing through until the very end and coming out with the win ” said setter Chloe Burbage, who ran the U.S. offense to a 21-point margin in kills.

Eight U.S. players scored at least four points with outside hitter MC Crutcher (six kills, one block, three aces) leading the way with 10 points. Opposite Mesa Jameson (eight kills) and middle blocker Jael Smith (five kills, two blocks, one ace) each scored eight points. Jameson led all players with eight successful receptions.

Middle blocker Shaun Waller (six kills) and outside Piper Coady (five kills, one block) contributed six points apiece. Outside Shiloh Braddick (three kills, one block and one ace) and Mikayla Matuszko (four kills and one block) each added five points. Opposite Naomi Stevenson scored four points on three kills and a block.

Puerto Rico raced out to a 6-2 lead to start the match. The U.S. still trailed by four points, 12-8, before tying the set for the first time at 13 after a 5-1 run. After giving up the next point, the U.S. took the lead for good, completing a 10-2 streak that turned a four-point deficit into a four-point lead and led to a Puerto Rico timeout. Three aces by Crutcher and blocks from Andrews and Matuszko keyed the comeback.

Puerto Rico cut the margin to three points as late as 19-16, but a Madlen Gloessner block and Coady ace helped pushed the U.S. lead back to six points. The U.S. scored three of the final four points to take the set, finishing on a 17-5 run. Crutcher added two kills to her three aces to lead all players with five points in the set.

Using a 7-1 run, Puerto Rico took a 9-4 lead in the second set. An ace put Puerto Rico up 13-8. A Smith kill and a Stevenson block helped cut the deficit to one point and forced a Puerto Rico timeout. The U.S. evened the set at 14 apiece with kills by Stevenson and Matuszko but Puerto Rico scored three consecutive points for a 17-14 advantage.

The U.S. rallied to take the lead with a four-point run for an 18-17 lead. Puerto Rico called its final timeout of the set down 20-18 after kills by Waller and Braddick. A Crutcher block and kill moved the score to 22-19, capping an 8-2 U.S. stretch. Smith and Stevenson registered back-to-back blocks to finish the set and give the U.S. a two-set lead. Waller (four kills) and Smith (two kills, one block, one ace) paced the U.S. with four points each. Through two sets, the U.S. had out-blocked Puerto Rico 8-1.

A Waller kill ended a 5-1 run to give the U.S. an 8-6 lead in the third set. Waller served an ace to stretch the lead to four points, 11-7. Puerto Rico pulled within a point, 12-11, on an ace. A Braddick kill gave the U.S. a 14-11 advantage before Puerto Rico scored four of the next five points to square the set at 15. Back-to-back Waller kills and a Coady kill gave the U.S. an 18-15 advantage.

After Puerto Rico pulled back within a point, 20-19, a Smith kill and Burbage ace restored the three-point margin. Puerto Rico scored the next two points to cut the deficit back to a point. Jameson kills gave the U.S. 23-21 and 24-22 leads, but Puerto Rico fought off two match points before taking a late lead, 26-25. After using its second timeout, the U.S. scored the final three points to secure the win with Coady and Jameson providing kills before a hitting error ended the match. Waller led all players with five points on four kills and an ace with Jameson recording four kills.

2026 U.S. Girls U17 Pan Am Cup Roster

Name, Position, Height, Hometown, School, Region
1 McKenzie Andrews – MB, 6-5, Grosse Pointe, Mich. Mercy HS, Lakeshore
2 Chloe Burbage – S, 6-1, Cary, N.C., Green Hope HS, Carolina
4 MC Crutcher – OH, 5-11, Mansfield, Texas, Mansfield HS, North Texas
7 Madlen Gloessner – MB, 6-5, Wheat Ridge, Colo., Lakewood HS, Rocky Mountain
10 Mesa Jameson – OPP, 6-2, Cottage Grove, Minn., Eagan HS, North Country
12 Shiloh Braddick – OH, 6-1, Acworth, Ga., Etowah HS, Southern
14 Mikayla Matuszko – OH, 6-3, Wellington, Fla., The King’s Academy, Florida
17 Bella Osborn – L, 5-4, Plano, Texas, Plano Senior HS, North Texas
18 Shaun Waller – MB, 6-3, Franklin, Tenn., Centennial HS, Southern
20 Piper Coady – OH, 6-2, Newport Beach, Calif., Newport Harbor HS, Southern California
22 Sophia Gregg – S, 6-2, Chandler, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona
23 Hope Hengler – L, 5-2, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas
25 Jael Smith – MB, 6-2, Carson, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada
27 Naomi Stevenson – OPP, 6-1, Chapel Hill, N.C., Seaforth HS, Carolina

Coaches
Head Coach: Marie Zidek (DePaul University)
Assistant Coaches: Heather Olmstead (NTDP), Joshua Walker (Baylor)
Performance Analyst: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M)
Athletic Trainer: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times Pacific
May 26: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 28-26)
May 28: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 2 p.m.
May 29: Quarterfinals
May 30: Semifinals
May 31: Medal Matches

Stories

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The men's sitting team at the USAV Cup
The Men's Sitting Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 24, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team earned a silver medal at the USAV Sitting Cup in Orlando, Florida. The sixth-ranked team in the world dropped the gold medal match on Sunday to Brazil’s Club Athletico Paulistano (18-25, 25-21, 29-27, 25-23).

MATCH STATISTICS

Four U.S. players reached double digits in scoring, led by middle blocker Roderick Green, who posted 18 points on 10 kills and six of the team’s 10 blocks to go with two aces. Eric Duda led the team with 14 kills and added an ace for 15 points. Outsider hitter Zach Upp (12 kills and two aces) and Fabricio da Silva Pinto (13 kills and a block) each finished with 14 points. Upp was named the tournament’s best server.

Ben Aman contributed nine points with seven kills, a block and an ace. James Stuck totaled six points on three kills, two blocks and an ace.

Brazil started the match strong, taking a 6-2 lead, but a Green ace capped a 5-0 run that put the U.S. ahead. Fabricio kills helped the U.S. to three-point advantages at 12-9 and 14-11. A Duda kill and another Green ace propelled the U.S. to a 17-12 lead. Brazil closed the gap to one, 19-18, before a Fabricio kill and Duda ace started a 6-0 run that gave the U.S. the set. Fabricio finished the set with five kills.

Trailing 5-3 in the second set, Brazil ran off five consecutive points to take a three-point lead. A block put Brazil up 15-10. A Duda kill highlighted a 4-1 U.S. stretch that cut the margin to two points. With the U.S. down 17-15, Upp served an ace to force a Brazil timeout. Brazil scored three of the next four points to stretch the margin back to three points, 20-17. Fabricio (kill) and Green (block) scored to cut the lead back to one point, but the U.S. was unable to draw even as Brazil took the set to tie the match at one set apiece.

Green (three kills and a block) and Fabricio (two kills) scored the first six U.S. points in the third set, while Brazil was held to one point before calling timeout. Brazil scored four consecutive points out of the timeout to cut the lead to one and eventually tied the score 9-9. Green’s third block put the U.S. up 15-13. After Brazil tied the score again, Upp led the U.S. to a 17-15 advantage with a kill. Aman registered a kill for an 18-16 lead but Brazil again battled back to square the set.

A kill by Upp helped the U.S. regain its two-point lead, 20-18, before Brazil ran off three points in a row to take the lead. Fabricio tied the score at 21 with a kill but Brazil took a 24-22 lead. A Green block and Brazil hitting error knotted the set at 24-24. The U.S. took leads on kills by Upp and Green, but Brazil defended set point both times. Duda scored on a Brazil set point to make it 27-27 before the U.S. fell behind 2-1 in the match by dropping the last two points.

Upp, Duda and Green each recorded two kills as the U.S. raced to a 9-1 lead in the fourth set. Brazil responded with its own 5-1 run to cut the lead in half. A Fabricio kill and Stuck block pushed the lead back to five points, 13-8. Brazil scored the next two points, prompting the U.S. to use its second timeout. Scoring went back and forth with a Duda kill giving the U.S. a 19-15 lead before Brazil stormed back to take a 22-20 lead, completing a 7-1 run. The U.S. scored the next three points with kills by Aman and Fabricio leading the comeback. Brazil called time out and then scored the final three points of the match.

U.S. Men’s Sitting Team Roster
No Name (Position, Height, Hometown, Region)
1 Travis Ricks (L, 5-7, San Diego, Calif., Southern California)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo., Gateway)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb., Great Plains)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla., Oklahoma)
5 Eric Duda (S/OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Florida)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.,)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa., Keystone)
10 Robbie Onusko (OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla., Florida)
11 Roderick Green (MB, 6-3, West Monroe, La., Bayou)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill., Great Lakes)
19 Danny Alvarez Rivadeneira (L/DS, 5-8, West Jordan, Utah, Intermountain)
20 Jason Roberts (OH/RS, 6-3, Perry, Ga., Southern)
24 Fabricio da Silva Pinto (OH, 6-1, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil and Dublin, Calif.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Ladislav Lelkes
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler
Performance Analyst: Sydnie Mabry
Therapist: Whitney Padgett
Team Manager: Connor Martin
Consultants: Jeff Smith, Dave Dantes

Schedule

All times Eastern

Friday, May 22
USA def. Germany, 3-1 (25-16, 27-25, 21-25, 25-23)

Saturday, May 23
Club Athletico Paulistano def. USA, 3-1 (19-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-19)
USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-21)

Sunday, May 24
Gold Medal Match: Club Athletico Paulistano def. USA, (18-25, 25-21, 29-27, 25-23)

Bethany Zummo celebrates
Bethany Zummo (Jamari Logan)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 24, 2026) –The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team captured the USAV Sitting Cup gold medal with a thrilling 3-2 (28-30, 28-26, 25-22, 20-25, 16-14) win over Canada on Sunday in Orlando, Florida. The match featured the world’s top two teams in No. 1 U.S. and No. 2 Canada.

MATCH STATISTICS

Tia Edwards led the U.S. with 13 points on nine kills, three blocks and one ace. Monique Matthews and Kaleo Kanahele Maclay each scored 12, with Matthews having eight kills, two blocks and two aces; and Kanahele Maclay with five klls, three blocks and a team-high four aces. Matthews was named the 2026 USAV Sitting Cup Most Valuable Player, while Kanahele Maclay was selected as the tournament’s top setter.

Katie Bridge had eight kills and a block for nine points. Nicky Nieves and Raelene Elam both had five kills, and Alexis Patterson had two aces and three kills. Jillian Coffee had two kills, an ace and a block for four points. Courtney Baker had three points (one kill, two aces); MaKenzie Franklin Wittman had a kill and a block; Emma Schieck had two kills, and Whitney Dosty had a kill.

“It wasn’t just about trying to win this tournament but also trying to prep for world championships. We played different lineups in the first three sets to try to prepare some players. I thought some players did really well and some not so well, but we stayed in some close sets,” said head coach Bill Hamiter. “The first set, we lost and I thought we should have won. The second set, we won and I thought we should have lost. I told them at the end that I think it is the sign of a good team when you’re not at your best and you know you’re not executing as well as you normally can, that you still find a way to win and that’s what they did. They just kept competing and willed to win.”

Buoyed by three aces, two by Kanahele Maclay, the U.S. opened up a 9-4 lead in the first set. A Patterson kill stretched the lead to six points, 15-9. Elam’s third kill made it 19-13 before Canada cut the deficit to three points with a 5-2 run. A Patterson kill and Edwards block pushed the margin back to five points. Canada fell behind 24-19 before going on a 7-1 run to take its first lead. The U.S. successfully challenged a point that would have given Canada the set to even the score at 26 apiece. The U.S. saved two more set points before Canada won 30-28 to hand the U.S. its first setback of the tournament.

The score was tied nine times in the second set before the U.S. took the first two-point lead, 11-9, on kills from Bridge and Edwards. Canada scored the next two points to even the set again before the U.S. scored three consecutive points to take the biggest lead to that point on a Matthews kill. An error put the U.S. up 17-13, but Canada went on a 7-2 run, using back-to-back aces for a 20-19 lead. The U.S. regained the lead, 23-22, on a Coffee ace. A service error gave the U.S. set point at 24-23. Canada earned its first set point by scoring the next two points before another service error evened the set 25-25. The teams traded points before a Matthews kill and an attack error gave squared the match at one set each.

Canada raced out to a 9-4 lead in the third set. A Patterson ace cut the deficit to three points, 9-6, but the U.S. could not close the gap to three points again until a Schieck kill made it 17-14. A Franklin Wittman block pulled the U.S. within two points, 18-16, but Canada scored the next two points to regain a four-point advantage. The U.S. took a 22-21 lead behind four Kanahele Maclay points, two each on blocks and kills. A Schieck kill made it 23-21 and prompted Canada to take a timeout. Kanahele Maclay followed with an ace, and after a Canada block, an attack error ended the set and gave the U.S. a 2-1 match lead by finishing the set on a 7-2 run.

Canada moved ahead 8-5 to begin the fourth set but the U.S. scored the next four points. Neither team led by more than a point again until a three-point run by Canada, ending on a successful video challenge, made it 15-12. Kills by Nieves and Bridge brought the U.S. back within a point, 19-18. Canada called timeout and responded by scoring the following two points to move the lead back to three. The U.S. got no closer than two points as Canada sent the match to a deciding fifth set.

Edwards opened the fifth set with back-to-back kills. A Bridge kill made it 3-1 and the teams exchanged points until Canada scored four consecutive points to take a 9-7 lead. An Edwards kill sparked a 3-0 U.S. run with a Bridge kill putting the U.S. back out in front, 10-9. A Schieck kill made it 11-10, but Canada retook the lead. Edwards and Nieves posted back-to-back kills for a 13-12 U.S. lead. Edwards served an ace for match point, but Canada successfully challenged on the next point when it appeared the U.S. won and then scored again to even the set at 14. After calling timeout, the U.S. took the next two points on Canada errors with the match ending on an unsuccessful challenge.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster
No. Name (Position, Ht., Hometown, Region)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif., Northern California)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn., North Country)
5 Katie Holloway Bridge (OH, 6-3, Lake Stevens, Wash., Puget Sound)
7 Monique Matthews (MB, 6-0, Ardomore, Okla., Oklahoma)
8 Whitney Dosty (OH/OPP, 6-3, Tucson, Ariz., Arizona)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla., Oklahoma)
11 Jillian Williams Coffee (M/OPP/OH, 5-10, Odem, Texas, Oklahoma)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C., Carolina)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas, Lone Star)
14 Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (S, 5-6, Honolulu, Hawaii, Oklahoma)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla., Florida)
18 Courtney Baker (OH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky., Pioneer)
22 MaKenzie Franklin Wittman (OH, 6-0, Red Wing, Minn., North Country)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Assistant Coach: Steve Florio
Team Leader: Layne Smith
Performance Analyst: Jeffery Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Sports Psychologist: Brooke Lamphere
Nutritionist: Tatum Vedder
NTDP Coach: Tina Reading

Schedule

All times Eastern

Friday, May 22
USA def. Japan, 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-12)

Saturday, May 23
USA def. Canada, 3-0 ((25-20, 25-11, 25-13)
USA def. Brazil, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-15)

Sunday, May 24
Championship: USA def. Canada, 3-2 (28-30, 28-26, 25-22, 20-25, 16-14)

Emma Schieck, Kaleo Kanahele Maclay, Monique Matthews and Nicky Nieves celebrate
Monique Matthews, Emma Schieck, Kaleo Kanahele Maclay, Nicky Nieves

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 23, 2026) –The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team, the top-ranked team in the world, swept second-ranked Canada and third-ranked Brazil to finish undefeated in round robin play at the USAV Sitting Cup on Saturday in Orlando, Florida.

The U.S. defeated Canada, 3-0 (25-20, 25-11, 25-13) and Brazil, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-15) to finish 9-0 in sets heading into tomorrow’s championship at noon against North American rival Canada.

MATCH STATISTICS VS. CANADA

USA vs. Brazil

Setter Kaleo Kanahele Maclay had a superb night, leading all scorers with 13 points on seven kills, four aces and two blocks. Middle blockers Monique Matthews and Tia Edwards each had 10 points (nine kills and one ace for Matthews; six kills and four blocks for Edwards).

Katie Bridge had three kills, three blocks and an ace for seven points; Emma Schieck had five points (one ace, two kills, two blocks), and Nicky Nieves had an ace and two kills.

“We are playing pretty well overall,” head coach Bill Hamiter said. “There are still some big ups and downs, swings on our side with some mental letdowns. It was a great win, but I was a little nervous at times. It just never had that feeling that we were playing at the level that we can play. We still have room to go up. We know Brazil so well and they know us so well, so it is always a tough match with a lot of emotion.”

After the teams split the first six points of the match, the U.S. went on a 6-1 run to take a 9-4 lead. Matthews delivered four kills in that stretch. Brazil pulled within a point, 11-10, on its own 6-1 run. A Nieves ace pushed the lead back to three points, 13-10. After the teams traded the following four points, Brazil evened the set at 15.

A Nieves kill and Schieck block keyed a 4-0 run that gave the U.S. a 20-16 lead and forced Brazil to take a timeout. Brazil pulled back within a point, 23-22, before the U.S. came out of its own timeout with a block by Bridge. After Brazil defended one set point, the U.S. took the opener on an Edwards kill.

A Bridge ace and Edwards block helped stake the U.S. to a 5-1 lead in the second set. A Matthews kill extended the margin to five points, 8-3. The U.S. went up by double digits, 10-4, on a Matthews ace. The lead was still eight points, 20-12, when Brazil scored three points in a row and prompted a U.S. timeout. The margin was just three points, 21-18, when Bridge came up with a key block. An Edwards kill ended the set and put the U.S. two sets.

Two kills and a block by Bridge, two Edwards kills and three service aces by Kanahele Maclay helped the U.S. race out to a 9-1 start to the third set. Brazil rallied with a 5-1 run to cut the deficit back to four points, 10-6. Kanahele Maclay’s fifth kill pushed the lead back to seven points, 15-8. An Edwards block, her third, gave the U.S. a 19-11 lead. A Matthews kill put the U.S. on the verge of victory, and after Brazil staved off two match points, Kanahele Maclay delivered the clinching point.

USA vs. Canada

Middle blocker Monique Matthews led nine U.S. players who scored with 12 points on 10 kills and two blocks. Outside hitter Katie Holloway Bridge (nine kills), middle Tia Edwards (six kills, three blocks) and setter Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (five aces, two kills, two blocks) each scored nine points. Edwards hit .600 for the match with her six kills in 10 attacks without an error.

Nicky Nieves recorded four kills, and Emma Schieck added two kills and a block.

“We just needed a second to get into a rhythm and get used to each other. This is the first time this group has been together in a minute, and it was a lot of finding our joy, finding our fun, and finding our rhythm,” Schieck said. “Canada is always going to be scrappy and aggressive at the net, and we saw that. It’s who we want to play. We want to play high-level volleyball. I thought our middles and our blockers did a great job handling it and it made it really fun to play defense behind them.”

Canada took an early 9-5 lead in the match, but a pair of Kanahele Maclay blocks helped the U.S. even the set at 9-9. Kills by Schieck and Kanahele Maclay completed an 8-1 run that put the U.S. up 13-10. Trailing 17-15, Canada regained the lead by scoring the next four points for a 19-17 advantage. An Edwards block retied the set at 19 and a hitting error put the U.S. back out in front. After a Canada timeout, a kill by Edwards and two by Bridges gave the U.S. a 23-19 lead. Bridges’ fifth kill ended the set with the U.S. finishing on an 8-3 run.

After the fourth tie early in the second set, the U.S. used two Matthews kills to highlight a 4-0 run that put the U.S. ahead 9-5. A Canada timeout did not stem the momentum as Nieves recorded back-to-back kills for a six-point lead. A Schieck kill pushed the lead to eight points, 17-9. Three consecutive Matthews kills put the U.S. up 23-11. The set ended on back-to-back Nieves kills.

The U.S. scored the first three points of the third set and never trailed. An Edwards kill put the U.S. ahead by seven, 12-5, and led to a Canada timeout. A kill by Raelene Elam extended the lead to nine points, 15-6. The lead reached double digits when a Kanahele Maclay kill made it 21-11. A Whitney Dosty kill raised the lead to 11 points, 23-12 and a block by Alexis Patterson ended the match with the largest lead of the set, 25-13.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster
No. Name (Position, Ht., Hometown, Region)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif., Northern California)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn., North Country)
5 Katie Holloway Bridge (OH, 6-3, Lake Stevens, Wash., Puget Sound)
7 Monique Matthews (MB, 6-0, Ardomore, Okla., Oklahoma)
8 Whitney Dosty (OH/OPP, 6-3, Tucson, Ariz., Arizona)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla., Oklahoma)
11 Jillian Williams Coffee (M/OPP/OH, 5-10, Odem, Texas, Oklahoma)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C., Carolina)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas, Lone Star)
14 Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (S, 5-6, Honolulu, Hawaii, Oklahoma)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla., Florida)
18 Courtney Baker (OH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky., Pioneer)
22 MaKenzie Franklin Wittman (OH, 6-0, Red Wing, Minn., North Country)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Assistant Coach: Steve Florio
Team Leader: Layne Smith
Performance Analyst: Jeffery Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Sports Psychologist: Brooke Lamphere
Nutritionist: Tatum Vedder
NTDP Coach: Tina Reading

Schedule

All times Eastern

Friday, May 22
USA def. Japan, 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-12)

Saturday, May 23
USA def. Canada, 3-0 ((25-20, 25-11, 25-13)
USA def. Brazil, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-15)

Sunday, May 24
12 p.m.: Championship: USA vs. Canada

Fabricio and Eric Duda celebrate

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 23, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team split two matches on Saturday at the USAV Sitting Cup in Orlando, Florida. Ranked sixth in the world, the U.S. finished the day defeating eighth-ranked Canada, 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-21) after falling to Brazil’s Club Athletico Paulistano, 3-1 (19-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-19) in the morning.

The U.S. will face Club Athletico Paulistano on Sunday in the championship match at 2 p.m.

MATCH STATISTICS vs. BRAZIL
MATCH STATISTICS vs. CANADA

USA vs. Canada

Zach Upp led all players with 12 kills, eight service aces and 20 points. Eric Duda also reached double digits with 10 points on nine kills and an ace.

“We play Canada a lot, unlike club teams [like Athletico], which we have never seen before. This was a confidence booster. We scrimmaged Canada a lot in the past couple years, so we are familiar with their team and we know their systems,” Upp said. “We knew we could do it. We need to go back to what we had in that first set this morning and take care of business. We slowed down (this morning) and got lazy, but we know we can do it. We just need to trust in ourselves.”

Ben Aman and Roderick Green shared team-high honors with three blocks apiece. Each scored nine points with Aman recording four kills and two aces, and Green contributing five kills and an ace. Fabricio da Silva Pinto registered five kills and a block for six points, and James Stuck added four kills and an ace for five points.

Canada took a 7-3 lead to begin the match but three Upp aces evened the score at seven each. A kill and an ace by Aman gave the U.S. its first lead, 10-9. Fabricio followed with a kill for a two-point advantage, but Canada scored two quick points to even the set again. Two Upp kills sparked a four-point run to give the U.S. its biggest lead of the set to that point, 16-12. Upp’s sixth kill and ninth point of the set made it 19-14. The U.S. led by at least four points the rest of the set and ended it on a kill by Stuck.

Trailing 4-3 in the second set, the U.S. scored four points in a row, the last on an Aman block that ended one of the match’s longest rallies, for a 7-4 lead. Fabricio’s third kill of the match extended the margin to four points, 11-7. Upp recorded his 10th kill for an 16-12 U.S. lead. An Aman block raised the margin to five points, 18-13, at which point Canada called a timeout. Aman followed with a kill and another block for a 20-13 advantage. Aman ended the set with an ace.

The U.S. scored the first three points of the third set before Canada secured five of the next six points for its first lead of the set. An Upp kill completed a 4-0 run that put the U.S. back up by three points. Two Upp aces, the second after a successful video challenge, extended the margin to five points, 11-6. Green produced three consecutive kills to put the U.S. ahead 15-8.

Canada scored seven consecutive points to take a 20-19 lead. After the U.S. used its second timeout, Duda tied the score and Upp served two more aces for a 22-20 U.S. lead. Fabricio ended a long rally with a kill for a 23-20 advantage, confirmed by video replay. Upp’s eighth ace set up match point. Canada survived one match point before a Duda kill sealed the U.S. victory.

USA vs. Club Athletico Paulistano

Upp shared match-high honors with 18 points and four service aces, while leading all players with 13 kills. Green scored 14 points on 12 kills and two blocks, and Duda added 13 points on 10 kills, two blocks and an ace.

Fabricio led the team with three blocks and added four kills. Jason Roberts also finished with seven points on four kills, two aces and a block. Aman totaled five points on two kills, two blocks and an ace, and Regan shared match-high honors with four aces.

“Ball control was key. Our second contacts were not very good. It took us a long time to generate good contacts to be able to swing at. We did that in the first set but weren’t able to keep momentum. We became reactive instead of thinking ahead,” said head coach Greg Walker. “Brazil reduced its errors off the service line so they just started serving like free balls over the net because we were passing off our attack line.”

A Fabricio block began the match and helped the U.S. take an early 4-1 lead. Paulistano quickly tied the score before the U.S. went on a 4-0 run for an 8-4 lead capped by a Green kill. Two consecutive correct video challenges gave the U.S. a 10-7 advantage. The lead grew to five points, 13-8, before Paulistano ran off four points in a row and lead to a timeout. The U.S. responded with a 5-0 run as Upp’s fourth kill of the set made it 18-12. Kills by Green and Upp staked the U.S. to a seven-point lead, 23-16, en route to taking the first set.

Paulistano opened the second set by scoring the first six points, prompting a U.S. timeout. Upp scored three consecutive points on a block and back-to-back aces to cut the deficit to two points, 8-6. Kills by Duda and Upp evened the set at 12 apiece before Paulistano regained the lead for good.

Brazil took a 4-1 lead in the third set. Green’s ninth kill evened the score at 5-5 before Paulistano went on a 7-2 run and forced the U.S. to use its second timeout. The lead reached double digits, 23-13. The U.S. fought off six set points before Paulistano took the set and a 2-1 lead in the match.

For the third set in a row, Paulistano took the early lead, scoring the first three points and moving ahead 8-3 in the fourth set. The U.S. trailed by at least four points, and as many as seven, until an Upp kill started a three-point run that cut the lead to three points, 18-15. Paulistano called timevout and proceeded to raise the lead back to six points.

U.S. Men’s Sitting Team Roster
No Name (Position, Height, Hometown, Region)
1 Travis Ricks (L, 5-7, San Diego, Calif., Southern California)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo., Gateway)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb., Great Plains)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla., Oklahoma)
5 Eric Duda (S/OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Florida)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.,)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa., Keystone)
10 Robbie Onusko (OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla., Florida)
11 Roderick Green (MB, 6-3, West Monroe, La., Bayou)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill., Great Lakes)
19 Danny Alvarez Rivadeneira (L/DS, 5-8, West Jordan, Utah, Intermountain)
20 Jason Roberts (OH/RS, 6-3, Perry, Ga., Southern)
24 Fabricio da Silva Pinto (OH, 6-1, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil and Dublin, Calif.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Ladislav Lelkes
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler
Performance Analyst: Sydnie Mabry
Therapist: Whitney Padgett
Team Manager: Connor Martin
Consultants: Jeff Smith, Dave Dantes

Schedule

All times Eastern

Friday, May 22
USA def. Germany, 3-1 (25-16, 27-25, 21-25, 25-23)

Saturday, May 23
Club Athletico Paulistano def. USA, 3-1 (19-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-19)
USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-21)

Sunday, May 24
Gold Medal Match at 2 p.m.: USA vs. Club Athletico Paulistano

The U.S. Women's Sitting National Team celebrates

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 22, 2026) –The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team began play at the USAV Sitting Cup with an impressive 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-12) victory on Friday afternoon in Orlando, Florida. The U.S. is the top-ranked team in the world, while Japan is ranked 11th.

The U.S. will play two matches tomorrow, beginning with an 8 a.m. ET contest against the world’s second-ranked team, Canada. At 4 p.m. ET, the U.S. will clash with Brazil, ranked third in the world. Canada defeated Brazil in four sets today.

MATCH STATISTICS

Middle blocker Monique Matthews paced the team with nine kills, three blocks and four service aces. “We started out a little slow. I haven’t played since Zonals (2025 ParaVolley Pan America Zonal Championship) and Katie (Holloway Bridge)’s been out for a minute, so getting back on the court and just getting our rhythm for this first match was very important. I think, as we went on, we got it together and clicked at the end,” Matthews said.

Thirteen U.S. players scored at least one point. Setter Kaleo Kanahele Maclay registered eight points on five kills, two aces and a block. Nicky Nieves finished with seven points on six kills and an ace. Katie Bridge (three kills and an ace) and Emma Shieck (two aces, one kill, one block) scored four points apiece, while four players totaled three points.

An ace by Matthews capped a 5-1 run that put the U.S. up 9-6 in the opening set before Japan went on a four-point run to regain the lead. Two kills and a block by outside hitter Katie Holloway Bridge keyed a 6-0 run that put the U.S. ahead by five points. The lead grew to seven points, 20-13, on a Matthews kill. Japan got no closer than five points the rest of the set. A successful video challenge gave the U.S. the set and its largest margin in the set, 25-17.

Matthews’ fourth kill and Kanahele Maclay’s third kill sparked a 6-1 run early in the second set that put the U.S. up 10-6. Middle blocker Nieves’ fifth kill of the match extended the lead to six points, 14-8. Alexis Patterson recorded a block for a 16-9 lead and served an ace to key a seven-point run that gave the U.S. set point, 24-11. Matthews ended the set with her seventh kill.

Strong serving from Schieck, including her second ace, led the U.S. to a 6-0 run for an 9-4 lead in the third set. A MaKenzie Franklin Wittman kill and Jillian Williams Coffee ace extended the margin to seven points, 13-6. Courtney Baker’s second block gave the U.S. its first double-digit lead, 17-7. Matthews registered her third block for a 19-10 advantage, and her 10th kill made it 20-11. A Coffee kill set up match point and Matthews sealed the win with her fourth ace.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster
No. Name (Position, Ht., Hometown, Region)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif., Northern California)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn., North Country)
5 Katie Holloway Bridge (OH, 6-3, Lake Stevens, Wash., Puget Sound)
7 Monique Matthews (MB, 6-0, Ardomore, Okla., Oklahoma)
8 Whitney Dosty (OH/OPP, 6-3, Tucson, Ariz., Arizona)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla., Oklahoma)
11 Jillian Williams Coffee (M/OPP/OH, 5-10, Odem, Texas, Oklahoma)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C., Carolina)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas, Lone Star)
14 Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (S, 5-6, Honolulu, Hawaii, Oklahoma)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla., Florida)
18 Courtney Baker (OH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky., Pioneer)
22 MaKenzie Franklin Wittman (OH, 6-0, Red Wing, Minn., North Country)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Assistant Coach: Steve Florio
Team Leader: Layne Smith
Performance Analyst: Jeffery Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Sports Psychologist: Brooke Lamphere
Nutritionist: Tatum Vedder
NTDP Coach: Tina Reading

Schedule

All times Eastern

Friday, May 22
USA def. Japan, 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-12)

Saturday, May 23
8 a.m.: USA vs. Canada
4 p.m.: USA vs. Brazil

Sunday, May 24
8 a.m.: No. 3 vs. No. 4
12 p.m.: Championship (No. 1 vs. No. 2)

U.S. men's sitting team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 22, 2026) – The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team opened the USAV Sitting Cup with a hard-fought 3-1 (25-16, 27-25, 21-25, 25-23) win over Germany on Friday morning in Orlando, Florida. The U.S. is ranked sixth in the world, while Germany is ranked seventh.

The U.S. will play two matches tomorrow, facing Brazil’s Club Athletico Paulistano at 10 a.m. ET and the world’s eighth-ranked team, Canada, at 2 p.m. ET.

MATCH STATISTICS

Germany finished with a slight edge in kills (50-49) and blocks (14-12) but the U.S. held a significant advantage in service aces (11-2). Several U.S. players were playing in roles they had not played in international competition.

Outside hitter Zach Upp led all players in points (30), kills (19), blocks (5) and aces (6). Eric Duda totaled 15 points on 11 kills, three blocks and an ace.

“I’m pretty happy with the resilience that we showed. We haven’t played with these challenges, so for the first time as a (different) team, we responded every single time and absolutely bounced back. I am so excited for the future of this team,” Duda remarked. “Ben (Aman) and Jason (Roberts) have set in scrimmages but this was the first time under this kind of pressure with all of USA Volleyball watching, they stepped up.”

Fabricio da Silva Pinto (six kills and two blocks) and middle blocker Roderick Green (six kills, one block and one ace) each scored eight points. Aman finished with six points on four kills, one block and an ace. Roberts added five points on three kills and a pair of blocks.

Behind a kill and a block from middle blocker Roderick Green, the U.S. scored the first four points of the match. Upp scored the team’s next four points for an 8-2 lead. A Fabrico kill moved the advantage to eight points, 13-5. Blocks by Duda and Upp gave the U.S. a 22-11 lead. Germany held off three set points before a hitting error ended the set.

Germany jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the second set. A Duda kill evened the score at 6-6 and a Fabricio kill tied the score again 8-8. Germany scored the next three points and led for the remainder of the set until a late comeback by the U.S. The lead stretched to five points, 18-13. A Fabricio kill and Duda ace cut the deficit to two points, 19-17. Outside hitter Aman recorded a block and a kill to make it 22-20.

The U.S. appeared to pull within a point at 23-22, but a successful Germany challenge made it 24-21 instead. Aman and Roberts recorded back-to-back kills to bring the U.S. within a point and force a Germany timeout. A Roberts block on the following rally evened the set for the first time since 8-8. Germany scored the next point for its fourth set point, but the U.S. took the set by scoring the next three points. After Roberts tied the set again with a kill, Upp served an ace for the first U.S. lead of the set. After Germany used its final timeout, Fabricio gave the U.S. a 2-0 match lead with a block.

Germany moved out to an 8-4 lead in the third set, causing the U.S. to take an early timeout. A Fabricio kill cut the lead to two, 9-7, but Germany scored the next six points for an eight-point lead. Upp’s 11th kill and 15th point of the match capped a 5-1 U.S. run that cut the lead back to three points. After Germany took a 20-14 lead, the U.S. ran off four consecutive points, keyed by a Duda kill after one of the match’s longest rallies. Another Duda kill, this time off a successful U.S. challenge, brought the U.S. within a point, 22-21, before Germany scored the final three points of the set to extend the match.

Consecutive aces by Upp put the U.S. up 9-5 in the fourth set. Fabricio gave the U.S. an 11-6 lead with a kill and the lead eventually reached six, 13-7. Duda’s 10th kill stopped a three-point Germany run for a 14-10 U.S. lead, starting a 5-0 run that put the U.S. up 18-10. In a set of runs, Germany ran off the next four points to cut the lead back to four and force a U.S. timeout.

Duda’s 12th kill of the match out of the timeout gave the U.S. a five-point advantage, but Germany pulled within three points, 20-17, and led to the final U.S. timeout. Upp’s 14th kill put the U.S. up 22-18. The U.S. appeared to clinch the match, but a successful Germany challenge made it 24-22. After Germany held off one match point, a Roberts kill off a Duda set sealed the U.S. victory.

U.S. Men’s Sitting Team Roster
No Name (Position, Height, Hometown, Region)
1 Travis Ricks (L, 5-7, San Diego, Calif., Southern California)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo., Gateway)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb., Great Plains)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla., Oklahoma)
5 Eric Duda (S/OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Florida)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.,)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa., Keystone)
10 Robbie Onusko (OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla., Florida)
11 Roderick Green (MB, 6-3, West Monroe, La., Bayou)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill., Great Lakes)
19 Danny Alvarez Rivadeneira (L/DS, 5-8, West Jordan, Utah, Intermountain)
20 Jason Roberts (OH/RS, 6-3, Perry, Ga., Southern)
24 Fabricio da Silva Pinto (OH, 6-1, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil and Dublin, Calif.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Ladislav Lelkes
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler
Performance Analyst: Sydnie Mabry
Therapist: Whitney Padgett
Team Manager: Connor Martin
Consultants: Jeff Smith, Dave Dantes

Schedule

All times Eastern

Friday, May 22
USA def. Germany, 3-1 (25-16, 27-25, 21-25, 25-23)

Saturday, May 23
10 a.m.: USA vs. Club Athletico Paulistano
2 p.m.: USA vs. Canada

Sunday, May 24
10 a.m.: No. 3 vs. No. 4
2 p.m.: Championship (No. 1 vs. No. 2)

Matt Anderson celebrates
Matt Anderson (Michael Gomez)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 20, 2026) – USA Volleyball announces its preliminary roster for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League, headlined by eight Olympians, including the return of Matt Anderson and TJ DeFalco.

Under second-year head coach Karch Kiraly, the roster blends the Olympians with a core group of experienced national team players who competed throughout the 2025 VNL season, alongside several athletes looking to earn their spot. The team will look to build on last year’s quarterfinal World Championship run and secure one of eight coveted spots in the VNL Final Round.

The VNL brings together the world’s top 18 teams for three action-packed weeks of preliminary play, with each team competing in four matches per week. Only the top eight teams will earn a spot in the Final Round, where a VNL title will be on the line.

From the preliminary list, U.S. coaches will select 14 athletes to compete at each of the three preliminary round stops: Ottawa, Canada (June 10-14), Orleans, France (June 24-28), and an anticipated homestand in Hoffman Estates, Illinois (July 15-19). Get your tickets.

Olympians Micah Christenson, Micah Ma’a, Jeff Jendryk, Taylor Averill, Kyle Ensing and Erik Shoji return from the 2025 season, and this year they are joined by Anderson and DeFalco, who both took the 2025 national team season off. Ma’a, Jendryk, Ensing and Shoji all played during the 2025 season, while Christenson and Averill joined the team for the World Championship.

“The depth of this roster is exceptional – eight Olympians, a strong core of returning national team players, and talented newcomers all competing for spots,” said head coach Karch Kiraly. “This group understands what it takes to compete at the highest level, and we’re ready to show that on the court all season, and especially at home in Hoffman Estates.”

Many of the athletes who earned roster spots during the 2025 VNL season are also returning: outside hitters Ethan Champlin, Cooper Robinson, Jordan Ewert, Jacob Pasteur and Nolan Flexen; middle blockers Merrick McHenry and Matthew Knigge; opposite Gabi Garcia; setter Andrew Rowan; and liberos Kyle Dagostino and Mason Briggs.

Middle blockers Michael Marshman, Cameron Thorne, Parker Tomkinson and Daniel Wetter; outside hitter Zach Rama; and setter Tread Rosenthal were all part of the 2025 VNL preliminary list but did not compete during the VNL season. Thorne and Wetter were part of the 2025 Pan Am Cup team, and Thorne competed on the 2025 Final Six team as well. Wetter played for the senior team in 2024 VNL, along with Marshman. Rama was on both the 2023 and 2024 Final Six teams, and Marshman played at the 2023 and 2024 Pan Am Cups, and the 2023 Final Six. Tomkinson and Rosenthal have yet to make their senior team debut.

Opposite Jake Hanes, who made VNL rosters in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, also makes his return to the national team. Libero Troy Gooch competed on the 2023 and 2025 Pan Am Cup teams. New to the senior team are outside hitter Sean Kelly, middle blocker Wesley Smith, and opposite Cole Hartke.

Head coach Karch Kiraly, who is in his second year coaching the U.S. Men’s National Team, is assisted by Luka Slabe and Javier Weber.

The U.S. Men finished 6-6 in 2025 VNL preliminary play and and just missed advancing to the VNL Finals. At the World Championship, the team advanced to the quarterfinals, where they lost a five-set heartbreaker to Bulgaria.

U.S. Men’s Preliminary Roster for 2026 VNL

No., Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
5 Kyle Ensing (OPP, 6-7, Valencia, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
6 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State, Chesapeake)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California Southern Nevada)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
10 Kyle Dagostino (L, 5-9, Tampa, Florida, Stanford Univ., Florida)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
12 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)
13 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Northern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida)
17 Jake Hanes (OPP, 6-10, Orland Park, Ill., Ohio State Univ., Great Lakes)
18 Cole Hartke (OPP, 7-0, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
19 Zach Rama (OH, 6-8, 2004, Phoenix, Ariz., UCLA, Arizona)
20 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
21 Daniel Wetter (MB, 6-5, Camarillo, Calif., Cal State Northridge, Paris Volley)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
23 Nolan Flexen (OH, 6-9, Rio Rancho, N.M., UC Irvine, Southern)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
25 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
27 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)
28 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawai’i, Southern California Southern Nevada)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)
30 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
31Wesley Smith (MB, 6-11, Encinitas, Calif., USC, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Doctors:  Andrew Gregory, Mark Hutchinson, Christopher Lee, Michael Terry, Eugene Yim
Statisticians: Jimmy Kim, Frank Pham

U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Ottawa, Canada
June 10 at 8 a.m. vs. Türkiye
June 12 vs. Germany at 1 p.m.
June 13 vs. Canada at 1 p.m.
June 14 vs. Italy at 3 p.m.

Week 2: Orleans, France
June 24 vs. Cuba at 8 a.m.
June 25 vs. Iran at 8 a.m.
June 27 vs. Japan at 8 a.m.
June 28 vs. Serbia at 11:30 a.m.

Week 3: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
July 15 vs. China at 6 p.m.
July 16 vs. Brazil at 6 p.m.
July 18 vs. Bulgaria at 6 p.m.
July 19 vs. Poland at 6 p.m.

Jordan Thompson celebrates
Jordan Thompson

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 13, 2026) – Six Olympians are on the 2026 U.S. Women’s National Team long-list roster for this year’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL), as the squad gears up for a big season just two years out from the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

The VNL brings together the world’s top 18 teams for three action-packed weeks of preliminary play, with each team competing in four matches per week. Only the top eight teams will earn a spot in the Final Round, where a VNL title will be on the line.

From the long list, U.S. coaches will select 14 athletes to compete at each of the three preliminary round stops: Quebec City, Quebec (June 3-6), Philippines (June 16-20), and Osaka, Japan (July 7-11).

“We’re excited about this roster and what it represents for our program as we build toward LA 2028,” head coach Erik Sullivan said. “We have six Olympians in this group, and they will bring invaluable experience and composure to every training session. At the same time, we’ve got a deep group of athletes who have proven themselves in past VNLs and NORCECA events, and that creates exactly the kind of competitive gym we want. VNL is a grind against the best teams in the world, and we’ll learn a lot about ourselves, but we believe this roster has the balance, depth and resilience to take another step forward this summer.”

Olympians Chiaka Ogbogu, Jordyn Poulter, Dana Rettke and Avery Skinner return from the 2025 season, and this year they are joined by Olympians Micha Hancock and Jordan Thompson, who both took the 2025 national team season off.

Besides the Olympians, 15 athletes on the roster have competed in previous VNLs: setters Rachel Fairbanks and Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres; liberos Morgan Hentz and Lexi Rodriguez; middles Anna Dodson, Anna Hall, Molly McCage and Asjia O’Neal; outside hitters Kara (Bajema) Hallock, Logan Eggleston, Sarah Franklin and Simone Lee-Wank; and opposites Olivia Babcock, Stephanie Samedy and Madi Skinner.

Several athletes have competed for the senior U.S. National Team in NORCECA events: liberos Elena Oglivie and Elena Scott; setter Kami Miner; middle Sami Francis; outside hitters Claire Hoffman and Madi Kubik-Banks; and opposite Kendall Kipp.

Outside hitters Caitie Baird and Torrey Stafford are making their debut on the senior national team roster.

Head coach Erik Sullivan, who is in his second year coaching the U.S. Women’s National Team, is assisted by Tayyiba Haneef-Park, Brandon Taliaferro and Rob Browning.

The U.S. Women finished 7-5 in 2025 VNL preliminary play and advanced to the VNL Finals, losing to Italy in the quarters. They have won the VNL three times (2018, ’19, ’21) since its inception in 2018. In 2024, they lost in the quarterfinals to eventual Olympic champion Italy.

Many of these athletes will participate in the Red-Blue Scrimmage on Wednesday, May 20, at 7 p.m., at Mira Costa HS in Manhattan Beach, California. Get your tickets now.

U.S. Women’s Preliminary Roster for 2026 VNL
No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State, Oklahoma)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky, Lone Star)
5 Kendall Kipp (OPP, 6-5, Newport Beach, Calif., Stanford, Southern California Southern Nevada)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford, Pioneer)
7 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
8 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
9 Madisen Skinner (OH, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
10 Simone Lee-Wank (OH, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Penn State, Badger)
11 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, 6-0 Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
14 Anna Hall (MB, 6-2, Laurens, S.C., Univ. of Louisville, Palmetto)
15 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
17 Kami Miner (S, 6-0, Redondo Beach, Calif., Stanford, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Elena Scott (L, 5-10, Louisville, Ky., Univ. of Louisville, Pioneer)
19 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-9, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford, Aloha)
21 Claire Hoffman (OH, 6-0, Pleasant Hill, Ore., Univ. of Washington, Columbia Empire)
22 Sarah Franklin (OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-4, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
25 Kara Hallock (OH, 6-2, Lyndon, Wash., Univ. of Washington, Puget Sound)
26 Anna Dodson (MB, 6-3, Fort Collins, Colo., UCLA, Rocky Mountain)
27 Madi Kubik-Banks (OH, 6-4, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)
35 Olivia Babcock (OPP, 6-4, Los Angeles, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)
44 Torrey Stafford (OH, 6-1, Torrance, Calif., Univ. of Texas, Southern California Southern Nevada)
77 Sami Francis (MB, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford, Southern California Southern Nevada)
99 Caitie Baird (6-3, OH, Indianapolis, Ind., Stanford, Hoosier)

Head Coach:  Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Assistant Coach: Rob Browning
Statistician: Virginia Pham
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shannon Boone, Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Nicole Davis
Team Doctors: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, James Suchy, Chris Koutures, Mark Hutchinson
Team Manager: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)

Week 1: Quebec City, Quebec
June 3 at 8 a.m. vs. Ukraine
June 4 at 5 p.m. vs. Canada
June 5 at 5 p.m. vs. France
June 7 at 11:30 a.m. vs. Germany

Week 2: Philippines
June 16 at 9 p.m. vs. Dominican Republic
June  18 at 1 a.m. vs. Czechia
June 20 at 1 a.m. vs. Italy
June 20 at 9 p.m. vs. Serbia

Week 3: Osaka, Japan
July 7 at 11:30 p.m. vs. Thailand
July 7 at 9 p.m. vs. Poland
July 9 at 9 p.m. vs. Türkiye
July 11 at 8 p.m. vs. Brazil

Stories

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A boys beach volleyball player gets ready to serve
Gavin Mortensen

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 11, 2026) – More than 100 athletes will converge in Manhattan Beach, California, May 14-17 for the 2026 Beach NTDP Spring Training Series.

The Spring Training Series will deliver unprecedented coaching excellence, making it an exceptional opportunity for athletes to learn from some of the nation’s most prestigious coaches. The Girls U18 National Team training block will take place alongside the Spring Training Series, while the Boys U18 National Team will train later in June.

Check out the rosters.

Coaches

Men’s U19/20
Head Coach: Alvaro Filho, Olympian/Stetson
Assistant Coach: Travis Mewhirter, FSU
Assistant Coach: Paul Araiza, ASU
Assistant Coach: Jacinda Ramirez, LMU

Boys U17
Head Coach: Hudson Bates
Assistant Coach: Chase Howard, Harvard
Assistant Coach: Rachel Scott, Redondo Union HS

Women’s U19/20
Head Coach: Andrew Fuller, Stanford
Associate Head Coach: Meagan Owusu, Cal
Assistant Coach: Stein Metzger, Texas
Assistant Coach: Derek Olson, San Diego
Assistant Coach: Kelly Reeves, UCLA

Girls U17
Head Coach: Beth VanFleet, Georgia State
Assistant Coach: Jenny Johnson-Jordan, Olympian/UCLA
Assistant Coach: John Mayer, LMU
Assistant Coach: Jeff Alzina, Santa Clara

Beach U18 National Team
Boys Head Coach: Billy Allen, Stanford
Boys Assistant Coach: Patty Dodd, MB Sand
Girls Head Coach: Gustavo Rocha, USC
Girls Assistant Coach: Brooke Niles, FSU

Molten volleyball

 

 

Colorado Springs, Colo. (May 1, 2026) — USA Volleyball is proud to announce the launch of its new official outdoor volleyball, developed in partnership with Molten. Designed for both beach and grass play, the ball represents a significant step forward in performance, durability and consistency across outdoor disciplines.

The new USA Volleyball x Molten Outdoor Volleyball has been engineered to meet the unique demands of outdoor competition. It features enhanced grip, superior flight stability and long-lasting construction suited for varying weather conditions and surfaces. Additionally, the contrasting colors of the design allow players to easily track ball rotation during play.

“This collaboration with Molten represents our continued commitment to innovation and excellence in every discipline of our sport,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “We’re excited to introduce a ball that truly meets the needs of outdoor athletes, whether they’re competing on sand or grass.”

Fans and athletes will get their first look at the ball in elite competition this summer at the 2026 USA Volleyball Beach National Championship, taking place July 13-18 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The ball will also be featured later in the year at the inaugural USA Volleyball Adult Grass National Championship, scheduled for Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in Nashville, Tennessee.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with USA Volleyball as we introduce our latest outdoor ball,” stated Melissa Dawson, President of Molten USA. “This collaboration is essential for enhancing all facets of the sport’s future, emphasizing technological advancements and a dedication to creating high-quality products. The fresh color scheme is designed to elevate the experience for athletes competing on both grass and beach courts nationwide.”

The USA Volleyball x Molten Outdoor Volleyball will be available for purchase beginning June 1, 2026, exclusively through Molten USA.

For more information, visit moltenusa.com.

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 30, 2026)  – USA Volleyball today announced the launch of the first-ever USA Volleyball Adult Grass National Championship, set to take place October 30-November 1, 2026, at Fair Park at the Nashville Fairgrounds in Nashville, Tennessee.

Marking a major milestone for the rapidly growing grass discipline, the championship will bring together top adult athletes from across the country for three days of competition, community, and celebration. A total prize purse of $28,000 will be awarded in the Open divisions, with payouts distributed to the top three finishing teams in each discipline.

“This is a defining moment for grass volleyball in the United States,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “The Adult Grass National Championship creates a true culmination of the Grass Tour season, bringing together the best players, rewarding performance, and continuing to elevate the visibility and credibility of the discipline.”

The event will feature a full slate of disciplines across the weekend, including men’s and women’s doubles and quads on Friday, triples on Saturday, and reverse coed quads on Sunday. Competition will be offered across Open, AA/A and BB/B divisions, creating a true national stage for athletes of all levels.

Athletes can qualify for the championship in all divisions by earning bids through USA Volleyball Grass Tour events held nationwide throughout the season. Bid-winning teams will receive exclusive benefits, including discounted entry, championship gear and access to special event offerings. Bids are not necessary to compete, in any division. Participation at nationals requires a current USA Volleyball membership for the 2026-27 season; the membership is complimentary for bid winners.

Beyond competition, the championship weekend will feature a full event experience, including championship courts and a beer garden, bringing together athletes and attendees for a signature social moment.

“We’re happy to welcome the USA Volleyball Adult Grass National Championship this fall and host an event of this caliber at the Nashville Fairgrounds,” said Deana Ivey, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “Bringing together hundreds of athletes and fans, this inaugural event is a great addition to our growing sports portfolio and another example of the variety of events that continue to choose Music City.”

The event will also serve as the final stop of the USA Volleyball Grass Tour season and play a key role in determining the inaugural “America’s Number 1,” recognizing the top-performing men’s and women’s athletes across the tour. Athletes are eligible for the America’s Number 1 title by participating in USAV-affiliated events throughout USAV Grass Tour season. Points are accumulated from different disciplines, including triples, doubles, quads and coed.

“We’re thrilled to host the inaugural USA Volleyball Adult Grass National Championship in the Southern Region,” said Southern Region Commissioner Steve Kenyon. “Fair Park at the Nashville Fairgrounds is the perfect setting, and we’re excited to team up with USA Volleyball and the City of Nashville to deliver an unforgettable experience for athletes, teams and fans. With a rich history of hosting top-tier events, from youth to professional, the Southern Region is ready to showcase its love for the game.”

“Hosting the 2026 USA Volleyball Grass Tour at Fair Park at The Fairgrounds Nashville is a tremendous honor and a proud moment for our city,” said Laura Womack, executive director, The Fairgrounds Nashville . “This event speaks to Nashville’s growing reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events, and we look forward to showcasing our vibrant community to competitors and visitors alike. Fair Park’s dynamic outdoor setting will provide the perfect backdrop for top-tier grass volleyball competition, and we are committed to making this an unforgettable experience for everyone.” –

Visit the national championship home page for more information on the program, including prizes. Registration is now open.

Bari Greenfield
Bari Greenfield

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 28, 2026) – USA Volleyball today announced the appointment of Bari Greenfield as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective May 18. Greenfield joins the organization following a career leading high-impact strategic, operational, and commercial growth initiatives across the sports industry, including senior leadership roles with Major League Soccer and New York Road Runners.

As COO, Greenfield will oversee day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and cross-functional execution to ensure alignment between USA Volleyball’s mission, growth strategy, and nationwide community engagement. She will serve as a key partner to Chief Executive Officer John Speraw and the senior leadership team, driving operational excellence and elevating the experience for athletes, members, and partners across all levels of the sport.

“Bari brings a rare combination of strategic clarity, operational discipline, and a deep belief in sport’s power to connect and inspire communities,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “Her experience leading transformational initiatives across complex organizations will be instrumental as we strengthen volleyball’s pathway from grassroots to the Olympic stage and build on the sport’s momentum nationwide.”

Prior to joining USA Volleyball, Greenfield served as Vice President of Enterprise Partnerships at Major League Soccer, where she most recently led enterprise-wide planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to position the league for long-term growth around the global event. She also simultaneously oversaw one of the League’s largest commercial portfolios, spanning partnerships and consumer products for the League and across all 30 clubs, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT.

Previously, as Vice President of Strategy, Planning & Organizational Operations at New York Road Runners, she led major strategic initiatives, launched multiple new key business functions, and directed the program management team for the TCS New York City Marathon, one of the world’s largest mass-participation sporting events.

“It’s an incredible honor to join USA Volleyball at such an exciting moment for the sport,” said Greenfield. “Volleyball’s rapid growth across youth, collegiate, professional, and Olympic levels reflects the strength of its community and the opportunity ahead. I look forward to partnering with our staff, regions, athletes, and stakeholders to continue building an organization that delivers excellence at every level.”

Greenfield holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an A.B. from Harvard College. She is also a graduate of the WISE Executive Leadership Institute at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and has built her career at the intersection of sport, strategy, and community impact.

A girls athlete goes up for a block against a player
Photo by Bryce Lloyd Photography

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 27, 2026) — USA Volleyball announces the full athlete roster for the 2026 Girls Indoor NTDP Spring Training Series, scheduled for May 15-18 at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

This immersive training experience brings together 120 of the country’s top young female volleyball athletes, representing 31 states and 27 USA Volleyball regions. Athletes have been identified and invited based on recommendations from the Indoor NTDP Scouting Network, which includes trusted coaches and experts from across the nation. The scouting network serves as the foundation of the NTDP’s comprehensive talent identification process. The NTDP Spring Training Series is designed to elevate the next generation of elite athletes through world-class coaching, development and mentorship aligned with USA Volleyball’s National Team philosophies. Each training session emphasizes the five core pillars of the NTDP Development Model: Craft, Mind, Body, Heart and Team.

View the rosters.

Participants will train in two competitive age-group sections: U15/U16/U17 (birth years 2012/2011/2010) and U18/U19 (birth years 2009/2008). Kristen Kelsay (Michigan State) will be the head coach for the younger age groups, and Alex Dunphy (LOVB) and Tama Miyashiro (LOVB) will lead U18/U19.

Visit our NTDP home page to learn more about USA Volleyball’s ongoing athlete development initiatives.

USA Volleyball Men's Beach Collegiate Challenge

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 21, 2026) – USA Volleyball announces the expansion of the annual Men’s Beach Collegiate Challenge with two premier events — one on the East Coast and one on the West Coast — representing the organization’s first coast-to-coast staging of the competition.

Now entering its sixth year, the Men’s Beach Collegiate Challenge provides a competitive opportunity for student-athletes as USA Volleyball continues to foster the expansion of the sport within the men’s collegiate landscape.

“Expanding the Men’s Beach Collegiate Challenge to both coasts reflects the incredible growth we’re seeing in the men’s game and our commitment to creating more high-level opportunities for student-athletes across the country,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “This platform continues to play a vital role in developing the next generation of elite beach players.”

The 2026 edition moves the event to two vibrant beach volleyball hubs – Manhattan Beach, California, and Dania Beach, Florida. The East Coast Challenge moves from Stevenson University in Maryland to the Rita Crockett Beach Sports Academy in Florida, Sept. 25-27, while the West Coast Challenge will be on the south side of the Manhattan Beach Pier, Oct. 9-11.

The East Coast Challenge runs concurrently with the Beach NTDP Fall Training Series, while a women’s beach collegiate championship will be held at the same time as the West Coast Challenge.

The events will both feature a 32-team field of men’s pairs representing their colleges and universities. Athletes do not have to be from the same college to compete as a pair, and each pair is guaranteed three matches in pool play. Following the conclusion of pool play on day two, 24 teams (top three teams from each pool) will advance to the single-elimination bracket phase.

Registration for both events is now open. To register and learn more about eligibility and selection, visit the event web pages:

REGISTER FOR THE EAST COAST CHALLENGE

REGISTER FOR THE WEST COAST CHALLENGE

Members of the 2025 Women's U21 national team celebrate

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 13, 2026) – USA Volleyball has selected 27 elite athletes for the 2026 U.S. Women’s U21 National Team which will train for a pair of major NORCECA age-group events this summer.

Twenty of the 27 athletes will train for the 2026 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup, and 14 of those 20 will be selected to compete. Seven will train alongside select U19 National Team athletes for the opportunity to compete at the 2026 NORCECA Women’s U23 Pan American Cup. Due to an overlap with the NCAA season, many U.S. women’s athletes in the U21 and U23 age group are unable to attend the U23 Pan Am Cup.

Athletes training for the U21 Pan Am Cup will train June 26-July 5 in Columbus, Ohio, ahead of the competition set for July 7-12, also in Columbus. Athletes training for the U23 Pan Am Cup will have two training blocks. The first is July 9-16, and 14 athletes will be selected from that block to train again in Colorado Springs, Colo., Aug. 24-30, ahead of the competition, Sept.1-Sept. 6, in Managua, Nicaragua.

The athletes at the U21 Pan Am Cup will compete in front of a home crowd at the Covelli Center on the Ohio State University campus.

GET TICKETS TO THE U21 PAN AM CUP

The U.S. U21 National Team includes numerous athletes with previous success in USA Volleyball’s age-group national teams, including 13 who have competed at either a U19 or U21 world championship: Ayden Ames, Henley Anderson, Suli Davis, Abbey Emch, Campbell Flynn, Genevieve Harris, Taylor Harvey, Lily Hayes, Jordan Taylor, Abby Vander Wal, Ayanna Watson, Devyn Wiest and Keoni Williams.

Kalyssa Blackshear, Carly Gilk, Isabel Incinelli, Tessa Larkin, Reese Messer, Manaia Ogbechie and Kendall Omoruyi have all previously been on the U19 National Team, with Ogbechie part of the gold-medal winning squad at the 2024 NORCECA Continental Championship.

Seven athletes have earned their first selection to a U.S. age-group national team: Spencer Etzler, Mallory Johnson, Peyton Kubik, Nyla Livings, Payton Petersen, Sophee Peterson and Rachel Van Gorp.

Larkin, Incinelli, Livings, Peterson, Kubik, Johnson and Omoruyi are the seven athletes who will train for the opportunity to compete at the U23 Pan Am Cup, while the rest of the athletes mentioned above will train for selection to the U21 Pan Am Cup.

Athletes born in 2006 or later are eligible for the U21 National Team.

Tama Miyashiro (LOVB) will serve as head coach for the U21 team competing at the U21 Pan Am Cup in Columbus, assisted by Alfee Reft (LOVB) and Alisha Childress (MLV).

“I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to work with some of the best young talented athletes in our country,” Miyashiro said. “It’s always an honor to represent the USA. I can’t wait to see these ladies compete for a spot on this U21 Pan American Cup roster.”

Alex Dunphy (LOVB) will lead the team at the U23 Pan Am Cup, with assistants Haley Brightwell (MLV) and Tori Dixon (LOVB).

“I am thrilled to work with select U21 National Team athletes at a competitive training block alongside the U19 National Team in July to prepare for the U23 Pan American Cup,” Dunphy said. “The 14 athletes we take to competition from this training block will gain valuable international experience and will represent USA at the highest level.”

2026 Women’s U21 National Team

Name, Position, Height, Hometown, Current School, USAV Region
2 Ayden Ames, MB, 6-4, Prosper, Texas, Creighton University, North Texas
19 Henley Anderson, OPP/OH, 6-3, Dripping Springs, Texas, University of Texas, Lone Star
4 Kalyssa Blackshear, OPP, 6-5, Lomita, Calif., University of Louisville, Southern California Southern Nevada
6 Suli Davis, OH, 6-2, Euless, Texas, SMU, North Texas
14 Abbey Emch, MB, 6-4, New Waterford, Ohio, Pitt, Ohio Valley
18 Spencer Etzler, L, 5-7, Coldwater, Ohio, Stanford University, Ohio Valley
11 Campbell Flynn, S, 6-3, Rochester Hills, Mich., University of Nebraska, Lakeshore
17 Carly Gilk, OPP, 6-2, Minneapolis, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country
12 Genevieve Harris, S, 5-11, Raleigh, N.C., University of Texas, Carolina
10 Taylor Harvey, MB, 6-3, Salt Lake City, Utah, University of Texas, Lone Star
5 Lily Hayes, L, 5-9, Tampa, Fla., University of Florida, Florida
Isabel Incinelli, OPP/OH, 6-5, Winter Park, Fla., Winter Park HS, Florida
Mallory Johnson, L, 5-9, Byron Center, Mich., Byron Center HS, Lakeshore
Peyton Kubik, OH, 6-2, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley West HS, Heart of America
Tessa Larkin, OH, 6-1, Phoenix, Ariz., Xavier College Preparatory, Arizona
Nyla Livings, MB, 6-2, The Colony, Texas, Prestonwood Christian Academy, North Texas
1 Reese Messer, S, 5-11, Olathe, Kan., USC, Gateway
7 Manaia Ogbechie, MB, 6-3, Santa Rosa Valley, Calif., University of Nebraska, Southern California Southern Nevada
Kendall Omoruyi, MB, 6-4, Los Angeles, Calif., Sierra Canyon HS, Southern California Southern Nevada
15 Payton Petersen, OH, 6-0, Dike, Iowa, University of Louisville, Iowa
Sophee Peterson, S, 5-11, Fort Worth, Texas, Byron Nelson HS, North Texas
3 Jordan Taylor, MB, 6-5, Houston, Texas, University of Minnesota, Lone Star
13 Rachel Van Gorp, L, 5-9, Olathe, Kan., Iowa State University, Heart of America
16C Abby Vander Wal, OH, 6-3, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes
8 Ayanna Watson, OH, 6-2, Las Vegas, Nev., University of Pittsburgh, Southern California Southern Nevada
20 Devyn Wiest, OH, 6-3, Peoria, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona
9 Keoni Williams, MB, 6-4, Fort Worth, Texas, University of Nebraska, Lone Star

Coaches

U21 Pan American Cup
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Alfee Reft (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Alisha Childress (MLV)
Performance Analyst: Will McDonald (LOVB)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (NTDP)

U23 Pan American Cup
Head Coach: Alex Dunphy (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Haley Brightwell (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Tori Dixon (LOVB)
Performance Analyst: Thomas Shaffer (Loyola Chicago)
ATC: Anthony Tam, MD, CAQSM (Henry Ford Health)
Team Lead (training block): Mallory Burbage (NTDP)
Team Lead (competition): Courtney Smith (NTDP)

National Team Experience

Ayden Ames
2022 U19 National Team
2023 U19 National Team – FIVB U19 World Championship – Gold
2025 U21 National Team – U21 Pan American Cup – Gold

Henley Anderson
2024 U19 National Team – U19 Continental Championship – Gold
2025 U19 National Team – FIVB U19 World Championship – 2nd / FIVB U21 World
Championship – 9th

Favor Anyanwu
2023 U19 National Team – FIVB U19 World Championship – Gold
2024 U21 National Team – U21 Continental Championship – Gold
2025 U21 National Team – U21 Pan American Cup – Gold – 2nd Best Middle Blocker

Kalyssa Blackshear
2025 U19 National Team

Suli Davis
2023 U19 National Team
2024 U19 National Team
2025 U19 National Team – FIVB U19 World Championship – 2nd – Best Outside Hitter

Campbell Flynn
2023 U19 National Team – FIVB U19 World Championship – Gold / FIVB U21 World
Championship – 6th
2024 U21 National Team – U21 Continental Championship – Gold

Carly Gilk
2023 U19 National Team

Genevieve Harris
2024 U19 National Team – U19 Continental Championship – Gold
2025 U19 National Team – FIVB U19 World Championship – 2nd / FIVB U21 World
Championship – 9th

Taylor Harvey
2023 U19 National Team – FIVB U21 World Championship – 6th
2024 U21 National Team – U21 Continental Championship – Gold
2025 U21 National Team

Lily Hayes
2025 U19 National Team – FIVB U19 World Championship – 2nd

Isabel Incinelli
2025 U19 National Team

Tessa Larkin
2025 U19 National Team

Reese Messer
2023 U19 National Team

Manaia Ogbechie
2024 U19 National Team – U19 Continental Championship – Gold – MVP, Second Best Blocker

Kendall Omoruyi
2024 U19 National Team
2025 U19 National Team

Jordan Taylor
2025 U19 National Team – FIVB U19 World Championship – 2nd

Abby Vander Wal
2023 U19 National Team – U19 Pan American Cup – Gold / FIVB U19 World Championship – Gold – MVP, Best Outside Hitter/FIVB U21 World Championship – 6th
2024 U21 National Team – U21 Continental Championship – Gold
2025 U21 National Team – U21 Pan American Cup – Gold

Ayanna Watson
2025 U19 National Team – FIVB U21 World Championship – 9th

Devyn Wiest
2024 U19 National Team – U19 Continental Championship – Gold
2025 U19 National Team – FIVB U19 World Championship – 2nd

Keoni Williams
2025 U19 National Team – FIVB U21 World Championship – 9th

the girls u17 national team celebrates at center court after a point

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 9, 2026) – USA Volleyball has announced the 28 athletes selected to the 2026 U.S. Girls U17 National Team which will represent the United States in its second year of international competition at both the 2026 NORCECA Girls U17 Pan American Cup and the 2026 FIVB Girls U17 World Championship. It’s the first time a U.S. U17 girls team has competed in either event.

The athletes will participate in a training block May 17-23 at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Following training, 14 players will be selected to compete at the Pan American Cup, and another 14 will represent the U.S. at the World Championship.

The Pan Am Cup is scheduled for May 24-June 1 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and the U.S. will be in a pool with Canada, Mexico and Venezuela. Athletes competing in the World Championship will attend a second training block July 25-30 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, followed by a preparation phase in Santiago, Chile (July 31-Aug. 3). The World Championship will take place Aug. 6-16 in Santiago, where the United States will compete in Pool A alongside host Chile, Türkiye, Egypt, Thailand and Czechia.

“This summer, USAV is making history as we head into our first GU17 Pan American Cup and our inaugural participation in the U17 World Championship, representing only our second-ever GU17 competition as a federation at this age group,” said Pan American Cup head coach Marie Zidek. “For many of these athletes, it will be the first time they wear the USA jersey in competition, a milestone my staff and I do not take lightly. I’m proud to say this is a well-balanced group, deep with skill and talent in every position, and capable of producing points in a variety of ways. We will work diligently this summer to transform that potential into an organized team. My staff and I are excited for this unique program responsibility, and we will strive to develop a strong team game that continues to represent USA Volleyball with competitive pride.”

In its international debut last year, the U.S. Girls U17 Team captured gold at the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U17 Continental Championship. Seventeen members of the 2026 squad bring previous national team experience, providing a strong foundation of continuity and leadership. Returning athletes include McKenzie Andrews, Chloe Burbage, Lexi Coleman, MC Crutcher, Kaelyn Easton, Ellie Enger, Madlen Gloessner, Kari Knotts, Grace Hengler, Mesa Jameson, Taylor Johnson, Julia Masselink, Mikayla Matuszko, Madison Middleton, Maya Ogbogu, Bella Osborn and Shaun Waller.

“Representing your country is a special moment in any athlete’s career,” said World Championship head coach Heather Olmstead. “Our focus will be on growth, learning how to compete on the international stage, embracing challenges and building the habits required to succeed. I’m excited to work with this group and see how they develop throughout the process.”

2026 U.S. Girls U17 National Team Roster

Name, Position, Height, Hometown, School, Region
McKenzie Andrews – MB, 6-5, Grosse Pointe, Mich. Mercy HS, Lakeshore
Shiloh Braddick – PIN, 6-1, Acworth, Ga., Etowah HS, Southern
Chloe Burbage – S, 6-1, Cary, N.C., Green Hope HS, Carolina
Brynli Burgess – L, 5-9, Van Alstyne, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas
Piper Coady – PIN, 6-2, Newport Beach, Calif., Newport Harbor HS, Southern California
Lexi Coleman – PIN, 6-0, Northville, Mich., South Lyon East HS, Lakeshore
MC Crutcher – PIN, 5-11, Mansfield, Texas, Mansfield HS, North Texas
Kaelyn Easton – S, 5-11, Saline, Mich., Mercy HS, Lakeshore
Ellie Enger – S, 6-1, Forest City, Fla., Orangewood Christian HS, Florida
Amari Frazier – MB, 6-3, Phoenix, Ariz., Xavier College Prep, Arizona
Madlen Gloessner – MB, 6-5, Wheat Ridge, Colo., Lakewood HS, Rocky Mountain
Sophia Gregg – S, 6-2, Chandler, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona
Grace Hengler – L, 5-6, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas
Hope Hengler – L, 5-2, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo Academy, North Texas
Mesa Jameson – PIN, 6-2, Cottage Grove, Minn., Eagan HS, North Country
Taylor Johnson – PIN, 6-0, Plano, Texas, Hebron HS, North Texas
Kari Knotts – PIN, 6-3, Marietta, Ga., The Lovett School, Southern
Julia Masselink – PIN, 6-2, Sioux Falls, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country
Mikayla Matuszko – PIN, 6-3, Wellington, Fla., The King’s Academy, Florida
Madison Middleton – MB, 6-1, Roswell, Ga., St. Francis HS, Southern
Maija Mortensen – MB, 6-3, Draper, Utah, Corner Canyon HS, Intermountain
Maya Ogbogu – PIN, 6-0, Parker, Texas, Allen HS, North Texas
Bella Osborn – L, 5-4, Plano, Texas, Plano Senior HS, North Texas
Peyton Smith – PIN, 6-0, Arlington, Texas, Duncanville HS, North Texas
Jael Smith – MB, 6-2, Carson, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California Southern Nevada
Naomi Stevenson – PIN, 6-1, Chapel Hill, N.C., Seaforth HS, Carolina
Shaun Waller – MB, 6-3, Franklin, Tenn., Centennial HS, Southern
Kaya Young – MB, 6-3, Rockville, Md., Kaiserslautern HS

Coaching Staffs

Pan American Cup
Head Coach: Marie Zidek (DePaul University)
Assistant Coaches: Heather Olmstead (NTDP), Joshua Walker (Baylor)
Performance Analyst: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M)
Athletic Trainer: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

World Championship
Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (NTDP)
Assistant Coaches: Amir Lugo-Rodriguez (SC Rockstar/Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball), Laura “Bird” Kuhn (MLV, Atlanta Vibe)
Performance Analyst: Joe Skinner (Texas A&M), Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club)
Athletic Trainer/Team Doctor: Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

The NTDP identifies, recruits, and accelerates the development of high-potential junior volleyball players, strengthening USA Volleyball’s pipeline for sustained international success.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – April 1, 2026 The National Team Development Program is thrilled to announce the 21-athlete roster for the 2026 Men’s U19 National Team, gearing up for the 2026 U19 Men’s Continental Championship. These young stars, representing nine USAV regions, are set to showcase their talent on an international stage, with 14 players to be selected for the final competition roster.

The team will begin with a high-intensity training block at the National Team Center in Anaheim, California, from May 2 to May 10, before heading north to Burnaby, British Columbia, for the championship at Simon Fraser University Athletic Center from May 10 to May 18.

Coach Andy Read shared, “Every journey begins with a first step. These 21 talented young men are embarking on their first of many international competitions, representing the USA. Our goal is to get to the top of the podium, hearing the National Anthem play with a gold medal on their chest. It does not get any better.” 

2026 Men’s U19 National Team Roster

These young men hail from coast to coast and will showcase the depth of the USA Volleyball pipeline:

Name (Height, Position, Hometown, High School, USAV Region) 

Jason Amani (6’8”, Middle Blocker, Grand Prairie, TX, Dubiski Career HS, Lonestar)
Nils Bennebroek (6’6”, Middle Blocker, Foster City, CA, Hillsdale HS, Northern California)
Luke Bosanac (6-9, OPP, San Jose, Calif., Bellarmine College Prep, Northern California)
Jimmie Chrusfield III (6’2”, Outside Hitter, Oak Park, IL, Oak Park River Forest HS, Great Lakes)
Wade Coppedge (6’1”, Libero, Raleigh, NC, Grace Christian School, Carolina)
Timeo Domergue (6’5”, Outside Hitter, Boca Raton, FL, Spanish River HS, Florida)
Noah Duffield (6’7”, Outside Hitter, Burbank, CA, John Burroughs HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
Jackson Feik (6’7”, Middle Blocker, Denver, CO, Regis Jesuit HS, Rocky Mountain)
Daniel Hornyak (6’8”, Outside Hitter, San Diego, CA, Poway HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
Cameron Kosolcharoen (6’7”, Outside Hitter, San Clemente, CA, San Clemente HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
Matthew Kravtsov (6’8”, Outside Hitter Barrington, IL, Barrington Community HS, Great Lakes)
Noah Mbaitoloum (6’7”, Opposite Hitter, Rockville, MD, Winston Churchill HS, Chesapeake)
Antony Niu (6’11”, Middle Blocker, Fremont, CA, Archbishop Mitty HS, Northern California)
Kevin O’Brien (6’11”, Middle Blocker, San Diego, CA, Francis Parker School, Southern California Southern Nevada)
Nikodem Opiola (6’5”, Middle Blocker, Arlington Heights, IL, Rolling Meadows HS, Great Lakes)
Noah Pabarcus (6’3”, Setter, San Diego, CA, Saint Augustine HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
Franklin Shiekh (6’4”, Outside Hitter, Upland, CA, St John Bosco HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
Carter Tchaikovsky (6’5”, Setter, Huntington Beach, CA, Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
Bryce Thistlethwaite (6’8”, Opposite Hitter, Wheeling, IL, Wheeling HS, Great Lakes)
Collin Tullis (6’1”, Libero, Slidell, LA, Seton Home Study, Southern)
Chase Wallin (6’6”, Setter, Laguna Niguel, CA, Santa Margarita Catholic HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Coaching Staff 
Head Coach: Andy Read (Men’s National Team)
Assistant Coach: Spencer Wickens (University of Minnesota-Women’s Volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Leandro Vissotto Neves (Brazil MNT, University of Miami-Women’s Volleyball)
Performance Analyst: Matthew Adams (University of Michigan-Women’s)
Team Doctor: Dr. Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (National Team Development Program)

Fans and volleyball enthusiasts can follow the team’s journey as they chase gold and bring home international glory for the USA.

The National Team Development Program identifies, recruits, and accelerates the development of high-potential junior volleyball players to strengthen USA Volleyball’s national team programs and achieve sustained competitive excellence. 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 30, 2026) — USA Volleyball is proud to announce the 20 athletes named to the 2026 Women’s U19 National Team. This talented group will train July 9–16 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, before competing at the 2026 NORCECA Women’s U19 Continental Championship, held July 17–25 in San José, Costa Rica. From this group of 20 athletes, 14 will be selected for the competition roster.

In addition to the U19 Continental Championship, select U19 and U21 athletes will also compete internationally at the NORCECA U23 Women’s Pan American Cup due to the event’s direct overlap with the NCAA season.

Many athletes on this year’s roster bring prior national team experience, including multiple gold medalists from the 2025 U19 Pan American Cup: Taimane Ainu’u, Nejari Crooks, Cala Haffner, Taylor Harrington, Olivia Henry, Megan Hodges, Westley Matavao, Shayla Rautenberg, Ireland Real, and Kyla Williams.

“I am thrilled for the athletes selected to represent the United States as members of the U19 National Team,” said Head Coach Alex Dunphy. “This roster has outstanding depth at every position. I am honored to lead this talented group and look forward to the growth, leadership, and competitive energy they’ll bring to international play this summer. Go USA!”

2026 Women’s U19 National Team Roster

Name  Position  Height  Hometown  High School  USAV Region 
Taimane Ainu’u  S  6-0  Kapolei, HI  Iolani HS  Aloha 
Averi Bridges  L  5-7  Ashland, NE  Ashland HS  Great Plains 
Ava Burgess OH 6-2 Lehi, Utah Lone Peak HS Intermountain
Nejari Crooks  OPP  6-1  High Point, NC  Wesleyan Christian Academy  Carolina 
Sarah Floyd  OPP  6-3  Dallas, TX  Highland Park HS  North Texas 
Taylor Freeland  OPP  6-3  Riverton, UT  Riverton HS  Intermountain 
Cala Haffner  L  5-8  Fort Wayne, IN  Carroll HS  Hoosier 
Taylor Harrington  MB  6-3  Arlington, VA  Wakefield HS  Chesapeake 
Olivia Henry  OH  6-5  Bayside, NY  IMG Academy  Florida 
Megan Hodges  MB/OPP  6-5  Ladera Ranch, CA  San Juan Hills HS  Southern California 
Alex Knox  S  5-11  McMurray, PA  Peters Township HS  Keystone 
Pulelehua Laikona  L  5-8  Gilbert, AZ  Mesa HS  Arizona 
Leilani Lamar  OH  6-2  Alpharetta, GA  Alpharetta HS  Southern 
Westley Matavao  OH  6-0  Ontario, CA  Mater Dei HS  Southern California 
Willtrace Ngoh  MB  6-1  Richmond, TX  Katy Seven Lakes HS  Lonestar 
Shayla Rautenberg  MB  6-4  Pleasant Dale, NE  Milford HS  Great Plains 
Ireland Real  OH  6-4  San Clemente, CA  Santa Margarita Catholic HS  Southern California 
Josalyn Samuels  S  6-1  Harrisburg, SD  Harrisburg HS  North Country 
Brynn Stephens  OH  6-3  Frisco, TX  Walnut Grove HS  North Texas 
Kyla Williams  MB  6-4  Cleveland, OH  Gilmour Academy  Ohio Valley 

Staff
 Head Coach: Alex Dunphy (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Haley Brightwell (MLV)
Assistant Coach: Tori Dixon (LOVB)
Performance Analyst: Mackenna Basore (LOVB)
Athletic Trainer: Hazel Peterson (USOPTC)
Team Lead: Courtney Smith (NTDP) 

The National Team Development Program (NTDP) works to identify, recruit, and accelerate the development of high-potential junior volleyball players to strengthen USA Volleyball’s national team pipeline and sustain long-term competitive excellence. 

For more information about the NTDP, visit go.usav.org/NTDP. 

Ann Davenport

Colorado Springs, Colo. (March 19, 2026) — The USA Volleyball community mourns the unexpected passing of Ann Davenport on March 16, 2026. Her contributions to the sport were immeasurable, and her influence reached every level of the game in the United States.  

Ann Davenport dedicated her life to the growth and success of volleyball in the United States, including decades of leadership within the Southern California volleyball community. Through her leadership, passion and unwavering commitment, she played a significant role in advancing the mission of USA Volleyball while supporting athletes, coaches and programs nationwide. 

Known for her integrity, warmth and tireless work ethic, Davenport earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers across the volleyball community. Her leadership extended well beyond the court, helping to shape the culture and future of the sport. 

“Ann Davenport will be sorely missed in the USA Volleyball community for many years to come. She was a voice of reason and always wanted the best for the sport. I know I speak for the entire USAV Board of Directors when I say she was an icon and a true influencer, someone we can all learn from as we honor her many contributions,” said David Gentile, USA Volleyball board chair. 

Davenport was a part of the volleyball community for decades, touching generations of players, coaches and families. 

“I have personally known Ann Davenport for more than 20 years. Her impact on the lives of those in our sport, including my own, goes beyond measure. Her legacy is unrivaled, and her loss will be felt deeply,” said John Speraw, USA Volleyball CEO. 

USA Volleyball extends its deepest condolences to Davenport’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Plans to honor her life and legacy will be shared as they become available, and her impact will live on through the countless individuals she inspired and the enduring strength of the volleyball community she helped build. 

Hall of Fame

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 17, 2026) – USA Volleyball is proud to announce the final honorees for the 2026 Hall of Fame and Annual Awards Ceremony, taking place during the Dorothy C. Boyce Banquet May 20 at the DoubleTree Orlando Theme Park Resort by Hilton in Florida.

Previously, USA Volleyball shared that U.S. Women’s Siting National Team head coach and Sitting Program Director Bill Hamiter will receive the organization’s highest honor, the Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Award. Foluke Akinradewo Gunderson, Prikeba (Keba) Phipps Reed, Riley Salmon, Dave Saunders, Jennifer Kessy, Phil Dalhausser and Nichole Millage Faust will be honored as All-Time Great Athletes.

Tickets for the banquet and ceremony are available for purchase. For sponsorship opportunities, please email Director of Stewardship and Foundation Operations Kyle Vaughn. Proceeds will benefit the USA Volleyball Foundation, supporting programs that grow and sustain the sport nationwide.

All-Time Great Coach
Toshi Yoshida is this year’s All-Time Great Coach. Yoshida had a long association with the U.S. Women’s National Team, serving as the assistant coach from 1979-83, and again from 1998-2000. In 2001, he took over as head coach, leading the team at the 2004 Olympic Games. He coached in Japan from 1983-97 and returned to coaching in Japan after the 2004 Games.

Hall of Fame Inductees
USA Volleyball also congratulates the following individuals for their upcoming induction into the Hall of Fame. They have all made significant contributions to the sport at various levels:

  • George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award: Jim Stone – Honored for his impactful leadership in advancing the sport through coaching, mentorship and service to the volleyball community. This award will be given posthumously
  • Dr. Neville A. “Doc” Booth Commissioner’s Award: Joe Williams – Recognized for his exceptional dedication and commitment to the growth and governance of volleyball
  • Joseph B. Sharpless Arbitrator Service Award: J Michael McPoyle – Honored for his integrity and service in helping ensure fairness and resolution within the sport
  • William G. Morgan “Founder’s” Award: Dave Gentile – Recognized for his longstanding contributions to the development and promotion of volleyball at multiple levels
  • James E. Coleman National Team Award: Charles Johnson – Honored for his support and contributions that have strengthened USA Volleyball’s national team programs
  • Wilbur H. “Wil” Peck Referee Emeritus Award: Bob Stanek – Recognized for a distinguished officiating career and decades of service supporting referees and the integrity of the game
  • Harry E. Wilson International Service Award: Pat Powers – Recognized for significant contributions to USA Volleyball and the FIVB and for an impact on the international level

USA Volleyball will also recognize the following Annual Award winners at the ceremony:

  • Junior Male Athlete of the Year: Aelijah Larkin, Ohio Valley Region – Recognized as the nation’s top junior male athlete for outstanding performance, leadership, and impact on the court
  • Junior Female Athlete of the Year: Olivia Henry, Florida Region – Honored for exceptional play and leadership as one of the top junior female volleyball athletes in the country
  • Indoor Junior Club Director of the Year: Curt Glesmann, North Country Region – Recognized for outstanding leadership and dedication in building a successful junior indoor volleyball club program
  • Beach Junior Club Director of the Year: Ashley Ivy Swift, Lone Star Region – Honored for her commitment to growing and developing junior beach volleyball athletes and programs
  • Junior Club Service Award: Jay Johnson, Badger Region – Recognized for his significant service and contributions to the junior volleyball community
  • Junior Girls Indoor Coach of the Year: Elizabeth “Betty” Lange, Badger Region – Honored for exceptional coaching leadership and the development of junior girls indoor athletes
  • Junior Boys Indoor Coach of the Year: Mark Maggio, Bayou Region – Recognized for his impact in developing junior boys athletes and advancing the sport through coaching
  • Junior Girls Beach Coach of the Year: Paige Panter Mierl, Lone Star Region – Honored for outstanding leadership and success in coaching junior girls beach volleyball
  • Nancy S. Sharpless Scorer Emeritus Award: Sue Mailhot, Great Plains Region – Recognized for many years of dedicated service and excellence as a volleyball scorer
  • Glen G. Davies Referee Service Award: Clark Radcliffe, Great Plains Region – Honored for his continued service and commitment to supporting and developing volleyball referees
  • Referee of the Year: Robert Owen, Florida Region – Recognized for excellence in officiating and contributions to maintaining the highest standards of the game.
  • Jonathan Reeser Sport Science Award: Dr. Bill Briner – Recognized for significant contributions to the sports science of volleyball through either volleyball-specific research or through clinical contributions in the care of volleyball players
  • Edward P. Lauten Scorer’s Service Award: Amber Fulk – Recognized for outstanding contributions to the USA Volleyball scorer’s development and certification program
A girls beach volleyball player dives in the sand for hte ball.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 17, 2026) – USA Volleyball has selected the athletes who will represent the United States on the 2026 Beach U18 National Team at the 2026 FIVB Beach Volleyball U18 World Championship, scheduled for July 8-12 in The Hague, Netherlands.

The event begins with qualification matches on July 8, followed by main draw pool play on July 9-10. Elimination rounds begin July 11.

The United States will enter one boys pair and one girls pair directly into the main draw, while additional pairs will compete in the qualification tournament pending the U.S. receives a second bid. Reserve athletes and alternates have also been named.

Girls Roster

Main Draw
Lauren Leach (Laurel Springs HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region) and Janie McCanna (ICL/West Seattle HS/Puget Sound Region)

Qualifier
Simrin Adams (Long Beach Wilson HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region) and Sienna Castillo (Redondo Union HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region)

Reserve
Sarah Cowan (The Stony Brook School/Florida Region) and Sage Illian (Maize South HS/Heart of America Region)

Alternates
Olivia Herron (Acellus HS/North Texas Region)
Lucy Matuszak (Mira Costa HS/Southern Califonia Southern Nevada Region)
Nariah Johnson (Santa Fe Christian HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region)
Milaniakai Padilla (Seabury Hall/Aloha Region)

“Representing my country has always been a dream of mine,” Leach said. “I’m really looking forward to competing in the World Championship with USA on my back.”

McCanna added, “I’m incredibly honored and excited to represent USA this summer. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to compete in the World Championship. Go USA!”

Boys Roster

Main Draw
Gavin Mortensen (Williams Field HS/Arizona Region) and Caden Phillips (Williams Field HS/Arizona Region)

Qualifier
Camden Berry (Nixa HS/Heart of America Region) and Hunter Lourick (University HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region)

Reserve
Christian Nieto (Mira Costa HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region) and Dylan Hunter (Huntington Beach HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region)

“I’m truly honored for this opportunity and grateful for the chance to represent my country in a sport I love,” Phillips said. “It means more to me than I can fully express, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. Let’s go, USA!”

Mortensen added, “I’m honored to represent USA, and I’m grateful for the trust of USA Volleyball in allowing me to play in the World Championship. This is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life, and I’m grateful to do this with my good friend Caden. I can’t wait to get out on the sand.”

Coaches and Staff

Girls Head Coach: Gustavo Rocha (University of Southern California)
Girls Assistant Coach: Brooke Niles (Florida State University)
Boys Head Coach: Billy Allen (Stanford)
Boys Assistant Coach: Patty Dodd (MB Sand)
Athletic Trainer: Stacy Struble (Southwestern College)
Team Leader: Judit Kolada (USA Volleyball Beach National Team Development Program)

“I was honored to represent the United States as a player and am excited to continue to serve our program as a coach,” Allen said. “Developing this age group and giving them meaningful international experience is vital to the future of USA Volleyball. I’m grateful to be part of their journey and look forward to seeing them compete on the World Championship stage.”

Rocha talked about what it means as a coach to lead a team at a World Championship.

“It means responsibility. It means leadership. It means being part of something bigger than myself,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud and truly honored to serve in this role. When you represent the United States, you carry pride, tradition and high standards. This isn’t just preparing the athletes for one tournament – it’s about shaping the future of American beach volleyball. These athletes are the next generation, and some may one day step onto the Olympic stage wearing USA across their chest.”

Before the World Championship, the U.S. will compete at the NORCECA U18 Qualification Tournament April 23-27 in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic. Former indoor and beach pro player Patty Dodd will coach Mortensen/Phillips at the event, and four-time beach Olympian Jake Gibb will coach Leach/McCanna.

The United States enters the 2026 event following a strong performance at the 2025 U18 World Championships. Ella Grimes (Ursuline Academy/Ohio Valley Region) and Jordyn Scribner (Clear Falls HS/Lone Star Region) captured gold in the girls division, while Addison Junk and Avery Junk (Redondo Union HS /Southern California Southern Nevada Region) earned silver. On the boys side, Cash Essert (Redondo Union HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region) and Spencer Smith (Gulf Breeze HS/Gulf Coast Region) finished ninth.

JIm Stone at the national anthem
Jim Stone

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 10, 2026) – USA Volleyball mourns the passing of longtime coach and educator Jim Stone, whose influence has shaped thousands of athletes and coaches across the United States. A teacher of the game and tireless advocate for athlete development, Stone’s impact reached from youth gyms to the international stage.

Stone passed away on March 10 at the age of 73. Services will be held Tuesday, March 17, at Bohlender Funeral Chapel in Fort Collins, Colorado, starting at 10 a.m.

With USA Volleyball, Stone led the U.S. Girls Youth National Team to gold at the 2019 FIVB Volleyball U18 World Championship, the first world championship gold medal ever won by the United States in an age-group volleyball world championship. The historic achievement followed another title the year before, when his Girls Youth National Team captured gold at the 2018 NORCECA U18 Continental Championship.

Across several appointments as head coach of the U.S. Girls Youth National Team, Stone guided multiple medal-winning squads, including silver medal finishes at worlds in 2013 and 2015. His dedication to athlete growth and competitive excellence helped establish a foundation that continues to strengthen the U.S. national team pipeline.

“Volleyball, and certainly USA Volleyball, lost a true treasure with the passing of Jim,” said Doug Beal, former CEO of USA Volleyball and former coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team. “Our sport has been blessed with wonderful teachers, coaches and leaders, and Jim fits in among the best ever, leaving an indelible imprint that made our sport and so many people so much better. He was a talented collegiate player and collegiate coach, and an unsurpassed coach with USAV age-group teams. His most impactful contributions may have come after he retired from coaching to focus on inspiring so many young (and old!) coaches. His writings were challenging, insightful, always well researched, and they led you to want to know more.

“Jim would be embarrassed to know I’m calling him inspiring,” Beal continued. “He was low-key, self-deprecating, modest to a fault. A common theme running through many recent tributes has been people wanting more one-on-one time with him. Many players were fortunate to have him as a coach, many coaches were fortunate to work with him, and many more were influenced, motivated and inspired by his speaking, videos and newsletters.”

Stone also served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team during its gold medal run at the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix, contributing to one of the program’s landmark international victories. His international résumé further included coaching at the 1999 Summer Universiade and serving as a three-time U.S. Olympic Festival coach.

Beyond the international stage, Stone was a cornerstone of coach education and athlete development throughout the United States. He coached in USA Volleyball’s High-Performance pipeline and also contributed his wisdom to many USAV articles on coaching techniques.

In recognition of his decades of leadership and service to the sport, Stone received the 2012 USA Volleyball All-Time Great Coach Award.

Stone is the all-time leader in coaching wins for the Ohio State Women’s volleyball team, collecting a record of 531-294 over 26 seasons. He led the team to three Big Ten Championships and 15 NCAA Tournament appearances. He also founded Jim Stone Consulting, a coaching and education resource dedicated to helping coaches grow their knowledge and leadership within the sport.

Known for his thoughtful approach to teaching and his commitment to developing both players and coaches, Stone leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape American volleyball for years to come.

A girls team celebrating on the court
Photo by Texas Star

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 5, 2026) — USA Volleyball has unveiled the official schedule and host cities for its 2027 indoor national championship season, setting the stage for one of the most exciting years in the organization’s history. From the country’s top junior athletes to elite adult competition, the 2027 calendar reflects the continued rise of volleyball across the United States.

By bringing national championships to major destinations such as Chicago, Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Anaheim, USA Volleyball is giving athletes a premier platform to showcase their talent and passion for the sport.

The season kicks off in Minneapolis with the Girls 18s Junior National Championship. Chicago will be a central hub in 2027, hosting both the historic USA Volleyball Adult Open National Championship, one of the longest-running volleyball events in the country, and the Girls Junior National Championship for the 11-13 divisions. The Boys Junior National Championship presented by Credit Union 1 heads to Anaheim.

The season will culminate in Las Vegas with the largest of USA Volleyball’s premier events, the Girls Junior National Championship 14-17s presented by Credit Union 1.

2027 INDOOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR

Girls 18s Junior National Championship
Minneapolis | May 7-9, 2027

USA Volleyball Adult Open National Championships
Chicago | May 28-June 2, 2027

Girls Club Championships
Anaheim | June 5-7, 2027

Boys Junior National Championship presented by Credit Union 1
Anaheim | June 11-13, 2027

Girls Junior National Championship 11-13s
Chicago | June 18-21, 2027

Girls Junior National Championship 14-17s presented by Credit Union 1
Las Vegas | June 27-July 5, 2027

  • 14s & 15s: June 27-30
  • 16s & 17s: July 2-5

Building Momentum for the Future
The 2027 indoor domestic championship season aligns with a milestone year for international volleyball, as the United States and Canada prepare to co-host the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship. Together, these events underscore USA Volleyball’s commitment to advancing the mission to inspire and empower athletes at every level while building momentum toward the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

The host city and dates for the Girls Club Championship will be announced in the coming months.

USA Volleyball Grass Tour

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 25, 2026) — USA Volleyball has announced the launch of the USA Volleyball Grass Tour, a new nationwide initiative designed to bring together the rapidly growing grass volleyball community. The tour will unite local tournaments under one national umbrella and culminate with the first-ever USA Volleyball Adult Grass National Championship in the fall of 2026.

Grass volleyball continues to surge in popularity, with adult participation nearly doubling over the past five years. According to the 2025 SFIA Topline Report, outdoor volleyball participation has increased by 88 percent since 2020, fueled by a growing interest in accessible, community-driven outdoor sports. The USA Volleyball Grass Tour builds on that momentum by creating a clear path from casual weekend play to a true national championship experience.

Each tournament on the 2026 USAV Grass Tour will be given a set number of bids to award to the national championship, based on final placement and if the discipline will be provided at nationals. Open registration for the national championship will be available, but bid winners receive exclusive championship benefits.

These affiliated events across the country are a season long circuit that connects local tournaments to a national stage. Through a tiered affiliation model, events can keep their grassroots identity while gaining access to USA Volleyball marketing support, event operational support, and national ranking points.

“The USA Volleyball Grass Tour is more than just a list of tournaments; it gives a national identity to the millions of players competing in parks and fields across the country,” said USA Volleyball President and CEO John Speraw. “We are thrilled to bring the unmatched energy of our championship events to the grass game. We’re protecting what makes this community so special while delivering the high-level experience our athletes deserve and creating unforgettable moments together.”

The USA Volleyball Grass Tour will also introduce a program to celebrate America’s No. 1 grass athletes in both genders. The program will crown the top grass players through competition across multiple divisions and disciplines while encouraging consistent participation in USAV Grass Tour events.

“Waupaca Boatride Volleyball is excited to be working with USA Volleyball in the inaugural 2026 USA Volleyball Grass Tour,” said Tom Galecke of Waupaca Boatride Volleyball. “We are looking forward to expanding grass volleyball at all levels, culminating in the USAV Adult Grass National Championship. It has always been the mission statement for Waupaca Boatride to expose grass volleyball to every level of player regardless of economics. We look forward to growing that statement with the USA Volleyball Grass Tour.”

For more information about the tour, email [email protected].

USA Volleyball Grass Tour 2026 – Event Schedule

The inaugural USA Volleyball Grass Tour kicks off a season-long circuit of tournaments across the country, culminating in the first-ever USA Volleyball Adult Grass Open National Championship. Each event combines competitive play with community energy, giving local tournaments a national stage while keeping their unique identity.

West Texas Dig Fest
April 11-12, 2026 | The ROC – Recreational Outdoor Complex, Abilene, Texas
Hosted by the Abilene Youth Sports Authority, this debut event features Men’s and Women’s Triples on Saturday, and Adult Coed and Juniors Triples on Sunday.
Day 2 Registration

The Clash
April 18-19, 2026 | Saluda Shoals Fields, Columbia, South Carolina
This event features Triples and Coed Doubles

Turf N Tides
April 18-19, 2026 | Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida
Hosted by Gulf to Bay x Sandbagger, this event features Reverse Coed Quads

Grass Tourney 2
May 16-17, 2026 | Gretna Crossing Park, Gretna, Nebraska
Organized by Kaleb Scharman Volleyball Tournaments, this growing event offers Men’s and Women’s Triples on Saturday, plus Coed Quads and Youth Quads on Sunday.

The Digs
May 30-31, 2026 | Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, Chesterfield, Virginia
Hosted by the Tidewater Volleyball Association, this event features Triples, Reverse Coed Quads and Coed Sixes

Fresh Coast Champions Cup
June 6-7, 2026 | Veterans Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Run by Volley Life, this event combines traditional grass competition with a pro exhibition element, including Triples, Coed Doubles, Juniors divisions, clinics, and more.

Boomtown Double Trouble
June , 2026 | Eisenhower Park, Denver, Colorado
Hosted by Boomtown Volleyball, this event features Doubles and Juniors.

The Raiders Open
June 12-14, 2026 | Viets Field at MSOE, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hosted by the Milwaukee School of Engineering men’s volleyball program, this turf field event features Triples, Coed Quads, Reverse Coed Quads, and Juniors divisions.

NCR Heat Wave Classic
June 20-21, 2026 | Brackett Park, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hosted by the North Country Region, the classic features Triples, Coed Quads, Coed Doubles and Reverse Coed Quads

Pottstown Rumble
June 26-28, 2026 | Memorial Park, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
The Rumble returns with Coed Quads, Reverse Coed, Doubles, Triples, Quads, Coed Doubles, Masters, and Juniors divisions, bringing one of the country’s toughest volleyball battles back to the grass.

DDD Triples
June 27, 2026 | Hidden Park Soccer Field, New Hope, Minnesota
Hosted by Duk Duk Volleyball and featuring Triples

Waupaca Boatride
July 9-12, 2026 | Brighton Acres, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Known as the US Open of grass triples, this four-day event includes Men’s and Women’s Triples, Juniors clinics, and multiple adult and junior formats around the main Saturday tournament.

Carlisle Crush
July 17-19, 2026 | George B. Stuart Athletic Fields at the Carlisle Family YMCA, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
A three-day weekend packed with Doubles, Triples, Quads, Masters, Coed formats, Juniors, and recreational 6s.

Spikin’ It – Gateway Region
July 18-19, 2026 | St. Charles Soccer Park Complex, St. Charles, Missouri
Sponsored by the Gateway Region of USA Volleyball, this event has open and club divisions in Men’s and Women’s Triples and Coed Quads.

Orange County Crown
July 18-19, 2026 | Huntington Beach High School, Huntington Beach, California
Hosted by Bad Boys Open, featuring Saturday Triples, Sunday Doubles, and Reverse Coed Quads, while supporting the Huntington Beach High School boys volleyball program.

Pittsburgh Grass Open
July 24-26, 2026 | South Park Fairgrounds, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Duk Duk Daze
July 25-26, 2026 | Hidden Valley Park Soccer Field, New Hope, Minnesota
Hosted by Duk Duk Volleyball and featuring Coed Quads and Reverse Coed Quads

Marshall Madness
July 25-26, 2026 | Ephram White Park, Bowling Green, Kentucky
A long-running family-hosted tradition drawing over 150 teams, including Triples, Quads, Coed Quads, and Coed Sixes.

Players Choice
July 31-August 2, 2026 | Ridge Road Sports Complex, Palmyra, Pennsylvania
Hosted by Cut Shot Volleyball, Saturday features Men’s, Women’s, Juniors, and Masters Doubles, while Sunday includes Reverse Coed Doubles and Gender Blind Quads.

Aspen Mother Lode
Sept. 4-6, 2026 | Wagner Park, Rio Grande Park, Koch Lumber Park in Aspen, Colorado
Hosted by LetsGo Volleyball and featuring Doubles, Triples and Coed Doubles

Gulf to Bay x Sandbagger
Event Dates TBD | Saint Petersburg, Florida
Get ready to compete, clash, and have a great time as Gulf to Bay and Sandbagger put on premium grass volleyball tournament experiences on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

USA Volleyball Adult Grass Open National Championship
The centerpiece of the tour, this championship is designed specifically for adult athletes. Modeled on the energy and prestige of USA Volleyball’s Adult Open Championship, it will deliver elite-level competition and a destination-style festival atmosphere.

Additional USA Volleyball Grass Tour-affiliated events and championship details will be announced soon.

Hall of Fame

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 19, 2026) — Seven legendary athletes will be inducted into the 2026 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame during the annual ceremony at the Dorothy C. Boyce Banquet on May 20 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld in Florida.

This year’s athlete inductees represent the pinnacle of excellence across all disciplines of the sport: All-Time Great Male Indoor Athletes Riley Salmon and Dave Saunders; All-Time Great Female Indoor Athletes Foluke Akinradewo Gunderson and Prikeba (Keba) Phipps; All-Time Great Female Beach Athlete Jen Kessy; All-Time Great Male Beach Athlete Phil Dalhausser; and All-Time Great Female Sitting Athlete Nichole Millage.

“These athletes represent excellence, sustained impact, and an unmatched commitment to USA Volleyball,” said John Speraw, USA Volleyball President and CEO. “Each of them has helped shape the trajectory of our sport and raise the standard for volleyball in the United States. We’re proud to celebrate their extraordinary careers and the example they continue to set for the next generation.”

All-Time Great Athlete Award Criteria

The prestigious All-Time Great Athlete Award is presented to players who have competed for at least five years on a U.S. National Team and participated in a minimum of five top-level international competitions such as the Olympic Games, FIVB World Championship, FIVB World Cup, or NORCECA Championship.

2026 All-Time Great Athlete Inductees

Riley Salmon – USA Volleyball All-Time Great Male Indoor Athlete
A standout outside hitter, Salmon was a key contributor for the U.S. Men’s National Team, known for his versatility and athleticism. He competed at the 2004 Olympic Games and then helped lead the Men’s National Team to gold in 2008. He helped the team achieve consistent success internationally and later continued his influence in the sport as a coach and mentor.

Dave Saunders – USA Volleyball All-Time Great Male Indoor Athlete
Saunders competed with the U.S. Men’s National Team for more than a decade as an outside hitter, winning gold at both the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games and at the 1986 World Championship. An all-round player, he was a three-time NCAA champion at UCLA.

Foluke Akinradewo Gunderson – USA Volleyball All-Time Great Female Indoor Athlete
One of the most decorated middle blockers in U.S. history, Akinradewo Gunderson is a three-time Olympic medalist. A star player at Stanford and 2007 AVCA National Player of the Year, she was part of her first Olympic Games in 2012, winning silver. She helped lead the team to gold at the 2014 World Championship, bronze at the 2016 Olympics, and then was part of the U.S. Women’s first gold medal-winning team at the 2020 Olympics.

Prikeba (Keba) Phipps – USA Volleyball All-Time Great Female Indoor Athlete
A two-time Olympian at outside hitter, Phipps was the youngest player (19) on the U.S. Women’s National Team at the 1988 Games. After more than a decade playing professional volleyball overseas, she returned to the U.S. squad and helped lead the team to a silver medal at the 2002 World Championship. Two years later, she was part of the team that finished fifth at the 2004 Games.

Jen Kessy – USA Volleyball All-Time Great Female Beach Athlete
A silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games highlighted Kessy’s career as a longstanding leader on the U.S. Women’s Beach National Team. She won 19 titles on the U.S. pro beach circuit in her career and collected 10 international gold medals, including the 2009 World Championship. She and partner April Ross were twice named the USAV Beach Team of the Year and were the 2013 AVP Team of the Year.

Phil Dalhausser – USA Volleyball All-Time Great Male Beach Athlete
Widely regarded as one of the greatest beach volleyball players of all time, Dalhausser is a four-time Olympian, 2008 Olympic gold medalist, and 2007 World Champion. Famous for his commanding block and all-around skill, the “thin beast” won 63 domestic beach titles and 38 golds on the international circuit. He and partners Todd Rogers and Nick Lucena won numerous domestic and international awards, and he was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2023.

Nichole Millage-Faust – All-Time Great Female Sitting Athlete
Millage-Faust is a four-time Paralympic medalist as an outside hitter/setter with the U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team. She spent 17 years with the team, earning silver at her first Paralympic Games in 2008. She won silver again in 2012, and then was part of the 2016 team that earned its first Paralympic gold, and she followed it up with another gold in 2020. She also won three silvers at the World Championships and three golds at the Parapan American Games.

Tickets for the banquet and ceremony are available for purchase. For sponsorship opportunities, please email Director of Stewardship and Foundation Operations Kyle Vaughn. Proceeds will benefit the USA Volleyball Foundation, supporting programs that grow and sustain the sport nationwide.

The induction ceremony will take place two days before the 2026 USA Volleyball Open National Championship begins at the Orange County Convention Center, making Orlando the center of the volleyball world for the week.

Matt Fuerbringer
Matt Fuerbringer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 18, 2026) — USA Volleyball has named Matt Fuerbringer as head coach of the U.S. Men’s Beach National Team, marking the first head coaching appointment under the organization’s newly redesigned Beach Performance Collective and unified training model.

Fuerbringer will join the beach program after finishing as the head coach of LOVB Madison in April. A veteran of three Olympic Games as a coach and a longtime presence within USA Volleyball, he brings more than 25 years of experience competing and coaching at the highest levels of indoor and beach volleyball. He previously served as an assistant coach with the U.S. Men’s National Indoor Team across two Olympic cycles, helping guide the team to bronze medals at the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, along with gold medals at the 2014 FIVB World League and 2015 FIVB World Cup.

“There’s no one I could imagine better serving USA Volleyball in this new role,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “Matt brings an unmatched understanding of what it takes to train a national team and compete at the highest level on the beach. Having him join us as we reimagine how we prepare our athletes is transformative. I’ve worked with Matt for many years, and through every challenge, one quality has always stood out is trust.”

Fuerbringer’s appointment is a cornerstone of USA Volleyball’s ongoing effort to modernize and centralize its beach program. The Beach Performance Collective introduces a unified training model that integrates coaching and performance science and supports staff under a single framework.

Historically, U.S. beach athletes have trained independently while competing against each other for Olympic qualification. Now, for the first time, the men’s program is aligned as one national team. That unity creates a powerful opportunity to raise standards, share knowledge and push one another to higher levels.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead this program,” shared Fuerbringer. “Our immediate goal is to raise the level of play every single day for our current athletes, while also building a strong pipeline for the future. For the first time, we’re truly united as one national team, and it’s going to take all of us working together to reach our full potential.”

Alongside the hiring of three-time Olympic medalist April Ross as Beach National Team head of coaching, Fuerbringer’s appointment signals a strategic shift toward enhanced training environments and increased international competitiveness as USA Volleyball builds toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The addition of a dedicated head coach for the men’s program underscores the organization’s commitment to athlete-centered development and long-term Olympic success.

Credit Union 1

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. (Feb. 13, 2026) — Volleyball is not just having a moment in the United States. It’s redefining the landscape of youth and Olympic sports. To harness this momentum, USA Volleyball, the national governing body for beach, indoor, and sitting volleyball and beach Paravolley, has today announced Credit Union 1 as its Official Banking and Financial Literacy Partner through 2029, spotlighting a shared commitment to empowering the sports’ athletes and families both on and off the court.

This news coincides with USA Volleyball’s recent announcement naming leading media rights and venue development company JMI Sports as the organization’s exclusive property sales representative. Credit Union 1 is the first corporate alliance under this JMI Sports-led commercial strategy, signaling strong early momentum for USA Volleyball’s expanded sponsorship platform.

“Volleyball in the United States is no longer just growing; it’s exploding in influence and scale,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “By working alongside JMI Sports, we are aligning with experts who understand how to translate that massive participation into innovative brand experiences. Welcoming Credit Union 1 as our first Founding Partner is a perfect example of this new era, providing our athletes and families with tangible value, like financial literacy, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our sport as we head toward the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

For more than 65 years, Credit Union 1 has served its community through personalized banking solutions and a commitment to financial literacy and wellbeing, which has helped to build strong, long-term relationships with its members. Recognizing the value of these connections, Credit Union 1 and JMI Sports developed a platform with USA Volleyball that goes beyond traditional sponsorship. The initiative combines high-visibility multimedia assets with integrated programs designed to deliver practical financial education to athletes and their families.

At the heart of the partnership is a shared mission to give young athletes the tools for lifelong success. Credit Union 1 will lead a nationwide financial education initiative featuring workshops and digital resources focused on scholarships, personal finance, and navigating Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, ensuring greater financial literacy across the entire volleyball community.

“Credit Union 1 believes in the importance of building financial confidence at every stage of life and that includes empowering the next generation of athletes,” said Todd Gunderson, President and CEO of Credit Union 1. “Partnering with USA Volleyball allows us to expand the impact of our financial wellbeing outreach by connecting with the more than 500,000 athletes of USA Volleyball and their families through financial wellbeing seminars at the upcoming national championship and local tournaments, as well as through a multitude of online resources. We hope the tools that Credit Union 1 provides these athletes will help them make the most of their current financial opportunities and set themselves up for future success.”

In addition, Credit Union 1 will receive premier event integration and on-site visibility across USA Volleyball’s top national events, including Championship Court naming rights, on-court logo placements, digital signage, and fan experiences. Credit Union 1 branding will debut at four marquee youth tournaments, reaching more than 158,000 athletes, coaches, and fans.

Credit Union 1’s first event as Presenting Sponsor is the 2026 Sunshine Classic Girls National Qualifier, which will take place Friday, February 27 to Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. While onsite, Credit Union 1 will present two sessions on Saturday, February 28, called “Your Money, Your Future: How Smart Spending Today Can Set You Up for Success” at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. ET. Each session will include coffee and the opportunity for one lucky attendee to win a $100 gift card.

Additional events include:
• April 25-27 & May 1-3, 2026: USA Volleyball Salt Lake City Showdown Girls National Qualifier presented by Credit Union 1 – Weeks 1 & 2 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
• June 25-July 3, 2026: USA Volleyball Girls 14-17 Junior National Championship presented by Credit Union 1 (Indianapolis, Indiana)
• July 8-11, 2026: USA Volleyball Boys Junior National Championship presented by Credit Union 1 (Phoenix, Arizona)

“As the first Founding Partner under our new collaboration with USA Volleyball, this agreement represents a blueprint for the type of meaningful, mission-aligned initiatives we are building,” said Erik Judson, Co-Founder and CEO of JMI Sports. “Credit Union 1’s investment underscores both the power of volleyball’s audience and the impact brands can have when they create real value for athletes, families, and fans.”

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About Credit Union 1
Credit Union 1 is celebrating more than 65 years of helping members reach their financial goals. CU1 is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving 120,000 members nationwide with convenient Digital and Mobile Banking, 130,000 surcharge-free ATMs, and more than 5,000 shared-branch locations. Credit Union 1 strives to exceed its members’ expectations by delivering innovative financial solutions and personalized member service to help achieve their maximum economic potential. Discover Better Banking for All at cu1.com.

About JMI Sports
JMI Sports is a leading media rights and venue development company that provides management of collegiate multimedia rights, sponsorship sales agency representation, and project management expertise for the development of collegiate and professional sports facilities. The company serves to maximize each client’s economic potential through customized initiatives, from marketing and branding solutions to facility design strategies.

JMI Sports’ signature collegiate multimedia rights partnerships include the University of Kentucky, the University of Utah, UCLA, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, Harvard University, DePaul University, Columbia University, San Diego State University, University of California at San Diego, University of San Diego, and joint-venture properties of the University of Georgia (with Learfield), and University of Notre Dame (with Legends). JMI Sports also represents multimedia rights for several conferences, including the Ivy League, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Patriot League and the Atlantic 10, and serves as third-party sales representation for premier sports properties, venues, and events including Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, the Rose Bowl, the Penn Relays, and USA Volleyball.

JMI Sports was founded in 2006 by CEO Erik Judson and technology entrepreneur John Moores, former owner of the San Diego Padres. To learn more, please visit www.jmisports.com.

Ladislav Lelkes
Ladislav Lelkes

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 12, 2026) – USA Volleyball is pleased to announce the hiring of Ladislav Lelkes as assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team, where he will lead and support the resident program.

Lelkes joins the men’s sitting team after a successful tenure as associate head coach/recruiting coordinator with the Division I Wofford women’s volleyball team. In three years with Wofford, Lelkes helped lead the team to three Southern Conference titles and three NCAA tournament appearances. In 2025, the team had the most all-conference players in school history (four, plus the libero of the year).

“We are excited to welcome Ladislav to the men’s sitting national team,” said U.S. Men’s Sitting Head Coach Greg Walker. “He brings a strong background in player development, a collaborative coaching style, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build a high-performance culture.”

Prior to Wofford, Lelkes spent time coaching at Barton College, Bradley University, East Carolina, Alabama, and East Tennessee State University. ETSU also made the NCAA Tournament in the two years he was an assistant.

Lelkes graduated from Barton with a degree in political science, and he played at both Barton and Elmira College. He was part of the VKP Bratislava volleyball club for 10 years, helping the team to two national championships and a Slovakian Cup title.

In his new role, Lelkes will focus on the daily training environment of the resident program, working closely with athletes and staff to support long-term development and international success.

“I’m grateful for the trust USA Volleyball has placed in me,” said Lelkes. “My time at Wofford taught me the importance of investing in people first, and I’m excited to bring that mindset to the U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team while working closely with the athletes and staff in the resident program.”

USA Volleyball and JMI

CCLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 30, 2026) – USA Volleyball has announced a new multiyear partnership with leading media rights and venue development company JMI Sports, which will serve as the organization’s exclusive property sales representative. With more than 600,000 members and an estimated 63 million fans nationwide, the agreement represents a major milestone in advancing USA Volleyball’s commercial strategy and brand growth through industry-leading corporate partnership and multimedia rights initiatives.

“This partnership marks a defining moment for USA Volleyball as we continue to expand the reach and visibility of our sport,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “JMI Sports brings exceptional expertise in building meaningful brand partnerships, and together we will unlock new opportunities that elevate volleyball’s profile, support our athletes, and inspire the next generation of players across the country.”

JMI Sports will act as USA Volleyball’s exclusive commercial sales and activation partner, driving sponsorship growth and brand engagement on behalf of the organization. The timing of this announcement comes amid unprecedented momentum for the sport. USA Volleyball recently secured the bid to co-host the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship with Canada, the first time the event will be held in North America, while also preparing to take center stage at the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. These consecutive global events create high-visibility platforms for integrated brand partnerships that deliver substantial value through association with world-class competitions.

Domestic growth mirrors this global attention. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, volleyball is ranked as the second most-played girls high school sport in 2024-25, with nearly half a million participants, while boys participation has grown more than 11% in the last year alone to nearly 96,000 athletes. These trends highlight volleyball’s dynamic landscape and its power as a platform for brands to connect with athletes and fans at every level.

To capitalize on this momentum, JMI Sports will lead USA Volleyball’s corporate partnership strategy through 2030. This includes securing brand relationships, developing customized sponsorship solutions and executing integrated campaigns across events, digital media and community touchpoints. Fully aligned with USA Volleyball’s mission to expand access, opportunity and excellence, JMI Sports will drive long-term financial growth across all levels of the sport.

Founded in 2006, JMI Sports is a leader in sports sponsorships and multimedia rights management. Its portfolio includes institutions with elite volleyball programs such as UCLA, the University of Kentucky, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Utah, and Notre Dame. JMI Sports will also manage sponsorship sales for the 2026 Opening Spike Classic, a two-day women’s college volleyball tournament in Pittsburgh, Pa., on August 28 and 30, featuring top programs from Pitt, Kansas, Stanford and Wisconsin, and televised nationally on ESPN. This experience in volleyball-rich markets positions JMI Sports to extend its success to USA Volleyball.

“As JMI Sports enters our 20th year representing sports projects, properties, and brands, we are thrilled to partner with USA Volleyball and apply our years of collegiate volleyball expertise to this property during an era of unprecedented momentum,” said Erik Judson, Co-Founder and CEO of JMI Sports. “USA Volleyball represents a rare opportunity: global competition, grassroots participation, and year-round engagement across every level of the sport. Our strategy is focused on building deep, integrated partnerships with brands that recognize the magnitude of this platform and want to grow with it. This is a property that will experience unprecedented growth, scale, and purpose in the coming years, and we are proud to help drive its future.”

To lead these efforts, JMI Sports appointed Erika Quiel as Vice President of Partnerships for the USA Volleyball property, reporting to Senior Vice President Pete Thuresson. In this role, Quiel leads sponsorship strategy, focusing on driving new revenue, strengthening brand partnerships, and delivering lasting value to USA Volleyball and its stakeholders. Quiel brings a proven track record of success building high-impact partnerships at iHeartMedia and NBCUniversal, where she led teams in business development and corporate sponsorships. With deep industry expertise and a results-driven mindset, Thuresson and Quiel are well-positioned to lead this next chapter of USA Volleyball’s partnership strategy.

“Our focus with USA Volleyball is on delivering results where it matters most,” said Thuresson. “With our team and resources on the ground, we can identify the right partnership opportunities, execute them effectively, and make a tangible impact for athletes, fans, and brands. Volleyball in the U.S. is at an exciting inflection point, and we are committed to leveraging this momentum to grow the partnership portfolio and create lasting value for all stakeholders.”

USA Volleyball logo

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (January 20, 2026) — USA Volleyball and Sports Imports have announced the continuation of their partnership, naming Sports Imports the Official Net System Partner of USA Volleyball.

As the industry leader in volleyball net systems, Sports Imports will continue to provide indoor, portable, and training equipment for USA Volleyball events, facilities and national team programs. The partnership reflects a shared focus on safety, performance and supporting the sport at every level of play.

Founded in 1976, Sports Imports was the first company to introduce a safe, in-ground net system in the United States, transforming net setup while improving athlete safety. For nearly five decades, Sports Imports has supplied net systems for many of the world’s most prestigious volleyball competitions, including every NCAA Championship since 2003.

“Extending our partnership with USA Volleyball reflects a shared commitment to growing the game at every level,” said Danielle Calo, Chief Executive Officer of Sports Imports. “From national team programs to grassroots development, we are proud to support athletes, coaches and events with net systems and training equipment they can rely on for consistent, safe performance.”

Through this partnership, Sports Imports will support USA Volleyball events and initiatives, including the USA Volleyball Adult Open National Championship; USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships (11-13s and 14-17s); USA Volleyball Girls 18s National Championship; USA Volleyball Boys Junior National Championship; the National Team Development Program (NTDP); and the USA Volleyball Girls Club Championship.

“We’re proud to renew an already great relationship with Sports Imports, a company that shares our commitment to innovation, and growing the game nationwide”, shared John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “Their equipment supports our athletes and coaches at every level, helping elevate the standard of volleyball from grassroots programs to the national stage.”

Rob Browning
Rob Browning

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 9, 2026) — USA Volleyball announced today that Rob Browning has been named an assistant coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team. Browning brings decades of experience at both the collegiate and international levels, adding valuable perspective as the program continues to compete at the highest level of the sport worldwide.

Browning most recently served as an assistant coach at NC State during the 2025 season. Prior to that, he spent 20 years as head coach at Saint Mary’s College of California, becoming the winningest coach in program history. Under his leadership, Saint Mary’s made five postseason appearances and captured its first West Coast Conference title in 2009. He also launched the school’s beach volleyball program in 2013, helping develop multiple West Coast Conference award winners.

“I’m honored to join the U.S. Women’s National Team staff and work with this outstanding group of athletes and coaches,” Browning said. “I’m excited to contribute and help the program continue to grow and succeed on the world stage.”

Internationally, Browning has spent six years as an assistant coach with the U.S. Men’s National Team, contributing to four Olympic cycles, including the gold medal run at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He has also worked with the U.S. Women’s National Team and U.S. Women’s Junior National Team, helping teams earn gold medals at the 2010 NORCECA Championship and the 2019 Pan Am Cup. Most recently, Browning served as team leader for the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer.

“Rob’s experience and passion for the game make him a tremendous addition to our staff,” said Erik Sullivan, U.S. Women’s National Team head coach. “He has a proven history of developing athletes and building competitive programs, and we’re excited to welcome him as we prepare for the next phase of international competition.”

Browning succeeds Mike Wall, who has stepped away from the role to spend more time with his family. USA Volleyball thanks Mike for his dedication and contributions to the U.S. Women’s National Team.

Glen Lietzke
Glen Lietzke

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec 27, 2025) – USA Volleyball is deeply saddened by the passing of longtime volleyball leader Glen Lietzke, a respected and influential figure whose dedication to the sport touched athletes, families, and organizations nationwide.

A true champion and pioneer of the game, Lietzke’s service spanned decades and encompassed numerous initiatives to grow and strengthen the volleyball community. He was a cornerstone of the sport, the founder of Austin Juniors Volleyball, and an AVCA Hall of Fame inductee.

In 1998, he was inducted into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame as a recipient of the USA Volleyball George J. Fisher Leadership Award. His impact was felt profoundly at the national level through his work with First Point Volleyball, now an arm of USA Volleyball, and his service on the USA Volleyball Foundation Board, where his vision helped expand opportunities for countless young athletes.

He was a longtime coach, including collegiate stints at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Southwest Missouri State University, and the University of Texas. He also coached many teams at Austin Juniors and coached with the U.S. junior and youth national teams.

“Glen Lietzke always amazed me with the depth of his innovation and the lasting influence he had on our sport, shared John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “But what impressed me most in recent years was his generosity and the quiet way he made an impact. I always knew I could call Glen for honest insight and thoughtful perspective. He worked behind the scenes, never seeking attention, always focused on making things better for others. That is what our sport has lost, a humble icon and we have lost a good friend.”

Lietzke was a tireless advocate for the growth of boys and men’s volleyball, investing resources and leadership to help programs thrive in regions where few opportunities previously existed. At the time of his passing, he was actively leading preparations for January’s Southwest Boys Classic, one of the premier events on the national calendar.

Beyond his professional achievements, Glen was a trusted friend to the First Point Volleyball and a visionary leader whose belief in what was possible strengthened the sport. His legacy is one of generational impact; a volleyball community made better, more inclusive, and more vibrant through his lifelong commitment.

USA Volleyball extends its heartfelt condolences to his wife, Kathy, his children, Nathan and Lauren, the Austin Juniors community, and the many athletes, coaches and colleagues inspired by his life and work.

Bill Hamiter Earns the USA Volleyball Frier Awarded in 2025, to be awarded at the 2026 Hall of Fame

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 15, 2025) — USA Volleyball will honor longtime coach and leader Bill Hamiter with the Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame Ceremony and Celebration. The Frier Award is USA Volleyball’s highest honor, celebrating individuals whose work has profoundly shaped the sport across the United States.

The annual event will take place on May 20, 2026, from 6-9 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, and tickets are now on sale. Proceeds from the Hall of Fame banquet will benefit the USA Volleyball Foundation, helping fund the Olympic and Paralympic dreams of athletes competing in USA Volleyball’s national team programs.

BUY 2026 HALL OF FAME TICKETS

Hamiter has led the U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team since 2009, guiding the program to historic success on the global stage. Under his leadership, the team captured its first Paralympic gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games and went on to achieve back-to-back titles at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, marking a Paralympic three-peat. The team also earned silver in London 2012 and took silver medals at the ParaVolley World Championships in 2010, 2014 and 2018. Most recently, the program claimed gold at the 2025 World ParaVolley World Cup.

As director of the U.S. Sitting Volleyball Teams, Hamiter oversees the Paralympic program, leading athlete and coach development and expanding competitive opportunities for both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Sitting Teams. During his tenure, the men’s team won gold at the 2003 Parapan American Games, qualified for the 2004 Paralympics, and secured silver in 2007. Hamiter served as head coach of the men’s team from 2001 to 2010 and again in 2013.

His coaching career began in the collegiate and high school ranks, including assistant coaching at the University of Central Oklahoma from 1998 to 2005, where the program earned three division titles and an NCAA Tournament berth in 2002. Earlier, as head coach at Southern Nazarene University (1986–1991), he led the team to five district titles, two regional titles, and multiple NAIA national tournament appearances. At Heritage Hall High School, he guided the program to three consecutive state championships and was named Oklahoma Volleyball Coach of the Year in 2008. Hamiter also founded Oklahoma Wind Volleyball Club and Oklahoma Peak Performance, serving as club director and developing future generations of athletes.

Most recently, Hamiter was named the 2024 Paralympic Coach of the Year by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, recognizing his enduring influence and innovation in the sport. His forward-thinking approach, integrating data analytics, performance tracking, and video analysis—has helped elevate U.S. sitting volleyball to world-leading standards. In Paris, the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team earned gold once again, led by standout performances from Heather Erickson (MVP and Best Attacker), Lora Webster (Best Blocker), and Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (Best Setter).

USA Volleyball is proud to recognize Bill Hamiter with the 2026 Frier Award, celebrating a career defined by excellence, innovation and championship-level leadership.

A girls athlete goes up for an attack on the beach
Photo by Richie Harrington/Tape Media

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 12, 2025) – USA Volleyball announces the athletes and coaches for the 2025 Beach NTDP Winter Training Series, set for December 27-29 in Manhattan Beach, Calif. Athletes will participate in six focused training sessions across Boys U19/20, Boys U18, Girls U19/20, Girls U18 and Girls U17.

The Winter Training Series brings together a distinguished lineup of accomplished coaches, including Olympians Jake Gibb, Alvaro Filho and Jenny Johnson-Jordan, to offer athletes an unparalleled opportunity to train with elite professionals. Four coaches have also worked with athletes at Olympic Games: Gustavo Rocha, Marcio Sicoli, Jeff Alzina and Andrew Fuller. Rocha and Billy Allen are the girls and boys coaches, respectively, for the 2026 Beach U18 National Team

Check out the rosters.

The program serves as an important development platform and plays a key role in selection considerations for beach age-group national teams. Participation makes athletes eligible for consideration for specified rosters but does not guarantee selection. Upcoming 2026 opportunities include the FIVB U18 Youth Olympic Games, FIVB Beach Volleyball U18 World Championship, FISU World University Championship and U23 NORCECA Continental events.

Boys Hybrid Program
For the third consecutive year, the Winter Training Series will include a boys hybrid program. The NTDP Hybrid Athlete Program provides selected athletes the opportunity to train on both hardcourt and sand. With potential career paths in beach, indoor or both pipelines, the program supports cross-disciplinary growth by creating an environment that encourages development across both disciplines. Athletes are invited based on NTDP Scouting Network recommendations and identified as having high potential in both beach and indoor.

Coaches

Boys U19/20
Head Coach: Alvaro Filho, Olympian/Stetson
Assistant Coach: Dancer Styles, Cal
Assistant Coach: Collin Wilson, Coastal Carolina
Assistant Coach: Stanton Smith, El Camino College

Boys U18
Head Coach: Billy Allen, Stanford
Associate Head Coach: Patty Dodd, MB Sand
Assistant Coach: Nicole Christner, S3 Volleyball
Assistant Coach: Derek Sullivan, Belmont Abbey

Girls U19/20
Head Coach: Jake Gibb, Olympian/Spiker Beach
Assistant Coach: Jeff Alzina, Santa Clara
Assistant Coach: Benny White, LMU
Assistant Coach: Joe Mayer, Cal

Girls U18
Head Coach: Gustavo Rocha, USC
Assistant Coach: Brooke Nile, FSU
Assistant Coach: Kristina Adams, Stetson
Assistant Coach: Kelly Reeves, UCLA

Girls U17
Head Coach: Meagan Owusu, Cal
Associate Head Coach: Andrew Fuller, Stanford
Assistant Coach: Jenny Johnson-Jordan, Olympian/UCLA
Assistant Coach: Marcio Sicoli, Pepperdine

Miles Partain passes
Miles Partain (Lisa Dietrich)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 3, 2025) – Twelve U.S. beach teams, including 2024 Olympian Miles Partain, are scheduled to compete at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures event on Dec. 4-7 in Pompano Beach, Fla.

The Futures event in Pompano Beach will be part of the weekend’s Beach Volleyball Festival, hosted by the Florida Region of USA Volleyball and USA Volleyball. The festival will also include a Beach ParaVolley Training Camp and a Beach National Qualifier.

The festival is free and open to the public. Visit our event page for more information about the Futures competition.

Eight U.S. beach teams are scheduled to start in the main draw of the Futures event while four others will compete in the qualifier bracket in hopes of getting to the main draw. Partain highlights the men’s draw as he joins Travis Mewhirter for the competition as the No. 1 seed.

On the women’s side, Katie Lindstrom and Rachael Kramer are the top U.S. seed at No. 4.

The other three U.S. women’s teams starting in the main draw are Tambre Nobles/Kelly Kool, Kamila Tan/Natalie Myszkowski, and Delaney Peranich/Samantha Parrish.

The other U.S. men’s teams starting in the main draw are Lev Priima/John Schwengel, Alex Ukkelberg/Kevin Coyle, and Dave Wieczorek/Jacob LaBouliere.

The Futures event is FIVB-sanctioned and features international beach volleyball talents competing for points, prize money and prestige. The qualifying rounds will be Dec. 4, followed by the main draw on Dec. 5-7.

Teams from 25 countries are expected to compete in Pompano Beach: Vanuatu, France, Spain, Canada, Norway, Japan,  England, Germany, Hungary, Brazil, Denmark, Australia, Poland, Czech Republic, U.S. Virgin Islands,  Latvia, Ukraine, Greece,  Costa Rica, Morocco, Sweden, Northern Mariana Islands, El Salvador, Switzerland and the United States.

View all the teams for the Pompano Beach Futures event and follow results on the Volleyball World website.

U.S. Teams Entry List

Women

Subject to change

Main Draw
Katie Lindstrom/Rachael Kramer
Tambre Nobles/Kelly Kool
Kamila Tan/Natalie Myszkowski
Delaney Peranich/Samantha Parrish

Qualification
Maya Gessner/Carla Kan
Jade Race/Macy Jerger

Reserve
Alyssa Keller/Tiffany Svenssohn
Avery Poppinga/Tory Paranagua
Nicole Reinking/Cecilia Agraz
Avery Junk/Addison Junk
Mariah Whalen/Torrey Van Winden
Kendra Vanzwieten/Megan Rice
Charlotta Bell/Kelly Belardi
Brooke Rockwell/Avery Jackson
Jessica McGuire/Logan Beitler
Adrianna Nora/Jasmine Hales
Halle Hunt/McKala Rhodes
KJ Buckingham/Alyssa Speckhals
Katie Hogan/Thais Treumann
Jordan Boulware/Gella Andrew
Mackenzi VanZwieten/Hannah Vanzwieten
Laura Viren/Chelsea VanDyk
Estelle Reese/Olivia Herron
Isabelle Ramos/Taylie Hansen
Lauren Lubarski/Chauna Kelly

Men

Main Draw
Miles Partain/Travis Mewhirter
Lev Priima/John Schwengel
Alex Ukkelberg/Kevin Coyle
Dave Wieczorek/Jacob LaBouliere

Qualification
Charlie Siragusa/Austin Matautia
Chris Shaffer/Leor Schiffer

Reserve
Dexter Campbell/Mark Bucknam
Malachi Brewington/Titus Lance
Rob McLean/Skyler Kaufman
Owen Karlenzig/Diego Perez
Ben Vaught/Chase Frishman
Adam Roberts/Martin Lorenz
Brett Greiner/Daniel Leathers
Cody Price/Asher Gill
Ian Satterfield/Rowdy Lennon
Raffe Paulis/Riley Owen
Jorge Martinez/Brian O’Neill
Lucas Kapala/Devin Perez
Neal Stanley/Noah Slage
Mischa Freystaetter/Adam Hartmann
Soren Sotoodeh/Jacob Ray

Stories

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 1, 2025) – USA Volleyball Foundation’s First Point Fund proudly announces a $250,000 grant to University of the Pacific Athletics in support of reinstating Division I men’s volleyball. The USAVF grant was made possible with contributions from East Coast Volleyball, USA Volleyball, and USAVF donors dedicated to providing more opportunities through volleyball. Pacific’s President Dr. Christopher Callahan and Director of Athletics Adam Tschuor announced the grant and that the new DI men’s volleyball program would begin play in 2026-2027.

Founded to grow boys and men’s volleyball, First Point, now an arm of the USA Volleyball Foundation, has driven nationwide growth by rallying donors and partners dedicated to the future of volleyball. As the sport continues to surge across the country, boys volleyball is the fastest-growing high school team sport in the United States, rising 76 percent over the past decade and another 12 percent in the last year alone, according to statistics by the National Federation of State High School Associations. The timing of this multi-year grant offers Pacific a robust foundation as it prepares to relaunch its program, laying out the groundwork for sustained success.

“This is an exciting time for our sport. Bringing men’s volleyball back to Pacific marks a major milestone for Division I and for athletes striving to reach the highest levels of competition,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “Restoring this program has long been a priority for First Point and USA Volleyball. Congratulations to President Callahan, the Pacific community, and the expanding boys volleyball ecosystem across Northern California and beyond. Thanks to our Foundation’s donors, more young men will now have greater collegiate opportunities than ever before.”

Support from USAVF’s First Point Fund, made possible by contributions from East Coast Volleyball and USA Volleyball, gives Pacific a clear path back into the collegiate volleyball landscape. This three-year grant will help build the program as it prepares for the 2026-27 season.

First Point Volleyball has not only helped launch 43 men’s collegiate volleyball programs nationwide but has also played a central role in the growth of the SIAC and NEC men’s volleyball conferences and the resulting expansion of the NCAA men’s volleyball championship.

“This is a proud moment for Pacific and its men’s volleyball alumni. Restoring the program honors a legacy built on national success and the lifelong impact this university had on all of us,” said Chris Tamas, a 2003 Pacific graduate, former men’s volleyball student-athlete, and current head coach of the Illinois women’s volleyball team. “We’re grateful to President Callahan, Director of Athletics Adam Tschuor, and our partners at First Point and USA Volleyball for helping bring this program back, as well as the alumni who championed its return. I’d like to thank and recognize longtime Pacific head coach Joe Wortmann, whose leadership shaped generations of Tigers. We are honored to compete once more in building on our proud history for future generations.”

The grant includes a $50,000 matching challenge designed to spark additional support from UOP men’s volleyball alumni. Pacific sponsored an NCAA DI men’s volleyball team from 1993 to 2014, when the program was discontinued. The newly reinstated Pacific program will compete in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation alongside BYU, Concordia Irvine, Menlo, Pepperdine, Stanford, UCLA, USC and Vanguard. The announcement follows the Pacific Board of Regents’ approval on November 7, which also elevated Pacific’s women’s cheer and stunt program to full Division I status.

“Pacific men’s volleyball has a proud legacy, and it’s fantastic and appropriate to see the program return,” said Karch Kiraly, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team. “While Southern California was once the sport’s center of gravity, today talent can come from everywhere. Pacific is positioned to recruit nationally, and I’m confident the program can rise quickly.”

A nationwide search is underway to identify Pacific’s next head coach as the university prepares for a long-awaited return to competition.

“None of this would be possible if not for the vision and leadership of President Callahan, our Board of Regents and Cabinet for backing this bold step forward,” Tschuor said. “Their support shows the strength and momentum of Pacific Athletics. I also want to thank East Coast Volleyball, First Point Volleyball and USA Volleyball for making this USAVF grant possible. Additionally, hearing from so many Pacific men’s volleyball alumni throughout this process has been inspiring and greatly appreciated. The passion for this program runs deep, and that has shown in the dozens of pledges to help support men’s volleyball moving forward.”

“While other universities are eliminating programs, Pacific Athletics is growing and expanding under the visionary leadership of Athletic Director Adam Tschuor,” Callahan said. “We are thrilled to return our storied men’s volleyball program back to the Spanos Center.”

For more information about Pacific’s men’s volleyball program, the national search for its head coach, or ways to support the growth of volleyball, please contact Pacific Athletics or visit USA Volleyball Foundation.

Jayne McHugh
Jayne McHugh (photo courtesy Valor Christian High School)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 21, 2025) — USA Volleyball celebrates the life and legacy of U.S. Olympian Jayne McHugh, whose passion, leadership and unwavering commitment to the sport have profoundly shaped generations of athletes, coaches and fans across the volleyball community. McHugh passed away on Nov. 15.

A three-time All-American at the University of the Pacific, McHugh graduated with a degree in education and later earned a master’s in the same field. She represented the U.S. Women’s National Team as a middle blocker and competed at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. She also won bronze with the team at the Pan American Games.

“Jayne was a remarkable ambassador for our sport,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “Her impact reached far beyond the wins and medals; she shaped people. Her influence will continue through the countless athletes and coaches she mentored and through the spirit of unity she brought to every gym she entered.”

After her time on the U.S. National Team, McHugh served for years as a collegiate coach at the University of the Pacific, leading young athletes to success both on and off the court. Her leadership, sportsmanship and commitment to the next generation earned her the respect and admiration of the entire volleyball community. She returned to her home state of Colorado in 2019 to coach at Valor Christian High School, and under her guidance the program became one of the most dominant in the state. The team won four straight 5A titles, including the 2025 title. Due to her illness, she was unable to coach during the last several weeks of the high school season; the Valor Christian Eagles presented her with the game ball after the championship.

McHugh was also a beloved coach with USA Volleyball club Colorado Juniors Volleyball.

USA Volleyball and its members extend heartfelt gratitude for McHugh’s lifelong service to the sport. Her legacy of excellence, integrity and mentorship will be felt for decades to come.

Read more about McHugh’s legacy.

A men's player sets while an opponent is up for the block
Photo courtesy VLA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 11, 2025) – USA Volleyball has announced a multi-year collaboration with Volleyball League of America (VLA), a professional high-performance men’s league in the United States.

This collaboration, which begins in the 2025-26 season, will elevate men’s volleyball nationwide by integrating VLA’s elite competitions into the USA Volleyball schedule, creating new opportunities for players and fans while strengthening the sport’s competitive and community landscape.

“This collaboration with USA Volleyball is a milestone for the men’s adult game in the United States,” said VLA Chair Lloy Ball.  “By embedding our top-tier competitions into the U.S. Adult Open Championship, we are creating a clear and aspirational pathway for athletes after college while elevating the fan experience. Together, we are building something that strengthens volleyball at every level.”

As part of the agreement, the VLA Tier 1 Men’s Championship will become a feature of the USA Volleyball Adult Open National Championship, enhancing one of the sport’s most prestigious annual events.

The collaboration also introduces a new VLA-specific adult membership, with a plan of providing membership benefits and access to USAV systems and services. Events are planned to be co-branded and promoted jointly. Together, USAV and VLA aim to create more opportunities for athletes after college and expand the reach of the sport to new audiences.

“For almost 100 years, USA Volleyball has helped our sport grow from the grassroots to the Olympic and Paralympic levels,” said USA Volleyball President and CEO John Speraw. “Partnering with the VLA brings new energy and visibility to men’s volleyball in the U.S. It connects our grassroots and high-performance systems, supports athletes beyond college, strengthens our national events, and continues to grow the game we all love.”

Mesa Jameson (NORCECA)
Mesa Jameson (NORCECA)

 

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 4, 2025) – The U.S. Girls U17 National Team opened up the 2025 NORCECA U17 Continental Championship with a 3-0 sweep of Puerto Rico (25-13, 25-17, 25-11) on Tuesday in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The U.S. will take on Mexico in the team’s second match of the tournament on Nov. 5 at 12 p.m. PT.

The team finished with 28 kills, seven blocks, and eight aces throughout the three sets against Puerto Rico. Outside hitter Maya Ogbogu led the team in scoring with 14 points on nine kills, three blocks and two aces.

Outside hitter Lexi Coleman and middle blocker Mckenzie Andrews provided support for Ogbogu and the offense as the next two leading scorers. Coleman had seven kills and three aces while Andrews tallied four kills and four blocks.

Opposite/Outside hitter Mesa Jameson (six kills) and middle blocker Madlen Gloessner (two kills) also added valuable contributions to the offensive attack, while setter Kaelyn Easton was dialed in from service line, recording three aces.

“It was really incredible watching these amazing athletes compete in their first competition of the NORCECA U17 Championship,” said head coach Tayyiba Haneef-Park. “They came out with such excitement and they were very disciplined in the way that we executed our offensive and defensive plan. I think they are only going to get better from here and I am excited to see how the rest of the tournament goes for us. These girls have a lot of heart and soul and I am very proud of the way they represented USA.”

To begin the first set, the U.S. scored three straight points to jump out to 4-1 lead. The team then built a six-point lead at 12-6. Puerto Rico rallied with a three-point run to make it 14-9, but the U.S. kept its foot on the gas. A Jameson kill made it 16-11 before a Puerto Rico timeout. Puerto Rico would not score again until 22-12 and the U.S. won the first 25-13. They forced 11 opponent errors in the first set while leading at the service line 3-0. Ogbogu paced the offense with four kills and two aces.

In the second set it was Puerto Rico who jumped out to an early lead and the U.S. trailed 3-1 to start. A block from Andrews officially took the lead for the U.S. at 5-4, and another Andrews block a few points later made it 9-7 U.S. Up 13-8, the U.S. maintained a three-point lead to 18-15 before going on a 5-1 run to the set finish. An Ogbogu block sealed it at 25-17 and put the U.S. up 2-0 heading to the third. The U.S. held a 4-1 blocking advantage thanks in large part to Andrews, who recorded five points on two kills and three blocks in the second.

In the third set, Puerto Rico again jumped out to a 3-1 lead, but by the first timeout, the U.S. was on top with an 8-5 lead. An Ogbogu kill and block helped the U.S. jump in front. Two errors soon made it a 10-5 U.S. lead with Puerto Rico closing the gap to three points at 13-10. A Coleman kill and an Easton ace helped the U.S. retake a six-point lead. It quickly improved to a nine-point lead with another Easton ace and an Andrews block. Puerto Rico fought to make the score 19-11, but they would not score again. The U.S. went on to win the set 25-11 and swept its first match of the tournament.

U17 Girls National Team Roster for NORCECA Continental Championship

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, High School, USAV Region)
1 Mckenzie Andrews (MB, 6-5, 2010, Grosse Pointe, Mich., Mercy High School, Lakeshore)
3 (C) Lexi Coleman (OH, 6-0, 2010, Northville, Mich., South Lyon East High School, Lakeshore)
4 MC Crutcher (OH/OPP, 5-11, 2011, Mansfield, Texas, Mansfield High School, North Texas)
5 Kaelyn Easton (S, 5-11, Saline, Mich., Mercy High School, Lakeshore)
6 Ellie Enger (S/OPP, 6-1, 2010, Apopka, Fla., Orangewood Christian High School, Florida)
7 Madlen Gloessner (MB, 6-5, 2010, Wheat Ridge, Colo., Lakewood High School, Rocky Mountain)
10 Mesa Jameson (OPP/OH, 6-2, Cottage Grove, Minn., Eagan High School, North Country)
11 Taylor Johnson (OH/OPP, 6-0. Lewisville, Texas, Hebron High School, North Texas)
13 Julia Masselink (OH, 6-2, 2010, Sioux Falls, S.D., Harrisburg High School, North Country)
15 Madison Middleton (MB, 6-1, 2010, Roswell, Ga., St. Francis High School, Southern)
16 Maya Ogbogu (OH, 6-0, 2010, Parker, Texas, Allen High School, North Texas)
17 Bella Osborn (L, 5-4, 2010, Plano, Texas, Plano Senior High School, North Texas)

Alternates
2 Chloe Burbage (S, 6-1, 2010, Cary, N.C., Green Hope High School, Carolina)
9 Grace Hengler (L, 5-6, 2010, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo High School, North Texas)
12 Lola Loncar (L, 5-5, 2010, Concord, Ohio, Lake Catholic High School, Ohio Valley)
14 Mikayla Matuszko (OPP/OH, 6-3, 2010, Wellington, Fla., The King’s Academy, Florida)
18 Shaun Waller (MB, 6-3, 2010, Franklin, Tenn., Centennial High School, Southern)

Coaches
Head Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park (U.S. Women’s National Team assistant coach, Olympian)
Assistant Coach: Laura “Bird” Kuhn (Pro Volleyball Federation, Atlanta Vibe)
Assistant Coach: Amir Lugo-Rodriguez (SC Rockstar/Cal State Long Beach)
Performance Analyst: Noel Carpio (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer/Team Doctor: Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule

All times PT
Nov 4: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-11)
Nov. 5: USA vs. Mexico, 12 p.m.
Nov. 6: USA vs. Cuba, 12 p.m.
Nov. 7: Quarterfinals
Nov. 8 Semifinals and classification
Nov. 9: Medal matches and classification

 

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The four athletes participating in the Youth Parapan Games hold up their jerseys

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 3, 2025) – Four women’s sitting volleyball athletes are in Santiago, Chile, this week for the 2025 Youth Parapan Games.

This is the sixth edition of the Youth Parapan Games, which has been held every four years since 2003. The Games began Oct. 31, with the sitting volleyball competition scheduled from Nov. 4-9.

The U.S. athletes are part of the USA Volleyball’s Sitting National Team Development Program, which has continued to grow in scope over the last few years. SNTDP manager and U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team assistant coach Julie Allen will lead the team in Chile, with Chandra Dyer as the athletic trainer. The sitting competition is 3×3, playing on a smaller court (4m x 10m) than the 6×6 version. All rules are the same as the senior sitting game.

All matches are streamed on the Youth Parapan website.

Roster

Ky Brown (L, Thornton, Colo., Arizona State)
Vivian Eagle (MB/OH, Avon, Indiana, Purdue)
Cami Wood (S, Fort Wayne, Ind., Blackhawk Christian School)
Kylee Doremus (S/OH, Waverly, Neb., Waverly HS)

Schedule

All times Pacific

Nov. 5: USA vs. Argentina, 9:30 a.m.
Nov. 6: USA vs. Brazil, 8 a.m.
Nov. 7: USA vs. Mexico, 9:30 a.m.
Nov. 8: Semifinals and playoffs
Nov. 9: Medal matches

A boys player goes up for a spike
Photo by Jamari Logan

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 24, 2025) – Seventeen athletes have been selected for the 2025 U.S. Boys U17 National Team that will train for the 2025 NORCECA Boys U17 Continental Championship, set for November 18-23 in Managua, Nicaragua.

The athletes will participate in a training block November 9-16 at the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. From this group, 12 athletes will be chosen to represent the United States on the final competition roster in Managua. This will be the first national team experience for all 17 athletes.

U.S. Women’s National Team Assistant Coach Brandon Taliaferro, a former player on the U.S. Men’s National Team, will lead the U17 squad. Taliaferro was previously an assistant for the UCLA men’s program.

“I’m honored to serve these athletes and represent USA Volleyball. The U17 age group is the first step in the National team process.  Our staff will build a training environment that is intense, skill based, and game-real, with the intention of developing the foundation for years to come wearing red, white and blue.”

Boys U17 National Team Roster

No. (Name, Position, Hometown, High School, USAV Region)
1 Nate Paige (L, Wheaton, Ill., Wheaton Warrenville South HS, Great Lakes)
2 Logan Flores (OH, Cypress, Calif., Cypress HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
3 Collin Tullis (L, Slidell, La., Seton Home Study Program, Southern)
4 Sid Saikanth (OH, Leander, Texas, Rouse HS, Lone Star)
5 Dane Schaefer (S/OPP, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
6 Tyler Berent (S, Mountain View, Calif., Mountain View HS, Northern California)
7 Sean John (MB, Mount Prospect, Ill., John Hersey HS, Great Lakes)
8 Tommy Clifford (OH, Glen Ellyn, Ill., Glenbard West HS, Great Lakes)
9 Gabe Desiderio (OH, Los Altos Hills, Calif., Saint Francis HS, Northern California)
10 Nikodem Opiola (MB, Arlington Heights, Ill., Rolling Meadows HS, Great Lakes)
11 Kekoa Wade (OPP, Kailua, Hawaii, University Laboratory School, Aloha)
12 Carter Tchaikovsky (S, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
13 Frankie Vincent (MB, Schaumburg, Ill., Schaumburg High School, Great Lakes)
14 Jackson Vanderpool (MB, Queen Creek, Arizona, Higley HS, Arizona Region)
15 Noah Mbaitoloum (OH, Rockville, Md., Winston Churchill HS, Chesapeake)
16 Jackson Real (OPP, San Clemente, Calif., San Clemente HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
17 Kellen Saurer (S, Elgin, Ill., Wheaton Academy, Great Lakes)

Coaches
Head Coach: Brandon Taliaferro (USA Volleyball)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State)
Assistant Coach: Tom Stillwell (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Performance Analyst Noel Carpio (NTDP)
Team Doctor: Dainis Berzins, D.O. (Cedars-Sinai – Los Angeles)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (NTDP)

World ParaVolley

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 18, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team won the gold medal in dramatic fashion, pulling off the reverse sweep against Brazil 3-2 (24-26, 20-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-12) at the 2025 World ParaVolley World Cup at the Turnstone Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The U.S. finished the tournament 5-2. Brazil (6-1) entered the gold medal match undefeated in the tournament.

The U.S. led in kills (52-49) and blocks (13-6). Brazil led at the serving line (14-9).

“I’m super proud,” U.S. head coach Bill Hamiter said. “The way they (the U.S. Women) played throughout the whole tournament. A few ups and downs, but they really played exceptionally well. A lot of effort and great defense which really kept us in a lot of those matches. Today, the biggest part was trying to keep them in and staying relaxed. They settled in, started executing and that was the difference in the game.”

Emma Schieck led the U.S. with 21 points on 15 kills, three blocks and three aces. Tia Edwards led all players with four blocks and added three kills and an ace.

Nicky Nieves had 15 points on 11 kills, three blocks and an ace. Raelene Elam had 12 points on 11 kills and a block. Gia Cruz had 11 points on six kills, two blocks and three aces. Alexis Patterson had six points on five kills and an ace. Bethany Zummo was credited with 21 receptions.

The U.S. held a five-point lead three separate times in the first set and 12-7, 15-10 and 17-13. However, Brazil scored four points in a row, three of which were aces to take a 20-19 lead late in the set. The U.S. fought off three set points to tie it up 24-24, but Brazil ultimately took the first set in extra points 26-24.

The second set was back and forth until late when Brazil scored four straight points to take a 22-18 lead. The momentum was too much to overcome for the U.S. and Brazil took a 2-0 match lead.

The third set started in favor of Brazil early as they jumped to an 8-3 lead. The U.S. kept their poise and scored six straight points that gave them a 12-10 lead. From then the U.S. stormed ahead to take the set 25-18 and quell Brazil’s hopes of a sweep to the gold medal.

Despite the fourth set staying close early on, it was clear the U.S. had an energy spark. The momentum began to shift when the U.S. scored three straight points to take a 12-9 lead on a pair of Elam kills and an ace from Cruz. The U.S. never looked back taking the set 25-20 and forcing a fifth set.

The fifth set was all USA early with Brazil’s only lead coming at 3-2. The U.S. took match point at 14-7, but Brazil would not go without a fight scoring five straight points to get within two. Ultimately, a net fault error ended the match and the U.S. pulled off the reverse sweep to win the gold medal.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Cup

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
10 Kari Ortiz (L, 5-6, Washington, D.C.)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas)
15 Kendra Hall (5-7, Westfield, Ind.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
21 Annie Flood (S, 5-7, Salem, Ore.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Jon Aharoni

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: Italy def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 18-25, 25-22, 25-17, 16-14)
Oct. 13: USA def. Netherlands, 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-13)
Oct. 14: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-13, 26-24, 25-23)
Oct. 15: USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-10)
Oct. 16: Brazil def. USA, 3-1 (25-14, 25-23, 21-25, 25-15)
Oct. 17: Semifinals: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25=22)
Oct. 18: Gold Medal Match: USA def. Brazil, 3-2 (24-26, 20-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-12)

Stories

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Brett Parks, Robbie Gaupp, Robbie Onusko cheer on the starters
Alex Wilson, Brett Parks, Robbie Gaupp, Robbie Onusko, Eric Duda (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 18, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team finished in fourth place at the 2025 World Cup with a 3-1 (25-23, 25-18, 15-25, 25-23) loss to Kazakhstan Saturday afternoon at the Turnstone Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The U.S., ranked eighth in the world, finished the tournament 5-3. Kazakhstan is ranked seventh and won the bronze with a 7-1 record. The gold medal final will be a matchup between World No. 2 Egypt and World No. 5 Brazil, as the top four ranked teams all advanced to the semifinals.

“I told the team earlier that this is a major international tournament, and the United States has historically not had a top eight finish ever,” U.S. head coach Greg Walker said. “The fact that we can be competing in a medal round is pretty significant. I think about the narrative we create, but at the end of the day you have to take care of things when you get the opportunity. I’m proud of guys for locking in to get themselves here.”

The U.S. led Kazakhstan in kills (54-45) and blocks (14-5). Each team had five aces.

Again, Zach Upp led the U.S., this time with 29 points on 25 kills, one block and a team-high three aces. He finished the tournament as the leading scorer with 144 points and 110 kills. He was second in aces with 27.

Eric Duda was solid the entire match, scoring 13 points on 13 kills. James Stuck had 10 points on seven kills and three blocks.

Ben Aman had nine points with four blocks, four kills and an ace. Jason Roberts had four kills and four blocks for eight points. John Kremer had an ace, a kill and a block.

The first set was everything fans could hope for, tied at 16-16 midway through. A Duda kill gave the U.S. a 17-16 lead, causing the Kazakhstan coach to take a timeout as the momentum switched. Kazakhstan tied it after the timeout and a kill gave them an 18-17 lead. The two teams were tied at 21 when an Upp error and Kazakhstan kill made it 23-21.

After a U.S. timeout, Kazakhstan had a service error for 23-22; a kill gave Kazakhstan set point, 24-22, but an Upp kill made it 24-23. The comeback fell short on another Kazakhstan kill.

Set two wasn’t as close, though the U.S. never stopped fighting. Kazakhstan had an early 9-4 lead, but four straight U.S. points made it 9-8. Kazakhstan used a timeout to regroup and score three straight for 12-8. The closest the U.S. got after that was 19-16, but Kazakhstan used its powerful offense to shut down the comeback, 25-18.

Kazakhstan jumped out to a 7-1 lead in the third set. An Aman kill after a U.S. timeout stopped the run, and a Kazakhstan error and U.S. kill made it 7-4. After the timeout, the U.S. scored four more to take an 8-7 lead. After a great serving run, Aman served it out to tie it again at 8-8.

The U.S. made a move at 11, scoring three straight for a 14-11. After a Kazakhstan timeout, the U.S. continued its run, breaking open the match at 16-13 for five straight points. The U.S. scored four of the last six points for a 25-15 win.

“We’re really good in our storybook to create some good chapters,” Walker said. “We start out in games and there’s an early separation, but we do claw back mid to late set. We’ve proven we can lock in and go.”

The U.S. quickly erased a 3-0 deficit in set four to tie it 3-3. Kazakhstan kept pressuring to take a 12-7 lead, but the U.S. scored three points to cut the deficit to two. The U.S. cut the lead to one at 14-13 on an Upp kill. Each time Kazakhstan took a lead, the U.S. battled back, finally tying it at 20. An Aman kill tied it again at 22 and Kremer dropped in an ace for 23-22. But Kazakhstan used a kill, a U.S. error and an ace to close out the match.

Roster
No. Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo.)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb.)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla.)
5 Eric Duda (OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.)
7 Robbie Gaupp (OH, 6-4, Gatesville, Texas)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa.)
10 Robbie Onusko(OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla.)
14 John Kremer (S, 5-9, Buford, Ga.)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill.)
20 Jason Roberts (OH, 6-3, Moncks Corner, S.C.)
22 Brett Parks(OH, 6-0, Miami, Fla.)
23 Will Curtis (S/L, 6-0, Cumberland, Maine)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Assistant Coach: Jeffrey Smith
Strength Coach: Bobby Moore
Physical Therapist: Whitney Padgett
Team Manager: Brian Farr
Tech Coordinator: Drew Graystone
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-22)
Oct. 13: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-16)
Oct. 13: USA def. Italy, 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-17)
Oct. 14: USA def. Poland, 3-1 (25-19 22-25, 25-21, 25-20)
Oct. 15: Kazakhstan def. USA, Kazakhstan, 3-2 (27-25, 25-21, 22-25, 17-25, 15-12)
Oct. 16: USA def. France, 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-14)
Oct. 17: Semifinals: Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 26-24)
Oct. 18: Bronze Medal Match: Kazakhstan def. USA, 3-1 (25-23, 25-18, 15-25, 25-23)

Stories

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Alex Wilson attacks
Alex Wilson (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 17, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team will play for the bronze medal at the 2025 World Cup after falling to Brazil 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 26-24) Friday night at the Turnstone Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The U.S. (5-2) will play Kazakhstan (6-1) at 9 a.m. PT Saturday. Kazakhstan, who beat the U.S. 3-2 during pool play, lost to Egypt 3-0 in the other semifinal. The bronze medal match will be streamed live on the Turnstone YouTube channel.

The U.S. led Brazil in kills (36-20) and aces (6-1), but Brazil out-blocked the U.S. 13-4.

In just three sets, Zach Upp had a phenomenal 22 points, collecting 17 kills and a match-high five aces. Through today’s matches, Upp leads the tournament in points (115) and kills (85), and is second in aces (24).

Eric Duda had 13 points with 12 kills, including a few key kills in the third set, and added an ace. Ben Aman had six points on two kills, three blocks and an ace. Alex Wilson had two kills, James Stuck had two kills, and Jason Roberts had a kill.

The U.S. had an early 3-1 lead in set one, but Brazil scored five consecutive points to go ahead 6-3. The U.S. was down by only two points at 11-9 when three Brazil points made it 14-9. The U.S. could never get closer, dropping the set 25-18.

Set two was even until Brazil broke a close game at 15-15. A couple of kills gave them a two-point lead at 18-16. An Upp kill closed the gap to one at 20-19, but Brazil scored five straight to end the set 25-19.

The U.S. and Brazil played a tight one in set three, with the score tied at 16 in the middle of the set. A Brazil error and Upp ace gave the U.S. an 18-16 lead, but Brazil came back to tie it at 19. Two more points gave Brazil a 21-19 edge, but a pair of Duda kills tied it. Brazil went up 23-21, but a kill and a block from Duda tied it at 23. Duda saved a match point with a kill to tie it at 24, but Brazil followed with a kill and a block for the win.

Roster

No. Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo.)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb.)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla.)
5 Eric Duda (OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.)
7 Robbie Gaupp (OH, 6-4, Gatesville, Texas)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa.)
10 Robbie Onusko(OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla.)
14 John Kremer (S, 5-9, Buford, Ga.)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill.)
20 Jason Roberts (OH, 6-3, Moncks Corner, S.C.)
22 Brett Parks(OH, 6-0, Miami, Fla.)
23 Will Curtis (S/L, 6-0, Cumberland, Maine)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Assistant Coach: Jeffrey Smith
Strength Coach: Bobby Moore
Physical Therapist: Whitney Padgett
Team Manager: Brian Farr
Tech Coordinator: Drew Graystone
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-22)
Oct. 13: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-16)
Oct. 13: USA def. Italy, 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-17)
Oct. 14: USA def. Poland, 3-1 (25-19 22-25, 25-21, 25-20)
Oct. 15: Kazakhstan def. USA, Kazakhstan, 3-2 (27-25, 25-21, 22-25, 17-25, 15-12)
Oct. 16: USA def. France, 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-14)
Oct. 17: Semifinals: Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 26-24)
Oct. 18: Bronze Medal Match: USA vs. Kazakhstan, 9 a.m.

Stories

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Nicky Nieves celebrates
World ParaVolley

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 17, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team won its semifinal matchup against Canada, 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-22) and will play for the gold medal at the 2025 World ParaVolley World Cup at the Turnstone Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The U.S. (4-2) will face the winner of the Italy-Brazil semifinal on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. PT. The U.S. lost to Italy, 3-2, in the first match of the tournament, and fell to Brazil, 3-1, on Thursday. The gold medal match will be live streamed on the Turnstone YouTube channel.

The U.S. looked poised and strong throughout the win, leading Canada in kills (22-18), blocks (9-6) and aces (9-2).

“We’re always glad to get a win and get into the finals,” U.S. head coach Bill Hamiter said. “Our first goal was to make it into the playoffs, especially with the players that we brought. We thought that would be a big goal for them. They played well today, especially on serving, which hurt Canada a lot in passing.

“I like the finish; we played well all week long, not any big ups or downs. That’s exciting as a coach, when you see the depth we’ve got in our program. That’s what we’re trying to build through LA and after. I’m excited about it. We’ll see what we can get done tomorrow.”

Nicky Nieves used a powerful serve to help lead the U.S. in the win. She scored 16 points with a match-high four aces, eight kills and a match-high four blocks. Emma Schieck had eight points on six kills, a block and an ace, and Raelene Elam had three kills, a block and an ace.

Tia Edwards had four kills and a block; Gia Cruz had two aces, a kill and a block, and Alexis Patterson had a block and an ace. Libero Bethany Zummo shined on defense.

Up 8-6 in set one, the U.S. went on a tear behind Schieck’s serving, scoring five straight points. The U.S. stretched the lead to nine at 21-12 and finished the set 25-17 on a Patterson block and Schieck kill.

The U.S. jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the second set. Up 7-4, it was Nieves’ turn for service pressure, as the U.S. scored six straight with her at the line. That effectively put the set out of reach at 13-4. Canada was never able to close the gap to fewer than six points.

The U.S. had another early lead in set three, going up 9-4. They were up by nine at 16-7 and 19-10 when Canada made a run, scoring five straight for 19-15. Canada got within three at 20-17 and 21-18. The U.S. had match point at 24-20, but Canada saved two before Elam finished the match with a kill.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Cup

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
10 Kari Ortiz (L, 5-6, Washington, D.C.)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas)
15 Kendra Hall (5-7, Westfield, Ind.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
21 Annie Flood (S, 5-7, Salem, Ore.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Jon Aharoni

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: Italy def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 18-25, 25-22, 25-17, 16-14)
Oct. 13: USA def. Netherlands, 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-13)
Oct. 14: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-13, 26-24, 25-23)
Oct. 15: USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-10)
Oct. 16: Brazil def. USA, 3-1 (25-14, 25-23, 21-25, 25-15)
Oct. 17: Semifinals: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25=22)
Oct. 18: Gold Meal Match: USA vs. TBA, 2 p.m. PT

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Dan Regan celebrates
Brett Parks, Dan Regan and John Kremer (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 16, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team’s advanced to the semifinals of the 2025 World ParaVolley World Cup with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-14) win over France Thursday night at the Turnstone Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The U.S. (5-1) finished second in Pool A will face Pan American foe and Pool B winner Brazil (6-0) Friday at 5 p.m. PT. The U.S. lost to Brazil 3-2 in the final of the ParaVolley Pan American Zonal Championship in May. All matches are streamed live on the Turnstone YouTube channel.

The U.S. swept France with little trouble Thursday night. They led France in kills (41-14) and blocks (7-5). Both teams had five aces.

Zach Upp again led the team in scoring, this time with 14 points on nine kills, a team-high three aces, and two blocks. James Stuck scored 12 points (eight kills, two aces, two blocks), and Eric Duda had eight points on eight kills.

Dan Regan had five kills and two blocks for seven points. Alex Wilson and Robbie Onusko both scored three points, Jason Roberts and Sam Surowiec each had two, and Brett Parks and John Kremer each had a kill.

In the first set, the U.S. broke a 7-7 tie with four straight points. Up 14-10, the Americans increased the lead with another run, but this time with seven consecutive points. The U.S. never let France get much closer, and kills by Sam Surowiec and Jason Roberts helped close out the match.

The U.S. led 6-1 early in the second set and increased the lead to eight at 12-4. At 14-5, France scored five straight to make it 14-10. Brazil cut the lead to three at 15-12, but the U.S. stepped on the gas, using a kill and ace from Zack Upp for a 20-14 lead.

The U.S. led quickly 9-1 in the third set and increased the lead to 15-3. France made a run late with the U.S. up 24-5, saving five match points before a service error gave the U.S. a 25-14 win.

Roster

No. Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo.)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb.)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla.)
5 Eric Duda (OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.)
7 Robbie Gaupp (OH, 6-4, Gatesville, Texas)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa.)
10 Robbie Onusko(OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla.)
14 John Kremer (S, 5-9, Buford, Ga.)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill.)
20 Jason Roberts (OH, 6-3, Moncks Corner, S.C.)
22 Brett Parks(OH, 6-0, Miami, Fla.)
23 Will Curtis (S/L, 6-0, Cumberland, Maine)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Assistant Coach: Jeffrey Smith
Strength Coach: Bobby Moore
Physical Therapist: Whitney Padgett
Team Manager: Brian Farr
Tech Coordinator: Drew Graystone
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-22)
Oct. 13: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-16)
Oct. 13: USA def. Italy, 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-17)
Oct. 14: USA def. Poland, 3-1 (25-19 22-25, 25-21, 25-20)
Oct. 15: Kazakhstan def. USA, Kazakhstan, 3-2 (27-25, 25-21, 22-25, 17-25, 15-12)
Oct. 16: USA def. France, 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-14)
Oct. 17: Semifinals: USA vs. Brazil, 3 p.m. PT
Oct. 18: Medal Matches

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The U.S. Women's Sitting team listens to coach Bill Hamiter
World ParaVolley

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 16, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team finished second in pool play at the 2025 World Cup and will play in the semifinals Friday at the Turnstone Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The U.S. lost its final pool play match to Brazil Thursday afternoon 3-1 (25-14, 25-23, 21-25, 25-15). Next up is a rematch with Canada (3-2) at 10:30 a.m. PT Friday; the U.S. defeated Canada 3-0 earlier this week. Brazil will play Italy in the other semifinal.

All matches are live streamed on the Turnstone YouTube channel.

With the team already guaranteed a spot in Friday’s medal round, U.S. head coach Bill Hamiter used the opportunity to mix up his lineups, starting Annie Flood, Kendra Hall, Nicky Nieves, Emma Schieck, Maddy Ball, Alexis Patterson and Tia Edwards. He continued to adapt his lineup throughout the match.

“We took care of business in all our previous matches, so we were in second place no matter what the result was today. It made it a good time for us to get players in against a really good team so they could get that experience, and we can see how they respond,” Hamiter said. “I think that’s a positive. We had some bright sides, some not quite as good. Those are things you have to have as you develop. Overall, I thought it was nice, especially with some of the way we came back in the third set, and pressed in the first and second.”

Brazil led the U.S. in kills (52-29) and aces (15-5), but the U.S. had the edge in blocks (11-3).

Emma Schieck led the U.S. with13 points (seven kills, a team-high four blocks and two aces). Nicky Nieves scored 10 on seven kills and three blocks. Tia Edwards had six kills and three blocks.

Six other players scored for the U.S.: Raelene Elam (three points); Jessie West (three points); Annie Flood (two points); Kendra Hall (two points); Gia Cruz (two points); and Alexi Patterson (one point). Maddy Ball and Bethany Zummo shared the libero duties.

In the first set, Brazil jumped out to a 4-1 lead and stretched the lead to six points at 9-3. As the U.S. lineup began to gel, the lead was cut to two at 10-8. Up 16-14, Brazil scored the final nine points of the set for a 25-14 win.

Set two was closer, with Brazil only gaining an edge by scoring twice to break at 15-15 tie. The U.S. was down by two, 21-19, when Brazil again scored twice for a 23-19 lead. The U.S. closed it to 24-23 but Brazil ended it with a kill.

The U.S. broke an 11-11 tie in the third set with three straight points. After Brazil closed it to 16-15, the U.S. used a Brazil service error, a block by Baker and Elam, a kill by Elam, and an ace by Schieck to help build a 21-15 lead. Brazil got within three at 23-20, but the U.S. closed it out with a Nieves kill and Brazil service error.

In the fourth, the two teams were tied at seven when Brazil scored seven of the next eight points to lead 14-8. Brazil continued to build on the lead, finishing the match 25-15.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Cup

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
10 Kari Ortiz (L, 5-6, Washington, D.C.)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas)
15 Kendra Hall (5-7, Westfield, Ind.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
21 Annie Flood (S, 5-7, Salem, Ore.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Jon Aharoni

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: Italy def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 18-25, 25-22, 25-17, 16-14)
Oct. 13: USA def. Netherlands, 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-13)
Oct. 14: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-13, 26-24, 25-23)
Oct. 15: USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-10)
Oct. 16: Brazil def. USA, 3-1 (25-14, 25-23, 21-25, 25-15)
Oct. 17: Semifinals: USA vs. Canada, 10:30 a.m. PT
Oct. 18: Medal Matches

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John Kremer serves
John Kremer (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 15, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team’s win streak ended Wednesday night as the team fell in five sets to World No. 7 Kazakhstan, 3-2 (27-25, 25-21, 22-25, 17-25, 15-12) at the 2025 World ParaVolley World Cup in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The U.S. (4-1) will face France (1-3) Thursday night at 5 p.m. PT. France’s only win is a 3-2 victory over Italy, a team the U.S. swept earlier this week. All matches are streamed live on the Turnstone YouTube channel.

Kazakhstan continued its powerful showing in the tournament with its fifth win; the U.S. (ranked just behind Kazakhstan at No. 8 in the world) is the first team to take a set from the team in the tourney, almost pulling off the reverse sweep.

“We love playing Kazakhstan. They’ve been such great international partners,” said U.S. head coach Greg Walker. “They are in the same [place] as we are as a program; they’ve made their way out of a really tough zone for Paralympic qualification. Even when we couldn’t leave the country, they were coming to us multiple times a year to help us train. They train a lot with the top three countries, and they bring that to us. It’s been a true gift, so playing them anytime, it’s a privilege.”

The teams were nearly even in kills, with Kazakhstan holding a 57-55 advantage. The U.S. had the ace advantage (14-12), but Kazakhstan had 12 blocks to seven from the U.S.

Zach Upp was magnificent in the match, leading the U.S. with 31 points on 24 kills, a match-high six aces, and one block. James Stuck scored 13 points (nine kills, a team-high three blocks and one ace); Jason Roberts scored 11 (nine kills, one block, one ace); and Eric Duda had 11 points (10 kills, one ace).

Ben Aman scored six points on two kills and four aces, and setter John Kremer had a block, a kill and an ace. Will Curtis came in for an ace, and Alex Wilson had a block.

Set One
In the first set, Kazakhstan build an early lead that was consistently five points until the Americans cut it to two, 11-9, on an Upp attack. Kazakhstan scored five straight to make it a 16-9 ball game and then led 19-10 late. Down and seemingly out at 20-11, the U.S. made a move. A kill from Duda, a Kazakhstan error and two straight Aman aces made it 20-15 and forced a timeout.

A Kazakhstan kill gave them set point at 24-17, but a service error brought the ball back-right into the hands of U.S. serving star Upp. An ace, a block by Alex Wilson, three more aces, a Stuck kill and then one more ace tied it at 24. The U.S. held off one set point at 25-24, but a U.S. service error and Kazakhstan kill ended it.

Set Two
Kazakhstan quickly had an 8-4 lead, forcing the U.S. to play catch-up, which they did, grabbing a 12-10 lead on a five-point run. The U.S. had a 19-18 lead, but Kazakhstan scored three straight. Kazakhstan picked up a couple of key kills late in the set to win.

Set Three
Kazakhstan had a 6-1 lead in the third, but the U.S. never let that lead get any larger. The U.S. tied it at 9-9, and then took the lead on an Upp kill at 11-10. The teams traded leads, but Kazakhstan went ahead 20-18 on a kill. Kills by Roberts and Upp evened it at 20. Errors plagued Kazakhstan, leading to set point for the U.S. at 24-21. After a kill from Kazakhstan, Upp finished the set 25-22 with a kill.

“Seeing our guys being able to dig deep in big moments tonight was great, and that’s what we’ve been working toward,” Walker said. “Our bench has tremendously impacted our training at home and constantly elevated it. It didn’t always used to be that way, and it’s made a significant difference on how we compete.”

Set Four
The U.S. took its first lead in set four at 5-4 and continued to build on it, leading 21-16 late in the set. An Upp kill made it 22-16, and the U.S. closed the set 24-17 after an opponent error.

Set Five
Kazakhstan opened up a quick 3-0 lead in the fifth with two aces and a kill, forcing a U.S. timeout. After the U.S. scored one, another 3-0 run from Kazakhstan led to a second timeout at 6-1. The U.S. kept up the pressure, closing the gap to 8-4 and 9-5. Despite being down by six at 13-7, the U.S. never gave up, scoring three straight to make it 13-10. At 14-10, a block from Stuck and Upp, plus a Kazakhstan error, made it 14-12, but a Kazakhstan kill gave them the win.

Roster

No. Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo.)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb.)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla.)
5 Eric Duda (OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.)
7 Robbie Gaupp (OH, 6-4, Gatesville, Texas)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa.)
10 Robbie Onusko(OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla.)
14 John Kremer (S, 5-9, Buford, Ga.)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill.)
20 Jason Roberts (OH, 6-3, Moncks Corner, S.C.)
22 Brett Parks(OH, 6-0, Miami, Fla.)
23 Will Curtis (S/L, 6-0, Cumberland, Maine)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Assistant Coach: Jeffrey Smith
Strength Coach: Bobby Moore
Physical Therapist: Whitney Padgett
Team Manager: Brian Farr
Tech Coordinator: Drew Graystone
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-22)
Oct. 13: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-16)
Oct. 13: USA def. Italy, 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-17)
Oct. 14: USA def. Poland, 3-1 (25-19 22-25, 25-21, 25-20)
Oct. 15: Kazakhstan def. USA, Kazakhstan, 3-2 (27-25, 25-21, 22-25, 17-25, 15-12)
Oct. 16: USA vs. France, 5 p.m.
Oct. 17: Playoff rounds
Oct. 18: Medal Matches

Stories

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Kari Ortiz celebrates
Kari Ortiz (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 15, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team took care of business Wednesday afternoon at the 2025 World Cup with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-10) victory over Germany at the Turnstone Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The U.S. (3-1) will play undefeated Brazil (3-0) Thursday at 12:30 p.m. All matches will be live streamed on the Turnstone YouTube channel.

The match between the U.S. and Brazil is the final test before the playoffs on Friday. In their last meeting at the ParaVolley Pan America Zonal Championship, Brazil defeated the U.S. 3-0 after the Americans had already beaten Brazil twice in the tournament.

Against Germany, the U.S. led in kills (32-10), blocks (10-5) and aces (13-6).

Raelene Elam and Nicky Nieves were both on fire, scoring 16 and 15 points, respectively. Elam had nine kills, two blocks and a team-high five aces, and Nieves had eight kills, two aces and a team-high five blocks.

Gia Cruz scored eight points on five kills and three aces, and Emma Schieck had seven points with five kills, one block and an ace. Tia Edwards had three kills, a block and an ace, and Alexis Patterson notched a kill, block and an ace. Bethany Zummo and Kari Ortiz were awesome on defense while sharing libero duties. Zummo also had a coveted libero kill.

After Germany jumped out to a 3-0 lead in set one, the U.S. settled down to score 10 of the next 11 for a commanding 10-5 lead. The U.S. led by as many as nine at 21-12, but Germany had a late run to close the gap to three at 21-18. Germany had three errors in the final minutes of the match to give up the set 25-18.

Germany held a 10-9 lead in the second before nine straight U.S. points made it 18-10. The U.S. lead continued to grow as they took advantage of Germany errors.

The U.S. continued its dominance in set three, leading by six early, 13-7. The lead grew to eight, 17-9, with three kills from Cruz and an ace from Schieck. Cruz later served consecutive aces to make it 24-10, and Nieves ended the match on a block.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Cup

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
10 Kari Ortiz (L, 5-6, Washington, D.C.)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas)
15 Kendra Hall (5-7, Westfield, Ind.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
21 Annie Flood (S, 5-7, Salem, Ore.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Jon Aharoni

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: Italy def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 18-25, 25-22, 25-17, 16-14)
Oct. 13: USA def. Netherlands, 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-13)
Oct. 14: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-13, 26-24, 25-23)
Oct. 15: USA def. Germany, 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-10)
Oct. 16: USA vs. Brazil, 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 17: Playoff rounds
Oct. 18: Medal Matches

Stories

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The U.S. men's sitting team in a huddle
Robbie Onusko, John Kremer, coach Julie Allen, Ben Aman (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 14, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team dropped its first set of the tournament but remained undefeated with a 3-1 (25-19, 22-25, 25-21, 25-20) victory over Poland Tuesday at the 2025 World ParaVolley World Cup.

The U.S. (4-0) has its biggest test of the tournament on Wednesday, facing off against world No. 7 Kazakhstan (3-0). The U.S. is ranked No. 8. All matches will be streamed live on the Turnstone YouTube channel.

A strong offensive game led the U.S. to victory as they led Poland in kills, 50-30. Poland was on fire defensively, out-blocking the U.S. 15-3. Poland had seven aces to six for the U.S.

“I’ve a lot of respect for Poland’s team. They’ve been doing a great job with their federation supporting their program and growing, and trying to find ways to compete at the higher levels. Big shout out to them for putting themselves in a spot where they can put pressure on teams,” U.S. head coach Greg Walker said. “I’m incredibly proud of our team for being able to grind it out. I appreciated the focus and being able to get back into these matches. Being able to battle out and out-point score their team…we’ve been working hard to stay on the offense and I’m proud of our guys for doing that.”

Three U.S. players scored in double figures, with James Stuck scoring 16 on 14 kills and two blocks. Zach Upp had 15 poins on 11 kills and a match-high four aces. Eric Duda scored 13 on 12 kills and one block.

“I’m really proud of James…we really wanted him to be a big point-scoring option for us with efficiency,” Walker said. “To see him earn 14 points for us on the offense and a pretty good efficiency is a really good thing.”

Jason Roberts also had a great night with eight points (six kills, two aces), and Ben Aman had five kills. Setter John Kremer had two kills. Libero Nick Dadgostar was a rock on defense with 74% perfect receptions.

A Roberts kill broke a 7-7 tie in the first set that started a three-point run for the U.S. Up 10-8, the U.S. scored four more to take an insurmountable six-point lead at 14-8. Poland closed the gap to two at 18-16 and 19-17 but could not get closer.

Poland jumped out to 6-2 lead in the second set and led by nine at 16-7. The U.S. went on a 7-1 run to cut the lead to six at 19-13. Poland continued its onslaught for a 21-13 lead and reached set point at 24-17. The U.S. scored five straight before a Poland kill evened the match.

As in the first set, the U.S. again broke a 7-7 tie with a run to go up 11-7. Poland tied it with a block at 15-15, but two Upp kills and two Poland errors put the U.S. back on top, 19-15. Again, Poland closed the gap and tied the game at 20. A Stuck kill and a block, along with a Poland error made it 23-20, and the U.S. finished the set with another Stuck kill and a Poland error.

The U.S. never relinquished its early lead in the fourth set, leading by eight at 14-6. Poland moved within two at 14-12 after a six-point run, and later was just one point behind at 15-14 and 16-15. Two straight Poland errors gave the U.S. breathing room at 18-15 and an Upp kill increased the lead to four. Duda ended the match with a kill to seal the win.

Roster

No. Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo.)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb.)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla.)
5 Eric Duda (OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.)
7 Robbie Gaupp (OH, 6-4, Gatesville, Texas)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa.)
10 Robbie Onusko(OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla.)
14 John Kremer (S, 5-9, Buford, Ga.)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill.)
20 Jason Roberts (OH, 6-3, Moncks Corner, S.C.)
22 Brett Parks(OH, 6-0, Miami, Fla.)
23 Will Curtis (S/L, 6-0, Cumberland, Maine)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Assistant Coach: Jeffrey Smith
Strength Coach: Bobby Moore
Physical Therapist: Whitney Padgett
Team Manager: Brian Farr
Tech Coordinator: Drew Graystone
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-22)
Oct. 13: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-16)
Oct. 13: USA def. Italy, 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-17)
Oct. 14: USA def. Poland, 3-1 (25-19 22-25, 25-21, 25-20)
Oct. 15: USA vs. Kazakhstan, 3 p.m.
Oct. 16: USA vs. France, 5 p.m.
Oct. 17: Playoff rounds
Oct. 18: Medal Matches

Stories

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Tia Edwards celebrates
Tia Edwards (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 14, 2025) – The sweep-fest at the 2025 World ParaVolley World Cup continued Tuesday afternoon as the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team defeated Canada 3-0 (25-13, 26-24, 25-23) at the Turnstone Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The U.S. (2-1) will play Germany (1-2) Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. All matches will be live streamed on the Turnstone YouTube channel.

It was Canada’s first loss of the tournament and moved the U.S. into second place in the standings with seven points. Brazil is first with a 3-0 record and nine points.

Both teams had 23 kills in the match, and the U.S. had 10 aces to Canada’s six. Canada out-blocked the U.S. 8-6.

“I thought it was a great match. We definitely played up and down; still need to clean up some errors. We hung in, and for the most part kept aggressive, which is what we need to do, and living with the pressure is good for them,” U.S. head coach Bill Hamiter said.

Raelene Elam led the U.S. with 11 points on eight kills and three aces. Nicky Nieves had nine points on six kills, one block and two aces. Emma Schieck was tremendous from the serving line, collecting four aces, a couple at crucial junctures. She added four kills.

Tia Edwards and Gia Cruz both scored five, with Edwards having an ace, two kills and two blocks, and Cruz with three kills and two blocks. Annie Flood had one block.

The U.S. was on fire in the first set, rolling out to a 7-0 lead against its North American counterpart. Canada could never make up the difference as the U.S. cruised to a 25-13 win.

The U.S. led by five at 17-12 in the second set, but the Canadians chipped away to tie it 20. At 22-22, a Canada service error gave the U.S. the edge, and a Cruz block led to set point. U.S. setter Alexis Patterson served long and a Canada ace tied it at 24. Edwards and Cruz followed up with two straight kills for the 2-0 match lead.

Canada was on the offensive in the third, jumping out to a 5-0 lead. After the U.S. scored five of the next six points to move within one, Canada pulled ahead again with four straight, 10-5. Canada was up by eight at 15-7 when the U.S. began to make its move.

“I tell them ‘this is why we we are here, to live in these moments'” Hamiter said about talking to his team during high-pressure situations. “‘How are you going to deal with it? You can either go up or down, so let’s see what you’re going to do.'”

Two aces from Schieck helped cut the lead to four at 15-11. The U.S. found itself down by six again at 21-15 when the tide turn. A kill from Schieck, two Canada errors, an Edwards block and a Patterson ace closed the gap to 22-21. Canada went ahead 23-21, but Schieck made it 23-22 on a kill. Two straight Canada errors gave the U.S. match point. Schieck, who served an ace on championship point at the Tokyo Paralympics, ran it back with another ace for the win.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Cup

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
10 Kari Ortiz (L, 5-6, Washington, D.C.)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas)
15 Kendra Hall (5-7, Westfield, Ind.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
21 Annie Flood (S, 5-7, Salem, Ore.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Jon Aharoni

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: Italy def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 18-25, 25-22, 25-17, 16-14)
Oct. 13: USA def. Netherlands, 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-13)
Oct. 14: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-13, 26-24, 25-23)
Oct. 15: USA vs. Germany, 10:30 a.m.
Oct. 16: USA vs. Brazil, 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 17: Playoff rounds
Oct. 18: Medal Matches

Stories

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Nicky Nieves and Emma Schieck celebrate
Nicky Nieves (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 13, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team won its first match at the 2025 World ParaVolley World Cup Monday with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-13) victory over the Netherlands.

The U.S. (1-1) will play Canada (1-0) on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. PT. All matches will be live streamed on the Turnstone YouTube channel.

The U.S. led the Netherlands in kills (38-14) and aces (8-4), but the Netherlands held an 11-4 edge in blocks.

“Overall, I thought we did good. Yesterday, we let some of our error counts get too high in a couple of sets, so that was a big part of it,” U.S. head coach Bill Hamiter said. “Set one, we made a few mental mistakes but then got into it. I was happy with the win; happy to be able to get a lot of different players in.”

Nicky Nieves led the U.S. with 13 points on 12 kills and a block, while Emma Schieck had 12 points with 10 kills, a block and an ace. Tia Edwards scored eight points with six kills, two aces and a block. Raelene Elam had seven points (five kills, two aces).

Alexis Patterson scored four points with a team-high three aces and a kill. Gia Cruz had an ace and two kills, and Courtney Baker had a kill and a block. Kendra Hall also had a kill.

The first set was close at 15-14 when the U.S. went on a 7-1 run to break it open at 22-15. Nieves gave the U.S. set point on a kill and Elam grabbed an ace for the win.

The U.S. had an early 6-3 lead in set two but the Netherlands tied it at 6. At 9-8, the U.S. scored three straight for a 12-8 lead and then increased it to 16-9. The Netherlands pressured the U.S. into errors and Hamiter called a timeout at 24-20. A Netherlands service error gave the set to the U.S.

Set three was all USA as they broke a 5-5 tie to run away with the match, 25-13.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Cup

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
10 Kari Ortiz (L, 5-6, Washington, D.C.)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas)
15 Kendra Hall (5-7, Westfield, Ind.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
21 Annie Flood (S, 5-7, Salem, Ore.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Jon Aharoni

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: Italy def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 18-25, 25-22, 25-17, 16-14)
Oct. 13: USA def. Netherlands, 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-13)
Oct. 14: USA vs. Canada, 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 15: USA vs. Germany, 10:30 a.m.
Oct. 16: USA vs. Brazil, 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 17: Playoff rounds
Oct. 18: Medal Matches

Stories

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Ben Aman serves
Ben Aman (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 13, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team collected its second sweep in two days at the 2025 World ParaVolley World Cup, defeating Canada 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-16) at the Turnstone Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The U.S. (2-0) plays Italy (0-1) at 5 p.m. later today. All matches will be streamed live on the Turnstone YouTube channel.

The U.S. led Canada in kills (27-16), but Canada had the edge in blocks (8-5). The U.S. had seven aces to Canada’s five.

Zach Upp and Eric Duda each scored 12 points, with Upp collecting 10 kills, one ace and a block. Duda had 10 kills, a block and an ace. James Stuck led the team with three blocks and added two kills and an ace for six points.

Ben Aman had an ace and two kills, and Jason Roberts had an ace and a kill. John Kremer had two aces.

The U.S. jumped out to a 7-1 lead in set one, led by Duda with two kills. An Aman ace increased the lead to nine at 11-2. Stuck finished the set with a kill at 25-17.

Set two was more of a battle, with Canada leading by three at 22-19. A Canada error, Duda ace and Roberts block evened it at 22. At 23-23, a Canadian attack error gave the U.S. match point, and Upp ended it with one of his signature aces.

“We had a couple early unforced errors [in the second set], and we kept saying we needed to stay within ourselves, a little bit of ‘sharpening your sword,'” said U.S. head coach Greg Walker. “We lost track and overplayed some balls when all we needed to do was have Team Canada just play it, and we would have had a lot of success with them making errors. Our last couple practices, we’ve been working on that–when we hit 18, we want to have no more than 2-3 unforced errors on the way to 25. This last year has been about us having five-point pushes (at the end of each set).”

The U.S. broke a 9-9 tie in the third set with four straight points to make it 13-9, and then scored six straight for a 19-10 lead. The U.S. rolled through the rest of the set.

Roster

No. Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo.)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb.)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla.)
5 Eric Duda (S/OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.)
7 Robbie Gaupp (OH, 6-4, Gatesville, Texas)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa.)
10 Robbie Onusko(OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla.)
14 John Kremer (L, 5-9, Buford, Ga.)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill.)
20 Jason Roberts (OH, 6-3, Moncks Corner, S.C.)
22 Brett Parks(OH, 6-0, Miami, Fla.)
23 Will Curtis (S/L, 6-0, Cumberland, Maine)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Assistant Coach: Jeffrey Smith
Strength Coach: Bobby Moore
Physical Therapist: Whitney Padgett
Team Manager: Brian Farr
Tech Coordinator: Drew Graystone
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-22)
Oct. 13: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-16)
Oct. 13: USA vs. Italy, 5 p.m.
Oct. 14: USA vs. Poland, 3 p.m.
Oct. 15: USA vs. Kazakhstan, 3 p.m.
Oct. 16: USA vs. France, 5 p.m.
Oct. 17: Playoff rounds
Oct. 18: Medal Matches

U.S. Men's National Team celebrates
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 12, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team swept Puerto Rico Sunday night 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-21) to win its third consecutive gold medal at the NORCECA Final Six in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. finished the tournament 6-1 after losing its first match against Mexico. It was also the team’s second win over Puerto Rico in the tournament, although the first meeting went five sets.

For the second straight match, Kainoa Wade led the U.S. in scoring, this time collecting 13 points on eight kills, one block and a team-high four aces. Patrick Rogers also scored in double figures with 11 kills and one ace.

Seba Sani scored eight (five kills, one block, two aces), and Cam Thorne had three kills and a team-high three blocks. Owen Rose also scored six (five kills, one block), and setter Nathan Flayter had two kills and two blocks. Keoni Thiim had a kill and an ace.

Kellen Larson led the U.S. with six digs, and Rogers had nine excellent receptions.

The first set was tight with neither team gaining an edge until the U.S. scored four straight to break a 15-15 tie. Puerto Rico inched back to tie the score at 20. The U.S. had a 24-20 lead, but a service error by Flayter, an attack error from Sani, and two Puerto Rico kills tied it again at 24. Mexico had one set point, but a Wade kill and Sani ace gave the U.S. set point. Rose notched a kill for the win.

Mexico held a very early set two lead, but at 7-7, Rogers had a kill and ace, and then three straight Puerto Rico errors broke it open, 12-7. The U.S. did not relinquish the lead and won 25-20.

The U.S. fell behind early in the third set, 11-7, and trailed by five at 15-10. But four straight points, three on Puerto Rico errors, cut the lead to 15-14. The U.S. tied it with a Thiim ace, 16-16, and later used three Wade aces and a Flayter kill to move ahead 20-17. Rogers scored match points on a kill.

Roster

Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, School/Club, USAV Region)
1 Ryan Merk (L, 6-1, Chicago, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-10, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
3 Justin Todd (MB, 6-8, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
4 Nathan Flayter (S, 6-4, Hales Corner, Wisc., McKendree, Badger)
5 Cam Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Fla., UCLA, Florida)
6C Sebastiano Sani (OH, 6-8, Aliso Viejo, Calif., UC San Diego, Chesapeake)
8 Jalen Phillips (OPP, 6-5, Anaheim, Calif., CSUN, Southern California)
9 Ryan McElligott (S, 6-6, Mundelein, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
11 Kellen Larson (L, 5-9, Irvine, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
17 Trent Moser (OH, 6-8, Gilbert, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
18 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
20 Keoni Thiim (OH, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, BYU, Aloha Region)
22 Owen Rose (MB, 6-8, Merrick, N.Y., Penn State, Garden Empire)
23 Tre Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Univ. of Hawaii, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy
Performance Analyst/Team Manager: Nate Ngo
Athletic Trainer: Aaron Ngor

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 6: Mexico def. USA, 3-2, (22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, 15-11)
Oct. 7: USA def. Canada, 3-1 (25-18, 25-10, 23-25, 25-18)
Oct. 8: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (22-25, 30-28, 25-17, 25-20)
Oct. 9: USA def. Suriname, 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-11)
Oct. 10: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-2 (19-25, 25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 15-11)
Oct. 11: Semifinals: USA def. Mexico, 3-2 (22-25, 25-22, 19-25, 25-23, 15-13)
Oct. 12: Gold Medal Match: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-21)

Stories

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Nicky Nieves attacks
Nicky Nieves (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 12, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team fell to Italy in a reverse sweep 18-25, 18-25, 25-22, 25-17, 16-14 on Sunday to open pool play at the 2025 World ParaVolley World Cup Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The U.S. (0-1) will play the Netherlands (0-1) on Monday at 10:30 a.m. All matches will be live streamed on the Turnstone YouTube channel.

“With this group, that’s what they needed–to get in the heat of the battle, pressure on them, so they have to buck up and play, and survive,” said U.S. head coach Bill Hamiter. “Sets three and four, we were a little hesitant, and we let the game get away from us. We got a pretty good flow there in the fifth set. Anytime you got a big swing for the win, you’re doing all right. Our goal is to make it into the playoffs, so we would have liked to have won. They stuck together pretty well, played some awesome defense and served well, which are things we need to do.”

Four players scored in double figures for the U.S., led by Raelene Elam with 17 points on 14 kills, one block and two aces. Tia Edwards had 11 kills, two aces and three blocks for 16 points. Nicky Nieves had 10 kills and four blocks. She and Emma Schieck shared the team lead in blocks, and Schieck added five kills and three aces for 12 points.

Gia Cruz had four kills and a team-high four aces for eight points, and Alexis Patterson had an ace, three kills and two blocks.

The first set was highlighted by an Edwards’ serving run that broke open a close 19-18 game. She stayed on the line for the final six points, and the set ended with an ace and a pair of kills from Nieves.

Set two was tied at 11 before setter Gia Cruz served the team to six straight points for a 17-11 lead. Italy never closed the gap to fewer than four points in the 25-18 win.

At 7-7 in the third set, Italy scored four straight to take an 11-7 lead. The U.S. caught up to take a 13-12 lead, but Italy again went on a run for a three-point lead. The U.S. got close at 23-22, but Italy scored the last two points to send the match to a fourth set.

Italy kept the momentum in the fourth, leading the entire match for a 25-17 win. In the fifth, Italy broke a 3-3 tie with four straight and built the lead to 9-5. Down 10-5, the U.S. scored four straight to cut the lead to one. At 13-11, the U.S. scored twice to tie it. The two teams traded points until Italy got the break for the reverse sweep.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Cup

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
10 Kari Ortiz (L, 5-6, Washington, D.C.)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas)
15 Kendra Hall (5-7, Westfield, Ind.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
21 Annie Flood (S, 5-7, Salem, Ore.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Jon Aharoni

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: Italy def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 18-25, 25-22, 25-17, 16-14)
Oct. 13: USA vs. Netherlands, 10:30 a.m.
Oct. 14: USA vs. Canada, 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 15: USA vs. Germany, 10:30 a.m.
Oct. 16: USA vs. Brazil, 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 17: Playoff rounds
Oct. 18: Medal Matches

Eric Duda passes
Eric Duda (World ParaVolley)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 12, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team swept Thailand 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-22) on Sunday to open the 2025 World ParaVolley World Cup at the Turnstone Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The U.S. (1-0) will play two pool play matches on Oct. 13: 8 a.m. vs. Canada and 5 p.m. vs. Italy (0-1). Pool A includes the U.S., Canada, Kazakhstan, Italy, Poland, France and Thailand. Pool B has Egypt, Brazil, Japan, Croatia, the Netherlands, India and Australia. All matches will be streamed live on the Turnstone YouTube channel.

“We have not in recent years ever played Thailand,” U.S. head coach Greg Walker said. “The one thing we knew was that their head coach has built multiple countries’ programs and is now working with Thailand. He unfortunately can’t be here, but we knew that they were tremendously improved. We knew they were going to come out and take some big swings. Our guys did a good job of making some adjustments because they were setting things a little big differently as the game went on.”

Zach Upp led the U.S. with 14 points on 10 kills, one block and a team-high three service aces. Eric Duda had 13 points (10 kills, one ace, two blocks), and James Stuck had 11 kills and a block for 12 points

Ben Aman had a team-high three blocks, and setter John Kremer had two aces and a block. Alex Wilson and Jason Roberts each scored two points, with Wilson grabbing an ace and a kill, and Roberts with two kills.

The U.S. Men had an early lead in set one, but Thailand stayed in and turned an 11-8 deficit into a 13-11 lead. The U.S. scored four straight to regain the lead at 15-13 and kept a two- or three-point lead until Thailand closed it to one at 22-21, 23-22 and 24-23. Duda took charge and finished the set with a kill.

The U.S. dominated in set two, scoring the first three points and never relinquishing the lead for a 25-14 win.

The U.S. edged ahead in set three by scoring three straight to break a 12-12 tie. Thailand returned the favor to even the score at 15-all. Thailand took the lead on a kill at 17-16, but Upp finished a great rally with a kill from the back row to make it 17-17, and Stuck added a kill for the 18-17 lead. Another Stuck kill behind strong serving from Wilson forced Thailand to take a time out at 20-17 U.S.

With Wilson still at the service line, a Stuck block seemingly put the set out of reach at 22-17. But Thailand took advantage of a couple U.S. errors to close it to 23-22. A Duda kill gave the U.S. match point, and then Kremer went back to Duda again to finish again for the win.

Roster

No. Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Dan Regan (OH, 6-0, St. Louis, Mo.)
3 Nick Dadgostar (L, 6-0, Sidney, Neb.)
4 Ben Aman (OH, 6-5, Edmond, Okla.)
5 Eric Duda (S/OH, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
6 Alex Wilson (OPP/OH, 6-6, Saugerties, N.Y.)
7 Robbie Gaupp (OH, 6-4, Gatesville, Texas)
8 James Stuck (S/OH, 6-5, New Kensington, Pa.)
10 Robbie Onusko(OH, 6-0, Daytona Beach, Fla.)
14 John Kremer (L, 5-9, Buford, Ga.)
17 Zach Upp (OH, 6-5, Bartlett, Ill.)
20 Jason Roberts (OH, 6-3, Moncks Corner, S.C.)
22 Brett Parks(OH, 6-0, Miami, Fla.)
23 Will Curtis (S/L, 6-0, Cumberland, Maine)
49 Sam Surowiec (OH, 6-2, Everett, Wash.)

Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Julie Allen
Assistant Coach: Jeffrey Smith
Strength Coach: Bobby Moore
Physical Therapist: Whitney Padgett
Team Manager: Brian Farr
Tech Coordinator: Drew Graystone
Sport Psychologist: Taylor Gabler

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: USA def. Thailand, 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-22)
Oct. 13: USA vs. Canada, 8 a.m. and USA vs. Italy, 5 p.m.
Oct. 14: USA vs. Poland, 3 p.m.
Oct. 15: USA vs. Kazakhstan, 3 p.m.
Oct. 16: USA vs. France, 5 p.m.
Oct. 17: Playoff rounds
Oct. 18: Medal Matches

U.S. Men celebrate
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 11, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team avenged an earlier loss to Mexico with a 3-2 (22-25, 25-22, 19-25, 25-23, 15-13) win Saturday in the semifinals at the NORCECA Final Six in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. (5-1) will face the winner of the Puerto Rico/Dominican Republic match for the championship on Sunday at 4 p.m. PT. The match will be streamed on the Puerto Rico Volleyball Federation’s YouTube page.

Mexico led the U.S. in kills (54-49), but the teams were even in blocks (9-9) and aces (8-8).

Kainoa Wade paced the U.S. with 20 points (13 kills, two blocks and a match-high five aces). Seba Sani scored 13 with 10 kills, one block and two aces, and Cam Thorne had 12 points (eight kills, a team-high three blocks and an ace).

Patrick Rogers scored 10 points on 10 kills, and Justin Todd had five points (four kills, one block). Trent Moser had a kill and a block, and Nathan Flayter had a kill.

Flayter and Ryan McElligott shared setting duties. Wade led the U.S. with 10 digs, and Ryan Merk had 20 excellent receptions.

A Sani kill gave the U.S. a 10-7 lead in the first set, but Mexico scored four of the next five to tie the set at 11. At 12-12, Mexico scored three straight for the 15-12 lead and increased it to five at 20-15. The U.S. pushed back with a Todd kill and Moser block but couldn’t cut the lead to fewer than two points in the 25-22 Mexico win.

After losing the first point in set two, the U.S. took the lead on a kill and a block from Todd. The U.S. led the rest of the set, increasing its lead to as much as five, 18-13, with a Rogers kill. Mexico closed the gap to one at 23-22, but a Rogers kill gave the U.S. set point and Thorne finished it on a block.

The third set was a seesaw battle until Mexico broke an 18-18 tie and scored seven of the last eight points for the win.

The U.S. held the lead for nearly all of set four, staying on top by two or three points. Mexico caught up at 24-23, but a Sani kill sent the match to a deciding set.

The fifth set was a nailbiter, with the U.S. pulling out to an early 8-4 lead. Mexico used a kill and an ace to cut the lead to 8-6, and then tied it at nine a few points later. Mexico took a 13-12 lead with a kill, but Wade tied it at 13. A Thorne block gave the U.S. match point, and the U.S. won on a Mexico attack that went long.

Roster

Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, School/Club, USAV Region)
1 Ryan Merk (L, 6-1, Chicago, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-10, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
3 Justin Todd (MB, 6-8, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
4 Nathan Flayter (S, 6-4, Hales Corner, Wisc., McKendree, Badger)
5 Cam Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Fla., UCLA, Florida)
6C Sebastiano Sani (OH, 6-8, Aliso Viejo, Calif., UC San Diego, Chesapeake)
8 Jalen Phillips (OPP, 6-5, Anaheim, Calif., CSUN, Southern California)
9 Ryan McElligott (S, 6-6, Mundelein, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
11 Kellen Larson (L, 5-9, Irvine, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
17 Trent Moser (OH, 6-8, Gilbert, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
18 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
20 Keoni Thiim (OH, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, BYU, Aloha Region)
22 Owen Rose (MB, 6-8, Merrick, N.Y., Penn State, Garden Empire)
23 Tre Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Univ. of Hawaii, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy
Performance Analyst/Team Manager: Nate Ngo
Athletic Trainer: Aaron Ngor

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 6: Mexico def. USA, 3-2, (22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, 15-11)
Oct. 7: USA def. Canada, 3-1 (25-18, 25-10, 23-25, 25-18)
Oct. 8: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (22-25, 30-28, 25-17, 25-20)
Oct. 9: USA def. Suriname, 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-11)
Oct. 10: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-2 (19-25, 25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 15-11)
Oct. 11: Semifinals: USA def. Mexico, 3-2 (22-25, 25-22, 19-25, 25-23, 15-13)
Oct. 12: Gold Medal Match: USA vs. TBA, 4 p.m. PT

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The U.S. celebrates a point
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 10, 2025) – Patrick Rogers scored 24 points as the U.S. Men’s National Team beat previously undefeated Puerto Rico 3-2 (19-25, 25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 15-11) on Friday in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. (4-1) will have a rematch with Mexico (4-1) in the semifinals Saturday night at 4 p.m. PT. The match will be streamed on the Puerto Rico Volleyball Federation’s YouTube page.

The U.S. led Puerto Rico in kills (51-49) and blocks (16-8). Both teams had six aces.

Rogers was dominant for the U.S. with 19 kills, two blocks and a team-high three aces. No other U.S. player scored in double figures.

Keoni Thiim had six kills, one block and two aces for nine points. Owen Rose also had nine points, with two kills and a match-high seven blocks. Trent Moser scored seven (five kills, one block, one ace).

Setter Nathan Flayter had three kills and two blocks, and Cam Thorne had four kills and one block. Seba Sani scored five (three kills, two blocks). Kainoa Wade and Justin Todd each had four kills, and Tre Jordan had a kill.

Rogers also led the team in digs with 11, and he had 15 excellent receptions.

All five sets were close between the two teams. Puerto Rico led by a point or two for most of the first set until they broke a 16-16 tie as a result of two U.S. errors.  Puerto Rico stretched the lead to three at 20-17 on a Wade error, and a kill gave them a 21-18 lead. Another kill made it 22-18, and the U.S. never mounted a comeback.

Set two started in similar fashion, with Puerto Rico building a small lead until the U.S. tied it at 13. A Thorne kill, Rogers ace and Puerto Rico attack error gave the U.S. breathing room at 16-13. Puerto Rico kept it close, saving two set points until a Rose kill ended it.

The teams battled again in the third set until a kill by Flayter and two from Moser broke a 15-15 tie. A Rose block gave the U.S. a six-point lead, 22-16, and Rose also shut down the Puerto Rican offense at set point.

Puerto Rico had a 9-6 lead in the fifth, but the U.S. scored six straight to go ahead 12-9. The run included consecutive blocks from Thiim and Rose, an ace from Moser, and then two blocks from Rogers and Rose. Puerto Rico closed it to two at 13-11 but gave the U.S. match point on a service error. Thiim nailed an ace for the win.

Roster

Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, School/Club, USAV Region)
1 Ryan Merk (L, 6-1, Chicago, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-10, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
3 Justin Todd (MB, 6-8, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
4 Nathan Flayter (S, 6-4, Hales Corner, Wisc., McKendree, Badger)
5 Cam Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Fla., UCLA, Florida)
6C Sebastiano Sani (OH, 6-8, Aliso Viejo, Calif., UC San Diego, Chesapeake)
8 Jalen Phillips (OPP, 6-5, Anaheim, Calif., CSUN, Southern California)
9 Ryan McElligott (S, 6-6, Mundelein, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
11 Kellen Larson (L, 5-9, Irvine, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
17 Trent Moser (OH, 6-8, Gilbert, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
18 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
20 Keoni Thiim (OH, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, BYU, Aloha Region)
22 Owen Rose (MB, 6-8, Merrick, N.Y., Penn State, Garden Empire)
23 Tre Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Univ. of Hawaii, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy
Performance Analyst/Team Manager: Nate Ngo
Athletic Trainer: Aaron Ngor

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 6: Mexico def. USA, 3-2, (22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, 15-11)
Oct. 7: USA def. Canada, 3-1 (25-18, 25-10, 23-25, 25-18)
Oct. 8: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (22-25, 30-28, 25-17, 25-20)
Oct. 9: USA def. Suriname, 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-11)
Oct. 10: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-2 (19-25, 25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 15-11)
Oct. 11: Semifinals: USA vs. Mexico, 4 p.m.
Oct. 12: Medal and classification matches

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The U.S. Men's National Team celebrates
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 9, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team is 3-1 at the NORCECA Final Six after defeating Suriname 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-11) on Thursday in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. (3-1) will play Puerto Rico (4-0) in front of the home crowd Friday night at 6 p.m. PT. Select matches will be streamed on the Puerto Rico Volleyball Federation’s YouTube page.

The U.S. dominated Suriname in all aspects, leading in kills (38-19), blocks (5-0) and aces (10-1).

Keoni Thiim led the U.S. with 14 points on 11 kills and three aces. Patrick Rogers had seven kills, and Cam Thorne scored eight on six kills and two blocks. Trent Moser had five kills, two blocks and an ace. Ryan McElligott had seven points on three kills, one block and three aces.

Owen Rose had three kills and an ace. Nathan Flayter and two kills and two aces, and Tre Jordan had a kill.

Roster

Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, School/Club, USAV Region)
1 Ryan Merk (L, 6-1, Chicago, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-10, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
3 Justin Todd (MB, 6-8, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
4 Nathan Flayter (S, 6-4, Hales Corner, Wisc., McKendree, Badger)
5 Cam Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Fla., UCLA, Florida)
6C Sebastiano Sani (OH, 6-8, Aliso Viejo, Calif., UC San Diego, Chesapeake)
8 Jalen Phillips (OPP, 6-5, Anaheim, Calif., CSUN, Southern California)
9 Ryan McElligott (S, 6-6, Mundelein, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
11 Kellen Larson (L, 5-9, Irvine, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
17 Trent Moser (OH, 6-8, Gilbert, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
18 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
20 Keoni Thiim (OH, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, BYU, Aloha Region)
22 Owen Rose (MB, 6-8, Merrick, N.Y., Penn State, Garden Empire)
23 Tre Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Univ. of Hawaii, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy
Performance Analyst/Team Manager: Nate Ngo
Athletic Trainer: Aaron Ngor

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 6: Mexico def. USA, 3-2, (22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, 15-11)
Oct. 7: USA def. Canada, 3-1 (25-18, 25-10, 23-25, 25-18)
Oct. 8: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (22-25, 30-28, 25-17, 25-20)
Oct. 9: USA def. Suriname, 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-11)
Oct. 10: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 6 p.m.
Oct. 11: Semifinals
Oct. 12: Medal and classification matches

Stories

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U.S. Men's National Team celebrates at 2025 NORCECA Final Six

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 8, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team got their second win in a row at the NORCECA Final Six after defeating the Dominican Republic, 3-1 (22-25, 30-28, 25-17, 25-20) on Wednesday in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. (2-1) will play Suriname (0-2) at 3 p.m. PT on Thursday. Select matches will be streamed on the Puerto Rico Volleyball Federation’s YouTube page.

The U.S. led the Dominican Republic across the board in kills (60-40), blocks (9-5) and aces (8-4). Errors were in favor of the U.S. as well (25-36).

Opposite Kainoa Wade dominated with a match-high 21 points on 16 kills, one block and four aces. Next up was outside hitter Sebastiano Sani with 16 points on 14 kills and two blocks. Outside hitter Patrick Rogers also hit double digits with 13 points on 12 kills and one block. Middle blocker Justin Todd had two aces to go with his six kills. Setter Ryan McElligott led all U.S. players with three blocks. Libero Ryan Merk was credited with 11 digs.

The U.S. fell behind early in set one after a couple missed serves, but was able to recover and tie it up 5-5 after a long rally ended with a kill from Wade. The U.S. took the lead at 8-7 on a kill from Sani, but it was short lived and the Dominican Republic went on to run away with the first set.

The second set stayed close early, but the U.S. gained a 5-3 lead after a pair of aces from Wade. The Dominican Republic recovered midway through the set and took a 15-12 lead. The Dominican Republic held the lead until an ace from Todd tied the set at 21-21. A pair of kills from Sani pushed the lead for the U.S. to 23-21. The set went into extra points but was ultimately decided after a block from McElligott evened the match at 1-1.

The U.S. used the momentum to dominate set three thanks in large part to their serving game, recording three aces to the Dominican Republic’s zero.

More of the same from the U.S. in set four, who gained the lead early in the set and never looked back. Sani and Rogers led the way in the fourth set with four points on four kills each. Middle blocker Tre Jordan also had four points on three kills and one block.

Roster

Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, School/Club, USAV Region)
1 Ryan Merk (L, 6-1, Chicago, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-10, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
3 Justin Todd (MB, 6-8, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
4 Nathan Flayter (S, 6-4, Hales Corner, Wisc., McKendree, Badger)
5 Cam Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Fla., UCLA, Florida)
6C Sebastiano Sani (OH, 6-8, Aliso Viejo, Calif., UC San Diego, Chesapeake)
8 Jalen Phillips (OPP, 6-5, Anaheim, Calif., CSUN, Southern California)
9 Ryan McElligott (S, 6-6, Mundelein, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
11 Kellen Larson (L, 5-9, Irvine, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
17 Trent Moser (OH, 6-8, Gilbert, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
18 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
20 Keoni Thiim (OH, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, BYU, Aloha Region)
22 Owen Rose (MB, 6-8, Merrick, N.Y., Penn State, Garden Empire)
23 Tre Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Univ. of Hawaii, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy
Performance Analyst/Team Manager: Nate Ngo
Athletic Trainer: Aaron Ngor

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 6: Mexico def. USA, 3-2, (22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, 15-11)
Oct. 7: USA def. Canada, 3-1 (25-18, 25-10, 23-25, 25-18)
Oct. 8: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (22-25, 30-28, 25-17, 25-20)
Oct. 9: USA vs. Suriname, 3 p.m.
Oct. 10: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 6 p.m.
Oct. 11: Semifinals
Oct. 12: Medal and classification matches

Stories

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U.S. Men's National Team at 2025 NORCECA Final Six

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 7, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team got its first win at the NORCECA Final Six after defeating Canada, 3-1 (25-18, 25-10, 23-25, 25-18) on Tuesday in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. (1-1) will play the Dominican Republic (1-1) at 1 p.m. PT on Wednesday. Select matches will be streamed on the Puerto Rico Volleyball Federation’s YouTube page.

While the U.S. gave up 21 service errors, attacking proved to be the differentiator. The U.S. led Canada in kills (38-20) and attack errors were in favor of the U.S. (16-25). The U.S. also led Canada in blocks (9-6) and aces (14-12).

Middle blocker Justin Todd led all scorers with 17 points on nine kills, five blocks and three aces. Opposite Kainoa Wade had 12 points on eight kills, two blocks and two aces. Setter Nathan Flayter also hit double digit points with 10 on two kills, one block and a match-high seven aces.

Early errors from the U.S. in set one gave Canada a 3-0 lead to start the first set. The U.S. recovered with three straight points of their own with kills from Todd and opposite Jalen Phillips. Followed by the first of many aces from Flayter. The set stayed close until a three-point run gave the U.S. a 14-10 lead. The U.S. went on another three point run later in the set to reach set point 24-16. A kill from Flayter closed it out.

The U.S. never trailed in set two. A 11-point run gave the U.S. a 19-6 lead. An ace from Todd finished the set and gave the U.S. a 2-0 match lead.

The U.S. had a comfortable lead most of set three until Canada put together a three-point run of their own to tie it up 16-16. The set was back and forth until the end when a pair of aces gave Canada the set 25-23.

The fourth set was close until midway through when the U.S. went on a five-point run to take an 18-13 lead. Following a timeout from head coach Karch Kiraly late in the set at 21-18, the U.S. went on another run, this time four straight points to win the match.

Roster

Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, School/Club, USAV Region)
1 Ryan Merk (L, 6-1, Chicago, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-10, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
3 Justin Todd (MB, 6-8, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
4 Nathan Flayter (S, 6-4, Hales Corner, Wisc., McKendree, Badger)
5 Cam Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Fla., UCLA, Florida)
6C Sebastiano Sani (OH, 6-8, Aliso Viejo, Calif., UC San Diego, Chesapeake)
8 Jalen Phillips (OPP, 6-5, Anaheim, Calif., CSUN, Southern California)
9 Ryan McElligott (S, 6-6, Mundelein, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
11 Kellen Larson (L, 5-9, Irvine, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
17 Trent Moser (OH, 6-8, Gilbert, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
18 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
20 Keoni Thiim (OH, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, BYU, Aloha Region)
22 Owen Rose (MB, 6-8, Merrick, N.Y., Penn State, Garden Empire)
23 Tre Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Univ. of Hawaii, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy
Performance Analyst/Team Manager: Nate Ngo
Athletic Trainer: Aaron Ngor

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 6: Mexico def. USA, 3-2, (22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, 15-11)
Oct. 7: USA def. Canada, 3-1 (25-18, 25-10, 23-25, 25-18)
Oct. 8: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 1 p.m.
Oct. 9: USA vs. Suriname, 3 p.m.
Oct. 10: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 6 p.m.
Oct. 11: Semifinals
Oct. 12: Medal and classification matches

Stories

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Alexis Patterson sets
Alexis Patterson (Photo by Brian Livergood)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 7, 2025) – USA Volleyball announces the 13 athletes who will compete for the U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team at the 2025 World ParaVolley World Cup, Oct. 12-18 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Hosted by the Turnstone Center, the World Cup is being held in the United States for the first time. Six teams will compete in the women’s division, including the top three in the world rankings: the United States, Canada and Brazil. Italy, ranked No. 7, along with No. 9 Germany and the Netherlands, round out the field.

The U.S. opens play on Oct. 12 at 12:30 p.m. PT against Italy. All matches will be live streamed on the Turnstone YouTube channel.

This is the U.S. Women’s third international competition of 2025. The team won silver at the ParaVolley Pan American Cup in May and captured gold at the Dutch Tournament in July.

Head coach Bill Hamiter leads a seasoned roster that includes eight Paralympians.

“We’re excited to compete at home in front of our fans,” Hamiter said. “This is a strong group with a great mix of veteran leaders and rising talent. The World Cup is an important step as we build toward the LA 2028 Paralympic Games, and we’re eager to test ourselves against the best teams in the world.”

Three-time Paralympians on the roster are liberos Bethany Zummo (libero) and Kari Ortiz, and outside hitter Kendra Hall. Tia Edwards (middle/outside), Nicky Nieves (middle), Alexis Patterson (setter) and Emma Schieck (outside) are all two-time Paralympians. 2020 Paralympian Annie Flood (setter) also joins the team in Fort Wayne.

Outside hitter Raelene Elam and middle hitter Courtney Baker, who were 2024 Paralympic alternates, bring valuable international experience. Setter Gia Cruz and outside hitter Jessie West will make their second international appearances of 2025 after competing at the Dutch Tournament. Defensive specialist Maddy Ball returns to international play for the first time since 2023.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Team Roster for World Cup

No  Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
3 Alexis Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
4 Maddy Ball (DS, 5-7, Delray Beach, Fla.)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
10 Kari Ortiz (L, 5-6, Washington, D.C.)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
13 Gia Cruz (S, 5-5, San Antonio, Texas)
15 Kendra Hall (5-7, Westfield, Ind.)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
17 Jessie West (OH, 5-8, Edmond, Okla.)
18 Courtney Baker (MH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky.)
21 Annie Flood (S, 5-7, Salem, Ore.)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)

Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coach: Grace Campbell
Performance Analyst: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Samantha Carter
Mental Performance Coach: Brooke Lamphere
Team Manager: Jon Aharoni

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 12: USA vs. Italy, 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 13: USA vs. Netherlands, 10:30 a.m.
Oct. 14: USA vs. Canada, 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 15: USA vs. Germany, 10:30 a.m.
Oct. 16: USA vs. Brazil, 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 17: Playoff rounds
Oct. 18: Medal Matches

A triple block from the Men's Ntaional Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 6, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team lost its opening match at the NORCECA Final Six to Mexico, 3-2 (22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, 15-11), on Monday in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. (0-1) will play Canada (1-0) at 1 p.m. PT on Tuesday. Select matches will be streamed on the Puerto Rico Volleyball Federation’s YouTube page.

Although the U.S. Men led Mexico in kills (57-51) and blocks (12-9), errors made much of the difference. The two teams combined for 37 service errors (20 for the U.S.), and the U.S. gave up 40 points to Mexico overall in errors. Mexico relinquished 27 points on errors.

Kainoa Wade paced the U.S. with 20 points on 17 kills, one block and a team-high two aces. Sebastiano Sani had 19 points on 18 kills and one block. Patrick Rogers had 11 kills and one ace. Tre Jordan and Owen Rose led the U.S. with four blocks apiece; Jordan added four kills and an ace for nine points, and Rose had two kills and an ace for seven. Setter Ryan McElligott scored eight points on five kills, two blocks and one ace.

Libero Ryan Merk had 12 digs and 23 excellent receptions.

The U.S. trailed Mexico by a couple of points for most of set one and were down by three at 19-16. A Mexico service error and a Rogers kill brought the U.S. to within one. Two straight errors from Mexico gave the lead to the U.S. at 20-19. At 21-21, a block from Rose and two kills from Sani put the U.S. ahead 24-22, and Rose served an ace for the win.

Set two followed a similar script, with the U.S. coming back from a couple of points down to take an 18-17 lead. Mexico kept it close at 22-21, but the U.S. scored the last three points, including two kills from Sani.

Mexico never trailed in set three, and set four was tied at 18 before Mexico began pulling away for the 25-22 win.

The U.S. found itself down 3-0 quickly in the deciding set. After closing the gap to 4-3, Mexico kept on the pressure with four straight points to break it open to 8-3. The U.S. never closed the gap to fewer than four, falling 15-11.

Roster

Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, School/Club, USAV Region)
1 Ryan Merk (L, 6-1, Chicago, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-10, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
3 Justin Todd (MB, 6-8, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
4 Nathan Flayter (S, 6-4, Hales Corner, Wisc., McKendree, Badger)
5 Cam Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Fla., UCLA, Florida)
6C Sebastiano Sani (OH, 6-8, Aliso Viejo, Calif., UC San Diego, Chesapeake)
8 Jalen Phillips (OPP, 6-5, Anaheim, Calif., CSUN, Southern California)
9 Ryan McElligott (S, 6-6, Mundelein, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
11 Kellen Larson (L, 5-9, Irvine, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
17 Trent Moser (OH, 6-8, Gilbert, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
18 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
20 Keoni Thiim (OH, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, BYU, Aloha Region)
22 Owen Rose (MB, 6-8, Merrick, N.Y., Penn State, Garden Empire)
23 Tre Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Univ. of Hawaii, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy
Performance Analyst/Team Manager: Nate Ngo
Athletic Trainer: Aaron Ngor

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 6: Mexico def. USA, 3-2, (22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, 15-11)
Oct. 7: USA vs. Canada, 1 p.m.
Oct. 8: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 1 p.m.
Oct. 9: USA vs. Suriname, 3 p.m.
Oct. 10: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 6 p.m.
Oct. 11: Semifinals
Oct. 12: Medal and classification matches

 

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Malachi Brewington digs
Malachi Brewington (FIVB)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 6, 2025) – USA Volleyball has announced the 2025 Beach U21 National Team that will compete at the FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championship, Oct. 15-19 in Puebla, Mexico.

The event brings together many of the top young beach volleyball athletes from around the world. The competition begins with the qualification round on Oct. 15, followed by pool play Oct. 16-17. The playoffs start Oct. 18, with the quarterfinals, semifinals and medal matches concluding on Oct. 19.

The U.S. will send two women’s and two men’s teams.

On the women’s side, Zoey Henson (USC) and Sarah Wood will compete in the main draw after winning gold at the 2025 NORCECA U21 World Championship Qualifier in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic. Wood was also part of the 2024 Beach U19 National Team that earned bronze at the U19 World Championship in Shangluo, China.

The qualifier team will be Avery Jackson (Stanford) and Sally Perez (UCLA). Perez brings extensive international experience, having won bronze with the 2024 U19 team in Shangluo and as part of the 2022 U21 Beach National Team.

For the men, Malachi Brewington and Titus Lance will represent the U.S. in the main draw. The duo won gold at the 2025 NORCECA U21 World Championship Qualifier in the Dominican Republic and were members of the 2025 Beach Collegiate National Team. Brewington also competed at the 2024 U19 World Championship.

The men’s qualifier team is Ford Harman (Pepperdine) and Jackson Herbert (George Mason). Both played on the 2025 Beach Collegiate National Team, with Herbert returning for his second consecutive year. Herbert also represented the U.S. at the 2024 World University Championships in São Paulo, Brazil.

Men’s head coach Alvaro Filho, an Olympian and assistant coach at Stetson University, reflected on the opportunity to lead the U.S. squad.

“As a Brazilian, I feel truly honored to have the opportunity to coach the USA U21 team,” Filho said. “I competed in this event as a player in 2009 and 2010, and it remains one of the most memorable moments of my career. It’s a unique stage in an athlete’s journey, and I’m excited to help guide our team through this important experience.”

Women’s head coach Angie Akers, an Olympic coach and associate head coach at the University of Texas, emphasized the broader significance of the event.

“The U21 World Championships is one of the most meaningful stages in an athlete’s journey,” Akers said. “Representing the USA is not just about medals, it’s about the opportunity to compete on a global stage, to test yourself against the best in the world, and to learn lessons that will shape careers and character. The energy, passion and potential at these events is extraordinary, because every performance hints at the future of our sport. I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this incredible opportunity to represent USA!”

Kelly Reeves (UCLA assistant coach) will serve as the assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s teams. Anna Michaud will be the team’s athletic trainer, and Chelsea Tupuola, USA Volleyball’s Beach National Team Development Program lead, will serve as team lead.

Nathan Flayter and Jalen Phillips
Nathan Flayter and Jalen Phillips (Sally Deng)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 3, 2025) – USA Volleyball has announced the 14 athletes who will compete at the 2025 NORCECA Final Six, set for Oct. 6-12 in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. will play round-robin matches against Canada, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Suriname and host Puerto Rico. The top four teams will advance to the semifinals. The United States is the two-time defending Final Six champion and also earned bronze in 2021 and 2022.

Head coach Karch Kiraly will lead a young squad to Puerto Rico, with 13 of the 14 players still in college. Outside hitter Keoni Thiim (BYU) is the lone graduate on the roster and the only athlete without previous U.S. age-group national team experience. Thiim is currently playing professionally with Melilla in Spain.

Several players bring recent international success.

  • Libero Ryan Merk, setters Nathan Flayer and Ryan McElligott, middle blockers Cam Thorne and Owen Rose, opposite Jalen Phillips, and outside hitter Patrick Rogers were part of this year’s U23 National Team that won silver at the Pan Am Cup.
  • Libero Kellen Larson, middle blocker Tre Jordan, opposite Kainoa Wade and outside hitter Seba Sani helped the U21 National Team capture historic bronze at this year’s FIVB U21 World Championship.
  • Middle blocker Justin Todd, a member of the 2024 and 2025 U21 National Teams, will compete at his first NORCECA event.
  • Outside hitter Trent Moser, who played on the 2022 and 2023 U21 teams and was part of the 2025 U23 team (but did not compete at the Pan Am Cup), helped the U21 squad win gold at the 2022 Pan Am Cup and silver in 2023.

The U.S. opens play on Oct. 6 against Mexico at 3 p.m. PT.

Roster

Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, School/Club, USAV Region)
1 Ryan Merk (L, 6-1, Chicago, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
2 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-10, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
3 Justin Todd (MB, 6-8, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
4 Nathan Flayter (S, 6-4, Hales Corner, Wisc., McKendree, Badger)
5 Cam Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Fla., UCLA, Florida)
6C Sebastiano Sani (OH, 6-8, Aliso Viejo, Calif., UC San Diego, Chesapeake)
8 Jalen Phillips (OPP, 6-5, Anaheim, Calif., CSUN, Southern California)
9 Ryan McElligott (S, 6-6, Mundelein, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
11 Kellen Larson (L, 5-9, Irvine, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
17 Trent Moser (OH, 6-8, Gilbert, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
18 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
20 Keoni Thiim (OH, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, BYU, Aloha Region)
22 Owen Rose (MB, 6-8, Merrick, N.Y., Penn State, Garden Empire)
23 Tre Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Univ. of Hawaii, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy
Performance Analyst/Team Manager: Nate Ngo
Athletic Trainer: Aaron Ngor

Schedule

All times Pacific
Oct. 6: USA vs. Mexico, 3 p.m.
Oct. 7: USA vs. Canada, 1 p.m.
Oct. 8: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 1 p.m.
Oct. 9: USA vs. Suriname, 3 p.m.
Oct. 10: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 6 p.m.
Oct. 11: Semifinals
Oct. 12: Medal and classification matches

Body Confident Sport

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (October 3, 2025) – USA Volleyball is excited to introduce Body Confident Sport (BCS) for the 2025-2026 season, a nationwide initiative dedicated to building inclusive volleyball communities where every athlete feels valued and confident in their body. Backed by a grant from Laureus Sport for Good and developed with global experts from the Centre for Appearance Research and the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, the program addresses body image concerns, one of the top reasons young women leave sports.

USA Volleyball is also launching a Body Confident Sport Club Contest for 2025-26. Details on how to participate are below.

Research shows up to 45% of female athletes stop playing during their teen years due to body confidence issues, often reinforced by pressures around appearance over athletic performance. Body Confident Sport equips coaches with free facilitator training and ready-to-use resources to lead meaningful conversations, reshape team cultures, and stop negative messages about body image. The curriculum encourages athletes to embrace body diversity and focus on what their bodies can do, not just how they look.

Volleyball, one of the most popular female sports, offers a meaningful opportunity to positively impact young women’s growth, development and confidence. As a national governing body, USA Volleyball can reach more than 400,000 youth athletes, but this requires the support of coaches. Coaches play a pivotal role in shaping team culture, fostering confidence and empowering athletes to take pride in their bodies and accomplishments on the court.

Results from USA Volleyball’s 2024 pilot implementation:

  • 91% of participating athletes felt more confident about their bodies on the court
  • 85% found the program valuable and would recommend it to friends
  • 100% of coaches felt prepared to facilitate the program and saw a positive impact on their teams

“Coaches hold a uniquely powerful role in shaping the experiences of athletes,” said John Speraw, USA Volleyball President and CEO. “By creating environments where athletes feel confident and proud of their individual builds, we not only retain more young women in sport but also empower them to excel as players and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. As an organization, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture where athletes can enjoy, learn, and develop within the sport, one that keeps them engaged for years to come as athletes and future leaders.”

How to Participate and Enter the Club Contest

For questions or help getting started, contact Dr. Lauren Walker at [email protected] or Dr. Jenny Jenny Johnson at [email protected]. Additional resources are available at the Body Confident Sport website.

Ella Grimes Jordyn Scribner
Ella Grimes and Jordyn Scribner

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 29, 2025) – USA Volleyball has named the athletes who will represent the United States at the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball U18 World Championships, set for October 7-11 in Doha, Qatar.

This is the first FIVB Beach U18 World Championship in more than 20 years, and it gives USA Volleyball a new opportunity to showcase rising talent on the international stage. The tournament begins with qualification on October 7, followed by pool play October 8-9, elimination rounds on October 10, and medal matches on October 11.

U.S. athletes at the U18 level had a strong showing earlier this year at the 2025 NORCECA U18 Continental Qualifier, where the girls won gold with Ella Grimes and Jordyn Scribner, and the boys struck gold with Matix Williams and Colten Mortensen.

On the girls side, Avery Junk and Addison Junk will represent the U.S. in the main draw, with Grimes and Scribner in qualifying. They will be coached by Gustavo Rocha.

“It means a lot to represent our country, especially since we have been part of the USAV NTDP program for the past four years,” said Addison. “Playing against the best in the country at NTDP events every year has given us the tools we need and prepared us for this competition. We have been training a lot, especially focusing on serving and serve receive with the international balls. We have also had a heavy focus on conditioning to prepare for the extreme heat in Doha.”

Cash Essert and Spencer Smith are in the main draw for boys, and Malakai Tuakoi and Williams are in qualifying.

“It is always a great joy and a big honor to represent the United States in any competition,” said Guilherme Tenius, the U.S. boys head coach. “After working with professionals on the FIVB Beach Tour, Pan American Games and the U19-U21 World Championships, I feel very motivated to share my experience with the U18 boys. The expectations are very positive, and I hope we can have a great tournament.”

U.S. Beach U18 National Team

Girls
Main Draw: Avery Junk/Addison Junk
Qualifier: Ella Grimes/Jordyn Scribner
Reserve: Lauren Leach/Janie McCanna
Alternates: Ella Olson/Kylee-Jo Wilson

Boys
Main Draw: Cash Essert/Spencer Smith
Qualifier: Malakai Tuakoi/Matix Williams
Reserve: Colten Mortensen/Mavrick Essert
Alternates: Briley Codey/Christian Chow

Coaches and Staff
Boys Head Coach: Guilherme Tenius
Girls Head Coach: Gustavo Rocha
Athletic Trainer: Taneisha Jones
Team Leader: Judit Kolada

American flag

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 26, 2025) – USA Volleyball has selected 17 athletes for the first-ever U17 Girls National Team, which will compete at the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U17 Continental Championship, set for Nov. 4-9 in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The athletes will participate in a training block Oct. 26-Nov. 1 at the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Following the training, 12 athletes will be named to the final competition roster to represent the United States at the championship.

“I’m honored to lead the U17 National Team at the NORCECA Continental Championship,” said head coach Tayyiba Haneef-Park, a three-time Olympian and current U.S. Women’s National Team assistant coach. “This is the first time USA Volleyball has sponsored a U17 team internationally—an exciting milestone for our program.

“We’ve assembled an outstanding group of athletes and staff who are eager to proudly represent USA Volleyball. This championship presents a tremendous opportunity for our program, and we’re aiming for a podium finish as we begin building valuable points toward future World Championship rankings.”

All 17 selected athletes are experiencing their first national team opportunity.

U17 Girls National Team

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, High School, USAV Region)
Mckenzie Andrews (MB, 6-5, 2010, Grosse Pointe, Mich., Mercy High School, Lakeshore)
Chloe Burbage (S, 6-1, 2010, Cary, N.C., Green Hope High School, Carolina)
Lexi Coleman (OH, 6-0, 2010, Northville, Mich., South Lyon East High School, Lakeshore)
MC Crutcher (OH/OPP, 5-11, 2011, Mansfield, Texas, Mansfield High School, North Texas)
Kaelyn Easton (S, 5-11, Saline, Mich., Mercy High School, Lakeshore)
Ellie Enger (S/OPP, 6-1, 2010, Apopka, Fla., Orangewood Christian High School, Florida)
Madlen Gloessner (MB, 6-5, 2010, Wheat Ridge, Colo., Lakewood High School, Rocky Mountain)
Grace Hengler (L, 5-6, 2010, Frisco, Texas, Coram Deo High School, North Texas)
Mesa Jameson (OPP/OH, 6-2, Cottage Grove, Minn., Eagan High School, North Country)
Taylor Johnson (OH/OPP, 6-0. Lewisville, Texas, Hebron High School, North Texas)
Lola Loncar (L, 5-5, 2010, Concord, Ohio, Lake Catholic High School, Ohio Valley)
Julia Masselink (OH, 6-2, 2010, Sioux Falls, S.D., Harrisburg High School, North Country)
Mikayla Matuszko (OPP/OH, 6-3, 2010, Wellington, Fla., The King’s Academy, Florida)
Madison Middleton (MB, 6-1, 2010, Roswell, Ga., St. Francis High School, Southern)
Maya Ogbogu (OH, 6-0, 2010, Parker, Texas, Allen High School, North Texas)
Bella Osborn (L, 5-4, 2010, Plano, Texas, Plano Senior High School, North Texas)
Shaun Waller (MB, 6-3, 2010, Franklin, Tenn., Centennial High School, Southern)

Coaches
Head Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park (U.S. Women’s National Team assistant coach, Olympian)
Assistant Coach: Laura “Bird” Kuhn (Pro Volleyball Federation, Atlanta Vibe)
Assistant Coach: Amir Lugo-Rodriguez (SC Rockstar/Cal State Long Beach)
Performance Analyst: Noel Carpio (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer/Team Doctor: Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Gabi Garcia serves
Gabi Garcia (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 25, 2025) – The U.S. lost a heartbreaker in the quarterfinals of the 2025 World Championship as Bulgaria stormed back from two sets down to win 21-25, 19-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-13 in Manila, Philippines.

The U.S. finished the tournament 4-1 while Bulgaria (5-0) moves on to face Czechia in the semifinals.

“This team has come a long way from our first scrimmages down in Brazil in early June,” head coach Karch Kiraly said. “I give the 14 guys here huge credit, and we are far more than 14. We had 30 in the gym all through VNL, and plenty more since. They all helped us add up to something significant here. We came up a little short. It really hurts. Give Bulgaria great credit; they did a masterful job of coming back. Alex Nikolov got them out of lots of trouble. He was really good those last three sets. We need to use this loss and the pain from this, store that up in our belly and have a fire for next year and beyond. Lots to build on, and a really painful loss to end the season.”

Kiraly gave a shout out to the Philippines and the fans.

“I thought Philippines did a wonderful job,” he said. “The competition court and the venue are fantastic, good visibility. As the tournament went on, the attendance was up, and when it was up, it was electric, like tonight. The hotel was great, the food, the police escorts everywhere we went cut the commute times in half. They did a nice job. We certainly appreciated everyone in the organizing committee and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make us feel so welcome. We enjoyed our stay here in Manila.”

The two teams were relatively even statistically through five sets. Bulgaria led the U.S. in kills (61-57), blocks (7-6) and aces (7-5). The U.S. gave up 34 points on errors and Bulgaria gave up 30.

Ethan Champlin led the U.S. with 17 points on 16 kills and one block. Jordan Ewert had 15 kills, and Merrick McHenry scored 12 on 10 kills, one block and an ace. Gabi Garcia notched nine points (six kills, one block, two aces), and Jeff Jendryk had six kills and one block. Matt Knigge came off the bench and was a gamechanger, scoring four points (three kills, one block). Micah Christenson had a block and two aces, and Cooper Robinson rounded out the U.S. scoring with a kill. Garcia had 10 digs.

The U.S. came out firing in set one with three straight kills from Jendryk for a 5-2 lead. The U.S. led 11-10 when kills by Champlin and Ewert plus two Bulgaria errors gave the U.S. a 15-10 edge. Two aces from Moni Nikolov brought Bulgaria within three at 18-15, and the three-point lead held through 21-18. A Garcia ace and Ewert Kill gave the U.S. set point at 24-18. Bulgaria scored three straight but a service error ended the set at 25-21.

Despite having an early lead, Bulgaria struggled from the service line with eight errors in set two. The U.S. pulled ahead 14-13 on a Bulgaria error. A Christenson ace and kills by McHenry and Ewert increased the lead to 17-13. Bulgaria shrunk the lead at 17-15 but could get no closer. McHenry added a kill and an ace for a 21-16 lead and another Ewert kill made it 22-17. The two teams traded points until the set ended 25-19.

Bulgaria returned to form in the third set, building an early 6-2 lead after consecutive errors from Ewert and Garcia. The U.S. crawled back to within two on a Garcia kill at 8-6, but Bulgaria pulled ahead again with five-point leads at 14-9 and 16-11. The lead increased to six at 19-13 as Bulgaria continued its serving pressure and offensive spark. The U.S. never got closer and Bulgaria won, 25-17.

Set four was a back-and-forth battle with neither team gaining a significant advantage until the end. At 22-22 a Christenson service error and Garcia error gave Bulgaria set point, and they finished on a block, 25-23.

The momentum was in Bulgaria’s favor in the fifth as they jumped out to a 6-3 lead. At 11-8, Garcia served an ace off the net to cut the lead to two, 11-9. At 12-10, Bulgaria scored off a fantastic rally to make it 13-10, and their defense then won another for match point. A Champlin kill and block cut the lead back to two 14-12, and a challenge on a play at the net made it 14-13. A kill by Bulgaria completed the comeback, 15-13.

U.S. Men’s World Championship Roster

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Univ. Chicago, Great Lakes)
5 Kyle Ensing (OPP, 6-7, Valencia, Calif., Long Beach State Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State Univ., Chesapeake)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
10 Kyle Dagostino (L, 5-9, Tampa, Florida, Stanford Univ., Florida)
11C Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Southern California, Aloha)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
18 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
25 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
27 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Training Alternate
19 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawaii, Northern California)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Manager: David Dantes
Consultant Coach: Chris McGown
Consultant Coach: Marv Dunphy
Team Doctors:  Eugene Yim, Mark Hutchinson, Michael Shepard, Warren Young

Pool Play Schedule

Sept. 12: USA def. Colombia, 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-14).
Sept. 15: USA def. Portugal, 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-17)
Sept. 17: USA vs. Cuba, 2:30 a.m. (25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 27-25)
Sept: 22: Round of 16: USA def. Slovenia, 3-1 (19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20)
Sept. 25: Bulgaria def. USA, 3-2 (21-25, 19-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-13)

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The U.S. Men celebrate a point
Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 22, 2025) – Gabi Garcia scored 26 points to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team past Slovenia 3-1 (19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20) in the 2025 World Championship Round of 16 in Manila, Philippines.

The U.S. Men (4-0) will face Bulgaria (4-0) in the quarterfinals on Thursday, Sept. 25, time TBA.

It was the second meeting between Slovenia and the U.S. this year, as the two teams met in Week 1 of Volleyball Nations League. Slovenia won that match 3-1, but this is an entirely different U.S. team from the one earlier in the season.

“I sure was impressed. We didn’t have everything going that we wanted to by a long shot,” head coach Karch Kiraly said. “Our offense was struggling; our high ball hitting was really struggling, but we figured out a way. Really good teams figure out a way to win when they don’t have it going the way they would like to. Somebody like Ethan Champlin, [he] did not have a great offensive night, but he makes the crazy good defensive play near the end to get us to 24 so we can get closer to finishing the match out. And he figured out ways, as everybody did, to contribute when it’s rough and a struggle and it feels like you’re in quicksand. That was impressive, that we just kept pushing and resetting for the next point when lots of things weren’t going the way we wanted.”

It was the serving and blocking game that helped the U.S. to the Round of 16 victory. Although the U.S. led in attacks (53-49), they had a 10-7 advantage in blocks and a massive 12-2 edge in aces. The U.S. scored 26 points off Slovenian errors while only giving up 19.

Garcia was magnificent, scoring 15 kills with match-highs of four blocks and seven aces. He now leads the tournament with 15 aces through four matches. Ethan Champlin was also stellar from the service line, notching three aces to go with 11 kills and a block. Jordan Ewert had 14 kills, and Jeff Jendryk had six kills, a block and an ace for eight points. Merrick McHenry also had eight points from the middle on five kills and three blocks. Cooper Robinson came in for a kill as well.

Setter Micah Christenson had a kill, a block and an ace. Garcia led the team with 11 digs and Erik Shoji had 10.

A five-point run by Slovenia early in set one made the difference. Down 11-7, the U.S. inched back within two as late as 20-18, but a Slovenia kill and block upped the lead to 22-18. A service error made it 22-19, but Slovenia scored the final three points on a service ace and two U.S. errors. The U.S. gave up eight points on errors in the set while Slovenia only allowed four. Garcia paced the U.S. with four points on three kills and an ace.

“Our serving was good throughout, especially Gabi [and] Ethan Champlin; and Micah Ma’a came in and hit some great serves,” Kiraly said. “Everybody’s been doing a nice job at the service line. That was the one phase of the game that we clearly won, even though they had some serving runs in the first game. Slowly but surely we started coming up with some defensive plays, some scramble plays. We didn’t come up with any of those in the first game, and again, credit to the guys. When it’s ugly, because sometimes we play pretty and everything falls into place, but sometimes it’s ugly, and have to figure out a way to work through that.”

Slovenia had a 9-6 lead in set two when a Garcia kill and two Champlin aces tied it at 9. At 13-13, the U.S. used a Garcia kill, Jendryk ace and McHenry block to grab a bit of daylight at 16-13. After a Slovenia kill, the U.S. reeled off five straight for a 21-14 lead. Slovenia did not make the end of the match easy, closing the gap to three points at 22-19. A Jendryk kill gave the U.S. six set points, and Slovenia scored three times before an Ewert kill ended it at 25-19.

Garcia was extraordinary in a 25-17 set three win, scoring three kills, four blocks and three aces. Slovenia took its first timeout at 2-0 and the U.S. kept the pressure on even after Slovenia tied it at 3. With its service pressure and block, the U.S. stretched its lead to 9-4 and 13-8. Three consecutive Slovenia kills closed the gap to 15-14. A Garcia kill for a sideout sent serving specialist Micah Ma’a to the line, and the U.S. opened the lead again to 19-14. An Ewert kill and Garcia ace made it 21-15. Slovenia used a kill to close it to 22-17, but the U.S. scored the last three on a Slovenia service error, Robinson kill and Ewert kill.

The U.S. and Slovenia kept in close in set four, although the U.S. had a break point lead at 10-8. A Champlin kill made it 11-8, and a Garcia kill kept the lead at three, 13-10. Slovenia crept back to tie the set at 15. Another Champlin kill, a Slovenian error and Garcia kill extended the U.S. lead to 18-15. Two straight U.S. errors closed the gap to one again at 19-18, and it was still a one-point differential at 21-10. A Slovenian service error put Garcia to the service line at 22-20, and he did what he does, adding two aces to an Ewert kill for the 25-20 win.

U.S. Men’s World Championship Roster

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Univ. Chicago, Great Lakes)
5 Kyle Ensing (OPP, 6-7, Valencia, Calif., Long Beach State Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State Univ., Chesapeake)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
10 Kyle Dagostino (L, 5-9, Tampa, Florida, Stanford Univ., Florida)
11C Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Southern California, Aloha)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
18 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawaii, Northern California)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
25 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Training Alternate
27 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Manager: David Dantes
Consultant Coach: Chris McGown
Consultant Coach: Marv Dunphy
Team Doctors:  Eugene Yim, Mark Hutchinson, Michael Shepard, Warren Young

Pool Play Schedule

All times PDT
Watch live on VBTV; some matches are also on CBS Sports Network (check listings)

Sept. 12: USA def. Colombia, 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-14).
Sept. 15: USA def. Portugal, 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-17)
Sept. 17: USA vs. Cuba, 2:30 a.m. (25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 27-25)
Sept: 22: Round of 16: USA def. Slovenia, 3-1 (19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20)
Sept. 25: Quarterfinals: USA vs. Bulgaria, time TBA

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The U.S. Women's National Team at Final Six
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 20, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s National Team swept Mexico (25-19, 25-17, 25-19) Sunday to win gold at the NORCECA Final Six in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The U.S. went undefeated (7-0) and won the tournament for the second time. In five editions of the Final Six, the U.S. has won two golds (2023, 2025), two silvers (2022, 2024) and a bronze (2021).

Statistically, the U.S. led in kills (40-30), blocks (7-6) and aces (6-3). They gave up just 16 errors to Mexico, and Kami Miner and Ella Powell set the team to a .356 hitting percentage.

Reagan Cooper was named MVP of the tournament. Sami Francis was 2nd Best Blocker; Norah Sis was Best Receiver, and Ella Powell was Best Setter.

The U.S. cruised through the match and was never really threatened, although Mexico had a 14-11 lead midway through the first. The U.S. righted the ship after a Mexico service error and kills from Cooper and Khori Louis. At 18-18, the U.S. broke it open by scoring seven of the last eight points.

The U.S. never trailed in set two, using six points from Cooper to win 25-17. In the third, the U.S. took the lead at 5-4 and never looked back to win 25-19.

Cooper led all scorers with 16 points (15 kills, one ace), and Louis also hit double figures with 11 points on seven kills, two blocks and two aces. Sis had eight points (seven kills, one ace), and Skylar Fields had seven kills. Francis had two kills and a team-high three blocks, Kendall Kipp had two kills and two blocks; and Miner had a pair of aces.

Elena Oglivie led all players with 19 digs.

U.S. Women’s Roster for Final Six

Name (Height, Position, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Kami Miner (S, 6-0, Redondo Beach, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
3 Mary Shroll (L, 5-8, Tempe, Arizona, Arizona State Univ., Arizona)
4 Khori Louis (MB, 6-3, Tallahassee, Fla., Florida State Univ., Florida)
5 Kendall Kipp (OPP, 6-6, Newport Beach, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Sami Francis (MB, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 Emily Thater (MB, 6-3, Springfield, Mo., Univ. of Missouri, Heart of America)
9 Claire Chaussee (OH, 6-0, Sun Prairie, Wisc., Univ. of Louisville, Badger)
10 Norah Sis (OH, 6-2, 2003, Papillion, Neb., Creighton, Great Plains)
11 Jaali Winters (OH, 6-3, Ankeny, Iowa, Creighton, Iowa)
12 Madi Kubik Banks (OH, 6-3, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
13 Reagan Cooper (OH, 6-2, Rowlett, Texas, Texas Tech/Univ. of Kansas/Washington State, North Texas)
27 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Univ. of Washington, Delta)
55 Skylar Fields (OPP, 6-2, Missouri City, Texas, USC/Texas, Lone Star)

Coaches
Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Paula Weishoff (LOVB Houston)
Assistant Coach: Brad Rostratter (UC San Diego)
Team Leader: Blake Omartian (Orlando Valkyries)
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham
Athletic Trainer: Sam Schaff (San Diego Mojo)

Results

Sept. 15: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-19)
Sept. 16: USA def. Cuba, 3-2, (25-20, 16-25, 25-18, 22-25, 15-10)
Sept. 17: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (25-12, 21-25, 25-20, 25-13)
Sept. 18: USA def. Mexico, 3-1(25-15, 25-15, 20-25, 25-20)
Sept. 19: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-13)
Sept. 20: Semifinals: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (25-20, 16-25, 25-18, 25-22
Sept. 21: Gold Medal Match: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-17)

Stories

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Skylar Fields celebrates (NORCECA)
Skylar Fields (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 18, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s National Team recorded seven blocks and seven aces on the way to a 3-1 (25-15, 25-15, 20-25, 25-20) win over Mexico on Thursday at the NORCECA Final Six in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The U.S. (4-0) will play Puerto Rico (2-2) on Friday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. PT to close out pool play.

In addition to the 7-4 blocking advantage and a 7-6 edge at the service line, the U.S. Women were on the right side of the opposing errors with 27 points off of errors by Mexico and allowing only 19.

Outside hitter Madi Kubik Banks led the U.S. scoring with 14 kills. Outside hitter Reagan Cooper added 13 points with 11 kills and two aces. Middle Khori Louis was the third leading scorer with 12 points on 10 kills, one block and one ace.

The U.S. had plenty of help in scoring throughout the rest of the lineup. Opposite Kendall Kipp contributed eight kills and two aces. Opposite Skylar Fields tallied seven kills and middle Sami Francis had three kills.

After an ace by Banks made it 3-1 to open the match, the U.S. started pulling away with an early lead in the first set. It was 15-8 before the first timeout by Mexico. Kubik Banks led the way with five kills as the U.S. took the first set 25-15.

In the second, Kipp and Kubik Banks helped the U.S. to a 7-4 lead before Mexico again took a timeout. The U.S. made it an eight-point lead before the next stoppage, then took the second set with a Kami Miner ace for another 25-15 score. Kipp had four points with two kills and two aces in the second set.

The third began more evenly, with Mexico taking a 6-5 lead off a block, then adding a kill to open up a two-point lead. The U.S. tied it at 12-12 off a kill from Cooper, but Mexico quickly retook the lead and went on to force a fourth set with a 25-20 score in the third.

The fourth mirrored the third, with both teams deadlocked up until a 9-9 score. A Skylar Fields poke built a three-point margin and the U.S. stayed in front until the set win 25-20 that sealed the match. Khori Louis led the U.S. to victory in the last set with four points on two kills, an ace and a block.

U.S. Women’s Roster for Final Six

Name (Height, Position, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Kami Miner (S, 6-0, Redondo Beach, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
3 Mary Shroll (L, 5-8, Tempe, Arizona, Arizona State Univ., Arizona)
4 Khori Louis (MB, 6-3, Tallahassee, Fla., Florida State Univ., Florida)
5 Kendall Kipp (OPP, 6-6, Newport Beach, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Sami Francis (MB, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 Emily Thater (MB, 6-3, Springfield, Mo., Univ. of Missouri, Heart of America)
9 Claire Chaussee (OH, 6-0, Sun Prairie, Wisc., Univ. of Louisville, Badger)
10 Norah Sis (OH, 6-2, 2003, Papillion, Neb., Creighton, Great Plains)
11 Jaali Winters (OH, 6-3, Ankeny, Iowa, Creighton, Iowa)
12 Madi Kubik Banks (OH, 6-3, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
13 Reagan Cooper (OH, 6-2, Rowlett, Texas, Texas Tech/Univ. of Kansas/Washington State, North Texas)
27 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Univ. of Washington, Delta)
55 Skylar Fields (OPP, 6-2, Missouri City, Texas, USC/Texas, Lone Star)

Coaches
Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Paula Weishoff (LOVB Houston)
Assistant Coach: Brad Rostratter (UC San Diego)
Team Leader: Blake Omartian (Orlando Valkyries)
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham
Athletic Trainer: Sam Schaff (San Diego Mojo)

U.S. Schedule

All times Pacific and contingent on completion of previous match. Watch on YouTube.

Sept. 15: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-19)
Sept. 16: USA def. Cuba, 3-2, (25-20, 16-25, 25-18, 22-25, 15-10)
Sept. 17: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (25-12, 21-25, 25-20, 25-13)
Sept. 18: USA def. Mexico, 3-1(25-15, 25-15, 20-25, 25-20)
Sept. 19: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 5 p.m.
Sept. 20: Semifinals
Sept. 21: Medal matches

Stories

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Khori Louis attacks
Khori Louis (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 17, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s National Team took advantage of 33 opponent errors en route to a 3-1 (25-12, 21-25, 25-20, 25-13) win over the Dominican Republic Wednesday at the NORCECA Final Six in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The U.S. (3-0) will play Mexico (2-0) on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. PT. Mexico has defeated Puerto Rico 3-2 and Canada 3-1, and play Cuba later tonight.

Stats were fairly even between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, with the U.S. having an advantage in kills (48-46) and aces (5-4), while the two teams each had 10 blocks. Errors were the crucial difference, as the U.S. scored 33 points off Dominican errors while yielding just 10.

Opposite Kendall Kipp paced the U.S. offense with 18 points on 14 kills, three blocks and one ace. Khori Louis led the team with four blocks and added 10 kills and two aces for 16 points. Claire Chaussee also reached double figures with 11 points on 11 kills.

Rounding out the U.S. scorers were Norah Sis with nine points on nine kills; Emily Thater with four points (one kill, three blocks); Ella Powell with a kill and an ace; Skylar Fields with two kills, and Mary Shroll with an ace.

The U.S. jumped out to an early lead in set one, scoring four points before the Dominican Republic got on the board with a kill. The lead was cut to two at 5-3, but that’s the closest the set got. The U.S. used a balanced attack led by Kipp to run away with a 25-12 lead.

The second set was closer, with the Dominican Republic gaining a two-point advantage at 13-11 that held until 15-13 when they broke it open to 19-15. The U.S. tried to inch its way back and had a chance at 20-19. But the Dominican Republic scored five of the next seven for the 25-21 win.

It was the U.S. that held the two-point advantage for most of the third set. At 16-16, the U.S. scored six straight, including two kills by Chaussee and a Louis ace. Another Chaussee kill eventually gave the U.S. set point, but the Dominican Republic scored three before Fields ended it with a kill.

Set four was all U.S. as they jumped out to a 5-2 lead and never looked back, winning 25-13. Louis led the U.S. in the set with six points.

U.S. Women’s Roster for Final Six

Name (Height, Position, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Kami Miner (S, 6-0, Redondo Beach, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
3 Mary Shroll (L, 5-8, Tempe, Arizona, Arizona State Univ., Arizona)
4 Khori Louis (MB, 6-3, Tallahassee, Fla., Florida State Univ., Florida)
5 Kendall Kipp (OPP, 6-6, Newport Beach, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Sami Francis (MB, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 Emily Thater (MB, 6-3, Springfield, Mo., Univ. of Missouri, Heart of America)
9 Claire Chaussee (OH, 6-0, Sun Prairie, Wisc., Univ. of Louisville, Badger)
10 Norah Sis (OH, 6-2, 2003, Papillion, Neb., Creighton, Great Plains)
11 Jaali Winters (OH, 6-3, Ankeny, Iowa, Creighton, Iowa)
12 Madi Kubik Banks (OH, 6-3, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
13 Reagan Cooper (OH, 6-2, Rowlett, Texas, Texas Tech/Univ. of Kansas/Washington State, North Texas)
27 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Univ. of Washington, Delta)
55 Skylar Fields (OPP, 6-2, Missouri City, Texas, USC/Texas, Lone Star)

Coaches
Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Paula Weishoff (LOVB Houston)
Assistant Coach: Brad Rostratter (UC San Diego)
Team Leader: Blake Omartian (Orlando Valkyries)
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham
Athletic Trainer: Sam Schaff (San Diego Mojo)

U.S. Schedule

All times Pacific and contingent on completion of previous match. Watch on YouTube.

Sept. 15: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-19)
Sept. 16: USA def. Cuba, 3-2, (25-20, 16-25, 25-18, 22-25, 15-10)
Sept. 17: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (25-12, 21-25, 25-20, 25-13)
Sept. 18: USA vs. Mexico, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 5 p.m.
Sept. 20: Semifinals
Sept. 21: Medal matches

Stories

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Gabi Garcia serves
Gabi Garcia (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 15, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team secured the top seed in Pool D with a 3-1 (25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 27-25) win over Cuba at the 2025 World Championship in Manila, Philippines.

The U.S. (3-0) will face the winner of today’s Slovenia/Germany match in the Round of 16, set for Sept. 22. Both Slovenia and Germany lost to Pool E winner Bulgaria and defeated Chile.

“It’s a little unusual tournament in that we have four complete days before we play again,” head coach Karch Kiraly said. “We’ll take a day off. We (the coaches) will probably stay here and watch because it’s simple mathematics, whoever wins between Slovenia and Germany is going to be our opponent. They’re both very quality teams and will be a difficult matchup. We lost to both of them in VNL, so we’re looking forward to that. But we will have three days to prepare, as will the winner of this match. This tournament’s been kind of crazy, some of the results in some of the pools, so we’re really happy to come out 3-0. A solid group win for us.”

The U.S. Men used nearly all their players in today’s victory. They led in kills (61-45) and blocks (13-10), but Cuba had a 6-3 edge in aces. Cuba scored 28 points off U.S. errors while the U.S. had 23 from Cuba.

“We believe we’re going to need all 14 players in uniform,” Kiraly said. “We’ve also had Michael Marshman here as number 15, and we had so many at home over the course of this season in VNL…well over 30. Everybody’s made a real contribution to who we are and how we’re playing right now. But, the 14 in the uniform all have to be ready and they all made contributions today. It was nice to get them some minutes so that when they are needed next, if and when, they have had some experience under the spotlight on that court.”

Cooper Robinson led the U.S. with 14 points on 13 kills and one block, while Gabi Garcia notched 12 points on eight kills, two blocks and two aces. Jordan Ewert also had 12 points (10 kills, two blocks), and Kyle Ensing scored seven (six kills, one block).

Four players scored six points for the U.S.: Jeff Jendryk (four kills, two blocks), Jacob Pasteur (six kills), Merrick McHenry (six kills), and Matthew Knigge (two kills, a team-high three blocks and one ace). Ethan Champlin scored four points (three kills, one block, team-high nine digs), Micah Christenson had two kills, and Micah Ma’a had a kill and a block. Erik Shoji and Kyle Dagostino split time at libero to anchor the defense.

The U.S. was firing on all cylinders in set one, jumping out to an 8-2 lead before anyone could blink. As they have throughout the tournament, the U.S. Men used strong serving to keep Cuba at bay, and were a force at the net. The U.S. didn’t let up on the gas in the 25-17 win. Jordan Ewert scored six on five kills and a block.

Knigge, Robinson and Ensing all made appearances in a 25-23 set two win for the U.S. Cuba returned to form in the set, staying even with the until the U.S. took a 19-17 lead late on a McHenry kill. Consecutive service errors by the U.S. and Cuba made it 20-18, and Cuba closed the gap to 20-19 on a kill. The U.S. inched ahead again on a Robinson kill, and a Cuba error made it 23-20. But two U.S. errors brought Cuba within one again. An error gave U.S. set point, and Micah Christenson ended it with a crowd-pleasing kill.

The set two win guaranteed the U.S. the top spot in its pool, and head coach Karch Kiraly used the opportunity to change his lineup in the third, starting Ma’a, Ensing, Robinson, Pasteur, McHenry, Knigge and Dagostino. Cuba took advantage of the lineup as the U.S. worked to find its rhythm, jumping out to an early 10-5 lead. Cuba kept the momentum, but the U.S. chipped away late. A Pasteur kill and Knigge/Ma’a block cut the lead to 22-18. A Cuba ace gave them set point at 24-19. Garcia then entered the match and put down a kill and two aces, and then Robinson had a kill to make it 24-23. The epic comeback fell short with a Cuba kill, 25-23.

Kiraly used the same lineup in set four, and this time the U.S. kept pace with Cuba. Cuba pulled away late and grabbed a 23-19 lead. The U.S. began its comeback with four straight kills: one by Ma’a, two from Robinson, and another by Ensing to tie the game. Cuba had set point with a kill, but a big Robinson/Knigge block tied it. The U.S. had match point at 25-24, but a Cuba block evened it. Ewert came in late and gave the U.S. another match point at 26-25, and Robinson ended it on a kill.

“Coop came in and made a couple of really nice swings,” Kiraly said. “It’s fun to see him finish it out. Again, everyone made contributions, and the first and the second touch often go unnoticed. The kill that Cooper made is more noticed, but it’s a team effort. I’m happy for him. I’m excited to see what the future holds for him. He’s had a solid first season with USA.”

U.S. Men’s World Championship Roster

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Univ. Chicago, Great Lakes)
5 Kyle Ensing (OPP, 6-7, Valencia, Calif., Long Beach State Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State Univ., Chesapeake)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
10 Kyle Dagostino (L, 5-9, Tampa, Florida, Stanford Univ., Florida)
11C Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Southern California, Aloha)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
18 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawaii, Northern California)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
25 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Training Alternate
27 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Manager: David Dantes
Consultant Coach: Chris McGown
Consultant Coach: Marv Dunphy
Team Doctors:  Eugene Yim, Mark Hutchinson, Michael Shepard, Warren Young

Pool Play Schedule

All times PDT
Watch live on VBTV; some matches are also on CBS Sports Network (check listings)

Sept. 12: USA def. Colombia, 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-14).
Sept. 15: USA def. Portugal, 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-17)
Sept. 17: USA vs. Cuba, 2:30 a.m. (25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 27-25)

Stories

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The U.S. WNT in a huddle
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 16, 2025) – Madi Kubik Banks and Skylar Fields each scored 20 points as the U.S. Women’s National Team outlasted Cuba in a five-set battle, 25-20, 16-25, 25-18, 22-25, 15-10, Tuesday night at the NORCECA Final Six in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The U.S. Women (2-0) will play the Dominican Republic (1-0) on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. PT. The Dominican Republic defeated Cuba 3-0 in its opening match and plays Puerto Rico later tonight.

For the second straight match, the U.S. dominated at the net, notching 13 blocks to seven for Cuba. The U.S. also had the edge in aces (8-6), including two crucial ones from Ella Powell late in the fifth set, and Cuba held the advantage in kills, 59-56.

Banks and Fields led the U.S. offense, with Banks collecting 17 kills, two blocks and one ace, and Fields notching 15 kills, three blocks and two aces.

Sami Francis and Emily Thater also scored in double figures, with each scoring 10. Francis had seven kills and three blocks, and Thater had five kills and a match-high five blocks. Claire Chaussee had six kills and one ace; Kendall Kipp had two kills, and Kami Miner had an ace.

Miner and Powell split the setting duties, with Miner in for the first two sets and Powell in for the final three. Powell had three of the teams ace’s and also had a kill. Mary Shroll led the U.S. with 16 digs and seven excellent receptions.

Set one was locked at 16-16 when kills by Francis, Banks and Kipp plus a Thater block increased the lead to 20-16. Cuba cut the lead to two twice, but at 21-19, the U.S. scored four of the last five to win.

Set two had the opposite result. Leading 15-14, Cuba scored 10 of the last 12 for the win. The U.S. led throughout set three, but Cuba rallied in the middle of set four to force a fifth set.

Cuba jumped out to leads of 5-1, 6-2 and 7-3 before the U.S. found its rhythm in the fifth. Blocks by Francis and Banks cut the lead to 7-5, then kills from Kipp, Chaussee and Banks, and a Cuba error, tied it at 8.

At 9-9, Powell served consecutive aces to give the U.S. breathing room at 11-9. After a Cuba kill, the U.S. used kills from Thater, Chaussee and Fields to reach match point, where Banks served an ace for the win.

U.S. Women’s Roster for Final Six

Name (Height, Position, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Kami Miner (S, 6-0, Redondo Beach, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
3 Mary Shroll (L, 5-8, Tempe, Arizona, Arizona State Univ., Arizona)
4 Khori Louis (MB, 6-3, Tallahassee, Fla., Florida State Univ., Florida)
5 Kendall Kipp (OPP, 6-6, Newport Beach, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Sami Francis (MB, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 Emily Thater (MB, 6-3, Springfield, Mo., Univ. of Missouri, Heart of America)
9 Claire Chaussee (OH, 6-0, Sun Prairie, Wisc., Univ. of Louisville, Badger)
10 Norah Sis (OH, 6-2, 2003, Papillion, Neb., Creighton, Great Plains)
11 Jaali Winters (OH, 6-3, Ankeny, Iowa, Creighton, Iowa)
12 Madi Kubik Banks (OH, 6-3, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
13 Reagan Cooper (OH, 6-2, Rowlett, Texas, Texas Tech/Univ. of Kansas/Washington State, North Texas)
27 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Univ. of Washington, Delta)
55 Skylar Fields (OPP, 6-2, Missouri City, Texas, USC/Texas, Lone Star)

Coaches
Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Paula Weishoff (LOVB Houston)
Assistant Coach: Brad Rostratter (UC San Diego)
Team Leader: Blake Omartian (Orlando Valkyries)
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham
Athletic Trainer: Sam Schaff (San Diego Mojo)

U.S. Schedule

All times Pacific and contingent on completion of previous match. Watch on YouTube.

Sept. 15: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-19)
Sept. 16: USA def. Cuba, 3-2, (25-20, 16-25, 25-18, 22-25, 15-10)
Sept. 17: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 3 p.m.
Sept. 18: USA vs. Mexico, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 5 p.m.
Sept. 20: Semifinals
Sept. 21: Medal matches

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 13, 2025) – Four U.S. athletes scored in double figures as the Women’s National Team opened play at the NORCECA Final Six with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-19) victory over Canada in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The U.S. Women (1-0) face Cuba at 3 p.m. PT on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Cuba lost its opening match to the Dominican Republic, 25-16, 25-23, 25-21.

The U.S. never trailed in the match and led Canada in kills (39-21), aces (6-4) and blocks, 14-1.

Middle blocker Sami Francis led all scorers with 12 points on seven kills and five blocks. Opposite Kendall Kipp scored 11 with five kills and a match-high six points. Outside hitter Norah Sis had 11 kills, and outside Reagan Cooper collected 10 points on eight kills, one block and an ace.

Middle Khori Louis had six kills, two blocks and one ace for nine points. Opposite Skylar Fields had two kills. Setter Ella Powell led all players with four aces while leading the team to a .394 hitting efficiency. Libero Elena Oglivie had 13 digs.

U.S. Women’s Roster for Final Six

Name (Height, Position, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Kami Miner (S, 6-0, Redondo Beach, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
3 Mary Shroll (L, 5-8, Tempe, Arizona, Arizona State Univ., Arizona)
4 Khori Louis (MB, 6-3, Tallahassee, Fla., Florida State Univ., Florida)
5 Kendall Kipp (OPP, 6-6, Newport Beach, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Sami Francis (MB, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 Emily Thater (MB, 6-3, Springfield, Mo., Univ. of Missouri, Heart of America)
9 Claire Chaussee (OH, 6-0, Sun Prairie, Wisc., Univ. of Louisville, Badger)
10 Norah Sis (OH, 6-2, 2003, Papillion, Neb., Creighton, Great Plains)
11 Jaali Winters (OH, 6-3, Ankeny, Iowa, Creighton, Iowa)
12 Madi Kubik Banks (OH, 6-3, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
13 Reagan Cooper (OH, 6-2, Rowlett, Texas, Texas Tech/Univ. of Kansas/Washington State, North Texas)
27 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Univ. of Washington, Delta)
55 Skylar Fields (OPP, 6-2, Missouri City, Texas, USC/Texas, Lone Star)

Coaches
Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Paula Weishoff (LOVB Houston)
Assistant Coach: Brad Rostratter (UC San Diego)
Team Leader: Blake Omartian (Orlando Valkyries)
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham
Athletic Trainer: Sam Schaff (San Diego Mojo)

U.S. Schedule

All times Pacific and contingent on completion of previous match. Watch on YouTube.

Sept. 15: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-19)
Sept. 16: USA vs. Cuba, 3 p.m.
Sept. 17: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 3 p.m.
Sept. 18: USA vs. Mexico, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 5 p.m.
Sept. 20: Semifinals
Sept. 21: Medal matches

Stories

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 15, 2025) – USA Volleyball is expanding its boys junior national qualifying calendar with the addition of the 2026 Boys West Coast Qualifier. The inaugural event will take place January 2-4, 2026, at the Momentous Sports Center in Irvine, California.

“By introducing a new USAV boys junior national qualifier in Southern California, we’re giving clubs and teams a valuable early-season opportunity to test themselves before heading into major competitions for the 2025-26 season,” said USA Volleyball Chief Operating Officer Steve Bishop. “With the 2026 USAV Boys Southwest Classic in Phoenix already topping 700 registered teams, this new event in Irvine will allow athletes to sharpen their play and gain momentum ahead of one of the largest boys tournaments in the country.”

Boys West Coast Qualifier Home Page

Divisions offered at the Boys West Coast Qualifier in the first year include:

  • 14s: Open, USA
  • 15s: Open, USA
  • 16s: Open, USA
  • 17s: Open, USA
  • 18s: Open, USA

Teams will compete for bids and division placement at the 2026 USA Volleyball Boys Junior National Championship, July 8-11, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. Winners of the Open divisions in Irvine will receive free entry to the Phoenix event in July.

Registration for the Boys West Coast Qualifier opens Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at 12 p.m. (noon) ET. Please send questions regarding the event to [email protected].

For a list of all 2025-26 boys junior national qualifiers, visit our Boys Indoor page.

Micah Christenson celebrates
Micah Christenson (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 15, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team notched its second sweep at the 2025 World Championship with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-17) win over Portugal Monday in Manila, Philippines.

The U.S. (2-0) will face Cuba on Sept. 17 at 2:30 a.m. PT. Cuba is 1-1 after losing to Portugal last week and defeating Colombia earlier on Monday. A victory for the U.S. on Wednesday assures them a spot in the Round of 16.

“We were impressed with Portugal two days ago. They played really good volleyball in dismantling Cuba, which can be an incredibly dangerous team,” U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly said. “So, we came in with huge respect for Portugal. They have a great setter in Miguel Tavares, who ran them very successfully against Cuba. We wanted to keep our foot on the gas. We were excited to play somebody that looked like was going to be a huge handful across the net.”

It was a big night for the U.S. from the service line. The two teams each had four aces, but the U.S. service pressure kept Portugal on its heels throughout the match. The U.S. led Portugal in kills (40-36) and blocks (8-5). Portugal allowed the U.S. 23 points on its errors with the U.S. only giving Portugal 13.

“By not qualifying for VNL Finals week, that’s a down, that’s a disappointment. But the upside of that is you get two extra weeks of training at home,” Kiraly said. “One of our focus points was at the service line as a group. Sometimes, even in practice, we would practice the service order and go through, and [how] everybody’s serve is related to each other and how different people hit it different ways; we looked to hit in more and hit more aggressively. So far, it’s paying off. Champ (Ethan Champlin) started us right off the bat and scored a bunch of points with his. Everyone’s doing a nice job so far. That’s going to help us significantly to try to score break points at the highest level possible.”

Individually, Gabi Garcia and Jordan Ewert each scored 12 points. Garcia had eight kills, two blocks and two aces; Ewert had 11 kills and a block. Champlin had another strong night with eight kills and two aces. In the middle, Merrick McHenry had eight points (six kills, two blocks) and Jeff Jendryk scored six kills and a block.

Micah Christenson scored three points (one kill, two blocks) and set the team to .405 hitting percentage. U.S. hitters made just eight errors in the match. Ewert paced the U.S. with five digs and four successful receptions.

The U.S. was in control all of set one and never trailed. Leading 8-7, the U.S. scored off a Portugal service error and kills by Ewert and Champlin to move to 11-7. Portugal brought it back to 11-10 with a pair of blocks, but a kill by Champlin and a kill and a block from Ewert increased the lead to four again, 15-11. Portugal could never cut the lead to fewer than three. The U.S. ended the match scoring three of the final four points on a Garcia block and two Ewert kills. The U.S. had just two unforced errors in the set, and Ewert led the U.S. with six points.

Portugal jumped to early leads of 5-2 and 12-8 in the second set. At 14-11, a Portugal service error and three straight Jendryk kills moved the U.S. ahead 15-14. The U.S. did not relinquish the lead again. McHenry and Garcia had consecutive tandem blocks to give the U.S set point at 24-18, but Portugal scored four straight to close the gap to 24-22. A service error on Portugal’s side gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead. McHenry led the U.S. with five points on three kills and two blocks in the set.

Set three was similar to set two with Portugal taking an early 6-3 lead. A Jendryk kill and a block and a kill from McHenry tied the match at 6. At 10-10, Garcia scored four straight points to break the U.S. out to a 14-10 lead. A Portugal kill made it 15-12, but Micah Ma’a came into serve and the U.S. scored on a Christenson block, Champlin kill and Portugal error for 19-12. The U.S. kept the pressure on for a 25-17 win, finishing on an Ewert kill.

U.S. Men’s World Championship Roster

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Univ. Chicago, Great Lakes)
5 Kyle Ensing (OPP, 6-7, Valencia, Calif., Long Beach State Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State Univ., Chesapeake)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
10 Kyle Dagostino (L, 5-9, Tampa, Florida, Stanford Univ., Florida)
11C Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Southern California, Aloha)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
18 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawaii, Northern California)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
25 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Training Alternate
27 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Manager: David Dantes
Consultant Coach: Chris McGown
Consultant Coach: Marv Dunphy
Team Doctors:  Eugene Yim, Mark Hutchinson, Michael Shepard, Warren Young

Pool Play Schedule

All times PDT
Watch live on VBTV; some matches are also on CBS Sports Network (check listings)

Sept. 12: USA def. Colombia, 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-14).
Sept. 15: USA def. Portugal, 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-17)
Sept. 17: USA vs. Cuba, 2:30 a.m.

Stories

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Kami Miner sets
Kami Miner (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 13, 2025) – U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Erik Sullivan will lead 14 athletes in Guadalajara, Mexico, this week at the NORCECA Women’s Final Six, Sept. 15-21.

This is the fifth edition of the Final Six, where the U.S. Women will face off against Canada, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico.Their opening match is Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. PT against Canada. Last year, the U.S. earned silver after falling to the Dominican Republic in five sets. The team won gold in 2023, silver in 2022 and bronze in 2021.

The roster features former college stars now competing professionally overseas or with LOVB and Major League Volleyball, many of whom have competed with the U.S. national team program previously.

Setter Kami Miner and middle blocker Khori Louis helped the U.S. win silver at the 2024 Final Six, with Miner earning Best Setter honors. Fellow setter Ella Powell was on the roster during weeks one and two of the 2025 Volleyball Nations League.

Middle blocker Kendall Kipp and outside hitter Jaali Winters won silver with the U.S. at the 2024 Pan American Cup. Outside hitter Norah Sis captured gold with the U.S. U21 Team at the 2023 Pan Am Cup, and libero Elena Oglivie competed with the 2021 U20 team that finished fifth at the World Championship. Outside hitter Madi Kubik and opposite Skylar Fields were both on the 2018 U.S. Junior National Team that won gold at the NORCECA U20 Championship.

Libero Mary Shroll, middle blockers Sami Frances and Emily Thater, and outside hitters Claire Chaussee and Reagan Cooper, will make their competitve debut for the U.S. Chaussee was also part of the 2022 Women’s Collegiate National Team.

U.S. Women’s Roster for Final Six

Name (Height, Position, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Kami Miner (S, 6-0, Redondo Beach, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
2 Elena Oglivie (L, 5-10, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
3 Mary Shroll (L, 5-8, Tempe, Arizona, Arizona State Univ., Arizona)
4 Khori Louis (MB, 6-3, Tallahassee, Fla., Florida State Univ., Florida)
5 Kendall Kipp (OPP, 6-6, Newport Beach, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Sami Francis (MB, 6-6, San Diego, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
8 Emily Thater (MB, 6-3, Springfield, Mo., Univ. of Missouri, Heart of America)
9 Claire Chaussee (OH, 6-0, Sun Prairie, Wisc., Univ. of Louisville, Badger)
10 Norah Sis (OH, 6-2, 2003, Papillion, Neb., Creighton, Great Plains)
11 Jaali Winters (OH, 6-3, Ankeny, Iowa, Creighton, Iowa)
12 Madi Kubik Banks (OH, 6-3, West Des Moines, Iowa, Univ. of Nebraska, Iowa)
13 Reagan Cooper (OH, 6-2, Rowlett, Texas, Texas Tech/Univ. of Kansas/Washington State, North Texas)
27 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Univ. of Washington, Delta)
55 Skylar Fields (OPP, 6-2, Missouri City, Texas, USC/Texas, Lone Star)

Coaches
Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Paula Weishoff (LOVB Houston)
Assistant Coach: Brad Rostratter (UC San Diego)
Team Leader: Blake Omartian (Orlando Valkyries)
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham
Athletic Trainer: Sam Schaff (San Diego Mojo)

U.S. Schedule

All times Pacific and contingent on completion of previous match
Sept. 15: USA vs. Canada, 5 p.m.
Sept. 16: USA vs. Cuba, 3 p.m.
Sept. 17: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 3 p.m.
Sept. 18: USA vs. Mexico, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 5 p.m.
Sept. 20: Semifinals
Sept. 21: Medal matches

U.S. Men's National Team athletes celebrate against Colombia
Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 12, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team cruised to a 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-14) victory over Colombia in its first match at the 2025 FIVB World Championship in Manila, Philippines.

The U.S. (1-0) will face Portugal on Monday, Sept. 15, at 6 a.m. PT

Head coach Karch Kiraly started three Olympians with Micah Christenson at setter, Jeff Jendryk at middle and Erik Shoji at libero. Rounding out the starters were Jordan Ewert and Ethan Champlin at outside hitter, Merrick McHenry in the middle, and Gabi Garcia at opposite.

“I thought the guys did a really nice job of focusing on our side of the net,” Kiraly said. “Out of our seven starters, four of them had never played any points at a World Championship or Olympics, those competitions that happen less than annually. I know when I played my first points at tournaments like that, I had some butterflies. They did a really nice job of working through that and making it appear like they’ve been doing it many times.”

The U.S. led Colombia in kills (40-31), blocks (6-4) and aces (8-3). Champlin paced the U.S. with 17 points on 12 kills, two blocks and three aces, hitting .476. Garcia had 12 points on eight kills and a match-high four aces, and Ewert had 10 kills and a block for 11 points. McHenry had five kills, a block and an ace. Jendryk had two blocks and three kills. Outside hitter Cooper Robinson came in late in the third to grab two kills.

Christenson set the team to a .405 hitting efficiency. Ewert led the team with 10 digs, and Shoji had six successful receptions.

“We had a five-week training block at home and then a training camp in Japan,” Kiraly added. “Our guys were really hungry to finally play a different color jersey across the net. They were excited to get it going today, and excited to keep it going against not only quality opponents but the variety that you play from match to match and the adjustments you have to make.”

The U.S. led throughout the first set on a strong offense, making just two hitting errors. The team led by as many as 10 at 22-12 before Colombia began inching back, scoring three straight to make it 22-15. After kills from Garcia and Champlin gave the U.S. set point at 24-16, Colombia reeled off five straight to cut the lead to 24-20. The comeback stopped there with a service error on the U.S.’s fifth and final set point. Champlin led the U.S. in the set with six points on four kills, a block and an ace.

Set two was tighter, with Colombia keeping a two-point lead until the midway point. At 17-17, two straight Ewert kills and a Colombia error gave the U.S. a three-point lead. At 20-18, Garcia notched a kill and three straight aces to reach set point. Colombia had another late rally, scoring three consecutive points before an error ended it at 25-21.

“Colombia doesn’t earn the right to play at every World Championship, and I think they were a little a nervous,” Kiraly said. “They settled down, and it was really good that they pushed us in the second game. In the first two-thirds of that first set, that wasn’t representative of what they can do.”

It was all U.S in set three, as the team stormed out to a 6-1 lead. Colombia never cut the lead to fewer than five in the 25-14 U.S. win. Champlin was a force in the set, scoring eight points on six kills, a block and an ace.

U.S. Men’s World Championship Roster

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Univ. Chicago, Great Lakes)
5 Kyle Ensing (OPP, 6-7, Valencia, Calif., Long Beach State Univ., Southern California Southern Nevada)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State Univ., Chesapeake)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
10 Kyle Dagostino (L, 5-9, Tampa, Florida, Stanford Univ., Florida)
11C Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Southern California, Aloha)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
18 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawaii, Northern California)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
25 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)

Training Alternate
27 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Manager: David Dantes
Consultant Coach: Chris McGown
Consultant Coach: Marv Dunphy
Team Doctors:  Eugene Yim, Mark Hutchinson, Michael Shepard, Warren Young

Pool Play Schedule

All times PDT
Watch live on VBTV; some matches are also on CBS Sports Network (check listings)

Sept. 12: USA def. Colombia, 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-14).
Sept. 15: USA vs. Portugal, 6 a.m.
Sept. 17: USA vs. Cuba, 2:30 a.m.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 12, 2025) – USA Volleyball is expanding its girls junior national qualifying calendar with the addition of the USAV Girls West Coast Qualifier. The inaugural event, the 22nd girls junior national qualifier in the series, will be held Thursday-Saturday, April 2-4, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

“Launching the USAV Girls West Coast Qualifier fills a strategic need for clubs and teams in the Pacific Zone,” said USA Volleyball Chief Operating Officer Steve Bishop. “Anaheim’s world-class venue and hospitality make it an ideal host for athletes, families and college recruiters. We’re excited to create more bid opportunities in the West while expanding options and elevating the athlete experience at every turn.”

GIRLS WEST COAST QUALIFIER HOME PAGE

The Girls West Coast Qualifier will offer the following divisions in 2026:

  • 15s: Open, USA
  • 16s: Open, USA, Liberty, American
  • 17s: Open, USA, Liberty, American
  • 18s: Club (nonqualifying division)

Teams competing in the 15-17 bid divisions have the opportunity to qualify for the 2026 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship 14-17s, set for June 25-July 3 in Indianapolis, Indiana. USA Volleyball will expand the Girls West Coast Qualifier to include all bid divisions in 2027.

Registration opens Monday, Sept.15, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET. Please send questions regarding the event to [email protected].

For a list of all 2025-26 GJNC and GJNC 18s qualifiers, visit our Girls Indoor page.

Sarah Franklin passes
Sarah Franklin (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 1, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s National Team fell to Türkiye in four sets (25-14, 22-25, 25-14, 25-23) Thursday in the quarterfinals at the 2025 FIVB World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand. The U.S. finished the tournament with a 4-1 record.

The match was a blocking bonanza, as the teams combined for 30 blocks, with Türkiye having the 19-11 edge. Türkiye also led in kills (58-41), but the U.S. had six aces to Türkiye’s three. Türkiye scored 17 points off U.S. errors while giving up 18.

“Obviously [it’s] disappointing in the moment,” head coach Erik Sullivan said. “I don’t think we played our best this evening. Türkiye played really well. They did some things early on that put some pressure on us that was different from what we had seen, but I loved the fact that we were resilient and competed through the whole match. We gave ourselves a shot there at the end. We just couldn’t convert on a couple of plays. I love the foundation that we’re building for the four years. It was a great summer for us in a bunch of aspects, but we’ve got to find ways to perform in these bigger moments.”

Match Statistics (PDF)

Sarah Franklin led the U.S. with 12 points on 10 kills, one block and one ace. Three players had 11 points: Avery Skinner collected 11 kills; Dana Rettke scored six kills, two blocks and three aces; and Stephanie Samedy notched 10 kills and an ace.

Chiaka Ogbogu had eight points with three kills and a team-high five blocks. Madisen Skinner had two blocks, and setter Jordyn Poulter had a block and an ace. Ali Frantti had one kill.

Türkiye had eight blocks, including five from Eda Erdem, to dominate the first set. After Türkiye jumped to an early 6-2 lead, the U.S. took a timeout and cut the lead to 8-6. Two straight kills from Türkiye’s Melissa Vargas increased the lead back to four at 10-6. After an Ogbogu block made it 11-7, the U.S. did not get any closer. Rettke led the U.S. with two kills and two blocks in the set.

The U.S. handed Türkiye its first set loss in the tournament in the second. Türkiye started out strong again with an early 6-3 lead, but two blocks and a kill from Ogbogu, followed by a Poulter ace, gave the U.S. at 7-6 lead. The two teams traded points until Türkiye began to inch away mid-set, 18-15. After a U.S. timeout, a Samedy kill and Rettke-Samedy block cut the lead to two at 19-17.

Samedy, who came in for Madisen Skinner at opposite late in the first set, went to the service line and the U.S. took over, scoring six straight points for 23-19. A Türkiye block and Franklin error cut the U.S. lead to 23-21. But Franklin came back with two kills for the 25-22 win. Rettke had six points (four kills, two blocks), and Samedy had four kills and an ace.

“We know that we have depth and we can make some changes,” Sullivan said about Samedy and later bringing in Frantti. “We’ve got a bunch of players on this roster who can help us in different situations,” Sullivan said. “[It’s a] real big positive that we can make those substitutions and get a lot of production out of people.”

It was all Türkiye again in the third set, leading early 8-3. Kills by Samedy and Avery Skinner, along with a Türkiye error, cut the lead to 8-6. Türkiye continued to pull ahead as its blocking game returned to form. Frantti made her first Worlds appearance and immediately notched a kill to make it 15-9, but that was as close as the U.S. would get. Avery Skinner had three points for the U.S.

The U.S. battled throughout the fourth set after falling behind 5-2 and 10-7. A Franklin kill, Ogbogu block and two Türkiye errors evened the set at 11. Türkiye built a three-point lead again at 18-15, but Samedy and Avery Skinner had kills for 18-18. Türkiye pulled ahead by two, but the U.S. pulled within one at 20-19, 22-21 and 23-22. Türkiye then had two set points, giving one back on a service error but ending the match on a kill.

“We’ve learned a lot,” Sullivan said. “It’s probably going to take me a while to digest. I like the pieces that we have; I love how we competed all summer. We came up in some big moments, and in moments that were hard, I thought we were at our best at times. I think that’s a great thing to have in our back pocket. Obviously, we’re not going to get back in the gym right away, but I want to get back with this group and keep building, and see what pieces we can add and where we can be.”

U.S. Women’s VNL Finals Roster

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Kentucky, Lone Star)
5 Ali Frantti (OH, 6-1, Spring Grove, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)
7 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
9 Madisen Skinner (OPP, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
13 Amber Igiede (MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Delta)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
22 Sarah Franklin (OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-2, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
25 Tia Jimerson (MB, 6-3, Sugar Hill, Ga., Univ. of Ohio, Southern)
32 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-2, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Minnesota, Florida)

Coaches
Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Mike Wall
Second Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Second Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Second Assistant Coach: Joe Trinsey
Team Manager: Rob Browning
Team Doctors: William Briner, James Suchy, Chris Lee, Andrew Gregory
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Physical Trainer: Shannon Boone
Mental Performance Coach: Katy Stanfill
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham
Technical Coordinator: Blake Omaritan
Team Leader: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Schedule

Pool Play-All times Pacific
Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Aug. 22: USA def. Slovenia, 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-22, 25-14)
Aug. 24: USA def. Argentina, 3-1 (25-14, 23-25, 25-12, 25-17)
Aug. 26: USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (26-24, 25-20, 25-15)

Playoffs
Bangkok, Thailand
Round of 16: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-21)
Quarterfinals: Sept. 4, Türkiye def. USA, 3-1 (25-14, 22-25, 25-14, 25-23)

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Morgan Hentz and Avery Skinner celebrate
Morgan Hentz and Avery Skinner (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 1, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s National Team advanced to the quarterfinals at the 2025 FIVB World Championship with a solid 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-21) sweep of Canada in Bangkok, Thailand.

The U.S. (4-0) will play on Sept. 4 against the winner of the Türkiye-Slovenia match (time TBA).

“I’m really happy, obviously, with the win,” head coach Erik Sullivan said. “Having a little break between pool play and having to transfer cities… I thought we were in a nice little rhythm, so having to break that up with a couple days was a little bit concerning for me. But I love the way that we came out and competed. There’s always some things we can clean up in the gym. We get a couple days to do that.”

The U.S. led Canada in kills (42-38) and blocks (11-6), but Canada had one more ace (4-3). The U.S. scored 19 points off of Canada errors while only giving up 12.

Match Statistics (PDF)

Avery Skinner and Sarah Franklin led the U.S. with 13 points; Avery on 12 kills and one block, and Franklin with nine kills and three blocks. Madi Skinner scored 12 on 10 kills, one block and an ace.

Chiaka Ogbogu was a force in the middle throughout the match with six kills, one block and one ace. Dana Rettke, playing in a little more than just one set, scored four points with a kill and three blocks. Tia Jimerson replaced Rettke and had one kill.

Stephanie Samedy scored three points (two kills, one block), and Jordyn Poulter had a kill and a block while leading the offense to a .638 hitting percentage.

Morgan Hentz patrolled the back court and led the team in digs (11). She had five successful receptions while Avery Skinner had 7.

The first set was a close battle through the first half, with neither team getting an edge. The U.S. moved ahead 16-14 on an Avery Skinner block, and then 19-16 on a Canada unforced error. A block from Rettke and Madisen Skinner increased the lead to four, 20-16. Ogbogu’s ace increased the lead to five, and another block from Rettke and Franklin made it 22-16.

A Canada service error gave the U.S. set point, and Samedy came in to get the final kill for a 25-18 win. The U.S. outblocked Canada 7-0 in the set, led by Rettke with three. Rettke and Avery Skinner both had four points.

“Our staff did a good job of putting the scout together,” Sullivan said. “Our players did a great job of executing it. I thought we did a nice job getting our hands over the net, putting some pressure on them offensively to have to tip and throw and try to find the edges.”

Canada had the early lead in set two, up 8-5 after a terrific rally that finished with a Canadian block. Canada kept a one-point advantage until kills by Franklin and Skinner put the U.S. ahead 16-15. At 18-18, the U.S. scored three straight on an Ogbogu kill, Madisen Skinner/Ogbogu block and Franklin kill to take the lead for good. Two blocks for the U.S. made it 24-20, and after a Canada kill, Franklin put down a ball for the win.

Madi Skinner and Franklin each had five points in the set, with Ogbogu scoring four.

The U.S. jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the final set and never relinquished the advantage, up by as many as four points. Canada closed the gap to two at 18-16, but the U.S. scored four straight to go ahead 22-16. Samedy closed the match with a kill for a 25-21 win.

Aery Skinner and Sarah Franklin each had six points in the set, with Madi Skinner scoring five.

“We had a lot of opportunity in the third set that I think we let get away from us,” Sullivan commented. “Those are always concerning sets for me because I felt like we should have been up 10 or 12 points and we’re up two or three and allowed them to stay in it.  We didn’t get caught up in the moment too much. When we did give up a point, I felt like we came right back and scored one right away. Just a great all-around effort. I’m happy with where we’re at. We just need to get a little bit better in the next couple days.”

U.S. Women’s VNL Finals Roster

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Kentucky, Lone Star)
5 Ali Frantti (OH, 6-1, Spring Grove, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)
7 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
9 Madisen Skinner (OPP, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
13 Amber Igiede (MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Delta)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
22 Sarah Franklin (OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-2, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
25 Tia Jimerson (MB, 6-3, Sugar Hill, Ga., Univ. of Ohio, Southern)
32 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-2, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Minnesota, Florida)

Coaches
Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Mike Wall
Second Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Second Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Second Assistant Coach: Joe Trinsey
Team Manager: Rob Browning
Team Doctors: William Briner, James Suchy, Chris Lee, Andrew Gregory
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Physical Trainer: Shannon Boone
Mental Performance Coach: Katy Stanfill
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham
Technical Coordinator: Blake Omaritan
Team Leader: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Schedule

Pool Play-All times Pacific
Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Aug. 22: USA def. Slovenia, 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-22, 25-14)
Aug. 24: USA def. Argentina, 3-1 (25-14, 23-25, 25-12, 25-17)
Aug. 26: USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (26-24, 25-20, 25-15)

Playoffs
Bangkok, Thailand
Round of 16: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-21)
Quarterfinals: Sept. 4, USA vs. TBA

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Daniel Wetter Block (Photo by NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 31, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team fell to Chile, 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18) in its final match at the 2025 NORCECA Pan American Cup on Sunday in León, Guanajuato. The U.S placed sixth in the event.

Each team recorded seven blocks, while Chile held advantages in kills (40-34) and served four of the five aces in the match.

Middle blocker Daniel Wetter led all players with 14 points on 10 kills and a match-high four blocks. Outside hitter Ryan Barnett scored nine points on eight kills and a block, while sharing match-best honors with seven successful receptions. Opposite Parker Van Buren totaled five points on four kills and a block with fellow opposite Kyle Hobus registering four kills in the third set.

Setter Andrew Rowan scored three points on two kills and the team’s only ace, middle blocker Cam Thorne recorded three kills, and outside Andrew Deardorff added a pair of kills. Libero Jacob Reilly led the team with five digs.

With the first set all square at 15-15, Chile ran off three consecutive points to take a three-point lead. The U.S. scored four of the next five points to even the set again at 19. Wetter recorded a kill and then his block made it 19-19. After Chile regained the lead on the next point, a Barnett kill and a hitting error gave the U.S. its first lead of the match. A Thorne kill put the U.S. ahead 22-21 and another Barnett kill made it 23-22, but Chile rallied to take the set by scoring the final three points. Wetter scored six points with three kills and three blocks, while Van Buren (four) and Barnett (three) combined for seven kills.

The second set was close throughout with neither team leading by more than two points until two Barnett kills sparked a three-point run that put the U.S. ahead 21-18. Rowan made a key dig and Thorne set the ball to Barnett for a kill that started the run. After calling timeout, Chile came back with a 6-1 run to take a 24-22 advantage. After a service error, Chile earned its second 25-23 win in a row. Wetter scored five points on four kills and a block and Barnett added four kills.

A Hobus kill gave the U.S. a 5-4 lead in the third set and after the teams exchanged service errors, the U.S. held its final lead of the match at 6-5. Chile used a 6-2 run for a 15-10 lead. A Barnett ace and Hobus kill cut the deficit to two points, 18-16, but three Chile kills restored the five-point margin. After a Wetter kill, Chile scored three points in a row again to earn seven match points. Hobus finished the set with four kills and Wetter added three.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2025 Pan Am Cup

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matthew Gentry (MB, 6-7, Hudson, Ohio, Lincoln Memorial, Ohio Valley)
2 Kaleb Jenness (OH, 6-6, Mount Pleasant, S.C., Ball State, Palmetto)
3 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
4 Ryan Barnett (OH, 6-5, Vero Beach, Fla., Pepperdine, Florida)
10 Isaiah Preuitt (MB, 6-8, Portland, Ore., Long Beach State, Columbia Empire)
13 Andrew Deardorff (OH, 6-5, Itasca, Ill., Saint Francis, Great Lakes)
14 Parker Van Buren (OPP, 6-9, Cross Plains, Wis., Loyola Chicago, Badger)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
17 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
20 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida Region)
23 Nolan Flexen (OH, 6-9, Rio Rancho, N.M., UC Irvine, Southern)
30 Daniel Wetter (MB, 6-5, Camarillo, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Coaches for Pan Am Cup
Head Coach: Andy Read
Assistant Coach: Luke Reynolds
Assistant Coach: Lawrence Wrather
Physiotherapist: Beth Drayer
Performance Analyst: Muhammad Mbaye
Team Leader: John Xie

Schedule
Tuesday, Aug. 26: Venezuela def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 28-26, 31-29)
Wednesday, Aug. 27: USA def. Antigua, 3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-17)
Thursday, Aug. 28: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-17)
Friday, Aug. 29: Mexico def. USA, 3-1 (25-21, 18-25, 25-20, 25-23)
Saturday, Aug. 30: Consolation semifinal: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-1 (28-26, 23-25, 25-18, 25-23)
Sunday, Aug. 31: Fifth-place match: Chile def. USA, 3-0 (25-23,25-23, 25-18)

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 30, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Puerto Rico, 3-1 (28-26, 23-25, 25-18, 25-23) in a classification match at the 2025 NORCECA Pan American Cup on Saturday in León, Guanajuato.

The U.S. (3-2) will face Chile (4-1) for fifth-place in the tournament tomorrow, Sunday, Aug. 31 at 3:00 p.m. PT. Watch the match live on Facebook.

While Puerto Rico held a slight edge in kills (52-50), the U.S. dominated the block (10-4) and had four aces to only two for Puerto Rico.

Kyle Hobus led the U.S. with 16 points on 14 kills and two blocks. Nolan Flexen had 11 kills and three aces. Matthew Gentry scored 12 points with six kills and a match-high six blocks.

Cam Thorne also reached double figures with 10 points (eight kills, two blocks), and Andrew Deardorff had nine kills. Setter Michael Wright led the U.S. offense and also had two kills and an ace. Libero Troy Gooch and Flexen each had 10 digs.

Puerto Rico scored the first two points of the match, and the rest of the set was a tight, back-and-forth battle. Puerto Rico’s biggest lead was 18-15, but a Flexen kill and three straight hitting errors from Puerto Rico gave the U.S. a 19-18 lead. The teams traded points through the rest of the set. Another Flexen kill gave the U.S. a 27-26 lead, and Wright notched an ace for the 28-26 win. Deardorff had five kills for the U.S. in a balanced attack.

Puerto Rico dominated most of the second set, turning an early 4-3 lead into a 15-7 lead on an 11-4 run. Down 19-12, the U.S. slowly chipped away, using kills from Thorne, Gentry and Flexen to move within three at 20-17. Two Gentry blocks cut the lead to both 20-18 and 21-19, and then a Flexen ace made it 21-20. The U.S. was still down by one at 24-23 but a service error gave Puerto Rico the set win. Gentry led U.S. scorers with five points on two kills and three blocks.

It was all U.S. in set three as they never trailed en route to a 25-18 win. Hobus scored seven points on seven kills, and Flexen had three kills and two aces.

Set four was another close one, with neither team pulling away. The U.S. held a slim lead until a Hobus error tied the match at 15. Puerto Rico scored the next two points to make it 17-15, and also led 18-16 but the U.S. evened it at 18. The teams were tied at 21 before a Deardorff kill and opponent error gave the U.S. a 23-21 lead. At 24-22, Puerto Rico held off one match point but then served long for the U.S. win. Hobus led the team with three kills and two blocks.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2025 Pan Am Cup

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matthew Gentry (MB, 6-7, Hudson, Ohio, Lincoln Memorial, Ohio Valley)
2 Kaleb Jenness (OH, 6-6, Mount Pleasant, S.C., Ball State, Palmetto)
3 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
4 Ryan Barnett (OH, 6-5, Vero Beach, Fla., Pepperdine, Florida)
10 Isaiah Preuitt (MB, 6-8, Portland, Ore., Long Beach State, Columbia Empire)
13 Andrew Deardorff (OH, 6-5, Itasca, Ill., Saint Francis, Great Lakes)
14 Parker Van Buren (OPP, 6-9, Cross Plains, Wis., Loyola Chicago, Badger)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
17 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
20 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida Region)
23 Nolan Flexen (OH, 6-9, Rio Rancho, N.M., UC Irvine, Southern)
30 Daniel Wetter (MB, 6-5, Camarillo, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Coaches for Pan Am Cup
Head Coach: Andy Read
Assistant Coach: Luke Reynolds
Assistant Coach: Lawrence Wrather
Physiotherapist: Beth Drayer
Performance Analyst: Muhammad Mbaye
Team Leader: John Xie

Schedule
Tuesday, Aug. 26: Venezuela def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 28-26, 31-29)
Wednesday, Aug. 27: USA def. Antigua, 3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-17)
Thursday, Aug. 28: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-17)
Friday, Aug. 29: Mexico def. USA, 3-1 (25-21, 18-25, 25-20, 25-23)
Saturday, Aug. 30: Consolation semifinal: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-1 (28-26, 23-25, 25-18, 25-23)
Sunday, Aug. 31: Fifth-place match: USA vs. Chile, 3 p.m.

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Isaiah Preuitt (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 29, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team fell to host Mexico, 3-1 (25-21, 18-25, 25-20, 25-23) in the quarterfinal round of the 2025 NORCECA Pan American Cup on Friday in León, Guanajuato.

The U.S. (2-2) will continue play in the tournament tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 30 against Puerto Rico (2-2) at 3:00 p.m. PT.

The U.S. finished with a 49-46 advantage in kills but trailed in blocks (9-6) and aces (5-2), while committing two more errors (28-26).

Outside hitter Nolan Flexen led the U.S. with 16 points on 14 kills with a block and an ace. Outside Ryan Barnett was the only other U.S. player to reach double digits with 10 points on eight kills and two blocks. Libero Troy Gooch led all players with eight successful receptions and paced the U.S with 14 digs.

Opposite Parker Van Buren totaled nine points on eight kills and a block. Middle blockers Isaiah Preuitt (six kills and an ace) and Daniel Wetter (seven kills) each scored seven points. Opposite Kyle Hobus produced six kills and middle Cam Thorne posted a pair of blocks.

After the teams split the first six points, two Barnett kills and two Mexico errors gave the U.S. a 7-3 lead. Mexico, which first tied the set at 11, used a kill and a U.S. error to take its first two-point lead, 15-13. The U.S. pulled within a point, 19-18, on a Flexen kill, before Mexico recorded consecutive kills for a three-point advantage. The U.S. was not able to get closer than two points after that. Barnett and Flexen each recorded four kills.

Two Preuitt kills helped stake the U.S. to a 5-1 lead in the second set. A Preuitt ace pushed the margin to six points, 8-2. The lead was still six, 12-6, on a Van Buren kill before two errors allowed Mexico to pull within four. A block cut the advantage to three points, 13-10.  Leading 14-11, the U.S. ran off three points in a row, including kills by Van Buren and Wetter. After calling timeout, Mexico responded with three consecutive points of its own to shave the lead back to three.

A Hobus kill stopped the Mexico run to give the U.S. an 18-14 lead and Wetter followed with a kill. Flexen scored two points to put the put the U.S. up 22-17. After yielding one point, the U.S. scored the final three points, clinching the set on a Barnett block. Preuitt led all scorers with five points on four kills and an ace with Flexen delivering four more kills.

An ace gave Mexico a 10-8 lead in the third set that started with a combined six service errors. Another ace made it 12-10 and an error gave Mexico its first three-point lead of the set, 15-12. A kill and ace by Flexen cut the lead to one, 16-15. A Mexico block extended the lead back to three, 19-16. The U.S. cut the deficit to one on two occasions but was not able to even the set as Mexico took a 2-1 lead in the match. Flexen scored five points on four kills and an ace.

Mexico took the first three-point lead of the fourth set, 10-7, but the U.S. ran off the next four points to take the lead, highlighted by kills from Barnett and Van Buren. Leading by just one, 15-14, Mexico scored three points in a row to take a four-point lead and control of the set. The U.S. went on its own 3-0 run to pull within a point, 21-20 on a block and kill by Flexen. The U.S. trailed by one two more times but was unable to tie the set. Hobus delivered five kills in the set.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2025 Pan Am Cup

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matthew Gentry (MB, 6-7, Hudson, Ohio, Lincoln Memorial, Ohio Valley)
2 Kaleb Jenness (OH, 6-6, Mount Pleasant, S.C., Ball State, Palmetto)
3 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
4 Ryan Barnett (OH, 6-5, Vero Beach, Fla., Pepperdine, Florida)
10 Isaiah Preuitt (MB, 6-8, Portland, Ore., Long Beach State, Columbia Empire)
13 Andrew Deardorff (OH, 6-5, Itasca, Ill., Saint Francis, Great Lakes)
14 Parker Van Buren (OPP, 6-9, Cross Plains, Wis., Loyola Chicago, Badger)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
17 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
20 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida Region)
23 Nolan Flexen (OH, 6-9, Rio Rancho, N.M., UC Irvine, Southern)
30 Daniel Wetter (MB, 6-5, Camarillo, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Coaches for Pan Am Cup
Head Coach: Andy Read
Assistant Coach: Luke Reynolds
Assistant Coach: Lawrence Wrather
Physiotherapist: Beth Drayer
Performance Analyst: Muhammad Mbaye
Team Leader: John Xie

Schedule
Tuesday, Aug. 26: Venezuela def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 28-26, 31-29)
Wednesday, Aug. 27: USA def. Antigua, 3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-17)
Thursday, Aug. 28: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-17)
Friday, Aug. 29: Mexico def. USA, 3-1 (25-21, 18-25, 25-20, 25-23)
Saturday, Aug. 30: Consolation semifinal: USA vs. Puerto Rico
Sunday, Aug. 31: Medal matches and classifications

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A boys team celebrates on the court

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 29, 2025) – USA Volleyball is excited to announce that the 2026 Boys Junior National Championships (BJNC) will take place July 8-11, 2026, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

This annual championship event for USA Volleyball will bring together boys volleyball teams from across the country competing for national titles in 12U-18U age divisions. Teams will battle across multiple playing divisions from Open, USA, American and Club (non-bid), showcasing junior boys volleyball in the U.S.

“Phoenix is pleased to welcome the USA Volleyball community back to our vibrant downtown,” said Chris Robertson, Visit Phoenix director of national accounts. “Hosting the Boys Junior National Championship for the third time brings an exhilarating energy to the city as the nation’s top teams compete at the highest level to win it all. The event also provides meaningful support for our local hotels, restaurants and small businesses by connecting them with visitors from across the country.”

Registration for BJNC will open at noon Eastern time on Dec. 10, 2025. The housing block opens at 2 p.m. Eastern time on Dec. 15, 2025, shortly after the Girls 18s National Championship housing block opens on the same date at noon Eastern time.

In addition to the great competition, the 2026 event will feature the return of several popular experiences, including a coaches welcome reception, a coaches lounge, a college recruiting panel and the National Team Development Program (NTDP Experience) before the start of the event. Competitors can also expect guest appearances for autographs and photos and the return of the jersey trade area. Additional enhancements are being finalized and will be announced in the months ahead.

“The Boys Junior National Championships is another great event in USA Volleyball’s annual calendar, and we are thrilled to return to Phoenix in 2026,” said USA Volleyball Chief Operating Officer Steve Bishop. “This championship not only provides a great season-ending event for USAV clubs but also brings together families, coaches and fans in celebration of the sport. Phoenix has been an outstanding partner for us, and we look forward to another unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike.”

The U.S. Men's national team celebrates
Parker Van Buren (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 28, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team finished 2-1 in pool play at the 2025 NORCECA Pan American Cup with a 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-17) victory over Cuba on Thursday in León, Guanajuato, Mexico.

The U.S. (2-1) will play in the next tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 29,.

The U.S. finished with advantages in kills (43-39), blocks (11-6) and ace (9-4). Cuba made one fewer error (37-36) in a match that was nearly even statistically until the fourth set.

Outside hitter Nolan Flexen led all players with 16 kills and 18 points, adding a pair of aces. He also contributed nine successful receptions. Outside Ryan Barnett also reached double digits with 11 points on six kills, two blocks and a match-high three aces, and also finished with nine successful receptions.

Middle blockers Daniel Wetter and Isaiah Preuitt shared match-best honors with three blocks each and combined for 15 points. Wetter produced five kills for eight points, while Preuitt totaled seven points with four kills. Opposite Parker Van Buren scored seven points on five kills and two aces. Setter Andrew Rowan added six points on four kills, a block and an ace as well as running the efficient U.S. offense.

Opposite Kyle Hobus scored four points on three kills and an ace. Libero Troy Gooch led the team with 10 digs, and libero Jacob Reilly equaled the match-high with 12 successful receptions.

The U.S. was in control for the entire first set after jumping out to a 5-0 lead. The lead grew to seven at 15-8 and was six at 19-13 before Cuba scored three points in a row to pull within three points, 19-16. The U.S. maintained at least a three-point lead the rest of the set. Back-to-back kills by Barnett gave the U.S. a 23-18 advantage. Flexen ended the set with his fifth kill and sixth point. Hobus scored four points on three kills and an ace.

Cuba took an early lead in the second set, going up 10-7 and forcing the U.S. to use a timeout. A Rowan ace concluded a 4-1 U.S. run that evened the score at 11. A Barnett block tied the score again at 13 apiece. After 14 consecutive sideouts by the two teams, Cuba scored three consecutive points to take a 23-20 lead. The teams exchanged the next two points to give Cuba three set points. The U.S. scored the next two points on a Rowan kill and a Cuba error before a service error ended the set. Three U.S. players scored three points in the set.

Cuba took the first two-point lead of the third set since a 3-1 U.S. lead at 16-14 on back-to-back kills. A service error and Preuitt block tied the set back up at 16. The U.S. regained the lead, 20-19, on a Barnett kill and a Cuba error. After a Cuba timeout, Wright recorded blocks on consecutive rallies to extend the lead to three points. Two Wetter kills gave the U.S. three set points at 24-21 before Cuba responded with three consecutive points. The U.S. took the set and a 2-1 match lead on two Cuba errors. Flexen delivered three kills in the set, while Preuitt scored three points on two kills and a block.

Capitalizing on a series of Cuba errors, the U.S. took an 8-5 lead in the fourth set, prompting an early timeout. A Barnett ace and Wetter block pushed the margin to five points. Back-to-back Preuitt blocks gave the U.S. a six-point lead, 14-8. A Wetter kill followed by two Van Buren aces pushed the lead to seven, 19-12. Two aces and a kill by Barnett put the U.S. ahead 23-14. The match ended on a service error. Flexen scored six points on kills and Barnett added four points on three aces and a kill.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2025 Pan Am Cup

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matthew Gentry (MB, 6-7, Hudson, Ohio, Lincoln Memorial, Ohio Valley)
2 Kaleb Jenness (OH, 6-6, Mount Pleasant, S.C., Ball State, Palmetto)
3 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
4 Ryan Barnett (OH, 6-5, Vero Beach, Fla., Pepperdine, Florida)
10 Isaiah Preuitt (MB, 6-8, Portland, Ore., Long Beach State, Columbia Empire)
13 Andrew Deardorff (OH, 6-5, Itasca, Ill., Saint Francis, Great Lakes)
14 Parker Van Buren (OPP, 6-9, Cross Plains, Wis., Loyola Chicago, Badger)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
17 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
20 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida Region)
23 Nolan Flexen (OH, 6-9, Rio Rancho, N.M., UC Irvine, Southern)
30 Daniel Wetter (MB, 6-5, Camarillo, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Coaches for Pan Am Cup
Head Coach: Andy Read
Assistant Coach: Luke Reynolds
Assistant Coach: Lawrence Wrather
Physiotherapist: Beth Drayer
Performance Analyst: Muhammad Mbaye
Team Leader: John Xie

Schedule
All times PT
Tuesday, Aug. 26: Venezuela def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 28-26, 31-29)
Wednesday, Aug. 27: USA def. Antigua, 3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-17)
Thursday, Aug. 28: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-17)
Friday, Aug. 29: TBA
Saturday, Aug. 30: Semifinals
Sunday, Aug. 31: Medal matches and classifications

Stories

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 27, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team swept Antigua, 3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-17) on Wednesday in León, Guanajuato, Mexico to even its record at the 2025 NORCECA Pan American Cup.

The U.S. (1-1) completes pool play against Cuba (1-0 with a match against Venezuela later today) tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 28 at 5 p.m. PT.

The U.S. hit .544 as a team with 43 kills and only six errors in 68 attacks. Antiqua finished with 20 kills. The U.S. served eight of the nine aces in the match and led in blocks, 5-2.

Outside hitter Kaleb Jenness was the only player to reach double figures with 14 points on 11 kills, two blocks and an ace. Outside Nolan Flexen totaled seven points on six kills and an ace, while leading the squad with five digs.

Five U.S. players finished with five points. Outside Ryan Barnett and opposite Parker Van Buren each registered five kills. Middle blocker Matthew Gentry produced four kills and a block, middle Cam Thorne added three kills and two blocks, and opposite Kyle Hobus served a pair of aces to go with three kills.

Outside hitter Andrew Deardorff contributed four points on three kills and an ace, while middle Isaiah Preuitt delivered two kills and an ace. Setter Michael Wright ran the nearly unstoppable U.S. offense and served two aces. Middle blocker Daniel Wetter’s kill gave the U.S. 11 different scorers in the match.

Libero Jacob Reilly led the U.S. with seven successful receptions and fellow libero Troy Gooch recorded four digs.

Back-to-back kills by Hobus helped the U.S. take a 4-0 lead to start the match. Antigua cut the deficit to two points, 11-9, but the U.S. ran off the next seven points to extend the lead to nine. Jenness scored three points in a row on a kill and consecutive blocks, and Hobus served two aces in that stretch. A Jenness ace stretch the lead to 11 points, 21-10. Jenness scored on three consecutive kills to end the set, giving him nine points on six kills, two blocks and an ace. Hobus added three kills to his two aces for five points.

Leading 9-7 in the second set with Flexen scoring three points on two kills and an ace, the U.S. went on an 9-1 run that featured two Thorne blocks and a kill, and aces by Preuitt and Wright. After giving up one point, the U.S. ran together another three points with Thorne and Van Buren recording kills to go with an Antigua hitting error. Jenness put together back-to-back kills, the second ending the longest rally of the match for a 24-11 lead and Preuitt ended the set with a kill. Flexen scored six points on five kills and an ace, Jenness added five more kills, and Thorne totaled four points on two kills and two blocks.

Antigua scored three points in a row to close the U.S. lead to two points, 11-9, in the third set. Deardorff posted back-to-back kills to cap a 5-1 run and a 14-10 advantage. An Antigua ace cut the margin back to two, 15-13. Gentry and Van Buren produced kills for a 19-14 lead and three errors extended the lead to eight points. Barnett scored the final two U.S. points, his fourth and fifth kills of the set, to close out the match. Gentry also scored five points in the set with four kills and a block.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2025 Pan Am Cup

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matthew Gentry (MB, 6-7, Hudson, Ohio, Lincoln Memorial, Ohio Valley)
2 Kaleb Jenness (OH, 6-6, Mount Pleasant, S.C., Ball State, Palmetto)
3 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
4 Ryan Barnett (OH, 6-5, Vero Beach, Fla., Pepperdine, Florida)
10 Isaiah Preuitt (MB, 6-8, Portland, Ore., Long Beach State, Columbia Empire)
13 Andrew Deardorff (OH, 6-5, Itasca, Ill., Saint Francis, Great Lakes)
14 Parker Van Buren (OPP, 6-9, Cross Plains, Wis., Loyola Chicago, Badger)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
17 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
20 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida Region)
23 Nolan Flexen (OH, 6-9, Rio Rancho, N.M., UC Irvine, Southern)
30 Daniel Wetter (MB, 6-5, Camarillo, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Coaches for Pan Am Cup
Head Coach: Andy Read
Assistant Coach: Luke Reynolds
Assistant Coach: Lawrence Wrather
Physiotherapist: Beth Drayer
Performance Analyst: Muhammad Mbaye
Team Leader: John Xie

Schedule
All times PT
Tuesday, Aug. 26: Venezuela def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 28-26, 31-29)
Wednesday, Aug. 27: USA def. Antigua, 3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-17)
Thursday, Aug. 28: USA vs. Cuba, 5 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 29: Quarterfinals and Classifications 7/10
Saturday, Aug. 30: Semifinals
Sunday, Aug. 31: Medal matches and classifications

Stories

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Troy Gooch passes
Troy Gooch (Photo by NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 26, 2025) – In a match in which two of the three sets went to extra points, the U.S. Men’s National Team dropped its 2025 NORCECA Pan American Cup opener to Venezuela, 3-0 (25-21, 28-26, 31-29) on Tuesday in León, Guanajuato, Mexico.

The U.S. has a quick turnaround time before facing Antigua tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. PT.

Venezuela led in blocks (43-40) and aces (5-2) with the U.S. finishing with one more block (8-7). Venezuela committed three fewer errors (29-26).

Three U.S. players reached double digits with outside hitter Nolan Flexen leading all players with 14 kills while hitting at an impressive .440 efficiency percentage. He added an ace to lead the U.S. with 15 points. Opposite Kyle Hobus totaled 13 points on 12 kills and a block.

Middle blocker Daniel Wetter posted a match-high four blocks to go with five kills and an ace for 10 points. Libero Troy Gooch led the U.S. with 11 successful receptions and a match-best eight digs. Outside Ryan Barnett contributed seven points with six kills and a block. He added eight successful receptions.

Setter Andrew Rowan recorded 20 assists. Middle Cam Thorne added three points on two kills and a block.

An ace gave Venezuela a 7-3 lead to start the match and the lead stretched to six points, 16-10. A Flexen ace cut the deficit to four points, 18-14, but Venezuela scored the next two points to regain its six-point advantage. A Hobus kill cut the margin back to four points, at 21-17 and 22-18. After the teams traded service errors, a Wetter ace brought the U.S. within three, 23-20, for the first time since 9-6. The final three points of the set were service errors. Hobus led all players with seven points on six kills and a block.

The second set started out 11-11 with four U.S. service errors. A Hobus kill and Wetter block gave the U.S. its first two-point lead of the match, 14-12. A Wetter kill made it 15-13 before Venezuela regained the lead by scoring the next three points, prompting the U.S. to take a timeout.

A Flexen kill and a Venezuela hitting error put the U.S. back out in front, 18-17, and a Thorne kill made it 19-18. An ace put Venezuela ahead 20-19. Wetter kills evened the set at 20-20 and 21-21 but Venezuela took a two-point lead again, 23-21, forcing a second U.S. timeout. Two errors squared the set at 23. The U.S. fought off set point on three occasions before Venezuela took the set and a 2-0 match lead. Flexen recorded five kills in the set.

Three Flexen kills and a Wetter ace sparked the U.S. to a 5-2 start in the third set. Venezuela scored the next three points and neither team was able to take a two-point lead until Flexen and Hobus kills put the U.S. ahead 13-11. A service error started a three-point run that gave Venezuela the lead.

Two errors and a Wetter kill allowed the U.S. to re-establish a two-point lead, 16-14. After ceding a point, the U.S. went up by three for the second time in the match, 18-15, on a Barnett kill and Wetter block. A Flexen kill and a Venezuela error raised the margin to four points, 21-17. Venezuela scored four of the next five points to pull within a point, 22-21. The teams traded service errors and a hitting error tied the set at 23 apiece.

Barnett kills gave the U.S. its first set points of the match at 24-23 and 25-24. A Hobus kill put the U.S. on the brink of taking the set again but Venezuela saved a third set point. The U.S. also led 27-26, 28-27, and 29-28 before Venezuela scored the final three points to take the match after surviving six set points. Flexen registered six kills in the set, while Wetter totaled five points on three blocks and a pair of kills.

U.S. Men’s Roster for 2025 Pan Am Cup

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matthew Gentry (MB, 6-7, Hudson, Ohio, Lincoln Memorial, Ohio Valley)
2 Kaleb Jenness (OH, 6-6, Mount Pleasant, S.C., Ball State, Palmetto)
3 Troy Gooch (L, 6-0, Buffalo, N.Y., UCLA, Western Empire)
4 Ryan Barnett (OH, 6-5, Vero Beach, Fla., Pepperdine, Florida)
10 Isaiah Preuitt (MB, 6-8, Portland, Ore., Long Beach State, Columbia Empire)
13 Andrew Deardorff (OH, 6-5, Itasca, Ill., Saint Francis, Great Lakes)
14 Parker Van Buren (OPP, 6-9, Cross Plains, Wis., Loyola Chicago, Badger)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)
16 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
17 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California Southern Nevada)
18 Michael Wright (S, 6-4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
20 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida Region)
23 Nolan Flexen (OH, 6-9, Rio Rancho, N.M., UC Irvine, Southern)
30 Daniel Wetter (MB, 6-5, Camarillo, Calif., CSUN, Southern California Southern Nevada)

Coaches for Pan Am Cup
Head Coach: Andy Read
Assistant Coach: Luke Reynolds
Assistant Coach: Lawrence Wrather
Physiotherapist: Beth Drayer
Performance Analyst: Muhammad Mbaye
Team Leader: John Xie

Schedule
All times PT
Tuesday, Aug. 26: Venezuela def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 28-26, 31-29)
Wednesday, Aug. 27: USA vs. Antigua, 9 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 28: USA vs. Cuba, 5 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 29: Quarterfinals and Classifications 7/10
Saturday, Aug. 30: Semifinals
Sunday, Aug. 31: Medal matches and classifications

Stories

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 26, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s National Team finished 2025 FIVB World Championship pool play undefeated with a 3-0 (26-24, 25-20, 25-15) win over Czechia on Tuesday in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

The U.S. (3-0) advances to the Round of 16, which begins in Bangkok on Aug. 29, with times and matchups to be determined.

“I thought Czech came out and played really well for the first half of that first set and (we) just stayed the course,” said U.S. head coach Erik Sullivan. “In those situations, it is easy to get outside of yourselves a little bit and press. I told the players I thought they were playing really well and that you have to weather the storm sometimes. We did that. I thought we played a nice, steady even match throughout the night and put a lot of pressure on them to be good for a long period of time. One of our strengths is depth, but it is nice to have a similar lineup from night to night. We haven’t had that all summer by design and I think we are seeing the fruits of that getting a little more comfortable next to each other. You can tell some stuff is kind of smoothing out a little bit. In saying that, I think we still left a lot out there and we have a lot we can clean up and get better at. We’ll work on that the next few days.”

The U.S. recorded 14 more kills (50-36) and three more blocks (7-4). The teams were nearly even in aces (4-3 Czechia) and errors (U.S. making one fewer error, 16-15).

Outside hitter Avery Skinner totaled a match-high 15 points on 13 kills, a block and an ace.

“It’s really tough to (make the Round of 16),” Skinner said. “The pool is difficult, and we knew each match was going to be tough. I am proud of us for finishing 3-0. We weathered the storm. We knew Czech has a lot of energy and is a very emotional team. They came out really hot and it was about us staying calm and keeping within what we planned. Every team is going to give us their best, so we come in ready to play USA volleyball.”

Outside Sarah Franklin totaled 12 kills and middle blockers Chiaka Ogbogu and Dana Rettke each recorded seven kills and two blocks. Ogbogu added an ace to reach double figures with 10 points.

Libero Morgan Hentz continued her sterling defense in the championship, leading the team with 10 digs and six successful receptions. Setter Jordyn Poulter finished with 27 assists and led the team to a .398 hitting efficiency.

Opposite Madisen Skinner scored eight points on six kills and two blocks, and fellow opposite Stephanie Samedy added five kills. Madisen Skinner finished second on the team with eight digs.

Czechia ran out to a 7-2 lead in the match, forcing the U.S. to take an early timeout. Back-to-back Ogbogu blocks and an Avery Skinner ace sparked a 4-0 run that cut the lead to one. An ace by Ogbogu and an Avery Skinner back row attack gave the U.S. its first lead, 9-8. Czechia went on a 9-4 run to take a four-point lead, 17-13.

Trailing 21-19, the U.S. scored five of the next six points to take a 24-22 lead. A block by Avery Skinner tied the set at 21 and a Logan Eggleston ace put the U.S. back ahead. Kills by Samedy and Ogbogu gave the U.S. two set points. Czechia recorded a kill and an ace to save both set points, but the U.S. took the opener on kills by Madisen Skinner and Avery Skinner. Avery Skinner scored seven points on five kills, a block and an ace, and Ogbogu totaled six points on three kills, two blocks and an ace.

Consecutive kills by Avery Skinner gave the U.S. a 12-10 lead in the second set. Madi Skinner scored off hands to make it 13-11 and start a 5-0 run with her block giving the U.S. a 17-11 advantage. Another Madi Skinner kill put the U.S. out in front 19-13 but Czechia ran off three points in a row to cut the lead back to three points. A Franklin kill gave the U.S. set point at 24-20 and Avery Skinner ended the set on her seventh kill of the set. Franklin recorded five kills.

A block and kill by Madisen Skinner staked the U.S. to a 5-0 lead in the third set. Czechia cut the deficit to two points, 8-6, but the U.S. scored the next three points, including one on a Rettke kill on a slide and led by at least four points the rest of the way. Franklin scored off the block after a great dig by Hentz for a 15-10 lead. Franklin scored cross court and a hitting error extending the lead to seven points, 18-11.

Samedy placed a ball in the back corner and followed with a kill off the block for a 22-14 lead. Avery Skinner scored her 15th points for a 23-14 lead. Franklin registered six kills in the set.

U.S. Women’s VNL Finals Roster

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Kentucky, Lone Star)
5 Ali Frantti (OH, 6-1, Spring Grove, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)
7 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
9 Madisen Skinner (OPP, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
13 Amber Igiede (MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Delta)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
22 Sarah Franklin (OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-2, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
25 Tia Jimerson (MB, 6-3, Sugar Hill, Ga., Univ. of Ohio, Southern)
32 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-2, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Minnesota, Florida)

Coaches
Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Mike Wall
Second Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Second Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Second Assistant Coach: Joe Trinsey
Team Manager: Rob Browning
Team Doctors: William Briner, James Suchy, Chris Lee, Andrew Gregory
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Physical Trainer: Shannon Boone
Mental Performance Coach: Katy Stanfill
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham
Technical Coordinator: Blake Omaritan
Team Leader: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Schedule

Pool Play-All times Pacific
Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Aug. 22: USA def. Slovenia, 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-22, 25-14)
Aug. 24: USA def. Argentina, 3-1 (25-14, 23-25, 25-12, 25-17)
Aug. 26: USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (26-24, 25-20, 25-15)

Playoffs
Bangkok, Thailand
Round of 16, Aug. 29-Sept. 1, TBA

Stories

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 24, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s National Team clinched a spot in the knockout round of the 2025 FIVB World Championship with a 3-1 (25-14, 23-25, 25-12, 25-17) win over Argentina on Sunday in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

The U.S. (2-0) will conclude pool play competition against Czechia (1-1) on Tuesday at 5:30 a.m. PT.

The U.S. finished with advantages in kills (52-46) and aces (4-3), but it was the block that made the biggest difference as the U.S. totaled 15 blocks to six for Argentina. The U.S. made only 14 errors in the match compared to 27 for Argentina.

“I’m real happy with how we competed,” head coach Erik Sullivan said. “We talked about coming out and getting off on the right foot. In previous matches, especially this summer, we kind of go out and feel it out for a little bit, and let other teams get going. [Tonight] we put some pressure on them right away. It was some of the best volleyball for the longest periods of time that we’ve played.”

Middle blocker Dana Rettke shared the team lead with 15 points on 11 kills, three blocks and an ace. She hit .786 for the match with her 11 kills and no errors on 14 attacks. Middle Chiaka Ogbogu led all players with five blocks, adding eight points and an ace for 14 points. She hit .539 for the match with just one error.

Outside hitter Sarah Franklin led the U.S. with 13 kills, finishing with 15 points with a block and an ace. She also shared the team lead with libero Morgan Hentz with 14 digs.

Hentz, who made multiple spectacular plays, led the squad with eight successful receptions, and Franklin added six.

Outside Avery Skinner totaled 13 points on 11 kills and two blocks. She also reached double digits in digs with 10 and finished with six successful receptions.

Playing for the majority of the match, setter Jordyn Poulter contributed a kill, block and ace while leading the offense to a .360 hitting efficiency percentage. Opposite Madi Skinner scored seven points on five kills and two blocks. Fellow opposite Stephanie Samedy added four points on three kills and a block, one of seven U.S. players to record a block.

Three early kills by Rettke combined with a block and kill each by Ogbogu and Avery Skinner staked the U.S. to a 12-9 lead in the first set. Rettke scored again on a slide to give the U.S. a 20-12 lead. An Avery Skinner kill pushed the advantage to double digits, 23-13. Rettke finished the set with five kills on five attacks. The U.S. hit .500 in the set with 15 kills and only one error in 28 total attacks.

Strong serving and a block sparked a 6-2 Argentina run to begin the second set. The U.S. responded with an 8-3 run to take the lead. Avery Skinner tied the set on a back row attack and Rettke scored on an overpass for an 11-10 lead. Rettke scored back-to-back points on a kill and an ace for the first two-point lead of the set for the U.S., 13-11.

Argentina used an ace and block on consecutive points to even the set at 16. With the set tied at 19, Argentina used a 3-1 mini-run to take the lead for good as the teams exchanged points the rest of the set. Rettke scored five points on four more kills and an ace. Through two sets, Rettke totaled nine kills on nine attacks.

“I didn’t think we lost the second set necessarily because we did a bunch of poor things,” Sullivan said. “I thought Argentina played really well; they hit their way out of some tough situations, took some nice high, flat swings. I thought we made a great adjustment, especially with their opposite (Bianca Cugno) of kind of getting low and over on her; not getting so reach-y, and she hit a couple of balls over us and out.”

Consecutive blocks by Ogbogu staked the U.S. to a 9-4 advantage early in the third set. An Argentina timeout was unable to stem the momentum as the U.S. scored the next seven points, including a Poulter ace off the tape, an Avery Skinner block, and a Madi Skinner kill that raised the lead to 10 points. After another Argentina timeout, Ogbogu recorded a block and kill on the next two points for a 16-4 lead.

A Rettke block ended a rally that featured Hentz setting from a seated position to give the U.S. a 20-9 lead. Ogbogu scored seven points in the set on four blocks and three kills.

Franklin scored twice to give the U.S. a 4-1 lead to open the third set. Poulter registered the team’s 13th block of the match for a 6-3 advantage, and a hitting error gave the U.S. a four-point lead. The U.S. doubled up Argentina, 10-5, on a Madi Skinner kill. After an Ogbogu kill made it 14-9, Argentina scored the next three points to close the gap to two points.

A big swing from Franklin pushed the lead back to five points, 18-13. Another great dig by Hentz led to an Avery Skinner kill for match point. The double block of Samedy and Ogbogu ended the match with the team’s 15th block.

U.S. Women’s VNL Finals Roster

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Kentucky, Lone Star)
5 Ali Frantti (OH, 6-1, Spring Grove, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)
7 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
9 Madisen Skinner (OPP, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
13 Amber Igiede (MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Delta)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
22 Sarah Franklin (OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-2, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
25 Tia Jimerson (MB, 6-3, Sugar Hill, Ga., Univ. of Ohio, Southern)
32 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-2, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Minnesota, Florida)

Coaches
Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Mike Wall
Second Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Second Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Second Assistant Coach: Joe Trinsey
Team Manager: Rob Browning
Team Doctors: William Briner, James Suchy, Chris Lee, Andrew Gregory
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Physical Trainer: Shannon Boone
Mental Performance Coach: Katy Stanfill
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham
Technical Coordinator: Blake Omaritan
Team Leader: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Schedule

Pool Play-All times Pacific
Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Aug. 22: USA def. Slovenia, 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-22, 25-14)
Aug. 24: USA def. Argentina, 3-1 (25-14, 23-25, 25-12, 25-17)
Aug. 26: USA vs. Czechia, 5:30 a.m.

Playoffs
Bangkok, Thailand
Round of 16, Aug. 29-Sept. 1, TBA

Stories

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Avery Skinner (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 22, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s National Team opened the 2025 FIVB World Championship with a 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-22, 25-14) victory over Slovenia on Friday in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

The U.S. (1-0) will have a day off before facing Argentina (1-0) on Sunday, Aug. 24 at 5:30 a.m. PT.

The U.S. finished with three more kills (53-50) while Slovenia, playing in its first World Championship, held the advantage in blocks (10-5) and aces (7-4). The U.S. benefitted from 30 Slovenia errors while making 13 fewer errors.

“(There were) a bunch of nice things about that,” head coach Erik Sullivan said. “Obviously, to get the win in our first match, that’s the most important thing for us. I thought we were real gritty; we hung in there, we fought against a real good Slovenia team. I thought they [Slovenia] played really well tonight, but I also think we allowed them to do some things that we need to correct. We need to come out with a little more aggressiveness in how we’re playing and make sure we establish that early. It took us a little while to get there. We got a lot of help from a lot of players on our roster, which is awesome.”

The Skinner sisters combined for 28 points with Avery leading the team with 15 points on 14 kills and an ace, and Madisen totaling 13 points on 10 kills, a block and two aces. Avery added seven digs and five successful receptions.

Veteran setter Jordyn Poulter ran the offense, adding two kills and six digs. Outside hitter Sarah Franklin reached double digits with 10 points on nine kills and a block and led the team with seven successful receptions. Middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu, making her 2025 international debut, had eight points on seven kills and a block, and fellow middle Dana Rettke scored seven points on five kills and a pair of blocks. Libero Morgan Hentz, who split sets with Lexi Rodriguez, provided a team-high eight digs with four successful receptions.

Sullivan talked about the addition of Ogbogu to the team for this tournament.

“Obviously, she brings a ton of experience. She’s been doing this a long time at a super high level,” he said. “Having that on the court changes our team’s personality a little bit.”

Trailing 9-7 in the opening set, Slovenia went on a five-point run with back-to-back blocks and an ace for a 12-9 lead. The teams traded the next six points before the U.S. scored three points in a row to even the set at 15. Two Ogbogu kills put the U.S. ahead 20-19. With the U.S. leading 21-20, Poulter made a great dig and connected with Madi Skinner on a jump set for a two-point lead.

Slovenia scored the next two points to tie the set 22-22. Franklin scored off hands on a give-and-go to put the U.S. back up and after Slovenia tied the set, Franklin scored again for a 24-23 lead. Samedy ended the set on a kill on her first touch of the match. Franklin delivered five kills in the set with Ogbogu and Madi Skinner each contributing three kills. The U.S. benefitted from nine Slovenia errors while making only four.

A successful last touch challenge and an ace gave Slovenia a 4-1 lead to begin the second set. A Franklin block ended a three-point U.S. run to tie the set, but Slovenia responded with a 5-1 run for a 9-5 lead that led the U.S. to take its first timeout. An ace gave Slovenia its biggest lead at six points, 14-8.

Consecutive kills by Avery Skinner and Madi Skinner helped the U.S. come within three points, 15-12. An Ogbogu kill and Avery Skinner ace cut the margin to two points, 16-14, before Slovenia regained its five-point advantage on its way to squaring the match at one set apiece. Avery Skinner scored four points on three kills and an ace with Madi Skinner adding three kills.

A Frantti kill put the U.S. ahead 9-7 in the third set but Slovenia quickly tied the set. The U.S. regained a two-point lead, 12-10, on an Ogbogu block. An overpass on a Poulter serve led to an Ogbogu kill to give the U.S. its first three-point advantage of the set, 14-11. After a timeout, Franklin recorded a great dig to lead to a Madi Skinner kill and a four-point U.S. lead.

A great dig by Hentz led to another Madi Skinner kill and a hitting error put the U.S. ahead 18-14. Slovenia scored the next two points before the Skinners scored back-to-back points on an Avery kill and a Madi ace for a 20-16 advantage. Slovenia responded with two points out of a timeout to cut the margin back to two points.

Avery Skinner scored her 10th point of the match to give the U.S. a 22-19 lead but Slovenia pulled within a point on a kill off an overpass. Avery Skinner scored off hands for a 23-21 U.S. advantage and a hitting error gave the U.S. three set points. After yielding one point, the U.S. ended the set on an Ogbogu kill. Madi Skinner scored five points on three kills, a block and an ace, while Avery Skinner scored four points on kills.

“Mo provided a spark for sure,” said Sullivan, after Hentz entered the match in the third set. “We know what Mo can do; we see it every day in practice. She can fly around and make plays. I feel like we needed a little bit of that against Slovenia. Putting her on that court changed our personality a bit in a real positive way.”

A Franklin kill on a back row attack put the U.S. up 6-2 in the fourth set, prompting a quick Slovenia timeout. Middle blocker Tia Jimerson scored her first World Championship point for an 8-4 lead and two Slovenia errors pushed the margin to six points. Jimerson’s first set of the match was an ace to make it 12-5.

A Rettke kill on a slide, a Madi Skinner ace and a Franklin kill extended the lead to 11 points at 17-6. The lead grew to 14 points at 24-10 on kills by Avery Skinner and Jimerson. Slovenia scored four points in a row before Avery Skinner ended the match. Franklin (four kills) and Jimerson (three kills and an ace) each scored four points.

U.S. Women’s VNL Finals Roster

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Kentucky, Lone Star)
5 Ali Frantti (OH, 6-1, Spring Grove, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)
7 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
9 Madisen Skinner (OPP, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
13 Amber Igiede (MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Delta)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
22 Sarah Franklin (OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-2, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
25 Tia Jimerson (MB, 6-3, Sugar Hill, Ga., Univ. of Ohio, Southern)
32 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-2, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Minnesota, Florida)

Coaches
Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Mike Wall
Second Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Second Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Second Assistant Coach: Joe Trinsey
Team Manager: Rob Browning
Team Doctors: William Briner, James Suchy, Chris Lee, Andrew Gregory
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Physical Trainer: Shannon Boone
Mental Performance Coach: Katy Stanfill
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham
Technical Coordinator: Blake Omaritan
Team Leader: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Schedule

Pool Play-All times Pacific
Aug. 22: USA def. Slovenia, 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-22, 25-14)
Aug. 24: USA vs. Argentina, 5:30 a.m.
Aug. 26: USA vs. Czechia, 5:30 a.m.

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Chiaka Ogbogu celebrates
Chiaka Ogbogu (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 19, 2025) – Fourteen U.S. Women’s National Team athletes are in Thailand this month for the 2025 FIVB World Championship, Aug. 22-Sept. 7.

The U.S. Women, currently ranked No. 7 in the world, are in Pool D alongside Slovenia, Argentina and Czechia, and their opening match is set for Aug. 22 at 5:30 a.m. PT against Slovenia. The team will play in Nakhon Ratchasima for pool play before moving to Bangkok for playoff rounds.

This will be the first World Championship under head coach Erik Sullivan, who took over the program earlier this year. The World Championship is held every four years, and the U.S. Women finished fourth in 2022. Overall, the program has won five medals at the event, including gold in 2014.

With a rotating lineup throughout the year and several veterans taking the season off, the U.S. finished 7-5 in VNL and advanced to the Finals, where they fell to world No. 1 Italy in the quarterfinals.

The 2025 Worlds roster includes the return of two-time Olympian Chiaka Ogbogu at middle blocker. She joins 2024 Olympic teammates Avery Skinner, Jordyn Poulter and Dana Rettke.

Skinner is one of four outside hitters on the roster, which also includes Sarah Franklin, Logan Eggleston and Ali Frantti, who makes her first appearance for the U.S. Women this year. Ogbogu and Rettke are joined in the middle by Tia Jimerson and Amber Igiede. The opposites are Madisen Skinner and Stephanie Samedy, and Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres joins Poulter at setter. Morgan Hentz and Lexi Rodriguez are the liberos.

“This roster brings a mix of experienced Olympians and athletes eager for their first major world championship,” Sullivan said. “Every match in this tournament is tough, and our pool will demand our best right from the start. We’ve used this season to test different lineups and grow our depth. Now the group is focused on competing together on the world stage and continuing to raise our level as we build toward Los Angeles in 2028.”

All matches can be watched with a subscription to VBTV or on the CBS Sports Network.

U.S. Women’s Worlds Roster

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Kentucky, Lone Star)
5 Ali Frantti (OH, 6-1, Spring Grove, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)
7 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
9 Madisen Skinner (OPP, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
13 Amber Igiede (MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Delta)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
22 Sarah Franklin (OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-2, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
25 Tia Jimerson (MB, 6-3, Sugar Hill, Ga., Univ. of Ohio, Southern)
32 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-2, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (OPP, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Minnesota, Florida)

Coaches
Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Mike Wall
Second Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Second Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Second Assistant Coach: Joe Trinsey
Team Manager: Rob Browning
Team Doctors: William Briner, James Suchy, Chris Lee, Andrew Gregory
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Physical Trainer: Shannon Boone
Mental Performance Coach: Katy Stanfill
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham
Technical Coordinator: Blake Omaritan
Team Leader: Shannon Slatter

U.S. Schedule

Pool Play-All times Pacific
Aug. 22: USA vs. Slovenia, 5:30 a.m.
Aug. 24: USA vs. Argentina, 5:30 a.m.
Aug. 26: USA vs. Czechia, 5:30 a.m.

The Men's U21 Worlds Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 18, 2025) – USA Volleyball announces the 12 athletes on the 2025 Men’s U21 National Team who are headed to Jiangmen, China, for the FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship, Aug. 20-31.

The team begins play Aug. 20 (Aug. 21 in China) against Thailand at 8 p.m. PT. Later pool play matches will be against Türkiye, Egypt, China and Morocco. Watch with a subscription to VBTV.

All athlete on the 2025 team have previous U.S. national team experience:

  • Sterling Foley, Jackson Cryst, Cole Hartke, Trent Taliaferro,  Sean Kelly and Tread Rosenthal were all on the NORCECA U21 Continental Championship team that won gold in 2024. Foley was named MVP and First Best Spiker at the tournament; Cryst was First Best Blocker. The gold medal qualified the team for this year’s World Championship.
  • Sebastiano Sani, Tre Jordan, Kellen Larson, Kainoa Wade, Riggs Guy and Micah Goss all won gold at the 2025 Men’s U21 Pan Am Cup earlier this month.
  • Jordan, Larson and Wade were all part of the 2024 Men’s U21 National Team although they did not compete at the Continental Championship.
  • Larson, Taliaferro, Foley, Kelly, Sani and Rosenthal all played on the 2023 Boys U19 Team that had the program’s best-ever finish at the U19 World Championship (fourth). Hartke was also on the 2023 Boys U19 Team but did not compete at Worlds.

UCLA head coach John Hawks, who led the U21 team to gold at the Pan Am Cup, is also coaching the Worlds team.

2025 Men’s U21 National Team World Championship Roster

Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, School/Club, USAV Region)

1 Kellen Larson (L, 5-9, Irvine, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
3 Cole Hartke (OPP, 6-11, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
7 Trent Taliaferro (S, 6-5, San Clemente, Calif., UCLA, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
9 Tre Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Univ. of Hawaii, Arizona)
12 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., Univ. of Southern California, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
13 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
16 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-10, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawaii, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
17 Riggs Guy (OH, 6-3, Newport Beach, Calif., UC Santa Barbara, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
18 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-10, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
21 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
22 Sebastiano Sani (OH, 6-8, Aliso Viejo, Calif., Long Beach State, Chesapeake)
23 Micah Goss (MB, 6-6, Santa Barbara, Calif., UC Irvine, Southern California/Southern Nevada)

Coaches
Head Coach: John Hawks (UCLA)
Assistant Coach: Donan Cruz
Assistant Coach: Matthew Pollock (Pepperdine)
Performance Analyst: Alex Hurlburt (The Volleyball institute)
Athletic Trainer: Rachel Menze (Pepperdine)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (NTDP)

Schedule

All times PT
Aug. 20: USA vs. Thailand, 8 p.m.
Aug. 21: USA vs. Türkiye, 11 p.m.
Aug. 22: USA vs. vs. Egypt, 8 p.m.
Aug. 24: USA vs. China, 11 p.m.
Aug. 25: USA vs. Morocco, 11 p.m.
Aug. 26: Round of 16
Aug. 29: Quarterfinals
Aug. 30: Semifinals
Aug. 31: Medal matches

Stories

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 16, 2025) – The U.S. Girls U19 National Team took ninth place at the 2025 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship, defeating Czechia, 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-21) on Sunday in Surabaya, Indonesia. Competing against older and more experienced opponents, the U.S. finished the championship 7-2, winning its final three matches.

The U.S. led in kills (42-36), blocks (7-3) and aces (4-3) while making six fewer errors (22-16).

“I’m really proud of this group and the way they just kept showing up. These ladies have a bright future,” head coach Tama Miyashiro said. “This is a small step for what we hope is a long, amazing career. We just missed out on the top 8, but it serves as motivation for all of them that they are on a good path. If they keep working hard and keep learning, they can do big things.”

Outside hitter Halle Thompson shared match-high honors with 13 points on 12 kills and a block. Middle blocker Elena Hoecke finished with five blocks, equaling the total by all other players combined, adding four kills and an ace for 10 points. Setter Genevieve Harris led the U.S. to a .402 hitting efficiency percentage with 42 kills and only five errors in 92 total attacks. She contributed three points on two kills and an ace.

Outside Audrey Flanagan scored six points on five kills and a block, led the team with four successful receptions and shared team-high honors with libero Gabi Rodriguez with 10 digs.

Opposite Henley Anderson (five kills) and outside Ayanna Watson (four kills and an ace) each scored five points. JJ Robinson recorded four points in the third set and middle Brooke Harwood produced four kills.

Tough serving by Flanagan led to a Czechia hitting error and an Anderson kill on an overpass to give the U.S. an 11-7 lead in the opening set. After four consecutive service errors (two by each team), a Hoecke block extended the lead to five. After a successful challenge, Czechia pulled within two points, 20-18, but a Thompson kill and Hoecke block put the lead back to four.

The U.S. successfully challenged a block touch to make it 23-19. A Stanley kill gave the U.S. set point at 24-20 and after Czechia won the next point, Flanagan ended the set on the 17th U.S. kill. Thompson produced five kills in the set and Hoecke added four points on two blocks, a kill and an ace.

A Hoecke block after excellent scrambling defense by Thompson staked the U.S. to a 7-4 lead in the second set. Leading by three, 10-7, the U.S. scored the next three points on a Flanagan kill and back-to-back kills by Thompson, first on a tip and then putting away an overpass.

An Anderson kill pushed the advantage to seven points, 16-9. The lead reached eight, 19-11, on a Harris kill and two Czechia errors. A Thompson ace off the net made it 22-14. Czechia scored the next five points, keyed by back-to-back aces and a block, prompting the first U.S. timeout of the set.

Errors by Czechia gave the U.S. 23-19 and 24-20 leads before Thompson put down the final point on an overpass to give the U.S. a two-set advantage. She finished the set with five kills.

A kill by middle blocker Keoni Williams put the U.S. out in front 10-5 in the third set and forced Czechia to take an early timeout. Czechia responded by scoring the next five points before another Williams kill ended the run and started the U.S. on a 7-0 stretch. A Watson kill off a set from Robinson made it 14-10 and led to the final Czechia timeout. Robinson served for six points to extend the lead to seven points, 17-10.

An ace capped three consecutive Czechia points that cut the margin to four points, 19-15, but a service error put the U.S. back up by five points. Robinson delivered a kill followed by a Hoecke block for a 22-15 lead. Robinson scored the final two U.S. points and joined Hoecke and Watson with four points in the set.

2025 Girls U19 National Team for U21 World Championship

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
3 Jayden “JJ” Robinson (OPP, 6-3, 2008, Missouri City, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lone Star)
6 Keoni Williams (MB, 6-4, 2007, Fort Worth, Texas, Eagle Mountain HS, North Texas)
7 Brooke Harwood (MB, 6-4, 2008, Mesa, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
8 Ayanna Watson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Henderson, Nev., Bishop Gorman HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Gabi Rodriguez (L, 5-6, 2008, Celeste, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
12 Genevieve Harris (S, 5-11, 2007, Raleigh, N.C., Cardinal Gibbons HS, Carolina)
13 Halle Thompson (OH, 6-0, 2008, Spring, Texas, Grand Oaks HS, Lone Star)
14 Taylor Stanley (OPP, 6-3, 2007, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley Southwest HS, Heart of America)
16 Elena Hoecke (MB, 6-3, 2007, Lino Lakes, Minn., Centennial HS, North Country)
17 Audrey Flanagan (OH, 6-3, 2008, Redondo Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Henley Anderson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Dripping Springs, Texas, Dripping Springs HS, Lone Star)
22 Blair Thiebaud (S, 6-0, 2007, College Station, Texas, College Station HS, Lone Star)

Alternates
1 Emma Cugino (L, 5-9, 2008, Galena, Ohio, Olentangy Orange HS, Ohio Valley)
2 Nadiya Johnson (OPP, 6-2, 2008, Ashburn, Va., Riverside HS, Chesapeake)
4 Kendall Omoruyi (MB, 6-4, 2008, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
5 Danielle Whitmire (S, 6-1, 2007, Celina, Texas, Walnut Grove HS, North Texas)
9 Isabel Incinelli (OPP/OH, 6-5, 2008, Winter Park, Fla., Winter Park HS, Florida)
15 Lynney Tarnow (MB, 6-5, 2007, Downers Grove, Ill., Benet Academy, Great Lakes)
18 Tessa Larkin (OH, 6-1, 2008, Anthem, Ariz., Xavier College Preparatory HS, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Stacy Sykora (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Training: Elgin Liu (UCSD men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Competition: Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule/Results
Aug. 7: USA def. Korea, 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 19-25, 25-20)
Aug. 8: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-11)
Aug. 9: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-18)
Aug. 10: USA def. Croatia, 3-0 (27-25, 25-17, 25-15)
Aug. 11: China def. USA, 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 28-26)
Aug. 13: Round of 16: Bulgaria def. USA, 3-0 (25-23, 25-16, 25-15)
Aug. 15: Playoff Round: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-16)
Aug. 16: Playoff Round: USA def. Croatia, 3-1 (26-28, 25-22, 25-15, 25-15)
Aug. 17: Ninth-Place Match: USA def. Czechia, 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-21)

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 15, 2025) – The U.S. Girls U19 National Team defeated Croatia for the second time at the FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship, this time 3-1 (26-28, 25-22, 25-15, 25-15) on Saturday in Surabaya, Indonesia.

The U.S. (6-2) will play in the ninth-place match against the winner of the match between Czechia and Thailand on Sunday, Aug. 17 at a time to be announced.

The U.S. led in kills (45-35), blocks (15-11) and nearly doubled Croatia in aces (15-8). Croatia made one fewer error (27-26).

Opposite Henley Anderson led all scorers with 16 points on 12 kills and four blocks. Outside hitter Halle Thompson totaled 13 points on eight kills, two blocks and three aces. She led the team with five successful receptions and added seven digs.

Outside JJ Robinson finished with 11 points on five kills, three blocks and three aces. Middle blocker Brooke Harwood shared match-high honors with Anderson with four blocks, and her four kills and two aces gave her 10 total points.

Setter Genevieve Harris recorded 32 assists and three aces to go with a kill and a block. Middle Elena Hoecke finished with nine points on six kills, a block and a pair of aces, and outside Taylor Stanley added eight kills. Libero Gabi Rodriguez paced the squad with nine digs.

Croatia used an early 4-0 run in the first set to take a 9-7 lead and prompt the U.S. to take a timeout. After the set was tied four times, the U.S. used back-to-back blocks to take a 14-12 lead. After a timeout, Croatia put together another four-point run to retake the lead by two points.

Croatia extended the lead to six points, 21-15, scoring five consecutive points before a hitting error ended the streak. A Hoecke ace and Taylor kill cut the margin to three points, 21-18. After a Croatia point, another Taylor kill and a hitting error brought the U.S. to within two, 22-20.

An Anderson block cut the lead to one, but the U.S. was unable to score on an overpass on the next serve. Kills by Anderson and Harwood evened the set at 23. An Anderson tip gave the U.S. set point, but Croatia responded with a kill and then went ahead on an ace. Anderson scored off the block to make it 25-25. A block gave Croatia its second set point, but a hitting error squared the set again.

A nice play by the setter on a pass close to the net led to a Croatia kill and a hitting error ended the set. The teams were nearly identical statistically in the set with 11 kills and nine opponent errors, but Croatia recorded one more ace and block each. Anderson led the U.S. with six points on five kills and a block.

A back row attack by Thompson gave the U.S. a 9-6 advantage in the second set. The lead reached five, 12-7, on a Harwood block and Harris ace. Croatia came out of a timeout and went on a 5-1 run to cut the lead back to one point and used an ace to even the set at 15 apiece.

A Hoecke ace gave the U.S. a two-point lead again at 18-16 before Croatia scored three points in a row with another ace forcing a U.S. timeout. A Robinson kill tied the set at 19-19 before a lengthy delay on a Croatia challenge on the next play that eventually favored the U.S. Harris delivered an ace on the next serve to restore the two-point U.S. advantage.

Croatia regained the lead, 22-21, by scoring the next three points, but the U.S. scored the final four points. Robinson and Thompson scored the final two points on kills to close out the back-and-forth set. Harwood (two blocks with a kill and an ace) and Hoecke (three kills and an ace) each scored four points.

The U.S. continued its momentum into the third set with a Thompson kill making it 4-1 and forcing Croatia into a quick timeout. Thompson served an ace to extend the lead to four points, 7-3, confirmed after a challenge. Another Thompson ace made it 12-8 and led to the final Croatia timeout of the set.

A Harwood ace and a hitting error pushed the lead to six points, 15-9. Thompson served another ace for an 18-11 U.S. lead. Croatia was unable to get closer than six points after that. Harwood ended the set with a kill. Anderson scored five points on four kills and a block, while Thompson contributed two kills and her two aces.

Two more Thompson aces keyed an 7-2 U.S. run to start the fourth set. Another Harwood ace and a hitting error extended the lead to seven points, 10-3. Croatia used its final timeout trailing 12-4. Setter Blair Thiebaud served an ace and a Hoecke ace pushed the lead to double digits. Croatia was never able to draw closer than eight points the remainder of the match. Robinson scored six points on three blocks, two aces and a kill. Stanley ended the match with her fourth kill of the set.

2025 Girls U19 National Team for U21 World Championship

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)

3 Jayden “JJ” Robinson (OPP, 6-3, 2008, Missouri City, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lone Star)
6 Keoni Williams (MB, 6-4, 2007, Fort Worth, Texas, Eagle Mountain HS, North Texas)
7 Brooke Harwood (MB, 6-4, 2008, Mesa, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
8 Ayanna Watson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Henderson, Nev., Bishop Gorman HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Gabi Rodriguez (L, 5-6, 2008, Celeste, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
12 Genevieve Harris (S, 5-11, 2007, Raleigh, N.C., Cardinal Gibbons HS, Carolina)
13 Halle Thompson (OH, 6-0, 2008, Spring, Texas, Grand Oaks HS, Lone Star)
14 Taylor Stanley (OPP, 6-3, 2007, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley Southwest HS, Heart of America)
16 Elena Hoecke (MB, 6-3, 2007, Lino Lakes, Minn., Centennial HS, North Country)
17 Audrey Flanagan (OH, 6-3, 2008, Redondo Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Henley Anderson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Dripping Springs, Texas, Dripping Springs HS, Lone Star)
22 Blair Thiebaud (S, 6-0, 2007, College Station, Texas, College Station HS, Lone Star)

Alternates
1 Emma Cugino (L, 5-9, 2008, Galena, Ohio, Olentangy Orange HS, Ohio Valley)
2 Nadiya Johnson (OPP, 6-2, 2008, Ashburn, Va., Riverside HS, Chesapeake)
4 Kendall Omoruyi (MB, 6-4, 2008, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
5 Danielle Whitmire (S, 6-1, 2007, Celina, Texas, Walnut Grove HS, North Texas)
9 Isabel Incinelli (OPP/OH, 6-5, 2008, Winter Park, Fla., Winter Park HS, Florida)
15 Lynney Tarnow (MB, 6-5, 2007, Downers Grove, Ill., Benet Academy, Great Lakes)
18 Tessa Larkin (OH, 6-1, 2008, Anthem, Ariz., Xavier College Preparatory HS, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Stacy Sykora (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Training: Elgin Liu (UCSD men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Competition: Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT

Pool Play
Aug. 7: USA def. Korea, 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 19-25, 25-20)
Aug. 8: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-11)
Aug. 9: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-18)
Aug. 10: USA def. Croatia, 3-0 (27-25, 25-17, 25-15)
Aug. 11: China def. USA, 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 28-26)
Aug. 13: Round of 16: Bulgaria def. USA, 3-0 (25-23, 25-16, 25-15)
Aug. 15: Playoff Round: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-16)
Aug. 16: Playoff Round: USA def. Croatia, 3-1 (26-28, 25-22, 25-15, 25-15)
Aug. 17: Ninth-Place Match: USA vs. Czechia/Thailand, TBA

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 13, 2025) – The U.S. Girls U19 National Team began the playoff round with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-16) win over Puerto Rico on Friday in Surabaya, Indonesia.

The U.S. (5-2) will take on Croatia tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 16. The teams met in pool play with the U.S. winning in three sets, including a 27-25 victory in the opening set.

The U.S. led in kills (38-32), blocks (7-6), aces (6-3) and committed eight fewer errors (24-16).

“Puerto Rico played well to start the match. It was really cool to see our team respond most importantly, but at the end of the day what really stood out was the team effort. Everyone got the opportunity to get in the match and make an impact, which allowed us to play at our potential, which was something really great to see,” said U.S. assistant coach Steven Duhoux.

MATCH STATISTICS

Six U.S. players scored at least six points with outside hitter Halle Thompson leading the team with 11 points on nine kills and two blocks. Opposite Henley Anderson shared the team-high with nine kills. Libero Gabi Rodriguez recorded match-highs of 13 digs and six successful receptions.

Middle blocker Elena Hoecke totaled seven points on four kills, two blocks and an ace. In addition to running the balanced offense, setter Geneiveve Harris contributed two kills, blocks and aces each for six points. Middle Brooke Harwood (four kills and two aces) and outside Audrey Flanagan (six kills) also finished with six points.

Trailing 9-7 in the opening set, an Anderson kill followed by great serving from Harris sparked a 4-0 U.S. run. Harris served two aces and Puerto Rico struggled with another serve that led to a hitting error. After evening the set at 21, Puerto Rico successfully challenged the call on the next play to regain the lead.

An Anderson kill tied the set again at 22 before a service error put Puerto Rico back in front, but the U.S. scored the final three points of the set, which ended on a net violation. Anderson finished the set with five kills.

Leading 12-11 in the second set, a Thompson kill on a rally, in which she also recorded an excellent dig, ignited a 6-0 run with Harwood recording an ace in serving for five consecutive points. Hoecke led the team with five points on two kills, two blocks and an ace.

The U.S. built an early five-point lead in the third set on its way to clinching the match. Thompson dominated the set with nine points on eight kills and a block.

2025 Girls U19 National Team for U21 World Championship

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)

3 Jayden “JJ” Robinson (OPP, 6-3, 2008, Missouri City, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lone Star)
6 Keoni Williams (MB, 6-4, 2007, Fort Worth, Texas, Eagle Mountain HS, North Texas)
7 Brooke Harwood (MB, 6-4, 2008, Mesa, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
8 Ayanna Watson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Henderson, Nev., Bishop Gorman HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Gabi Rodriguez (L, 5-6, 2008, Celeste, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
12 Genevieve Harris (S, 5-11, 2007, Raleigh, N.C., Cardinal Gibbons HS, Carolina)
13 Halle Thompson (OH, 6-0, 2008, Spring, Texas, Grand Oaks HS, Lone Star)
14 Taylor Stanley (OPP, 6-3, 2007, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley Southwest HS, Heart of America)
16 Elena Hoecke (MB, 6-3, 2007, Lino Lakes, Minn., Centennial HS, North Country)
17 Audrey Flanagan (OH, 6-3, 2008, Redondo Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Henley Anderson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Dripping Springs, Texas, Dripping Springs HS, Lone Star)
22 Blair Thiebaud (S, 6-0, 2007, College Station, Texas, College Station HS, Lone Star)

Alternates
1 Emma Cugino (L, 5-9, 2008, Galena, Ohio, Olentangy Orange HS, Ohio Valley)
2 Nadiya Johnson (OPP, 6-2, 2008, Ashburn, Va., Riverside HS, Chesapeake)
4 Kendall Omoruyi (MB, 6-4, 2008, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
5 Danielle Whitmire (S, 6-1, 2007, Celina, Texas, Walnut Grove HS, North Texas)
9 Isabel Incinelli (OPP/OH, 6-5, 2008, Winter Park, Fla., Winter Park HS, Florida)
15 Lynney Tarnow (MB, 6-5, 2007, Downers Grove, Ill., Benet Academy, Great Lakes)
18 Tessa Larkin (OH, 6-1, 2008, Anthem, Ariz., Xavier College Preparatory HS, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Stacy Sykora (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Training: Elgin Liu (UCSD men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Competition: Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT

Pool Play
Aug. 7: USA def. Korea, 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 19-25, 25-20)
Aug. 8: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-11)
Aug. 9: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-18)
Aug. 10: USA def. Croatia, 3-0 (27-25, 25-17, 25-15)
Aug. 11: China def. USA, 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 28-26)
Aug. 13: Round of 16: Bulgaria def. USA, 3-0 (25-23, 25-16, 25-15)
Aug. 15: Playoff Round: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-16)
Aug. 16: Playoff Round: USA vs. Croatia, TBA

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Gage Basey and Thomas Hurst celebrate on the sand
Gage Basey and Thomas Hurst (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 14, 2025) – USA Volleyball is sending two beach teams to compete at the Junior Pan American Games in Asuncion, Paraguay, Aug.18-22, 2025. The Games, held August 9-23, feature more than 4,000 athletes from 41 countries and serve as the largest sporting event in Paraguay’s history.

The Junior Pan American Games is a major multi-sport competition featuring athletes aged 17-22 from North, Central and South America. The competition offers 218 qualification spots for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima and valuable international experience for athletes working toward senior-level international representation. In beach volleyball, 16 teams per gender will compete at the Los Pynandi World Cup Stadium.

The first Junior Pan American Games was held in 2021, and this is the first time that USA Volleyball is sending beach teams to the event. The Junior Pan Am Games is also a Team USA event, meaning the athletes will represent not only USA Volleyball but the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee on the international stage.

The U.S. teams earned their spots at the USA Volleyball Junior Pan American Games Trials in January.

Portia Sherman and Emma Donley, who both play beach volleyball at Cal, will represent the U.S. on the women’s side. Thomas Hurst (UC Irvine) and Gage Basey (Colorado) are the U.S. men’s competitors.

Both pairs arrive with recent international success. Donley and Sherman won gold at the U23 NORCECA Tour stop in the Dominican Republic and took bronze at the 2025 NORCECA Beach Tour event in Honduras. Hurst and Basey earned silver at U23 NORCECA Dominican Republic and finished ninth at the 2025 World University Games.

UCLA assistant coach Kelly Reeves will coach the women’s team, and Beach Nation’s Mark Fishman will coach the men.

“The Pan American Games is a special tournament. It’s an opportunity not only to compete against some of the best athletes in the world, but also to represent the future,” Reeves said. “It’s a true honor to coach Emma and Portia on this journey. They come from a strong collegiate program at the University of California, Berkeley, and bring a great deal of experience and leadership. As a group, we’re excited, locked in, and ready to compete.”

“Talent wins games, but intelligence and teamwork win championships,” Fishman said. “Thomas and Gage are just getting better and growing as a team. They are two of the smartest young men in the game and their best is in front of them. I’m honored to represent the United States and be part of this amazing team.”

Women’s Roster
Portia Sherman (5-9, Goleta, Calif., Cal)
Emma Donley (6-4, Los Altos, Calif., Cal)

Men’s Roster
Gage Basey (6-5, Lyons, Colo., Univ. of Colorado)
Thomas Hurst (6-4, Plano, Texas, UC Irvine)

Coaches/Staff
Women’s Coach: Kelly Reeves (UCLA assistant coach)
Men’s Coach: Mark Fishman (Beach Nation)
Team Leader: Carolina Garbato (Beach NTDP)

setting
Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 13, 2025) – The U.S. Girls U19 National Team dropped its 2025 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship Round of 16 match to Bulgaria, 3-0 (25-23, 25-16, 25-15) on Wednesday in Surabaya, Indonesia.

The U.S. (4-2) will take on either Poland or Puerto Rico on Friday, Aug. 15.

The U.S. finished with one more block (10-9) but trailed in kills (36-28) and aces (6-1). Bulgaria made nine fewer errors (24-15).

MATCH STATISTICS

Opposite Henley Anderson again led the U.S. with 10 points on team-highs of seven kills and three blocks. Anderson shared team-best honors with libero Gabi Rodriguez with seven digs. Rodriguez paced the squad with five successful receptions.

Outside hitter Audrey Flanagan totaled seven points on five kills and two blocks. Middle blocker Elena Hoecke finished with six points on five kills and a block. Setter Genevieve Harris added five points on three kills and two blocks, and outside Ayanna Watson scored four points on three kills and a block.

The U.S. made a late run in the first set after trailing 23-18. Coming out of a timeout, Harris recorded a block and Flanagan took advantage of an overpass off a Harris serve to pull the U.S. within three points. Flanagan registered a block on the following play cut the margin to two points and force a Bulgaria timeout.

After Bulgaria scored the next point for set point, Flanagan and Watson delivered kills before Bulgaria won the next point to take the set. Flanagan scored five points on four kills and a block, and Harris totaled four points on two kills and two blocks.

Anderson led the team in the second set with five points on three kills and a pair of blocks. Outside Halle Thompson, Hoecke, and Anderson each produced two kills in the final set

2025 Girls U19 National Team for U21 World Championship

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)

3 Jayden “JJ” Robinson (OPP, 6-3, 2008, Missouri City, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lone Star)
6 Keoni Williams (MB, 6-4, 2007, Fort Worth, Texas, Eagle Mountain HS, North Texas)
7 Brooke Harwood (MB, 6-4, 2008, Mesa, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
8 Ayanna Watson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Henderson, Nev., Bishop Gorman HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Gabi Rodriguez (L, 5-6, 2008, Celeste, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
12 Genevieve Harris (S, 5-11, 2007, Raleigh, N.C., Cardinal Gibbons HS, Carolina)
13 Halle Thompson (OH, 6-0, 2008, Spring, Texas, Grand Oaks HS, Lone Star)
14 Taylor Stanley (OPP, 6-3, 2007, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley Southwest HS, Heart of America)
16 Elena Hoecke (MB, 6-3, 2007, Lino Lakes, Minn., Centennial HS, North Country)
17 Audrey Flanagan (OH, 6-3, 2008, Redondo Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Henley Anderson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Dripping Springs, Texas, Dripping Springs HS, Lone Star)
22 Blair Thiebaud (S, 6-0, 2007, College Station, Texas, College Station HS, Lone Star)

Alternates
1 Emma Cugino (L, 5-9, 2008, Galena, Ohio, Olentangy Orange HS, Ohio Valley)
2 Nadiya Johnson (OPP, 6-2, 2008, Ashburn, Va., Riverside HS, Chesapeake)
4 Kendall Omoruyi (MB, 6-4, 2008, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
5 Danielle Whitmire (S, 6-1, 2007, Celina, Texas, Walnut Grove HS, North Texas)
9 Isabel Incinelli (OPP/OH, 6-5, 2008, Winter Park, Fla., Winter Park HS, Florida)
15 Lynney Tarnow (MB, 6-5, 2007, Downers Grove, Ill., Benet Academy, Great Lakes)
18 Tessa Larkin (OH, 6-1, 2008, Anthem, Ariz., Xavier College Preparatory HS, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Stacy Sykora (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Training: Elgin Liu (UCSD men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Competition: Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT

Pool Play
Aug. 7: USA def. Korea, 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 19-25, 25-20)
Aug. 8: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-11)
Aug. 9: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-18)
Aug. 10: USA def. Croatia, 3-0 (27-25, 25-17, 25-15)
Aug. 11: China def. USA, 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 28-26)
Aug. 13: Round of 16: Bulgaria def. USA, 3-0 (25-23, 25-16, 25-15)
Aug. 15: USA vs. Puerto Rico/Poland, TBA

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Henley Anderson (Photo by Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 12, 2025) – The U.S. Girls U19 National Team lost for the only time in pool play, 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 28-26) to China in a matchup of undefeated teams at the 2025 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship on Tuesday in Surabaya, Indonesia.

The U.S. (4-1) finished second in its pool to advance to the round of 16 on Wednesday, Aug. 13. The time and opponent will be determined after pool play ends on Tuesday.

The U.S. led in kills (38-31) and blocks (11-8) but could not overcome 35 errors compared to just nine for China. The U.S. finished with 17 service errors while China, which served six aces to three for the U.S., made only five.

Opposite Henley Anderson led the U.S. with 14 points on 12 kills and two blocks. Middle blocker Brooke Harwood scored seven points on four kills, a block and two of the team’s three aces. Ayanna Watson totaled six points on five kills and a block in the third set.

Outside hitter Halle Thompson produced five kills and middle blocker Keoni Williams added four kills. Outsides Audrey Flanagan (three kills and a block) and JJ Robinson (two kills, two blocks) and setter Genevieve Harris (two kills with two blocks) joined Williams with four points.

After the teams split the first 10 points of the match, China went on a 7-2 run to take the lead for good in the set, 12-7. A Harris kill and Robinson ace cut the margin to three points, 15-12, but China scored the next three points to take a six-point advantage and force the U.S. to use its second timeout.

The U.S. scored four of the next five points and had a swing to cut the lead to two points, but China came up with a block. Anderson scored six points on five kills and a block in the set. The U.S. committed 11 errors to just three for China.

China opened the second set by scoring six of the first eight points. The U.S. pulled within three points, 8-5, after outlasting China on a long rally and again at 10-7 on a Hardwood kill. China went on a 7-2 run to take an eight-point lead. The U.S. cut the lead back to six before China scored seven consecutive points for set point, which it converted two points later. Anderson scored three points on two kills and a block.

Harwood served two aces to lead the U.S. to a 7-5 lead in the third set. A setter dump by Harris made it 9-6 but three consecutive errors and a China kill put the U.S. behind, 10-9. Between a U.S. timeout and an officials’ delay, it was several minutes before the next point was played.

Once play resumed, China scored the next two points to extend its lead to three and complete a 6-0 run. After China pushed the lead to four points, 15-11, the U.S. went on a 5-1 run to cut the margin to one point. Two errors and an ace put the China lead back to four points, 19-15.

The U.S. came back to score the next three points, the last of which came on a long rally which ended with a China hitting error. After a China timeout, Harris recorded a block to even the set. China won a joust on the next play to regain the lead. Anderson scored from the back row to tie the set again (21-21).

Another Harris block gave the U.S. a 22-21 lead. After a service error, Harwood scored on a slide to put the U.S. up by a point again. After China tied it, Flanagan delivered a kill for set point, but China responded with a kill. Watson put a ball straight down for a second set point, but a service error evened the set at 25 apiece. Anderson produced a kill for the third U.S. set point but another service error aided China, which won the next two points to clinch the match. Watson led the U.S. with her six points and Anderson added five kills.

2025 Girls U19 National Team for U21 World Championship

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)

3 Jayden “JJ” Robinson (OPP, 6-3, 2008, Missouri City, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lone Star)
6 Keoni Williams (MB, 6-4, 2007, Fort Worth, Texas, Eagle Mountain HS, North Texas)
7 Brooke Harwood (MB, 6-4, 2008, Mesa, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
8 Ayanna Watson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Henderson, Nev., Bishop Gorman HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Gabi Rodriguez (L, 5-6, 2008, Celeste, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
12 Genevieve Harris (S, 5-11, 2007, Raleigh, N.C., Cardinal Gibbons HS, Carolina)
13 Halle Thompson (OH, 6-0, 2008, Spring, Texas, Grand Oaks HS, Lone Star)
14 Taylor Stanley (OPP, 6-3, 2007, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley Southwest HS, Heart of America)
16 Elena Hoecke (MB, 6-3, 2007, Lino Lakes, Minn., Centennial HS, North Country)
17 Audrey Flanagan (OH, 6-3, 2008, Redondo Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Henley Anderson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Dripping Springs, Texas, Dripping Springs HS, Lone Star)
22 Blair Thiebaud (S, 6-0, 2007, College Station, Texas, College Station HS, Lone Star)

Alternates
1 Emma Cugino (L, 5-9, 2008, Galena, Ohio, Olentangy Orange HS, Ohio Valley)
2 Nadiya Johnson (OPP, 6-2, 2008, Ashburn, Va., Riverside HS, Chesapeake)
4 Kendall Omoruyi (MB, 6-4, 2008, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
5 Danielle Whitmire (S, 6-1, 2007, Celina, Texas, Walnut Grove HS, North Texas)
9 Isabel Incinelli (OPP/OH, 6-5, 2008, Winter Park, Fla., Winter Park HS, Florida)
15 Lynney Tarnow (MB, 6-5, 2007, Downers Grove, Ill., Benet Academy, Great Lakes)
18 Tessa Larkin (OH, 6-1, 2008, Anthem, Ariz., Xavier College Preparatory HS, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Stacy Sykora (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Training: Elgin Liu (UCSD men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Competition: Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT

Pool Play
Aug. 7: USA def. Korea, 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 19-25, 25-20)
Aug. 8: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-11)
Aug. 9: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-18)
Aug. 10: USA def. Croatia, 3-0 (27-25, 25-17, 25-15)
Aug. 11: China def. USA, 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 28-26)
Aug. 13: Round of 16: USA vs. TBA

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Brooke Harwood and Henley Anderson (Photo by Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 11, 2025) – The U.S. Girls U19 National Team won its fourth consecutive match at the 2025 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship with a 3-0 (27-25, 25-17, 25-15) victory over Croatia on Monday in Surabaya, Indonesia.

The win set up a showdown between the U.S. (4-0) and China (4-0) in the final match of pool play tonight at 8 p.m. PT. Both teams have dropped only one set in the championship and have already qualified for the round of 16 that begins on Wednesday. The winner will finish first in Pool B.

The U.S. offense dominated with 44 kills to only 26 for Croatia. The U.S. also held leads in blocks (11-8) and aces (7-3). Croatia made five fewer errors (20-15).

MATCH STATISTICS

Three U.S. players reached double-digit scoring, led by opposite Henley Anderson, who scored 14 points on 10 kills, three blocks and an ace. She added seven digs. Middle blocker Elena Hoecke registered a match-best four blocks with nine kills for 13 points. Outside hitter Ayanna Watson led all players with three aces and recorded nine kills for 12 points.

Libero Gabi Rodriguez shared match-high honors with 12 digs.

“We went into this match with a very aggressive mindset,” Rodriguez said. “Croatia is a very big and physical team with strong blocking and great serving. We came prepared for that. I think our team did a great job getting a lot of digs to kills and working together through every point. Even if we lost two points in a row, we bounced back super quick with a lot of first-ball sideouts. I’m proud of us for working together and getting the team win. I’m excited to keep competing with this team.”

Outside Audrey Flanagan totaled nine points on six kills, two blocks and an ace. Middle Brooke Harwood scored eight points on six kills and two blocks. Setter Genevieve Harris contributed 33 assists, four kills and an ace for five points. Fellow setter Blair Thiebaud added two assists and a kill.

Hoecke (four kills and a block) and Flanagan (three kills, one block, one kill) each scored five points in the opening set. Flanagan and Rodriguez each recorded four successful receptions.

The U.S. hit .423 in the second set with 14 kills and only three errors in 26 total attacks. Harris (four kills) and Harwood (three kills) each hit 1.000 in the set. Harwood added two blocks for five points, and Anderson scored five points on four kills and a block.

Anderson scored seven points on five kills and two blocks in the third set. Hoecke added six points on four kills and two blocks, and Watson produced five kills.

2025 Girls U19 National Team for U21 World Championship

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)

3 Jayden “JJ” Robinson (OPP, 6-3, 2008, Missouri City, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lone Star)
6 Keoni Williams (MB, 6-4, 2007, Fort Worth, Texas, Eagle Mountain HS, North Texas)
7 Brooke Harwood (MB, 6-4, 2008, Mesa, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
8 Ayanna Watson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Henderson, Nev., Bishop Gorman HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Gabi Rodriguez (L, 5-6, 2008, Celeste, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
12 Genevieve Harris (S, 5-11, 2007, Raleigh, N.C., Cardinal Gibbons HS, Carolina)
13 Halle Thompson (OH, 6-0, 2008, Spring, Texas, Grand Oaks HS, Lone Star)
14 Taylor Stanley (OPP, 6-3, 2007, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley Southwest HS, Heart of America)
16 Elena Hoecke (MB, 6-3, 2007, Lino Lakes, Minn., Centennial HS, North Country)
17 Audrey Flanagan (OH, 6-3, 2008, Redondo Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Henley Anderson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Dripping Springs, Texas, Dripping Springs HS, Lone Star)
22 Blair Thiebaud (S, 6-0, 2007, College Station, Texas, College Station HS, Lone Star)

Alternates
1 Emma Cugino (L, 5-9, 2008, Galena, Ohio, Olentangy Orange HS, Ohio Valley)
2 Nadiya Johnson (OPP, 6-2, 2008, Ashburn, Va., Riverside HS, Chesapeake)
4 Kendall Omoruyi (MB, 6-4, 2008, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
5 Danielle Whitmire (S, 6-1, 2007, Celina, Texas, Walnut Grove HS, North Texas)
9 Isabel Incinelli (OPP/OH, 6-5, 2008, Winter Park, Fla., Winter Park HS, Florida)
15 Lynney Tarnow (MB, 6-5, 2007, Downers Grove, Ill., Benet Academy, Great Lakes)
18 Tessa Larkin (OH, 6-1, 2008, Anthem, Ariz., Xavier College Preparatory HS, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Stacy Sykora (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Training: Elgin Liu (UCSD men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Competition: Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT

Pool Play
Aug. 7: USA def. Korea, 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 19-25, 25-20)
Aug. 8: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-11)
Aug. 9: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-18)
Aug. 10: USA def. Croatia, 3-0 (27-25, 25-17, 25-15)
Aug. 11: USA vs. China, 8 p.m.

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 9, 2025) – The U.S. Girls U19 National Team continued its strong start at the 2025 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship, defeating Mexico, 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-18) on Saturday in Surabaya, Indonesia.

The U.S. (3-0) plays Croatia (1-2) at 11 p.m. PT on August 10 in its next-to-last pool play matchup.

The U.S. held a 34-21 advantage in kills, but it was a dominating block (12-3) and strong serve (10-4) that keyed the victory.

MATCH STATISTICS

Eight U.S. players scored at least four points with outside hitter Halle Thompson leading the way with 12 points on six kills and a block to go with five service aces, one more than the entire Mexico team.

Four players totaled seven points, including outside Audrey Flanagan, who shared the team lead with six kills to go with an ace. Outside JJ Robinson and middle blocker Brooke Harwood both contributed four kills, two blocks and an ace, while opposite Taylor Stanley posted a match-high three blocks with four kills.

Setter Blair Thiebaud scored six points with two kills, two blocks and two aces. Outside hitter Ayanna Watson finished with six points on five kills and a block. Middle blocker Keoni Williams scored four points on three kills and a block.

Thompson served all five of her aces in the opening set and added two kills for seven points. Thiebaud recorded two blocks, a kill and an ace for four points. Flanagan led the U.S. in the second set with six points on five kills and an ace, while Thompson contributed five points on four kills and a block. Robinson and Watson came in for the third set, combining for 13 points as the U.S. completed its second consecutive sweep.

2025 Girls U19 National Team for U21 World Championship

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)

3 Jayden “JJ” Robinson (OPP, 6-3, 2008, Missouri City, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lone Star)
6 Keoni Williams (MB, 6-4, 2007, Fort Worth, Texas, Eagle Mountain HS, North Texas)
7 Brooke Harwood (MB, 6-4, 2008, Mesa, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
8 Ayanna Watson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Henderson, Nev., Bishop Gorman HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Gabi Rodriguez (L, 5-6, 2008, Celeste, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
12 Genevieve Harris (S, 5-11, 2007, Raleigh, N.C., Cardinal Gibbons HS, Carolina)
13 Halle Thompson (OH, 6-0, 2008, Spring, Texas, Grand Oaks HS, Lone Star)
14 Taylor Stanley (OPP, 6-3, 2007, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley Southwest HS, Heart of America)
16 Elena Hoecke (MB, 6-3, 2007, Lino Lakes, Minn., Centennial HS, North Country)
17 Audrey Flanagan (OH, 6-3, 2008, Redondo Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Henley Anderson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Dripping Springs, Texas, Dripping Springs HS, Lone Star)
22 Blair Thiebaud (S, 6-0, 2007, College Station, Texas, College Station HS, Lone Star)

Alternates
1 Emma Cugino (L, 5-9, 2008, Galena, Ohio, Olentangy Orange HS, Ohio Valley)
2 Nadiya Johnson (OPP, 6-2, 2008, Ashburn, Va., Riverside HS, Chesapeake)
4 Kendall Omoruyi (MB, 6-4, 2008, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
5 Danielle Whitmire (S, 6-1, 2007, Celina, Texas, Walnut Grove HS, North Texas)
9 Isabel Incinelli (OPP/OH, 6-5, 2008, Winter Park, Fla., Winter Park HS, Florida)
15 Lynney Tarnow (MB, 6-5, 2007, Downers Grove, Ill., Benet Academy, Great Lakes)
18 Tessa Larkin (OH, 6-1, 2008, Anthem, Ariz., Xavier College Preparatory HS, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Stacy Sykora (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Training: Elgin Liu (UCSD men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Competition: Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT

Pool Play
Aug. 7: USA def. Korea, 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 19-25, 25-20)
Aug. 8: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-11)
Aug. 9: USA def. Mexico, 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-18)
Aug. 10: USA vs. Croatia, 11 p.m.
Aug. 11: USA vs. China, 9 p.m.

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 8, 2025) – The U.S. Girls U19 National Team earned its second win in a row to start the 2025 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship, sweeping the Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-11) on Friday in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Next up for the U.S. is a matchup with Mexico at 12 a.m. PT tonight/tomorrow.

The U.S. finished the match with 45 kills while limiting the Dominican Republic to just 19. The U.S. led in aces (8-2) and blocks (4-3) with each team making 18 errors.

MATCH STATISTICS

Setters Blair Thiebaud and Genevieve Harris combined to lead the U.S. to a team hitting efficiency percentage of .438 with the 45 kills and 10 errors in 80 attacks. Harris scored four points with two aces, a kill and a block, and Thibaud served an ace.

“We came out strong from the start. I give the Dominican Republic credit for staying in those long rallies and challenging our block. Our serve and receive, and defense were keeping us in system most of the match, allowing us to run our offense to our game plan. I think we kept our foot on the gas the whole time and showed who U.S.A. is,” Thiebaud commented.

Middle blocker Keoni Williams led three players in double figures with 15 points on 13 kills, a block and an ace. She hit .767 for the match with her 13 kills coming on 17 attacks without an error. Outside hitter JJ Robinson totaled 14 points on 12 kills, a block and an ace while leading the team with five successful receptions. Outside Halle Thompson finished with 11 points on nine kills and a pair of aces.

Middle blocker Elena Hoecke added seven points on five kills, a block and an ace, and opposite Taylor Stanley delivered five kills and led the team with 11 digs. Libero Gabi Rodriguez finished with 10 digs and three successful receptions.

Williams (six kills) and Robinson (four kills) each hit 1.000 in the opening set to get the U.S. off to a strong start. In the second set, Thompson scored seven points on five kills (no errors in seven attacks) and Williams produced five more kills on six attacks. Robinson added four kills.

Robinson led the way in the third set with five points on four kills, Stanley produced three kills and Williams added three points on two kills and an ace.

2025 Girls U19 National Team for U21 World Championship

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)

3 Jayden “JJ” Robinson (OPP, 6-3, 2008, Missouri City, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lone Star)
6 Keoni Williams (MB, 6-4, 2007, Fort Worth, Texas, Eagle Mountain HS, North Texas)
7 Brooke Harwood (MB, 6-4, 2008, Mesa, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
8 Ayanna Watson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Henderson, Nev., Bishop Gorman HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Gabi Rodriguez (L, 5-6, 2008, Celeste, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
12 Genevieve Harris (S, 5-11, 2007, Raleigh, N.C., Cardinal Gibbons HS, Carolina)
13 Halle Thompson (OH, 6-0, 2008, Spring, Texas, Grand Oaks HS, Lone Star)
14 Taylor Stanley (OPP, 6-3, 2007, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley Southwest HS, Heart of America)
16 Elena Hoecke (MB, 6-3, 2007, Lino Lakes, Minn., Centennial HS, North Country)
17 Audrey Flanagan (OH, 6-3, 2008, Redondo Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Henley Anderson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Dripping Springs, Texas, Dripping Springs HS, Lone Star)
22 Blair Thiebaud (S, 6-0, 2007, College Station, Texas, College Station HS, Lone Star)

Alternates
1 Emma Cugino (L, 5-9, 2008, Galena, Ohio, Olentangy Orange HS, Ohio Valley)
2 Nadiya Johnson (OPP, 6-2, 2008, Ashburn, Va., Riverside HS, Chesapeake)
4 Kendall Omoruyi (MB, 6-4, 2008, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
5 Danielle Whitmire (S, 6-1, 2007, Celina, Texas, Walnut Grove HS, North Texas)
9 Isabel Incinelli (OPP/OH, 6-5, 2008, Winter Park, Fla., Winter Park HS, Florida)
15 Lynney Tarnow (MB, 6-5, 2007, Downers Grove, Ill., Benet Academy, Great Lakes)
18 Tessa Larkin (OH, 6-1, 2008, Anthem, Ariz., Xavier College Preparatory HS, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Stacy Sykora (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Training: Elgin Liu (UCSD men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Competition: Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT

Pool Play
Aug. 7: USA def. Korea, 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 19-25, 25-20)
Aug. 8: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-11)
Aug. 9: USA vs. Mexico, 12 a.m.
Aug. 11: USA vs. Croatia, 12 a.m.
Aug. 11: USA vs. China, 9 p.m.

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Photo by Alex Purvey

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 7, 2025) – The U.S. Girls U19 National Team, competing at the 2025 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship, began play with a 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 19-25, 25-20) victory over Korea on Thursday in Surabaya, Indonesia.

The U.S. will continue play against the Dominican Republic late tonight at 1 a.m. PT.

The U.S. used a powerful block and strong serving to earn the win, finishing with an 11-1 advantage in blocks and serving 13 aces to five for Korea. The U.S. recorded four more kills (50-46) while Korea committed nine fewer errors (29-20).

Opposite Henley Anderson led all players with 16 kills, three blocks and 22 points. She also served three aces and added seven digs. Setter Genevieve Harris led the squad to a .373 hitting efficiency percentage while contributing six points on four kills, a block and an ace.

“It was a great first match against Korea. They challenged us in different areas of the game that we hadn’t seen before. I love how we came together as a team in the ways that mattered, and I am super excited to continue playing this tournament finding our strengths and weaknesses and our identity as a team these next couple of weeks,” Harris said.

Middle blocker Elena Hoecke matched Anderson with three blocks, served a match-best five aces and produced six kills for 14 points. Outside hitter Audrey Flanagan scored 13 points on nine kills, two blocks and two aces, and fellow outside Ayanna Watson also reached double digits with 11 points on 10 kills and a block. Middle Brooke Harwood contributed eight points on five kills, two aces and a block.

Hoecke dominated the first set with four aces, three blocks and an ace for a total of eight points. Harwood and Anderson each scored three points on two kills and an ace.

Anderson took over in the second set with nine points on six kills, two blocks and an ace. Flanagan added three points on two kills and a block.

Korea extended the match with a win in the third set despite another strong set from Anderson, who finished with eight points on six kills, a block and an ace.

Watson (five kills and a block) and Flanagan (four kills and two aces) paced the U.S. in the clinching fourth set with six points each. Hoecke recorded two kills and her fifth ace of the match.

2025 Girls U19 National Team for U21 World Championship

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)

3 Jayden “JJ” Robinson (OPP, 6-3, 2008, Missouri City, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lone Star)
6 Keoni Williams (MB, 6-4, 2007, Fort Worth, Texas, Eagle Mountain HS, North Texas)
7 Brooke Harwood (MB, 6-4, 2008, Mesa, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
8 Ayanna Watson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Henderson, Nev., Bishop Gorman HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
11 Gabi Rodriguez (L, 5-6, 2008, Celeste, Texas, McKinney North HS, North Texas)
12 Genevieve Harris (S, 5-11, 2007, Raleigh, N.C., Cardinal Gibbons HS, Carolina)
13 Halle Thompson (OH, 6-0, 2008, Spring, Texas, Grand Oaks HS, Lone Star)
14 Taylor Stanley (OPP, 6-3, 2007, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley Southwest HS, Heart of America)
16 Elena Hoecke (MB, 6-3, 2007, Lino Lakes, Minn., Centennial HS, North Country)
17 Audrey Flanagan (OH, 6-3, 2008, Redondo Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California Southern Nevada)
19 Henley Anderson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Dripping Springs, Texas, Dripping Springs HS, Lone Star)
22 Blair Thiebaud (S, 6-0, 2007, College Station, Texas, College Station HS, Lone Star)

Alternates
1 Emma Cugino (L, 5-9, 2008, Galena, Ohio, Olentangy Orange HS, Ohio Valley)
2 Nadiya Johnson (OPP, 6-2, 2008, Ashburn, Va., Riverside HS, Chesapeake)
4 Kendall Omoruyi (MB, 6-4, 2008, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Arizona)
5 Danielle Whitmire (S, 6-1, 2007, Celina, Texas, Walnut Grove HS, North Texas)
9 Isabel Incinelli (OPP/OH, 6-5, 2008, Winter Park, Fla., Winter Park HS, Florida)
15 Lynney Tarnow (MB, 6-5, 2007, Downers Grove, Ill., Benet Academy, Great Lakes)
18 Tessa Larkin (OH, 6-1, 2008, Anthem, Ariz., Xavier College Preparatory HS, Arizona)

Coaches
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Stacy Sykora (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Training: Elgin Liu (UCSD men’s volleyball)
Performance Analyst Competition: Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club)
ATC: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

Schedule
All times PT

Pool Play
Aug. 7: USA def. Korea, 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 19-25, 25-20)
Aug. 8: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 1 a.m.
Aug. 9: USA vs. Mexico, 12 a.m.
Aug. 11: USA vs. Croatia, 12 a.m.
Aug. 11: USA vs. China, 9 p.m.

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 3, 2025) – The U.S. Boys U19 National Team completed play at the 2025 FIVB U19 World Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan with a 3-2 (20-25, 25-16, 25-15, 23-25, 15-12) victory over Japan on Sunday.

The five-setter was the fourth in the tournament for the U.S. (4-5), which also played four sets four times with only one of nine matches being a sweep.

The U.S. block was the key to the victory as it amassed 14 blocks to just four for Japan. The U.S. also led in kills (57-52) and aces (4-2). Japan made two fewer errors (35-33).

MATCH STATISTICS

“The guys did a nice job,” head coach Charlie Sullivan said. “We’ve been pretty beat up and faced a lot of adversity this week and on the wrong end of a couple close matches, so to see us take a little step forward, get a little better and have a good result was very pleasing today.”

Four U.S. players reached double digits in the match, led by captain and outside hitter Grant Lamoureux, who led the team in scoring for the eighth time with 18 points on 14 kills and four blocks. He shared the team lead with libero Layton Bluth by recording 10 digs. Bluth paced the team with nine successful receptions and Lamoureux added six.

Middle blocker Roman Payne posted a match-high five blocks to go with 10 kills and an ace for 16 points. Opposite William Dryden totaled 12 points on 10 kills, a block and an ace. Outside hitter Myles Jordan finished with 10 points on nine kills and a block and recorded seven successful receptions.

In addition to running the effective offense, setter Lucas Helle contributed eight points with five kills, two blocks and an ace. Middle blocker Thomas Henige scored seven points on six kills and an ace, and opposite Corbin Batista added three points on a pair of kills and an ace.

After dropping the first set, the U.S. dominated the next two sets. Payne recorded three blocks and two kills in the second set win. Jordan added four points on three kills and a block. In the third set, Dryden recorded four kills with Helle (one kill, one block, one ace) and Lamoureux (two kills, one block) adding three points.

The U.S. appeared to take a 23-22 lead in the fourth set, but Japan successfully challenged that a ball called out was in. Japan took the set to send the match to a deciding fifth set.

Back-to-back kills by Lamoureux staked the U.S. to a 4-1 lead in the fifth set and forced Japan to take an early time out. A Jordan kill gave the U.S. an 8-5 lead at the side switch. Japan scored the next two points, the second on a block, to pull within a point.

The U.S. responded by scoring the next three points on kills by Payne and Lamoureux followed by a Japan hitting error. A service error gave the U.S. a 13-9 lead. The U.S. moved ahead 14-10 and Japan saved two match points before outside hitter Elan Taylor entered the match and provided the kill that sealed the win. Lamoureux scored six points on five kills and a block.

2025 Boys U19 National Team World Championship Roster

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Layton Bluth (L, 5-8, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Northern California)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lonestar)
10 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., West Ranch HS, Southern California)
12 Rafael Urbina (S, 6-6, Broomfield, Colo., Legacy HS, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
19 Roman Payne (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., Carlsbad HS, Southern California)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine University, Carolina)
21 William Dryden (OPP, 6-7, Los Gatos, Calif., Archbishop Mitty HS, Northern California)
23 Corbin Batista (OPP, 6-7, St. George, Utah, Alta HS, Intermountain)
28 Thomas Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Coaches

Head Coach: Charlie Sullivan (Springfield College)
Assistant Coach: Jonah Carson (MVVC)
Assistant Coach: Patrick Shawaryn (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Team Doctor: Dr. Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (NTDP)

2025 Boys U19 World Championship Schedule
All times Pacific

July 24: Finland def. USA, 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20)
July 25: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-21)
July 26: USA def. Colombia, 3-2 (25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 30-32, 15-9)
July 28: Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-22)
July 29: USA def. Korea, 3-1 (25-27, 28-26, 25-22, 25-19)
July 30: Round of 16: Bulgaria def. USA, 3-2 (25-22, 25-23, 20-25, 14-25, 16-14)
Aug. 1: Playoffs: Argentina def. USA, 3-2 (22-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-20, 15-9)
Aug. 2: Playoffs, Pakistan def. USA, 3-1 (25-14, 22-25, 25-18, 25-23)
Aug. 3: 15th Place Match: USA def. Japan, 3-2 (20-25, 25-16, 25-15, 23-25, 15-12)

Stories

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Victor Loiola and Trent Taliaferro with hands over heart at the national anthem
Victor Loiola and Trent Taliaferro (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 2, 2025) – USA Volleyball announces the 12 athletes on the 2025 U21 Men’s National Team who will compete at the  NORCECA Men’s U21 Pan American Cup, Aug. 5-10 in Calgary, Canada.

The 12 were chosen from 24 athletes who participated in a training block from July 27-Aug. 2 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The 24 athletes were also training for possible selection to the upcoming Men’s U21 World Championship in China, Aug. 21-31. That roster will be announced after a second training block, Aug. 7-17 at the USOPTC.

The 2025 Pan Am team features several athletes with previous U.S. national team experience:

  • Victor Loiola, Trent Taliaferro and Josh Aruya were all on the NORCECA U21 Continental Championship team that won gold in 2024. The gold medal qualified the team for this year’s World Championship.
  • Tre Jordan, Kellen Larson, Marek Turner and Kainoa Wade were all part of the 2024 Men’s U21 National Team although they did not compete at the Continental Championship.
  • Larson, Turner, Loiola, Taliaferro, Sebastiano Sani and Aruya all played on the 2023 Boys U19 Team that had the program’s best-ever finish at the U19 World Championship (fourth).

Four athletes are making their international debut for the U.S.: setter Jacob Little-Phillips, libero Johnny Dykstra, outside hitter Riggs Guy and middle blocker Micah Goss.

UCLA head coach John Hawks will lead both the Pan Am and Worlds teams.

2025 Men’s U21 National Team

Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, School/Club, USAV Region)

1 Kellen Larson (L, 5-9, Irvine, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California)
5 Marek Turner (OH, 6-6, Long Beach, Calif., Team Rockstar, Southern California)
6 Victor Loiola (OH, 6-4, Manhattan Beach, Calif., N/A, Southern California)
7 Trent Taliaferro (S, 6-5, San Clemente, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
8 Jacob Little-Phillips (S, 6-2, Winter Park, Fla., Winter Park HS, Florida Region)
9 Tre Jordan (MB, 6-10, Mesa, Ariz., Grand Canyon, Arizona)
10 Johnny Dykstra (L, 6-2, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Univ. of Southern California, Southern California)
15 Joshua Aruya (MB, 6-9, Mission Viejo, Calif., UC Santa Barbara, Southern California)
17 Riggs Guy (OH, 6-3, Newport Beach, Calif., UC Santa Barbara, Southern California/Southern Nevada)
18 Kainoa Wade (OPP, 6-10, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha Region)
22 Sebastiano Sani (OH, 6-8, Aliso Viejo, Calif., Long Beach State, Chesapeake)
23 Micah Goss (MB, 6-6, Santa Barbara, Calif., UC Irvine, Southern California)

Alternates
2 Roan Alviar (L, 5-11, Hayward, Calif., Princeton, Northern California)
4 Aidan Klein (MB, 6-10, Evanston, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
11 Finn Kearney (OH, 6-5, Phoenix, Ariz., Univ. of Hawaii, Arizona)
14 Justin Todd (MB, 6-7, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha)
19 Grayson Bradford (OPP, 6-11, Redondo Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California)
24 Kahale Clini (OH, 6-3, Honolulu, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)

Coaches
Head Coach: John Hawks (UCLA)
Assistant Coach: Donan Cruz (Ball State)
Assistant Coach: Matthew Pollock (Pepperdine)
Performance Analyst: Thomas Shaffer (Loyola Chicago)
Athletic Trainer: Hazel Peterson (USOPTC)
Team Lead: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)

Schedule

All times Pacific

Aug. 5: USA vs. Chile, 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 6: USA vs. Barbados, 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 7: USA vs. Canada, 6 p.m.
Aug. 8: USA vs. Mexico, 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 9: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 10: Medal Matches and Classification

Lucas Helle (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 2, 2025) – The U.S. Boys U19 National Team fell to Pakistan, 3-1 (25-14, 22-25, 25-18, 25-23) on Saturday in Tashkent, Uzbekistan at the 2025 FIVB U19 World Championship.

The U.S. (3-5) will wrap up play at the tournament tomorrow, Sunday, August 3 against either Uzbekistan or Japan.

Pakistan finished with more kills (65-50), blocks (10-7) and aces (5-3). The U.S. made three fewer errors (20-17).

MATCH STATISTICS

Outside hitter Elan Taylor led the U.S. with 13 kills and middle blocker Roman Payne also reached double digits with 10 points on seven kills and three blocks. Libero Layton Bluth continued his strong defensive play with match-highs of 14 digs and 12 successful receptions.

Setter Lucas Helle was one of five players to score nine points with five kills, three blocks and an ace. Outside hitter Myles Jordan recorded eight kills and an ace, and middle blocker Thomas Henige added seven kills, one block and one ace. Opposite Corbin Batista recorded six kills.

2025 Boys U19 National Team World Championship Roster

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Layton Bluth (L, 5-8, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Northern California)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lonestar)
10 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., West Ranch HS, Southern California)
12 Rafael Urbina (S, 6-6, Broomfield, Colo., Legacy HS, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
19 Roman Payne (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., Carlsbad HS, Southern California)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine University, Carolina)
21 William Dryden (OPP, 6-7, Los Gatos, Calif., Archbishop Mitty HS, Northern California)
23 Corbin Batista (OPP, 6-7, St. George, Utah, Alta HS, Intermountain)
28 Thomas Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Coaches

Head Coach: Charlie Sullivan (Springfield College)
Assistant Coach: Jonah Carson (MVVC)
Assistant Coach: Patrick Shawaryn (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Team Doctor: Dr. Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (NTDP)

2025 Boys U19 World Championship Schedule
All times Pacific

July 24: Finland def. USA, 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20)
July 25: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-21)
July 26: USA def. Colombia, 3-2 (25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 30-32, 15-9)
July 28: Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-22)
July 29: USA def. Korea, 3-1 (25-27, 28-26, 25-22, 25-19)
July 30: Round of 16: Bulgaria def. USA, 3-2 (25-22, 25-23, 20-25, 14-25, 16-14)
Aug. 1: Playoffs: Argentina def. USA, 3-2 (22-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-20, 15-9)
Aug. 2: Playoffs, Pakistan def. USA, 3-1 ( (25-14, 22-25, 25-18, 25-23)
Aug. 3: 15th Place Match: USA vs. Uzbekistan/Japan

Stories

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Layton Bluth (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 1, 2025) – The U.S. Boys U19 National Team played its third five-setter at the 2025 FIVB U19 World Championship, eventually falling to Argentina, 3-2 (22-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-20, 15-9) on Friday in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The U.S. (3-4) will play Pakistan (4-3) tomorrow, Saturday, August 2, at a time to be determined.

Argentina finished the match with more kills (69-63) and blocks (13-11), and served two of the three aces. The U.S. made one fewer error (25-24).

Outside hitter Grant Lamoureux continued his extraordinary play at the championship, leading the U.S. in scoring as he has done in every match. He shared match-high honors in points (25) and kills (24) and served the team’s only ace. His eight successful receptions tied for the team lead.

Opposite Wiliam Dryden totaled 13 points on 12 kills and a block. Middle blocker Roman Payne also reached double digits with 10 points on nine kills and an ace. Libero Layton Bluth led all players with 15 digs and joined Lamoureux in sharing match-best honors with eight successful receptions.

Outside Myles Jordan finished with eight points on six kills and two blocks. Middle blockers Thomas Henige and Luc Soerensen each recorded three kills with Henige leading the team with three blocks and Soerensen adding two. Setters Lucas Helle (three kills) and Rafael Urbina (one kill, one block) combined for five points.

Lamoureux hit .462 in the first set with seven kills and only one error in 13 attacks. Payne (four kills) and Dryden (three kills and a block) also started strong. The key stretch in the set was a 5-0 U.S. run that turned a one-point lead into a six-point advantage, 20-14. Lamoureux started the run with a kill and Dryden scored off a set from Jordan. Payne followed with a block and a put down of an overpass. An Argentina hitting error accounted for the sixth point.

Lamoureux led the team with five points on four kills and the team’s only ace of the match in the second set. Taylor and Henige each scored three points on two kills and a block.

The U.S. regained the advantage in the match with a third-set victory. Lamoureux registered six kills and Dryden delivered four kills without an error in seven attacks. Soerensen provided four points on two kills and two blocks.

The third set was even at 16 before the U.S. scored three points in a row. Argentina closed the gap to one point three times, the last at 22-21, before the U.S. scored the final three points on Argentina errors.

Argentina came back to even the match for the second time by taking the fourth set. Through four sets, just two total points separated the teams with Argentina holding the slight edge. Lamoureux led the way again for the U.S. with seven kills. Jordan added four points on three kills and a block.

Argentina jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the fifth set and stymied any comeback effort by the U.S. Payne (one kill and one block) and Dryden (two kills) scored multiple points for the U.S.

2025 Boys U19 National Team World Championship Roster

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Layton Bluth (L, 5-8, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Northern California)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lonestar)
10 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., West Ranch HS, Southern California)
12 Rafael Urbina (S, 6-6, Broomfield, Colo., Legacy HS, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
19 Roman Payne (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., Carlsbad HS, Southern California)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine University, Carolina)
21 William Dryden (OPP, 6-7, Los Gatos, Calif., Archbishop Mitty HS, Northern California)
23 Corbin Batista (OPP, 6-7, St. George, Utah, Alta HS, Intermountain)
28 Thomas Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Coaches

Head Coach: Charlie Sullivan (Springfield College)
Assistant Coach: Jonah Carson (MVVC)
Assistant Coach: Patrick Shawaryn (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Team Doctor: Dr. Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (NTDP)

2025 Boys U19 World Championship Schedule
All times Pacific

July 24: Finland def. USA, 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20)
July 25: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-21)
July 26: USA def. Colombia, 3-2 (25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 30-32, 15-9)
July 28: Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-22)
July 29: USA def. Korea, 3-1 (25-27, 28-26, 25-22, 25-19)
July 30: Round of 16: Bulgaria def. USA, 3-2 (25-22, 25-23, 20-25, 14-25, 16-14)
Aug. 1: Playoffs: Argentina def. USA, 3-2 (22-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-20, 15-9)
Aug. 2: Playoffs, USA vs. Pakistan
Aug. 3: Finals, TBA

Stories

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Eva Hudson and Emmy Klika (Photo by NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 31, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s U23 National Team faced its biggest test of the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U23 Pan American Cup, coming away with a 3-2 (20-25, 27-25, 25-20, 21-25, 15-10) semifinal round victory over Mexico on Wednesday in León, Mexico.

The U.S. (4-0) will play for the gold medal against North American rival Canada (4-1), which earned a five-set win in the quarterfinals and reverse swept Cuba in the other semifinal. The match will be tomorrow, Friday, August 1, at 3 p.m. PT.

The U.S. dominated the net with 15 blocks compared to just four for Mexico. The U.S. served five of the seven aces in the match. Although Mexico led in kills 68-65, they made 13 more hitting errors.

Middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla was outstanding with 10 of the 15 U.S. blocks to go with 12 kills for 22 points. Outside hitter Eva Hudson recorded 20 kills. Libero Emmy Klika finished with 27 digs and passed in system 82 percent of the time in 39 attempts.

Outside Chloe Chicoine scored 16 points on 15 kills and a block. Middle blocker Raven Colvin also reached double digits in scoring with 14 points on 10 kills, a team-high three aces and a block. Opposite Jurnee Robinson added eight points on six kills and a pair of blocks.

Mexico took a quick 7-2 lead to start the match and never trailed in the first set. Back-to-back aces off the tape by Colvin cut the lead to one, 11-10. The U.S. pulled within a point seven more times in the set, the last time 21-20 on a back row attack by Hudson, but Mexico scored the final four points of the set to hand the U.S. its first set loss of the tournament.

Two kills and two blocks from Cos-Okpalla turned a 9-9 tie in the second set into a 14-10 U.S. lead. Mexico answered with four consecutive points to tie the set again. A Colvin kill put the U.S. up by three points, 19-16, and the lead was three again, 22-19, when Cos-Okpalla adjusted midair to post a kill. Mexico used a 4-1 run to square the set at 23. The U.S. was unable to convert two set points before scoring consecutive points on a kill by Hudson and another block by Cos-Okpalla.

The U.S. won the third set, 25-20. In the fourth, Chicoine scored off the block to give the U.S. an 11-10 lead, but Mexico ran off the next four points and never trailed again in the set. Chicoine kills tied the set at 19 and 20, and a Hudson back row attack evened the score at 21. Mexico scored the final four points to send the match to a fifth set.

The U.S. gave up the first point of the deciding set but scored the next three points and never surrendered the lead behind the pinpoint passing of Klika. Mexico misplayed a Chicoine serve, leading to a Colvin kill on a slide and the 3-1 advantage. After dropping the next point, the U.S. regained a two-point lead on another perfect pass from Klika that led to a Hudson kill off the block.

A Robinson kill and Cos-Okpalla block increased the margin to three, 7-4, and prompted a Mexico timeout. The U.S. continued its momentum with a Chicoine off-speed crosscourt kill and Robinson block making it 9-4.

Another strong Klika pass led to a Chicoine kill for an 11-7 U.S. lead. A series of phenomenal defensive plays by Mexico ending up cutting the lead back to three, but the trio of Klika, setter Caroline Kerr and Chicoine connected again for a 12-8 lead.

Kills by Hudson and Colvin gave the U.S. 13-8 and 14-9 leads, respectively. After Mexico saved one set point, Hudson ended the match on a kill to send the U.S. to the gold medal match.

USA Volleyball Women’s U23 Roster

Name, (Pos., Height, Hometown, College/Pro, Region)
1 Emmy Klika (L, 5-7, 2003, Novelty, Ohio, Pro Volleyball Federation, Ohio Valley)
3 Chloe Chicoine (OH, 5-10, 2004, Lafayette, Ind., Univ. of Louisville, Hoosier)
4 Cara Cresse (MB, 6-6, 2003, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Univ. of Louisville, Hoosier)
6 Raven Colvin (MB, 6-1, 2003, Indianapolis, Ind., Pro Volleyball Federation, Hoosier)
8 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, 2004, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Univ. of Kentucky, Hoosier)
9 Norah Sis (OH, 6-2, 2003, Papillion, Neb., Pro Volleyball Federation, Great Plains)
10 Averi Carlson (S, 5-11, 2003, Lucas, Texas, SMU, North Texas)
11 Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (MB, 6-2, 2004, Flower Mound, Texas, Texas A&M, North Texas)
13C Caroline Kerr (S, 5-11, 2004, Champaign, Ill., Univ. of Tennessee, Great Lakes)
15 Ava Martin (OH, 6-1, 2004, Overland Park, Kan., Creighton Univ., Heart of America)
16 Jurnee Robinson (OPP/OH, 6-1, 2004, Simpsonville, S.C., LSU, Palmetto)
18 Lauren Rumel (OPP, 6-2, 2003, Tucson, Ariz., Oregon State Univ., Arizona)

Alternates
7 Brooke Bultema (MB, 2004, Cincinnati, Ohio, Univ. of Kentucky, Ohio Valley)
12 Ella Swindle (S, 6-2, 2004, Columbia, Mo., Univ. of Texas, Heart of America)
14 Devin Kahahawai (OPP, 6-4, 2004, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
17 Marianna Singletary (MB, 6-4, 2004, Charleston, S.C., UCLA, Southern)
19 Maya Sands (L, 5-7, Rock Falls, Ill., Univ. of Missouri, Great Lakes)

Coaches
Head Coach: Marie Zidek (DePaul)
Assistant Coach: Kayla Banwarth (PVF, Olympian)
Assistant Coach: Danielle Scott (LOVB, Olympian)
Performance Analyst: Matthew Adams (Michigan)
ATC: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Team Lead: Taylor Marten (Ozark Juniors)

Schedule

All times Pacific

July 27: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (27-25, 25-19, 25-21)
July 28: USA def. Suriname, 3-0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-7)
July 29: USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-18, 25-10, 25-10)
July 30: Quarterfinals: USA received a bye
July 31: Semifinals: USA def. Mexico, 3-2 (20-25, 27-25, 25-20, 21-25, 15-10)
Aug. 1: Gold Medal Match: USA vs. Canada, 3 p.m.

Stories

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Grant Lamoureux passes
Grant Lamoureux (Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 30, 2025) – The U.S. Boys U19 National Team nearly pulled off a reverse sweep but fell to Bulgaria, 3-2 (25-22, 25-23, 20-25, 14-25, 16-14) in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIVB U19 World Championship on Wednesday in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The U.S. (3-3) will face Argentina (4-2) in the playoff round on Friday, August 1.

The U.S. led Bulgaria in kills (59-54), served the only two aces of the match, and made six fewer errors (28-22). Bulgaria finished with 20 kills, four more than the U.S.

Outside hitter Grant Lamoureux led all scorers with 24 kills and 28 points, adding three blocks and an ace. He also contributed 10 successful receptions and five digs.

Opposite Corbin Batista put together his best match of the tournament with 15 points on 13 kills and two blocks with nine digs. Libero Layton Bluth led all players with 12 digs and 11 successful receptions.

Middle blocker Luc Soerensen recorded a match-high six blocks to go with five kills for 11 points. Outside Myles Jordan also finished with 11 points on nine kills, one block, and one ace. Middle Roman Payne scored six points on three kills and three blocks.

Back-to-back blocks gave Bulgaria a four-point lead, 17-13, in a first set in which neither team had led by more than two points. Scrambling defense kept a rally alive and led to a Lamoureux kill and he followed with a block to cut the lead to one, 18-17.

Two more blocks gave Bulgaria late three-point advantages. The U.S. held off two set points before dropping the set. Lamoureux scored seven points on six kills and a block.

A block gave Bulgaria a 12-9 lead in the second set. Still facing a three-point deficit at 15-12, the U.S. went on a 4-1 run with a Soerensen block evening the set at 16. A Soerensen kill put the U.S. out in front 20-19, but Bulgaria retook the lead by scoring the next two points.

Lamoureux tied the set at 22 but two more Bulgaria blocks made it 24-22. After saving one set point, the U.S. dropped the set on a service error. Lamoureux delivered six kills in the set, while Soerensen scored five points on three kills and two blocks.

A Jordan kill off hands and a block staked the U.S. to a 9-4 lead in the third set. Bulgaria used two blocks to cut the lead to two, 10-8, but Batista put the U.S. back up by three with a kill to end a long rally. The lead reached four, 17-13, when Jordan produced another kill off the block.

A Soerensen block followed by two Bulgaria hitting errors gave the U.S. its largest lead at 20-14. Bulgaria was unable to get any closer than four points the remainder of the set. Lamoureux recorded five more kills with Batista adding four, and Jordan scoring four points on three kills and a block.

Lamoureux served for seven consecutive points to turn a 9-8 U.S. lead in the fourth set into an eight-point advantage. Payne posted two blocks in the run and Lamoureux served an ace. A Jordan kill upped the margin to nine points, 19-10.

Blocks by Soerensen and Urbina, and a Jordan ace brought set point at 24-11. After Bulgaria held off three set points, Lamoureux ended the set with his fourth kill and fifth point. Jordan also scored five points on four kills and a block.

A Batista kill gave the U.S. the lead, 8-7, at the side switch in the fifth set. The U.S. ran off three consecutive points to take a 13-10, the last on a Soerensen kill. A Jordan kill gave the U.S. three match points at 14-11 but Bulgaria scored the final five points of the match, the last on its 20th block, to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Lamoureux scored four points on two blocks and two kills, and Batista added three points on two kills and a block.

2025 Boys U19 National Team World Championship Roster

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Layton Bluth (L, 5-8, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Northern California)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lonestar)
10 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., West Ranch HS, Southern California)
12 Rafael Urbina (S, 6-6, Broomfield, Colo., Legacy HS, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
19 Roman Payne (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., Carlsbad HS, Southern California)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine University, Carolina)
21 William Dryden (OPP, 6-7, Los Gatos, Calif., Archbishop Mitty HS, Northern California)
23 Corbin Batista (OPP, 6-7, St. George, Utah, Alta HS, Intermountain)
28 Thomas Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Coaches

Head Coach: Charlie Sullivan (Springfield College)
Assistant Coach: Jonah Carson (MVVC)
Assistant Coach: Patrick Shawaryn (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Team Doctor: Dr. Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (NTDP)

2025 Boys U19 World Championship Schedule
All times Pacific

July 24: Finland def. USA, 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20)
July 25: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-21)
July 26: USA def. Colombia, 3-2 (25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 30-32, 15-9)
July 28: Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-22)
July 29: USA def. Korea, 3-1 (25-27, 28-26, 25-22, 25-19)
July 30: Round of 16: Bulgaria def. USA, 3-2 (25-22, 25-23, 20-25, 14-25, 16-14)
Aug. 1: Playoffs: USA vs. Argentina
Aug. 2: Playoffs, TBA
Aug. 3: Finals, TBA

Stories

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 29, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s U23 National Team finished pool play without dropping a set after a 3-0 (25-18, 25-10, 25-10) win over Costa Rica on Tuesday at the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U23 Pan American Cup in León, Mexico.

The U.S. (3-0) earned a bye in tomorrow’s quarterfinal round and advanced directly to the semifinal round on Thursday, July 31.

The U.S. recorded 50 kills in the match, 30 more than Costa Rica, and six of the eight blocks in the match. The U.S. hit .460 as a team with its 50 kills and only 10 errors in 87 total attacks, while limiting Costa Rica to a .037 hitting percentage.

Opposite Jurnee Robinson led all players with 14 points on 13 kills and a block. She hit .579 for the match.

Middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla scored nine points on eight kills, and outside hitter Chloe Chicoine also finished with eight kills. Cos-Okpalla and Chicoine each hit .727 with eight kills without an error in 11 attacks. Chicoine added 10 digs and five successful receptions.

Middle blocker Raven Colvin totaled eight points on seven kills and a block. Libero Emmy Klika paced all players with 15 kills and nine successful receptions.

In addition to running the effective offense, setters Averi Carlson (four points on three kills and a block) and Caroline Kerr (two points on a kill and a block) combined for six points.

The U.S. never trailed in the first set, grabbing an early 8-4 lead when Martin converted an overpass for a kill. A Colvin kill extended the lead to six, 15-9. A block by Carlson gave the U.S. its biggest lead of the set, 20-12. After Costa Rica scored the next two points, Robinson scored on a tip. Robinson finished the set with her seventh kill.

With a 6-5 lead in the second set, the U.S. went on a 8-1 run to take an eight-point lead. Colvin served three aces in that stretch, and Cos-Okpalla delivered a kill to end the longest rally of the match and put the U.S. up 13-6. A Colvin block extended the lead to 12 points, 20-8. Colvin added three kills in the set for four points and Hudson recorded four kills.

A Robinson block put the U.S. up 5-1 early in the third set. A Colvin kill raised the lead to eight, 12-4. The U.S. continued to extend the lead, and a Chicoine kill ended the match for back-to-back 25-10 victories. Robinson paced the U.S. with seven points on six kills and a block.

USA Volleyball Women’s U23 Roster

Name, (Pos., Height, Hometown, College/Pro, Region) 
1 Emmy Klika (L, 5-7, 2003, Novelty, Ohio, Pro Volleyball Federation, Ohio Valley)
3 Chloe Chicoine (OH, 5-10, 2004, Lafayette, Ind., Univ. of Louisville, Hoosier)
4 Cara Cresse (MB, 6-6, 2003, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Univ. of Louisville, Hoosier)
6 Raven Colvin (MB, 6-1, 2003, Indianapolis, Ind., Pro Volleyball Federation, Hoosier)
8 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, 2004, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Univ. of Kentucky, Hoosier)
9 Norah Sis (OH, 6-2, 2003, Papillion, Neb., Pro Volleyball Federation, Great Plains)
10 Averi Carlson (S, 5-11, 2003, Lucas, Texas, SMU, North Texas)
11 Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (MB, 6-2, 2004, Flower Mound, Texas, Texas A&M, North Texas)
13C Caroline Kerr (S, 5-11, 2004, Champaign, Ill., Univ. of Tennessee, Great Lakes)
15 Ava Martin (OH, 6-1, 2004, Overland Park, Kan., Creighton Univ., Heart of America)
16 Jurnee Robinson (OPP/OH, 6-1, 2004, Simpsonville, S.C., LSU, Palmetto)
18 Lauren Rumel (OPP, 6-2, 2003, Tucson, Ariz., Oregon State Univ., Arizona)

Alternates
7 Brooke Bultema (MB, 2004, Cincinnati, Ohio, Univ. of Kentucky, Ohio Valley)
12 Ella Swindle (S, 6-2, 2004, Columbia, Mo., Univ. of Texas, Heart of America)
14 Devin Kahahawai (OPP, 6-4, 2004, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
17 Marianna Singletary (MB, 6-4, 2004, Charleston, S.C., UCLA, Southern)
19 Maya Sands (L, 5-7, Rock Falls, Ill., Univ. of Missouri, Great Lakes)

Coaches
Head Coach: Marie Zidek (DePaul)
Assistant Coach: Kayla Banwarth (PVF, Olympian)
Assistant Coach: Danielle Scott (LOVB, Olympian)
Performance Analyst: Matthew Adams (Michigan)
ATC: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Team Lead: Taylor Marten (Ozark Juniors)

Schedule

All times Pacific

July 27: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (27-25, 25-19, 25-21)
July 28: USA def. Suriname, 3-0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-7)
July 29: USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-18, 25-10, 25-10)
July 30: Quarterfinals: USA received a bye
July 31: Semifinals: USA vs. TBA
Aug. 1: Medal Match: USA vs. TBA

Stories

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Photo by Donovan Martinez

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 29, 2025) – The U.S. Boys U19 National Team used a dominating block to record a critical 3-1 (25-27, 28-26, 25-22, 25-19) victory over Korea to close out pool play at the FIVB U19 World Championship on Tuesday in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

“It was the most consistently focused performance we have had all tournament. That came from a lot of growth and recognizing things we could do better. I’m really proud of the guys. They put their minds to this one and all their effort, and represented USA Volleyball really well,” said U.S. head coach Charlie Sullivan.

The U.S. (3-2) will move on to the Round of 16 tomorrow, Wednesday, July 30, at 2 a.m. PT against Bulgaria.

“That will be another extraordinary test here at the World Championships because we are playing teams who play the game so well. It is really forcing us to make adjustments and raise our level of play. Another great opponent in another great tournament, so we are looking forward to it,” Sullivan remarked.

The U.S. controlled the net, finished with an overwhelming 20-2 advantage in blocks. The U.S. recorded eight more kills (52-44). Korea led 8-5 in aces and committed 14 fewer errors (40-26).

Outside hitter Grant Lamoureux led all players in points (27) and kills (20), shared match-high honors with five blocks, and led the U.S. with two aces.

“Starting the tournament, we came out a little slow and didn’t figure out how to play together the best. We had a meeting last night talking over everything that we can come out and do better. I think we executed that plan perfectly. We came out as a team with high energy, a strong culture, and just played the volleyball we know we can play, and it turned out great for us,” commented Lamoureux, who has led the team in scoring in all five matches.

Middle blocker Roman Payne also registered five blocks, adding nine kills for 14 points. He hit .750 with his nine kills without an error in 12 attacks. Setter Rafael Urbina contributed five points with three blocks, a kill and an ace. He led the team with six digs, while running the offense that hit at a .433 efficiency percentage with 52 kills and 13 errors in 90 total attacks.

Outside hitter Elan Taylor came off the bench to total nine points on eight kills and a block. He hit .700 with just one error in 10 attacks. Middle Thomas Henige hit .727 with eight kills and added an ace for nine points. Opposite William Dryden joined Lamoureux and Payne with five blocks and added two kills.

Neither team led by more than two points at any time in the first set. A Jordan kill, Helle ace and Lamoureux kill on a back row attack turned an 18-16 deficit into a 19-18 lead for the U.S. A Payne kill made it 23-21 but Korea scored the next two points with the tying point coming on an ace off the tape.

A Dryden block gave the U.S. set point at 24-23 but after the teams exchanged service errors, Korea scored the final three points to take the set. Lamoureux led the U.S. with seven points on four kills, two of the team’s five blocks and an ace.

Korea scored the first five points of the second set, running its consecutive point streak to eight, and eventually took a 7-1 lead. The U.S. pulled within three points, 11-8, on a block by setter Rafael Urbina after Korea struggled with a Dryden serve and was out of system.

After falling behind 16-10, the U.S. ran off four points in a row with an Urbina ace cutting the lead to two. Korea led 21-19 before the U.S. tied the set for the first time. A great up by Bluth on a tough serve led to a Lamoureux kill and then a good Urbina cover off the block touch led to a Taylor kill to even the set at 21-21.

The U.S. saved three match points after trailing 24-22 and 26-25 before scoring three points in a row to take the set and even the match on a pair of blocks. Lamoureux, who served the final two points, scored seven points on five kills and two blocks.

A Lamoureux ace put the U.S. ahead 9-6 in the third set. The lead grew to five on a Korea hitting error, 16-11, and was still five when a Taylor kill made it 20-15. Korea scored the next four points to cut the margin to one.

The teams split the next four points when a Payne kill pushed the advantage back to two, 23-21. After yielding the next point, the U.S. scored the final two points on a Taylor kill off the block and an Urbina block, the team’s 17th block of the match. Lamoureux scored seven points on six kills and an ace, Taylor recorded five kills, and Payne and Urbina each had two blocks.

The U.S. started the fourth set strong with a Payne kill and a Korea hitting error giving the U.S. a 9-4 lead. Taylor scored the team’s next three points on two kills and a block for a 12-8 lead. Blocks by Lamoureux and Payne stretched the lead to seven points, 17-10.

Urbina punched a kill to the back court after a tight pass for a 20-12 U.S. lead. The lead was still eight, 21-13, after a Dryden kill before Korea ran off five points in a row, the last three on aces. A serving error after the second U.S. timeout during the run extended the advantage back to four points, 22-18.

Kills by Lamoureux and Henige gave the U.S. match point and, after surrendering one point, the U.S. sealed the win on Lamoureux’s 20th kill of the match. He finished the set with six points on five kills and a block.

2025 Boys U19 National Team World Championship Roster

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Layton Bluth (L, 5-8, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Northern California)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lonestar)
10 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., West Ranch HS, Southern California)
12 Rafael Urbina (S, 6-6, Broomfield, Colo., Legacy HS, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
19 Roman Payne (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., Carlsbad HS, Southern California)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine University, Carolina)
21 William Dryden (OPP, 6-7, Los Gatos, Calif., Archbishop Mitty HS, Northern California)
23 Corbin Batista (OPP, 6-7, St. George, Utah, Alta HS, Intermountain)
28 Thomas Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Coaches

Head Coach: Charlie Sullivan (Springfield College)
Assistant Coach: Jonah Carson (MVVC)
Assistant Coach: Patrick Shawaryn (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Team Doctor: Dr. Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (NTDP)

2025 Boys U19 World Championship Schedule
All times Pacific

July 24: Finland def. USA, 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20)
July 25: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-21)
July 26: USA def. Colombia, 3-2 (25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 30-32, 15-9)
July 28: Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-22)
July 29: USA def. Korea, 3-1 (25-27, 28-26, 25-22, 25-19)
July 30: Playoffs/Round of 16, TBA
Aug. 1: Playoffs/Quarterfinals, TBA
Aug. 2: Playoffs/Semifinals, TBA
Aug. 3: Finals, TBA

Stories

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Photo by Taylor Marten

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 28, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s U23 National Team dominated Suriname, 3-0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-7) at the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U23 Pan American Cup on Monday in León, Mexico.

The U.S. (2-0) concludes pool play against Costa Rica tomorrow, Tuesday, July 29, at 3 p.m. PT.

The U.S. outscored Suriname 75-30 and hit .521 (43 kills and only six errors in 71 total attacks). Suriname finished with more hitting errors (17) than kills (15). The U.S. registered the only five blocks in the match and 10 of the 11 aces.

Setter Caroline Kerr ran the nearly unstoppable U.S. offense while scoring five points on one kill, one block and a match-high three aces. Libero Emmy Klika totaled 18 digs and 12 successful receptions.

The top five scorers in the match were from the U.S., with each totaling at least nine points. Outside hitter Norah Sis hit .600 with 13 kills and only one error in 20 attacks, adding two aces for 15 points. Middle blocker Cara Cresse also reached double digits with 11 points on nine kills and two blocks.

Middle Raven Colvin (five kills with two blocks an aces), outside Ava Martin (seven kills and two aces) and opposite Lauren Rumel (eight kills and an ace) all totaled nine points.

A Cresse kill on a slide gave the U.S. an 8-3 lead early in the match. The U.S., which went on a 9-2 run for a 17-5 lead, took its biggest lead on the final point on an ace by Martin. Rumel recorded five kills with Sis (four kills) and Martin (three kills in addition to her ace) adding four points.

Suriname took its first leads of the match 2-1 and 3-2 in the second set. The U.S. scored five consecutive points, culminating with a Sis kill on a back row attack, to prompt a timeout. After the teams split the next 10 points, the U.S. went on a 5-1 run to take a 16-9 lead on a Rumel ace.

The lead reached double digits, 20-10, on a Kerr kill and moved to 11 (23-12) on a Kerr service ace. Colvin ended the set by putting a ball down after an overpass on one of the longer rallies of the contest. Sis produced five kills, Cresse scored five points on four kills and a block, and Colvin finished with four points on three kills and a block.

Two Kerr aces and a Colvin block led the U.S. to a 6-0 start to the third set. After Suriname put together three consecutive points for the first time in the match, the U.S. went on another 6-0 run that included a pair of aces by Sis.

Leading 16-5, the U.S. scored seven consecutive points and nine of the last 11 to close out the match. Sis led the way with six points on four kills and two aces.

USA Volleyball Women’s U23 Roster

Name, (Pos., Height, Hometown, College/Pro, Region) 
1 Emmy Klika (L, 5-7, 2003, Novelty, Ohio, Pro Volleyball Federation, Ohio Valley)
3 Chloe Chicoine (OH, 5-10, 2004, Lafayette, Ind., Univ. of Louisville, Hoosier)
4 Cara Cresse (MB, 6-6, 2003, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Univ. of Louisville, Hoosier)
6 Raven Colvin (MB, 6-1, 2003, Indianapolis, Ind., Pro Volleyball Federation, Hoosier)
8 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, 2004, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Univ. of Kentucky, Hoosier)
9 Norah Sis (OH, 6-2, 2003, Papillion, Neb., Pro Volleyball Federation, Great Plains)
10 Averi Carlson (S, 5-11, 2003, Lucas, Texas, SMU, North Texas)
11 Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (MB, 6-2, 2004, Flower Mound, Texas, Texas A&M, North Texas)
13C Caroline Kerr (S, 5-11, 2004, Champaign, Ill., Univ. of Tennessee, Great Lakes)
15 Ava Martin (OH, 6-1, 2004, Overland Park, Kan., Creighton Univ., Heart of America)
16 Jurnee Robinson (OPP/OH, 6-1, 2004, Simpsonville, S.C., LSU, Palmetto)
18 Lauren Rumel (OPP, 6-2, 2003, Tucson, Ariz., Oregon State Univ., Arizona)

Alternates
7 Brooke Bultema (MB, 2004, Cincinnati, Ohio, Univ. of Kentucky, Ohio Valley)
12 Ella Swindle (S, 6-2, 2004, Columbia, Mo., Univ. of Texas, Heart of America)
14 Devin Kahahawai (OPP, 6-4, 2004, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
17 Marianna Singletary (MB, 6-4, 2004, Charleston, S.C., UCLA, Southern)
19 Maya Sands (L, 5-7, Rock Falls, Ill., Univ. of Missouri, Great Lakes)

Coaches
Head Coach: Marie Zidek (DePaul)
Assistant Coach: Kayla Banwarth (PVF, Olympian)
Assistant Coach: Danielle Scott (LOVB, Olympian)
Performance Analyst: Matthew Adams (Michigan)
ATC: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Team Lead: Taylor Marten (Ozark Juniors)

Schedule

All times Pacific

July 27: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (27-25, 25-19, 25-21)
July 28: USA def. Suriname, 3-0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-7)
July 29: USA vs. Costa Rica, 3 p.m.
July 30: Quarterfinals
July 31: Semifinals and Classification Matches
Aug. 1: Medal Matches and Classification matches

Stories

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 28, 2025) – The U.S. Boys U19 National Team fell to Brazil, 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-22) at the FIVB U19 World Championship on Monday in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The U.S. (2-2) will complete pool play tomorrow Tuesday, July 29, at 8 a.m. PT against Korea (3-1).

The U.S. recorded three more kills (39-36) but could not overcome 27 errors. Brazil led in blocks (9-7) and aces (3-1) and made nine fewer errors.

Outside hitter Grant Lamoureux led all players with 12 kills and shared match-high honors with 13 points, adding a block. Middle blocker Roman Payne scored eight points on six kills and a pair of blocks.

Libero Layton Bluth led the team with seven digs and five successful receptions. Opposite William Dryden led the team with three blocks and delivered four kills for seven points, while middle Thomas Henige produced seven kills. Outside hitter Myles Jordan finished with six points on five kills and a block.

A block put Brazil out in front 14-10 in the first set, but the U.S. scored the next three points, the final one on a Lamoureux block, to pull within a point. It was as close as the U.S. would get as Brazil responded after a timeout with a three-point run. A Lamoureux kill and Payne block saved two set points before Brazil scored. Lamoureux scored six points, adding five kills to his block.

As it did in the first set, Brazil took an early lead and frustrated the U.S. comeback attempts. An ace put Brazil ahead 8-4, but a Jordan block capped a 4-0 U.S. run that closed the gap to two points. Brazil built the lead to six points, 22-16, when three Lamoureux kills keyed a 6-1 U.S. run that cut the margin to one point. Two U.S. errors put Brazil ahead two sets to none. Lamoureux and Henige each scored four points in the set.

For the third consecutive set, Brazil jumped ahead early, taking a 9-4 lead. Strong serving by setter Rafael Urbina brought the U.S. within a point and forced a Brazil timeout. Urbina’s ace made it 10-8 and a Henige kill cut the lead to one point. The U.S. tied the set at 11 but back-to-back points gave Brazil the lead it would never relinquish. Dryden scored four points on two kills and two blocks.

2025 Boys U19 National Team World Championship Roster

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Layton Bluth (L, 5-8, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Northern California)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lonestar)
10 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., West Ranch HS, Southern California)
12 Rafael Urbina (S, 6-6, Broomfield, Colo., Legacy HS, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
19 Roman Payne (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., Carlsbad HS, Southern California)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine University, Carolina)
21 William Dryden (OPP, 6-7, Los Gatos, Calif., Archbishop Mitty HS, Northern California)
23 Corbin Batista (OPP, 6-7, St. George, Utah, Alta HS, Intermountain)
28 Thomas Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Coaches

Head Coach: Charlie Sullivan (Springfield College)
Assistant Coach: Jonah Carson (MVVC)
Assistant Coach: Patrick Shawaryn (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Team Doctor: Dr. Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (NTDP)

2025 Boys U19 World Championship Schedule
All times Pacific

July 24: Finland def. USA, 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20)
July 25: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-21)
July 26: USA def. Colombia, 3-2 (25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 30-32, 15-9)
July 28: Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-22)
July 29: USA vs. Korea, 8 a.m.
July 30: Playoffs/Round of 16, TBA
Aug. 1: Playoffs/Quarterfinals, TBA
Aug. 2: Playoffs/Semifinals, TBA
Aug. 3: Finals, TBA

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2025 Women's U21
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 27, 2025) — The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team completed its undefeated run to win the gold medal at the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-13) championship match victory over Chile on Sunday in San Jose, Costa Rica. The U.S. finished the tournament without losing a set in its five matches and won its third straight Pan Am titles, after winning in 2022 and 2023.

“I’m happy for the group to come together over two weeks and play well in the final against a good Chile team. Everyone contributed and I was glad how they kept their focus the whole match. We played our best volleyball at the end,” said U.S. head coach Heather Olmstead. “It was a great tournament, and Costa Rica did a great job hosting it. We are just really grateful to be here and to represent the USA.”

Brooklyn DeLeye was named MVP and first Best Outside Hitter. Favor Anyanwu received second Best Middle Blocker, and Taylor Parks earned Best Server.

The U.S. finished with large margins in kills (42-15), blocks (10-2) and aces (8-2). Chile committed 11 fewer errors (26-15). The U.S. hit .516 for the match with 42 kills and just nine hitting errors in 64 attacks, while limiting Chile to a .000 hitting percentage on the same number of attacks.

Middle blocker Favor Anyanwu and opposite Jadyn Livings shared match-high honors with 13 points each. Anyanwu led all players with four blocks, adding eight kills, and the championship-clinching ace. Livings was the only player to reach double digits in kills (12) to go with a block.

Outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye scored eight points on seven kills and a block, and middle blocker Ayden Ames totaled six points on three kills, two blocks and an ace. Libero Ramsey Gary led all players with 11 digs. Setter Stella Swenson delivered a match-high three aces.

A Glover block and back-to-back Swenson aces started a 7-0 U.S. run that turned a two-point lead into a nine-point margin, 13-4, in set one. DeLeye produced a kill that put the U.S. up 22-12 before Chile scored the next four points to prompt a U.S. timeout. The teams split points the rest of the set. DeLeye led all players with five points on four kills and a block.

The U.S. took an early 6-2 lead on a Livings kill in the second set and then the U.S. bench showed off its dancing skills during a lengthy delay. Back-to-back DeLeye kills made it 8-3 heading into the first technical timeout. Ames served an ace to build the lead to seven points, 17-10.

Anyanwu posted a block to put the U.S. ahead 20-11. Livings finished the set with a block, her seventh point of the set. She recorded six kills. Opposite Noemie Glover scored five points on four kills and a block with middle Lizzy Andrew (three kills and one block) and outside hitter Blaire Bayless (three kills and one ace) each scoring four points.

An Anyanwu kill gave the U.S. a 10-5 lead and when Glover put a ball down, the lead grew to seven at 13-6. Anyanwu scored on a slide off the block for an 18-9 lead. Anyanwu sealed the championship with an ace, her seventh point of the set after contributing three kills and three blocks.

2025 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Lizzy Andrew (MB, 6-5, 2005, Ridgefield, Wash., Stanford University, Columbia Empire)
4 Blaire Bayless (OH, 6-2, 2005, Plano, Texas, University of Pittsburgh, North Texas)
5 Favor Anyanwu (MB, 6-3, 2006, Rowlett, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
6 Ayden Ames (MB, 6-4, 2006, Prosper, Texas, University of Texas, North Texas)
7C Brooklyn DeLeye (OH, 6-2, 2005, Auburn, Kan., University of Kentucky, Heart of America)
8 Stella Swenson (S, 6-2, 2005, Wayzata, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country)
11 Ramsey Gary (L, 5-7, 2005, Pendelton, Ind., University of Texas, Hoosier)
12 Noemie Glover (OPP, 6-2, 2005, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Arizona State University, Southern California)
13 Kamryn Gibadlo (OH, 6-1, 2005, Cave Creek, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona)
14 Jadyn Livings (OPP/OH, 6-1, 2006, Dallas, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
16 Taylor Parks (S, 5-11, 2006, Clearwater, Fla., University of Florida, Florida)
19 Abby Vander Wal (OH, 6-3, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes)

Alternates
Jaela Auguste (MB, 6-2, 2006, Spring, Texas, University of Florida, Lone Star)
Carlie Cisneros (OH, 6-0, 2006, Paola, KS, University of Arizona, Heart of America)
Cristin Cline (S, 5-11, Stanfield, N.C., University of Kansas, Carolina)
Taylor Harvey (MB, 6-3, 2006, Bountiful, Utah, Bountiful HS, Intermountain)
Abigail Mullen (OPP, 6-3, 2006, Kansas City, Mo., University of Southern California, Heart of America)
Molly Tuozzo (L, 5-8, 2005, The Woodlands, Texas, University of Kentucky, Lone Star)

Coaches
Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (BYU)
Assistant Coach: Keith Smith (TCU)
Assistant Coach: Megan Hodge Easy (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: Jimmy Kim (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Britta Pestak (Hawken School/University Hospital)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (Maryland)

Schedule
All times Pacific

July 22: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-13)
July 23: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-13, 25-7, 25-15)
July 24: USA def. Chile, 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-11)
July 25: Quarterfinals: USA received bye
July 26: Semifinals: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-20)
July 27: Gold Medal: USA def. Chile, 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-13)

Stories

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2025 Women's U23
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 27, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s U23 National Team opened the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U23 Pan American Cup with a sweep of the Dominican Republic, 3-0 (27-25, 25-19, 25-21) on Sunday in León, Mexico.

The U.S. will return to the court tomorrow, Monday, July 28, at 1 p.m. PT against Suriname.

The U.S. finished with an advantage in kills (43-35) while leading 9-5 in blocks. The Dominican Republic served one more ace (3-2).

Opposite Jurnee Robinson made a stellar international debut by leading the U.S. with 13 points on eight kills and a match-high five blocks. Outside hitter Eva Hudson recorded 10 kills and 17 successful receptions, while middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla finished with 10 points on seven kills, two blocks and an ace in her first international appearance.

Libero Emmy Klika registered a match-high 19 digs, eight more than the next highest total, and added nine successful receptions. Outside Chloe Chicoine delivered nine kills, 11 digs and 10 successful receptions.

Middle blocker Raven Colvin scored nine points on seven kills and two blocks. Setter Averi Carlson ran the U.S. offense and added eight digs.

The first set was close throughout with the Dominican Republic holding a 21-19 lead before the U.S. went on a four-point run to move ahead 23-21. With the score tied at 21, a strong up by Chicoine led to a Hudson kill. On the following play, a great dig by Klika kept a rally live that finished with Hudson scoring off a set from Klika.

Trailing 24-22, the Dominican Republic saved two set points. Another great dig by Klika led to another Hudson kill and a third set point, but the Dominican Republic scored the next point. Robinson finished the set with a kill and a block. Hudson ended the set with seven kills, while Robinson scored five points on three kills and two blocks.

The Dominican Republic led 13-11 in the second set before a 5-0 U.S. run that included an ace by Cos-Okpalla. An ace brought the Dominican Republic back within a point, 16-15, and the teams traded points until the U.S. finished the set on a 6-1 run. Cos-Okpalla had a kill and block down the stretch, totaling seven points on five kills, a block and an ace.

A block by Chicoine gave the U.S. a 10-6 lead in the third set. Back-to-back blocks by Robinson and Cos-Okpalla stretched the lead to six points, 13-7. The Dominican Republic pulled within a point on an ace, 20-19, but Cos-Okpalla recorded a kill on the next point and a hitting error pushed the lead back to three points, 22-19.

A Colvin block gave the U.S. match point, 24-20, and after yielding the next point, the U.S. completed the sweep on a Chicoine kill. Robinson paced the team with six points on three kills and three aces.

USA Volleyball Women’s U23 Roster

Name, (Pos., Height, Hometown, College/Pro, Region) 
1 Emmy Klika (L, 5-7, 2003, Novelty, Ohio, Pro Volleyball Federation, Ohio Valley)
3 Chloe Chicoine (OH, 5-10, 2004, Lafayette, Ind., Univ. of Louisville, Hoosier)
4 Cara Cresse (MB, 6-6, 2003, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Univ. of Louisville, Hoosier)
6 Raven Colvin (MB, 6-1, 2003, Indianapolis, Ind., Pro Volleyball Federation, Hoosier)
8 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, 2004, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Univ. of Kentucky, Hoosier)
9 Norah Sis (OH, 6-2, 2003, Papillion, Neb., Pro Volleyball Federation, Great Plains)
10 Averi Carlson (S, 5-11, 2003, Lucas, Texas, SMU, North Texas)
11 Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (MB, 6-2, 2004, Flower Mound, Texas, Texas A&M, North Texas)
13C Caroline Kerr (S, 5-11, 2004, Champaign, Ill., Univ. of Tennessee, Great Lakes)
15 Ava Martin (OH, 6-1, 2004, Overland Park, Kan., Creighton Univ., Heart of America)
16 Jurnee Robinson (OPP/OH, 6-1, 2004, Simpsonville, S.C., LSU, Palmetto)
18 Lauren Rumel (OPP, 6-2, 2003, Tucson, Ariz., Oregon State Univ., Arizona)

Alternates
7 Brooke Bultema (MB, 2004, Cincinnati, Ohio, Univ. of Kentucky, Ohio Valley)
12 Ella Swindle (S, 6-2, 2004, Columbia, Mo., Univ. of Texas, Heart of America)
14 Devin Kahahawai (OPP, 6-4, 2004, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
17 Marianna Singletary (MB, 6-4, 2004, Charleston, S.C., UCLA, Southern)
19 Maya Sands (L, 5-7, Rock Falls, Ill., Univ. of Missouri, Great Lakes)

Coaches
Head Coach: Marie Zidek (DePaul)
Assistant Coach: Kayla Banwarth (PVF, Olympian)
Assistant Coach: Danielle Scott (LOVB, Olympian)
Performance Analyst: Matthew Adams (Michigan)
ATC: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Team Lead: Taylor Marten (Ozark Juniors)

Schedule

All times Pacific

July 27: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (27-25, 25-19, 25-21)
July 28: USA vs. Suriname, 1 p.m.
July 29: USA vs. Costa Rica, 3 p.m.
July 30: Quarterfinals
July 31: Semifinals and Classification Matches
Aug. 1: Medal Matches and Classification matches

Stories

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Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 26, 2025) — The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team reached the gold medal match of the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-20) blanking of Canada in Saturday’s semifinal in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The U.S. will face the winner of the semifinal between Chile and host Costa Rica in the gold medal match tomorrow, Sunday, July 27, at 4 p.m. PT.

The U.S. dominated in kills (42-18) and aces (9-2), while Canada registered one more block (6-5) and 11 fewer errors (30-19).

The top four scorers were all from the U.S. with captain and outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye scoring 18 points on 14 kills and four aces. Opposite Jadyn Livings also reached double digits with 10 kills. Libero Ramsey Gary posted a match-high 17 digs, while DeLeye added six and Livings five.

“This was our second time playing Canada and they put up a great fight. I am really proud of how our team came together and represented our country and something bigger than ourselves,” DeLeye said.

Middle blocker Lizzy Andrew led all players with four blocks to go along with four kills and an ace for nine points. Outside Blaire Bayless also scored nine points with eight kills and an ace.

Back-to-back aces by DeLeye out of the first technical time out gave the U.S. a 10-5 lead in the opening set. The margin grew to six points, 16-10, at the second timeout but Canada used three blocks to ignite a 6-1 that cut the lead to one point, 17-16.

The U.S. then finished the first set on an 8-1 run with DeLeye (three kills and an ace) and Ames (three kills) accounting for the first seven points in that stretch. DeLeye totaled 10 points on seven kills and three aces.

The U.S. continued the momentum into the second set, jumping out to a 7-2 lead. A setter dump by Parks, a kill from Andrew, and a Parks ace upped the lead to nine points,15-6. With the U.S. leading 16-7, Canada scored seven consecutive points to cut the lead to 16-14. DeLeye ended the run with a kill off the block.

A Gibadlo ace followed by an Andrew kill pushed the lead back to six, 23-17. Livings ended the set with a kill to give the U.S. a two-set advantage. Andrew led the U.S. with five points on three blocks and a pair of kills.

The third set was tight with a DeLeye ace giving the U.S. a three-point lead, 17-14. After two Canada points, Livings recorded a kill after a long rally to put the U.S. ahead 18-16. An Andrew block and Bayless kill stretched the lead to four, 20-16. Livings sealed the win with her fourth kill of the set. DeLeye and Bayless each delivered five kills in the set.

2025 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Lizzy Andrew (MB, 6-5, 2005, Ridgefield, Wash., Stanford University, Columbia Empire)
4 Blaire Bayless (OH, 6-2, 2005, Plano, Texas, University of Pittsburgh, North Texas)
5 Favor Anyanwu (MB, 6-3, 2006, Rowlett, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
6 Ayden Ames (MB, 6-4, 2006, Prosper, Texas, University of Texas, North Texas)
7C Brooklyn DeLeye (OH, 6-2, 2005, Auburn, Kan., University of Kentucky, Heart of America)
8 Stella Swenson (S, 6-2, 2005, Wayzata, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country)
11 Ramsey Gary (L, 5-7, 2005, Pendelton, Ind., University of Texas, Hoosier)
12 Noemie Glover (OPP, 6-2, 2005, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Arizona State University, Southern California)
13 Kamryn Gibadlo (OH, 6-1, 2005, Cave Creek, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona)
14 Jadyn Livings (OPP/OH, 6-1, 2006, Dallas, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
16 Taylor Parks (S, 5-11, 2006, Clearwater, Fla., University of Florida, Florida)
19 Abby Vander Wal (OH, 6-3, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes)

Alternates
Jaela Auguste (MB, 6-2, 2006, Spring, Texas, University of Florida, Lone Star)
Carlie Cisneros (OH, 6-0, 2006, Paola, KS, University of Arizona, Heart of America)
Cristin Cline (S, 5-11, Stanfield, N.C., University of Kansas, Carolina)
Taylor Harvey (MB, 6-3, 2006, Bountiful, Utah, Bountiful HS, Intermountain)
Abigail Mullen (OPP, 6-3, 2006, Kansas City, Mo., University of Southern California, Heart of America)
Molly Tuozzo (L, 5-8, 2005, The Woodlands, Texas, University of Kentucky, Lone Star)

Coaches
Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (BYU)
Assistant Coach: Keith Smith (TCU)
Assistant Coach: Megan Hodge Easy (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: Jimmy Kim (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Britta Pestak (Hawken School/University Hospital)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (Maryland)

Schedule
All times Pacific

July 22: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-13)
July 23: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-13, 25-7, 25-15)
July 24: USA def. Chile, 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-11)
July 25: Quarterfinals: USA received bye
July 26: Semifinals: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-20)
July 27: Gold Medal: USA vs. Costa Rica/Chile, 4 p.m.

Stories

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 26, 2025) – The U.S. Boys U19 National Team won its second consecutive match at the FIVB U19 World Championship with a hard-fought 3-2 (25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 30-32, 15-9) victory over Colombia on Saturday in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

After a day off, the U.S. (2-1) will face Brazil (1-2) on Monday, July 28, at 8 a.m. PT.

The U.S. held a substantial advantage in kills (66-47), while also leading in blocks (9-3) and aces (9-8). Colombia made 15 fewer errors (45-30).

“It was a great learning experience for our guys. You’re on the road, you’re traveling, you’re grinding a little bit and facing a lot of adversity with a lot of things out of their control happening that could have set them off task. We stayed the course,” said U.S. head coach Charlie Sullivan. “I’m really proud of the focus, and even though we had moments where we weren’t sure, we stuck to the plan and the guys did a great job staying together and executing down the stretch. I’m really proud of the set five victory.”

MATCH STATISTICS

Outside hitter Grant Lamoureux led the U.S. for the third consecutive time, taking it to a new level with match-bests of 31 points–25 kills and five aces to go with a block.

Middle blocker Roman Payne scored 16 points on 13 kills, a block and two aces. Opposite William Dryden totaled 11 points on eight kills, two blocks and an ace. Middle Thomas Henige rounded out the team’s double-digit scorers with 10 points on seven kills and a match-high three blocks.

Libero Layton Bluth led all players with 13 digs and added six successful receptions. Setter Lucas Helle contributed six digs with one kill, block and ace. Outside hitter Elan Taylor finished with eight points on seven kills and a block, adding four digs and three successful receptions.

Lamoureux served back-to-back aces to put the U.S. ahead 11-7 in the first set. A Payne ace stretched the lead to five (13-8), and a kill by opposite Corbin Batista put the U.S. ahead 16-9 and forced Colombia to use its second timeout. Payne ended the set with his fourth kill and fifth point. Lamoureux led all players with six points on four kills to go with his two aces.

Cuba scored the first four points of the second set and jumped out to a 10-3 lead. The U.S. used a 5-0 run to close the gap to two points, 14-12, but were unable to get any closer. Lamoureux again scored six points, this time on five kills and his third ace.

The U.S. never trailed in the third set, taking a quick 5-2 lead on a Taylor kill. Colombia pulled within a point, 9-8, but a Dryden kill and two more Lamoureux aces moved the lead back to four points.

Colombia scored twice to cut the lead to three, 21-18, but misplayed an overpass, and a Lamoureux kill made it 22-18. A Helle ace, a Taylor block, and another Lamoureux kill ended the set. Dryden scored six points on five kills and a block, while Lamoureux added three kills to his two aces for five points.

Back-to-back aces completed a 10-1 Colombia run in the fourth set that turned a 6-4 deficit into a 14-7 lead. A Payne ace off the tape and a Henige kill on an overpass ended a 12-5 U.S. run that evened the space at 19. The set was tied 11 more times with the U.S. having four match points and saving three set points before Colombia tied the match at two sets apiece. Lamoureux finished with nine points on eight kills and a block.

Taking advantage of a series of Colombia errors, the U.S. took a four-point lead into the side switch in the deciding set. Lamoureux scored off an overpass and a key up by Helle kept a rally alive that ended with another Colombia error and an 8-4 U.S. lead.

After the teams traded points, Lamoureux delivered a kill off the block and Payne recorded a block for an 11-5 U.S. lead. Lamoureux’s fifth kill of the set made it 14-8. Colombia saved one match point, its fifth of the match, before the U.S. sealed the win.

2025 Boys U19 National Team World Championship Roster

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Layton Bluth (L, 5-8, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Northern California)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lonestar)
10 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., West Ranch HS, Southern California)
12 Rafael Urbina (S, 6-6, Broomfield, Colo., Legacy HS, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
19 Roman Payne (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., Carlsbad HS, Southern California)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine University, Carolina)
21 William Dryden (OPP, 6-7, Los Gatos, Calif., Archbishop Mitty HS, Northern California)
23 Corbin Batista (OPP, 6-7, St. George, Utah, Alta HS, Intermountain)
28 Thomas Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Coaches

Head Coach: Charlie Sullivan (Springfield College)
Assistant Coach: Jonah Carson (MVVC)
Assistant Coach: Patrick Shawaryn (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Team Doctor: Dr. Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (NTDP)

2025 Boys U19 World Championship Schedule
All times Pacific

July 24: Finland def. USA, 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20)
July 25: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-21)
July 26: USA def. Colombia, 3-2 (25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 30-32, 15-9)
July 28: USA vs. Brazil, 8 a.m.
July 29: USA vs. Korea, 8 a.m.
July 30: Playoffs/Round of 16, TBA
Aug. 1: Playoffs/Quarterfinals, TBA
Aug. 2: Playoffs/Semifinals, TBA
Aug. 3: Finals, TBA

Stories

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Eva Hudson attacks
Eva Hudson (NORCECA)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 25, 2025) – USA Volleyball announces the 12 athletes who will represent the United States at the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U23 Pan American Cup, taking place July 27-Aug. 1 in León, Mexico. The athletes were selected from the 17-member Women’s U23 National Team following a training block at the National Team Training Center in Anaheim, California.

The U.S. team begins play on Sunday, July 27 against the Dominican Republic at 1 p.m. PT. In pool play, the U.S. will also face Suriname and Costa Rica. Cuba, Mexico, Canada and Nicaragua are in the other pool.

DePaul University head coach Marie Zidek will lead the team in Mexico, assisted by five-time Olympian Danielle Scott (LOVB) and Olympian Kayla Banwarth (PVF).

“This roster reflects a clear vision for how we aim to compete on the international stage — with adaptability, depth and a commitment to playing a connected, intelligent game,” Zidek said. “We look forward to being tested as a group and stay committed to representing the USA with a fighting spirit as we chase competitive success in critical developmental tournaments.”

Seven athletes headed to Mexico have previous international experience for the U.S:

  • Averi Carlson: 2021 Women’s U21 National Team, 2021 U20 World Championship (fifth)
  • Chloe Chicoine: 2023 Women’s U21 National Team, Pan Am Cup (gold, MVP, best outside hitter); 2022 Women’s U21 National Team, Pan Am Cup (gold, best spiker); 2021 Girls U18 National Team, U18 World Championship (bronze)
  • Raven Colvin: 2023 Women’s U21 National Team; 2022 Women’s U21 National Team, Pan Am Cup (gold)
  • Cara Cresse: 2024 Women’s National Team, Pan Am Cup Final Six (silver)
  • Eva Hudson: 2024 Women’s National Team, Pan Am Cup Final Six (silver); 2023 Women’s U21 National Team, Pan Am Cup (gold)
  • Emmy Klika: 2023 Women’s U21 National Team
  • Norah Sis: 2023 Women’s U21 National Team, Pan Am Cup (gold, 2nd best outside hitter); 2022 Women’s U21 National Team, Pan Am Cup (gold)

Newcomers are Ifenna Cos-Okpalla, Caroline Kerr, Ava Martin, Jurnee Robinson and Lauren Rumel.

USA Volleyball Women’s U23 Roster

Name, (Pos., Height, Hometown, College/Pro, Region) 
1 Emmy Klika (L, 5-7, 2003, Novelty, Ohio, Pro Volleyball Federation, Ohio Valley)
3 Chloe Chicoine (OH, 5-10, 2004, Lafayette, Ind., Univ. of Louisville, Hoosier)
4 Cara Cresse (MB, 6-6, 2003, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Univ. of Louisville, Hoosier)
6 Raven Colvin (MB, 6-1, 2003, Indianapolis, Ind., Pro Volleyball Federation, Hoosier)
8 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, 2004, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Univ. of Kentucky, Hoosier)
9 Norah Sis (OH, 6-2, 2003, Papillion, Neb., Pro Volleyball Federation, Great Plains)
10 Averi Carlson (S, 5-11, 2003, Lucas, Texas, SMU, North Texas)
11 Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (MB, 6-2, 2004, Flower Mound, Texas, Texas A&M, North Texas)
13C Caroline Kerr (S, 5-11, 2004, Champaign, Ill., Univ. of Tennessee, Great Lakes)
15 Ava Martin (OH, 6-1, 2004, Overland Park, Kan., Creighton Univ., Heart of America)
16 Jurnee Robinson (OPP/OH, 6-1, 2004, Simpsonville, S.C., LSU, Palmetto)
18 Lauren Rumel (OPP, 6-2, 2003, Tucson, Ariz., Oregon State Univ., Arizona)

Alternates
7 Brooke Bultema (MB, 2004, Cincinnati, Ohio, Univ. of Kentucky, Ohio Valley)
12 Ella Swindle (S, 6-2, 2004, Columbia, Mo., Univ. of Texas, Heart of America)
14 Devin Kahahawai (OPP, 6-4, 2004, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
17 Marianna Singletary (MB, 6-4, 2004, Charleston, S.C., UCLA, Southern)
19 Maya Sands (L, 5-7, Rock Falls, Ill., Univ. of Missouri, Great Lakes)

Coaches
Head Coach: Marie Zidek (DePaul)
Assistant Coach: Kayla Banwarth (PVF, Olympian)
Assistant Coach: Danielle Scott (LOVB, Olympian)
Performance Analyst: Matthew Adams (Michigan)
ATC: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Team Lead: Taylor Marten (Ozark Juniors)

Schedule

All times Pacific

July 27: USA vs. Dominican Republic, 1 p.m.
July 28: USA vs. Suriname, 1 p.m.
July 29: USA vs. Costa Rica, 3 p.m.
July 30: Quarterfinals
July 31: Semifinals and Classification Matches
Aug. 1: Medal Matches and Classification matches

Stories

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 25, 2025) – The U.S. Boys U19 National Team used a suffocating block to defeat Cuba, 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-21) and earn its first win at the FIVB U19 World Championship on Friday in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The U.S. (1-1) continues play with its third match in as many days tomorrow, Saturday, July 26, at 8 a.m. PT against Colombia (0-2).

The match was nearly even in kills with the U.S. holding a 43-42 edge and each team serving five aces, but the U.S. controlled the net with 15 blocks to just four for Cuba. Each team totaled 29 errors.

Outside hitter Grant Lamoureux again led the U.S. as he led all players with 13 kills, four of the team’s five aces and 18 total points. His block made him one of eight U.S. players to record a block. Middle blocker Roman Payne finished with six blocks, two more than the entire Cuba team, and added six kills and an ace for 13 points.

Outside Elan Taylor scored nine points on eight kills and a block, and opposite William Dryden made his World Championship debut with seven points on six kills and a block. Middle blocker Thomas Henige made his debut with six points on four kills and a pair of blocks.

Setter Lucas Helle contributed five points on three kills and two blocks, and shared match-high honors with seven digs. Libero Layton Bluth led the U.S. with seven successful receptions. Opposite Corbin Batista, who recently won a gold medal with the U19 Pan American Cup team, scored four points on three kills and an ace.

The U.S. scored four of the match’s first five points but took its last lead of the opening set, 9-8, on a Luc Soerensen block. A Payne kill brought the U.S. within two points, 14-12, but Cuba quickly answered with three points, the final one on an ace, to force a U.S. timeout as the lead stretched to five. Lamoureux recorded five of the team’s 10 kills in the set.

Lamoureux served back-to-back aces to give the U.S. a 5-1 lead in the second set and cause an early Cuba timeout. A Henige block ended the longest rally of the match that featured a great dig by Helle to put the U.S. out in front 10-4.

One of three late Lamoureux kills on back row attacks extended the lead to seven, 18-11. Batista scored the next two U.S. points for a 20-14 lead. Cuba cut the margin to three, but a service error and two more back row kills by Lamoureux evened the match. Lamoureux scored seven points in the set, adding five kills to his two early aces.

The U.S. took the first three-point lead of the third set when Lamoureux scored on another back row attack to give the U.S. a 13-10 advantage and lead Cuba to take a timeout. The lead grew to five, 17-12, when Batista scored off a bump set from Bluth.

Leading 19-13, the U.S. used its strong block to dominate the remainder of the set as Payne recorded three blocks and Lamoureux another for a 24-14 lead. Dryden ended the set with his first kill of the championship. Taylor led all scorers with six points on five kills and one of the team’s eight blocks in the set. Payne finished with four blocks.

Trailing 14-13, Cuba ran off four consecutive points to take its biggest lead of the fourth set, 17-14. After a service error, the U.S. tied the set on a Helle kill on a second ball swing and a misplay on Dryden’s serve.

Two errors gave Cuba the lead back, 19-17, but the U.S. finished the match on an 8-2 run. A Dryden kill gave the U.S. a 21-20 lead and Payne served for three points in a row to set up match point. A Helle block and a Cuba error upped the margin to three points before a Payne ace made it 24-20. Henige ended the match on a back row attack. Dryden finished the set with five kills.

2025 Boys U19 National Team World Championship Roster

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Layton Bluth (L, 5-8, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Northern California)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lonestar)
10 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., West Ranch HS, Southern California)
12 Rafael Urbina (S, 6-6, Broomfield, Colo., Legacy HS, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
19 Roman Payne (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., Carlsbad HS, Southern California)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine University, Carolina)
21 William Dryden (OPP, 6-7, Los Gatos, Calif., Archbishop Mitty HS, Northern California)
23 Corbin Batista (OPP, 6-7, St. George, Utah, Alta HS, Intermountain)
28 Thomas Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Coaches

Head Coach: Charlie Sullivan (Springfield College)
Assistant Coach: Jonah Carson (MVVC)
Assistant Coach: Patrick Shawaryn (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Team Doctor: Dr. Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (NTDP)

2025 Boys U19 World Championship Schedule
All times Pacific

July 24: Finland def. USA, 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20)
July 25: USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-21)
July 26: USA vs. Colombia, 8 a.m.
July 28: USA vs. Brazil, 8 a.m.
July 29: USA vs. Korea, 8 a.m.
July 30: Playoffs/Round of 16, TBA
Aug. 1: Playoffs/Quarterfinals, TBA
Aug. 2: Playoffs/Semifinals, TBA
Aug. 3: Finals, TBA

Stories

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The women's U21 team celebrates in a huddle
Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 24, 2025) — The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team finished undefeated in pool play at the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-11) win over Chile on Thursday in San Jose, Costa Rica.

With the win in the matchup of undefeated teams, the U.S. earned a bye in Friday’s quarterfinals and moves directly into the semifinal round on Saturday, July 26, at 6 p.m. PT.

The U.S dominated at the net with 11 blocks to only three for Chile, while also holding advantages in kills (33-24) and aces (7-3). Chile committed six more errors (24-18), with the mistakes compounding in the final set.

Five players scored at least seven points in the balanced U.S. attack. Opposite Jadyn Livings was the only U.S. player in double figures with 10 points on a match-high nine kills to go with a block. She added seven digs.

Middle blockers Ayden Ames and Favor Anyanwu shared match-high honors with three blocks apiece. Ames also registered five kills and an ace, while Anyanwu added four kills.

“I thought Chile played really well that match. I thought we fought back harder. We kept the service pressure up the entire match, and we were able to stay calm on defense with blocks and passing,” Ames said.

Outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye scored nine points on seven kills and two aces, while outside Kamryn Gibadlo led the team with seven successful receptions to go with seven digs and seven points (five kills, one block, one ace).

Setter Stella Swenson led the U.S. offense to a .301 hitting percentage while contributing two blocks, two aces and six digs. Libero Ramsey Gary finished with a team-high 10 digs.

Trailing 11-7 in the opening set, the U.S. scored seven consecutive points. A Gibadlo ace evened the score at 11. The run ended on a Livings kill set up by a great up from Ames and then an Ames block for a 14-11 lead.

Following the second timeout, Chile put together three points in a row to tie the score at 16-16. With the set all square at 17, the U.S. scored three consecutive points. After a service error, the U.S. got a block from Swenson and a kill by Gibadlo after a strong dig by Parks. After a Chile timeout, Ames recorded a kill and a block around a Parks ace to complete a 6-0 U.S. run. Ames and Livings each scored five points in the set.

Chile went on a 5-0 run leading up to the first technical timeout of the second set to take an 8-4 lead. After giving up another point, the U.S. rallied with a 8-0 run that began with a smart push to the back court by Livings, who followed that by putting a ball straight down. A DeLeye ace forced a Chile timeout at 9-9. A Gibadlo block and two errors gave the U.S. a 12–9 lead.

Another Ames block extended the margin to five points, 15-10. The advantage grew to six (18-12) on a Swenson ace. Chile came no closer than four points the rest of the way. After trailing 9-4, the U.S. finished the set with a 21-10 advantage. Anyanwu and DeLeye each scored four points in the set with Livings adding three kills.

The U.S. took advantage of five early Chile errors to race out to a 8-1 lead in set three with Gibadlo scoring twice in the run. With the U.S. up 10-3, Ames served an ace, and the lead grew to double digits with two more Chile errors. The margin continued to balloon after a Chile timeout with a pair of blocks by Anyanwu and an error making it 16-3. Outside Blaire Bayless entered the match in the third set and led the U.S. with four points on three kills and an ace.

2025 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Lizzy Andrew (MB, 6-5, 2005, Ridgefield, Wash., Stanford University, Columbia Empire)
4 Blaire Bayless (OH, 6-2, 2005, Plano, Texas, University of Pittsburgh, North Texas)
5 Favor Anyanwu (MB, 6-3, 2006, Rowlett, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
6 Ayden Ames (MB, 6-4, 2006, Prosper, Texas, University of Texas, North Texas)
7C Brooklyn DeLeye (OH, 6-2, 2005, Auburn, Kan., University of Kentucky, Heart of America)
8 Stella Swenson (S, 6-2, 2005, Wayzata, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country)
11 Ramsey Gary (L, 5-7, 2005, Pendelton, Ind., University of Texas, Hoosier)
12 Noemie Glover (OPP, 6-2, 2005, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Arizona State University, Southern California)
13 Kamryn Gibadlo (OH, 6-1, 2005, Cave Creek, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona)
14 Jadyn Livings (OPP/OH, 6-1, 2006, Dallas, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
16 Taylor Parks (S, 5-11, 2006, Clearwater, Fla., University of Florida, Florida)
19 Abby Vander Wal (OH, 6-3, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes)

Alternates
Jaela Auguste (MB, 6-2, 2006, Spring, Texas, University of Florida, Lone Star)
Carlie Cisneros (OH, 6-0, 2006, Paola, KS, University of Arizona, Heart of America)
Cristin Cline (S, 5-11, Stanfield, N.C., University of Kansas, Carolina)
Taylor Harvey (MB, 6-3, 2006, Bountiful, Utah, Bountiful HS, Intermountain)
Abigail Mullen (OPP, 6-3, 2006, Kansas City, Mo., University of Southern California, Heart of America)
Molly Tuozzo (L, 5-8, 2005, The Woodlands, Texas, University of Kentucky, Lone Star)

Coaches
Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (BYU)
Assistant Coach: Keith Smith (TCU)
Assistant Coach: Megan Hodge Easy (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: Jimmy Kim (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Britta Pestak (Hawken School/University Hospital)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (Maryland)

Schedule
All times Pacific

July 22: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-13)
July 23: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-13, 25-7, 25-15)
July 24: USA def. Chile, 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-11)
July 25: Quarterfinals: USA receives bye
July 26: Semifinals: USA vs. TBA, 6 p.m.
July 27: Medal Matches

Stories

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 24, 2025) – The U.S. Boys U19 National Team was unable to maintain the momentum of a strong first set, dropping its opener at the FIVB U19 World Championship, 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20) to Finland on Thursday in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The U.S. finished with one more kill (49-48). Finland led in blocks (11-6) and aces (4-2), while committing three fewer errors.

Outside hitter Grant Lamoureux led the U.S. with 14 kills and eight successful receptions, while adding seven digs. Fellow outside Myles Jordan scored 13 points on 11 kills, one block and one ace. Middle blocker Roman Payne totaled 12 points on nine kills and three blocks.

Libero Layton Bluth led the team with 11 digs. Elan Taylor recorded nine kills and seven digs, and middle blocker Luc Soerensen added five points on four kills and a block. Setter Lucas Helle contributed a kill, block and an ace.

The first set was even at 10 when the U.S. went on a 7-1 run, highlighted when Lamoureux put a ball straight down on a back row attack to force a Finland timeout. A Taylor block extended the lead to eight, 20-12.

With a 21-15 lead, the U.S. showed its balance with Lamoureux, Payne and Taylor recording consecutive kills for set point. Taylor closed out the set with his third kill and fourth point. Lamoureux finished with four kills.

An ace put Finland up by four in the second set, 14-10. Payne put together back-to-back kills to cut the margin to two. A tough Helle serve led to a Sorensen kill on an overpass to cut the deficit to one point, 16-15, but Finland ended the set on a 10-2 run. Taylor scored four points on three kills and an ace, while Payne and Lamoureux each added three kills.

The U.S. used a 4-0 run to even the third set at 17. Kills by Lamoureux and Jordan, along with an ace by Helle, keyed the run. Finland scored the next two points and did not trail the rest of the set.

Kills by Soerensen (19-18) and Lamoureux (20-19) cut the lead back to one, but Finland took a 2-1 lead in the match by finishing the set on 5-2 run. Lamoureux led the way with four points.

Finland scored the first four points of the fourth set and jumped out to a 7-1 lead. Down 10-3, the U.S. called a timeout and went on a 7-2 run to cut the lead back to two on a kill by Jordan. After a timeout, Finland responded with an 8-3 run to take control of the set. Jordan led the U.S. with five kills.

2025 Boys U19 National Team World Championship Roster

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Layton Bluth (L, 5-8, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Northern California)
4 Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
5 Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
8 Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lonestar)
10 Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., West Ranch HS, Southern California)
12 Rafael Urbina (S, 6-6, Broomfield, Colo., Legacy HS, Rocky Mountain)
14 Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
16 Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
19 Roman Payne (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., Carlsbad HS, Southern California)
20 Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine University, Carolina)
21 William Dryden (OPP, 6-7, Los Gatos, Calif., Archbishop Mitty HS, Northern California)
23 Corbin Batista (OPP, 6-7, St. George, Utah, Alta HS, Intermountain)
28 Thomas Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)

Coaches

Head Coach: Charlie Sullivan (Springfield College)
Assistant Coach: Jonah Carson (MVVC)
Assistant Coach: Patrick Shawaryn (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Team Doctor: Dr. Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (NTDP)

2025 Boys U19 World Championship Schedule
All times Pacific

July 24: Finland def. USA, 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20)
July 25: USA vs. Cuba, 8 a.m.
July 26: USA vs. Colombia, 8 a.m.
July 28: USA vs. Brazil, 8 a.m.
July 29: USA vs. Korea, 8 a.m.
July 30: Playoffs/Round of 16, TBA
Aug. 1: Playoffs/Quarterfinals, TBA
Aug. 2: Playoffs/Semifinals, TBA
Aug. 3: Finals, TBA

Photo by NORCECA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 23, 2025) — The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team stayed unbeaten at the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-7, 25-15) victory over Puerto Rico on Wednesday in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The U.S. closes out pool play tomorrow, Thursday, July 24, at 4 p.m. PT against Chile. A win would send the U.S. directly into the semifinal round. Puerto Rico fell to 0-2.

The statistical domination was reflected in the scoreline as the U.S. nearly tripled Puerto Rico in kills (37-13). The U.S. recorded seven of the nine blocks in the match and all five aces.

Setters Stella Swenson and Taylor Parks combined to lead the U.S. to a phenomenal .680 hitting percentage for the match with only three errors in 50 total attacks. Libero Ramsey Gary led all players with eight successful receptions and shared match-high honors with seven digs.

Outside hitter Blaire Bayless led all players with 14 points on 12 kills, a block and an ace. She hit .800 with her 12 kills on 15 attacks without an error.

“We came off of a good win against Canada yesterday and we wanted to come into this match with the same intensity and same fire. I think we did a great job playing well over time and finishing strong,” Bayless said.

Middle blocker Lizzy Andrew registered a match-best three blocks to go with five kills for eight points. Opposite Noemie Glover (six kills and an ace) and outside Abby Vander Wal (five kills and two aces) each scored seven points. Middle blocker Ayden Ames added five points on three kills and a pair of blocks.

A Vander Wal kill gave the U.S. an early 8-3 lead. After the teams exchanged the next eight points, the U.S. scored six points in a row. Bayless served for five points with one ace, while Ames and Livings each recorded a block in the run. Four U.S. players scored at least three points in the set with Bayless leading the way with three kills and her ace. The U.S. hit .722 as a team with 14 kills and only one error in 18 total attacks.

A Bayless block and kill helped ignite a 4-0 U.S. start in the second set that caused Puerto Rico to take an early timeout. The U.S. continued the momentum with a block and kill by Andrew, helping push the lead to 8-0 at the first technical timeout. One of the longest rallies of the match featured great defense by both teams before Bayless scored on a back row attack to make it 10-2.

Another Andrew block raised the lead to double digits, 13-3. A Parks ace upped the lead to 15 (21-6). Andrew (three kills, two blocks) and Bayless (four kills, one block) both scored five points. The U.S. hit .667 with 10 kills and no errors in 12 total attacks.

Two Bayless kills helped stake the U.S. to a 5-1 lead in the third set. A Vander Wal ace pushed the lead to six points, 10-4. Puerto Rico pulled within three points, 11-8, but kills by Bayless and Andrew led to a Puerto Rico timeout.

The lead grew to eight points, 21-13, on a Vander Wal kill, and a Bayless kill stretched the advantage to 10 (24-14) and set up match point. After Puerto Rico saved one match point, the U.S. ended the match on a kill by Glover. Bayless delivered five kills in the set.

2025 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Lizzy Andrew (MB, 6-5, 2005, Ridgefield, Wash., Stanford University, Columbia Empire)
4 Blaire Bayless (OH, 6-2, 2005, Plano, Texas, University of Pittsburgh, North Texas)
5 Favor Anyanwu (MB, 6-3, 2006, Rowlett, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
6 Ayden Ames (MB, 6-4, 2006, Prosper, Texas, University of Texas, North Texas)
7C Brooklyn DeLeye (OH, 6-2, 2005, Auburn, Kan., University of Kentucky, Heart of America)
8 Stella Swenson (S, 6-2, 2005, Wayzata, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country)
11 Ramsey Gary (L, 5-7, 2005, Pendelton, Ind., University of Texas, Hoosier)
12 Noemie Glover (OPP, 6-2, 2005, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Arizona State University, Southern California)
13 Kamryn Gibadlo (OH, 6-1, 2005, Cave Creek, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona)
14 Jadyn Livings (OPP/OH, 6-1, 2006, Dallas, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
16 Taylor Parks (S, 5-11, 2006, Clearwater, Fla., University of Florida, Florida)
19 Abby Vander Wal (OH, 6-3, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes)

Alternates
Jaela Auguste (MB, 6-2, 2006, Spring, Texas, University of Florida, Lone Star)
Carlie Cisneros (OH, 6-0, 2006, Paola, KS, University of Arizona, Heart of America)
Cristin Cline (S, 5-11, Stanfield, N.C., University of Kansas, Carolina)
Taylor Harvey (MB, 6-3, 2006, Bountiful, Utah, Bountiful HS, Intermountain)
Abigail Mullen (OPP, 6-3, 2006, Kansas City, Mo., University of Southern California, Heart of America)
Molly Tuozzo (L, 5-8, 2005, The Woodlands, Texas, University of Kentucky, Lone Star)

Coaches
Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (BYU)
Assistant Coach: Keith Smith (TCU)
Assistant Coach: Megan Hodge Easy (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: Jimmy Kim (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Britta Pestak (Hawken School/University Hospital)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (Maryland)

Schedule
All times Pacific

July 22: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-13)
July 23: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-13, 25-7, 25-15)
July 24: USA vs. Chile, 4 p.m.
July 25: Quarterfinals
July 26: Semifinals
July 27: Medal Matches

Stories

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 23, 2025) — The U.S. Women’s National Team dropped its 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) quarterfinal match to world No. 1 Italy, 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 28-26) on Wednesday in Łódź, Poland. The U.S. completed VNL play with a 7-6 record, while Italy, the 2024 Olympic gold medalists Italy, extended its world-record winning streak to 27 matches.

The U.S. will next compete in the 2025 FIVB World Championships in Thailand in August.

“I think the progress we have made since we got in the gym in May has been great. I thought we played really hard. We still have to figure out some moments where we just give the other team too much opportunity,” said U.S. head coach Erik Sullivan. “We were much more competitive to play that same roster two months later. I’m real proud of that but we still have some work to do.”

Italy overcame 23 errors by holding a 50-36 edge in kills. The U.S. matched one of the top blocking teams in the world with six blocks. Italy finished with one more ace (5-4).

Outside hitter Avery Skinner led the U.S. with 11 kills and contributed seven digs.

“We are pretty familiar with each other, so we know each other’s tendencies. That can make it fun, too, because we have to be creative. I am proud of us for sticking with it until the end,” Skinner said. “We are super young, and each week it has been building on what we did the week before. The summer is long and we have another tournament, so we are going to work even more for that next tournament.”

Libero Lexi Rodriguez was outstanding again on defense with a match-high nine successful receptions and equaling match-best honors with 14 digs.

Outside hitter Sarah Franklin totaled eight points on seven kills and a block. Middle blocker Dana Rettke (five kills, one block, one ace) and opposite Samantha Samedy (six kills and one ace) each scored seven points.

Opposite Madi Skinner scored five points on four kills and an ace, and middle Amber Igiede finished with five points on three kills and two blocks. Setter Jordyn Poulter posted two blocks and six digs.

The U.S. scored the first three points of the match, one on a Madi Skinner ace, and still led 10-7 when Italy scored four consecutive points after a timeout to take the lead. A Rettke block gave the U.S. the lead for the last time at 12-11. Italy went on a 10-4 run to take a five-point advantage (21-16), culminating with the seventh U.S. hitting error.

Italy still led by five, 23-18, when the U.S. scored four points in a row to cut the lead to one. A Franklin swipe off the block and Rettke kill keyed the rally. Italy called its second timeout and returned to the floor by scoring the final two points to take the opener. Madi Skinner and Avery Skinner each recorded four kills, while Rettke added three kills.

Taking advantage of a rare series of errors by Italy, the U.S. took a 13-12 lead in the second set before a 5-2 run gave Italy a 17-15 lead. An Avery Skinner kill, a Franklin back row attack where she adjusted mid-air, and an Igiede block put the U.S. back in front 18-17. Italy responded with seven of the next nine points to go up 24-20. Franklin registered four kills and Avery Skinner added three.

The U.S. trailed 8-6 in the third set before going on a 9-3 run to take its biggest lead of the match at four points. Rettke served a tough ball that led to an Igiede kill on an overpass and then served an ace to give the U.S. the lead. Kills by Samedy, Avery Skinner and Rettke made it 15-11.

A Franklin block sandwiched between the seventh and eighth Italy hitting errors of the set put the U.S. ahead 19-15 and forced Italy to take its final timeout. Italy scored the next two points, but Samedy changed speeds on an attack to make it 20-17. Avery Skinner scored the next two U.S. points for a 22-19 lead, but Italy scored the next four points to regain the lead.

An Igiede kill and Logan Eggleston ace gave the U.S. its first set point of the match, 24-23. Avery Skinner ripped a ball on a back row attack for a 25-24 for a second set point. Italy saved another set point after a service error and earned set point in spite of multiple great defensive plays by Rodrigue,z and finished the match with a block. Samedy scored five points on four kills and an ace and Avery Skinner recorded four kills.

U.S. Women’s VNL Finals Roster

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)
7 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
8 Brionne Butler (MB, 6-4, Kendleton, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
9 Madisen Skinner (OH, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
13 Amber Igiede (MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Delta)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
19 Khalia Lanier (OH, 6-2, Scottsdale, Ariz., Univ. of Southern California, Arizona)
21 Roni Jones-Perry (OH, 6-0, West Jordan, Utah, BYU, Intermountain)
22 Sarah Franklin (OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)
25 Tia Jimerson (MB, 6-3, Sugar Hill, Ga., Univ. of Ohio, Southern)
32 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-2, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (Opp, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Minnesota, Florida)

Coaches
Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Mike Wall
Second Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Second Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Second Assistant Coach: Joe Trinsey
Team Manager: Rob Browning
Team Doctors: William Briner, James Suchy, Chris Lee, Andrew Gregory
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shawn Hueglin, Shannon Boone
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker, Katy Stanfill
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham

VNL Finals
July 23: Italy def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 28-26)

Week 1 Results: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
June 4 Italy def. USA, 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 30-28)
June 5 Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-19)
June 6 Czechia def. USA, 3-2 (23-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-20, 27-25)
June 8 USA def Korea, 3-0 (25-13, 28-26, 25-17)

Week 2 Results: Belgrade, Serbia
June 18 USA def. Serbia, 3-2 (25-22, 25-20, 22-25, 22-25, 15-11)
June 19 Poland def. USA, 3-1 (20-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-18)
June 21 USA def. Netherlands, 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-19)
June 22 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-22, 26-24, 20-25, 21-25, 15-13)

Week 3 Results: Arlington, Texas
July 9 USA def. Thailand, 3-1 (28-26, 21-25, 27-25, 25-15)
July 10 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-20)
July 12 USA def. Canada, 3-2 (26-24, 23-25, 20-25, 25-21, 19-17)
July 13 China def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-21, 18-16)

Stories

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 22, 2025) — The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team began play at the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup in San Jose, Costa Rica, with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-13) win over North American rival Canada on Tuesday.

The U.S. returns to play tomorrow, Wednesday, July 23, at 2 p.m. PT against Puerto Rico, which dropped its opener to Chile.

The U.S. dominated statistically, more than doubling Canada in kills (44-20), blocks (7-3) and aces (9-4).

“I’m happy for the way the group stayed together. Shaky beginnings are always a little messy as we try to figure each other out. I thought our team found their footing and really competed, stayed true to who they are and let their skills come out,” said U.S. head coach Heather Olmstead. “We did a good job in the serve and pass game in the first match and Brooklyn (DeLeye) took some big swings. Some players came in and made a difference. Taylor Parks came in and served some tough balls that helped us go on a run. Our blocking was decent, and we are looking to continue to get better.”

Each of the top four scorers in the match were U.S. players, including three in double figures. DeLeye led all players with 14 kills and 16 points, adding two aces. She recorded five digs and four successful receptions.

Fellow outside Kamryn Gibadlo scored 11 points on 10 kills and an ace, and middle blocker Favor Anyanwu scored 10 points on six kills and a match-high four blocks, one more than Canada as a team. Gibadlo led the team with five successful receptions and totaled five digs.

Opposite Jadyn Livings scored eight points on seven kills and an ace. Libero Ramsey Gary posted a match-best seven digs.

After an inauspicious start, falling behind 5-0 on four aces, the U.S. chipped away at the lead until it tied the set at 13-13 and 14-14. Canada scored the next two points before the U.S. finished the set on an 11-2 run. Parks served the final five points, including three aces in a row to make it 24-18. DeLeye and Gibadlo each recorded five kills in the set with DeLeye adding an ace.

The U.S. led most of the second set, running off seven consecutive points after being up 17-12 to bring up set point. Four players contributed at least three points in the set with DeLeye leading the way with six points on five kills and an ace. Livings recorded four kills.

Anyanwu scored three early points to lead the U.S. to a quick 8-4 lead in the third set. A great defensive rally by Gary helped the lead remain at four, 12-8. After giving up the next point, the U.S. scored six consecutive points and went on to finish the match on 13-4 run. Anyanwu, DeLeye and Gibadlo all scored four points in the set.

2025 Women’s U21 National Team for U21 Pan American Cup

Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Lizzy Andrew (MB, 6-5, 2005, Ridgefield, Wash., Stanford University, Columbia Empire)
4 Blaire Bayless (OH, 6-2, 2005, Plano, Texas, University of Pittsburgh, North Texas)
5 Favor Anyanwu (MB, 6-3, 2006, Rowlett, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
6 Ayden Ames (MB, 6-4, 2006, Prosper, Texas, University of Texas, North Texas)
7C Brooklyn DeLeye (OH, 6-2, 2005, Auburn, Kan., University of Kentucky, Heart of America)
8 Stella Swenson (S, 6-2, 2005, Wayzata, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country)
11 Ramsey Gary (L, 5-7, 2005, Pendelton, Ind., University of Texas, Hoosier)
12 Noemie Glover (OPP, 6-2, 2005, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Arizona State University, Southern California)
13 Kamryn Gibadlo (OH, 6-1, 2005, Cave Creek, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona)
14 Jadyn Livings (OPP/OH, 6-1, 2006, Dallas, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
16 Taylor Parks (S, 5-11, 2006, Clearwater, Fla., University of Florida, Florida)
19 Abby Vander Wal (OH, 6-3, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes)

Alternates
Jaela Auguste (MB, 6-2, 2006, Spring, Texas, University of Florida, Lone Star)
Carlie Cisneros (OH, 6-0, 2006, Paola, KS, University of Arizona, Heart of America)
Cristin Cline (S, 5-11, Stanfield, N.C., University of Kansas, Carolina)
Taylor Harvey (MB, 6-3, 2006, Bountiful, Utah, Bountiful HS, Intermountain)
Abigail Mullen (OPP, 6-3, 2006, Kansas City, Mo., University of Southern California, Heart of America)
Molly Tuozzo (L, 5-8, 2005, The Woodlands, Texas, University of Kentucky, Lone Star)

Coaches
Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (BYU)
Assistant Coach: Keith Smith (TCU)
Assistant Coach: Megan Hodge Easy (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: Jimmy Kim (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Britta Pestak (Hawken School/University Hospital)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (Maryland)

Schedule
All times Pacific

July 22: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-13)
July 23: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 2 p.m.
July 24: USA vs. Chile, 4 p.m.
July 25: Quarterfinals
July 26: Semifinals
July 27: Medal Matches

Stories

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Jordan Ewert (Photo by Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 20, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team completed 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) play with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-23) loss to host Japan before a sellout crowd in Chiba.

The U.S. finished VNL play with a 6-6 record. Japan moved to 8-4 and qualified for the finals. Next up for the U.S. will be the 2025 FIVB World Championship in Manilla, Philippines in September.

“We brought a lot of guys into the mix playing against teams who are much closer to their full strength. That was a really good team across the net. We were struggling to score points at the service line, to score break points,” U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly said. “We learned a lot. We are excited about what we can get better at going into World Championships and we are also excited about the good stuff we have to build on.”

The U.S. played multiple different lineups throughout VNL. “These are golden opportunities to play against the elite teams in the world. Our guys did great with the variability in our lineups. For us, it is not the time to stick with the same seven match after match in the first competition of a new Olympic cycle that is going to last for almost four seasons,” Kiraly pointed out. “It’s imperative that we mix and match. The guys handled it really well even with in-match substitutions. We will not play merry-go-round like that in World Championships. We wanted and needed to learn a lot about who can do what. The only way to learn is to try stuff. Hats off to the guys for being really open to trying different things and now we can get more stable heading into a really exciting World Championship.”

Japan held a 44-28 advantage in kills and a 4-2 edge in aces with both teams posting four blocks.

Outside hitter Jordan Ewert led the U.S. with 13 kills.

“It’s bittersweet. We have had a lot of different lineups and of course our ultimate goal was to go to the VNL finals. We had a shot and it slipped right through our fingers. That’s not easy but at the same time, we achieved a lot of other goals with long-term development and trying out a lot of different guys and competing at a high level against incredible teams like this. At the end of the day, we can’t be disappointed. It was an incredible experience,” said Ewert, who took on a senior role on the young team. “It’s interesting because I’ve never taken on a rookie role either. It’s my first time getting a lot of playing time in the VNL and now I’m one of the senior guys on this squad. Traveling with them and being in the hotel playing games. It’s a whole new brotherhood that I get to have for a long time.”

Ewert noted that playing in Japan was a highlight of the VNL season. “It’s well-known in volleyball that Japanese fans are some of the best fans in the world. They are extremely respectful, they love the sport, they cheer for every point and are super loyal and supportive of their team,” he commented. “This is the trip I was most looking forward to and to finish it off against Japan in a competitive match is incredible. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Opposite Gabi Garcia scored 10 points on eight kills and two aces, and outside hitter Cooper Robinson delivered nine kills. Outside Ethan Champlin scored five points on four kills and a block playing just the third set.

A Robinson kill gave the U.S. a 13-11 lead in the opening set but Japan went on a 7-1 run and led by at least two points the rest of the set. The U.S. outhit Japan but committed two more errors, including seven service errors. Robinson finished the set with six kills.

Japan scored four of the first five points of the second set. The teams exchanged points until the score was 15-12. Japan scored the next four points for a 19-12 lead with the U.S. hovering around 15 percent break point efficiency. A Garcia ace (19-14) and a McHenry block (24-19) cut the lead to five points. Garcia paced the U.S. with seven points on six kills to go with his ace.

Ewert opened the third set with a pair of kills before Japan scored the next four points. The U.S. next led when Garcia served three points in a row, the first on an ace, to give the U.S. a 21-20 lead. Japan ended the match on a 5-2 run. Ewert led all players with eight kills.

U.S. Men’s Week Three Roster for 2025 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Univ. Chicago, Great Lakes)
5 Kyle Ensing (Opp, 6-7, Valencia, Calif., Long Beach State Univ., Southern California)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California)
17 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
18 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
22C Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
23 Nolan Flexen (OH, 6-9, Rio Rancho, N.M., UC Irvine, Southern)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
25 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)
27 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Manager: David Dantes
Consultant Coach: Chris McGown
Consultant Coach: Marv Dunphy
Team Doctors:  Eugene Yim, Mark Hutchinson, Michael Shepard, Warren Young

2025 Volleyball Nations League

Week 3 Results
July 15 USA def. Türkiye, 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 29-27)
July 17 USA def. Argentina, 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23)
July 19 Germany def. USA, 3-2 (25-22, 22-25, 17-25, 25-15, 15-12)
July 20 Japan def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-23)

Week 1 Results
June 11: Ukraine def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-23)
June 12 USA def. Iran, 3-2 (19-25, 21-25, 25-21, 25-23, 17-15)
June 14 Slovenia def. USA, 3-1 (25-22, 27-25, 20-25, 25-23)
June 15 USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (25-22, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23)

Week 2 Results
June 25 USA def. China, 3-2 (25-22, 21-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-11)
June 26 USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 30-28)
June 28 Poland def. USA, 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-22)
June 29 Italy def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-18)

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 19, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team fell to Germany, 3-2 (25-22, 22-25, 17-25, 25-15, 15-12) in its next-to-last Volleyball Nations League (VNL) match on Saturday in Chiba, Japan.

The U.S. (6-5), which needs a win in its final match to possibly advance to the VNL finals, wraps up play tomorrow, Sunday, July 20 at 3:20 a.m. PT against host Japan (7-4).

“I loved how we kept battling. We had different people on in different sets and battled right to the end. Credit to Germany. They played really well in those last couple of sets. That is a really good team. They changed things up too and congratulations to them,” U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly said. “We need to reset. We have a chance to finish strong against a very good Japan team here on their home court. I’m sure it will be a sellout. It will be a great atmosphere and those are the most fun to play.”

Germany held slight advantages in kills (56-53) and blocks (9-8), while finishing with an 8-3 lead in aces. The U.S. made four fewer errors.

Opposite Kyle Hobus led all players with 17 kills and 18 points, adding a block and six digs.

“It was a thriller as all five-setters are. Our team made some really good defensive plays, but props to (Germany) for playing super well. I thought we were taking hard swings and making good plays on the net, recycling the ball and giving ourselves second chances,” Hobus said.

Outside hitter Ethan Champlin finished with 14 kills, a match-best nine successful receptions and five digs. Fellow outside Nolan Flexen scored 12 points on nine kills and a match-high three aces. Setter Micah Ma’a shared top honors with 11 digs, while adding a kill and a block.

Middle blocker Jeff Jendryk totaled seven points on five kills and two blocks, and opposite Gabi Garcia added four kills, coming in to swing late in the fourth set.

An ace gave Germany a 15-12 lead in the first set. The U.S. pulled within one point twice, first at 17-16 when a great Shoji dig keyed a rally finished by a Hobus kill.  Another ace gave Germany its biggest lead of the set, 21-17, and it led by at least two points the rest of the set. Champlin led the U.S. with four kills, three of which came in the final eight points of the set.

A float serve ace put Germany ahead 16-13 in the second set but the U.S. ran off four points in a row after a timeout on kills by Hobus and Champlin and back-to-back net touches by Germany. A Flexen ace put the U.S. ahead by two, 19-17.

Leading 22-21, a great up by Champlin highlighted a rally that Hobus finished with a kill. A Flexen kill that just caught the end line closed out the set and evened the match. Hobus scored eight points on seven kills and a block.

A Flexen serving run helped the U.S. race out to a 7-2 lead in the third set. His second ace made it 6-2 and Hobus followed with a kill. A Germany service error raised the U.S. lead to seven points, 12-5, which was followed by 17 consecutive side-outs.

A Germany ace cut the lead to four points, 21-17, but the U.S. scored the final four points with Flexen’s third ace finishing the set. Hobus finished the set with seven kills.

Leading the fourth set 9-6, Germany ran off the next six points to take a commanding nine-point lead. Merrick McHenry entered the match late in the set and recorded two quick blocks.

A Champlin kill and Jendryk block gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead in the deciding set but Germany went on a 6-2 run and did not trail again. Another Champlin kill brought the U.S. within a point, 11-10, but a service error followed by a Germany ace stretched the lead to three points. Garcia and Cooper Robinson, who entered the match in the fifth set, joined Champlin with two kills.

U.S. Men’s Week Three Roster for 2025 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Univ. Chicago, Great Lakes)
5 Kyle Ensing (Opp, 6-7, Valencia, Calif., Long Beach State Univ., Southern California)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California)
17 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
18 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
22C Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
23 Nolan Flexen (OH, 6-9, Rio Rancho, N.M., UC Irvine, Southern)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
25 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)
27 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Manager: David Dantes
Consultant Coach: Chris McGown
Consultant Coach: Marv Dunphy
Team Doctors:  Eugene Yim, Mark Hutchinson, Michael Shepard, Warren Young

2025 Volleyball Nations League Schedule for Week 3

All times PDT; Matches will be shown live on VBTV and either CBS Sports Network or Big Ten Network

Week 3 Schedule
July 15 USA def. Türkiye, 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 29-27)
July 17 USA def. Argentina, 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23)
July 19 Germany def. USA, 3-2 (25-22, 22-25, 17-25, 25-15, 15-12)
July 20 at 3:20 a.m. vs. Japan

Week 1 Results
June 11: Ukraine def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-23)
June 12 USA def. Iran, 3-2 (19-25, 21-25, 25-21, 25-23, 17-15)
June 14 Slovenia def. USA, 3-1 (25-22, 27-25, 20-25, 25-23)
June 15 USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (25-22, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23)

Week 2 Results
June 25 USA def. China, 3-2 (25-22, 21-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-11)
June 26 USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 30-28)
June 28 Poland def. USA, 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-22)
June 29 Italy def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-18)

Stories

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Photo by Volleyball World

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 18, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team kept alive its hopes of making the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) finals with a 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23) win Argentina on Friday in Chiba, Japan.

The U.S. (6-4) next faces Germany (4-6) on Saturday, July 19 at 3:30 a.m. PT.

Argentina held slight advantages in kills (59-55) and blocks (8-6), while the U.S. served twice as many aces (6-3). The key statistic was the U.S. committing seven fewer errors with 21 compared to 28 for Argentina, 10 of which came in the fourth set.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for that team, their coach and their coaching staff. That is a really good team. They gave Japan everything that they could handle, and Japan is always fierce on their home court, so credit to (Argentina) on a 20-hour turnaround and come back and bring it as they did here,” remarked U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly.

Outside hitter Cooper Robinson led the U.S. with 20 points on 18 kills, one block and one set. He contributed six successful receptions and six digs. Opposite Kyle Ensing (10 kills, one block, two aces) and middle blocker Merrick McHenry (11 kills and two aces) both contributed 13 points. Ensing recorded eight digs and McHenry added four.

“Merrick back in action did a really nice job, Cooper and everybody did a really nice job. We brought more service pressure as the match went on to create, and then we took advantage of those transition chances,” Kiraly commented. “We are really pleased with both groups and both worked well. They were very different groups. Micah Ma’a running one with Gabi opposite and Andrew Rowan running this one, and Kyle Ensing coming out strong with a couple great service runs in the first set.”

“It was super fun. We had some great energy on the court. It was really great to play with Andrew again and Merrick, so I had a blast,” Robinson said. “I love all these fans. They are so energetic and passionate about the game of volleyball. We needed to win this one. If we had lost, we would have been out of contention, so it was a huge win.”

Middle blocker Jeff Jendryk scored nine points on eight kills and an ace with five digs. Outside Jordan Ewert also totaled nine points with eight kills and a block while leading the team with 11 successful receptions. In addition to running the offense that featured fellow UCLA Bruins Robinson and McHenry, Rowan recorded three of the team’s six blocks. Libero Mason Briggs led the team with nine digs and added four successful receptions.

Trailing 10-8 in the opening set, the U.S. scored six consecutive points keyed by a pair of aces from Ensing. Argentina later regained the lead, 19-18, but after the U.S. scored the next point, Gabi Garcia entered the match to serve and immediately caused an overpass that led to an Ensing tip and a 20-19 U.S. lead.

A great dig by Briggs and a Jendryk kill made it 22-21 and an Ensing kill extended the lead to two points. After its miscommunication on the next play gave the U.S. three set points, Argentina scored the next two points and an Ensing attack was called out, but video showed the ball hit the line to give the U.S. the set. Ensing’s six kills with his two aces gave him eight points in the set and Robinson added five kills.

Argentina took a 12-9 lead in the second set, and the U.S. could get no closer than two points for the remainder of the set. Argentina pushed its advantage to five points, 20-15, on a block. Robinson (three kills and a block) and McHenry (four kills) each scored four points for the U.S.

An Ensing block gave the U.S. a 4-1 advantage early in the third set and it never relinquished the lead. Robinson scored on a roll shot to extend the lead to 13-7, the first of six times in the set that the U.S. led by six points. Argentina pulled within three points, 22-19, but after a U.S. timeout, Robinson delivered his fifth kill of the set and followed with an ace.

The U.S. led throughout the fourth set with a McHenry ace and Ewert kill making it 3-0. Another McHenry ace gave the U.S. a four-point lead, 11-7, and the lead grew to five (13-8) when Ensing delivered an out-of-system kill. Consecutive kills by Robinson and McHenry extended the lead to six, 16-10.

Argentina closed the gap to three points on four occasions, including once on a kill off a set by a kicked ball, and used a block to cut the lead to two, 24-22. After a timeout, Argentina saved a third set point before Robinson closed out the match with his fifth kill of the set. McHenry added three kills to his two serves for five points.

U.S. Men’s Week Three Roster for 2025 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Univ. Chicago, Great Lakes)
5 Kyle Ensing (Opp, 6-7, Valencia, Calif., Long Beach State Univ., Southern California)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California)
17 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
18 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
22C Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
23 Nolan Flexen (OH, 6-9, Rio Rancho, N.M., UC Irvine, Southern)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
25 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)
27 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Manager: David Dantes
Consultant Coach: Chris McGown
Consultant Coach: Marv Dunphy
Team Doctors:  Eugene Yim, Mark Hutchinson, Michael Shepard, Warren Young

2025 Volleyball Nations League Schedule for Week 3

All times PDT; Matches will be shown live on VBTV and either CBS Sports Network or Big Ten Network

Week 3 Schedule
July 15 USA def. Türkiye, 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 29-27)
July 17 USA def. Argentina, 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23)
July 19 at 3:30 a.m. vs. Germany
July 20 at 3:20 a.m. vs. Japan

Week 1 Results
June 11: Ukraine def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-23)
June 12 USA def. Iran, 3-2 (19-25, 21-25, 25-21, 25-23, 17-15)
June 14 Slovenia def. USA, 3-1 (25-22, 27-25, 20-25, 25-23)
June 15 USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (25-22, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23)

Week 2 Results
June 25 USA def. China, 3-2 (25-22, 21-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-11)
June 26 USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 30-28)
June 28 Poland def. USA, 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-22)
June 29 Italy def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-18)

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Dana Rettke celebrates
Dana Rettke (photo by Patrick Green)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 17, 2025) — Fifteen U.S. Women’s National Team athletes are on their way to Łódź, Poland, to compete at the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Final Round, July 23-27. The top eight teams from the preliminary phase advanced to the Finals, and the U.S. earned its spot with a 7-5 record, finishing eighth in the standings.

The U.S. Women will open the single-elimination bracket on July 23 at 7:30 a.m. PDT against No. 1 seed Italy in the quarterfinals. Other countries who qualified for the Final Round are Brazil, Japan, Poland, China, Türkiye and Germany. All matches will be streamed live on VBTV.

Head coach Erik Sullivan’s roster for Poland includes three 2024 Olympians: setter Jordyn Poulter, middle blocker Dana Rettke and outside hitter Avery Skinner.

Eleven of the remaining players competed in at least one of the three preliminary rounds: outside hitters Madi Skinner, Roni Jones-Perry, Sarah Franklin and Logan Eggleston; liberos Morgan Hentz and Lexi Rodriguez; setter Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres, opposite Stephanie Samedy; and middle blockers Brionne Butler, Amber Igiede and Tia Jimerson.

Outside hitter Khalia Lanier will make her 2025 debut at the Finals. Lanier made her VNL debut in 2023, playing in two of the preliminary rounds and the Finals. She also played in week two in 2024.

The VNL Finals bring together the world’s top teams for a shot at the title. Since the tournament’s inception in 2018, the U.S. Women have consistently been among the top performers, winning gold in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

U.S. Women’s VNL Finals Roster

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Illinois, Rocky Mountain)
3 Avery Skinner (OH, 6-1, Katy, Texas, Kentucky, Lone Star)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)
7 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska Great Lakes)
8 Brionne Butler (MB, 6-4, Kendleton, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
9 Madisen Skinner (OH, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
13 Amber Igiede (MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Delta)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
19 Khalia Lanier (OH, 6-2, Scottsdale, Ariz., Univ. of Southern California, Arizona)
21 Roni Jones-Perry (OH, 6-0, West Jordan, Utah, BYU, Intermountain)
22 Sarah Franklin (OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)
25 Tia Jimerson (MB, 6-3, Sugar Hill, Ga., Univ. of Ohio, Southern)
32 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-2, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
34 Stephanie Samedy (Opp, 6-2, Clermont, Fla., Minnesota, Florida)

Coaches
Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Mike Wall
Second Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Second Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Second Assistant Coach: Joe Trinsey
Team Manager: Rob Browning
Team Doctors: William Briner, James Suchy, Chris Lee, Andrew Gregory
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shawn Hueglin, Shannon Boone
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker, Katy Stanfill
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham

VNL Finals Schedule
July 23: USA vs. Italy, 7:30 a.m. PDT
July 26: Semifinals
July 27: Medal matches

Week 1 Results: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
June 4 Italy def. USA, 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 30-28)
June 5 Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-19)
June 6 Czechia def. USA, 3-2 (23-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-20, 27-25)
June 8 USA def Korea, 3-0 (25-13, 28-26, 25-17)

Week 2 Results: Belgrade, Serbia
June 18 USA def. Serbia, 3-2 (25-22, 25-20, 22-25, 22-25, 15-11)
June 19 Poland def. USA, 3-1 (20-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-18)
June 21 USA def. Netherlands, 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-19)
June 22 USA def. France, 3-2 (25-22, 26-24, 20-25, 21-25, 15-13)

Week 3 Results: Arlington, Texas
July 9 USA def. Thailand, 3-1 (28-26, 21-25, 27-25, 25-15)
July 10 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-1 (23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-20)
July 12 USA def. Canada, 3-2 (26-24, 23-25, 20-25, 25-21, 19-17)
July 13 China def. USA, 3-2 (18-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-21, 18-16)

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Gabi Garcia (Photo by Volleyball World)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 16, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team began week three of Volleyball Nations League (VNL) play with a 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 29-27) victory over Türkiye on Wednesday in Chiba, Japan.

The U.S. (5-4) will have a day off before facing Argentina (5-4) in a key match which will begin at 11:30 p.m. PT on Thursday (Friday in Japan). Argentina is currently seventh in the VNL standings with the U.S. eighth.

“It was a great start in Chiba, but it’s only one match. We have three great opponents coming. We have a day to regroup and get ready for a really feisty and tough Argentina,” U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly said.

The U.S. led Türkiye in attacks (45-40) and aces (5-1) with each team recording five blocks.

“We are aspiring to be a team that is really engaged. ‘What is my next job?’ Volleyball is not one player playing the ball but 11 other players waiting and getting ready to play the ball. If we do that really well, then good things can happen,” Kiraly explained. “We were mixed at that but maybe a little better tonight. We worked very hard on our reception the last two weeks, and it showed today. It really held up well.”

Opposite Gabi Garcia led all players in points (15), kills (13), aces (2) and digs (7). He hit .455 for the match.

“It was a great win against a tough team. It’s a team sport and it is a little bit of everything – the passing, setting and hitting, I am happy that we did a great job as a collective. I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the rest of the tournament,” Garcia said.

Outside hitter Ethan Champlin totaled 13 points on 12 kills and ace. He hit .522 for the match with no errors in 23 total attacks. Setter Micah Ma’a led the team to an incredible .389 hitting percentage with the 45 kills and only 10 errors in 89 attacks.

Outside Cooper Robinson reached double digits in points and kills with 12 points on 10 kills, one block and one assist. He recorded a match-high seven successful receptions. Middle blockers Jeff Jendryk and Matthew Knigge each produced five kills. Jendryk and Ma’a shared match-high honors with two blocks.

Libero Erik Shoji and Ma’a each registered six digs with Shoji adding three successful receptions. Champlin contributed three digs and two successful receptions.

The U.S. took an early three-point lead in the match, scoring five of the first seven points. A Ma’a block made it 9-6 and that matched the biggest lead of the set. Türkiye took a brief lead, 15-14, but a Ma’a ace gave the U.S. the lead back at 17-16 and a Jendryk block extended the advantage back to two points, 20-18.

The U.S. appeared to win the set when a great dig by Ma’a led to a Robinson kill, but Türkiye successfully challenged that there was no touch and followed with a block to tie the set at 24. Champlin just ducked out of the way of the next serve and then ended the set with his fourth kill. Garcia also recorded four kills in the set.

A Robinson kill on an overpass after a strong Ma’a serve gave the U.S. its first two-point lead of the second set, 8-6, but Türkiye scored six of the next eight points to take its first two-point lead of the match. After a timeout, the U.S. scored the next three points, the last two on aces from Garcia, to retake the lead.

With the score tied at 17, Robinson’s serve caused an overpass leading to a Knigge kill and Robinson followed with an ace for a 19-17 U.S. lead. A Türkiye ace leveled the set at 19. A Robinson kill on a give-and-go put the U.S. back in front and then Türkiye was called for interference, causing a lengthy delay that eventually led to a yellow card being issued.

“The clock says it was a 3-2 match,” Kiraly joked. “There were way too many discussions and controversial plays. I credit both teams with keeping their focus through those long breaks.”

Robinson ended the set on back-to-back kills. Garcia added three kills to his aces to lead the U.S. with five points. The U.S. hit .455 for the set with 12 kills and just two errors in 22 total attacks.

Garcia scored to give the U.S. a 6-4 lead in the third set. After serving for another point, his good up led to a Champlin kill and an 8-4 lead. Türkiye responded with a 5-2 run to cut the lead back to one. A Champlin ace gave the U.S. a 16-14 lead and a Knigge block extended the lead to three, 20-17, but Türkiye scored three consecutive points and forcing a U.S. timeout.

Neither team was able to take a two-point lead until the U.S. scored the final two points on a service error and a net touch. Champlin scored six points in the set on five kills and an ace, Garcia recorded five more kills, and Robinson scored five points on four kills and a block.

U.S. Men’s Week Three Roster for 2025 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
3 Mason Briggs (L, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Univ. Chicago, Great Lakes)
5 Kyle Ensing (Opp, 6-7, Valencia, Calif., Long Beach State Univ., Southern California)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California)
17 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
18 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
22C Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
23 Nolan Flexen (OH, 6-9, Rio Rancho, N.M., UC Irvine, Southern)
24 Merrick McHenry (MB, 6-7, Bedford, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
25 Ethan Champlin (OH, 6-3, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
26 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)
27 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)

Head Coach:  Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coach: Luka Slabe
Assistant Coach: Javier Weber
Performance Analyst: Nate Ngo
Physiotherapist: Aaron Brock
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Pelot
Senior Sports Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker
Team Manager: David Dantes
Consultant Coach: Chris McGown
Consultant Coach: Marv Dunphy
Team Doctors:  Eugene Yim, Mark Hutchinson, Michael Shepard, Warren Young

2025 Volleyball Nations League Schedule for Week 3

All times PDT; Matches will be shown live on VBTV and either CBS Sports Network or Big Ten Network

Week 3 Schedule
July 15 USA def. Türkiye, 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 29-27)
July 17 at 11:30 p.m. vs. Argentina
July 19 at 3:30 a.m. vs. Germany
July 20 at 3:20 a.m. vs. Japan

Week 1 Results
June 11: Ukraine def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-23)
June 12 USA def. Iran, 3-2 (19-25, 21-25, 25-21, 25-23, 17-15)
June 14 Slovenia def. USA, 3-1 (25-22, 27-25, 20-25, 25-23)
June 15 USA def. Cuba, 3-1 (25-22, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23)

Week 2 Results
June 25 USA def. China, 3-2 (25-22, 21-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-11)
June 26 USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 30-28)
June 28 Poland def. USA, 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-22)
June 29 Italy def. USA, 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-18)

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Micah Ma'a sets
Micah Ma'a (Daniel Bartel)