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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.
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.
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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
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.
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
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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)
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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:
“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.
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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.”
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
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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.
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)
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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:
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.
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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:
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.
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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.”
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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:
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)
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
The U.S. Men’s U21 National Team ended an undefeated run at the 2025 NORCECA U21 Men's Pan American Cup by capturing the gold medal with a 3-1 (26-24, 25-21, 22-25, 25-18) victory over host Canada on Sunday night in Calgary. In similar fashion to its preliminary round win when the two teams met, the U.S. won the first two sets, dropped the third set and clinched the win in the fourth set.
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.
USA Volleyball announces the 24 athletes on the 2025 U21 Men’s National Team who will prepare for the NORCECA Men’s U21 Pan American Cup and the FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship.
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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:
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
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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:
Newcomers are Ifenna Cos-Okpalla, Caroline Kerr, Ava Martin, Jurnee Robinson and Lauren Rumel.
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)
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
USA Volleyball is proud to announce the 18 athletes who will train with the 2025 Women’s U23 National Team for the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup, July 25-August 2 in Leon, Mexico.
USA Volleyball announces the 19 athletes on the 2025 U.S. Girls U19 National Team who will prepare for the NORCECA U19 Pan American Cup, June 24–29 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
USA Volleyball announces the 19 athletes who have been selected to prepare for the 2025 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship, set to take place from July 2-13 in Osijek, Croatia, and Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia. The U.S. will compete in Pool C alongside teams from Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Peru and Spain.
USA Volleyball announces the 19 athletes on the 2025 U19 Girls National Team who will prepare for the 2025 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship, Aug. 5-18, in Surabaya, Indonesia.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 7, 2025) – USA Volleyball is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural USA Volleyball Girls Junior Club Championship (GJCC), a new national event scheduled for June 5-7, 2026, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.
Designed as a stand-alone, non-bid championship event, the GJCC will offer competition for girls teams in the 10u through 17u divisions, creating exciting new opportunities for junior clubs across the country. The event will initially welcome 450 teams and is projected to grow into a 1,000+ team championship in the coming years.
Importantly, the GJCC will replace the existing Patriot Division within USA Volleyball’s Girls Junior National Championship (GJNC) structure for these age groups, which will now allow for additional bids in each division for GJNC beginning with the 2026 season. This initiative will enable USA Volleyball to expand its network of junior national qualifiers across the country, helping to reduce travel costs for clubs and families while meeting the growing demand for USAV-sanctioned events.
“The launch of the USA Volleyball Girls Junior Club Championship is an exciting step forward for our membership,” said USA Volleyball Chief Operating Officer Steve Bishop. “This new event is ideal for USA Volleyball clubs looking to compete in a high-quality, three-day, non-bid national championship during the early June window each year. This championship is just one of several initiatives we are rolling out during this quadrennial to expand opportunities and pathways for our clubs, athletes and coaches nationwide. We look forward to seeing this event grow in size and impact in the years to come.”
Hosted in one of the country’s premier volleyball venues, the inaugural GJCC will feature:
“Columbus is excited to host another big event with the inaugural USA Volleyball Girls Club Championship in 2026,” said Linda Logan, CEO and president of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. “Two key factors in what makes this a great market for volleyball are the strength of the Ohio Valley Region and a top host venue in the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Combined with the city’s central location, that makes Columbus ideal for participants and their families to explore some of our unique neighborhoods. USA Volleyball is a great partner, and we look forward to working with them again to create special memories for the girls playing in this championship.”
By creating this dedicated national championship platform for non-bid teams, USA Volleyball is providing an exciting new pathway for participation, opening the door for more teams to experience a national event atmosphere and helping to grow the sport across the country.
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Colorado Springs, Colo. (June 10, 2025) – USA Volleyball announces the 12 athletes who have been selected to compete at the 2025 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship, set to take place from July 2-13 in Osijek, Croatia, and Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia. The U.S. will compete in Pool C alongside teams from Türkiye, Bulgaria, Poland, Peru and Spain.
The 12 athletes were chosen from a group of 19 who trained June 1-7 at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. They will have a second phase of preparation in the Netherlands from June 26-30, 2025.
The roster includes several returners from the 2024 U19 National Team that won gold at the 2024 NORECA Continental Championship: Henley Anderson, Suli Davis, Genevieve Harris, Isabelle Hoppe, Kelly Kinney and and Devyn Wiest. Cari Spears was on the 2022 and 2023 U19 National Teams.
The U.S. Girls U19 National Team is the reigning world champion, having won the event in 2023.
2025 U19 National Team Roster for World Championship
(Name, Pos., Birth Year, Height, Hometown, School, Region)
3 Jordan Taylor (MB, 6-5, 2007, Houston, Texas, University of Minnesota, Lone Star)
5 Lily Hayes (L, 5-9, 2007, Tampa, Fla., Berkeley Prep HS, Florida)
6 Suli Davis (OH, 6-1, 2007, Euless, Texas, Brigham Young University, North Texas)
8 Abbey Emch (MB, 6-3, 2007, New Waterford, Ohio, University of Pittsburgh, Ohio Valley)
10 Isabelle Hoppe (S, 5-8, 2008, Gibsonia, Pa., Pine Richland HS, Ohio Valley)
11 Kelly Kinney (OH/OPP, 6-2, 2007, West Palm Beach, Fla., The Kings Academy, Florida)
12 Genevieve Harris (S, 5-11, 2007, Raleigh, N.C, Cardinal Gibbons HS, Carolina)
13 Gabrielle Nichols (MB, 6-3, 2007, Winston Salem, N.C., Penn State University, Carolina)
16 Cari Spears (OH, 6-3, 2007, Dallas, Texas, University of Texas, North Texas)
17 Lameen Mambu (OH, 6-0, 2007, Chantilly, Va., Georgia Tech, Chesapeake)
19 Henley Anderson (OPP/OH, 6-3, 2007, Dripping Springs, Texas, Dripping Springs HS, Lone Star)
20 Devyn Wiest (OH, 6-3, 2007, Peoria, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona)
Alternates
1 Izzy Mogridge (S, 5-11, 2007, Lutz, Fla., Berkeley Prep HS, Florida)
2 Charlotte Vinson (OPP, 6-2, 2007, Muncie, Ind., Yorktown HS, Hoosier)
4 Kalyssa Blackshear (MB/OPP, 6-4, 2007, Torrance, Calif., University of Louisville, Southern California)
7 Ayanna Watson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Henderson, Nev., Bishop Gorman HS, Southern California)
9 Natalie Wardlow (MB/OPP, 6-5, 2007, Lincoln, Neb., Lincoln Southeast HS, Great Plains)
15 Logan Bell (L, 5-11, 2007, Beech Grove, Ind., Roncalli HS, Hoosier)
18 Aniya Warren (L, 5-8, 2007, Lockport, Ill., Benet Academy, Great Lakes)
Coaches
Head Coach: Keegan Cook (Minnesota)
Assistant Coach: Alyssa D’Errico (Utah)
Assistant Coach: April Sanchez (New Mexico)
Performance Analyst: Jon Wong (Florida State)
ATC: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Team Lead: Courtney Smith (NTDP)
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 9, 2025) – USA Volleyball is proud to announce the 31 athletes selected to the 2025 Beach Collegiate/U26 National Team. This elite group, featuring 14 men and 17 women, will participate in a 10-day training block from June 9-19 in Hermosa Beach, California.
The Beach Collegiate/U26 National Team will train alongside USA Volleyball’s Beach A2 National Team, gaining valuable experience in a high-performance environment. The training block will conclude with the NORCECA Playoff on June 18-19, where BCNT/U26 and Beach National Team athletes will compete for the chance to represent the United States at upcoming NORCECA international events.
A maximum of four athletes per gender on the BCNT/U26 may be selected to represent the U.S. on the U23 and/or U26 Beach Age Group National Teams following the training block.
Six athletes on the BCNT/U26 team have already qualified to compete in upcoming international events.
Gage Basey (Colorado) and Thomas Hurst (UC Irvine) will represent the U.S. at both the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay and the 2025 World University Games in Germany. Basey and Hurst won the Junior Pan American Beach Trials in January and the Beach World University Games Trials in May to earn the right to compete. The pair also won a silver medal in May at the NORCECA U23 Intercontinental Beach Tour stop in the Dominican Republic.
Emma Donley (Cal) and Portia Sherman (Cal) will also represent the U.S. at the Junior Pan American Games after winning the Junior Pan American Beach Trials. They won gold at the NORCECA U23 Intercontinental Beach Tour event two weeks ago.
Alexis Durish (Florida State) and Audrey Koenig (Florida State) will join Basey and Hurst in Germany for the Beach World University Games after winning the trials in May.
A stellar lineup of beach volleyball greats will coach the BCNT/U26 athletes.
Head Coach: Dan Friend (Lewis University men’s indoor head coach)
Assistant Coach: Steve McFadden (University of Washington beach assistant coach)
Assistant Coach: Mark Fishman (Beach Nation)
Head Coach: Patty Dodd (Beach NTDP Coach)
Assistant Coach: Nick Lucena (Florida State assistant beach coach, Olympian)
Assistant Coach: Kelly Reeves (UCLA assistant beach coach)
Throughout the training block, athletes will also take part in classroom sessions led by members of USA Volleyball’s Beach National Team performance staff, including:
Name (Height, Hometown, College, Region)
Gella Andrew (6-4, Newport Beach, Calif., FSU, Lone Star)
Gabrielle Bailey (6-1, Canton, Ohio, LSU, New England)
Kelly Belardi (5-9 (Torrance, Calif., Stanford, Southern California)
Charlotta Bell (6-3 Moraga, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)
Maggie Boyd (5-11, Lewisville, Texas, UCLA, North Texas)
Kennedy Coakley (6-2, Tampa, Fla., USC, Florida)
Ella Connor (6-1, Kihei, Hawaii, Cal Poly, Aloha)
Emma Donley (6-4, Arlington Heights, Ill., Cal, Northern California)
Alexis Durish (5-10, Sarasota, Fla., FSU, Florida)
Piper Ferch (5-10, Aurora, Colo., Cal Poly, Southern California)
Malia Gementera (5-6, Chula Vista, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California)
Taylor Hagenah (5-11, Oceanside, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California)
Hailey Hamlett (5-11, Bulverde, Texas, TCU, Lone Star)
Erin Inskeep (5-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Cal Poly, Southern California)
Audrey Koenig (6-3, Wesley Chapel, Fla., FSU, Florida)
Izzy Martinez (5-9, Winnetka, Calif., Cal Poly, Southern California)
Natalie Myszkowski (5-11, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
Michelle Shaffer (5-10, West Hills, Calif., Loyola Marymount, Southern California)
Portia Sherman (5-9, Ventura, Calif., Cal, Southern California)
Logan Walters (6-0, San Mateo, Calif., Cal Poly, Northern California)
Name (Height, Hometown, College, Region)
Carson Barnes (6-5, Ocean View, Del., Webber, Chesapeake)
Gage Basey (6-5, Lyons, Colo., Colorado, Rocky Mountain)
Malachi Brewington (6-4, Ozark, Mo., N/A, Delta)
Nato Dickinson (6-7, Corona Del Mar, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California)
Ford Harman (6-1, Santa Barbara, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California)
Jackson Herbert (6-4, Ashburn, Va., George Mason, Chesapeake)
Thomas Hurst (6-4, Costa Mesa, Calif., UC Irvine, Southern California)
Ayden Keeter (6-1, Yorktown, Va., Webber, Old Dominion)
Jacob Kim (6-4, Carlsbad, Calif., Vassar, Southern California)
Titus Lance (6-4, Ava, Mo., N/A, Heart of America)
Ryan Peluso (6-2, Orlando, Fla., Long Beach State, Florida)
Patrick Rogers (6-7, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
Zach Schneider (6-6, Lockport, N.Y., Daemen, Western Empire)
Quinten Zilch (6-4, Hermosa, Beach, Calif., Lewis, Chesapeake)
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 6, 2025) – The USA Volleyball Foundation, the philanthropic arm of USA Volleyball, announced today its combination with the First Point Volleyball Foundation. As part of this strategic alignment, many First Point Foundation board members will join the USA Volleyball Foundation board. Additionally, the USA Volleyball Foundation will assume all of First Point’s assets and honor its existing grant commitments.
In conjunction with this announcement, USA Volleyball and the USA Volleyball Foundation jointly announced the establishment of the First Point Volleyball Specialty Fund, a restricted fund within the USAV Foundation dedicated to the growth and development of boys and men’s volleyball. Concurrently, the boards of USA Volleyball and the USA Volleyball Foundation approved new bylaws expanding the USAV Foundation’s board to accommodate up to 45 members. The expanded board will oversee a growing platform of specialty funds to advance the sport, support USA Volleyball’s mission, and drive broader engagement across the volleyball community.
USA Volleyball Chief Advancement Officer Wade Garard has been elected president of the USA Volleyball Foundation. Mark Peterson will continue to serve as chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, and Marin Gjaja, who served on the First Point board since its inception in 2017, most recently as chairman, has been appointed vice chairman of the USAV Foundation.
“We are pleased to welcome Wade (Garard) as president of the Foundation and Marin (Gjaja) as a vice chairman,” said Mark Peterson, chairman of the USAV Foundation. “Their leadership provides an opportunity for the Foundation to ramp up our fundraising in advance of LA 2028 and USAV’s Centennial in 2028.”
“As the USAV Foundation prepares for a comprehensive capital campaign in the run-up to LA28, it is exciting to be joined by a talented and committed group of generous volunteers and philanthropists dedicated to supporting USA Volleyball and the greater volleyball community through their service and giving to the USAV Foundation,” Garard said. “On behalf of USAV, I welcome the First Point leadership and donors to continue making an impact as we all grow the sport within the structure and support of the USAV Foundation.”
“We are excited to augment the philanthropic and advocacy work of the USAV Foundation to provide more support to USAV and more philanthropic dollars to advance all aspects of the sport,” Gjaja said. “For eight years, we worked closely with Wade (Garard) and John (Speraw) to grow the sport with boys and men. Now we look forward to helping USAV grow and advance the entire sport.”
“USAV has been a partner of First Point since the beginning, and so it is only fitting that the organizations combine to make an impact,” said USA Volleyball President and CEO John Speraw. “Growing boys volleyball remains a priority for USAV and our Foundation, and so I am thrilled that Marin (Gjaja), Josh (Silverman), Sarah (Conklin), Kenny (Rogers) and others are continuing their incredible efforts to grow the boys game. I believe we can enlist passionate groups of volunteers and donors to grow other aspects of the sport, such as women’s, girls, para, beach, and look to what the First Point board has accomplished as an example of how to galvanize communities and create more opportunities through philanthropy and advocacy.”
Garard announced that a First Point Boys Volleyball Advocacy Council will advise the USAV Foundation’s Board of Directors on how to raise and deploy funds from the Foundation’s First Point Specialty Fund. Kenny Rogers and Sarah Conklin will co-chair USAVF’s First Point Advocacy Council. Conklin and Rogers will also continue their efforts leading the First Point National Committee to grow high school boys volleyball. For further information on how to grow high school boys volleyball in your state, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
“Kenny and Sarah and First Point committees in all 50 states have done a tremendous job growing high school boys volleyball with 11 more states sanctioning the sport in the last five years,” said U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Karch Kiraly. “Luka Slabe and I were pleased to be included in the inaugural First Point High School Boys Invitational last month and even more pleased that First Point’s leadership group is now joining the USA Volleyball Foundation Board and Advocacy Council. It is an honor to serve alongside these volunteers to grow boys volleyball. How fitting that First Point is now officially powered by USAV.”
The USAV Foundation board also authorized the formation of a College Volleyball Advocacy Council which shall focus on creating more opportunities and exposure, monitoring the changing landscape of college athletics, maintaining relationships with NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, NCVF and other collegiate governing organizations, conferences, etc., and advocating for athlete rights/conditions for women’s college indoor volleyball, men’s college indoor volleyball, and women’s and men’s college beach volleyball.
The combination, which closed on May 31, 2025, includes USAV Foundation acquiring the marks and assets of First Point. Through ongoing and new philanthropic support of USAVF’s First Point Specialty Fund, USAV looks to augment and grow the First Point Collegiate Challenge and First Point National High School Boys Invitational, and will maintain the First Point brand as an effort specifically to grow boys and men’s volleyball.
To get involved with the USA Volleyball Foundation or one of its committees or advocacy councils, please contact Wade Garard at [email protected].
USA Volleyball Foundation (USAVF) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit fundraising arm of USA Volleyball (USAV), dedicated to transforming lives through the power of philanthropy and the sport of volleyball. The Foundation galvanizes communities, inspires youth, provides opportunities, empowers athletes, and creates harmony through volleyball. The Foundation does this through philanthropy, advocacy, and service. USAVF (EIN #84-1412045) is a nonprofit organization established in the state of Colorado and is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Thus, contributions are fully deductible for federal income tax purposes. No goods or services are provided in exchange for contributions.
First Point Volleyball is now an arm of the USA Volleyball Foundation dedicated to providing more opportunities for boys and men through the sport of volleyball. The First Point Advocacy Council advises the USAVF Board of Directors on raising and deploying funds to the USAVF’s First Point Fund to Grow Boys and Men’s Volleyball. For more information about growing boys volleyball in America, contact Kenny Rogers or Sarah Conklin.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (May 30, 2025) – USA Volleyball is proud to announce the 21 athletes who will train with the 2025 Men’s U23 National Team for the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup, July 27-August 4 in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
The selected athletes will gather for a training block at the National Team Training Center in Anaheim, Calif., from July 20-27. From this pool, 12 athletes will be chosen to represent the United States in Guatemala.
McKendree University men’s head coach Nickie Sanlin will lead the team, assisted by four-time Olympian Reid Priddy (Indoor Volleyball Club) and Luke Reynolds (Pepperdine).
“I am incredibly honored to lead this talented group of athletes alongside such a dedicated and skilled staff” Sanlin said. “Representing our country with ‘USA’ across our chests is a privilege we don’t take lightly, and I am excited for the opportunity to compete and grow together on this stage.”
The roster features many stars from collegiate programs across the country. Several athletes bring impressive resumes, including past gold medals and MVP honors from international competitions.
As the countdown to LA 2028 continues, the U23 Pan American Cup provides a vital opportunity for elite player development and international experience within USA Volleyball’s national team pipeline.
Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College/Pro, Region)
1 Ryan Merk (L, 6-1, 2003, Chicago, Ill., Penn State, Great Lakes)
2 Donovan Constable (S, 6-2, 2003, Clovis, Calif., CSUN, Northern California)
4 Nathan Flayter (S, 6-4, 2005, Hales Corner, Wisc., McKendree, Badger)
5 Cam Thorne (MB, 6-4, 2004, Hollywood, Fla., UCLA, Florida)
6 Ryan Barnett (OH, 6-5, 2003, Vero Beach, Fla., Pepperdine, Florida)
7 Andrew Deardorff (OH, 6-5, 2003, Itasca, Ill., St. Francis, Great Lakes)
8 Jalen Phillips (OPP, 6-5, 2004, Anaheim, Calif., CSUN, Southern California)
9 Ryan McElligott (S, 6-6, 2004, Mundelein, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
10 Paul Wyszynski (L, 6-0, 2003, Northbrook, Ill., Miedzyrzeckie Towarzystwo Siatkarskie, Great Lakes)
13 D’Aaron McCraney (MB, 6-9, 2003, Las Vegas, Nev., McKendree, Southern California)
14 Nicodemus Meyer (MB, 6-4, 2003, Franklin, Wisc., Loyola Chicago, Badger)
16 Nyherowo Omene (OPP, 6-7, 2003, Chicago, Ill., Princeton, Great Lakes)
17 Trent Moser (OH, 6-8, 2003, Gilbert, Ariz., BYU, Arizona)
18 Patrick Rogers (OH, 6-7, 2004, Rutherford, N.J., Ball State, Garden Empire)
19 George Bruening (OPP, 6-10, 2004, Newport Beach, Calif., UCSB, Southern California)
21 Wesley Smith (MB, 6-11, 2004, Encinitas, Calif., USC, Southern California)
22 Owen Rose (MB, 6-8, 2003, Merrick, N.Y., Penn State, Garden Empire)
23 Alex Rottman (OH, 6-7, 2004, Santa Barbara, Calif., Stanford, Southern California)
25 Theo Snoey (OH/OPP, 6-8, 2004, Berkeley, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)
Coaches
Head Coach: Nickie Sanlin (McKendree)
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy (Indoor VC, Olympian)
Assistant Coach: Luke Reynolds (Pepperdine)
Performance Analyst: Mackenna Basore (Auburn)
ATC: Claire Pointer (LOVB Madison)
Team Lead: Will Berdecia (OTVA)
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 23, 2025) — The 2025 USA Volleyball Open National Championship is set to bring a surge of energy and competition to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver from May 23-28.
As the longest-running adult volleyball championship in the United States, “Opens” welcomes athletes of all skill levels, ages and backgrounds for an unforgettable week of high-level play and camaraderie.
This year’s tournament is shaping up to be one of the largest in recent memory, with 531 teams registered—an increase of more than 100 teams from 2024. The growth reflects the continued strength and appeal of adult volleyball across the country.
One of the most exciting developments in 2025 is the return of the prestigious Open Division, which features elite-level competition and a $10,000 prize purse to be split among the top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
Winners in all divisions will receive free entry into the 2026 USA Volleyball Open National Championship, which is scheduled for May 22-27 in Orlando, Florida.
First held in 1928, the Open National Championship remains the premier event for adult volleyball athletes in the United States, combining top-tier competition with the inclusive and spirited atmosphere that makes the event a highlight of the volleyball calendar.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (May 19, 2025) – USA Volleyball is proud to announce the 18 athletes who will train with the 2025 Women’s U23 National Team for the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup, July 25-August 2 in Leon, Mexico.
The selected athletes will gather for a training block at the National Team Training Center in Anaheim, Calif., from July 18-25. From this pool, 12 athletes will be chosen to represent the United States in Mexico.
DePaul University women’s head coach Marie Zidek will lead the team, assisted by five-time Olympian Danielle Scott (LOVB) and Olympian Kayla Banwarth (PVF).
“This is a well-balanced group, deep with skill and talent in every position, and it’s capable of producing many points in a variety of ways,” Zidek said. “They will work diligently this summer to become an organized team. My staff and I are excited for this unique program responsibility. We will strive to develop a strong team game that continues to represent USA Volleyball with competitive pride.”
The roster features many of the stars from collegiate and professional programs across the country. Several athletes bring impressive resumes, including past gold medals and MVP honors from international competitions.
As the countdown to LA 2028 continues, the U23 Pan American Cup provides a vital opportunity for elite player development and international experience within USA Volleyball’s national team pipeline.
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)
5 Emma Halter (L, 5-5, 2003, Indianapolis, Ind., Univ. of Texas, Hoosier)
6 Raven Colvin (MB, 6-1, 2003, Indianapolis, Ind., Pro Volleyball Federation, Hoosier)
7 Brooke Bultema (MB, 2004, Cincinnati, Ohio, Univ. of Kentucky, Ohio Valley)
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)
12 Ella Swindle (S, 6-2, 2004, Columbia, Mo., Univ Univ. of Texas, Heart of America)
13 Caroline Kerr (S, 5-11, 2004, Champaign, Ill., Univ. of Tennessee, Great Lakes)
14 Devin Kahahawai (OPP, 6-4, 2004, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
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)
17 Marianna Singletary (MB, 6-4, 2004, Charleston, S.C., N/A, Southern)
18 Lauren Rumel (OH, 6-2, 2003, Tucson, Ariz., Oregon State Univ., Arizona)
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)
USA Volleyball announces the 19 athletes on the 2025 U.S. Girls U19 National Team who will prepare for the NORCECA U19 Pan American Cup, June 24–29 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
USA Volleyball announces the 19 athletes who have been selected to prepare for the 2025 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship, set to take place from July 2-13 in Osijek, Croatia, and Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia. The U.S. will compete in Pool C alongside teams from Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Peru and Spain.
USA Volleyball announces the 19 athletes on the 2025 U19 Girls National Team who will prepare for the 2025 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship, Aug. 5-18, in Surabaya, Indonesia.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (May 16, 2025) — USA Volleyball officially announces that the 2026 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship (GJNC) for age divisions 14-17 will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from June 25 to July 3, 2026. This premier championship event will bring tens of thousands of athletes, coaches, officials and spectators from across the country to compete at the highest level of junior volleyball.
The tournament will be held at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, marking the fourth time in a decade that Indianapolis has hosted this elite USA Volleyball event.
“Indy is thrilled to host USA Volleyball’s Girls Junior National Championships for the fourth time over the past decade, bringing tens of thousands of exceptional athletes to the Circle City,” said Leonard Hoops, President & CEO of Visit Indy. “Along with their family and friends, these talented competitors will energize our downtown, fill the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, and sell out our hotels. As a region now home to our professional volleyball team, we’re proud to be known as a volleyball-centric city.”
The Girls Junior National Championship is USA Volleyball’s largest annual event. It showcases the nation’s top junior athletes and serves as a vital pipeline for college recruitment and high-performance development.
“Indianapolis has proven time and again to be a world-class host for our premier events,” said Steve Bishop, Chief Operating Officer of USA Volleyball. “The city’s commitment to volleyball, its excellent venues, and the support from Visit Indy make it a natural choice for our Girls Junior National Championship. We look forward to showcasing the next generation of volleyball talent on the grandest stage. It will be another incredible competition in 2026.”
Upcoming 2026 USA Volleyball National Championship Events
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (May 15, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team has unveiled its 30-player long-list roster for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), featuring a competitive mix of Olympic veterans, seasoned pros, and rising stars. The 2025 VNL promises high-stakes action as the world’s top 18 men’s teams clash over three weeks of preliminary play, with the top eight advancing to the Final Round.
The U.S. Men’s National Team, under the guidance of head coach Karch Kiraly, will select 14 athletes from the long-list to compete at each stop: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (June 11-15), Hoffman Estates, Illinois (June 25-29), and Chiba, Japan (July 16-20). The VNL Final Round will take place July 30-Aug. 3 in Ningbo, China.
GET TICKETS TO WATCH THE U.S. MEN COMPETE JUNE 25-29 IN HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS
“We’re incredibly excited about the talent and depth we have to begin this new Olympic cycle,” said U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Karch Kiraly. “The veterans on this roster continue to lead by example, while our younger athletes are pushing hard, bringing fresh energy and hunger. It’s a powerful combination. This VNL season will be a vital part of our journey toward the 2025 World Championships and beyond.”
The long list includes four Olympians, including three who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games: libero Erik Shoji, middle blocker Jeff Jendryk and setter Micah Ma’a. Opposite Kyle Ensing was the official alternate in Paris and competed on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Team.
Eleven athletes on the roster have competed in previous VNLs for the U.S.: opposite Gabi Garcia, setter Quinn Isaacson, liberos Mason Briggs and Kyle Dagostino, outside hitters Ethan Champlin, Jordan Ewert and Jacob Pasteur, and middle blockers Patrick Gasman, Matthew Knigge, Michael Marshman and Daniel Wetter.
Seven athletes have competed for the senior U.S. National Team in NORCECA events: setter Andrew Rowan, middle blocker Merrick McHenry and outside hitters Nolan Flexen, Camden Gianni, Kaleb Jenness, Zach Rama and Cooper Robinson.
Eight athletes have yet to compete for the senior U.S. National Team: setters Tread Rosenthal and Michael Wright, opposites Kyle Hobus and Kevin Kobrine, middle blockers Shane Holdaway, Cameron Thorne and Parker Tomkinson, and libero Jacob Reilly.
The U.S. Men are currently ranked No. 3 in the world and have medaled four times in VNL history, including silver medals in 2019, 2022 and 2023 and bronze in 2018.
U.S. Men’s Preliminary Roster for 2025 VNL
No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Camden Gianni (Opp, 6-4, Carlsbad, Calif., Grand Canyon, Southern California)
2 Kaleb Jenness (OH, 6-6, Mount Pleasant, S.C., Ball State, Palmetto)
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)
6 Quinn Isaacson (S, 6-2, Plainfield, Ill., Ball State, Great Lakes)
7 Jacob Pasteur (OH, 6-4, Westminster, Md., Ohio State Univ., Chesapeake)
8 Kevin Kobrine (OPP, 6-6, Newport Beach, Calif., UCLA and USC, Southern California)
9 Gabi Garcia (OPP, 6-7, San Juan, Puerto Rico, BYU)
10 Kyle Dagostino (L, 5-9, Tampa, Florida, Stanford Univ., Florida)
12 Shane Holdaway (MB, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
15 Kyle Hobus (OPP, 6-7, San Pedro, Calif., CSUN, Southern California)
16 Jacob Reilly (L, 6-2. Cypress, Texas, Pepperdine, Lone Star)
17 Andrew Rowan (S, 6-7, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
18 Cooper Robinson (OH, 6-7, Pacific Palisades, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
19 Patrick Gasman (MB, 6-10, Clovis, Calif., Univ. of Hawaii, Northern California)
20 Cameron Thorne (MB, 6-4, Hollywood, Calif., UCLA, Florida Region)
21 Zach Rama (Opp, 6-8, 2004, Phoenix, Ariz., UCLA, Arizona)
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 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-9, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawaii, Southern California)
27 Michael Marshman (MB, 6-7, Glenmont, N.Y., St. Francis Univ., Excelsior Empire)
28 Matthew Knigge (MB, 6-7, New Egypt, N.J., Vassar, Garden Empire)
29 Jordan Ewert (OH, 6-5, Antioch, Calif., Stanford, Northern California)
30 Daniel Wetter (MB, 6-5, Camarillo, Calif., CSU-Northridge, Paris Volley)
31 Michael Wright (S, 5-9, Richmond, Va., Ohio State, Old Dominion)
32 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., USC, Southern 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
U.S. Men’s Schedule for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV
(All times PDT)
Week 1: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
June 11 at 10 a.m. vs. Ukraine
June 12 at 5 p.m. vs. Iran
June 14 at 9:30 a.m. vs. Slovenia
June 15 at 1 p.m. vs. Cuba
Week 2: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
June 25 at 5:30 p.m. vs. China
June 26 at 5:30 p.m. vs. Canada
June 28 at 5:30 p.m. vs. Poland
June 29 at 5:30 p.m. vs. Italy
Week 3: Chiba, Japan
July 16 at 11:30 p.m. vs. Türkiye
July 18 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
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 8, 2025) – A dynamic mix of athletes, including three Olympians, comprise the 30-player long-list roster for the U.S. Women’s National Team as it prepares for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), the world’s premier annual international tournament.
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: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (June 4-8), Belgrade, Serbia (June 18-22), and a highly anticipated home appearance in Arlington, Texas (July 9-13). The Final Round is set for July 23-27 in Łódź, Poland.
GET TICKETS TO WATCH THE U.S. WOMEN COMPETE JULY 9-13 IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS!
“We’ve had an incredible group of athletes in the gym so far — they’re bringing great energy, a strong work ethic, and a real commitment to getting better every day,” U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Erik Sullivan said. “This roster brings together a lot of exciting skill sets, and it’s been fun to see how quickly they’re connecting and pushing each other. Our more experienced athletes have done a great job setting the tone and sharing their experience, which has been huge for our younger athletes. As we head into VNL, I’m looking forward to seeing this group grow and take on the challenge of international competition together.”
Three players return from the 2024 team that won silver at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games: setter Jordyn Poulter, who also won gold with the team in 2020; outside hitter Avery Skinner and middle blocker Dana Rettke.
Ten athletes on the roster have competed in previous VNLs including setter Jenna Gray, liberos Morgan Hentz and Zoe Jarvis (previously Zoe Fleck), outside hitters Ali Frantti, Roni Jones-Perry and Khalia Lanier, middles Brionne Butler and Asjia O’Neal, and opposites Danielle Cuttino and Madisen Skinner.
Several athletes have competed for the senior U.S. National Team in NORCECA events, including libero Lexi Rodriguez, opposites Olivia Babcock, Taylor Mims and Stephanie Samedy, setter Ella Powell, outside hitters Logan Eggleston and Sarah Franklin, and middle blockers Serena Gray, Amber Igiede, Molly McCage and Tia Jimerson.
Six athletes have yet to compete for the senior U.S. National Team: setters Rachel Fairbanks and Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres, middle blocker Anna Dodson, outside hitter McKenzie Adams, opposite Logan Lednicky and libero Lauren Briseño.
Sullivan, who is in his first year coaching the U.S. Women’s National Team, is assisted by Tayyiba Haneef-Park, Brandon Taliaferro and Mike Wall.
The U.S. Women are the reigning Olympic silver medalists and ranked No. 3 in the world. 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.
U.S. Women’s Preliminary Roster for 2025 VNL
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)
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)
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)
11 Taylor Mims (Opp, 6-3, Billings, Mont., Washington State, Evergreen)
10 Jenna Gray (S, 6-1, Shawnee, Kan., Stanford Univ., Heart of America)
13 Amber Igiede (MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Delta)
14 Anna Dodson (MB, 6-5, Fort Collins, Colo., UCLA, Rocky Mountain)
15 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
17 Zoe Jarvis (previously Fleck)(L, 5-6, Granada Hills, Calif., UCLA and Univ. of Texas, Southern California)
18 Asjia O’Neal (MB, 6-3, Southlake, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
19 Khalia Lanier (OH, 6-2, Scottsdale, Ariz., Univ. of Southern California, Arizona)
20 Danielle Cuttino (Opp, 6-4, Indianapolis, Ind., Purdue, Hoosier)
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)
23 Lauren Briseño (L, 5-7, San Antonio, Texas, Baylor, Lone Star)
24 Olivia Babcock (Opp, 6-4, Los Angeles, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)
25 Tia Jimerson (MB, 6-3, Sugar Hill, Ga., Ohio University, Southern)
27 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Univ. of Washington, Delta)
28 Logan Lednicky (Opp, 6-3, Sugar Land, Texas, Univ. of Texas A&M, Lone Star)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
30 McKenzie Adams (OH, Schertz, Texas, Univ. of Texas at San Antonio, Lone Star)
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., Univ. of Minnesota, Florida)
43 Serena Gray (MB, 6-2, Temple City, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)
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
U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.
(All times PDT)
Week 1: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
June 4 at 10 a.m. vs. Italy
June 5 at 5 p.m. vs. Brazil
June 6 at 5 p.m. vs. Czechia
June 8 at 1 p.m. vs. Korea
Week 2: Belgrade, Serbia
June 18 at 11 a.m. vs. Serbia
June 19 at 7:30 a.m. vs. Poland
June 21 at 7:30 a.m. vs. Netherlands
June 22 at 7:30 a.m. vs. France
Week 3: Arlington, Texas
July 9 at 5:30 p.m. vs. Thailand
July 10 at 5:30 p.m. vs. Dominican Republic vs. USA
July 12 at 5:30 p.m. vs. Canada vs. USA
July 13 at 5 p.m. vs. China
A powerhouse trio of coaches—Tayyiba Haneef-Park, Mike Wall and Brandon Taliaferro—will join new head coach Erik Sullivan as assistant coaches to guide the U.S. Women’s National Team on its journey to the LA 2028 Olympics.
USA Volleyball is proud to announce the appointment of Erik Sullivan as the new head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sullivan, a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience at the women’s collegiate level, succeeds Karch Kiraly, who led the team to three Olympic medals and a World Championship title.
The world’s premier volleyball competition is returning to the United States in 2025 as two cities will host preliminary rounds of the Volleyball Nations League. Chicago, Illinois, and Arlington, Texas, will both host stops on the 2025 VNL.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 6, 2025) – USA Volleyball is proud to announce that Kerri Walsh Jennings and the late Flo Hyman have been selected for induction into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, Class of 2025. This prestigious honor recognizes not only their legendary athletic careers, but also their enduring contributions to the sport of volleyball and the broader Olympic & Paralympic movement.
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on July 12 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This year’s class celebrates athletes and contributors whose excellence has elevated Team USA both on and off the field of play.
In addition to their Olympic honors, both athletes have been recognized by USA Volleyball for their profound impact on the sport. Walsh Jennings is among six volleyball legends who will be inducted as All-Time Great Athletes into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame during the annual Dorothy C. Boyce Banquet on May 21, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. Hyman was previously inducted into the USAV Hall of Fame in 1985.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame Banquet are now available.
About the USOPC Hall of Fame Honorees
Kerri Walsh Jennings is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and one-time bronze medalist, making her one of the most decorated beach volleyball athletes of all time. Alongside longtime partner Misty May-Treanor, she dominated the international scene, capturing gold in 2004, 2008 and 2012. A five-time Olympian, Walsh Jennings remains a vocal advocate for youth development, women in sport, and equitable access to athletics.
Flo Hyman was a trailblazer in American volleyball and a powerful force for change in women’s sports. A cornerstone of the U.S. Women’s National Team, she helped lead Team USA to a silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Off the court, Hyman was a passionate advocate for gender equity and athlete rights. Her legacy continues to inspire athletes and activists across generations.
USA Volleyball invites the volleyball community and all supporters of Team USA to join in celebrating the remarkable legacies of these icons who have shaped the sport in the United States and beyond.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 30, 2025) — USA Volleyball is proud to announce the 18 athletes on the U.S. Women’s U21 National Team who will train for the 2025 NORCECA U21 Pan American Cup, July 20–28, in San Jose, Costa Rica.
The team will participate in a training block from July 13-19 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Following training, 12 athletes will be selected to represent the United States at the Pan Am Cup.
BYU women’s head coach Heather Olmstead will lead the team in Costa Rica.
“I’m incredibly honored and thrilled to lead the U.S. U21 team this summer,” Olmstead said. “Representing USA Volleyball on the international stage is a true privilege, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity. We have a remarkable group of players and coaches, and I look forward to learning from them and working together as we chase excellence.”
The team features a dynamic mix of athletes with international experience.
2025 Women’s U21 National Team for U21 Pan American Cup
Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
Ayden Ames (MB, 6-4, 2006, Prosper, Texas, University of Texas, North Texas)
Lizzy Andrew (MB, 6-5, 2005, Ridgefield, Wash., Stanford University, Columbia Empire)
Favor Anyanwu (MB, 6-3, 2006, Rowlett, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
Jaela Auguste (MB, 6-2, 2006, Spring, Texas, University of Florida, Lone Star)
Blaire Bayless (OH, 6-2, 2005, Plano, Texas, University of Pittsburgh, North Texas)
Carlie Cisneros (OH, 6-0, 2006, Paola, KS, University of Arizona, Heart of America)
Brooklyn DeLeye (OH, 6-2, 2005, Auburn, Kan., University of Kentucky, Heart of America)
Charlie Fuerbringer (S, 5-11, 2006, Hermosa Beach, Calif., University of Wisconsin, Southern California)
Ramsey Gary (L, 5-7, 2005, Pendelton, Ind., University of Texas, Hoosier)
Kamryn Gibadlo (OH, 6-1, 2005, Cave Creek, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona)
Noemie Glover (OPP, 6-2, 2005, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Arizona State University, Southern California)
Taylor Harvey (MB, 6-3, 2006, Bountiful, Utah, Bountiful HS, Intermountain)
Jadyn Livings (OPP/OH, 6-1, 2006, Dallas, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
Abigail Mullen (OPP, 6-3, 2006, Kansas City, Mo., University of Southern California, Heart of America)
Taylor Parks (S, 5-11, 2006, Clearwater, Fla., University of Florida, Florida)
Stella Swenson (S, 6-2, 2005, Wayzata, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country)
Molly Tuozzo (L, 5-8, 2005, The Woodlands, Texas, University of Kentucky, Lone Star)
Abby Vander Wal (OH, 6-3, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes)
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)
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 29, 2025) – USA Volleyball announces the 24 athletes on the 2025 U21 Men’s National Team who will prepare for the NORCECA Men’s U21 Pan American Cup and the FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship.
The Pan Am group will train July 27-Aug. 2 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, ahead of its departure for the Pan Am Cup Aug. 3-11, in Calgary, Canada. The Worlds group will also train at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, Aug. 7-17, before heading to Jiangmen, China, Aug. 19-Sept. 1.
The 2025 team features several athletes with previous U.S. national team experience:
UCLA head coach John Hawks will lead both the Pan Am and Worlds teams.
“I’m truly honored to represent the U21 USA National Team at the Pan American Cup and World Championships this summer,” Hawks said. “This group of 24 is stacked with talent—every one of them is making an impact at their schools and will be coming together for something bigger. They’ll be supported by an elite staff who will be pushing the players to be their very best every day in training and put the United States to be in medal contention on the last day of competition. Grateful for the opportunity, fired up for the journey ahead, and proud to wear the red, white and blue once again. Go USA!”
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)
2 Roan Alviar (L, 5-11, Hayward, Calif., Princeton, Northern California)
3 Cole Hartke (OH, 6-11, Barrington, Ill., Pepperdine, Great Lakes)
4 Aidan Klein (MB, 6-10, Evanston, Ill., Loyola Chicago, Great Lakes)
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)
11 Finn Kearney (OH, 6-5, Phoenix, Ariz., Univ. of Hawaii, Arizona)
12 Sterling Foley (OH, 6-6, Los Angeles, Calif., Univ. of Southern California, Southern California)
13 Sean Kelly (OH, 6-7, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
14 Justin Todd (MB, 6-7, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Hawaii, Aloha)
15 Joshua Aruya (MB, 6-9, Mission Viejo, Calif., UC Santa Barbara, Southern California)
16 Tread Rosenthal (S, 6-10, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Univ. of Hawaii, 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)
19 Grayson Bradford (OPP, 6-11, Redondo Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California)
20 Parker Tomkinson (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., Univ. of Southern California, Southern California)
21 Jackson Cryst (MB, 6-10, Long Beach, Calif., Sage Hill School, Southern California)
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)
24 Kahale Clini (OH, 6-3, Honolulu, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
Coaches for Pan Am Team
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)
Coaches for World Championship Team
Head Coach: John Hawks (UCLA)
Assistant Coach: Donan Cruz (Ball State)
Assistant Coach: Matthew Pollock (Pepperdine)
Performance Analyst: Alex Hurlburt (The Volleyball institute)
Athletic Trainer: Rachel Menze (Pepperdine)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (NTDP)
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 29, 2025) – USA Volleyball announces the schedule for 2025 ParaVolley Pan America (PVPA) Sitting Volleyball Zonal Championships, May 24–28, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. This premier event will run alongside the 2025 USA Volleyball Open National Championship, showcasing elite sitting volleyball in the heart of the Mile High City.
The tournament will feature men’s and women’s divisions, with teams from USA, Argentina (men only), Brazil and Canada competing for qualification to the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship. This marks the third time the U.S. has hosted the event, following previous editions in Edmond, Oklahoma (2013) and Denver (2009).
Full Match Schedule
(Mountain Time / Pacific Time)
May 24
Women: USA vs. Canada – 10 a.m. MT/9 a.m. PT
Men: Brazil vs. Canada – 12 p.m. MT/11 a.m. PT
Men: USA vs. Argentina – 3 p.m. MT/2 p.m. PT
Women: Canada vs. Brazil – 5 p.m. MT/4 p.m. PT
May 25
Women: USA vs. Brazil – 10 a.m. MT/9 a.m. PT
Men: Brazil vs. Argentina – 12 p.m. MT/11 a.m. PT
Men: USA vs. Canada – 3 p.m. MT/2 p.m. PT
Women: USA vs. Canada – 5 p.m. MT/4 p.m. PT
May 26
Women: Canada vs. Brazil – 10 a.m. MT/9 a.m. PT
Men: Canada vs. Argentina – 12 p.m. MT/11 a.m. PT
Men: USA vs. Brazil – 3 p.m. MT/2 p.m. PT
Women: USA vs. Brazil – 5 p.m. MT/4 p.m. PT
May 27
Men’s Semifinals (1 vs. 4) – 10 a.m. MT/9 a.m. PT
Men’s Semifinals (2 vs. 3) – 12 p.m. MT/11 a.m. PT
Women’s Gold Medal Match (1 vs. 2) – 3 p.m. MT/2 p.m. PT
May 28
Men’s Bronze Medal Match – 10 a.m. MT/9 a.m. PT
Men’s Gold Medal Match – 12 p.m. M /11 a.m. PT
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 29, 2025) — USA Volleyball is proud to announce that Bill Hamiter, head coach of the U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team, has been named the 2024 Paralympic Coach of the Year by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
The USOPC also announced additional Coach of the Year recipients, including USA Fencing’s Ralf Bissdorf as Olympic Coach of the Year. Summer awardees include USA Softball’s Patty Gasso as College Coach of the Year, Linda “Dee” Mahoney as Service Provider of the Year, and USA Archery’s Phil “Chad” Jones as Volunteer Coach of the Year. Winter awardees include U.S. Figure Skating’s Steffany Hanlen (Doc Counsilman Science and Technology Award), USA Hockey’s Heather Mannix (Coach Educator of the Year), and U.S. Speedskating’s Tom Anderson (Developmental Coach of the Year).
Under Hamiter’s leadership, the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team has established itself as a powerhouse on the international stage. At the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, he guided the team to an historic third consecutive Paralympic gold medal, solidifying their place among the most successful teams in Paralympic history.
Since taking over the program in 2009, Hamiter has revolutionized the team’s development with an innovative, data-driven approach to coaching. He integrates advanced analytics, match video review, and load-monitoring technologies to maximize athlete performance, while his individualized development programs have built a sustainable pipeline of elite talent for USA Volleyball.
“Team USA’s success is built on the dedication of our coaches and support staff, whose impact extends from youth development to the world’s biggest stages,” said Rocky Harris, USOPC chief of sport and athlete services. “Their unwavering commitment empowers our athletes and strengthens the entire Olympic and Paralympic movements. We proudly recognize the eight individual award winners for their relentless pursuit of excellence in their sports and beyond.”
National Governing Bodies nominated their 2024 coaches as part of the USOPC Coach of the Year Recognition Program, with winners selected by a USOPC panel. The program honors outstanding coaches and support providers who make a significant impact on their sport and the broader Olympic and Paralympic community.
USA Volleyball congratulates Bill Hamiter on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his continued dedication, innovation and leadership.
About Bill Hamiter
Since assuming leadership of the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team in 2009, Bill Hamiter has built a program that is unmatched in the sport. At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Team USA rebounded from a pool play loss to defeat China 3-1 in the final, with individual honors awarded to Heather Erickson (MVP and Best Attacker), Lora Webster (Best Blocker), and Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (Best Setter). Hamiter’s pioneering use of analytics and technology, combined with a deep commitment to athlete development, has made a lasting impact on Paralympic volleyball and established a model of coaching excellence.
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Colorado Springs, Colo. (April 28, 2025) – USA Volleyball is pleased to announce the 28 players on the 2025 U.S. Boys U19 National Team.
All 28 athletes will participate in a training block June 1-7 at the National Team Training Center in Anaheim, Calif. At the end of training, 12 athletes will be selected to compete at the 2025 NORCECA Boys U19 Pan American Cup, and another 12 will be selected to compete at the 2025 FIVB Boys U19 World Championship.
Athletes competing in the Pan American Cup will attend a mini-training camp from July 3-6 in Leesburg, Fla., before heading off to Cuernavaca, Morales, Mexico, for the Pan American Cup, July 7-13.
Athletes competing in the World Championship will attend a second training block from July 12-July 17 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and then a European training block in Madrid, Spain, July 18-21. The World Championship is July 24-Aug. 3 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The U.S. Boys U19 Team won the gold medal at the 2024 NORCECA Continental Championship and has won the last two Pan American Cup tournaments in 2022 and ’23. The 2023 Boys U19 Team finished fourth at the World Championship, its best finish ever.
Twelve members of the 2025 national team have previous experience with the national team. Layton Bluth, Thomas Demps IV, Noah Meabon, Myles Jordan, Dante Cayaban, Cooper Keane, Rafa Urbina, Aleksey Mikhailenko, Luc Soerensen, Roman Payne, Grant Lamoureux and Thomas Phung were all part of the 2024 U19 National Team.
Springfield College men’s head coach Charlie Sullivan will lead the team at Worlds, while Mountain View Volleyball Club’s Jonah Carson leads the Pan Am team.
“I’m so excited to get to work with this special group,” Sullivan said. “The athletes have prepared themselves well, and the best thing about working with this group so far has been their phenomenal attitudes. Excited to see where that takes us!”
Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)
Layton Bluth (L, 5-8, Gilbert, Ariz., Casteel HS, Northern California)
Ben Bayer (L, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Sussex Hamilton HS, Badger)
Thomas Phung (L, 5-10 Garland, Texas, Harvard University, Southern)
Lucas Helle (S, 6-4, Pauline, S.C., Dorman HS, Palmetto)
Elan Taylor (OH, 6-4, San Jose, Calif., Valley Christian HS, Northern California)
Thomas Demps IV (OH, 6-4, Raleigh, N.C., Broughton HS, Carolina)
Noah Meabon (OPP, 6-4, Fairport, N.Y., Fairport HS, Western Empire)
Myles Jordan (OH, 6-5, Houston, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lonestar)
Dante Cayaban (MB, 6-7, Saint Cloud, Fla., Saint Cloud HS, Florida)
Noah Douphner (OH, 6-6, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., West Ranch HS, Southern California)
Cooper Keane (OPP, 6-7, Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California)
Rafael Urbina (S, 6-6, Broomfield, Colo., Legacy HS, Rocky Mountain)
Logan Hutnick (OH, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California)
Aleksey Mikhailenko (OH, 6-8, Mequon, Wis., Homestead HS, Badger)
Blake Fahlbusch (OH, 6-8, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Loyola HS of Los Angeles, Southern California)
Luc Soerensen (MB, 6-8, Meadville, Pa., Meadville Area Senior HS, Keystone)
Peter Chriss (S, 6-6, Menlo Park, Calif., Menlo Atherton HS, Northern California)
Brett Novak (S, 6-6, Lancaster, Calif., Paraclete HS, Southern California)
Roman Payne (MB, 7-0, Carlsbad, Calif., Carlsbad HS, Southern California)
Grant Lamoureux (OH, 6-10, Clemmons, N.C., Pepperdine University, Carolina)
William Dryden (OPP, 6-7, Los Gatos, Calif., Archbishop Mitty HS, Northern California)
Kale Cochran (OH, 6-7, Roseville, Calif., Whitney HS, Northern California)
Corbin Batista (OPP, 6-7, St. George, Utah, Alta HS, Intermountain)
Isiah Powell (MB, 6-7, Silver Spring, Md., Springbrook HS, Chesapeake)
Brodie Heshler (MB, 6-7, Harrisburg, Pa., Central Dauphin HS, Keystone)
Daniel Booker (MB, 6-8, Newport Beach, Calif., Corona Del Mar HS, Southern California)
Thomas Henige (MB, 6-9, Glendale, Ariz., Perry HS, Arizona)
Worlds Team
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)
Pan Am Cup Team
Head Coach: Jonah Carson (MVVC)
Assistant Coach: Spencer Wickens (Stanford)
Assistant Coach: Sean Byron (Marist College)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Team Doctor: Dr. Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)
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Colorado Springs, Colo. (April 24, 2025) — USA Volleyball announces the 19 athletes on the 2025 U.S. Girls U19 National Team who will prepare for the NORCECA U19 Pan American Cup, June 24–29 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
All 19 athletes will train together June 1-7 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. From this group, 12 athletes will be chosen to represent the United States at the Pan American Cup, and those athletes will participate in a second training block from June 20-22 in Chicago, Illinois.
“For these athletes, it will be the first time they have the honor of wearing the red, white and blue in competition,” head coach Jamie Morrison said. “It’s an honor to be the person chosen to lead them in such a special moment. These training blocks are about development and learning to play the game at an international level. I can’t wait to see what this experience and this coaching staff can pull out of each athlete.”
The U.S. Girls U19 National Team won gold at the Pan Am Cup in both 2022 and 2023, and won gold last year at the NORCECA Continental Championship. This year, the team will be in a pool with Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.
2025 U.S. Girls U19 National Team for the NORCECA Pan American Cup
(Name, Position, Height, Birth Year, Hometown, High School, Region)
Taimane Ainu’u (S, 5-11, 2009, Kapolei, Hawaii, Iolani HS, Aloha)
Nejari Crooks (OPP, 6-1, 2009, High Point, N.C., Wesleyan Christian Academy, Carolina)
Cala Haffner (L, 5-8, 2009, Fort Wayne, Ind., Carroll HS, Hoosier)
Taylor Harrington (MB, 6-3, 2009, Arlington, Va., Wakefield HS, Chesapeake)
Olivia Henry (OH, 6-5, 2009, Bayside, N.Y., IMG Academy, Florida)
Megan Hodges (MB/OPP, 6-5, 2009, Ladera Ranch, Calif., San Juan Hills HS, Southern California)
Marissa Jones (S, 6-2, 2009, Atlanta, Ga., Woodward Academy, Southern)
Kari Knotts (OH, 6-3, 2010, Marietta, Ga., Hightower Trail MS, Southern)
Pulelehua Laikona (L, 5-8, 2009, Gilbert, Ariz., Mesa HS, Arizona)
Leilani Lamar (OH, 6-2, 2009, Tampa, Fla., Tampa Preparatory School, Florida)
Westley Matavao (OH, 6-0, 2009, Ontario, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California)
McKenna McIntosh (OH, 6-1, 2009, Stockton, Calif., St. Mary’s HS, Northern California)
Shayla Rautenberg (MB, 6-3, 2009, Pleasant Dale, Neb., Milford HS, Great Plains)
Ireland Real (OH, 6-4, 2009, San Clemente, Calif., Santa Margarita Catholic HS, Southern California)
Josalyn Samuels (S, 6-1, 2009, Harrisburg, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
Marlee Steiner (MB, 6-4, 2009, St. Louis, Mo., Lindbergh HS, Gateway)
Caroline Ward (OPP, 6-0, 2009, Lizton, Ind., Tri-West Hendricks HS, Hoosier)
Kyla Williams (MB, 6-4, 2009, Cleveland, Ohio, Gilmour Academy, Ohio Valley)
Shaye Witherspoon (OH, 6-3, 2009, Wildwood, Mo., Lafayette HS, Gateway)
Coaches
Head Coach: Jamie Morrison (Texas A&M)
Assistant Coach: Michelle Chatman Smith (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Maggie Eppright (LOVB)
Performance Analyst: Michael Bouril (Mississippi State)
Athletic Trainer: Rebecca Himes (PVF)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)
2025 Girls U19 Pan American Cup Schedule
All times Pacific
Subject to change
June 24
8 a.m.: Puerto Rico vs. Mexico
10:30 a.m.: USA vs. Venezuela
1:30 p.m.: Chile vs. Dominican Republic
4 p.m.: Canada vs. Costa Rica
June 25
8 a.m.: Puerto Rico vs. Venezuela
10:30 a.m.: USA vs. Mexico
1:30 p.m.: Chile vs. Costa Rica
4 p.m.: Canada vs. Dominican Republic
June 26
8 a.m.: Mexico vs. Venezuela
10:30 a.m.: USA vs. Puerto Rico
1:30 p.m.: Costa Rica vs. Dominican Republic
4 p.m.: Canada vs. Chile
June 27
1:30 p.m.: Quarterfinal #1
4 p.m.: Quarterfinal #2
June 28
8 a.m.: Classification 5/8
10:30 a.m.: Classification 5/8
1:30 p.m.: Semifinal #1
4 p.m.: Semifinal #2
June 29
6 a.m.: Classification 7/8
8:30 a.m.: Classification 5/6
11 a.m.: Bronze medal match
1:30 p.m.: Gold medal match
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 2, 2025) – USA Volleyball is excited to announce the dates, locations and coaching staff for its 2025 indoor age-group national teams, which will compete in top international events, including the NORCECA Continental Championship, Pan American Cup, and FIVB World Championship.
Boys/Men’s Competitions
U.S. boys and men’s teams will compete at the U19, U21 and U23 levels. With 2025 being a World Championship year, teams will face elite global competition:
At the previous Boys U19 World Championship, the U.S. achieved its best-ever finish, placing fourth.
U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly emphasized the significance of these competitions in shaping future Olympians.
“2025 presents an incredible opportunity for all of USA Volleyball’s age-group national teams,” Kiraly said. “It marks the start of a new Olympic cycle leading to a rare and special moment—an Olympic Games hosted in the United States. I remember how impactful these experiences were when I was a U21 player. Competing against teams from around the world opened my eyes to what was possible at the highest levels of the sport. It fueled my passion and pushed me to see if I could one day earn a spot on the senior national team.
“There’s also something special about bringing together the best young players in the country. Normally, they compete against each other in high school, college, or junior national championships. But in these tournaments, they finally get to play alongside one another, learning the same systems, tactics, and technical skills as our senior national team. It’s an invaluable experience that helps prepare them for the highest levels of competition, including the World Championships and the Olympics.”
The full list of 2025 boys/men’s age-group national team opportunities are below.
2025 NORCECA Boys U19 Pan American Cup
Team: Boys U19 National Team (born in 2007 or later)
Training Dates: June 1-7 in Anaheim, California and July 3-6 in Orlando, Florida
Competition: July 6-14, Cuernavaca, Morelo, Mexico
Head Coach: Jonah Carson (MVVC)
Assistant Coach: Spencer Wickens (Stanford)
Assistant Coach: Sean Byron (Marist)
Performance Analyst: Andrew Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Athletic Trainer: Christopher Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)
2025 FIVB Boys U19 World Championship
Team: Boys U19 National Team (born in 2007 or later)
Training Dates: June 1-7 in Anaheim, California; July 12-17 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, July 18-21 in Madrid, Spain
Competition: July 22-Aug. 4 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Head Coach: Charlie Sullivan (Springfield)
Assistant Coach: Jonah Carson (MVVC)
Assistant Coach: Patrick Shawaryn (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: Andrew Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Athletic Trainer: Christopher Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (NTDP)
2025 NORCECA Men’s U21 Pan American Cup
Team: Men’s U21 National Team (born in 2005 or later)
Training Dates: July 27-Aug. 2 in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Competition: Aug. 3-11 in Calgary, Canada
Head Coach: John Hawks (UCLA)
Assistant Coach: Donan Cruz (Ball State)
Assistant Coach: Matthew Pollock (Pepperdine)
Performance Analyst: Thomas Shaffer (Loyola University Chicago)
Athletic Trainer: Hazel Peterson (UCCS/OPTC)
Team Lead: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)
2025 Men’s U21 FIVB World Championship
Team: Men’s U21 National Team (born in 2005 or later)
Training Dates: Aug. 7-18 in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Competition: Aug. 19-Sept. 1 in Jiangmen, China
Head Coach: John Hawks (UCLA)
Assistant Coach: Donan Cruz (Ball State)
Assistant Coach: Matthew Pollock (Pepperdine)
Performance Analyst: Alex Hurlburt (The Volleyball Institute)
Athletic Trainer: Rachel Menze (Pepperdine)
Team Lead: Donovan Martinez (NTDP)
2025 NORCECA Men’s U23 Pan American Cup
Team: Men’s U23 National Team (born in 2003 or later)
Training Dates: July 20-27 in Anaheim, California
Competition: July 27-Aug. 4 in Guatemala City, Guatemala
Head Coach: Nickie Sanlin (McKendree)
Assistant Coach: Luke Reynolds (Pepperdine)
Assistant Coach: Reid Priddy (INDOOR Volleyball Club, Olympian)
Performance Analyst: Mackenna Basore (Auburn)
Athletic Trainer: Claire Pointer (LOVB Madison)
Team Lead: TBD
Girls/Women’s Competitions
U.S. girls and women’s teams will also compete at the U19, U21 and U23 levels. The Girls U19 team will seek to defend its world title at the 2025 U19 World Championship in Croatia (July 1–14), while the Women’s U21 team will compete at the U21 World Championship in Indonesia (Aug. 5–18).
The Girls U19 team has been one of the most dominant U.S. squads internationally, winning gold in 2019 and 2023 and bronze in 2021.
U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Erik Sullivan highlighted the developmental impact of these competitions.
“These events are more than just an opportunity to compete; they are a critical part of the athlete development process for USA Volleyball,” Sullivan said. “For these athletes, it’s a chance to refine their technical abilities, enhance their mental toughness, and develop the leadership qualities needed to shape their journey to higher levels of play.
“It’s inspiring to witness the growth of these young players and see them begin to pave the way for the future of USA Volleyball. For athletes, parents and fans, this summer offers an exciting glimpse into the incredible potential of our next wave of national team athletes. We are shaping the next generation of athletes who will carry the torch for years to come.”
The full list of 2025 girls/women’s age-group national team opportunities is below.
2025 NORCECA Girls U19 Pan American Cup
Team: Girls U19 National Team (born in 2007 or later)
Training Dates: June 1-7 in Colorado Springs, Colorado; June 20-22 in Chicago, Illinois
Competition: June 22-30 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Head Coach: Jaime Morrison (Texas A&M)
Assistant Coach: Michelle Chatman Smith (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Maggie Eppright (LOVB)
Performance Analyst: Michael Bouril (Mississippi State)
Athletic Trainer: Rebecca Himes (PVF)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)
2025 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship
Team: Girls U19 National Team (born in 2007 or later)
Training Dates: June 1-7 in Colorado Springs, Colorado; June 26-June 30 in the Netherlands
Competition: July 1-14 in Osijek, Croatia and Belgrade, Serbia
Head Coach: Keegan Cook (Minnesota)
Assistant Coach: Alyssa D’Errico (Utah)
Assistant Coach: April Sanchez (New Mexico)
Performance Analyst: Jon Wong (Florida State)
Athletic Trainer: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Team Lead: Courtney Smith (NTDP)
2025 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup
Team: Women’s U21 National Team (born in 2005 or later)
Training Dates: July 13-19 in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Competition: July 20-28 in San Jose, Costa Rica
Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (BYU)
Assistant Coach: Keith Smith (TCU)
Assistant Coach: Megan Hodge Easy (Penn State, Olympian)
Performance Analyst: Kolin Koski (LOVB)
Athletic Trainer: Britta Pestak (Hawken School/University Hospital)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (Maryland)
2025 Women’s U21 FIVB World Championship
Team: Women’s U21 National Team (born in 2005 or later)
Training Dates: July 27-Aug. 4 in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Competition: Aug. 5-18 in Surabaya, Indonesia
Head Coach: Tama Miyashiro (LOVB, Olympian)
Assistant Coach: Stacy Sykora (LOVB, Olympian)
Assistant Coach: Steven Duhoux (Ohio State MVB)
Performance Analyst Training: Elgin Liu (UCSD MVB)
Performance Analyst Competition: Peter Wong (Halton Region Volleyball Club)
Athletic Trainer: Misao Tanioka (LOVB)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)
2025 NORCECA Women’s U23 Pan American Cup
Team: Women’s U23 National Team (born in 2003 or later)
Training Dates: July 18-25 in Anaheim, California
Competition: July 25-Aug. 2 in Leon, Mexico
Head Coach: Marie Zidek (DePaul)
Assistant Coach: Kayla Banwarth (PVF, Olympian)
Assistant Coach: Danielle Scott (LOVB, Olympian)
Performance Analyst: Matthew Adams (Michigan)
Athletic Trainer: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Team Lead: Taylor Marten (Ozark Juniors)
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 28, 2025) – USA Volleyball is proud to announce that two legendary athletes, Kerri Walsh Jennings and Flo Hyman, have been nominated for induction into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame.
USA Volleyball encourages fans to vote for Kerri Walsh Jennings at teamusa.com/HOF25 from March 25–April 14 and help cement her place in the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame.
The Legends category (Flo Hyman) is not open to public voting. Only U.S. Olympians, Paralympians, and the Olympic & Paralympic family will vote for this category.
Voting breakdown for Olympian category:
The Hall of Fame inductees will be announced on May 6, and the ceremony will take place on July 12 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
If inducted, Kerri Walsh Jennings will join fellow volleyball icons Karch Kiraly (indoor/beach) and Misty May-Treanor (beach), her partner in their historic three consecutive Olympic gold medal wins.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 21, 2025) – USA Volleyball is proud to announce the full list of 30 distinguished individuals who will be honored at the 2025 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame annual banquet and ceremony on May 21 at the Hilton Denver City Center in Colorado.
The celebration will recognize both Hall of Fame inductees and annual award winners, highlighting their outstanding contributions to the sport. The ceremony takes place just two days before the start of the 2025 USA Volleyball Open National Championship at the Denver Convention Center. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now, with proceeds benefiting the USA Volleyball Foundation.
Hall of Fame Honorees
Among this year’s honorees is Bill Forrester, previously announced as recipient of the prestigious 2025 Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Award, USA Volleyball’s highest honor. He joins All-Time Great Athletes Kerri Walsh Jennings, Mike Dodd, Lindsey Berg, Tayyiba Haneef-Park, Tom Hoff and David Lee.
Additionally, legendary coach “Jenny” Lang Ping will be inducted as the 2025 All-Time Great Coach in recognition of her leadership in guiding the U.S. Women’s National Team to a silver medal at the 2008 Olympic Games.
USA Volleyball will also recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport at various levels:
“The USA Volleyball Hall of Fame is a celebration of those who have dedicated their lives to the growth and success of our sport. This year’s honorees represent decades of commitment, leadership and service to volleyball at every level,” shared John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “Their passion and contributions have helped shape the game, ensuring its continued excellence and impact for generations to come.”
In addition, USA Volleyball will also recognize the following individuals with annual awards.
Rebecca B. Howard Diversity & Inclusion Award: Jerico Abanico (Lakas Volleyball Club, Northern California Region)
Jonathan Reeser Sport Science Award: Andrew JM Gregory
Glen G. Davies Referee Service Award: Margie Ray
Referee of the Year: Brig Beatie (Northern California Region)
Scorer of the Year: Amber Fulk (Carolina Region)
Junior Male Athlete of the Year: Grant Lamoureux (Carolina Region)
Junior Female Athlete of the Year: Teraya Sigler (Arizona Region)
Indoor Junior Club of the Year: Rick Welch and Marian Gyhra (Premier Nebraska, Great Plains Region)
Beach Junior Club Director of the Year: Ashtyn Neill (SWI Third Degree Beach Club, Great Plains Region)
Junior Club Service Award: Cambria Kuipers (Tampa United, Florida Region)
Junior Girls Indoor Coach of the Year: Ryan Mitchell (North Texas Region)
Junior Boys Indoor Coach of the Year: Kent Joseph Cheramie (Bayou Region)
Junior Girls Beach Coach of the Year: Stephen McCarthy (TMP Beach Club, North Country)
Junior Boys Beach Coach of the Year: Nicole Christner (S3 Volleyball, Southern Region)
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 11, 2025) – Six legendary athletes will be inducted into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame during the annual banquet and ceremony on May 21 at the Hilton Denver City Center in Colorado.
Honored with the All-Time Great Athlete Award are Kerri Walsh Jennings, Mike Dodd, Lindsey Berg, Tayyiba Haneef-Park, Tom Hoff, and David Lee—two beach and four indoor volleyball icons.
The Hall of Fame ceremony takes place just two days before the 2025 USA Volleyball Open National Championship begins at the Denver Convention Center.
“We are proud to celebrate these legendary athletes whose remarkable careers have elevated the sport of volleyball and inspired generations,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “This Hall of Fame induction not only honors their achievements but also fuels the future of volleyball’s vibrant community, inspiring the next generation to chase their dreams and carry the sport forward.”
Purchase tickets and inquire about sponsorship opportunities through our ticketing website. Proceeds will support the USA Volleyball Foundation.
All-Time Great Athlete Award Criteria
To receive the All-Time Great Athlete Award, an athlete must have played at least five years on a U.S. national team and competed in a minimum of five top-level international events—including the Olympic Games, FIVB World Championship, FIVB World Cup, or NORCECA Championship.
Kerri Walsh Jennings (Beach)
A four-time Olympic medalist, Walsh Jennings dominated beach volleyball, winning three consecutive Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012) and a bronze in 2016. She began her career as an indoor standout, competing at Stanford and in the 2000 Olympics before transitioning to beach. With 135 career event titles, she is the all-time women’s leader in beach volleyball victories. Alongside Misty May-Treanor, she won three Beach World Championships and set records for most consecutive match wins (112) and consecutive tournament titles (19).
Mike Dodd (Beach)
Dodd won a silver medal in the inaugural Olympic beach volleyball tournament (1996) with partner Mike Whitmarsh. He was a two-sport star at San Diego State in volleyball and basketball. Over an 18-year career, he secured 75 titles, ranking eighth all-time. A five-time Manhattan Beach Open champion, Dodd was recognized as AVP Sportsman of the Year in 1994 and 1996.
Lindsey Berg (Indoor)
One of the U.S. Women’s National Team’s greatest setters, Berg played in three Olympic Games, winning silver in 2008 and 2012. She joined the national team in 2003, earning Best Setter honors at the NORCECA Championship and Pan American Cup. She was co-captain of the 2008 Olympic Team, and captain of both the 2011 FIVB World Grand Prix gold medal team and the 2012 Olympic team. She’s a two-time USA Volleyball Female Indoor Athlete of the Year. She ranks in the top 10 for both assists and aces at the University of Minnesota.
Tayyiba Haneef-Park (Indoor)
Three-time Olympian Tayyiba Haneef-Park helped lead the U.S. Women’s National Team to Olympic silver medals in 2008 and 2012. A collegiate star at Long Beach State, she guided her team to a 33-1 record and an NCAA runner-up finish in 2001. She ranks seventh on the school’s all-time kill list with 1,421. She competed for Team USA for over a decade, contributing to multiple podium finishes at the FIVB World Cup and World Grand Prix.
Tom Hoff (Indoor)
A three-time Olympian and 2008 Olympic gold medalist, Hoff anchored the U.S. Men’s National Team as a middle blocker. He was a two-time All-American at Long Beach State, and the school hung his No. 9 jersey in the rafters of the Walter Pyramid in 2024. He captained the 2008 Olympic team, providing crucial leadership when head coach Hugh McCutcheon was briefly absent due to a personal tragedy.
David Lee (Indoor)
A three-time Olympian and 2008 Olympic gold medalist, Lee was a force at middle blocker for over a decade. He also won bronze at the 2016 Olympics, gold at the 2015 World Cup, and two World League titles. A Long Beach State standout, he ranks seventh all-time in program history with 446 career blocks.
USA Volleyball will announce additional 2025 Hall of Fame award winners soon.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 12, 2025) – USA Volleyball is proud to host the 2025 ParaVolley Pan America (PVPA) Sitting Volleyball Zonal Championships, May 24-28, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. This premier event will run alongside the 2025 USA Volleyball Open National Championship, bringing high-level sitting volleyball competition to the Mile High City.
The Zonal Championships will feature both men’s and women’s divisions, with top teams from across Pan America vying for berths in the 2026 World ParaVolley World Championship. This is the third time the U.S. has hosted the event; it was previously held in Edmond, Oklahoma, in 2013 and in Denver in 2009.
“We’re pleased to hold the zonal championship in the United States,” USA Volleyball President and CEO John Speraw said. “This is an excellent opportunity to showcase sitting volleyball to the U.S. audience as we look ahead to both teams competing at LA2028.”
The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team has won the gold medal at every Zonal Championship since its inception. This will be the first tournament since the team won its third straight Paralympic title, and it will be tough challenge. The U.S. and Zonal members Canada and Brazil are all ranked in the top three in the world (No. 1 Canada, No. 2 Brazil, No. 3 United States).
The U.S. Men’s Sitting National Team, coming off silver medals at the last zonal championship and the 2024 Dutch Tournament, looks to build on its momentum and compete for gold.
“I’m thrilled that USA Volleyball has agreed to host the 2025 ParaVolley Pan America Sitting Volleyball Zonal Championships,” said Joe Campbell, president, ParaVolley Pan America. “This event is of great significance to the Pan America Zone, as it will provide the top two teams in each gender the opportunity to secure a spot in the 2026 World Championships. Equally important, every participating team will earn valuable World Ranking Points, further enhancing their standing on the global stage. We look forward to an exciting and competitive tournament.”
The 2023 PVPA Zonal Championships in Edmonton, Canada, served as a qualifier for Paris 2024, with teams from across Pan America competing for a coveted Paralympic berth. The U.S. Women went on to capture its third consecutive Paralympic gold medal in 2024
Stay tuned for the full event schedule and a list of competing teams.
The U.S. Men’s Sitting Team completed its four-match exhibition series against Japan on Sunday with a pair of 3-0 sweeps at the AVC Dallas Girls 18s National Qualifier in Texas.
The U.S. Men's Sitting Team opened the 2025 season with two victories over Japan during a series of friendly matches at the AVC Dallas Girls 18s National Qualifier in Texas.
The U.S. Women’s Sitting Team will say au revoir to Paris with special souvenirs after winning a third straight Paralympic Games gold medal with a 3-1 (25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 25-22) victory over China on Saturday at North Paris Arena
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Colorado Springs, Colorado (Feb. 3, 2025) – USA Volleyball is pleased to announce the appointment of Wade Garard as its Chief Advancement Officer, a strategic hire aimed at driving the organization’s long-term growth and philanthropic efforts. Garard brings an extensive background in fundraising, capital campaigns and nonprofit management, as well as extensive connections in the volleyball and sports business communities to the leadership team at USAV.
“Philanthropy must be a key component to the strategy of any sports-related nonprofit, and I can think of no one better to lead fundraising efforts for the sport of volleyball than Wade Garard,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “What Wade and a group of donors at First Point Volleyball Foundation have been able to do to grow boys volleyball is nothing short of outstanding. We are thrilled to welcome him to USAV.”
Garard will report to Speraw and serve as a key member of USAV’s executive leadership team, contributing to overall organizational strategy and decision-making. Working closely with the USA Volleyball Foundation Board of Directors, Garard will also be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive advancement strategy to significantly increase philanthropic support to the USAV Foundation. Garard will serve as the primary liaison with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation to ensure strategic alignment and synergy in comprehensive fundraising efforts.
As a co-founder and CEO of First Point Volleyball Foundation, Garard spearheaded efforts that raised $5.8 million to grow boys and men’s volleyball in the United States, leading to the establishment of 42 new men’s collegiate volleyball programs, including 18 NCAA Division I-II men’s volleyball teams and eight new programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Over eight years, First Point’s efforts resulted in 11 additional state high school federations voting to pilot or sanction high school boys volleyball. First Point, an organization founded by Speraw and Garard in 2016, will continue to be led by its Chairman Marin Gjaja and its President/Treasurer Bruce Lincoln.
Prior to First Point, Garard planned, organized and managed successful capital campaigns on 18 different college campuses. From 2006-2012, he was executive director of the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation and led the organization through its first successful comprehensive capital campaign. In 2016, Garard previously consulted for USA Volleyball, leading a feasibility study and strategic plan for expanding boys volleyball, which ultimately resulted in the establishment of First Point Volleyball.
“I am honored to join a team that is passionate about making volleyball more accessible and about providing more opportunities for people of all ages to mature and develop through the sport,” Garard said. “It is a fantastic time for volleyball and for USAV to embark on a major philanthropic effort leading up to LA 2028 and beyond. I am so pleased to continue my working collaborations with John (Speraw) and the team at USAV focused on making a lasting impact for every part of the sport.”
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COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – January 6, 2025 – USA Volleyball is proud to announce the appointment of Erik Sullivan as the new head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sullivan, a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience at the women’s collegiate level, succeeds Karch Kiraly, who led the team to three Olympic medals and a World Championship title. Sullivan takes the reins at a critical time, with the first serve for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League season set to begin on June 4 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
The search for the new head coach began with a clear sense of urgency. “With the Women’s National Team season set to begin in less than six months, we knew we had to move quickly but thoughtfully,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “It was critical that we made the right decision, but we also had to act expeditiously to give the new coach enough time to get to know the team, develop a game plan, and integrate seamlessly into the program.”
As part of the hiring process, USA Volleyball prioritized candidates with the unique skillset required to lead at the international level. “The role of National Team head coach is unlike any other coaching position,” Speraw said. “It’s not about recruiting or fundraising—it’s about elite-level strategy, understanding the nuances of international competition, and managing a high-performance environment. We needed someone who could hit the ground running and bring that specific expertise, and Erik was the clear choice.”
Sullivan’s reputation as a master of defensive systems, his ability to develop top-tier talent, and his experience in high-pressure environments made him the ideal candidate to lead the U.S. Women’s National Team. For the past 14 years, he has served as associate head coach at the University of Texas, where he played a pivotal role in guiding the Longhorns to eight NCAA Final Four appearances and three national titles.
“We were also focused on how well the new coach would align with the team’s established dynamics,” Speraw added. “The U.S. Women’s National Team is a close-knit group with a history of collaboration and success. Cultural fit was a non-negotiable factor for us. We needed a coach who could integrate seamlessly into this dynamic and continue to build on the team’s established culture of excellence, and Erik’s coaching philosophy and values align perfectly with that.”
Sullivan brings more than just a proven track record in collegiate volleyball—he has firsthand experience on the international stage. A two-time Olympian, he represented the U.S. as a libero in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. His international playing career, which also included stints in professional leagues across Europe and the U.S., has given him a deep understanding of the global volleyball landscape and the demands of international competition.
“I’m honored and excited to take on this new responsibility as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team,” said Sullivan. “Karch Kiraly has left an incredible legacy, and I’m committed to continuing the work he has done with this amazing team. My goal is to build on a strong foundation and create an environment where our athletes can develop to their fullest potential while competing at the highest level. I look forward to working alongside this talented group of athletes as we prepare for the challenges ahead.”
Sullivan served as the team leader for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the last three Olympic Games and has been a consultant coach for the squad for many years. He’s also part of the National Team Development Program Scouting Network for indoor girls. In 2011, he led the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team to a fourth-place finish at the World Championship. His collegiate coaching experience also includes time as an assistant coach at both Nebraska and Colorado.
“I’m thrilled that Erik Sullivan will be the next head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team,” said two-time Olympian Chiaka Ogbogu. “The team will continue its tradition of being led by a world-class coach, and Erik’s experience as an Olympian will be invaluable. The volleyball knowledge I gained from him continues to shape my game, but the leadership lessons he taught me—about upholding a gold-medal standard—are what I’m most grateful for.”
Sullivan will assume the role in preparation for the upcoming international season, with a primary focus on building toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He will work closely with the team and the coaching staff to ensure a smooth transition and continued success on the international stage.
Please contact Laura Fawcett for questions or media requests.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 19, 2024) – USA Volleyball will host the 2025 Junior Pan American Games Beach Volleyball Trials from Jan. 24-26, 2025, in Manhattan Beach, California. The competition serves as the official qualifier for athletes vying to represent the United States at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Asuncion, Paraguay, scheduled for August 9-23, 2025.
The trials begin on January 24 with the qualifier, where athletes will compete for a spot in the main draw on Jan. 25-26.
Eligibility Requirements
To compete in the 2025 Junior Pan American Games Beach Volleyball Trials and the 2025 Junior Pan American Games, athletes must meet the following criteria:
First place finishers in each gender division will earn the right to represent USA at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games. If USA Volleyball receives a second spot, the second team will be selected from U23 Beach National Team Alternates. Athletes must complete mandatory training and meet all USAV, FIVB, and host requirements to maintain their position; those unable to comply will forfeit their spot, allowing USA Volleyball to select a replacement team.
Deadlines and Registration Information
Deadlines are at 11:59 p.m. PT on the following dates:
The Junior Pan American Games
The Junior Pan American Games are organized by the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) and offer athletes under the age of 23 (born in 2003 or beyond) the opportunity to compete at the highest level of international competition. This event brings together athletes from more than 40 countries in the Americas, with more than 3,500 athletes expected to compete in more than 30 sports in 2025.
The second-ever edition of the games will be held in Asuncion, the capital city of Paraguay, and are a vital steppingstone for many athletes aiming for future success at the Pan American Games, the Olympic Games and other international competitions. The first Junior Pan American Games were held in Cali-Valle, Colombia in 2021.
Save the Date for Additional 2025 Trials
USA Volleyball is proud to announce the athletes selected to represent the U.S. at the 2025 U23 NORCECA Continental Tour in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, June 20-22.
The Beach Collegiate Challenge returns for its fifth year, continuing to grow men’s beach volleyball. The event takes place Sept. 19-21 on the campus of Stevenson University in Owings Mills, MD.
USA Volleyball will host the 2025 Junior Pan American Games Beach Volleyball Trials from Jan. 24-26, 2025, in Manhattan Beach, California.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 17, 2024) – More than 100 athletes from around the country will gather at the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. from Dec. 27-30 for the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program’s (NTDP) Girls Indoor Winter Training Series (U15-17).
The invited athletes represent 26 states and 24 USA Volleyball regions will have the opportunity to work with top coaches to improve their skills during the training series.
The training groups will break into U15/U16 and U17, with Marie Zidek of DePaul University leading the U15/16 athletes, and Jen Malcom of Cal leading U17. Athletes represent the following the USA Volleyball regions: Aloha, Arizona, Badger, Carolina, Chesapeake, Delta, Florida, Gateway, Great Lakes, Great Plains, Heart of America, Hoosier, Intermountain, Keystone, Lakeshore, Lone Star, North Country, North Texas, Northern California, Ohio Valley, Pioneer, Rocky Mountain, Southern, Southern California
Athletes for the Girls Indoor Winter Training Series were identified and invited based on recommendations from the Indoor NTDP Scouting Network. The scouting network serves as the Indoor NTDP talent identification process and includes coaches and experts from across the United States.
All training series are conducted by top indoor NTDP coaches from colleges and clubs and feature a comprehensive focus on the five pillars of the NTDP: Craft, Mind, Body, Heart and Team.
Many of USA Volleyball’s rising stars will be training in Louisville, Kentucky, next week at the same time the city hosts the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship and the American Volleyball Coaches Association Convention.
Approximately 145 athletes from around the country will work with top coaches and look to improve their skills at the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program’s (NTDP) Boys Indoor Fall Training Series event on Oct. 17-20 at the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs
More than 150 girls volleyball athletes from 27 states will work with top coaches and look to improve their skills at the National Team Development Program Girls Indoor Summer Training Series on July 28-Aug.1, 2024, at the USA Volleyball training center in Anaheim, Calif.
The USA Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP) has a big season planned for indoor volleyball athletes. From Training Series to age-group national teams, 2024 will be another big year for Indoor NTDP.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (December 16, 2024) – USA Volleyball will honor longtime official and event administrator Bill Forrester with the prestigious Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame. The award is USA Volleyball’s highest honor, recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to volleyball in the United States.
The Hall of Fame at the Dorothy C. Boyce Banquet will be held May 21, 2025, in Denver, just before the USA Volleyball Open National Championship begins at the Colorado Convention Center. Proceeds from the event go to the USA Volleyball Foundation to provide funding to support the Olympic & Paralympic dreams of the athletes in USA Volleyball’s national team programs. Ticket will be on sale soon.
USA Volleyball previously honored Forrester with the George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award in 2004 and the Glen G. Davies Referee Service Award in 1999. He is the organization’s 57th recipient of the Frier Award.
Forrester’s journey in volleyball spans more than five decades, marked by dedication, innovation and a passion for the game. His involvement in volleyball began in the early 1970s as a student at Montana State University. This passion only deepened during his service in the U.S. Air Force, where he competed on base teams worldwide, including in the Philippines, where his team won the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) championship.
After returning to Montana State in 1976, Forrester co-founded the university’s first volleyball club with Bill Neville. He also began his officiating career and worked his first collegiate matches in the Big Sky Conference. Since then, he’s officiated with major conferences at the Division I, Division II and NAIA levels.
Forrester’s professional career in structural engineering took him across the country, but his commitment to volleyball remained constant. He played integral roles in organizing, officiating and administering volleyball events at every level. As a national scorekeeper and referee, he contributed to numerous USA Volleyball national championships and served as the referee chair for the Heart of America Region from 1986 to 1999.
Internationally, Forrester has made a lasting impact through his work with events such as the Goodwill Games, the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, World League competitions, FIVB beach events, Volleyball Nations League, and multiple NORCECA tournaments. He has also supported Team USA at four Olympic Games, from London 2012 to Paris 2024, by providing critical logistics support as part of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s staff.
In addition to his administrative and officiating roles, Forrester has been a driving force behind volleyball’s growth through his involvement with the Athletes Unlimited professional league, National Intramural and Recreational Association, the NCVF Collegiate Club Championships and several USAV junior qualifiers.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (December 13, 2024) – Four U.S. Olympians and two U.S. Paralympians will join USA Volleyball coaches and staff at the American Volleyball Coaches Association Convention, Dec. 18-22, in Louisville, Kentucky.
John Speraw, Karch Kiraly, Tama Miyashiro, Nate Ngo, Greg Walker, Dr. Jenny Johnson and Chrissy Elder will all be involved in educational sessions during the five-day convention, which runs alongside the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship. Two-time Olympic medalists Jordyn Poulter, Jordan Thompson, Haleigh Washington and Justine Wong-Orantes will be on site on select days, and six-time Paralympic medalist Lora Webster and five-time Paralympic medalist Heather Erickson will also attend on behalf of USA Volleyball.
USA Volleyball’s presence at the event is part of our commitment to coach education, and some of the sessions will be recorded for inclusion in Coach Academy.
The USA Volleyball Show podcast team will be covering the convention and the NCAA Championship for social media, so look out for interviews and match coverage.
Listed sessions are either presented by USA Volleyball or include USA Volleyball staff/coaches. Visit AVCA for the full schedule.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Thursday, Dec. 19
Friday, Dec. 20
Saturday, Dec. 21
USA Volleyball Show Interviews
Look for USA Volleyball Show hosts Clarence Hughes and Stephen Munson interviewing the following guests during the week at the convention center:
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 11, 2024) — USA Volleyball is proud to announce its collaboration with Body Confident Sport and Laureus USA to help girls build body confidence and foster an inclusive, supportive environment in sports. The partnership aims to ensure that girls not only feel they belong in sports but also thrive in an atmosphere that encourages self-esteem and resilience.
Body Confident Sport is an innovative, scientifically-backed program designed to promote body positivity among girls aged 11-17. Developed in collaboration with leading global experts— including the Centre for Appearance Research and the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport— the program incorporates insights from girls and coaches across six countries. Body Confident Sport equips coaches with a comprehensive toolkit to lead impactful, confidence-building discussions that empower young athletes.
USA Volleyball is already piloting the Body Confident Sport initiative at girls clubs nationwide and has integrated it into its National Team Development Program Training Series. With a two-year grant from Laureus Sport for Good, the program will be made available to all USA Volleyball regions and clubs in 2025.
“Body Confident Sport aligns seamlessly with USA Volleyball’s commitment to supporting the development of the whole athlete,” said USA Volleyball Chief of Sport Dr. Peter Vint. “This innovative program will help ensure volleyball remains a sport where girls feel confident, supported and able to reach their full potential.”
Body Confident Sport is designed to be delivered through in-person, small group discussions where girls have a safe space to share their experiences and concerns about body image. Coaches, who undergo training via a self-guided program, will lead these discussions and encourage positive dialogue that promotes a healthy relationship with body image.
“Volleyball is currently the most popular team sport for high school girls in the U.S., and it’s our goal to continue growing the sport,” said USA Volleyball Director of Education Services Dr. Jenny Johnson. “Unfortunately, around the world, teenage girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys, often because of low body confidence. With this program, we can give girls the tools to build positive body image and feel confident on and off the court.”
For more information about Body Confident Sport, reach out to Dr. Lauren Walker or Dr. Jenny Johnson.
Visit our Education home page for more information on how you can improve your skills and knowledge through Coach Academy and NTDP Academy.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (December 3, 2024) – USA Volleyball is pleased to announce the hiring of accomplished sports and entertainment executive Jaime Weston as Chief Commercial Officer.
At USA Volleyball, Weston will lead the commercial and brand strategy of the organization as it heads into the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Along with a passion for volleyball, Weston brings extensive experience in business operations, partnerships, marketing and experiential events, and creative strategy to her new role.
Previously, Weston was the senior vice president of marketing at the National Football League, where she was responsible for setting the brand vision and growth marketing strategies. She was also the executive vice president of global consumer marketing for Universal Music Group and the executive vice president, chief marketing officer for On Location, Endeavor’s premium live event events company.
“I’m confident that Jaime’s leadership and passion for the sport will be a valuable asset to our organization,” said USA Volleyball President and CEO John Speraw. “I look forward to the fresh perspectives and strategic insights she will bring to our team.”
Weston will be based in Southern California, home to the national training centers of both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams in Anaheim and the U.S. Beach National Team in Torrance.
“Volleyball has been a cornerstone of my life as a player, competitor, and parent,” Weston said. “Joining a mission-driven organization like USA Volleyball, the pinnacle of our sport in the U.S., is a true honor. With John at the helm as CEO, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate the sport’s rich history and help shape its bright future on the global stage.”
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 7, 2024) – USA Volleyball is implementing a pay increase and improved benefits for officials working at its owned 2024-25 indoor and beach volleyball events.
At the top end of the pay scale, an FIVB or continental-level international official will make $57 per match as a first (R1) or second (R2) referee at USA Volleyball-owned indoor events (see list below).
Among the USA Volleyball-owned events that will see a pay and benefits increase in 2025 are all three 2025 girls junior national championships, the Boys Junior National Championship and the Beach National Championship.
At an indoor event, a national-level official will make $55 per match as an R1 or R2.
The increase goes all the way to assigned line judges, who will make $43 per match (see table below).
On the beach, a head referee will earn $400 for a full day of work and $300 for a half day. A Tier C Zonal Monitor will see a pay increase to $300 for a full day and $250 for a half day (see table below).
“Officials are essential for USA Volleyball events,” said Pati Rolf, USA Volleyball director, officials. “Our officials are some of the best in the world. They take time away from their families and other activities and sometimes other jobs to work our events and they should be compensated for that.”
Among the other improved benefits for officials at USA Volleyball-owned events will be $20 a day for food along with free snacks and water, free housing and free Mizuno gear.
There is also a bonus structure for officials who work multiple events.
For more information on becoming a USA Volleyball official, visit usavolleyball.org/resources-for-officials/.
2024-2025 USA Volleyball Indoor Match Pay
| Certification | 2024-2025 Pay |
| R1/R2 – FIVB/Continental International Referee | $57/match |
| R1/R2 – National | $55/match |
| R1/R2 -Jr National Referee | $53/match |
| R1/R2 – RETIRED (Natl/JN) Ref | $49/match |
| R1/R2 – Regional Referee | $48/match |
| R1/R2 – Foreign Guest Official | $48/match |
| R1/R2 – Provisional Referee | $45/match |
| National Scorer | $53/match |
| Non-National Scorer | $45/match |
| Assigned Asst. Scorer | $43/match |
| Assigned Line Judge | $43/match |
2024-2025 USA Volleyball Beach Referee Pay
| Position/Role | 24-25 Half-Day Pay | 24-25 Full-Day Pay | |
| Head Referee | $300 | $400 | |
| Clinician | $300 | $400 | |
| Assistant Clinician | $250 | $330 | |
| International Referee | Tier A | $275 | $375 |
| National Referee | Tier B | $250 | $365 |
| Zonal Referee | Tier C | $250 | $350 |
| International Monitor | Tier A | $250 | $350 |
| National Monitor | Tier B | $250 | $325 |
| Zonal Monitor | Tier C | $250 | $300 |
| Lead Referee | $25 Bonus | $25 Bonus |
USA Volleyball Owned Events
2024 Mountain Classic Boys National Qualifier December 13-15, 2024
2025 Salt Lake Showdown Girls 18s Qualifier January 24-26, 2025
2025 Sunshine Qualifier February 22-24, 2025 and February 28-March 2, 2025
2025 Salt Lake City Showdown April 5-7, 2025 and April 11-13, 2025
2025 Girls 18s Junior National Championships April 25-27, 2025
2025 Open National Championship May 23-28, 2025
2025 Girls Junior National Championship (10-13s) June 21-24, 2025
2025 Girls Junior National Championship (14-17s) June 25–July 3, 2025
2025 Boys Junior National Championship July 3-6, 2025
U.S. volleyball referee Joe Campbell was honored as a World ParaVolley Life Member in a ceremony during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
USA Volleyball is announcing a new program to produce more high-level referees for all disciplines and aspects of the sport
PAVO and USA Volleyball acknowledge the passing of Mary Blalock, a beloved and respected woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister and volleyball official. Many also counted Mary as a friend. Mary’s family has shared that she passed peacefully on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 25, 2024) – USA Volleyball is pleased to announce that it has hired John Speraw to serve as its president and Chief Executive Officer, starting on October 1.
Prior to becoming the eighth CEO of USA Volleyball, Speraw has served as head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team since 2013 and has been part of the team’s leadership for almost two decades.
“My journey with USA Volleyball began in 1997 as an assistant coach for the World University Games team,” Speraw said. “Reflecting on the teams, players, staff and experiences over the years, I am filled with immense gratitude. To now be entrusted with the opportunity to lead USA Volleyball as president and CEO is both a profound honor and deeply humbling.
“This journey has deepened my passion for this organization—representing our country, advancing the sport, and elevating the experience for everyone involved.
“I am sincerely grateful to the USA Volleyball Board of Directors for this honor and responsibility. I am ready to lead. I am ready to serve.”
Speraw’s coaching and leadership roles within USA Volleyball bring a unique blend of executive vision, recognition of the diverse and complex ecosystem of the sport and expertise in the international scene.
His strategic vision of the sport’s evolution is critically important as USA Volleyball prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympics in Los Angeles and the 2032 Games in Brisbane, Australia.
Speraw is also the founder of First Point Volleyball, an organization dedicated to supporting the growth of boys’ and men’s volleyball across the country.
USA Volleyball Board of Directors Chair Dave Gentile expressed gratitude for everyone involved in the extensive six-month search process for a new CEO.
“What a wonderful cadre of potential leaders that worked through the interview process,” Gentile said. “All of our finalists were highly talented on many fronts, and we thank them for their interest in and support of USA Volleyball.
“The search group composed of key USA Volleyball Board members concluded that John’s overall sport acumen, demeanor, energy, leadership skills and vision for the future of the sport were clearly aligned with the Board’s expectations for the next generation of USA Volleyball.
“Along with the full Board and staff, I look forward to working closely with John over the next several years as he prepares the organization for LA28 and beyond. We are also confident that John’s leadership will always have the mission and role of USA Volleyball as the National Governing Body of the sport of volleyball at the forefront of all we do.”
Besides coaching the U.S. Men’s Team, Speraw has been the head men’s volleyball coach at UCLA since 2012 and guided the Bruins to the NCAA Division I-II National Championship in 2023 and 2024.
Prior to UCLA, Speraw coached UC Irvine men’s volleyball (2002-12) and directed the Anteaters to three NCAA National Championships in six years.
He played middle blocker for the Bruins from 1992-95 and was a member of two national championship teams. He graduated from UCLA in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology and molecular genetics
Speraw and wife Michelle live in Southern California with their two children, Hailey and Brooklyn.
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.
The U.S. Men's National Team swept Puerto Rico Sunday night (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. 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 at the NORCECA Final Six in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
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. 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.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 30, 2024) – USA Volleyball is announcing a new program to produce more high-level referees for all disciplines and aspects of the sport.
The National Officials Development Program (NODP) will be dedicated to identifying, recruiting and accelerating the development of high-potential referees to strengthen officiating at regional, national and international levels.
Referees participating in NODP will receive targeted evaluations using the “RISE” framework – Reflect, Implement, Set Goals and Evaluate – to enhance their skills and prepare them for higher certifications.
Participants will also be invited to specific national-level events where they will receive advanced training from referee coaches. They will also work with high-level national and international referees.
The NODP will seek to build a stronger officiating foundation by providing tailored feedback and coaching to referees at various levels including provisional, regional, junior national and national.
The NODP will also serve as a pathway for referees to achieve Junior National, National, NORCECA and FIVB certifications.
NODP for indoor officials will launch in 2024-25. The NODP for beach officials will launch in 2025.
Get more information about the program on the USA Volleyball website (.pdf).
Get more information about officiating for USA Volleyball on the officials web page.
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Colorado Springs, Colo. (August 9, 2024) – USA Volleyball is proud to announce the athletes who will represent the U.S. at the 2024 FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championship, Aug. 27-Sept. 1, in Shangluo, China.
Sally Perez/Sarah Wood will start in the girls main draw. Grant Lamoureux/Blake Goodwin will open in the boys main draw.
The qualifier teams are Myriah Massey/Lily Dee Davis for the girls and Caleb Blanchette/Malachi Brewington for the boys.
Perez/Wood and Lamoureux/Goodwin earned their spots by winning the Beach U19 National Team Trials in June. Lamoureux was also a member of the Boys U19 Indoor National Team that won gold at the NORCECA U19 Continental Championship this year.
“I am very honored and grateful for the opportunity to represent USA for this event and very excited,” Lamoureux said. “For my first beach international tournament to be the U19 World Championships representing USA is a pretty awesome feeling!”
Perez, who will play at UCLA in the fall, echoed Lamoureux’s feelings.
“Representing the USA on the U19 National Team is something I’ve dreamed of for so long,” she said. “Wearing the flag across my chest means so much to me and I don’t take it lightly. It honestly causes me to be proud of the work I’ve done to get here and pushes me to keep up the dedication to keep the ball rolling.”
Massey won the silver medal at the 2022 Beach U19 World Championship with partner Ashley Pater. Blanchette, another beach/indoor athlete, also competed in the 2022 Beach U19 World Championship and was a member of the Men’s U21 Indoor National Team this year.
The reserve athletes are Charlotta Bell/Jordyn Scribner for the girls and George Stevens/Ambrose Engling for the boys. Alternates are Kyra Zaengle and Elena Fisher for girls and Spencer Smith, Kyle Chapman and Trey Thornton for boys.
The U.S. has had recent success on the girls side at worlds. Along with Massey/Pater, Sophie Kubiak/Bailey Showalter were fourth at 2022 worlds. In 2021, Megan Kraft (now playing on the Beach Pro Tour) and Delaynie Maple won gold, and Xolani Hodel and Kate Reilly were fourth.
U.S. Team for the Beach U19 World Championship
Girls
Name (Height, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
Sally Perez (6-3, Raleigh, N.C., UCLA, Carolina Region
Sarah Wood (6-2, Glen Mills, Pa., Garnet Valley HS, Ohio Valley)
Myriah Massey (5-10, Pickerington, Ohio, Florida State, Ohio Valley)
Lily Dee Davis (6-2, Austin, Texas, Westlake HS, Lone Star)
Charlotta Bell (6-3, Moraga, Calif., Campolindo HS, Northern California)
Jordyn Scribner (5-8, Seabrook, Texas, Clear Falls HS, Lone Star)
Kyra Zaengle (5-8 , Laguna Beach, Calif., Laguna Beach HS, Southern California)
Elena Fisher (5-10, Ross, Calif., Branson HS, Northern California)
Boys
Name (Height, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
Grant Lamoureux (6-10, Clemmons, N.C., West Forsyth HS, Carolina)
Blake Goodwin (6-1, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Carolina Forest HS, Palmetto)
Caleb Blanchette (6-5, Brentwood, Tenn., USC, Southern)
Malachi Brewington (6-4, Ozark, Mo., homeschooled, Delta)
George Stevens (6-3, Mount Juliet, Tenn., Green Hills HS, Southern)
Ambrose Engling (6-7, Middleton, Wisc., Princeton, Badger)
Spencer Smith (6-3, Gulf Breeze, Fla., Gulf Breeze HS, Gulf Coast)
Kyle Chapman (6-2, Sugar Land, Texas, Austin HS, Lone Star)
Trey Thornton (6-6, Spanish Fork, Utah, Maple Mountain HS, Intermountain)
Coaches
Boys Head Coach: Hudson Bates, The Ohio State University, Associate Head Coach
Boys Assistant Coach: Laurel Weaver, Beach NTDP Coach
Girls Head Coach: Angie Akers, University of Texas, Assistant Coach
Girls Assistant Coach: Kelly Reeves, UCLA, Assistant Coach
Athletic Trainer: Zoe Moura, San Diego Mesa, Athletic Trainer
Performance Analyst: Ben Bahr, Iowa United VB, Director of Operations
Team Leader: Cody Liner, USA Volleyball, Beach NTDP Boys Lead
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 23, 2024) – More than 150 girls volleyball athletes from 27 states will work with top coaches and look to improve their skills at the National Team Development Program Girls Indoor Summer Training Series on July 28-Aug.1, 2024, at the USA Volleyball training center in Anaheim, Calif.
Twenty-six USA Volleyball regions will be represented by training series players, who range in age from under-15 to under-19.
All training series are conducted by top indoor NTDP coaches from colleges and clubs and feature a comprehensive focus on the five pillars of the NTDP: Craft, Mind, Body, Heart and Team.
In Anaheim, Jaylen Reyes of the University of Nebraska will lead the Girls U19 group. Jamie Morrison of Texas A&M University will lead the U17/U18 group. Marie Zidek of DePaul University will lead the U15/U16 group.
Athletes for the Summer Training Series were identified and invited based on recommendations from the Indoor NTDP Scouting Network. The scouting network serves as the Indoor NTDP talent identification process and includes coaches and experts from across the United States
More than 150 girls volleyball athletes from 28 states will work with top coaches and look to improve their skills at the National Team Development Program (NTDP) Girls Indoor Spring Training Series on May 10-13 at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
More than 100 girls and boys athletes will hit Manhattan Beach, California, on May 16-19 for the 2024 Beach National Team Development Program Spring Training Series event
Close to 150 boys volleyball athletes from around the country will work with top coaches and look to improve their skills at the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program’s (NTDP) Indoor Training Series event on Feb. 29-March 3 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center (OPTC) in Colorado Springs.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 20, 2024) – After six days of great volleyball competition, the U.S. Beach National Championship concluded July 17 after crowning winners in 11 different divisions.
Spencer Smith, a member of the 2024 U.S. Beach U19 National Team, won gold in both the boys 18U and 16U divisions, albeit with different partners. In 18U, he paired with fellow Beach U19 National Team athlete George Stevens for the title. Smith/Stevens lost just one set in the tournament, and that came in the semifinal match against eventual fourth-place finishers Lukas Christman and Jonathan Maguire. Smith/Stevens won that match, 21-15, 17-21, 15-10.
Smith won the 14U boys title last year with Luis Campo (14U winner again this year), and Stevens won 16U with Brock Harvick.
“I came into this week with an expectation,” Smith said. “Rolling into 18s, I prepared the body well, (gave) myself everything I need, and I’m really happy that I came out and executed to the best of my ability with George in 18s. I’m very pleased with that.”
Stevens was excited to win again.
“It means a lot,” he said. “I won last year so I wanted to come back for another dub, and Spencer won 16s (this year) so we were trying to get him another one as well. I don’t want to feel like I left anything on the table. I want to say I tried as hard as I could.”
In the final, Smith/Stevens met up with Tyler Moore/Mason Townley, who were 5-1 in pool play. Smith/Stevens won 21-18, 21-19. The bronze medal went to Connor Jarnagan/Noah Kaoni, who defeated Christman/McGuire, 12-21, 21-14, 15-9 for the medal.
Clara Evans/Izzy Masten did not lose a set en route to the 18U Open title. Evans has verbally committed to play beach at TCU, and Masten has committed to Pitt for indoor. In the final, they defeated Isabella Pereira and Delaney Rich, 21-13, 21-18.
“It’s very exciting,” Evans said. “I’m so glad we got to this point and worked so hard for it.”
Masten agreed.
“It feels amazing,” she said. “I’m just so thankful for my teammates and everybody who has helped me in my volleyball journey.”
Brianna Luoma/Bella Troncale defeated Juliana Johnson/Allison Spittal, 21-10, 21-7, for bronze.
The 18 American title went to Madeline Lee/Samantha Rodriguez, who defeated Aubrie Jo Benney/Taylor Germann, 21-17, 21-7 for gold. Alexa Smith/Sarah Smith defeated Sarah McDonnell/Avery Simon for third, 21-11, 21-14.
Before he won 18U Boys, Spencer Smith teamed up with Cole Ducote to win 16U Boys. In the final, Smith/Ducote defeated Luis Eduardo Campo/Dylan Hand, 21-15, 21-19.
Smith/Ducote just lost one set in the tournament in a 19-21, 21-12, 15-8 semifinal win over Peter Debiec and Blake Marshall. The latter pair finished fourth after losing to Landon Arnold/Elvio Begic in the bronze medal match.
Elena Lam and Elaina Millaway teamed up for the first time and won gold in 16U Open girls. In the final, they defeated Allie Hepworth/Sydney Sutter, 21-17, 21-15.
“It feels really good,” said Millaway about winning the title. “It feels good to do it with Elena. It’s our first time playing together, so I’m glad we were able to pull out a W.”
Lam, who turned 17 on the same day she won the title, agreed.
“I’m full of gratitude,” she said. “Last year I got a third, so my goal was to get the gold this year.”
Lam added that dreams of winning the NCAA national championship motivates her every day.
“That’s my biggest goal. I want to get that one and all these little goals are just small steps toward that.”
Third place went to Christy Boulware/Clara Evans, who defeated Alana Joiner and Lilliana Seldat, 21-15, 21-9, in the bronze medal match.
With 44 teams, 16 American was a competitive and exciting division. Nafanua Alofipo/Isa Taylor made their way through the tournament without losing a set. In the final, they defeated Kaylee Molina/Cynthia Orona in a rematch of a pool play meeting.
After having lost three pool play matches, Molina/Orona won four straight matches in the gold bracket to reach the final against Alofipo/Taylor.
Mia Stevens/Addison West won bronze with a 21-14, 21-12 win over Callie Hopkins/Ansley Popple.
Luis Campo/Collin Tullis defeated Warren Jones/Samuel Petzoldt for gold in 14 Boys, 21-15, 21-12. They advanced to the final with a 21-9, 21-17 win over Camden Berry/Aiden Tran.
Campo is now a two-time winner at the U.S. Beach Championship. In 2023, he won 14U with Spencer Smith. Tullis won 12U Boys last year with Luca Marcello.
“My family motivates me to fight hard, to keep going everyday,” Campo said. “My biggest inspiration is my parents. Every day they tell me to fight, keep pushing, never give up, keep going, and trust the process.”
Tullis had some advice for all athletes.
“Don’t take anything for granted because you never know what could happen,” he said.
Berry/Tran finished fourth after losing a hard-fought three-set battle in the bronze medal match to Daniel Castro/Lucas Castro, 21-16, 18-21, 15-13)
Caitlin Carrizales and Sage Illian collected gold in 14U Open with a 21-18, 21-14 win over Skyler Smith/Sadie Stafford.
“It feels so good. I don’t know how to describe it. It’s definitely a dream come true,” Carrizales said.
For her part, Illian shouted out the people who inspire her.
“Sara Hughes and my dad. The Olympic players show great leadership and effort and are … great to look up to,” she said.
Elyse Smelcer and Danica Waterman were third with a 21-16, 21-11 win over Emma Burnside/Alexa Turoff.
Forty-eight teams competed in 14 American, making it the largest division at the championship. Norah Beran/Katie Callahan swept through the division without losing a set to win gold. In the final, they defeated Payton Germann/Lucy Wanserski, 21-19, 21-18.
Olivia Breazeale/Rivers Dedeaux defeated Hope Rockwell/Karsen Sheehan, 28-24, for bronze.
Danella Dos Santos/Emiliana Duque are the new 12U champions after a 21-14, 21-12 win over Kristina Bataeva/Alice Chen. The victory avenged an earlier loss in pool play, when Bataeva/Chen were 21-16 winners.
Zander Anderson/Julie Ramos won bronze in an epic bronze medal match, defeating Mia Bergoudian/Gillian Dormeier, 19-21, 21-15, 15-13.
Dos Santos and Duque brought an international flair to 12 Open; Dos Santos is from Peru and Venezuela, and Duque was born in Colombia.
“The feeling is great,” said 11-year-old Duque. “I’m super happy from all the support from my family and friends.”
She said her family keeps her motivated because they “never say no to a tournament.”
“My dad…I’m so grateful for him because he brings me to every practice and supports me unconditionally,” she said.
Dos Santos said it was her first time winning so it feels really good. She credits her sisters for her motivation and inspiration.
“Having my sisters being mean to me (motivates me) because it makes me stronger, I guess,” she laughed. But she added her sister was also her biggest inspiration. “Every time I watch her play, it makes me a better person and a better player. I see it, I vision it, I play it.”
Hartlie Bowman and Lily Hassel won 12 American with a 21-17, 21-9 win over Lola Moran/Ainsley Stuff. Presley Neslage/Addison Saylor won bronze over Olivia Brockmann/Amelia Markwardt in the third-place match.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 10, 2024) – USA Volleyball today announced the 12 women who will compete for the U.S. Sitting Volleyball Team at the Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
Nine players return from the 2020 Paralympic team that won gold in Tokyo, and 11 are Paralympic gold medalists. The nine returning from 2020 are outside hitter Katie Holloway Bridge, outside hitter/opposite Whitney Dosty, opposite Heather Erickson, setter Kaleo Kanahele Maclay, middle blocker/outside hitter Monique Matthews, outside hitter Emma Schieck, setter Lexi Shifflett-Patterson, middle blocker Lora Webster-Bargellini and libero Bethany Zummo.
Middle blocker/outside hitters Tia Edwards and Nicky Nieves both won gold with the team in 2016. Libero Sydney Satchell will make her Paralympic debut in Paris.
Webster-Bargellini will be playing in her sixth Paralympic Games. Holloway Bridge and Erickson will be playing in their fifth. Maclay and Matthews will play in their fourth. Zummo and Shifflett-Patterson will play in their third Paralympic Games, and Dosty, Edwards, Nieves and Schieck all return for their second Paralympics.
The U.S. Women’s Sitting Team’s head coach is Bill Hamiter, who made his Paralympic debut with team in 2008. Assistant coach Michelle Goodall will be working her third Paralympic Games and assistant coach Leo Filho will be making his debut in Paris.
Making Team USA presented by Xfinity (Follow Team USA throughout the Paralympics)
“As a coach, I look forward to taking the team to represent USA at the Games,” Hamiter said. “One of the difficult tasks on the road to the Games, and a process that the staff lament, is narrowing the roster to 12 players from among all the outstanding players we have on the National Team.
“Even though naming the roster is difficult, I believe the staff selected a roster that gives the team the best chance at medaling at the Games and possibly winning its third consecutive gold medal. I’m pleased with the overall strength of the roster, as 11 of the 12 players have previous Paralympic experience. It will be a privilege to coach these wonderful athletes at the Games.”
The U.S. Women’s Sitting Team has medaled at every Paralympics since 2004. Prior to winning gold in Tokyo (2020), the team won its first gold in Rio de Janeiro (2016), and also won silver medals in London (2012) and Beijing (2008) and bronze in Athens (2004).
The 2024 Paralympic sitting competition consists of two pools of four teams each. The U.S. Women are in Pool A with China, France and Italy. Pool B consists of Canada, Brazil, Rwanda and Slovenia.
The U.S. Women open the Paralympics against China in the first match. The two teams have met in the last four Paralympic finals. Most recently, the U.S. Women defeated China twice at the World ParaVolley Super 6 in June.
The Paralympic Opening Ceremony will be Aug. 28 with the sitting volleyball competition running Aug. 30-Sept. 7.
U.S. Women’s Schedule for the 2024 Paralympic Games
Aug. 30
USA vs. China, 12 p.m. Paris time/3 a.m. Pacific time
Sept. 1
USA vs. France, 8 p.m. Paris time/11 a.m. Pacific time
Sept. 3
USA vs. Italy, 2 p.m. Paris time/5 a.m. Pacific time
Sept. 4
Classification matches for 5th/6th and 7th/8th places
Sept. 5
Semifinals
Sept. 7
Medal matches
2024 U.S. Paralympic Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team
No., Name, Pos., Height, Hometown, USAV Region
1 Lora Webster-Bargellini (MB, 5-11, Point Lookout, N.Y., Garden Empire)
2 Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif., Northern California)
3 Lexi Shifflett-Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn., North Country)
5 Katie Holloway Bridge (OH, 6-3, Lake Stevens, Wash., Puget Sound)
6 Heather Erickson (OPP, 6-0, Fayetteville, N.C., Carolina)
7C Monique Matthews (MB/OH, 6-0, Ardmore, Okla., Oklahoma)
8 Whitney Dosty (OH/OPP, 6-3, Tucson, Ariz., Arizona)
9 Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla., Oklahoma)
10 Sydney Satchell (L, 5-2, Windsor, Conn., New England)
12 Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C., Carolina)
14 Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (S, 5-6, Oklahoma City, Okla., Oklahoma)
16 Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla., Florida)
Alternates
18 Courtney Baker (OH, 5-9, Crofton, Ky., Pioneer)
22 MaKenzie Franklin (OH, 6-0, Red Wing, Minn., North Country)
24 Raelene Elam (OH, 6-1, St. George, Utah, Northern California)
Head Coach: Bill Hamiter
Assistant Coaches: Leo Filho, Michelle Goodall
Team Leader: Patrick Lawrence
Athletic Trainer: Kat King
Performance Analyst: Jeffery Hicks
Team Psychologist: Adam O’Neil
Athletic Performance Coach: Bobby Moore
Dietitian: Jacque Scaramella
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo (June 25, 2024) – Twelve champions have been crowned across multiple divisions in four age groups at the 2024 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship 11-13 (GJNC) at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.
1United 10N Blue (North Texas Region) dropped only two sets, in its first match and last match, in going undefeated and taking gold in the exhibition 10s Patriot Division that featured 15 teams. It was the first year for a 10s division at GJNC.
After losing the first set of the final, they rallied for 25-23 and 15-12 wins against regional foe Madfrog 10s N Green (North Texas Region), who finished second with a 7-1 record and only the two set losses. Third place went to Dynasty 10 black (Heart of America Region) and EMV 10 National Black (North Texas Region).
“I want to thank USA Volleyball for having a 10s group. That is amazing. These kids love it,” said Cam Metcalf, head coach of 1United. “I want to also thank the officials who did a great job of officiating 10 year old volleyball. 10 year old volleyball is a little bit different. The people ran the courts perfectly. They had the nets ready, all the parents…what an amazing experience. And I also want to thank the USA group. Those women, they’re great role models for these kids and we use that every day in our practice.”
Madfrog 11s N Green (North Texas Region) won all nine of its matches and dropped only one set in the entire tournament to capture gold in 11 National.
In the final match, Madfrog and Dynasty 11 Black (Heart of America Region) swapped 25-18 set wins before Madfrog took the deciding set 15-9. Dynasty lost only one other set in eight wins. AP 11 adidas (Lone Star Region) and Top Select 11 Elite (Florida) were third.
“I love the 11s age group. It is so fun,” said Stefanie Samuels, head coach of Madfrog. “They are like sponges. They want to hear you; they want to learn; they want to grow, and they are right at that age where the challenge is so many other things other than skill. Obviously, keeping them calm and collected, and being able to fight through those moments where you’re just not perfect.”
NorCal 12-1 Black (Northern California Region) stormed through 12 American, taking all 11 matches and finishing on a 19-set winning streak, having lost only one set (the second set in its opening match).
AZ REV 12 Premier (Arizona Region) finished second with a 9-2 mark, winning a trio of three-set matches, two by 15-10 scores, and one 17-15. NorCal defeated AZ REV in the final, 25-20, 25-21.
Third place went to FL Momentum 12U Neon Gold (Florida Region) and TAV Houston 12 adidas (Lone Star Region)
Tribe 12 Elite Cardinal (Florida Region) took first place in a 48-team field that included seven teams who lost either one or two matches. Tribe posted a 9-2 mark and captured all four of its 3-setters, including 15-12 in each of its final two matches.
“It has been an incredible journey,” said Tribe head coach Altone Williams. “We started in the summer, in summer camps, and just started doing in the fall season getting the girls to come in and learn a system, learn all skills and all the system that we put in for kids. (To have) them get comfortable with each other has been an amazing thing. So I want to be able to say the journey has been incredible. For me, this is where I get off on the destination, but for them, they are going to continue until 18s. It’s been an incredible experience being here at USA Volleyball. Nothing can be replicated because it’s a prestigious opportunity to come here and qualify.”
Dallas Skyline 12 Royal (North Texas Region) also recorded a 9-2 record to finish second in the division, taking two matches in the Gold Bracket in straight sets before falling in the three-set final to Tribe. Third place went to A5 12-1 LA (Southern Region) and Legacy 12-1 adidas (Lakeshore Region)
WPVC 12 Armour Black (Florida Region) won nine of 10 matches to take the title in 12 USA with 24 teams competing. It was one of the championship’s most competitive divisions, with each team losing at least five sets and all but one losing at least seven.
WPVC played seven three-set matches, losing the first one in its first match and winning the other six. They won each of their last five matches in three sets with the closest being the final, 15-12, over SG Elite 12 Roshambo (Southern California Region).
SG Elite finished 8-2, winning three of five 3-setters. They defeated A5 12-2 Erin (Southern Region) 16-14 in the third set to set up its match with WPVC 12 Armour Black. A5 and Atomic 12 Smack Premier (Arizona Region) were third.
Fifty-three teams participated in the exhibition 12s Patriot Division with Texas United 12Red (Lone Star Region) taking the title by winning all 12 of its matches and finishing 24-0 in sets.
They defeated runner-up FORZA1 12 ONE (Southern California Region) in the final, 25-12, 25-19. FORZA1 posted a 10-2 record with a 3-1 mark in three-set matches. Third went to Mintonette Sports m.21 (Ohio Valley Region) and Roots 12-1 Green (Lone Star Region)
A5 13-1 Karen (Southern Region) finished 9-1 to capture the championship in 13 Open, running off nine consecutive victories after losing the opener to Rockwood Thunder 13 Elite (Gateway Region) 16-14 in the third set.
A5 beat previously undefeated Dallas Skyline 13 Royal (North Texas Region) 25-23, 25-20 in the final. Dallas Skyline won its first nine matches and 18 of 19 sets, losing only one set to KC Power 13 Black (Heart of America Region).
Legacy 13-1 adidas (Lakeshore Region) and Miz Long Beach 13 Rockstar (Southern California Region) were third.
Gulfside 13U Prime (Florida Region) finished 11-1 with a 23-3 set record to win the 64-team 13s American Division. Their only loss came to Circle City 13 Black (Hoosier Region) in three sets in the last match of pool play. Gulfside defeated SG Elite 13 Roshambo (Southern California Region), 25-22, 25-19 in the final.
It was the first national title for the Gulfside club.
SG Elite had edged Circle City 13 Black with a 15-11 third-set victory to advance to the final with Gulfside. Circle City finished third with 208 U13 Elite (Evergreen Region)
Madfrog 13s N White (North Texas Region) went undefeated in 10 matches and won 20 of 23 sets to capture 13 Liberty. After three consecutive three-set wins (16-14, 18-16, 15-9), they finished strong with four straight-set triumphs in a row.
In the final, they defeated Club One AZ 13Platinum (Arizona Region), 25-18, 25-23. Club One won all four of its three-set matches, advancing to the final with a thrilling 14-25, 26-24, 25-13 win over SA Juniors 13 Adidas (Lone Star Region). SA Juniors were third with TX Legacy 13 Elite (Lone Star)
Circle City 13 Purple (Hoosier Region) won all 11 of its matches to win the 48-team 13 National Division. They finished with a pair of close three-setters to close out the tournament, first defeating MKE Sting 13 Gold (Badger Region), 19-25, 25-23, 15-13 to reach the final.
In the final, Circle City opponent GJ 13 Nicole (Florida Region) sent the match into a third set with a 25-16 win in the second, but Circle City clinched the title with a 15-12 victory in the decisive set. GJ 13 posted a 9-2 mark with two of its final three wins coming in three sets.
MDJRS 13 Elite (Chesapeake Region) and the Sting were third.
GVA/Mizuno 131u White (Puerto Rico) went 9-2 to take the competitive 13 USA Division. After going 3-2 in their first five matches, the team ran off six consecutive victories to finish on top.
Two of GVA/Mizuno’s last three victories were by 15-12 scores in the third set, including the final against Madfrog 13s N Black (North Texas Region).
Madfrog also posted a 9-2 record with both losses coming in tight three-setters. They won three 3-setters with its most exciting match being a 25-27, 26-24, 17-15 victory over MAVS KC 13-1 (Heart of America) in its opening Gold Bracket match.
Third place went to AJV 13 adidas (Lone Star Region) and Arete 13 Navy Telos (North Texas Region)
Aspire 13 Premier (Arizona Region) won all 11 of its matches, dropping just one set in the championship, to take the title in the 71-team division.
After losing their only set of the championship to CTX Juniors 13 Mizuno (Lone Star Region), they took the deciding set 15-4 to advance to the final, where they defeated PCVC 13-1 (Southern California Region), 25-17, 25-16.
PCVC 13-1 lost only one set in reeling off 10 consecutive victories to reach the final, allowing 20 or more points just twice in 20 sets before the final.
CTX and Club Four 13 Boost (Gateway Region) were third.
More than 520 teams and 17,000 attendees are set to be part of the 2024 Girls Junior National Championship (GJNC) 11-13s this week at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas, Texas.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 8, 2024) – Sixteen women and 15 men have been selected for the 2024 USA Volleyball Beach Collegiate National Team, part of the National Team Development Program (NTDP).
The athletes will train June 11-19 at Hermosa Beach, Calif., alongside USA Volleyball’s A2 Beach National Team. Athletes will play in the Beach Senior National Team NORCECA Trials on June 18-19, where the winners will automatically earn a bid to represent the USA at upcoming NORCECA competitions.
On the women’s side, Peri Brennan (UCLA), Xolani Hodel (Stanford), Molly Phillips (USC) and Maddy White (USC) were all part of the 2023 Beach Collegiate National Team. The pair of Natalie Myszkowski (UCLA) and Taylor Wilson (Stanford) earned the right to be part of the national team by winning the 2024 Beach World University Championship Trials.
They will be joined on this year’s team by Madelyne Anderson (Florida State), Ella Connor (Cal Poly), Emma Donley (Cal), Alexis Durish (Florida State), Piper Ferch (Cal Poly), Hailey Hamlett (TCU), Audrey Koenig (Florida State), Izzy Martinez (Cal Poly), Brooke Rockwell (Stanford) and Michelle Shaffer (Loyola Marymount).
Hodel placed fourth at the 2021 Beach U19 World Championship in Thailand and competed at the 2022 Beach World University Championships.
Wilson was on the 2023 Beach U21 National Team and finished ninth at the 2023 FIVB Beach U21 World Championship with her partner.
Anderson was part of the 2022 Beach Collegiate National Team and the 2021 Beach U21 National Team. She finished ninth at the 2021 FIVB Beach U21 World Championship and has competed on the senior Beach Pro Tour.
Connor was on the 2022 Beach Collegiate and Beach U20 Nationals Teams. Durish was on the 2023 Beach U21 National Team and the 2022 Beach U20 National Team. Ferch and Hamlett were also part of the 2022 Beach U20 National Team. As members of the Beach U20 National Team, Connor/Ferch won gold on the NORCECA U23 Continental Tour while Durish/Hamlett brought home a bronze medal.
Beach NTDP coach Patty Dodd will lead the women’s team and be assisted by Florida State University beach assistant coach Nick Lucena. Lucena and teammate Phil Dalhausser competed in the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics.
Three men return from the 2023 Beach Collegiate National Team in Kupono Browne (BYU), Nathaniel “Nato” Dickinson (Long Beach State) and Thomas Hurst (UC Irvine). The duo of Will Rottman (Stanford) and John Schwengel (Santa Monica) earned the right to be part of the team by winning the 2024 Beach World University Championship Trials. Derek Bradford (Santa Monica) and Zephyr Dew (El Camino) are part of the A2 Beach National Team Program.
Also included on the men’s team are Carson Barnes (Webber), Gage Basey (Colorado), Matthew Gentry (Lincoln Memorial), Riley Haine (USC), Jackson Herbert (George Mason), Patrick Rogers (Ball State), Alaka’i Todd (Hawaii) and Ayden Keeter (Webber).
Lewis men’s volleyball head coach Dan Friend will lead the men’s group assisted by University of Washington beach assistant coach Steve McFadden.
Hurst was on the 2021 and 2022 Beach U19 National Teams, and Basey was on the 2021 Beach U19 National Team. As members of the Beach U20 National Team, they won gold on the NORCECA U23 Continental Tour. Last year, they finished ninth at the 2023 FIVB Beach U21 World Championships.
Barnes and Keeter were both on the 2021 and 2023 Beach U21 National Teams and are the reigning champs of the USA Volleyball Beach Collegiate Challenge. Keeter was on the 2022 Beach U19 National Team as well.
Schwengel was on the 2018 Beach U19 National Team and 2019 Beach U21 National Team.
April Ross, who competed in three Olympics (2012, 2016 and 2020) and has gold, silver and bronze medals, will work with both the women’s and men’s teams. Beach National Team staff Scott Davenport, Brian Hurler, Sean Scott, Brooke Wyatt and Dr. Alex Cushing (USOPC) will also run sessions for the collegiate teams.
A maximum of four athletes per gender will be chosen as alternates for the 2024 FISU Beach World University Championship, and a maximum of four athletes per gender will be chosen as alternates for the 2024 U23 National Team.
2024 Beach Collegiate National Team
Women
Name (Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
Madelyne Anderson (6-2, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Florida State, Florida)
Peri Brennan (5-7, Laguna Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
Ella Connor (6-1, Kihei, Maui, Cal Poly, Aloha)
Emma Donley (6-4, Los Altos, Calif., Cal, Northern California)
Alexis Durish (5-10, Venice, Fla., Florida State, Florida)
Hailey Hamlett (5-11, Bulvert, Texas, TCU, Lone Star)
Xolani Hodel (6-2, Huntington Beach, Calif., Stanford, Southern California)
Audrey Koenig (6-3, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Florida State, Florida)
Izzy Martinez (5-9, Winetka, Calif., Cal Poly, Southern California)
Natalie Myszkowski (6-0, Manhattan Beach, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
Molly Phillips (6-4, Mansfield, Texas, USC, North Texas)
Brooke Rockwell (5-9, Fayetteville, Ark., Stanford, Delta)
Michelle Shaffer (5-10, San Juan Capistrano, Calif., Loyola Marymount, Southern California)
Maddy White (5-10, Scottsdale, Ariz., USC, Arizona)
Taylor Wilson (5-10, Santa Barbara, Calif., Stanford, Southern California)
Piper Ferch (5-10, Aurora, Colo., Cal Poly, Southern California)
Men
Name (Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
Carson Barnes (6-5, Ocean View, Del., Webber, Chesapeake)
Gage Basey (6-5, Lyons, Colo., Colorado, Rocky Mountain)
Derek Bradford (6-9, Porter Ranch, Calif., Santa Monica College, Southern California)
Kupono Browne (6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, BYU, Aloha)
Zephyr Dew (6-4, Santa Cruz, Calif., El Camino College, Southern California)
Nato Dickinson (6-7, Corona Del Mar, Calif., Long Beach State, Southern California)
Matthew Gentry (6-7, Hudson, Ohio, Lincoln Memorial, Ohio Valley)
Riley Haine (6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, USC, Aloha)
Jackson Herbert (6-4, Broadlands, Va., George Mason, Chesapeake)
Thomas Hurst (6-4, Plano, Texas, UC Irvine, North Texas)
Ayden Keeter (6-1, Yorktown, Va., Webber, Old Dominion)
Patrick Rogers (6-7, Rutherford, NJ, Ball State, Garden Empire)
Will Rottman (6-6, Santa Barbara, Calif., Hawaii, Southern California)
John Schwengel (6-1, Santa Monica, Calif., Santa Monica College, Southern California)
Alaka’i Todd (6-9, Kailua, Hawaii, Hawaii, Aloha)
6-2
5-10
5-10
6-1
6-4
6-5
6-4
6-4
6-4
6-8
6-1
5-11
5-10
5-10
6-1
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 5, 2024) – USA Volleyball is proud to announce the 12 players who will compete on the U.S. Women’s National Team at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The roster includes eight players who won the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and four players who will make their Olympic debuts in Paris.
Outside hitter Jordan Larson will compete in her fourth Olympic Games. She earned a silver medal from London 2012 and a bronze medal from Rio de Janeiro 2016 to go with her gold medal from Tokyo.
Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson Cook will make her third Olympic run. She competed in 2016 (bronze medal) and 2020 (gold medal).
Setter Jordyn Poulter, libero Justine Wong-Orantes, opposites Annie Drews and Jordan Thompson, and middle blockers Chiaka Ogbogu and Haleigh Washington will all compete in their second Olympics after winning the gold medal in Tokyo.
Setter Lauren Carlini, outside hitters Kathryn Plummer and Avery Skinner, and middle blocker Dana Rettke will make their Olympic debuts in Paris.
“We have so much for which to be grateful in our Women’s National Team: so many quality human beings who are dedicated, mindful and hard-working women. So many who have both people skills and volleyball skills at such a high level. Our core group of 25 Women’s National Teamers has done great work over the past months, preparing to help bring out the best in each person around her, with an eye toward the Paris Olympics.
“Roster selections like this bring both the bitter and the sweet. The bitter is that we cannot travel all 25 of these special women to Paris. But we will carry them in our hearts and thoughts, and they will continue to make us better until the last ball drops.
“The sweet is that our Olympic roster is now clear, and we are ecstatic for this group, and for our program. This group of athletes will be set to bring their best and be their most bulletproof, in what might be the deepest Olympic tournament ever. We can’t wait to watch them ‘Let It Rip’ in Paris!”
The five Olympic alternates for the U.S. Women are 2020 Olympic gold medalist Micha Hancock at setter, libero Morgan Hentz, outside hitter Sarah Wilhite Parsons, outside hitter/opposite Khalia Lanier, and middle blocker Anna Stevenson Hall.
The team will wait to name its official alternate, who will travel to Paris and can be subbed in for an injured player during the tournament.
“Our five alternates are a special group with difficult yet critical tasks,” Kiraly said. “They must bring a good version of themselves every day; do everything they can to make the team better; and stay ready in case of injury or illness. Nobody is more capable of exceeding in those tasks than these five women.”
The U.S. Women went into the 2024 season ranked No. 2 in the world. The team has competed in 12 Olympic Games, including the last 10. The U.S. Women qualified for the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, which the United States boycotted.
The U.S. Women have won one Olympic gold medal (2020), three silver medals (1984, 2008 and 2012) and two bronze medals (1992 and 2016).
The women’s Olympic competition schedule and pools will be revealed at the conclusion of the 2024 Volleyball Nations League preliminary rounds, which end on June 16. The U.S. Women play their final preliminary round of the Volleyball Nations League next week in Fukuoka, Japan.
Indoor volleyball at the 2024 Olympic Games will take place at South Paris Arena 1.
U.S. Women’s Roster for the Olympic Games Paris 2024
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)
4 Justine Wong-Orantes (L, 5-6, Cypress, Calif., Univ. of Nebraska, Southern California)
7 Lauren Carlini (S, 6-2, Aurora, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
10 Jordan Larson (OH, 6-2, Hooper, Neb., Univ. of Nebraska, Great Plains)
11 Annie Drews (Opp, 6-4, Elkhart, Ind., Purdue Univ., Hoosier)
12 Jordan Thompson (Opp, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati, North Country)
15 Haleigh Washington (MB, 6-3, Colorado Springs, Colo., Penn State Univ., Rocky Mountain)
16 Dana Rettke (MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)
22 Kathryn Plummer (OH, 6-6, Aliso Viejo, Calif., Stanford Univ., Southern California)
23 Kelsey Robinson Cook (OH, 6-2, Bartlett, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska, Great Lakes)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (MB, 6-2, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas, North Texas)
Alternates
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State Univ., Oklahoma)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)
13 Sarah Wilhite Parsons (OH, 6-2, Eden Prairie, Minn., Univ. of Minnesota, North Country)
14 Anna Stevenson Hall (MB, 6-2, Laurens, S.C., Univ. of Louisville, Palmetto)
29 Khalia Lanier (OH/Opp, 6-2, Scottsdale, Ariz., Univ. of Southern California, Arizona)
Head Coach: Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coaches: Tama Miyashiro, Erin Virtue, Alfee Reft
Consultant Coach: Marv Dunphy
Physical Therapist/Athletic Trainer: Kara Kessans
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Brandon Siakel
Performance Analyst: Rianne Verhoek
Team Leader: Coley Pawlikowski
Mental Performance Coach: Katy Stanfill
Culture Consultant: Sue Enquist
Dietitian: Shawn Hueglin
Massage Therapist: Ricardo Brambila
Team Doctor: Dr. Lori Boyajian-O’Neill
The U.S. Women's National Team finished the second week of Volleyball Nations League (VNL) preliminary round play with a five-set loss (21-25, 25-20, 25-21, 12-25, 15-12) to the world's top-ranked team Türkiye.
For the second time in a row on its home court in Arlington, the U.S. Women's National Team fell to Poland, this time 3-0 (28-26, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23) in Volleyball Nations League preliminary round action on Saturday.
Playing in front of the home fans in Arlington, the U.S. Women's National Team opened the second round of Volleyball Nations League play with a 3-1 victory over Canada (25-22, 25-17, 23-25, 25-20) on Tuesday night.
Outside Hitter, 6-2
Outside Hitter, 6-2
Opposite, 6-4
Libero, 5-6
Opposite, 6-4
Middle, 6-3
Setter, 6-2
Middle, 6-2
Middle Blocker, 6-8
Opposite/Outside Hitter, 6-6
Outside Hitter, 6-1
Setter, 6-1
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Columbus, Ohio (May 24, 2024) – The USA Volleyball community gathered on Wednesday at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio, to honor its annual award winners and inductees to the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame.
The ceremony, held the day before the start of the 2024 USA Volleyball Open National Championship, celebrated the achievements of volleyball greats across various categories. More than 300 guests attended the star-studded event.
The awards ceremony included standout athletes, coaches, officials, club directors and leaders who have left a lasting impact on the sport.
The evening was filled with special tributes and passionate speeches. Sarah Hirschland, chief executive officer of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, expressed her excitement for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer and her appreciation for the dedication and service of those present to the sport of volleyball.
Janae Edmundson, who received the Danielle Scott Courage Award, was honored with a special video tribute from her friends, family and teammates. Edmondson lost both her legs when she was hit by a car while walking in St. Louis for a tournament with her club team MidTN VBC. Five-time Olympian Danielle Scott presented the award, which she received in 2019.
USA Volleyball region leaders Jennifer Armson-Dyer, recipient of the Dr. Neville A. “Doc” Booth Commissioner’s Award and Kevin Wendelboe, recipient of the George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award, were both saluted for their service to the sport.
Two-time Olympic coach Hugh McCutcheon was presented with the Harry E. Wilson International Service Award for his work as a senior advisor with the FIVB.
USA Volleyball recognized the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Men’s National Team’s gold medal win at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic & Paralympic Games with a video tribute.
“The Hall of Fame represents the very best of USA Volleyball,” said Jamie Davis, president and CEO of USA Volleyball. “We are honored to celebrate the individuals who have made such tremendous contributions to our sport.”
The All-Time Great Athletes who were inducted, including Reid Priddy, Robyn Ah Mow, Jeff Nygaard, Heather Bown, Karolyn Kirby, Dain Blanton, Tracey Lange, and Brenda (Maymon) Jensen, shared stories from their time with the national teams and thanked their coaches and families.
Long Beach State men’s coach Alan Knipe was awarded the Donald S. Shondell All-Time Great Coach Award. Longtime women’s coach Marlene Piper, who worked at Portland State, Cal, UC Davis and Willamette, received the Bertha H. Lucas All-Time Great Coach Award.
Doug Beal, former CEO of USA Volleyball, received the James E. Coleman National Team Service award and spoke about the late coach Jim Coleman’s impact on the game. Later in the evening, coach Marv Dunphy joined Beal to accept the Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the late coach Carl McGown. Dunphy and Beal spoke of the character and lasting impact of Carl’s work with the National Team programs and his contributions and influence on a generation of volleyball coaches.
Kathy DeBoer, former executive director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) who also received the Frier Award, drew a standing ovation for her passionate acceptance speech where she recognized the impact of the leaders in the room on volleyball and encouraged self-compassion for the people who work tirelessly to see the sport advance.
Southern California Region’s Charlie Fuerbringer and Great Lakes Region’s David Wolff were honored as junior athletes of the year.
All proceeds from the event benefited the USA Volleyball Foundation.
The full list of 2024 award recipients is available here. A gallery of photos from the evening will be available soon.
The 2025 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame will be held in Denver, Colo.
About the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame
The USA Volleyball Hall of Fame presented at the Dorothy C. Boyce Banquet, in its 79th year, is the premier U.S. awards ceremony recognizing volleyball legends and leaders and celebrating the entire volleyball community. The annual ceremony salutes the individuals who have shaped volleyball in the United States.
USA Volleyball is announcing the final 16 award winners it will honor at its 2024 Hall of Fame annual banquet and ceremony on May 22 at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio
USA Volleyball will celebrate volleyball leaders Jennifer Armson-Dyer, Doug Beal, Fred Buehler, Hugh McCutcheon, Kevin Twohig and Kevin Wendelboe at its 2024 Hall of Fame annual banquet and ceremony on May 22 at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio
USA Volleyball will celebrate Alan Knipe and Marlene Piper as All-Time Great Coaches at its 2024 Hall of Fame annual banquet and ceremony on May 22 at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio
USA Volleyball will celebrate sitting volleyball Paralympians Brenda (Maymon) Jensen and Tracey Lange as All-Time Great Athletes at its 2024 Hall of Fame annual banquet and ceremony on May 22 at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio
Two beach volleyball greats will receive the All-Time Great Player Award at the 2024 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame ceremony: Dain Blanton and Karolyn Kirby
USA Volleyball is set to celebrate some of the sport’s greatest athletes, coaches, officials and leaders at its 2024 Hall of Fame annual banquet and ceremony on May 22 at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio
USA Volleyball is set to celebrate some of the sport’s greatest athletes, coaches, officials and leaders at its 2024 Hall of Fame annual banquet and ceremony on May 22 at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 10, 2024) – USA Volleyball is proud to announce the athletes and staff who will comprise the U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The athlete roster includes nine players with Olympic experience and three newcomers who will compete at the Paris Games, which run July 26-August 11.
Opposite Matt Anderson and middle blocker David Smith will compete in their fourth Olympic Games. Each athlete made his Olympic debut at London 2012 and earned a bronze medal at Rio 2016.
Setter Micah Christenson, middle blocker Max Holt, outside hitter Thomas Jaeschke and libero Erik Shoji have each made a third Olympic roster. Each also has a bronze medal from Rio 2016.
Outside hitters T.J. DeFalco, Aaron Russell and Garrett Muagututia will each compete in a second Olympics. Russell won a bronze medal in Rio but did not compete at Tokyo 2020. DeFalco and Muagututia made their Olympic debuts in Tokyo.
Middle blockers Taylor Averill and Jeff Jendryk, and setter Micah Ma’a will make their Olympic debuts in Paris.
Opposite Kyle Ensing, a 2020 Olympian, will be the team’s official alternate athlete, a new position for 2024. The official alternate is a non-competing athlete who may serve as a last-minute replacement if a player is unable to compete due to injury or illness. In that event, the replaced athlete would not be allowed to compete for the remainder of the competition.
“One of the hardest parts about coaching this team is naming the final 12 athletes who will play at the Olympics,” U.S. Men’s Head Coach John Speraw said. “We travel 14 players to every single tournament during a quad. To narrow it down to 12 is always such a challenge.
“It’s such a tough decision because we have so many talented, hard-working, high-character athletes who have been great teammates and represented the United States very well. Ultimately, we decided that this was the best 12 to go compete for us in Paris.
“Choosing the team now allows us to manage a veteran team and the grind of Volleyball Nations League (VNL) travel to ensure we have a good balance between training, recovery and competition to prepare ourselves for the Games.
“It’s an incredible honor to coach these men. I’ve known all of them for a long time. I have such a high degree of trust in their ability to play the game and respect for how they compete and represent the United States. I know how special this experience is and I’m grateful to these 12 men and to all the athletes who have given their best toward this Olympic effort.”
Speraw will serve as head coach of his third Olympic team after leading the U.S. Men in Rio, where they took the bronze medal, and Tokyo. He served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s Team that won gold at the Beijing 2008 Games, and for the London 2012 team.
Speraw is also the head coach of the UCLA men’s volleyball team and won his second straight NCAA championship on May 5.
Speraw’s assistant coaches are Matt Fuerbringer, Javier Weber and Michael Wall.
The U.S. Men are ranked No. 2 in the world. The team has competed in 12 Olympic Games, including the last 10, and has won three Olympic gold medals (1984, 1988 and 2008) and two bronze medals (1992 and 2016).
The men’s Olympic competition schedule and pools will be revealed at the conclusion of the 2024 Volleyball Nations League Final Round, which ends on June 30. The U.S. Men will begin play in the Volleyball Nations League on May 22.
Indoor volleyball at the 2024 Olympic Games will take place at South Paris Arena 1.
U.S. Men’s Roster for the Olympic Games Paris 2024
No. Player (Position, Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
1 Matt Anderson (Opp, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State, Western Empire)
2 Aaron Russell (OH, 6-9, Ellicott City, Md., Penn State, Chesapeake)
4 Jeff Jendryk (MB, 6-10, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Univ. Chicago, Great Lakes)
8 T.J. DeFalco (OH, 6-5, Huntington Beach, Calif., Long Beach State Univ., Southern California)
11 Micah Christenson (S, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Southern California, Aloha)
12 Max Holt (MB, 6-10, Cincinnati, Ohio, Penn State, Ohio Valley)
14 Micah Ma’a (S, 6-3, Kaneohe, Hawaii, UCLA, Aloha)
17 Thomas Jaeschke (OH, 6-6, Wheaton, Ill., Loyola Univ. Chicago, Great Lakes)
18 Garrett Muagututia (OH, 6-5, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA, Southern California)
19 Taylor Averill (MB, 6-7, San Jose, Calif., Univ. of Hawaii, Northern California)
20 David Smith (MB, 6-7, Saugus, Calif., Univ. of California Irvine, Southern California)
22 Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford Univ., Aloha)
Official Alternate: 5 Kyle Ensing (Opp, 6-7, Valencia, Calif., Long Beach State Univ., Southern California)
Head Coach: John Speraw
Assistant Coaches: Matt Fuerbringer, Javier Weber and Mike Wall
Athletic Trainer: Aaron Brock
Performance Analyst and Technical Coordinator: Nate Ngo
Team Leader: Erik Sullivan
Mental Performance Coaches: Andrea Becker and Peter Naschak
Technical Coordinator: David Dantes
Team Doctor: Lori Boyajian-O’Neill
Ten Olympians highlight the U.S. Men’s National Team’s 30-athlete roster for the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL)
Opposite/Outside Hitter, 6-10
Middle Blocker, 6-7
Libero, 6-0 (184 cm)
Setter, 6-5
Middle Blocker, 6-10
Outside Hitter, 6-6
Outside Hitter, 6-5
Outside Hitter, 6-9
Outside Hitter, 6-5
Middle Blocker, 6-7
Middle Blocker, 6-10
Setter, 6-3
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 8, 2024) – USA Volleyball is announcing the players on the 2024 U.S. Girls U19 National Team.
Athletes who were born in 2007 or later are eligible for the team. Twelve players from this group will be selected to compete at the Girls U19 NORCECA Continental Championship, July 12-20 in Honduras.
To allow athletes to compete at the USA Volleyball Girls 14-17 Junior National Championship (July 3-11), the premier event for junior girls in the country, there will be two training blocks. All the national team athletes will train June 8-13 in Anaheim, Calif., and the 12 who are selected to compete will also train July 8-11 in Colorado Springs.
The U.S. Girls U19 National Team has won the last two U19 Pan American Cup tournaments. Most recently, the Girls U19 Team won the 2023 World Championship, matching the 2018 team that also won gold.
Jamie Morrison, women’s head coach at Texas A&M, will serve as the head coach with assistance from Keegan Cook of Minnesota and Michelle Chatman Smith of League One Volleyball.
Morrison coached the Girls U19 team that won gold at Worlds last year.
“It’s always an honor to represent the United States in competition; however, these opportunities to coach the U19 group are extra special to me,” Morrison said. “It’s a chance to impact the lives of the young women who choose to be a part of this program, [and] to impact their ability to play this game we all love at the international level and hopefully impact the national team at the Olympic level. But more importantly, to help them understand who it is that they are and impact them at the human level.
“I can’t wait to coach this new generation of the U19 National Team and make the athletes who have come before them proud.”
Three athletes from the 2023 Girls U19 National Team return this year: outside hitters Kaci Demaria, Kelly Kinney and Suli Davis. Demaria was on the U19 team that won gold at the 2023 Pan Am Cup, and both she and Kinney were on the 2023 U21 National Team that placed sixth at the World Championship.
2024 Girls U19 National Team
Name (Pos., Ht, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
Hazel Alevok (MB, 6-7, 2007, Bradenton, Fla., IMG Academy, Florida)
Henley Anderson (OH, 6-3, 2007, Dripping Springs, Texas, Dripping Springs HS, Lone Star)
Logan Bell (L, 5-10, 2007, Beech Grove, Ind., Roncalli HS, Hoosier)
Suli Davis (OH, 6-2, 2007, Euless, Texas, Colleyville Heritage HS, North Texas)
Kaci Demaria (OH, 6-3, 2007, San Pedro, Calif., Palos Verdes HS, Southern California)
Audrey Flanagan (OH, 6-3, 2007, Redondo Beach, Calif., Mira Costa HS, Southern California)
Genevieve Harris (S, 5-10, 2007, Raleigh, N.C., Cardinal Gibbons HS, Carolina)
Sarah Hickman (OPP, 6-5, 2007, Houston, Texas, Stratford HS, Lone Star)
Elena Hoecke (MB, 6-3, 2007, Lino Lakes, Minn., Centennial HS, North Country)
Isabelle Hoppe (S, 5-8, 2008, Gibsonia, Pa., Pine Richland HS, Ohio Valley)
Nadiya Johnson (OPP, 6-2, 2008, Waldorf, Md., North Point HS, Chesapeake)
Kelly Kinney (OH, 6-2, 2007, West Palm Beach, Fla., The King’s Academy, Florida)
Kirra Musgrove (S, 6-2, 2007, Kemah, Texas, Lutheran South Academy, Lone Star)
Manaia Ogbechie (MB, 6-3, 2007, Santa Rosa Valley, Calif., Oaks Christian Academy, Southern California)
Jayden “JJ” Robinson (OPP, 6-3, 2008, Missouri City, Texas, Ridge Point HS, Lone Star)
Halle Thompson (OH, 6-1, 2008, Spring, Texas, Grand Oaks HS, Lone Star)
Natalie Wardlow (MB, 6-5, 2007, Lincoln, Neb., Lincoln Southeast HS, Great Plains)
Aniya Warren (L, 5-8, 2007, Lockport, Ill., Benet Academy, Great Lakes)
Devyn Wiest (OH, 6-2, 2007, Phoenix, Ariz., O’Connor HS, Arizona)
Coaches
Head Coach: Jamie Morrison (Texas A&M)
Assistant Coach: Keegan Cook (Minnesota)
Assistant Coach: Michelle Chatman Smith (LOVB)
Performance Analyst: Maggie Eppright (LOVB)
ATC: Cherryl Bueno
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (Maryland)
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 4, 2024) – USA Volleyball is announcing the final 16 award winners it will honor at its 2024 Hall of Fame annual banquet and ceremony on May 22 at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio.
The Hall of Fame ceremony will take place one day before the 2024 USA Volleyball Open National Championship starts at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The proceeds from the event will go to the USA Volleyball Foundation to provide funding to support the Olympic & Paralympic dreams of the athletes in USA Volleyball’s national team programs. To purchase tickets and explore sponsorship opportunities, visit 2024 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame.
Melissa Boice (Southern California Region), director and head coach at the Southern California Volleyball Club in Redondo Beach, has been named Junior Girls Indoor Coach of the Year.
John Paul Case (Ohio Valley Region), president of the Elevation Volleyball Club in Mason, Ohio, has been named Indoor Junior Club Director of the Year.
Arthur Chavers (Western Empire Region) will be named Scorer of the Year Chavers was nominated for his passion for scorekeeping and his work with newcomers learning how to keep score.
Janae Edmondson (Southern Region) will receive the Danielle Scott Courage Award. Edmondson lost both her legs when she was hit by a car while walking in St. Louis for a tournament with her club team MidTN VBC.
Charlie Fuerbringer (Southern California Region), a setter and two-time member of the Girls U19 National Team who plays for Mizuno Long Beach, will receive the Junior Female Athlete of the Year Award.
Cullum Miller (Southern Region), beach and boys director and coach at C2 Volleyball Club in Hendersonville, Tennessee, will receive the Junior Boys Beach Coach of the Year Award.
Tim Pelot, strength and conditioning coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team, will be presented with the Jonathan Reeser Sport Science Award.
Tom Pingel (Rocky Mountain Region), master coach at Team Colorado in Colorado Springs, will be presented with the Junior Boys Indoor Coach of the Year Award.
Michelle Prater (Southern Region), who has officiated events from junior nationals to NCAA to NORCECA, will be named Referee of the Year.
T.J. Staples (North Texas Region), who coached at MADSand Volleyball Club in Plano, has been named Girls Beach Coach of the Year.
LaToya Terry (Lone Star Region), director of coaching at Houston Volleyball Academy, will receive the Rebecca B. Howard Diversity & Inclusion Award.
Ric Washburn (Heart of America Region) will receive the Edward P. Lauten Scorer’s Service Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the USA Volleyball scorer’s development and certification program.
Steve Webster (New England Region) will be presented with the Glen G Davies Referee Service Award, which honors national-level referees for outstanding contributions to the USA Volleyball referee’s development and certification program.
David White (Chesapeake Region), founder and director of the BRVA club beach program in Blue Ridge, Virginia, will receive the Beach Junior Club Director of the Year Award.
Alisha Wintersdorf (Florida Region), head volleyball coach at Tavares High School and director of the American Athletic Club, will be presented with the Junior Club Service Award.
David Wolff (Great Lakes Region), a 6-foot-8 outside hitter with MOD Volleyball Club in Skokie, Illinois, and a player in USA Volleyball’s National Team Development Program, has earned the Junior Male Athlete of the Year Award.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 26, 2024) – The USA Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP) has a big season planned for indoor volleyball athletes.
From Training Series to age-group national teams, 2024 will be another big year for Indoor NTDP.
USA Volleyball is proud to announce that, starting in 2024, it will provide a dedicated pool of funds to assist athletes participating in NTDP events to overcome financial barriers. Athletes and their families will be able to apply for financial assistance to attend NTDP events.
Details will be shared in future NTDP announcements.
Indoor NTDP has adjusted its Training Series schedule for 2024 from quarterly to trimester. All 2024 Training Series events will be residential.
Training Series give invited junior athletes the chance to practice with and play against some of the best competition in the United States while receiving guidance from top coaches.
2024 Boys Indoor NTDP Spring Training Series
2024 Girls Indoor NTDP Spring Training Series
2024 Girls Indoor NTDP Summer Training Series
2024 Boys Indoor NTDP Fall Training Series
2024 Indoor NTDP Winter Training Series
USA Volleyball already announced it would host an NTDP Experience event in conjunction with the Boys Junior National Championship on June 25 in Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit the press release.
Planning is underway for 2024 NTDP Accelerators around the country, with two already scheduled:
Old Dominion Region Accelerator
North Country Region Accelerator
USA Volleyball will host its Women’s National Team Open Program for athletes born in 1999-2005 inclusive on Feb. 23-25 in Colorado Springs. For more information, visit the event page.
Collegiate National Teams for both women and men will train in Anaheim, Calif.
Training sessions are being planned for the four 2024 age-group national teams (U19 Girls, U19 Boys, U21 Women, U21 Men) that will compete at NORCECA events.
The USA Volleyball Beach National Team Development Program is offering athletes and their families a preview of the 2024 schedule. Training series, accelerators and major collegiate events are all part of the mix in 2024.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 26, 2024) – The USA Volleyball Beach National Team Development Program is offering athletes and their families a preview of the 2024 schedule.
Training series, accelerators and major collegiate events are all part of the mix in 2024.
USA Volleyball is proud to announce that, starting in 2024, it will provide a dedicated pool of funds to assist athletes participating in NTDP events to overcome financial barriers. Athletes and their families will be able to apply for financial assistance to attend NTDP events.
Details will be shared in future NTDP announcements.
USA Volleyball Beach NTDP has four Training Series events scheduled for 2024. Training Series give invited junior athletes the chance to train with and compete against some of the best athletes in the United States while receiving guidance from top coaches.
Four 2024 Beach NTDP Accelerators have been scheduled with others in the planning stages:
Two international trials events are on the schedule for 2024.
The 2024 USA Volleyball World University Championships (WUC) Beach National Team Trials will take place May 16-19 in Manhattan Beach, Calif., alongside the NTDP Spring Training Series event. The World University Championships are Sept. 2-8 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The FIVB U19 Beach World Championships Trials will be held June 17-20 in Hermosa Beach, Calif. The FIVB U19 Beach World Championships will be Aug. 27-Sept. 1 in Shangluo, China.
For both events, the winning teams of each gender will earn the right to represent the United States, assuming all USAV, NORCECA, FIVB and IOC requirements are met.
These collegiate events will be used for consideration for selection or to determine members of a national team.
The Beach Collegiate National Team Training Block will be June 11-19 in Hermosa Beach, Calif.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 27, 2023) — Pro Volleyball Federation, the professional women’s volleyball league in the United States, has teamed up with USA Volleyball – the national governing body of the sport in the U.S. – to promote volleyball at its highest level.
USA Volleyball will support Pro Volleyball Federation’s professional league in America, which launches in January. The partnership reinforces the League’s commitment to work with USA Volleyball clubs, athletes and regions while USAV supports Pro Volleyball Federation’s commitment to providing top professional opportunities to America’s greatest female volleyball players.
“We are so proud to provide these world-class athletes within the USA Volleyball pipeline with a domestic opportunity to play professionally at the highest level in the United States while still being able to pursue their dreams of representing their country on the U.S. National Team,” touted Dave Whinham, co-founder of the Pro Volleyball Federation. “We have tremendous respect for the work being done by USA Volleyball and its 40 regions throughout the country, and we are excited to strengthen the entire volleyball pipeline in our nation.”
Pro Volleyball Federation currently boasts 17 players from the United States who have spent time in the U.S. National Team gym. Overall, there are 35 domestic and international players in the League who have been part of their respective country’s Olympic or national team system.
More than 135 athletes have signed contracts to play in the inaugural season of Pro Volleyball Federation. They will be led by a group of accomplished coaches who have combined for more than 2,500 career victories.
“Pro Volleyball Federation has created a buzz not only in the United States, but throughout the world of volleyball,” said Jamie Davis, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “We are thrilled to partner with Pro Volleyball Federation and see the League as a great platform where so many outstanding American players can continue their careers as professional athletes and US National Team members.”
There is also no lack of Team USA representation within the ranks of Pro Volleyball Federation. In addition to the athletes, four-time Olympic medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings leads the ownership group of the San Diego Mojo. The Mojo feature three-time Olympian and two-time silver medalist Tayyiba Haneef-Park as head coach, while Team USA stars Logan Tom and Laurie Corbelli bring extensive national team experience to Pro Volleyball Federation’s executive staff.
The Mojo is one of seven teams playing in the League’s first season, joining the Atlanta Vibe, Columbus Fury, Grand Rapids Rise, Omaha Supernovas, Orlando Valkyries, and Vegas Thrill. The second season in 2025 will welcome numerous additional squads, with Dallas, Indianapolis and Kansas City already announced as 2025 markets.
Pro Volleyball Federation’s inaugural season begins on January 24 and runs through mid-May. Each city is supported by ownership groups who have invested in the future of the League. Team rosters will consist of 14 active members, each receiving a minimum salary of $60,000. Players on the championship team will also share a $1 million bonus.
ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
Pro Volleyball Federation is REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.
ABOUT USA VOLLEYBALL
Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and World ParaVolley as the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball including the disciplines of beach, indoor, sitting, snow and beach ParaVolley in the United States. With more than 425,000 registered members, USA Volleyball conducts national championship events, coaching and officials certification programs, and grassroots development across all disciplines in a lifetime sport in which all can participate. USA Volleyball’s teams have won an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, five Paralympic medals since 2004 and numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball’s women’s teams are the reigning gold medalists in the Olympic indoor, beach and Paralympic events. The United States is the first country to have won a gold medal in each discipline at a single Summer Games. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit usavolleyball.org. #PathtothePodium
USA Volleyball today announced a partnership with League One Volleyball (LOVB) to support LOVB’s American professional league, which launches after the Paris Olympic Games in November 2024
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 12, 2023) – USA Volleyball coaches and staff will be presenting eight sessions at the AVCA Convention this week in Tampa. Plus, the USA Volleyball Show podcast team will also be on site, so look for them interviewing special guests throughout the week.
Wednesday, Dec. 13
Thursday, Dec. 14
Friday, Dec. 15
Saturday, Dec. 16
USA Volleyball Show Interviews
Look for USA Volleyball Show hosts Clarence Hughes and Stephen Munson interviewing the following guests during the week at the convention center:
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 12, 2023) – USA Volleyball is set to celebrate some of the sport’s greatest athletes, coaches, officials and leaders at its 2024 Hall of Fame annual banquet and ceremony on May 22 at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio.
Among the honorees will be Kathy DeBoer and the late Carl McGown, who will both receive the Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Frier Award is considered USA Volleyball’s highest honor. DeBoer and McGown will be the 55th and 56th honorees.
The Hall of Fame ceremony will take place one day before the 2024 USA Volleyball Open National Championship starts at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The proceeds from the event will go to the USA Volleyball Foundation to provide funding to support the Olympic & Paralympic dreams of the athletes in USA Volleyball’s national team programs. To purchase tickets and explore sponsorship opportunities, visit 2024 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame.
DeBoer retired as the executive director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) on June 30, 2023, after 17 years in the role.
Among the AVCA’s accomplishments during her tenure:
DeBoer received the USA Volleyball George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award in 2015.
Before his death in 2016 at age 79, McGown served as a coach, leader and mentor within the U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team program for more than 30 years.
McGown was also the head coach for the men’s volleyball team at BYU for 13 years. He won NCAA National Championships with the Cougars in 1999 and 2001.
For the mark left behind on the U.S. National Team and BYU volleyball programs, USA Volleyball awarded McGown the James E. Coleman National Team Award in 2014. He also earned the Donald S. Shondell All-Time Great Coach Award in 2000 and the George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award in 1988.
USA Volleyball will announce more 2024 award winners, including All-Time Great athletes and coaches, soon.
USA Volleyball is pleased to announce the athletes, coaches and leaders it will celebrate and induct into its Hall of Fame at the annual banquet and ceremony on May 24 at the Omni Hotel in Dallas, Texas
USA Volleyball will celebrate some of the sport’s greatest athletes, coaches, officials and leaders at the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame annual banquet and ceremony on May 24 at the Omni Hotel in Dallas, Texas
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 11, 2023) – USA Volleyball today announced a partnership with League One Volleyball (LOVB) to support LOVB’s American professional league, which launches after the Paris Olympic Games in November 2024.
The collaborative partnership will focus on growing volleyball’s fan base and participation in the sport across the country.
“USA Volleyball is proud to be a partner with LOVB,” said USA Volleyball President and CEO Jamie Davis. “Currently, most of the top U.S. players compete in leagues overseas for up to seven months a year; away from their families, friends and the American audience. We look forward to watching U.S. players compete with LOVB on their home turf and seeing the impact that this league will have on volleyball’s popularity. LOVB will be a platform where American volleyball fans can see their idols play live and in-person. LOVB is attracting not only U.S. National Team players, but some of the top talent from around the world as well.”
Volleyball’s popularity is already on the rise as it is the most popular team sport for high school and college girls while boys’ high school numbers have increased by 40 percent since 2017. In the 2022-23 season, USA Volleyball membership increased by 9.6 percent to 408,000 (the largest percentage growth since 1998), and the growth was reflected at all levels of play, genders and age groups.
“At LOVB, we’re on the path to making volleyball the next major league sport in the United States, so we are excited to partner with USA Volleyball to help turn this vision into a reality,” said Rosie Spaulding, COO of LOVB’s professional league. “The world’s best professional players deserve the opportunity to play at home in front of the same communities that supported them throughout their youth and college years. We’re excited to work with USA Volleyball to change this paradigm, and be at the forefront of an exciting new movement in American sports.”
Leading into AVCA, LOVB revealed the team names and logos for its professional teams including LOVB Madison Volleyball, LOVB Omaha Volleyball, LOVB Salt Lake Volleyball. Today, it introduced its sixth and final city for its inaugural 2024-2025 season, LOVB Austin Volleyball. The final team name and logos for the cities of Houston and Atlanta will be revealed on December 12 and December 13, respectively.
LOVB’s partnership with USA Volleyball will focus on helping and promoting the league’s professional teams, which has several present and former members of the U.S. Women’s National Team already affiliated. Women’s National Team players who have signed with LOVB include setters Lauren Carlini, Micha Hancock, Carli Lloyd and Jordyn Poulter, libero Justine Wong-Orantes, outside hitter Kelsey (Robinson) Cook, opposite Jordan Thompson and middle blocker Haleigh Washington.
LOVB also recently announced that U.S. WNT Assistant Coach Tama Miyashiro will coach in the league as well.
For more information about LOVB, please visit lovb.com/pro-league.
About USA Volleyball
Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and World ParaVolley as the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball including the disciplines of beach, indoor, sitting, snow and beach Paravolley in the United States. With more than 425,000 registered members, USA Volleyball conducts national championship events, coaching and officials certification programs, and grassroots development across all disciplines in a lifetime sport in which all can participate. USA Volleyball’s teams have won an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, five Paralympic medals since 2004 and numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball’s women’s teams are the reigning gold medalists in the Olympic indoor, beach and Paralympic events. The United States is the first country to have won a gold medal in each discipline at a single Summer Games. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit www.usavolleyball.org. #PathtothePodium
About League One Volleyball
Founded in 2020, LOVB’s mission is to reimagine the future of volleyball. With a unique community up approach, the female first league has attracted the attention of notable investors who understand the opportunity the league will bring as it reaches 38 million former and current players in the US and continues its trajectory of being the most played youth sport for girls. LOVB’s inaugural pro season will launch in pre-season following the Paris Olympics in 2024, and will last from November 2024 through April 2025. It will feature six teams in six cities, including Atlanta, Houston, Madison and Salt Lake. For more information on LOVB, its athlete council and its professional league, please visit www.lovb.com. #LOVBforLife
U.S. teammates collided this week in the CEV Champions League and action in the country leagues is heating up
This week's update includes: Brazil’s women’s club season kicked off with the Super Cup while Athletes United ended with a big honor for Morgan Hentz
Setter, 6-1
Setter, 5-11
Setter, 6-2
Libero, 5-6
Opposite, 6-4
Middle, 6-3
Outside Hitter, 6-2
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 29, 2023) – USA Volleyball announces the launch of IMPACT 2.0 for the 2023-24 season.
IMPACT 2.0 is the latest version of USA Volleyball’s IMPACT training, which is required for all USA Volleyball junior club coaches.
This new version includes new modules featuring interactive graphics, videos and text created in collaboration with U.S. National Team staff, USA Volleyball National Faculty, and other sport experts.
“An important focus for our team in updating IMPACT was to help coaches access trainings and resources that expand their toolkit and support a successful season,” said Jordan Kelly, USA Volleyball’s Education Services program manager.
“I’m thrilled coaches can take the updated training, and I’m grateful for all the key players who contributed to this effort. It wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible contributions involved with each module’s creation. Most importantly, this is not the final version of IMPACT. The course will continue to be reviewed each season to ensure IMPACT evolves and becomes an even more effective resource for new and beginner coaches with USA Volleyball.”
IMPACT 2.0 introduces coaches to foundational and relevant topics rooted in the five pillars of the USA Volleyball Development Model: craft, body, mind, heart and team. IMPACT 2.0 has also been reduced in length and includes updated navigational features with brief knowledge checks. At completion, coaches will also be informed about their free access to the Bronze tier of Coach Academy and discounts to the Silver and Gold tiers.
IMPACT 2.0 modules
IMPACT 2.0 is free for all USA Volleyball members through their SportsEngine member profiles. Non-members of USA Volleyball interested in taking IMPACT 2.0 can purchase access for a fee of $125 on USA Volleyball’s online storefront, or for free by becoming a member.
While IMPACT training must be completed in order to coach in any USA Volleyball-sanctioned events, the national office does not require a renewal of this course. Coaches should check with their regions or clubs as they may have more stringent requirements.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 25, 2023) – USA Volleyball is excited to announce a new format for the 2024 Boys Junior National Championship (BJNC) in Dallas, at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center.
The 2024 BJNC schedule has been modified to allow all ages and divisions (Open, USA, American and Club) to be contested over the same four-day period, June 26-29.
As an added event enhancement, USA Volleyball is including a National Team Development Program (NTDP) Experience on June 25, 2024, the day before BJNC competition begins. Highlights of the NTDP experience include:
We look forward to welcoming all the teams to Dallas next summer.
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UPDATE: Due to volcanic activity that disrupted the travel of some teams, the start of the tournament was postponed one day to May 24.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 19, 2023) – USA Volleyball has selected the 12 athletes who will represent the United States at the 2023 Women’s U21 NORCECA Pan American Cup.
The 12 will compete May 24-28 in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, after training for the last week at the Anaheim National Team Training Center.
Dan Fisher, head coach of Pitt’s women’s volleyball team, is the U21 team’s head coach. He is assisted by Josh Walker of Baylor and Jessica Aschenbrenner of Colorado State.
Seven players return from the team that won the 2022 Pan American Cup and qualified for the 2023 FIVB World Championship: outside hitters Chloe Chicoine, Norah Sis and Mckenna Wucherer, middle blocker Bre Kelley, opposite Devin Kahahawai, and setters Rachel Fairbanks and Alexis Stucky.
Middles Gabrielle Essix and Marianna Singletary also have previous age group national team experience.
Players who are new to the National Team Development Program (NTDP) age group teams: libero Lauren Briseño, outside hitter Eva Hudson and opposite Allie Sczech.
The U.S. Women will open the Pan American Cup with pool play against Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Guatemala. The other pool will include Belize, Cuba, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
2023 Women’s U21 NORCECA Pan American Cup Roster
Name (Position, Height, Birth Year, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
2 Lauren Briseño (L, 5-7, 2003, San Antonio, Texas, Baylor, Lone Star)
3 Chloe Chicoine (OH, 5-10, 2004, Lafayette, Ind., Purdue, Hoosier)
5 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, 2003, Santa Ana, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)
7 Mckenna Wucherer (OH, 6-1, 2004, Brookfield, Wis., Univ. of Minnesota, Badger)
8 Eva Hudson (OH, 6-1, 2004, Fort Wayne, Ind., Purdue, Hoosier)
9 Norah Sis (OH, 6-2, 2003, Papillion, Neb., Creighton, Great Plains)
10 Alexis Stucky (S, 6-2, 2004, Laramie, Wyo., Univ. of Florida, Rocky Mountain)
13 Gabrielle Essix (MB, 6-3, Hoover, Ala., Univ. of Florida, Southern)
14 Devin Kahahawai (Opp, 6-4, 2004, Kailua, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
15 Allie Sczech (Opp, 6-4, 2004, Sugar Land, Texas, Baylor, Lone Star)
16 Bre Kelley (MB, 6-4, 2003, Rockwall, Texas, Undecided. North Texas)
17 Marianna Singletary (MB, 6-4, 2004, Charleston, S.C., Texas, Southern)
Head Coach: Dan Fisher
Assistant Coaches: Josh Walker and Jessica Aschenbrenner
Team Leader: Jeffrey Wanderer
Athletic Trainer: Rebecca Duran
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg
Alternates
1 Emmy Klika (L, 5-7, 2003, Novelty, Ohio, Pitt, Ohio Valley)
4 Caroline Bien (OH, 6-0, 2003, Overland Park, Kan., Univ. of Kansas, Heart of America)
6 Raven Colvin (MB, 6-1, 2003, Indianapolis, Ind., Purdue, Hoosier)
11 Mimi Colyer (OH, 6-3, 2004, Lincoln, Calif., Univ. of Oregon, Northern California)
12 Ella Swindle (S, 6-2, 2004, Columbia, Mo., Univ. of Texas, Heart of America)
18 Kennedy Martin (OPP, 6-6, 2005, Fort Mill, S.C., Univ. of Florida, Badger)
U.S. Women’s U21 Schedule for the Pan American Cup
(All times PT)
May 24 at 2 p.m. USA vs Guatemala
May 25 at 6 p.m. USA vs Guatemala
May 26 at 10 a.m. USA vs Dominican Republic
May 26 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Quarterfinals
May 27 Semifinals and classification matches
May 28 Medal matches and classification matches
USA Volleyball is proud to announce the 18 athletes selected for the 2023 Women’s U21 NORCECA Pan American Cup roster.
Middle Blocker, 6-3
Middle Blocker, 6-4
Setter, 6-1
Middle Blocker, 6-5
Middle Blocker, 6-3
Middle Blocker, 6-2
Outside Hitter, 6-2
Outside Hitter, 6-0
Outside Hitter, 6-3
Libero, 5-3
Outside Hitter, 6-0
Setter, 5-11
Outside Hitter, 6-3
Outside Hitter, 6-2
Middle Blocker, 6-3
Setter, 6-3
Setter, 5-11
Libero, 5-7
Outside Hitter, 6-1
Opposite, 6-1
Middle Blocker, 6-3
Middle Blocker, 6-3
Middle Blocker, 6-4
Outside Hitter/Opposite, 6-1
Opposite, 6-6
Libero, 5-6
Opposite, 6-3
Setter, 5-11
Opposite/Setter, 5-11
Setter, 6-1
Outside Hitter, 6-1
Outside Hitter, 6-2
Setter, 6-2
Setter, 6-2
Opposite, 6-4
Libero, 5-8
Outside Hitter, 6-3
Outside Hitter, 6-1
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 6, 2023) – As part of its 2023 Hall of Fame celebration, USA Volleyball is pleased to announce the players, coaches and leaders who will receive annual awards this year.
The awards will be presented at the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame Banquet and Ceremony on May 24 at the Omni Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
The Hall of Fame ceremony, a celebration of volleyball’s greatest athletes, coaches, officials and leaders, will take place one day before the 2023 USA Volleyball Open National Championship starts at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
The proceeds from the banquet will go to the USA Volleyball Foundation to provide funding to support the Olympic & Paralympic dreams of the athletes in USA Volleyball’s national team program. To purchase tickets and explore sponsorship opportunities, visit 2023 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame.
The annual award winners for 2023 are:
Rebecca B. Howard Diversity & Inclusion Award: Jason Butch (Oklahoma Region)
Jonathan Reeser Sport Science Award: Kara Kessans (National Team Staff)
Junior Male Athlete of the Year: Kellen Larson (Southern California Region)
Junior Female Athlete of the Year: Avery Jackson (North Texas Region)
Indoor Junior Club Director of the Year: Alexi Keating (Heart of America Region)
Beach Junior Club Director of the Year: Patty Dodd (Southern California Region)
Junior Club Service Award: Keith Murlless (Rocky Mountain Region)
Junior Club Service Award: Danie Remmick (North Country Region)
Junior Girls Indoor Coach of the Year: Jim Miret (Rocky Mountain Region)
Junior Boys Indoor Coach of the Year: Brian Hogg Jr. (Southern Region)
Junior Boys Indoor Coach of the Year: Antonio Gaetan (Florida Region)
Junior Girls Beach Coach of the Year: Nicole Christner (Southern Region)
Glen G. Davies Referee Service Award: Joe Campbell (Lone Star Region)
Edward P. Lauten Scorer’s Service Award: Becky J Brockney (Rocky Mountain Region)
Joseph B. Sharpless Arbitrator Service Award: Karen Daukantas-Jones (Keystone Region)
Referee of the Year: Alexis Sheldon (Badger Region)
Scorer of the Year: Emily Lett (Rocky Mountain Region)
USA Volleyball is pleased to announce the athletes, coaches and leaders it will celebrate and induct into its Hall of Fame at the annual banquet and ceremony on May 24 at the Omni Hotel in Dallas, Texas
USA Volleyball will celebrate some of the sport’s greatest athletes, coaches, officials and leaders at the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame annual banquet and ceremony on May 24 at the Omni Hotel in Dallas, Texas
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 23, 2023) – USA Volleyball is pleased to announce the athletes, coaches and leaders it will celebrate and induct into its Hall of Fame at the annual banquet and ceremony on May 24 at the Omni Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
The Hall of Fame ceremony, a celebration of volleyball’s greatest athletes, coaches, officials and leaders, will take place one day before the 2023 USA Volleyball Open National Championship starts at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
The proceeds from the banquet will go to the USA Volleyball Foundation to provide funding to support the Olympic & Paralympic dreams of the athletes in USA Volleyball’s national team program. To purchase tickets and explore sponsorship opportunities, visit 2023 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame.
Eight Olympic and Paralympic players will be inducted into the Hall of Fame:
All-Time Great Male Indoor Athlete: Ryan Millar – Three-time Olympic middle blocker (2000, ’04 and ’08) who won gold in 2008 in Beijing.
All-Time Great Male Indoor Athlete: Clay Stanley – Three-time Olympic opposite (2004, ’08, ’12) who won gold and was named Most Valuable Player, Best Scorer and Best Server in 2008 in Beijing.
All-Time Great Female Indoor Athlete: Liane Sato – Two-time Olympic defensive specialist and setter (1988, ’92). She won bronze in Barcelona in 1992.
All-Time Great Female Indoor Athlete: Logan Tom – Four-time Olympic outside hitter (2000, ’04, ’08, ’12) who won silver medals in 2008 in Beijing and in 2012 in London.
All-Time Great Female Sitting Athlete: Kari (Miller) Ortiz – Three-time Paralympic libero (2008, ’12, ’16) who won the gold medal in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro and silver in both 2008 in Beijing and 2012 in London. All-Time Great Male Sitting Athlete: the late Edgar Laforest – Outside hitter who competed at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and medaled at the Parapan American Games three times (1 Gold, 2x Silver). Worked as an international referee before passing away in 2020.
All-Time Great Female Beach Athlete: Elaine Youngs – Three-time Olympian (1996 [indoor], 2004, ‘08) who won bronze on the beach in 2004 with Holly McPeak.
All-Time Great Male Beach Athlete: Todd Rogers – Won the gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing with Phil Dalhausser.
Texas women’s volleyball coach Jerritt Elliott will receive the All-Time Great Coach Award, which recognizes individuals for success and excellence in volleyball coaching over a period of many years. Elliott has coached several successful National Team Development Program (NTDP) age-group teams for USA Volleyball while leading Texas to two NCAA Championships and multiple other titles.
Leaders who will be honored:
Delta Region Commissioner Joe Williams will receive the George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award, which recognizes longtime significant contributions to volleyball programs and activities as a player, coach, official, leader and/or administrator at the local and national levels.
Ohio Valley Commissioner Bob Price will be awarded the Dr. Neville A. “Doc” Booth Commissioner’s Award for making significant contributions to volleyball and USA Volleyball through the office of regional commissioner.
USAV Director of Officials Development and national and international referee Pati Rolf will receive the Harry E. Wilson International Service Award for her significant contributions to USA Volleyball and the FIVB, and her involvement in major international events.
Coach Bill Neville will be awarded the
James E. Coleman National Team Award for his service/involvement with USA national team programs and his outstanding commitment to them.
Verna Klubnikin and the late Dan Apol will be honored with the Wilbur H. “Wil” Peck Referee Emeritus Award, which recognizes those who have retired from refereeing on the national level and who have made significant contributions to the USA Volleyball referee program locally, regionally and nationally.
Lynne Updegraff will be presented with the Nancy S. Sharpless Scorer Emeritus Award, which honors individuals who have retired from scoring on the national level and who have made significant contributions to the USA Volleyball scorekeeping program locally, regionally and nationally.
As previously announced, Scott Fortune and the late Elroy Osorio will both receive the Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Lifetime Achievement Award, USA Volleyball’s highest honor.
USA Volleyball will announce its annual award winners in the coming weeks.
For more information about the 2023 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame and to purchase tickets, visit 2023 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame.
USA Volleyball will celebrate some of the sport’s greatest athletes, coaches, officials and leaders at the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame annual banquet and ceremony on May 24 at the Omni Hotel in Dallas, Texas
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 15, 2022) – Hudl has been named the official video analysis and video exchange partner for USA Volleyball.
Through this partnership, Hudl will work with USA Volleyball to showcase the value of data and video analysis to regional volleyball associations across the country, and engage with member clubs at the organization’s showcases and events.
USA Vollyeball’s mission is to lead, serve and inspire the volleyball community to achieve their personal journey to getting on that podium. USA Volleyball is the governing body for the sport of volleyball in the United States, and it is recognized by both the International Volleyball Federation and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Hudl is proud to partner with USA Volleyball in its vision to engage and inspire the nation through volleyball, which aligns with Hudl’s mission to make every moment count. Hudl’s industry-leading video and data technology will help USA Volleyball athletes maximize their moments on the court.
“We are excited to partner with USA Volleyball to provide engagement and education opportunities for the volleyball community,” said Rachel Krasnow, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Hudl. “This partnership provides a natural alignment between our two organizations, and creates significant value for USA Volleyball athletes providing them the tools to succeed.”
“USA Volleyball is thrilled to partner with Hudl as our official video analysis and video exchange partner,” said Jamie Davis, USA Volleyball President and CEO. “Hudl’s technology has been instrumental in helping our national teams achieve competitive excellence, including Olympic gold medals. I know that it will be an invaluable tool for USA Volleyball clubs across the country to improve and enhance their performance.”
Hudl and USA Volleyball are excited to see the impact this partnership will have on their athletes, families, and coaches.
About Hudl:
As a global leader in performance analysis technology, Hudl helps more than 200K sports teams—from grassroots to the pros—prepare for and stay ahead of the competition. A complete suite of video and data products ensures coaches have the insights they need and athletes get the shot they deserve. 6M users across 40+ sports use Hudl’s best-in-class software, hardware and services, including online coaching tools, mobile and desktop apps, smart cameras, livestreaming, wearables, analytics, professional consultation and more. Learn more at www.hudl.com.
About USA Volleyball
Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and World ParaVolley as the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball including the disciplines of beach, indoor, sitting, snow and beach paravolley in the United States. With more than 425,000 registered members, USA Volleyball conducts national championship events, coaching and officials certification programs, and grassroots development across all disciplines in a lifetime sport in which all can participate. USA Volleyball’s teams have won an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, five Paralympic medals since 2004 and numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball’s women’s teams are the reigning gold medalists in the Olympic indoor, beach and Paralympic events. The United States is the first country to have won a gold medal in each discipline at a single Summer Games. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit www.usavolleyball.org. #PathtothePodium
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 9, 2022) – USA Volleyball will have its biggest AVCA Convention presence ever at this year’s edition on Dec. 14-17 in Omaha, Nebraska.
USA Volleyball staff and athletes will be speaking at 17 different convention sessions and learning labs. U.S. Women’s National Team athletes will do meet and greets.
View the full schedule of USA Volleyball presentations.
USA Volleyball will also have a booth in the convention marketplace, including a photo booth, live Coach Academy demos, information about USA Volleyball membership and more.
The USA Volleyball Show podcast will record a live interview with U.S. Women’s National Team Assistant Coach Tama Miyashiro from the convention’s Podcast Center. During the rest of the week, the podcast team will host various guests in the USA Volleyball booth.
USA Volleyball will be recording videos in coordination with the AVCA in the Coaches Zone.
During the NCAA DI Women’s Championship semifinals on Dec. 15, there will be on-court recognition for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team coaching staff and interviews with gold medalists Annie Drews and Michelle Bartsch-Hackley.
Four USA Volleyball regions are sponsoring attendance for coaches who won AVCA Diversity Awards this year:
Badger Region
Adrian Lynch, Physical Education Teacher/Club Director
Blessed Savior Catholic School (WI)/Reinas De La Cancha VBC
Chesapeake Region
Ou Huang, MVP 16 Black Head Coach
Maryland Volleyball Program Club
Delta Region
Shatel Gaines, School Counselor/Assistant Volleyball Coach/Club Director
The Academies at Jonesboro High School (AR) & 870 Volleyball Club
Southern Region
Maci Battle, Graduate Assistant Coach
Alabama A&M University
and
Samantha Worley, Graduate Assistant Coach/Club Director
University of West Alabama & T-Town Elite Volleyball Club
Follow USA Volleyball on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok for exclusive content from the AVCA Convention and NCAA Championships.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 7, 2022) – International volleyball returns to the United States in a big way next summer when USA Volleyball will host two major events as part of the 2023 Volleyball Nations League (VNL).
On July 4-9, the U.S. Men’s National Team will host Argentina, Bulgaria, Cuba, France, Germany, Iran and Serbia in the final weekend of the VNL preliminary round at the Anaheim Convention Center in their training city of Anaheim, Calif.
On July 12-16, the U.S. Women’s National Team will host the VNL Finals, where eight elite teams will battle at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.
“USA Volleyball is thrilled to be hosting a men’s preliminary round and the women’s finals of the 2023 Volleyball Nations League,” said USA Volleyball President and CEO Jamie Davis. “American fans will have the opportunity to watch first-hand Team USA’s three-time Olympic gold medal winning men’s team and the reigning Olympic women’s champions take on the best of the rest on U.S soil. This will be volleyball at its absolute best.”
The VNL is an annual international volleyball tournament in which 16 of the world’s best teams per gender compete over four weeks. Eight teams from the preliminary round qualify for the VNL Finals where the winner takes home $1 million.
“Our U.S. Women and staff are beyond thrilled for the opportunity to compete in the VNL Finals in Texas next year,” said U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly. “The last time we got to do that in 2015 (when the women’s tournament was called the Grand Prix), it was a fantastic experience for us and a unique opportunity for American volleyball fans to see the world’s best. We’d expect nothing less for 2023 in Arlington.”
The U.S. Women have won VNL gold in three of the past four years. They are the defending Olympic champions and ranked No. 4 in the world.
“I am very pleased that we will be competing in front of our home fans again,” U.S. Men’s Head Coach John Speraw said. “VNL is an exciting and dynamic tournament where every match counts. American fans will love watching our team compete against many of the best teams in the world.”
The U.S. Men took silver at the 2022 VNL and at the 2019 VNL Finals, which they hosted in Chicago. They took bronze in 2018 and are ranked No. 6 in the world.
Start making your plans now as tickets for both the Men’s Preliminary Round in Anaheim and the Women’s Finals in Arlington will go on sale soon.
From the NTDP courts to the NCAA semifinals, the impact of USA Volleyball’s development pipeline is on full display once again. Athletes and coaches from all four teams will bring rich experience from NTDP programs and U.S. national teams, showing how the pathway continues to prepare players and staff for the sport’s biggest stages.
The U.S. Men's National Team swept Puerto Rico Sunday night (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. 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 at the NORCECA Final Six in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
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. 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.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 3, 2022) – USA Volleyball has signed Beach Nation as its Official Beach Volleyball Education Partner and will work with Beach Nation to develop education content for the new USAV Coach Academy.
Launched on Sept. 1, the USA Volleyball Coach Academy is an online learning and engagement platform for volleyball coaches. It offers three subscription tiers, from a free bronze tier for USAV member coaches to the interactive premium gold tier, to give coaches the skills, knowledge and resources to be successful on and off the court.
Beach Nation is one of the country’s premier beach volleyball training organizations dedicated to creating and maximizing educational opportunities for beach volleyball coaches and players.
Beach Nation has already begun collaborating with USA Volleyball. The group helped develop the “Fundamental Beach Skills” module in the USAV Coach Academy Bronze Tier and the “Out of System Setting” module in the Silver Tier. Patty Dodd, a Beach Nation master coach and USA Volleyball NTDP coach, recently hosted a live Gold Tier session on hand passing.
“Beach Nation has been a key partner in the creation of our initial content for the USA Volleyball Coach Academy,” said David McCann, USA Volleyball Director Education Services. “We are looking forward to partnering with Beach Nation to develop more cutting-edge educational content and opportunities for beach volleyball coaches at all levels.”
“We look forward to working with USA Volleyball to grow the game with critical thinking, skills-not drills, and with clear and concise content,” said Mark Fishman, CEO Beach Nation. “We teach players and coach coaches at our in-person events. Adding USA Volleyball to our partner portfolio is simply a great honor and raises the bar.”
What people are saying about the partnership between USA Volleyball and Beach Nation:
“As a former U.S. National Team player, as well as a former USA Volleyball board member and a Beach Nation founder, I am incredibly happy from both sides of the fence that USA Volleyball and Beach Nation are partnering to create what will be some of the best teaching available. I’m looking forward to working with USA Volleyball and producing a fantastic product!” – Todd Rogers, Cal Poly Beach Volleyball Head Coach
“Working with the USA Volleyball education team has taught me to break down skills into pieces where language and sequence makes it easy for players to understand and for coaches to teach.” – Patty Dodd, MBsand Club Director, Beach Nation Master Coach and USA Volleyball NTDP Coach and National Faculty.
“Great to see USAV back at delivering quality educational programming to coaches at all levels – especially for beginners – to give their players a lifetime love of the game.” – John Kessel, FIVB, USA Volleyball, Beach Nation and World ParaVolley International Instructor
For more information about the new USA Volleyball Coach Academy go to: usavolleyball.org
To learn about Beach Nation’s camps and clinics go to: beachnation.net
USA Volleyball announces the launch of the USA Volleyball Coach Academy, an online, interactive learning platform for volleyball coaches
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 1, 2022) – USA Volleyball announces the launch of the USA Volleyball Coach Academy, an online, interactive learning platform for volleyball coaches.
The launch of the new platform comes on the first day of the 2022-2023 membership season and offers clubs and coaches new tools as they prepare for the season.
USA Volleyball Coach Academy was developed to give coaches the skills, knowledge and resources to be successful on and off the court. Each month, high-quality content will be added from top volleyball coaches, experts and educators including the coaches of the U.S. National Teams.
The curriculum for Coach Academy is based on USA Volleyball Education’s newly established USA Volleyball Development Model. It includes five pillars that provide the basis for a holistic approach to coaching volleyball. The five pillars are Craft, Mind, Body, Heart and Team, shaping coursework that includes topics such as nutrition, recovery, team culture and mental health along with more traditional skill and strategy-oriented topics.
“As we worked to create a common language for athletes and coaches, we created the USA Volleyball Development Model to cover the five pillars,” USA Volleyball NTDP (National Team Development Program) Director Erin Virtue said. “Not only is this holistic approach important for our developing athletes, but it is also critical for those who support our athletes.”
“We are excited to launch the new USA Volleyball Coach Academy,” Director of Education Services Dave McCann said. “It has been great working with our regions, clubs, coaches and USA Volleyball staff to develop one of the most innovative and engaging coach education programs in the country.”
Coursework is available for all levels of experience, so novice coaches can build a solid foundation and experienced coaches can access world-class strategies and tactics. The Gold level allows coaches to access live virtual sessions. These sessions let coaches connect, ask questions and dive deeper into advanced topics with top volleyball experts. The first two live sessions will be completely free.
Monthly and annual subscription plans are available to fit every budget, starting as low as $5 per month. As a benefit of USA Volleyball membership, all member coaches get free, unlimited access to Bronze, a 50-percent discount on access to Silver, and a 33-percent discount on Gold subscriptions.
Coaches must be active members of USA Volleyball for 2022-2023 to take advantage of discounts. Contact your Region today to become a member and get access to USA Volleyball Coach Academy.
More information is available at go.usav.org/coachacademy.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 22, 2022) – More than 120 junior athletes are slated to participate in the USA Volleyball Beach National Team Development Program’s (NTDP) Summer Training Series next week.
The training series will give junior beach athletes the chance to practice with and compete against some of the best athletes in the United States while receiving guidance from top coaches. Athletes from the Canadian beach volleyball development program will also participate.
BEACH SUMMER TRAINING SERIES ROSTERS – GIRLS
BEACH SUMMER TRAINING SERIES ROSTERS – BOYS
Training will be spread over a week at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. The girls’ camp will run July 24-28, and the boys are from July 28-August 1.
All training series are conducted by top Beach NTDP coaches throughout the country and feature a comprehensive focus on the five pillars of the NTDP: Craft, Mind, Body, Heart and Team.
Athletes for the Summer Training Series were identified and invited based on recommendations from the Beach NTDP Scouting Network. The scouting network serves as the Beach NTDP talent identification process and includes coaches and experts from across the United States.
More than 170 junior beach volleyball athletes will participate in the Beach National Team Development Program Spring Training Series this month in Virginia Beach, Va., and Playa del Rey, Calif.
Junior beach volleyball athletes from across the United States will have the chance to train like Olympians and Paralympians this summer as part of the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program’s Beach Summer Training Series, a residential training program at historic Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif.
Some of USA Volleyball’s top young beach athletes will hit the sand in late September/early October for the Beach National Team Development Program (NTDP) Fall Training Series. Camps will be held in both Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Manhattan Beach, California.
Junior volleyball athletes from across the United States will get the chance to improve their skills at USA Volleyball’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) National Beach and Indoor Winter Training Series on Dec. 27-30 in California.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 15, 2022) — USA Volleyball is committed to being a leader within the volleyball community and beyond by growing the popularity of our sport and increasing the opportunities to play.
As such, USA Volleyball is announcing a new initiative to increase boys participation in the sport.
USA Volleyball is excited to announce the following enhancements for the 2022/23 boys season:
USA Volleyball’s 2023 BJNC pricing will be:
The 2023 BJNC will take place in Salt Lake City June 29 – July 6.
For future planning, please go to USA Volleyball’s event page (Events – USA Volleyball) for information on 2023-2025 BJNC and opportunities for qualification .
USA Volleyball has selected Salt Lake City to host the 2023 Boys Junior National Championship (BJNC) on June 29-July 6 at the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 16, 2022) – USA Volleyball is proud to announce a partnership with Ultra Ankle®, which has been named the Official Ankle Brace of USA Volleyball.
Developed by certified athletic trainer Rick Peters, Ultra Ankle braces are different from traditional braces.
Traditional ankle braces prevent ankle turning, which can lead to low ankle sprains. Ultra Ankle braces use revolutionary hinged-cuff technology to help prevent ankle twisting, which can lead to high ankle sprains that can take longer to heal.
The deal to make Ultra Ankle an official supplier to USA Volleyball will run through the leadup to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Ultra Ankle hopes to help U.S. volleyball athletes stay free from ankle injuries, especially during their most important tournaments.
“We are always looking for ways to help our athletes stay healthy while training or competing,” said USA Volleyball President and CEO Jamie Davis. “Ultra Ankle is an industry-leading brand in ankle-brace technology, and we are proud to be able to supply these braces to our athletes.”
“Ultra Ankle is thrilled to partner with USA Volleyball,” said Rick Peters President and Founder of Ultra Ankle. Our ankle braces were designed with professional athletes in mind, to provide unparallel support without restricting performance, so athletes can perform at their best.”
About Ultra Ankle®
Founded in 1998, Ultra Athlete®, Inc. DBA Ultra Ankle® is a leader in designing performance driven ankle braces used for prevention and recovery by professional and amateur athletes, active enthusiasts, athletic trainers, and sports medicine professionals. Ultra Ankle’s unique hinged-cuff designs and form-fitting Performathane™ allow for natural range-of-motion of the ankle allowing athletes to maximize their performance. Ultra Ankle’s products are available at select retailers in North America, Europe, Australia, Amazon and distributed to the medical community through Breg, Inc. Products are also available for private label distribution. Previous private label partners include McDaivd.
For more information on Ultra Athlete, Visit UltraAnkle.com
CONTACT: Tom Vanneman, 317-520-9903, [email protected]
About USA Volleyball
Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and World ParaVolley as the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball including the disciplines of beach, indoor, sitting, snow and beach Paravolley in the United States. With more than 425,000 registered members, USA Volleyball conducts national championship events, coaching and officials certification programs, and grassroots development across all disciplines in a lifetime sport in which all can participate. USA Volleyball’s teams have won an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, five Paralympic medals since 2004 and numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball’s women’s teams are the reigning gold medalists in the Olympic indoor, beach and Paralympic events. The United States is the first country to have won a gold medal in each discipline at a single Summer Games. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit usavolleyball.org. #PathtothePodium
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 21, 2022) – USA Volleyball has announced players and staff on the 2022 U.S. Women’s Collegiate National Team (WCNT).
The team includes 38 of the country’s top collegiate women’s volleyball players and a coaching staff of seven, including three Olympic medal winners and two others with Olympic coaching experience.
Rob Browning, head coach of the St. Mary’s women’s volleyball team, will serve as the Collegiate Team’s head coach. Browning has assisted the U.S. Men’s National Team at three Olympic Games and has served as a consultant coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team over the last four years.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to work with the USA Women’s Collegiate National Team,” Browning said. “To be in the gym with these remarkable athletes and to teach alongside these amazing coaches is a true privilege. Any time I get to wear USA and contribute to the success of the greatest national volleyball federation in the world, I feel blessed. I can’t wait to get going!”
Assistant coaches for the team will be Tayyiba Haneef-Park, Danielle Scott, Courtney Thompson and Carlos Moreno. Haneef-Park, Scott and Thompson won Olympic medals as part of the Women’s National Team and have moved on to coaching careers.
Haneef-Park recently joined the University of Oregon as an assistant volleyball coach. Thompson was an assistant coach at Stanford University during the Fall 2021 season, and now works as a Mindset Coach at Finding Mastery. Scott has coached teams in the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program. Moreno is the associate head coach at Arizona State University and played professionally overseas for 11 years.
Jeff Liu, now an assistant coach at Grand Canyon University, will serve as an assistant coach and one of the team’s performance analysts. Liu was on the staff of the U.S. Women’s National Team at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo where it won the gold medal. Annemarie Hickey, who works with the University of Wisconsin women’s volleyball team, will serve as the other performance analyst for the Collegiate Team.
Along with the WNT Open Program and the WNT Spring Training Camp, the WCNT is an opportunity for the U.S. Women’s National Team (WNT) coaching staff to observe and evaluate NCAA athletes with the highest potential. Several former WCNT members are now on the WNT, including 2020 Olympic gold medalists Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, Annie Drews, Chiaka Ogbogu, Kelsey Robinson and Jordan Thompson.
The 2022 Collegiate National Team will train June 19-25 at the National Team Training Center in Anaheim, Calif. Athletes will train among the best collegiate players in the country, watch the WNT training sessions, study the USA systems, meet with Tokyo 2020 Olympians and be observed by the WNT staff.
Among the schools that have multiple players on the team are Minnesota (4), Florida (4), Southern California (3), BYU (2), Kentucky (2), Ohio State (2), Rice (2) and Stanford (2).
Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, College, USAV Region)
Anota Adekunle (MB, 5-11, Humble, Texas, Rice University, Lone Star)
Erin Anderson (OH, 6-2, Provo, Utah, Brigham Young University, Intermountain)
Paige Briggs (OH, 5-10, Ortonville, Mich., Western Kentucky University, Lakeshore)
Kayla Burbage (OPP, 6-3, Clayton, N.C., University of Missouri, Carolina)
Claire Chaussee (OH, 6-0, Poynette, Wisc., University of Louisville, Badger)
Anna Dixon (OH, 6-2, Louisburg, Kan., University of Missouri, Heart of America)
Gabrielle Essix (MB, 6-4, Gainesville, Fla., University of Florida, Florida)
Skylar Fields (OPP, 6-2, Missouri City, Texas, University of Southern California, Lone Star)
Zoe Fleck (L, 5-6, Granada Hills, Calif., University of Texas, Southern California)
Sarah Franklin (OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., University of Wisconsin, Florida)
Grace Frohling (OPP, 6-5, Los Angeles, Calif., University of San Diego, Southern California)
Kate Georgiades (L, 5-9, College Station, Texas, University of Houston, Lone Star)
Heather Gneiting (MB, 6-5, Pleasant Grove, Utah, Brigham Young University, Intermountain)
Elise Goetzinger (MB, 6-3, Blue Mounds, Wisc., University of Kentucky, Badger)
Carly Graham (S, 6-0, Spring, Texas, Rice University, Lone Star)
Joi Harvey (MB, 6-4, Goodyear, Ariz., United States Air Force Academy, Arizona)
Amber Igiede (MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., University of Hawaii at Manoa, Bayou)
Karrington Jones (MB, 6-1, Royse City, Texas, Texas Tech University, North Texas)
Taylor Landfair (OH, 6-5, Minneapolis, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country)
Janice Leao (MB, 6-3, New Bedford, Mass., University of Miami, New England)
Chelsey Lockey (S, 5-10, Fort Myers, Fla., Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida)
Elizabeth McKissock (L, 5-7, Windermere, Fla., University of Florida, Florida)
Kylie Murr (L, 5-6, Yorktown, Ind., Ohio State University, Hoosier)
Gloria Mutiri (OPP, 6-2, Sand Springs, Okla., University of Oregon, Oklahoma)
Machaela Podraza (S, 6-2, Westerville, Ohio, Ohio State University, Ohio Valley)
Madelyn Robinson (OH, 5-11, Highland, Utah, University of Utah, Intermountain)
Adanna Rollins (OH, 6-0, Hutto, Texas, University of Kentucky, Lone Star)
Reagan Rutherford (OPP, 6-0, Missouri City, Texas, University of Kentucky, Lone Star)
Shannon Scully (L, 6-2, Huntington Beach, Calif., University of Southern California, Southern California)
Melani Shaffmaster (S, 6-3, New Castle, Ind., University of Minnesota, Hoosier)
Mckenna Slavik (S, 6-0, Geneva, Ill., Clemson University,, Great Lakes)
Sabrina Starks (MB, 6-2, Springfield, Neb., University of Pittsburgh, Great Plains)
Mia Tuaniga (S, 5-9, Long Beach, Calif., University of Southern California, Southern California)
Jenna Wenaas (OH, 6-1, Frisco, Texas, University of Minnesota, North Texas)
Kashauna Williams (OH, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Penn State University, Southern California)
Staff
Staff
Head Coach Rob Browning (St. Mary’s College)
Assistant Coach Tayyiba Haneef-Park (University of Oregon; 2004, ’08, ’12 Olympian)
Assistant Coach Danielle Scott (USA Volleyball; 1996, 2000, ’04, ’08, ‘12 Olympian)
Assistant Coach Courtney Thompson (Finding Mastery, 2012 Olympian)
Assistant Coach Carlos Moreno (Arizona State)
Assistant Coach/Analyst Jeff Liu (Grand Canyon University)
Analyst Annemarie Hickey (University of Wisconsin)
Team Leader Courtney Smith (NTDP)
More than 200 women’s volleyball players are expected to converge on the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs on Feb. 25-27 for the USAV Women’s National Team Open Program.
A coaching staff of almost 50 will work at the 2022 Women’s National Team Open Program on Feb. 25-27 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
Registration is now open for the 2022 USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program, which is scheduled for Feb. 25-27 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 1, 2022) – On Saturday, Feb. 26, USA Volleyball informed the FIVB (the international volleyball federation) that the U.S. Men’s National Team would not participate in the 2022 FIVB Men’s World Championship if it was held in Russia.
This letter was sent in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to the International Olympic Committee’s recommendation that international events be pulled out of Russia.
USA Volleyball President and CEO Jamie Davis wrote in the letter:
“In light of Russia’s recent aggression against Ukraine and the instability in the region, the United States will not be sending our men’s national team to compete in said event should Russia remain as the host.
“I need to prioritize the safety of our athletes and staff and feel that it would not be safe for them to travel to Russia under the current conditions.
“I implore the FIVB to take the proper steps to move the 2022 World Championships to a new host country where all delegations from around the world will be able to compete in a safe environment.”
On Tuesday, March 1, the FIVB announced that the Men’s World Championship was being removed from Russia and also that “Russian and Belarusian national teams, clubs, officials and beach volleyball and snow volleyball athletes are not eligible to participate in all international and continental events until further notice.”
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Mizuno to be the exclusive provider of performance apparel and footwear for USA Volleyball
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 3, 2022) — USA Volleyball, the U.S. national governing body for the sport of volleyball, and Mizuno, the global specialty sporting goods company, have announced details on a new multi-year partnership beginning in January of 2022 and lasting through the 2024 Olympics in Paris and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Mizuno will exclusively provide uniforms and apparel to all national teams, footwear to any athletes that choose, and will outfit all USAV staff both corporately and at USAV-owned amateur events. Mizuno will also have a dedicated presence at USAV events both from an activation and a retail store perspective.
“We are thrilled to welcome USA Volleyball back into the Mizuno family,” said Clint Sammons, Team Sports Director at Mizuno USA. “Mizuno is—and always will be—committed to growing the sport of volleyball across the United States and the globe, and we firmly believe our goals align perfectly with those of USA Volleyball.”
Formerly longtime partners, Mizuno and USA Volleyball look to continue to build upon the success that they shared in the volleyball community for many years.
“USA Volleyball is excited to be collaborating again with Mizuno,” said Jamie Davis, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “As a leader in performance apparel and footwear, I know that our athletes, coaches, officials, staff and members will enjoy wearing their top-quality products and that Mizuno will be a key partner in helping us grow the sport of volleyball over the next seven years.”
In addition to supplying performance apparel and footwear to all respective men and women’s national teams (indoor, beach, sitting, beach ParaVolley, and the up-and-coming sport of snow volleyball), Mizuno will work closely with USAV to maximize the promotional value and exposure of the partnership, as the sport continues to gain global popularity.
“By agreeing to a multi-year partnership covering the next two Olympic Games, we are committed to supporting not only the fantastic national teams in their respective quests for gold through 2028, but also to doing our part to continue growing the great game of volleyball at every level,” said Sammons.
USA Volleyball joins Mizuno’s roster of industry-leading partnerships. For more information about Mizuno products available in the U.S. visit www.MizunoUSA.com, follow us on social @MizunoUSA, and subscribe to our YouTube channel Mizuno USA for the latest on news and product releases.
# # #
About Mizuno USA:
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, training, swimming, tennis, soccer and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in greater Atlanta, Ga.
Media Contact:
Lindsay Holmes
(770) 453-7816
[email protected]
About USA Volleyball
Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and World ParaVolley as the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball including the disciplines of beach, indoor, sitting, snow and beach ParaVolley in the United States. With more than 425,000 registered members, USA Volleyball conducts national championship events, coaching and officials certification programs, and grassroots development across all disciplines in a lifetime sport in which all can participate. USA Volleyball’s teams have won an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, five Paralympic medals since 2004 and numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball’s women’s teams are the reigning gold medalists in the Olympic indoor, beach and Paralympic events. The United States is the first country to have won a gold medal in each discipline at a single Summer Games. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit www.usavolleyball.org. #PathtothePodium
Media Contact:
B.J. Hoeptner Evans
(719) 228-6855
[email protected]
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 2, 2021) – USA Volleyball has selected Tulsa, Oklahoma, to host the 2022 USA Volleyball All-Star Championship on July 20-23 at the Cox Business Convention Center.
Approximately 100 all-star teams from USAV regions across the country are expected to converge on Tulsa to vie for championship titles. Regions will select up-and-coming girls and boys athletes from clubs in their areas to represent them on the court in multiple age groups and divisions.
“We are excited to partner with our 40 member regions to bring the USA Volleyball All-Star Championship to Tulsa,” said Jamie Davis, USA Volleyball President and CEO. “The tournament will offer volleyball athletes from around the country the opportunity to face high-level competition and will put the spotlight on the top talent from our regions.”
“We’re thrilled that USA Volleyball selected our city to host its flagship domestic event,” said Ray Hoyt, President of Tulsa Regional Tourism. “Knowing this season’s best-of-the-best junior players will be competing on our courts is an honor and continues to elevate Tulsa as a premier sports destination.”
“The City of Tulsa is honored to host this coveted championship in volleyball,” said City of Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum. “Teams will be giving it their all over the course of five days, and that’s exactly what the city will be doing for them. We can’t wait to show our support and hospitality for these athletes.”
The event is anticipated to bring a total economic impact of $8,558,529.48 to Tulsa with 9,509 room nights booked.
The USA Volleyball All-Star Championship was formerly known as the USA Volleyball High Performance Championship.
USA Volleyball will live stream all courts from the All-Star Championship as part of its partnership with BallerTV, so family and friends who cannot attend the event in person can watch on their favorite device.
About USA Volleyball
Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and World ParaVolley as the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball including the disciplines of beach, indoor, sitting, snow and beach Paravolley in the United States. With more than 425,000 registered members, USA Volleyball conducts national championship events, coaching and officials certification programs, and grassroots development across all disciplines in a lifetime sport in which all can participate. USA Volleyball’s teams have won an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, five Paralympic medals since 2004 and numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit www.usavolleyball.org. #PathtothePodium
About the Tulsa Sports Commission
In 1993, the Tulsa Sports Commission (TSC) was created to attract and develop sporting events and conventions for economic impact on the Tulsa community. Since its inception, the TSC has accounted for more than $500 million in economic impact to the Tulsa region by helping attract, market and host championships and sports-related events and conventions to the region. The TSC is a founding member of the National Association of Sports Commissions and lives within the Tulsa Regional Tourism umbrella organization. Learn more at VisitTulsa.com/Sports
About Tulsa Regional Tourism
Tulsa Regional Tourism is northeast Oklahoma’s premier accredited destination marketing organization. Housed at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, it includes the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau; the Tulsa Sports Commission, an amateur sports sales and marketing organization; and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture, an accredited film commission. Tulsa Regional Tourism leads the community’s bidding for and hosting of signature events like the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, the Big 12 Wrestling Championship, USA BMX Grand Nationals, the Arabian Horse Association’s U.S. Nationals and more. Learn more at VisitTulsa.com
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 25, 2021) – The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded USA Volleyball an Adaptive Sports Grant of $61,675 to support the participation of disabled veterans and Armed Services members in beach ParaVolley.
In 2019, USA Volleyball announced that it would become the National Federation for the sport of beach ParaVolley in the United States. Beach ParaVolley is a standing version of adaptive beach volleyball and is played with three-member teams.
“This grant will allow the USAV Beach ParaVolley Program to develop partnerships in five cities between USAV Regions, beach volleyball clubs, Veterans Administration facilities, veteran service organizations, and other adaptive sports groups.” said Elliot Blake, USAV Manager, Sitting Volleyball Teams. “We hope to create new programming during the 2022 season that will lead to more disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces joining the volleyball community.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs awards nearly $16 million through its annual Adaptive Sports Grant program to 102 national and community groups offering adaptive sports and equine therapy.
The 2021 grants will support more than 13,500 disabled Veterans and members of the armed forces to engage in sports opportunities.
“Our Sitting Volleyball Department has a long history of including disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces within our grassroots, athlete-development pipeline, and on the sitting national teams,” Blake said. “With this grant, we will be able to offer new opportunities for them in the emerging discipline of beach ParaVolley.”
World ParaVolley, the international federation for Paralympic volleyball, is working with the International Paralympic Committee to add beach ParaVolley to the Paralympic Games by 2028. The sport has been gaining popularity since 2007.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (October 21, 2021) – Club directors can now give their athletes access to the NTDP Academy at discounted group rates.
More and more clubs are recognizing the importance of investing in resources committed to the development of well-rounded athletes. While some groups have the resources to create and facilitate their own curriculum, many do not. The NTDP Academy provides an opportunity to learn from Olympic and Paralympic athletes, coaches and their support teams. Athletes and coaches will gain insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and get advice and motivation to achieve their goals.
Clubs now have the opportunity to make NTDP Academy available to all their teams with a variety of team packages. These packages provide access to the NTDP Academy through August 31, 2022.
The rates are available for more than just clubs – high school, college programs, youth leagues and other groups may take advantage of these packages.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 12. 2021) – USA Volleyball has formed a long-term partnership with Apollo MIS. Apollo will be the data sports software platform for all USA Volleyball teams from youth development programs to indoor and beach national teams.
Apollo is a complete configurable sports software platform that will be used primarily to track athletes with USA Volleyball’s National Team Development Program (NTDP). Apollo is used by some of the leading professional and collegiate teams around the world from the Premier League, NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL.
“Apollo lets us capture data, communicate with athletes and coaches, and centralize individual development plans for athletes who are a part of the NTDP and national teams,” said Meredith Lee, USAV Girls’ Indoor & Analytics Lead, NTDP. “By providing us a centralized place to capture information, Apollo allows us to better support athletes and make data-driven decisions to help positively impact the development of athletes in the United States.”
“We are thrilled to be working with USA Volleyball,” said Apollo’s CEO Dr. Dave Hancock. “This is a fantastic opportunity to assist USAV in utilizing data, video, and data analytics to track and evaluate the development of athletes from high school to Olympic level. Technology and data are the future in training and being able to work with and support such a fantastic organization and group of individuals is what Apollo was created to do.”
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About Apollo MIS
Apollo MIS LLC CEO Dr. Dave Hancock brings a wealth of knowledge and 26 years of experience to Apollo having worked with some of the world’s best athletes and sports teams. Our software development is guided by someone who truly understands how a team or athlete operates, and how software can enhance their everyday needs.
About USA Volleyball
Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and World ParaVolley as the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball including the disciplines of beach, indoor, sitting, snow and beach Paravolley in the United States. With more than 425,000 registered members, USA Volleyball conducts national championship events, coaching and officials certification programs, and grassroots development across all disciplines in a lifetime sport in which all can participate. USA Volleyball’s teams have won an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, four Paralympic medals since 2004 and numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit www.usavolleyball.org.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 23, 2021) – There’s a new girls qualifier in town with a Western attitude.
The Salt Lake City Showdown Girls Junior National Qualifier is new for 2022 and will take place March 5-7 and March 11-13 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Utah, part of USA Volleyball’s Intermountain Region.
The event will qualify teams for both the 2022 Girls Junior National Championship and the Girls 18s Junior National Championship.
“Salt Lake is thrilled to have USA Volleyball back in our destination,” said Clay Partain, Managing Director, Sports Salt Lake. “With our new $4.1 billion Salt Lake City International Airport, vast array of hotel options, award winning restaurants and major attractions, the city will be an absolute perfect backdrop for an amazing event.”
“Our state has a rich legacy of hosting elite-level volleyball events,” said Utah Sports Commission President and CEO Jeff Robbins. “We are thrilled to welcome USA Volleyball back to Utah: State of Sport.”
The Salt Lake City Showdown will be one of the 12 qualifiers around the country for the 2022 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship, which will be in Indianapolis on June 23-July 4, and one of the 16 qualifiers for the USA Volleyball Girls 18s Junior National Championship, which will be in Phoenix on April 22-24.
“We have been working to make sure teams have plenty of opportunities around the country to qualify for Nationals,” said USAV Events Director Kristy Cox. “We look for the Salt Lake City Showdown to become a premier event on the USAV calendar and know that the city will be a great destination for our athletes and fans.”
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 19, 2021) – USA Volleyball has selected Phoenix and the Phoenix Convention Center to host the 2022 USAV Girls 18s National Championship on April 22-24. The Girls 18s event is in its sixth year as a stand-alone national championship. The 2022 edition will include two new qualifying divisions that will increase...
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 29, 2021) – USA Volleyball will host the 2022 USAV Girls Junior National Championship (GJNC) on June 23-July 4 in Indianapolis, Ind. The 42nd annual edition of the GJNC, for players ages 11-17, will be a 12-day event held at the Indianapolis Convention Center. “USA Volleyball is excited to bring the...
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Colorado Springs, Colo. (August 12, 2021) – USA Volleyball has selected Orlando, Fla., to host the 2022 USA Volleyball Open National Championship, May 27-June 1, 2022.
The event was last held in Orlando in 2016 with a record number of 578 teams in attendance. USA Volleyball also operates the Sunshine Classic Girls Junior National Qualifier annually in Orlando in early spring.
“USA Volleyball is thrilled to be bringing the USA Volleyball Open National Championship back to Orlando in 2022,” said Jamie Davis, USA Volleyball president and CEO. “Visit Orlando, the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, and the Orange County Convention Center always prove to be wonderful hosts for our athletes, officials, coaches and fans. I am sure that in addition to experiencing the best volleyball has to offer in the United States that our group will thoroughly enjoy their stay in the destination.”
USA Volleyball will hold its annual meetings in Orlando ahead of the event and celebrate annual inductees and award honorees at the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame presented at the Dorothy C. Boyce Banquet on May 25.
“We look forward to welcoming the 2022 USA Volleyball Open National Championship and corporate annual meetings to Orlando in May of next year,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “Orlando has been successfully and safely hosting in-person group events since reopening over a year ago. From professional sports to youth tournaments, sports tourism has been an important force in our destination’s recovery, and we are thrilled that USA Volleyball has selected Orlando for their event next year.”
“We are so pleased to welcome our good friends at USA Volleyball back to Orlando for the 2022 Open National Championship, banquet and corporate meetings in May of 2022. Our community has a long history of hosting premier volleyball events, and we know that our guests and their families will have a tremendous experience while visiting us in Central Florida,” said Jason Siegel, president and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.
About USA Volleyball
Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a nonprofit organization recognized by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and World ParaVolley as the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball including the disciplines of beach, indoor, sitting, snow and beach Paravolley in the United States. With more than 425,000 registered members, USA Volleyball conducts national championship events, coaching and officials certification programs, and grassroots development across all disciplines in a lifetime sport in which all can participate. USA Volleyball’s teams have won an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, four Paralympic medals since 2004 and numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit www.usavolleyball.org. #PathtothePodium
About the Orange County Convention Center
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) has hosted more than 100 face-to-face events since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic – July 2020. Through the Center’s Recovery and Resiliency Guidelines, GBAC STAR accreditation, pioneering collaboration with Orlando Health, and detailed planning efforts with each client and event, the center has proven that events can be held safely in this new era of health and safety protocols. Most recently, sporting events have dominated the center’s spring and summer calendar, welcoming various youth volleyball, basketball and wrestling tournaments to the region with athletes, coaches and spectators from around the world gathering safely at the venue.
About Visit Orlando
Visit Orlando is the official tourism association for the most visited destination in the United States and, together with its member organizations, represents the area’s leading industry. Visit Orlando is responsible for branding, selling and marketing the Orlando destination worldwide, and serves as the official visitor information source.
About Greater Orlando Sports Commission
GO Sports is a private, nonprofit organization established to attract and manage sports-related events, conferences and activities that drive positive economic development in the City of Orlando, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, and Seminole County. Founded in 1993, the organization has hosted or co-hosted more than 1,450 events in the Greater Orlando area with a total economic impact exceeding $1.9 billion in spending within the community. For more information, please visit GreaterOrlandoSports.com.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 3, 2021) – USA Volleyball has selected the 12 athletes who will represent the United States at the FIVB U18 World Championship on Sept. 20-29 in Durango, Mexico.
The United States is the defending champion of the Girls U18 World Championship after taking the title in 2019 (the first gold ever for the U.S. in the event) and is looking to reclaim that title in 2021.
The roster includes a diverse geographic representation of talent across 11 different regions of USA Volleyball, with two athletes representing the Ohio Valley Region. “Twenty-four of the best athletes in our country convened in Anaheim in order to grow, push each other and, at the same time, come together as a team,” Girls U18 Head Coach Jamie Morrison said. “The 24 girls who are a part of this training team exceeded our expectations. I have seen the future of USA Volleyball and it is bright.” Morrison was previously the technical coordinator for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Men’s Team that won the gold medal in Beijing. He was an assistant coach for the 2012 Olympic Women’s Team that won a silver medal and the 2016 Olympic Women’s Team that won a bronze medal. From 2017-19, Morrison coached the Netherlands women’s volleyball team. He is currently a volunteer assistant at the University of Texas.
“Twelve of these young women have earned the right to travel to Mexico to compete in the FIVB World Championships and represent the United States in competition,” Morrison said. “In addition, they represent the 24 members of the training team as well as the greater USA Volleyball family. Our team and staff are looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
Of the 12 athletes on the roster, eight are committed to continue their volleyball careers at the collegiate level. Four athletes will compete at the University of Nebraska, two at the University of Minnesota, one at the University of Florida and one at Penn State University.
The team will return to train in Anaheim beginning Sept. 16 at the National Team Training Center in Anaheim before departing Sept. 20 for the start of competition in Mexico.
Name (Pos., Height, Hometown, Region, Club)
Rebekah Allick (MB, 6-4, Waverly, Neb., Great Plains, VC Nebraska)
Julia Blyashov (OH, 6-3, San Diego, Calif., Southern California, Wave Volleyball Club)
Eloise Brandewie (MB, 6-3, Columbus, Ohio, Ohio Valley, Mintonette)
Chloe Chicoine (OH/L, 5-10, Lafayette, Ind., Hoosier, Circle City)
Laney Choboy (L, 5-3, Raleigh, N.C., Carolina, NC Volleyball Academy)
Caroline Jurevicius (OPP, 6-2, Gates Mills, Ohio, Ohio Valley, Academy Volleyball Cleveland)
Devin Kahahawai (OH, 6-3, Kailua, Hawaii, Aloha, Spike and Serve)
Margaret Mendelson (MB, 6-5, North Ogden, Utah, Intermountain, Hive Volleyball)
Harper Murray (OH, 6-2, Ann Arbor, Mich., Lakeshore, Legacy Volleyball Club)
Bergen Reilly (S, 6-1, Sioux Falls, S.D., North Country, Kairos Elite Volleyball)
Alexis Stucky (S, 6-2, Laramie, Wyo., Rocky Mountain, Northern Colorado Juniors)
Mckenna Wucherer (OH, 6-1, Brookfield , Wis., Badger, Milwaukee Sting)
Alternates
Nya Bunton (MB, 6-4, Louisville, Ky., Pioneer, KIVA)
Saige Damrow (L, 5-8, Howards Grove, Wis., Badger, Fox Cities Elite)
Kerry Keefe (OPP, 6-3, Pacific Palisades, Calif., Southern California, Sunshine)
Elia Rubin (OH, 6-2, Los Angeles, Calif., Southern California, Sunshine)
Marianna Singletary (MB, 6-4, Charleston, S.C., Southern, A5)
Ella Swindle (S, 6-2, Columbia, Mo., Heart of America, KC Power)
Gala Trubint (L, 5-8, San Diego, Calif., Southern California, COAST)
Ella Wrobel (OH, 6-4, Plainfield, Ill., Great Lakes, Sports Performance)
Coaches
Head Coach: Jamie Morrison
Assistant Coach: Michelle Chatman-Smith
Assistant Coach: Alisha Glass Childress
Technical Coordinator: Mike Gee
Team Leader: Meredith Lee
Athletic Trainer: Wyatt Blue
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 28, 2021) – USA Volleyball has selected 24 athletes to comprise the 2021 Indoor Girls U18 National Training Team. Twelve players will be chosen from the training team to compete at the FIVB U18 World Championship on Sept. 20-29 in Durango, Mexico. The team will practice on July 17-23 at the...
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 22, 2021) – Four teams remain in the 2020 NCAA DI Women’s Volleyball National Championship. In Thursday’s semifinals, No. 2 Kentucky will face No. 6 Washington and No. 1 Wisconsin will take on No. 4 Texas. All four teams are packed with players that have been part of USA Volleyball’s National...
21 players selected to U.S. Girls Youth National Training Team
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 28, 2021) – In light of recent events and effective immediately, USA Volleyball has terminated its agreement with Colorado Crossroads Girls Junior National Qualifier. Effective 2022 and beyond, Colorado Crossroads will no longer be a qualifying event for the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship. USA Volleyball will honor all bids that have been awarded to teams who competed in the event in 2021.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. June 15, 2021 – USA Volleyball has entered a multi-year partnership with Hyperice, the industry leader in recovery technology and a pioneer of percussion, vibration, dynamic air compression and thermal technology. Hyperice has been named the Official Recovery Technology Partner of the organization through 2024.
The partnership brings Hyperice’s next-generation products and technologies to USA Volleyball’s National Team programs to optimize player performance, improve mobility, and speed up post-match recovery. Players will now have access to the full suite of Hyperice and Normatec technologies including Hypervolt, Hypersphere, Vyper and Venom lines. Players will receive athlete kits in preparation for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo and Paris.
“USA Volleyball athletes have used Hyperice products for preparation and recovery for over a decade,” said Aaron Brock, USAV director, sports medicine and performance. “The impactful product line continues to grow and innovation is always right around the corner. USA Volleyball’s official partnership with Hyperice ensures access to these world-leading products whether it be USAV beach, sitting, indoor or developmental programs. We couldn’t be more enthusiastic about this relationship.”
Since its inception, Hyperice has centered sports and athletes in its product and technology development and has existing partnerships with major professional sports organizations and teams including the NBA, NFL, MLB and U.S. Soccer Federation.
The partnership marks a step forward for USA Volleyball’s strategic initiatives to support athlete health and well-being, emphasizing recovery as a key component of athlete performance and competitive success.
“Since the 2012 Olympic training block, USAV players, trainers and coaches have been early adopters and supporters of Hyperice,” said Anthony Katz, Founder of Hyperice. “This partnership symbolizes our commitment to all of the teams under the USAV umbrella and future generations of players in the sport.”
In addition to access to recovery technology and equipment, USA Volleyball will be designating dedicated Hyperice recovery zones at select National Team Training Center locations. USAV and Hyperice will also collaborate on a video docuseries following the U.S. Women’s National Team through its training and competition this summer.
ABOUT USA VOLLEYBALL
Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and World ParaVolley as the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball including the disciplines of beach, indoor, sitting, snow and beach Paravolley in the United States. With more than 425,000 registered members, USA Volleyball conducts national championship events, coaching and officials certification programs, and grassroots development across all disciplines in a lifetime sport in which all can participate. USA Volleyball’s teams have won an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, four Paralympic medals since 2004 and numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit www.usavolleyball.org. #PathtothePodium
ABOUT HYPERICE
Hyperice is on a mission to help the world move better. As the global recovery technology leader, specializing in vibration, percussion and thermal technology, Hyperice is used by the most elite athletes, professional sports leagues and teams to optimize player performance. Hyperice has applied its technology and know-how to industries such as fitness, esports, healthcare, massage, and workplace wellness on a global scale. In March 2020, Hyperice acquired Normatec, innovators of cutting-edge dynamic compression systems, and in December 2020 acquired RecoverX, pioneers of intelligent thermal technologies, to deliver next-generation performance and wellness solutions. For more information, visit www.hyperice.com.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 11, 2021) – USA Volleyball sends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of longtime volleyball player and coach Bertha Lucas, who died this week at age 102. She was a resident of Pacific Palisades, Calif.
Bertha can rightfully be called a USA Volleyball legend. Her roles in the sport, besides player and coach, included grassroots organizer, promoter, clinician, USA Volleyball board member, U.S. Olympic Committee board member, surrogate mother to countless players and biological mother to USAV All-American player Nancy Lucas Evans and two-time Olympian Patti Lucas Bright, who died in 2004.
She attended 65 straight USA Volleyball Open National Championships from 1953 to 2018. She competed at the Opens until 2003 when, at age 85, she could no longer serve overhand. She enjoyed going to Opens as a coach, sponsor and even as a spectator.
“I just like to see the kids play, watch the games,” she told USA Volleyball in a 2018 article. “That is the main thing. To see everybody again from over the years. It is just great to see everybody. That is the main thing.”
Bertha grew up in Chicago and later moved to California. She helped start the Great Lakes Region and served on its board of directors. She was later an important part of the Southern California Volleyball Association.
Bertha has received almost every possible honor USA Volleyball bestows. In 1966 she received a USAV Leader in Volleyball Award.
She was the inaugural recipient of the Harry E. Wilson Award for community service in 1980. In 1981, she was recognized with the Dr. Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Award, the highest honor USAV gives out on an annual basis.
In 1995, Bertha was presented with the All-Time Great Coach Award and the award for coaches in the Pioneer Division is now named after her.
In 2018, Bertha was awarded the Mintonette Medallion of Merit at the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in Holyoke, Mass. Her granddaughter, Bonnie Bright, accepted on her behalf.
“She has inspired so many players to perform at their best,” Bonnie said of Bertha. “I am so proud to say that our family is four generations of USA Volleyball players deep. My grandmother coached my mom, Olympian Patti Bright, and my aunt, All-American Nancy Lucas Evans. My mom then coached me, and I coached my daughter.”
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 24, 2021) – USA Volleyball signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on Tuesday with three groups in Japan that will host U.S. teams preparing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mishima City, Japan plans to host the U.S. Men’s National Team for training prior to the start of the Tokyo Olympic Games, set to begin on July 23.
Ichinomiya City and Esashi Town in Japan plan to host the Women’s Sitting National Team for training prior to the Tokyo Paralympic Games, set to begin on Aug. 25.
“We are very grateful to you for hosting us to train immediately prior to the Olympics and Paralympics and our team is looking forward to interacting with you, your residents and your students, some of whom may become future Olympians and Paralympians themselves,” USA Volleyball President and CEO Jamie Davis told the cities in his prepared remarks.
“I am convinced that this partnership is just the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between USA Volleyball and (the Japanese sites) for years to come.”
The signing ceremonies were held via Zoom.
USA Volleyball attendees were:
Jamie Davis – President and CEO USA Volleyball
Bill Hamiter – Women’s Head Coach and Sitting Volleyball Program Director
Mike Wall – Men’s National Team Assistant Coach
Nate Ngo – Men’s National Team Performance Analyst
Jon Omori – Special Advisor to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee
Note: U.S. Men’s Head Coach John Speraw was not able to attend due to a coaching commitment with UCLA
Attendees in Japan included:
Mayor Yonosuke Terui of Esashi Town
Mayor Masayasu Nakano of Ichinomiya City
Mayor Takeshi Toyooka of Mishima City
Gary Schaefer – Principal Officer of the U.S. Consulate in Nagoya, Japan
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 17, 2021) – For the first time, college players will have a competition of their own in conjunction with the USA Volleyball Open National Championship.
USAV will host a Collegiate National Championship as part of its 2021 Open National Championship on May 28-30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.
The Collegiate National Championship will give current college students, particularly club players and teams, the chance to take center stage at the Open Nationals.
The Collegiate National Championship will be open to any current college student, and teams may include players from different schools. There is also a player/team matching service to help individual athletes find a team if they would like to participate.
Registration is now open at go.usav.org/cnc2021. Teams must register by April 29. The deadline for refunds is May 6.
USAV is working with the Kentucky Exposition Center and local authorities to ensure the safety of guests at the USAV Open. Please check back soon to see a list of the protocols for the Collegiate National Championship and what to expect when attending.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 22, 2020) — USA Volleyball (USAV) has partnered with Dyehard Fan Supply, an event and retail merchandise marketing and e-commerce company, as its official e-commerce merchandising partner.
Under this new agreement, Dyehard will manage and operate the official online store where USA Volleyball fans can shop for new and relevant merchandise in one online location, elevating the product assortment available to fans year-round.
“We are excited to partner with Dyehard Fan Supply to provide a new state-of-the-art online store for our 425,000-plus members,” said USAV President and CEO Jamie Davis. “USAVolleyballShop.com contains the largest selection of official USAV merchandise with a broad assortment for men, women and kids and is the perfect place for our fans to gear up and cheer for Team USA.”
CHECK OUT THE USA VOLLEYBALL SHOP
Dyehard will be instrumental in providing the newest, on-trend merchandise collections for USAV while also keeping a pulse on hot-market opportunities that are unique to USA Volleyball. Dyehard’s commitment to fans will be offering a wide selection of quality merchandise at a variety of price points to meet demand and rewarding those who shop often via the new “Match Points” loyalty program. In addition, Dyehard has collaborated with USAV to create a new and exclusive private label, USA Volleyball Authentics, that will only be available at the official online store.
“We’re incredibly honored to have been selected as the official merchandising partner for USA Volleyball,” said Dyehard CEO Scott Killian. “The Dyehard Fan Supply team is particularly excited about working with its first Olympic sports team and looks forward to growing this partnership on its behalf. It will be a great avenue for Dyehard to apply our exceptional service year-round with the highest standards of service and reliability in the industry.”
In addition to representing USA Volleyball, Dyehard also serves as the official merchandising partner for several other major programs, including the University of Arkansas, Auburn University, the University of North Carolina, Columbia University Athletics, the BIG EAST Conference, Rutgers University, the University of Pittsburgh, Michigan State, Mississippi State, the West Coast Conference, Iowa State, Miami University, Appalachian State University, LouCity FC, Kentucky Derby, ProRodeo, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and, most recently, The World Games 2022.
Teall Capital Partners, a private equity company based in Winston-Salem, N.C. and Atlanta, Ga. created Dyehard Fan Supply in late 2017 after acquiring several companies offering an expansive national network of best-in-class merchandise capabilities. Teall anticipates additional future investments that will contribute to the top-quality retail experience for fans and customers.
Dyehard Fan Supply has handled merchandising programs for many of America’s most notable sporting events and organizations, including Olympic Games, NBA finals, World Series, Davis Cup tennis, MLB All-Star Games, America’s Cup, the U.S. Open, the USTA Jr. Team Tennis & League National Championships, the TCS New York City Marathon, The World Equestrian Games and numerous professional and college football championships and bowls.
About Dyehard Fan Supply
Dyehard Fan Supply is a turnkey sports retail solutions provider for some of America’s top sporting events, venues and brands. With a focus on your brand, Dyehard leverages best-in-class practices to deliver a superior omni-channel buying experience to your fans online, at-event, and inside your brick and mortar stores. Whether you’re a fan of college or pro sports, teams or individual events, Broadway shows or music, Dyehard Fan Supply is on the forefront of customer-focused concepts and innovative solutions designed to grow your retail business. Our retail experts are committed to the highest standards of customer service and reliability in the industry. Visit dyehardfansupply.com for more information.
About USA Volleyball
Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and World ParaVolley as the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball including the disciplines of beach, indoor, sitting, snow and beach Paravolley in the United States. With more than 425,000 registered members, USA Volleyball conducts national championship events, coaching and officials certification programs, and grassroots development across all disciplines in a lifetime sport in which all can participate. USA Volleyball’s teams have won an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, four Paralympic medals since 2004 and numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit www.usavolleyball.org. #PathtothePodium
About Teall Capital Partners
Teall Capital Partners is a privately held set of investments in innovative, high-growth-potential lifestyle brands and services. Teall invests in complementary organizations that collaborate to share thought leadership and leverage individual networks to realize greater value. Led by Founder and Chairman Ben C. Sutton, Jr., the Teall Capital management team includes several of the top executives that built and expanded four national market-leading businesses into a nearly billion-dollar enterprise in the college sports space: IMG College Media, IMG Seating, IMG College Licensing, and IMG Ticketing. Teall Capital leadership provides operating companies with access to expertise in corporate strategy, organizational management, culture and training, financial strategy, employee operations, recruiting, and legal diligence. Visit TeallCapital.com for more information.
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It is with a heavy heart that USA Volleyball must announce the cancellation of the remaining USA Volleyball Indoor National Championships for the 2020 season. This includes the Girls 18s Junior National Championship, Girls Junior National Championship, Boys Junior National Championship and High Performance Championship. With safety as our top priority and upon further evaluation of the current and projected status of the COVID-19 virus in each of our respective cities, we cannot be assured of each venue’s ability to host safe and restriction-free environments for our events in June and July. We want to thank Dallas, Reno and Pittsburgh for their partnership and wonderful support as we navigated through this difficult decision. Most importantly, we want to thank our athletes, coaches, club directors and officials for their passion and patience throughout. We miss you already.
USAV will be issuing refunds immediately to all teams that have submitted a payment for each event, but please understand that these could take a few weeks to process. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to [email protected]. All hotel cancellations will be handled by Team Travel Source. Please do not reach out to the hotels directly to cancel as this will cause more confusion and might cause you to have to pay a cancellation fee. Team Travel Source will make sure that there are no cancellation fees for our participants as long as the communication is through them. Please reach out to Team Travel Source if you have any questions about your hotel reservations at [email protected].
Although the Championship events will no longer be taking place this year, USAV will continue to provide wonderful online resources for our members and clubs through digital media channels. Please utilize our family and club resources page and follow us on social media for exclusive tips, drills, conditioning and other content created for you by the National Team athletes, coaches and training staff. New content is being produced and uploaded on a regular basis and is available free of charge.
Thank you again to all our members for your patience in this unprecedented time. We hope everyone stays safe and we can get back into the gym soon. We cannot wait to see you all again in the 2021 season.
USA Volleyball (USAV) has prepared Return to Play Guidelines for region leaders, club directors, event promoters, venue operators, members and families to provide guidance as volleyball activities begin to recommence across the United States.
The following recommendations are not intended or implied to be mandates. Many of these recommendations are based upon current guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other Federal government agencies. The knowledge surrounding COVID-19 is constantly changing and circumstances are different based on geographic region. Therefore, region leaders, club directors, event promoters and venue operators should adhere to their state and local guidelines when determining their own re-opening policies and procedures.
USAV will be resuming sanctioning of activities on May 15, 2020. All USAV sanctioned activities will be required to adhere to the most stringent federal, state or local guideline for their respective areas. USAV insurance coverage will only be provided for activities that are allowed under such government directives.
Until COVID-19 is either eradicated, a vaccine is developed, or a cure is found, there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of infection and as a result USAV strongly encourages all participants to follow these recommendations as safety precautions. The information in this document is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does USAV or its forty (40) Regional Volleyball Associations (Region(s)) assume any liability or responsibility for the recommendations provided herein.
As referenced in our communication on April 24, a “return to play” task force was established by USA Volleyball to create a comprehensive roadmap to safely restart USAV’s sanctioning of activities when it is appropriate. The task force has been meeting diligently and gathering information from United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), medical experts, government entities, volleyball clubs and other national governing bodies to help pave our course of action. At this point, the group believes that it is premature to safely commence play and thus USA Volleyball is extending the elimination of sanctions for all USA Volleyball activities (including but not limited to events, practices, team activities, individual training sessions or anything covered by USA Volleyball insurance) through May 22, 2020.
Virtual training/coaching/instruction/meetings are permitted during this period of sanction suspension. Any virtual training/coaching/instruction/meetings involving minors are subject to requirements of MAAPP, specifically the regulations on electronic communications and one-on-one interactions. These requirements include the following:
To be clear, virtual training/coaching/instruction/meetings will only be considered sanctioned so long as the above requirements are followed.
USA Volleyball has been asked by local clubs whether such ban applies to club activities covered under the club’s own (non-USA Volleyball) insurance. In these situations, USA Volleyball strongly encourages all member clubs and coaches to adhere to USA Volleyball’s policies. However, should a club decide to voluntarily disregard those policies and assume all risks associated therewith, we recommend that the club adhere to CDC; local, state and federal guidelines and recommendations when deciding whether or not to host practices or individual training sessions. If a club does host practice or individual training sessions, those activities would be considered a non-sanctioned activity by USA Volleyball and thus NOT covered by USA Volleyball insurance.
The health and welfare of our membership, volleyball families and fellow citizens is our primary concern in all decisions we are making during these uncharted times.
USA Volleyball is monitoring the situation daily and will continue to provide updates on a regular basis.
Dear USA Volleyball Membership,
As parts of our nation have commenced plans for reopening, USA Volleyball CEO Jamie Davis and Board Chair Cecile Reynaud have established a task force to create a comprehensive roadmap to safely restart USAV’s sanctioning of activities when it is appropriate. The team is comprised of the following members:
We believe that this joint staff and board task force provides for a broad representation of USAV’s membership constituency and is also comprised of members from regions with varying stages of COVID-19 severity and recovery.
This group will be collaborating with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, medical experts, government entities, volleyball clubs and other national governing bodies to adopt a phased reopening plan in accordance with federal, state and local guidelines and with the foremost goal of safeguarding USAV members and spectators. We will not be removing the suspension of USAV sanctioning activities until it is safe to do so.
Thank you in advance for your patience as we develop our roadmap forward.
Jamie Davis
Cecile Reynaud
USA Volleyball is extending the elimination of sanctions for all USA Volleyball activities (including but not limited to events, practices, team activities, individual training sessions or anything covered by USA Volleyball insurance) through May 8, 2020.
Following several communications with the USOPC, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, and our insurance providers, USA Volleyball has received permission to sanction virtual training/coaching/instruction/meetings during this period of sanction suspension. Any virtual training/coaching/instruction/meetings involving minors are subject to requirements of MAAPP, specifically the regulations on electronic communications and one-on-one interactions. These requirements include the following:
To be clear, virtual training/coaching/instruction/meetings will only be considered sanctioned so long as the above requirements are followed.
USA Volleyball has been asked by local clubs whether such ban applies to club activities covered under the club’s own (non-USA Volleyball) insurance. In these situations, USA Volleyball strongly encourages all member clubs and coaches to adhere to USA Volleyball’s policies. However, should a club decide to voluntarily disregard those policies and assume all risks associated therewith, we recommend that the club adhere to CDC; local, state and federal guidelines and recommendations when deciding whether or not to host practices or individual training sessions. If a club does host practice or individual training sessions, those activities would be considered a non-sanctioned activity by USA Volleyball and thus NOT covered by USA Volleyball insurance.
The health and welfare of our membership, volleyball families and fellow citizens is our primary concern in all decisions we are making during these uncharted times.
USA Volleyball is monitoring the situation daily and will continue to provide updates on a regular basis.
Dear USA Volleyball Members and Clubs,
First and foremost, I hope that you are staying safe and healthy as our nation and the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like you, we are eager to be back competing on the court and playing the game we love. That said, the safety of our members, spectators and staff is our top priority and thus we have been forced to make many decisions which have impacted the 2020 USA Volleyball tournament calendar. Regular real time event specific updates are available on our website.
As you are aware, a few of our qualifiers have been canceled with the majority of them being postponed. We are furthermore monitoring the feasibility of our championship events and exploring the postponement to later dates should the conditions not be safe to stage them as planned. It would be far easier for us to simply cancel all of these events, but the overwhelming feedback that we have received from you has been in favor of trying to salvage the season. You want to play and we want to provide you the competitions to do so. I am hopeful that we will be able to accomplish this common goal.
Again, safety is paramount and we are closely monitoring city, state and federal social distancing guidelines and recommendations. We are furthermore developing new processes, procedures and regulations that will be put in place to further enhance the safety of the events. Final decisions on whether to proceed will only be made once factoring in all of these factors.
Thank you for your patience as we work through this ever-changing situation.
Following several communications with the USOPC, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, and our insurance providers, USA Volleyball has received permission to sanction virtual training/coaching/instruction/meetings during this period of sanction suspension. We are extending this sanctioning immediately, however, any virtual training/coaching/instruction/meetings involving minors are subject to requirements of MAAPP, specifically the regulations on electronic communications and one-on-one interactions. These requirements include the following:
To be clear, virtual training/coaching/instruction/meetings will only be considered sanctioned so long as the above requirements are followed.
We are confident you will find this update to be good news in these unprecedented times.
Stay safe, stay healthy and GO USA!
USA Volleyball is extending the elimination of sanctions for all USA Volleyball activities (including but not limited to events, practices, team activities, individual training sessions or anything covered by USA Volleyball insurance) through April 30, 2020. USA Volleyball is monitoring the situation daily and will continue to provide updates on a regular basis.
USA Volleyball has been asked by local clubs whether such ban applies to club activities covered under the club’s own (non-USA Volleyball) insurance. In these situations, USA Volleyball strongly encourages all member clubs and coaches to adhere to USA Volleyball’s policies. However, should a club decide to voluntarily disregard those policies and assume all risks associated therewith, we recommend that the club adhere to CDC; local, state and federal guidelines and recommendations when deciding whether or not to host practices or individual training sessions. If a club does host practice or individual training sessions, those activities would be considered a non-sanctioned activity by USA Volleyball and thus NOT covered by USA Volleyball insurance.
The health and welfare of our membership, volleyball families and fellow citizens is our primary concern in all decisions we are making during these uncharted times.
Dear Volleyball Club Directors,
As we all navigate the momentous impact of COVID-19 on our daily lives and the lives of our loved ones, we are also faced with the reality that in addition to the impact we are facing at USA Volleyball, we know that volleyball clubs across the country have been impacted significantly as well.
We at USA Volleyball want to keep you informed of potential resources available to help small businesses during this difficult time. Know that USA Volleyball is not affiliated or involved with operating any of these programs, and this information is being provided simply as a service to you. Please direct any and all questions to the organizations responsible for offering and managing these initiatives.
Sincerely,
Jamie Davis
USA Volleyball CEO
Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in more than 30 countries. This program is intended to help keep your workforce going strong, cover rent and operational costs and connect with customers. Many volleyball clubs could be eligible for said grants.
This program will begin accepting applications in the coming weeks. You can sign up for updates by visiting the Facebook grants page.
This program is expected to clear congress Friday as part of a $2 trillion coronavirus bailout legislation. It would allow nonitemizers to deduct up to $300 in cash giving for the 2020 tax year, and would make smaller nonprofits eligible for loans of up $10 million each.
The bill would lift the cap on annual giving from 60 percent of adjusted gross income to 100 percent, and nonprofits with 500 or fewer employees would be eligible for guaranteed loans of up to $10 million (up from $1 million) or a third of their annual operating expenses. Nonprofits that keep their employees on the payroll from February 15 to June 30 could have their loans forgiven, turning the loan into a grant.
To read more about the potential of this program, visit philanthropy.com.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is working with state governors to offer Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19). Most states are now opening Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs which are intended to aid small businesses directly affected by COVID-19. The program provides working capital loans that may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had this disaster not occurred.
Please review the information below thoroughly and consult with the SBA to determine if this program is right for you. Questions about eligibility, loan amounts or other details should be directed to your local SBA office. For more information and to apply, visit the SBA Disaster Loan website.
USA Volleyball is announcing the elimination of sanctions for all USA Volleyball activities (including but not limited to events, practices, team activities, individual training sessions or anything covered by USA Volleyball insurance) through April 15, 2020. USA Volleyball is monitoring the situation daily and will continue to provide updates on a regular basis.
USA Volleyball has been asked by local clubs whether such ban applies to club activities covered under the club’s own (non-USA Volleyball) insurance. In these situations, USA Volleyball strongly encourages all member clubs and coaches to adhere to USA Volleyball’s policies. However, should a club decide to voluntarily disregard those policies and assume all risks associated therewith, we recommend that the club adhere to CDC; local, state and federal guidelines and recommendations when deciding whether or not to host practices or individual training sessions. If a club does host practice or individual training sessions, those activities would be considered a non-sanctioned activity by USA Volleyball and thus NOT covered by USA Volleyball insurance.
The health and welfare of our membership, volleyball families and fellow citizens is our primary concern in all decisions we are making during these uncharted times.
Local volleyball clubs and/or facilities:
The Small Business Administration is offering disaster assistance loans related to the coronavirus/COVID-19. The link takes the user to a page with an additional COVID Aid link at the top of the page. The user should follow the link.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the SBA has defined “Small Business” as (see page 8):
We are providing this information as you may wish to see if you qualify and take advantage of the program.
USA Volleyball announced on March 13 the elimination of sanctions for all USA Volleyball activities (including but not limited to events, practices, team activities, individual training sessions or anything covered by USA Volleyball insurance) through March 31. USA Volleyball is monitoring the situation daily and will continue to provide updates on a regular basis.
USA Volleyball has been asked by local clubs whether such ban applies to club activities covered under the club’s own (non-USA Volleyball) insurance. In these situations, USA Volleyball strongly encourages all member clubs and coaches to adhere to USA Volleyball’s policies. However, should a club decide to voluntarily disregard those policies and assume all risks associated therewith, we recommend that the club adhere to CDC; local, state and federal guidelines and recommendations when deciding whether or not to host practices or individual training sessions. If a club does host practice or individual training sessions, those activities would be considered a non-sanctioned activity by USA Volleyball and thus NOT covered by USA Volleyball insurance.
The health and welfare of our membership, volleyball families and fellow citizens is our primary concern in all decisions we are making during these uncharted times.
We are continuing to monitor the status of COVID-19 coronavirus as it relates to the welfare and safety of our athletes, spectators and staff. USA Volleyball is extending its recommendation that all USAV sanctioned events be postponed or cancelled through March 31st. We are monitoring the situation on a daily basis and will provide periodic updates as information becomes more apparent. Please refer to this page for the latest updated information on USA Volleyball events.
The safety of our members, spectators and staff is our paramount concern.
USA Volleyball has this page dedicated to this situation where we will be posting the latest information on the outbreak, USAV event updates, recommended health precautionary measures and any event-specific protocols that will be adjusted as a result of the virus. Given the fluidity of this matter, decisions regarding each event will be determined independently as factors affecting one may not affect another and we are working with each of the local authorities and event venues to increase safety measures.
Finally, we have established a mailbox at [email protected] where you can send any inquiries related to this issue.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 31, 2019) – USA Volleyball national teams have provided many memorable moments over the last decade. Here is a look at some of those top moments. What were your favorite USA Volleyball moments?
Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor Golden Three-Peat
For the third consecutive Olympics, Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor proved to be the best female tandem in beach volleyball as they captured gold at the 2012 London Olympic Games by defeating compatriots April Ross and Jen Kessy. May-Treanor and Walsh Jennings become the first women to win three Olympic medals in beach volleyball and the first players of either gender to win three beach volleyball gold medals.
U.S. Women Claim Historic Gold in World Championship
The U.S. Women’s National Team earned gold at the 2014 FIVB World Championship to mark its first title in a major triple crown event (Olympic Games, FIVB World Championship, FIVB World Cup). The Americans recovered from losing their World Championship Finals Round match, snapping a two-match losing streak in defeating Russia to advance to the semifinals. Team USA then swept Brazil in the semifinals and edged China in a hard-fought four-set victory in the title match in Milan, Italy. Kim Hill was named most valuable player of the tournament in just her second year playing international volleyball.
First Gold at Paralympic Games
After two consecutive silver medals and a bronze medal in the Paralympic Games, the U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team broke through for gold at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. For the fourth consecutive edition, the Americans faced China in the title match and would not be denied. The U.S. outscored China 75-42 in the gold-medal match and was named Team USA’s Best Paralympic Team of the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Heather Erickson was named the most valuable player of the 2016 Paralympic Games.
Girls Youth Captures Gold in 2019
Until this year, no USA Volleyball High Performance team had won a gold medal in a FIVB age-group indoor world championship. That all changed when the U.S. Girls Youth National Team won the 2019 FIVB Girls’ U18 World Championship in Egypt by rallying past defending champion Italy in the gold-medal match. Team USA had won silver twice in the biennial FIVB Girls’ U18 World Championship in 2013 and 2015. Jess Mruzik was named the most valuable player of the 2019 edition.
U.S. Men Win 2015 World Cup
In 2015, the U.S. Men’s National Team won its first FIVB World Cup title since 1985 and qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in the process. The U.S. Men went 10-1 in the tournament. Opposite Matt Anderson was named Most Valuable Player. Micah Christenson was named Best Setter and Erik Shoji won Best Libero.
Silver Once Again for U.S. Women
The U.S. Women’s National Team entered the 2012 London Olympic Games as the top seed and were rolling victory after victory. Team USA won all five of its preliminary round matches, then topped Dominican Republic in the quarterfinals and Korea in the semifinals. The Americans cruised to a 25-11 victory over Brazil in the gold-medal match before their South American rivals found their form and went on to win in four sets. For the second consecutive Olympics, the U.S. would stand on the podium with the silver medal.
Bronze for Indoor Olympic Teams in Rio
The U.S. Women’s and Men’s Indoor Volleyball Teams earned bronze medals at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, bouncing back from disappointing losses in the semifinal rounds. The U.S. Women had won six straight matches and led Serbia after the first set in the semifinals, only to see star Foluke Akinradewo go down with an injury and the European side coming back to win in five sets. The Americans bounced back to win the bronze-medal match over Netherlands.
Unlike the U.S. Women, the U.S. Men started the 2016 Olympics slow with losses to Canada and Italy. Team USA bounced back to defeat host and eventual gold-medalist Brazil to propel them into the playoffs. The Americans swept Poland but lost to Italy in the semifinals after leading 2-1. The U.S. overcame a two-set deficit to Russia in the bronze-medal match to win in five, sparked by Reid Priddy being inserted into the lineup.
Kerri and April Win Bronze in Rio
For three consecutive Olympics, Kerri Walsh Jennings partnered with Misty May-Treanor in the Olympic Games and came away with gold. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Walsh Jennings switched partners to April Ross following May-Treanor’s retirement. The pair won their four preliminary round matches and swept Australia in the quarterfinals. However, the USA duo lost to Brazil in the semifinals and marking Walsh-Jennings’ first loss in Olympic Games competition. Walsh-Jennings and Ross faced Larissa Franca and Talita Antunes in the bronze-medal match and rallied from a 21-17 first-set loss to win in three sets.
Plummer and Martin Win FIVB Beach U17 World Championship
The U.S. beach team of Kathryn Plummer and Morgan Martin won the 2014 FIVB Beach Volleyball U17 Girls World Championship in Acapulco, Mexico. Plummer, who later earned silver at the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U18 World Championship to become the first player to medal in beach and indoor volleyball age-group World Championships, was selected as most valuable player.
Dalhausser and Rogers Set Record for Wins
In 2010-11, Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers, the 2008 Olympic gold medalists, won seven straight tournaments and set an FIVB record for consecutive match wins at 40. The tournament and match win streak began at the 2010 Gstaad Grand Slam and ended with a loss to Brazil’s Alison Cerutti and Emanuel Rego in the final of the 2011 Prague Open.
Big Summer for Ross
In 2010, Summer Ross became the first athlete, male or female, to win both the FIVB Youth World Championships (U19) and the FIVB Junior World Championships (U21) in the same year. She won the Youth World Championships with Jane Croson and the Junior World Championships with Tara Roenicke.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 13, 2019) – USA Volleyball announced today that it will be donating over $12,000 in athletic gear to the USA Deaf Women’s Volleyball Team, which is striving to reach gold on its own Path to the Podium.
The USA Deaf Volleyball Team has had recent success on the international stage. In 2016, the team defeated Ukraine to claim its first World Championship title in over 20 years. After finishing with bronze at the 2017 Deaflympics, the U.S. has turned its attention to winning November’s Pan Am Games in Brazil, which carries an automatic berth into the 2021 Deaflympics. The team will furthermore be traveling to Milan, Italy, in June 2020 to defend its World Championship.
“USA Volleyball is proud to be providing this much needed gear to USA Deaf Volleyball as they prepare for November’s Pan Am Games in Brazil and the eventual 2021 Deaflympics,” USA Volleyball CEO Jamie Davis said. “As the sport’s National Governing Body, providing aid to hearing impaired volleyball players further extends our mission to grow diversity and inclusion in our sport and to support volleyball players representing Team USA across the globe.”
USA Volleyball will be providing gear kits for the entire team and coaching staff including new uniforms, warm-up suits, T-shirts, shoes, knee pads, leggings, socks and backpacks.
“The USA Deaf Women’s Volleyball Team is grateful to USA Volleyball for its support and partnership,” said USA Deaf Women’s Volleyball Team Head Coach Lynn Boren. “It is inspiring to have our sport’s national organization supporting diversity and competition at all levels and abilities. We thank USA Volleyball and look forward to building our relationship for years to come.”
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UPDATE AS OF 10:07 P.M. THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019
The tournament will resume Friday morning. The schedule will pick up where it left off Thursday afternoon. The schedule will be extended to accommodate for lost time.
Although the schedule in AES will show a 7:30 a.m. start time, play will begin at 8:30 a.m.
USAV staff is working with delegations to help arrange schedules for tomorrow.
Thanks to everyone for your patience.
UPDATE AS OF 8:50 P.M. THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019
There is a temporary fix for the water main break in Fort Lauderdale, but there is no word on when the convention center might reopen.
All delegations have either moved to new hotels or are able to stay in their current location.
The safety of our players and their families as well as our officials and staff continues to be our highest priority.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 18, 2019) – Due to a water main break that has left Fort Lauderdale and neighboring municipalities without water service, the USA Volleyball High Performance Championships are being paused.
The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, where the event is being held, is being shut down during the outage.
Updates will be posted to the USA Volleyball website.
Participants are encouraged to contact their hotels for instructions.
USA Volleyball is working with the City of Fort Lauderdale to investigate further options.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 16, 2019) – USA Volleyball announced today that it has partnered with SportsEngine Inc., an NBC Sports Group company and leading provider of sport relationship management software, to become the national governing body’s member management technology provider for its 370,000 members and 4,500 active clubs, effective Sept. 1, 2019. USA Volleyball has a long-standing relationship with SportsEngine, being partnered with its owned companies AES, BracketPal and NCSI.
USA Volleyball and its 40 affiliated Regional Volleyball Associations (RVAs) will have the opportunity to use SportsEngine’s member management suite of tools to manage their regional, club and athlete membership data. This is a true online ecosystem with robust reporting, financial tools, enhanced communication, rostering and more that will provide for automated data sharing and eliminate duplicate efforts. The SportsEngine system will also integrate with third-party systems to provide up-to-the-minute information on memberships, ensuring that all participants are certified with the safety program requirements, and have completed a background check. Such efficiencies will allow for real-time access to information on memberships and certifications which support USAV’s safety initiatives.
“We are very honored and excited to form this partnership with USA Volleyball,” said Libby Kohlbeck, SportsEngine’s head of volleyball. “To have the ability to work with an elite organization to create and deliver an incredible technology experience for regions, club administrators, coaches, officials, volunteers and families is our goal here at SportsEngine. It’s exciting when our mission, vision, and values completely align with an organization as they do with USA Volleyball and we can’t wait to get started.”
USA Volleyball’s mission is to lead, serve and grow all areas of the sport. Volleyball continues to have tremendous growth in the United States and is the number-one participatory sport in high school and college for women as well as the fastest growing sport among high school boys. USA Volleyball’s membership has grown every year since 1980 and has hit record levels again this season. The SportsEngine system will allow USAV to continue its upward trajectory by allowing a positive end-user experience for the athletes and their families.
“We are thrilled to work with SportsEngine to provide value to our regions, clubs and members,” stated USA Volleyball CEO Jamie Davis. “This partnership allows us to improve communication, support our ‘safety first’ strategic priority, and provide a seamless membership experience across all of USA Volleyball.”
About USA Volleyball
Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) as the National Governing Body for the volleyball disciplines of beach, indoor, sitting, snow and beach ParaVolley in the United States. With more than 370,000 registered members, USA Volleyball conducts national championship events, coaching and referee certification programs, and grassroots development across all disciplines in a lifetime sport in which all can participate. USA Volleyball’s teams have won an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, four Paralympic medals since 2004 and numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit usavolleyball.org. #PathtothePodium
About SportsEngine
Helping the world play smarter and live more, SportsEngine, Inc., an NBC Sports Group company, is the leading provider of sport relationship management software serving millions of coaches, parents, athletes, clubs, leagues, governing bodies, and associations. SportsEngine helps sports organizations around the globe reduce the time they spend on administrative tasks, and enables them to focus more on developing their athletes, providing safe experiences, and furthering the love of sport. Learn more at: www.sportsengine.com, Facebook.com/sportsengine; or twitter.com/sportsengine.
Media Contacts:
SportsEngine: Jenna Soule ([email protected], 612-799-3542)
USA Volleyball: Bill Kauffman ([email protected], 719-228-6800)
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 13, 2019) – USA Volleyball sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Eric Zaun, 25, who died unexpectedly on Tuesday.
“This is a huge loss for the entire volleyball community,” said USA Volleyball CEO Jamie Davis. “Eric was a talented young beach player and stepped up this spring to play snow volleyball for the U.S. He will be missed.”
Zaun was a native of New Jersey and attended Limestone College in South Carolina where he played men’s volleyball.
In beach volleyball, he started competing on the NVL tour where he was named Rookie of the Year in 2014 and was also the youngest player to win an NVL championship. He later played on the AVP tour, where he was named Rookie of the Year in 2017.
In 2018, he took third with Avery Drost at the NORCECA Tour event in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. He competed in five FIVB World Tour events. His best finish was fifth at the one-star event in Shepparton, Australia with Adam Roberts.
In 2019, Zaun finished fifth with Ian Satterfield at the NORCECA event in Varadero, Cuba. He placed ninth three times on the AVP tour with Drost.
He competed in 2019 FIVB snow volleyball events in Austria and Italy with Chase Frishman, Travis Mewhirter and Chris Vaughan. The team tied for fifth in Austria and tied for ninth in Italy.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 16, 2018) – The Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) and USA Volleyball announced today a partnership to bring RISE’s leadership and education programs to USA Volleyball athletes, coaches, referees, administrators and fans.
Founded in 2015 by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross, RISE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sports to improve race relations and drive social progress. RISE is an unprecedented alliance of professional sports leagues, organizations, athletes, educators, media networks and sports professionals using public awareness campaigns and educational programming to bring people together to promote understanding, respect and equality.
“A fundamental pillar of USA Volleyball is to be welcoming to members of all ethnicities,” USA Volleyball CEO Jamie Davis said. “We are proud to be partnering with RISE to further grow the diversity and inclusion of our sport and to take a stand against racism.”
The USA Volleyball-RISE partnership will include initiatives such as education/training, workshops, athlete testimonials and fan engagements throughout the calendar year in various parts of the country. The first set of initiatives are taking place this week at the FIVB Volleyball Nations League in Lincoln, Nebraska, where the U.S. Women’s National Team is hosting Italy, Poland and Turkey.
“RISE is proud to partner with USA Volleyball to advance our mission of using sports to improve equality,” said Jocelyn Benson, RISE CEO. “We look forward to bringing our leadership and education programs to the USA Volleyball community and empowering them to be solution-oriented advocates for progress.
Ken Shropshire, a member of both the USA Volleyball and RISE board of directors, has helped spearhead the two organizations to work together.
“A tremendous opportunity for both organizations to amplify their desires to use the power of sport to positively impact race relations,” Shropshire said. “This partnership elevates the potential impact both can have on this perilous issue.”
The RISE leadership program is designed to empower sports administrators, coaches and student-athletes to be leaders in discussing and addressing matters of racism, prejudice, diversity and inclusivity within their teams, schools and communities. Program participants learn about the history of race and sports, the power of sports to drive change and how they can become leaders in improving race relations.
The program has made a major impact on the student participants. Among high school participants for the 2016-17 school year: 95 percent said they are culturally competent; 92 percent said they have the skills to have difficult conversations about race; and 94 percent said they would intervene if they saw someone being discriminated against.
Lori Okimura, chair of the USA Volleyball Board of Directors and a member of the RISE advisory board, said RISE has initiated the conversation allowing for substantial change in racial equality.
“I recognize the value of the conversation RISE has started across America about racial equality and how to empower athletes, coaches and administrators to strive for change,” Okimura said. “I appreciate the work of my fellow USA Volleyball board member, Ken Shropshire, who is one of the voices leading change and promoting equality on many levels as chair of the USAV Diversity & Inclusion Committee.”
A popular fan engagement through RISE is “It Takes All Colors,” a digital photo booth that allows fans to take the RISE pledge against discrimination and get a photo to share on social media. It has been featured in fan zones at Super Bowl 50, 51 and 52; the NHL’s Winter Classic; numerous Pac-12 championships; and Miami Dolphin games.
Foluke Akinradewo, a two-time Olympic medalist with the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team, is excited for USA Volleyball teaming up with RISE.
“I’m fully supportive of the RISE/USAV partnership and encourage others to visit the RISE homepage and take the pledge,” Akinradewo said.
Below is the RISE pledge:
I pledge, to treat everyone with respect and dignity. I will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. I will speak up whenever I know discrimination is happening and I will stand up for victims.
For more information about RISE, visit RISEtoWIN.org.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Volleyball will host a collegiate pairs championship in May of 2017 as part of the Team USA Summer Champions Series, presented by Comcast.
The USA Volleyball Collegiate Beach Championships will be May 11-13 in Hermosa Beach, California, in partnership with the Team USA Summer Champions Series. The competition field will consist of 24 women’s pairs and eight men’s pairs, playing for a title which will earn them a spot on a USA Volleyball collegiate beach national team.
“USA Volleyball is delighted to be a part of Team USA’s 2017 Summer Champions Series,” said Jamie Davis, USA Volleyball’s Chief Executive Officer. “This collegiate tournament aligns with our strategic direction of increasing participation at all levels and we believe the partnership with NBC Sports Network will invite new boys and girls to join us on the beach.”
NBCSN will air the women’s final live on May 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. ET, and immediately afterwards the taped delayed men’s final. Men’s and women’s pool play will take place on Thursday, wrapping up Friday morning. Single-elimination bracket play will span Friday and into Saturday’s broadcasted finals.
“The opportunity to partner with the United States Olympic Committee to bridge the collegiate game to our National Teams is a fantastic initiative in continuing USA Volleyball’s international competitive excellence,” Davis added. “As volleyball’s National Governing Body, the winning athletes will be selected to play on one of our collegiate beach national teams.”
The eight schools that qualify for the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championships will earn one automatic berth for their top team, subject to the committee’s approval. The remaining women’s pairs and all eight men’s pairs will be chosen by the selection committee based on merit from the 2017 season and USAV Beach Ranking. Up to two women’s wild card pairs may be given by USA Volleyball. Any unused wild card spots will be decided by the selection committee.
The selection committee is made up of six NCAA representatives, three staff members from USA Volleyball, one AVCA representative and two athlete representatives.
| Committee Member | Organization | |
|---|---|---|
| Sean Scott | USAV Director, Beach National Programs | |
| Megan Burgdorf | USAV Manager, Beach High Performance | |
| Michelle Meyer | USAV Coordinator, Beach High Performance | |
| Kathy DeBoer | AVCA Executive Director | |
| TBD Coach | Men’s NCAA indoor volleyball | |
| TBD Coach | Atlantic Sun Conference | |
| TBD Coach | Big West Conference | |
| TBD Coach | Coastal Collegiate Sports Association | |
| TBD Coach | Pac-12 Conference | |
| TBD Coach | West Coast Conference | |
| TBD | Athlete Representative | |
| TBD | Athlete Representative |
The introduction of a major beach volleyball event under the umbrella of Team USA and USA Volleyball comes off the heels of the successful showing at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The 2017 Team USA Summer Champions Series, presented by Comcast, consists of events with three additional National Governing Bodies: diving, swimming, and track and field – which will air on NBCUniversal throughout the summer.
Admission to the venue on Hermosa Beach Pier will be free and open to the public.
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TORRANCE, Calif. – USA Volleyball celebrated its 2016 successes on the beach with an intimate ceremony at the Torrance training facility on Wednesday night.
Present at the event were athletes and coaches from the High Performance program, Olympians from 2016 and years prior, as well as CEO Jamie Davis and Board Chair Lori Okimura.
The gathering offered the opportunity to bring together the up-and-coming pipeline of athletes with the best of the game in the U.S. Olympic Beach Volleyball Team. Following highlight videos from the Olympics, the Olympic team unveiled it’s banner which features all of the American beach volleyball Olympians since the sports inception into the Games in 1996. Following that, two-time Olympian April Ross and five-time Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings unveiled their bronze medalist banner on an adjuring wall to accompany the facility’s nine other medaling teams.
The event took place one week ahead of the start of the 2017 FIVB World Tour season opener, which will be held in the United States from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 18, 2916) – Five players named to the 2016 U.S. Women’s Junior National Team will seek a gold medal at the NORCECA U20 Continental Championships after earning silver at the 2015 FIVB Women’s U18 World Championships.
Brionne Butler (East Bernard, Texas), Paige Hammons (Louisville, Kentucky), Sydney Hilley (Brooklyn Park, Minnesota) Madison Lilley (Overland Park, Kansas), Stephanie Samedy (Clermont, Florida) and Lexi Sun (Encinitas, California) all were members of last year’s Girls’ Youth National Team which finished second at the tournament in Lima, Peru.
Also joining the 2016 Women’s Junior National Team from the 2015 Girls’ Youth National Training Team are Hailey Harward (Phoenix, Arizona) and Lauren Sanders (Snohomish, Washington).
“Watching them develop over the last six days has been rewarding and enjoyable, and getting to see them represent their country in a sport that they love is going to be very exciting,” Women’s Junior National Team Head Coach Laurie Corbelli said.
The team’s outside hitters are Hammons, Sun, Samedy, Thayer Hall (Moore, South Carolina) and Mackenzie May (Dubuque, Iowa). Butler, Sanders and Taryn Knuth have been named as middle blockers.
The Women’s Junior National Team setters are Hilley and Lilley, while Harward and Jamye Cox (Oregon, Ohio) are the team’s liberos.
Corbelli currently is the head coach at Texas A&M. She will be assisted by Brian Wright, the assistant coach at Texas Christian University, and Genny Volpe, Rice University’s head coach. University of Denver assistant coach Jesse Tupac is the team’s technical coordinator, and Lizzy Briones rounds out the staff as the team leader.
“This coaching staff is incredibly experienced, talented and has already established great relationships with the team,” Corbelli said. “It is an honor for us to all represent the USA and have the pleasure of working with such high-level athletes who are also wonderful people. We have a great culture which is essential for success.”
Before competing at the NORCECA U20 Continental Championships July 24-31 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Women’s Junior National Team will play at the USA Volleyball High Performance Championships July 19-23, also in Fort Lauderdale.
“This group has been receptive to new ideas, eager to learn more, appreciative of the time and energy from the staff and supportive of each other on a daily basis,” Corbelli said. “They have come together as a team so beautifully, and I have no doubt that competing at HPC’s will be a great rehearsal in preparation for the teamwork, intensity and execution that we will need to display at NORCECA U20s in order to achieve our goals.”
2016 U.S. Women’s Junior National Team
No. Name (Position, Hometown, Height, High School Grad Year, Cub, Region)
1. Brionne Butler (MB, East Bernard, Texas, 6-3, 2017, Houston Juniors, Lone Star)
2. Jamye Cox (L, Oregon, Ohio, 5-3, 2017, Michigan Elite, Lakeshore)
3. Paige Hammons (OH, Louisville, Kentucky, 6-2, 2017, KIVA, Pioneer)op
5. Thayer Hall (OH, Moore, South Carolina, 6-3, 2018, Upward Stars Upstate, Southern)
6. Hailey Harward (L, Phoenix, Arizona, 5-9, 2016, Aspire 18 Rox, Arizona)
7. Sydney Hilley (S, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, 5-11, 2017, Minnesota Select, North Country)
8. Taryn Knuth (MB, Johnston, Iowa, 6-3, 2017, Iowa Power, Iowa)
9. Madison Lilley (S, Overland Park, Kansas, 6-0, 2017, KC Power, Heart of America)
10. Mackenzie May (OH, Dubuque, Iowa, 6-3, 2017, Adrenaline Volleyball Academy, Iowa)
12. Lauren Sanders (MB, Snohomish, Washington, 6-5, 2017, WVBA 18 Mizuno, Puget Sound)
13. Stephanie Samedy (OH, Clermont, Florida, 6-2, 2017, Top Select Volleyball Academy, Florida)
20. Lexi Sun (OH, Encinitas, California, 6-3, 2017, Coast VBC, Southern California)
Head Coach: Laurie Corbelli
Assistant Coaches: Brian Wright and Genny Volpe
Technical Coordinator: Jesse Tupac
Team Leader: Lizzy Briones
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (July 12, 2016) – USA Volleyball is proud to announce its 12-player U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team roster that will try to make history in the 2016 Olympic Games from Aug. 6-20.
U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly and his staff have selected a roster with four Olympic veterans and eight players who will be making their first appearances on the grandest sporting stage. Middles Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida) and Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania,), outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska) and setter Courtney Thompson (Kent, Washington) return from Team USA’s 2012 Olympic Games silver-medal finish in London.
Newcomers to the Olympian family are outside hitters Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon) and Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Illinois), middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio,), opposites Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, California,) and Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Illinois), setters Alisha Glass (Leland, Michigan) and Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California, Media Downloads), and libero Kayla Banwarth (Dubuque, Iowa).
All told, the roster will have three outside hitters, three middles, three setters, two opposites and one libero who average 27.0 years of age. Thompson, who turns 32 in November, is the oldest member of the squad and the only player in her 30s. Lowe, who turned 23 in February and is her second year with the program, is the youngest member of the team in terms of age and national team experience.
“We aspire to be a team that adds up to far more than the sums of our parts,” Kiraly said. “We are extremely fortunate to have so many great people and great players who give us so much passion and effort to this program – and we will look to honor their contributions by competing our hardest in Rio. Ultimately, we have assembled a group that we believe is capable of embracing the challenges a tournament like the Olympics will surely present.”
Eight players have been designated as alternates for the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team: middles Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California) and Lauren Paolini (Ann Arbor, Michigan); outside hitters Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois), Megan Easy (Boston, Massachusetts) and Krista Vansant (Redlands, California); opposite Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio); libero Natalie Hagglund (Encinitas, California); and setter Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minnesota).
Kiraly, the only player to win Olympic gold in both indoor (1984 and 1988) and beach volleyball (1996), is making his fifth total Olympic appearance after serving as assistant coach for the U.S. Women at the 2012 Olympic Games. His coaching staff for the 2016 Olympics includes assistant coaches Jamie Morrison, Tom Black and David Hunt. Morrison was an assistant coach for the U.S. Women at the 2012 Olympic Games and before that the technical coordinator for the U.S. Men as they won gold at the 2008 Olympics. Joe Trinsey will serve as the U.S. Women’s technical coordinator, while Marv Dunphy and JJ Van Niel have been selected as the scout coaches. Dunphy served as the head coach of the 1988 U.S. Olympic Men’s Team that won gold in Seoul. Jill Wosmek has been selected as the athletic trainer and Dr. Andrew Gregory completes the medical staff. James Stitz will serve as the strength coach, Dr. Michael Gervais as elite performance psychologist and Denise Sheldon will be the team manager.
Going for another ‘First’ in Rio
The U.S. Women’s National Team, ranked No. 1 in the world by the FIVB, has produced several ‘firsts’ in the current Olympic quadrennial. Kiraly took over the program in late September 2012 for his first head coaching position. In 2014, he guided the U.S. Women to their first-ever FIVB World Championship gold medal in 62 years, which also marked the Americans’ first gold medal in any of the three triple crown events – World Championship, FIVB World Cup or Olympic Games.
The remaining first yet to accomplish for the U.S. Women is claiming their first Olympic Games gold medal. The squad, which has earned three Olympic silver medals (1984, 2008 and 2012), is poised to make the top podium step with a core group of veterans mixed in with five newcomers who joined the squad since 2013 and contributed heavily to the success of the squad in recent tournaments.
U.S. Women on a Roll Heading into Olympic Games
The U.S. Women, who have won six of their last eight tournaments dating back to the 2014 FIVB World Championship, just returned from Thailand where it captured the silver medal in the FIVB World Grand Prix – the premier annual international women’s volleyball tournament. Team USA dropped a five-set thriller to 2016 Olympic Games host Brazil in the gold-medal match, breaking the Americans’ nine-match win streak that included two wins over second-ranked China and a win over fourth-ranked Russia. The U.S. has now reached the medal podium in eight straight tournaments.
Last year the Americans won the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix in Omaha, Nebraska, along with the 2015 Pan American Games, 2015 Pan American Cup, the 2015 NORCECA Championship. Team USA extended their tournament success earlier this year by capturing the 2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament. Team USA’s only non-gold tournament since the end of 2014 was a third-place finish at the 2015 FIVB World Cup.
Prior to winning the 2014 World Championship, Team USA failed to qualify for the 2014 FIVB World Grand Prix Finals week just a few weeks earlier, and that has been a turning point for the Americans in the Olympic quadrennial.
“We certainly want to respond to adversity with strength and resolve,” Kiraly said. “The 2014 FIVB World Grand Prix, where we failed to qualify for the Finals Week, was a big disappointment, one of our low points. But I think that disappointment and adversity spurred us on – gave us the imperative and incentive to be better and we mounted a nice response to that in terms of the 2014 World Championship. We also had a disappointing World Cup last year. We know we were capable of finishing higher than we did. And so we are trying to use that adversity and that disappointment to make us better this year.”
Kiraly said that the finish at World Cup, which served as the first Olympic qualifier held in September 2015, actually turned into an advantage for Team USA in peaking for 2016.
“We didn’t plan it this way, but we got more time together by not qualifying at the World Cup,” Kiraly said. “We got an extra week and a half of training, and the great privilege of playing to qualify for the Olympics in Lincoln, Nebraska, in front of a crowd of 10,000-plus against Dominican Republic on Jan. 9 and locking in our Olympic berth. We turned that extra time into an advantage – it got us off to a better and faster start when we resumed training in May.”
Team USA Schedule in Rio
As for the Olympic Games schedule, Team USA opens Pool B action on Aug. 6 versus NORCECA rival Puerto Rico at 4:05 p.m. local time, followed by the Netherlands on Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. The Americans challenge Serbia on Aug. 10 and Italy on Aug. 12 with both matches at 2 p.m. The U.S. concludes pool play against second-ranked China on Aug. 14 at 4:05 p.m.
The top four teams in the two Olympic Games pools advance to the quarterfinals on Aug. 16. The top seed in each pool will face the fourth seed in crossover competition, while a drawing of lots will determine crossover quarterfinal opponents for the second- and third-place teams in both pools. The winners of the quarterfinal matches advance to the semifinal medal round on Aug. 18. The tournament concludes on Aug. 20 with the gold- and bronze-medal matches.
The U.S. Women, who have won silver in the past two Olympic Games and the bronze at the 1992 Olympic Games, have earned Olympic qualification in 10 of 12 Olympics since the sport’s introduction to the schedule in 1964.
All athlete and staff nominations to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team are subject to approval by the United States Olympic Committee.
2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team
# – Name (Position, Height, Hometown, College)
1 – Alisha Glass (S, 6-0, Leland, Michigan, Penn State University)
2 – Kayla Banwarth (L, 5-10, Dubuque, Iowa, University of Nebraska)
3 – Courtney Thompson (S, 5-8, Kent, Washington, University of Washington)
5 – Rachael Adams (M, 6-2, Cincinnati, Ohio, University of Texas)
6 – Carli Lloyd (S, 5-11, Bonsall, California, University of California-Berkeley)
10 – Jordan Larson (OH, 6-2, Hooper, Nebraska, University of Nebraska)
12 – Kelly Murphy (OPP, 6-2, Wilmington, Illinois, University of Florida)
13 – Christa Dietzen (M, 6-2, Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania, Penn State University)
15 – Kim Hill (OH, 6-4, Portland, Oregon, Pepperdine University)
16 – Foluke Akinradewo (M, 6-3, Plantation, Florida, Stanford University)
23 – Kelsey Robinson (OH, 6-2, Bartlett, Illinois, University of Nebraska)
25 – Karsta Lowe (OPP, 6-4, Rancho Santa Fe, California, UCLA)
Head Coach: Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coaches: Jamie Morrison, Tom Black, David Hunt
Technical Coordinator: Joe Trinsey
Scout Coaches: Marv Dunphy, JJ Van Niel
Therapist/Trainer: Jill Wosmek
Elite Performance Psychologist: Dr. Michael Gervais
Doctor: Dr. Andrew Gregory
Strength Coach: James Stitz
Team Manager: Denise Sheldon
Team Journalist: Bill Kauffman
ATHLETE QUICK SETS
Rachael Adams (Middle, Cincinnati, Ohio): Rachael Adams, a first-time Olympian, was a member of the 2014 FIVB World Championship gold-medal team as she started four of 13 matches. In the most recent 2016 FIVB World Grand Prix, Adams was selected as the Best Blocker of the tournament. She was awarded Second Best Blocker at the 2015 Pan American Games in which Team USA won the gold. Adams earned Best Server at the 2014 Montreux Volley Masters. Last International Club Team: Imoco Conegliano in Italian Serie A1 – helped team win the league title in 2015-16. Notes: Two-time AVCA All-America First-Team selection (2010 and 2011) while playing for University of Texas … Father was drafted in the fourth round of the 1978 NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs
Karch Kiraly Quote on Rachael Adams: “Rachael’s improvement over the last year has been amazing. She’s worked so hard to become the multi-dimensional middle – hitting, blocking, serving, defending, etc – she now is, and that’s going to be big for USA.
Foluke Akinradewo (Middle, Plantation, Florida): Two-time Olympian Foluke Akinradewo, one of the top middles in the world, earned silver with Team USA at the 2012 Olympic Games as she was second-best middle blocker in the tournament. She averaged 2.50 points with a .412 hitting efficiency helping the Americans win the 2014 FIVB World Championship. Foluke was name MVP and Best Blocker at the 2010 FIVB World Grand Prix. Last International Club Team: Volero Zurich in Swiss League – helped team win Swiss League and played in European Champions League. Notes: Is a certified EMT … holds tri-citizenship along with Canada and Nigeria.
Karch Kiraly Quote on Foluke Akinradewo: “It might be easy for some to take Foluke’s game for granted, since she’s been doing it so well, for so long. We don’t make that mistake. Especially since she’s still putting in the extra work to improve every part of her game.”
Kayla Banwarth (Dubuque, Iowa): Olympic newcomer Kayla Banwarth, who joined Team USA in January 2011, became the primary Team USA starting libero in 2013 when she was honored with USA Volleyball’s Female Indoor Most Improved Player Award. She was named the Best Receiver at the 2015 NORCECA Continental Championship as Team USA won gold. Banwarth earned back-to-back Pan American Cup gold medals in 2012 and 2013 as the starting libero. Last International Club Team: Has not played overseas the last two seasons. Notes: hobbies include Broadway musicals and was in show choir, a capella choir and musicals in high school … served as volunteer assistant coach for the Pepperdine men’s volleyball team this past spring.
Karch Kiraly Quote on Kayla Banwarth: “As our libero, Kayla’s worked hard to improve and contribute to our performance in as many ways as possible. And she anchors our offense as one of the elite passers in international volleyball.”
Christa Dietzen (Middle, Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania): Christa Dietzen, making a return appearance in the Olympics, is one of most overpowering middle blockers in the world. A 2012 Olympic Games silver medalist, she was the captain of the U.S. Women selections that won two golds in 2015 – FIVB World Grand Prix and NORCECA Continental Championship. She was selected Second Best Middle Blocker in the prestigious 2015 World Grand Prix. Last International Club Team: Fenerbahce in the Turkish League and European Champions League. Notes: teammates call her ‘mom’ for her experience and the way she looks out for those around her … Participated in the Classroom Champions program involving Olympic athletes during the 2015-16 school calendar while playing in Turkey.
Karch Kiraly Quote on Christa Dietzen: “Christa’s story has so many special facets, two of which are in leadership and overcoming adversity. Nobody wins a tournament like the Olympics without facing down major adversity, so she’s well-equipped to play a key role in guiding us through those challenges.”
Alisha Glass (Setter, Leland, Michigan): First-time Olympian Alisha Glass, who was named USA Volleyball’s Female Indoor Athlete of the Year in 2013 and 2014, is considered one of the best setters in the world. She was selected Best Setter at the 2014 FIVB World Championship as Team USA won the gold medal. Glass won three consecutive gold medals in the FIVB World Grand Prix (2010, 2011, 2012). In college she helped Penn State win three NCAA titles. Last International Club Team: Imoco Conegliano in Italian Serie A1 – helped team win the Italian League playoffs in 2015-16. Notes: coached in high school by her mom, Laurie, at Leland High School in Michigan, who has since gone on to earn High School Coach of the Year Honors
Karch Kiraly Quote on Alisha Glass: “Alisha is one of the best in the world at what she does, and she’s won at every possible level. We can’t wait for her to unleash that deep and varied skill set in Rio.”
Kim Hill (Outside Hitter, Portland, Oregon): Kim hill has blossomed into an international star in a short time as she is making her first Olympic appearance. She was most valuable player at the 2014 FIVB World Championship helping Team USA to gold in her second season with the U.S. Women’s National Team after catching the eye of the coaching staff at the 2013 U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryouts. Hill was recently named the Second Best Outside Spiker of the 2016 FIVB World Grand Prix. Notes: While competing at Pepperdine University, she became the first and only student-athlete to make the AVCA All-America First-Team roster in both indoor and sand volleyball during the same academic year (2011-2012). Last International Club Team – VakifBank in Turkish League and European Champions League – named MVP of Turkish League playoffs after leading team to gold in 2015-16.
Karch Kiraly Quote on Kim Hill: “Kim’s is a great story to inspire every junior – trying out for USA one year, helping lead us to a World Championship the next, and playing some of her best volleyball this year. And you can search hard, but you won’t find a better teammate than Kim.”
Jordan Larson (Outside Hitter, Hooper, Nebraska): Jordan Larson, an outside hitter who earned silver at the 2012 Olympic Games, has developed into an international star from a hometown population of 830. She was named USA Volleyball’s Female Indoor Athlete of the Year in 2015 after a stellar performance at the 2015 FIVB World Cup. During the 2015 club season, she led her Turkish club Eczacibasi to gold in the 2015 FIVB Club World Championship and 2015 European Champions League while earning MVP in both events. Last International Club Team – Eczacibasi in Turkish League and European Champions League. Notes: teammates call her ‘The Governor’ … partner in a restaurant in Lincoln called Flatwater Bistro.
Karch Kiraly Quote on Jordan Larson: “Jordan has never played better volleyball, or been physically stronger than she is right now. Combined with her vast success and experience at the highest levels of volleyball, the total package she brings for USA will be big in Rio.”
Carli Lloyd (Setter, Bonsall, California): Carli Lloyd, making her first Olympic roster, was named most valuable player at the 2015 Pan American Games as she led the team to gold a month after helping Team USA win gold at the 2015 Pan American Cup. She was named Best Setter in both events. Lloyd made her international debut at the 2011 Pan American Games and aided Team USA to the bronze medal … Part of 2012 Pan American Cup team that won gold. Last International Club Team – Pomi Casamaggiore with Italian Serie A1 … Notes: Helped club team win 2015-16 European Champions League and was named Best Setter. Notes: Uncle Galen Tomlinson, who was Turbo in the 1980s television series American Gladiators, was her mentor and coach in both volleyball and track and field as a youth.
Karch Kiraly Quote on Carli Lloyd: “Very few players can do what Carli has over the last couple of years: transform her mindset and transform her game. She has more tools than ever to make us better in myriad ways.”
Karsta Lowe (Opposite, Rancho Santa Fe, California): Olympic newcomer Karsta Lowe, the youngest member of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team, was selected most valuable player of the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix, the most prestigious annual women’s international volleyball tournament, during her rookie international season with Team USA. She helped the U.S. win gold at the World Grand Prix, as well as gold at the NORCECA Continental Championship and bronze at the 2015 FIVB World Cup. Last International Club Team – Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio in Italian Serie A1. Notes: Lowe never made the “A” team until her junior year of high school and was a walk-on at UCLA.
Karch Kiraly Quote on Karsta Lowe: “Though Karsta has only been with USA for two seasons, she’s made a big impact for USA, especially as an offensive force at the net. She’s been working hard to develop the best all-around game possible, all to make our team the strongest it can be in Rio.”
vKelly Murphy (Opposite, Wilmington, Illinois): Kelly Murphy, making her first Olympic appearance, led the U.S. Women in scoring during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, her first two with the team. She tallied a team-best 157 points during the 2014 FIVB World Championship pacing Team USA to its first-ever gold medal in the event. Murphy was named most valuable player in the 2013 NORCECA Women’s Continental Championship after the team won gold. Last International Club Team – Ageo Medics in Japan V-League. Notes: Three-time AVCA All-American while playing at University of Florida as a setter/opposite playing in a 6-2 offense.
Karch Kiraly Quote on Kelly Murphy: “Kelly’s teammates have a ton of trust in her and her poise. In addition, a trademark of this team is running a fast offense, and Kelly is an integral part of that, stressing opposing teams’ blocking and defensive schemes.”
Kelsey Robinson (Outside Hitter, Bartlett, Illinois): Kelsey Robinson, a first-time Olympian, was named Second Best Outside Spiker of the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix that Team USA won in Omaha. She helped the U.S. win its first-ever FIVB World Championship in 2014 during her rookie international season. Robinson was the starting outside hitter in all five matches of the 2015 NORCECA Continental Championship in which Team USA won to qualify for the NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament. Last International Club Team – Imoco Conegliano in Italian Serie A1 – named most valuable player of the Italian League playoffs after leading team to 2015-16 title. Notes: Robinson was selected AVCA All-America First-Team while playing for University of Nebraska in 2013, her only season with the Huskers after three seasons at the University of Tennessee.
Karch Kiraly Quote on Kelsey Robinson: “Kelsey is pumped to help this team in any and every way she can, and she gives USA a ton – competitive fire, ball control, speed at the net, galvanizer under duress, the list goes on.”
Courtney Thompson (Setter, Kent, Washington): Courtney Thompson, a setter who helped the U.S. Women win silver at the 2012 Olympic Games, is the oldest member of Team USA at age 31 and joined Team USA in January 2007. She started the 2012 Olympic Games quarterfinal victory over Dominican Republic and was member of Team USA’s gold-medal winning 2014 FIVB World Championship team. Last International Club Team – Rexona Ades in Brazilian Superliga – helped team win the Brazil Superliga title in 2015-16. Notes: Thompson was the focus of the documentary movie “Court & Spark: A Volleyball Documentary.” She is co-founder of the Give It Back Foundation where members of the U.S. Women’s National Team help raise funds in their local communities through volleyball clinics. Notes: She is the first female University of Washington athlete to have her jersey retired … selected ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American … class valedictorian of her Kentlake High School (Kent, Wash.) graduating class
Karch Kiraly Quote on Courtney Thompson: “Courtney’s experience as a setter, as a leader, as an emotional driver, and as someone who has never taken the easy route will be invaluable in our effort to accomplish special things in a special tournament.”
2016 Olympic Games Women’s Indoor Volleyball Pools
Pool A: Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, Japan, Korea, Russia
Pool B: China, Italy, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Serbia, USA
2016 Olympic Games Women’s Indoor Volleyball Pool Schedule (Times Listed as ET)
Aug. 6
Japan vs. Korea, 8:30 a.m.
China vs. Netherlands, 10:35 a.m.
Brazil vs. Cameroon, 2 p.m.
USA vs. Puerto Rico, 4:05 p.m.
Russia vs. Argentina, 7:30 p.m.
Serbia vs. Italy, 9:35 p.m.
Aug. 8
China vs. Italy, 8:30 a.m.
Japan vs. Cameroon, 10:35 a.m.
USA vs. Netherlands, 2 p.m.
Serbia vs. Puerto Rico, 4:05 p.m.
Russia vs. Korea, 7:30 p.m.
Brazil vs. Argentina, 9:35 p.m.
Aug. 10
China vs. Puerto Rico, 8:30 a.m.
Italy vs. Netherlands, 10:35 a.m.
USA vs. Serbia, 2 p.m.
Russia vs. Cameroon, 4:05 p.m.
Korea vs. Argentina, 7:30 p.m.
Brazil vs. Japan, 9:35 p.m.
Aug. 12
China vs. Serbia, 8:30 a.m.
Argentina vs. Cameroon, 10:35 a.m.
USA vs. Italy, 2 p.m.
Netherlands vs. Puerto Rico, 4:05 p.m.
Russia vs. Japan, 7:30 p.m.
Brazil vs. Korea, 9:35 p.m.
Aug. 14
Serbia vs. Netherlands, 8:30 a.m.
Korea vs. Cameroon, 10:35 a.m.
Italy vs. Puerto Rico, 2 p.m.
USA vs. China, 4:05 p.m.
Japan vs. Argentina, 7:30 p.m.
Brazil vs. Russia, 9:35 p.m.
Aug. 16
Quarterfinals
Aug. 18
Semifinals
Aug. 20
Gold- and Bronze-Medal Matches
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 30, 2016) – More than a decade after his Paralympic debut, Captain Eric Duda (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) hopes to lead the U.S. Paralympic Men’s Sitting Team to its first Paralympic medal in Rio de Janeiro.
Duda and Chris Seilkop (DeLand, Florida) are the lone athletes who played on the 2004 Paralympic team, the last U.S. Men’s Sitting Team to qualify.
Joining the pair in Rio will be Dan Regan (St. Louis, Missouri), Ben Aman (Tacoma, Washington), Jese Schag (Norway, Illinois), James Stuck (New Kensington, Pennsylvania), Roderick Green (West Monroe, Louisiana), Charlie Swearingen (Gulfport, Mississippi), John Kremer (Buford, Georgia), Josh Smith (Riverside, California), J. Dee Marinko (Norman, Oklahoma) and Edgar LaForest (San Juan, Puerto Rico).
Sam Surowiec (Everett, Washington), Travis Ricks (San Diego, California), Stephen Bracken (Brighton, Colorado) and Hugo Storer (Greensboro, North Carolina) have been named as alternates.
“We are really excited about this team, but this was probably the most difficult roster selection process in our program’s history,” Head Coach Greg Walker said. “As a head coach, it’s an incredible, but also difficult, position to be in because I know how hard each and every one of these guys has been working toward this.”
The U.S. Men’s Sitting Team is currently ranked No. 9 in the world, and most recently finished in sixth place at the World ParaVolley Intercontinental Cup in Anji, China in March. However, the team was without a setter and one of its primary starting outside hitters. The U.S. qualified for the Paralympics when it took silver against Paralympics-host nation Brazil at the Parapan American Games in Toronto, Canada in August last year.
In 2012, the U.S. missed Paralympic qualification by one match when it fell to Germany during the semifinals of that year’s Intercontinental Cup. Previously the team lost at the 2011 Parapan American Games to Brazil in the Championship match after they had beat them in pool play, missing another opportunity to qualify for London.
Walker, who officially took over as head coach in January this year after serving as an assistant since 2012, said he and the coaching staff are excited by the changes they’ve seen in the players, even since January.
“We’ve really seen a new level of energy and commitment from the team in recent weeks,” Walker said. “The focus has been pushing for Rio, but we also want to make sure we’re building a culture that’s respectful both on and off the court.”
The average age on this year’s team is 36.25 years old, making the U.S. Paralympic Men’s Sitting Team one the oldest rosters of all the Rio-bound U.S. volleyball teams, both indoor and beach. Walker sees the age – and longtime veteran experience – as a strength heading into the Games.
“When we were selecting the team, we looked at potential scenarios and line-ups based on the competition schedule,” Walker said. “We really tried to minimize weaknesses at any given position, and I feel this roster truly gives us the best chance to compete for a medal.
“It’s so tough, though, because you have guys who have given years of hard work. Ultimately we can only take 12.”
The U.S. Paralympic Men’s Sitting Team schedule has not yet been released, although Games organizers announced last month that the U.S. will face host-nation Brazil, Egypt and Germany in the round-robin pool play tournament. The top two teams will advance to the semifinals in a cross-over semifinal with the top two teams from the pool containing worldwide No. 1 and five-time gold medalist Iran, Bosnia-Herzegovina and China.
The Paralympic Opening Ceremony is Sept. 7. The sitting volleyball tournament begins Sept. 9 and concludes Sept. 17.
All athlete and staff nominations to the 2016 U.S. Paralympic Men’s Sitting Volleyball Team are subject to approval by the United States Olympic Committee.
U.S. Paralympic Men’s Sitting Volleyball Team Roster
No. Name (Position, Height, Hometown)
2. Dan Regan (Middle Blocker, 6-0, St. Louis, Missouri)
4. Ben Aman (Outside Hitter, 6-5, Tacoma, Washington)
5. Eric Duda (Outside Hitter, 6-5, Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
6. Jese Schag (Setter, 6-2, Norway, Illinois)
8. James Stuck (Setter, 6-5, New Kensington, Pennsylvania)
10. Edgar LaForest (Outside Hitter, 6-2, San Juan, Puerto Rico)
11. Roderick Green (Middle Blocker, 6-3, West Monroe, Louisiana)
13. Charlie Swearingen (Outside Hitter, 6-3, Gulfport, Mississippi)
14. John Kremer (Libero, 5-9, Buford, Georgia)
15. Chris Seilkop (Outside Hitter/Middle Blocker, 6-6 DeLand, Florida)
16. Josh Smith (6-2 Opposite, Riverside, California)
18. J. Dee Marinko (Outside Hitter, 6-4, Norman, Oklahoma)
Head Coach: Greg Walker
Assistant Coach: Joe Skinner
Team Leader: Dixie Collins
Athletic Trainer: Katherine King
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POREC, Croatia – Alongside the eight athletes named to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Beach Volleyball Team, USA Volleyball has announced the beach volleyball coaches that will head to the 2016 Olympic Games.
Four pairs of athletes comprise the U.S. Olympic Beach Volleyball Team, and with that each duo has selected their coaching staff for this year’s Olympic Games.
Coach of April Ross (Costa Mesa, Calif.) and Kerri Walsh Jennings (San Jose, Calif.) is Marcio Sicoli (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Lauren Fendrick (Carlsbad, Calif.) and Brooke Sweat (Fort Myers, Fla.) are coached by head coach Paul Baxter (Columbia Heights, Minn.) and assistant coach Andrew Fuller (Mountain View, Calif.). Baxter is also the head coach for Phil Dalhausser (Ormond Beach, Fla.) and Nick Lucena (Davie, Fla.). Jake Gibb (Bountiful, Utah) and Casey Patterson (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) are coached by Tyler Hildebrand (Mesa, Ariz.).
“The coaches that will represent the U.S. in beach volleyball at the 2016 Olympic Games are an integral part of our athlete’s preparation,” said Sean Scott, the USA Volleyball Director of Beach National Programs. “They bring a unique breath of experience and expertise that will be vital in accomplishing our goal of winning gold medals.”
MARCIO SICOLI – APRIL ROSS | KERRI WALSH JENNINGS
Marcio Sicoli will make his second Olympic appearance as a coach, this time returning to his hometown, Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian native graduated from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and this past year earned his Masters at Pepperdine University, where he also is an assistant coach in beach volleyball.
Sicoli joined the sideline with Kerri Walsh Jennings in the two and one-half years leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games, coaching her and Misty May-Treanor during their third gold medal run. This time around, he’s been with Walsh Jennings and April Ross during their entire quest leading up to the 2016 Olympics.
“It is a humbling experience to be part of something that is bigger than each individual, bigger than each country, but a reunion of the whole world celebrating sports,” Sicoli said. “I am humbled and amazed to have another chance to be out there and represent the United States.”
With an insider track to how big beach volleyball is in Brazil, and at the site of beach volleyball on Copacabana Beach, Sicoli said, “It will be one of the most competitive Olympics of all time, because of the progression of the game.
“I think that we are right there as a contender for a gold medal. The top six teams can take a fifth-place or win gold, as they have been doing for the [Olympic] cycle. I believe our team is exceptional playing this type of competition, the Olympics, which is a different animal. We are more experienced, a mix of calm, collected and aggressive that gives us a really good profiling to this type of competition.”
PAUL BAXTER – PHIL DALHAUSSER | NICK LUCENA
A former indoor player at Ball State and professional beach volleyball athlete, who pursued his own goal for the Olympics in 2004, Baxter is making his first appearance at the Olympics as the head coach of two pairs. In 2016 Baxter will be the head coach of Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena, as well as Lauren Fendrick and Brooke Sweat, with assistant Andrew Fuller for the women’s pair.
“It’s an honor to work with these athletes,” Baxter said. “I know all the hard work they put in and being part of it and helping them hopefully bring home gold is a huge thing.”
Baxter began coaching Dalhausser and Lucena in 2015 and since then, the pair have risen to the occasion and are the top American men’s team and third seed at the 2016 Olympics.
“They’re great players and I think something that is going to be huge for them at the Olympics is using that bond that they’ve created and continue to build on throughout this entire process,” added Baxter. “If we can finish the goal, it’s going to be really special for them.”
Prior to the lead-up to the 2016 Olympics, Baxter coached at Loyola Marymount with the indoor women’s team in 2014. He still coaches indoor, currently with the A4 Volleyball club from Orange County, and will be coaching the 16s and 17s teams competing at the 2016 USAV Girls’ Junior National Championships. Baxter’s resume also includes coaching for the USA Volleyball Beach High Performance program.
PAUL BAXTER (HC)/ANDREW FULLER (AC) – LAUREN FENDRICK | BROOKE SWEAT
Paul Baxter and Andrew Fuller will coach first-time Olympians Lauren Fendrick and Brooke Sweat. Fuller began coaching Fendrick and Sweat in 2013, prior to the start of the Olympic qualifying season. In January of 2015, Baxter joined on as the assistant coach, with Fuller at the helm. The duo switched roles at the beginning of 2016. Fuller, who was the assistant coach in beach volleyball at the University of Southern California from 2012-2015, recently left his position with the Trojans to dedicate his schedule full-time to Fendrick and Sweat earning an Olympic bid.
Fuller is a former athlete, beginning his professional beach career in 2007. A Pan American Games competitor that finished fifth in 2011, Fuller says coaching at the Olympics is “a huge privilege that can’t be taken lightly.”
“I come from a long family tradition of men and women serving in the U.S. armed forces. I chose sports as my path and it doesn’t compare in any way, but for me to get to represent the U.S. on the international stage is meaningful from that perspective. Knowing everything that people in my family have sacrificed for America, then to get to represent the U.S. in a totally different capacity, it puts it into perspective.”
Fendrick and Sweat are making their first Olympic appearance and “from the get-go, they’ve been keeping their heads down, getting better and taking on every challenge that has come their way,” Fuller added. “They’re an under-the-radar team that belongs on the world stage. They’re excited to take on the challenge of the Olympics. They’re ready for that moment and that stage.”
“It’s been a long process from the start of qualifying last year,” said Baxter. “There having been trying times and it’s not over. The goal is ahead in Rio, that’s where the focus has been and continues to be.”
TYLER HILDEBRAND – JAKE GIBB | CASEY PATTERSON
In addition to coaching Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson, Hildebrand has coached for his alma mater team Long Beach State for seven years with the men’s indoor team, the last four years as Associate Head Coach. The three-time First Team All-American got his start before that though, coaching boy’s club teams since his sophomore year of college, a task he began with the HBC Boys Volleyball Club as the founder, director and coach.
His first taste of coaching on the beach came in 2011 with Patterson and his then partner Ryan Doherty. In the summer of 2012 he helped at practices with Gibb and Sean Rosenthal. It was December of 2012 that he made the switch to the sand a more permanent fixture, with Gibb and Patterson now as a team.
“Jake and Casey are great teammates and that gets them through a lot,” said Hildebrand. “The ups and downs of the four year quad, from travel to practices, three months straight of practices. Like the grind of the 2014 season, which was not as successful of a season as we would have liked. They’re great teammates to each other and that allowed them to get through a lot.”
Hildebrand has also done short coaching stints with Jennifer Kessy/April Ross, Emily Day/Summer Ross and A. Ross/Kerri Walsh Jennings.
Heading to his first Olympic Games, Hildebrand says he’s preparing for it like he would the World Tour.
“I want to get there and get a medal. As a player it wasn’t a goal of mine to get to the Olympics. For me, I want to downplay it and make it like any another competition. Avoid as many distractions as we can and deal with the challenges of it being a different schedule for us than we’re used to. I want to downplay as much of those things as possible. There is an excitement in the atmosphere of being there, but I’m trying to not think of it in any other way.”
In addition to coaching beach volleyball in Rio, Hildebrand will be lending his expertise with the indoor Men’s National Team. He has been working part time with the program as the setting coach since 2013.
All athlete and staff nominations to the U.S. Olympic Team are subject to approval by the United States Olympic Committee.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 22, 2021) – USA Volleyball and Stevenson University are offering a men’s collegiate beach tournament on Sept. 11-12 in Owings Mills, Md., as part of USAV’s National Team Development Program (NTDP). The event will be open to 16 pairs of male athletes who will be scouted through the USA Volleyball Scouting Network. Top finishers will have an opportunity to be invited to future NTDP programming.
“Access to high-quality competitive opportunities for collegiate athletes is critical to the long-term success of our National Team programs,” said Peter Vint, USA Volleyball’s chief of sport. “We are already seeing some of the positive effects that women’s collegiate beach programs are creating, and supporting the Men’s Beach Collegiate Challenge is an important step forward for the men’s game.”
Stevenson University, under the leadership of athletics director Brett Adams, was the first DIII school and the first school in the East to add a varsity women’s beach team in the spring of 2016. Adams built a lighted complex with four courts near the edge of campus. Later in 2016, he hired Olympic gold medalist and former national team coach Aldis Berzins to lead his men’s indoor volleyball team, with the goal of eventually adding a men’s beach program.
“With the Tokyo Olympics on the horizon, I believe it is important to provide opportunities and a path for young men as they aspire to be a part of our national program,” Adams said. “This collegiate avenue is but one way we can enhance the opportunities for our best men’s beach players to compete at the international level.”
Stevenson University and USA Volleyball will work with the American Volleyball Coaches Association to inform men’s volleyball coaches about the Men’s Beach Collegiate Challenge. NCAA bylaws allow exemptions from playing and practice seasons for USA National Team Development Programs, so current or recent graduate student-athletes are eligible to participate.
“College beach has been a game-changer for the women’s pipeline,” said AVCA Executive Director Kathy DeBoer. “Due to the foresight of USA Volleyball and the determination of Brett Adams at Stevenson University, we can start building a path for the men.”
Pairs must register as a team but do not need to be from the same school. The event will allow for 10 teams in the main draw, two wild cards (with one going to the host) and four teams from a qualifier on Sept. 10. The entry fee is $200 per team plus fees. Participants or their schools must cover travel and lodging expenses.
Registration will open Friday, July 23, 2021. Should interested teams exceed capacity, USA Volleyball will invite pairs based on a variety of criteria and then on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Colorado Springs, Colo. (July 21, 2021) – With the goal of increasing participation in beach volleyball across the country, USA Volleyball and its 40 regions announces the launch of the rebranded USA Volleyball Beach Tour.
With an updated logo and streamlined look, the rebranded tour will build off the momentum generated by millions watching the U.S. Beach National Teams at the Tokyo Olympics.
“Beach volleyball has seen tremendous growth in the last five years,” USA Volleyball President and CEO Jamie Davis said. “We’re excited to usher in a new era with the introduction of the USA Volleyball Beach Tour brand and expand opportunities for young athletes to get involved in the sport.”
The growth in beach volleyball has been shown in both the collegiate and junior ranks. More than 90 colleges across all divisions now offer the discipline, and over the last five years has been the fastest-growing NCAA Division I sport.
The USA Volleyball Beach Tour rebrands the USA National Beach Tour, which was created in 2018. As of the end of the 2021 season the tour has grown to over 30 national qualifying events across the country. The USA Volleyball Beach Tour will operate under the same guidelines, with clubs and regions hosting beach national qualifiers and beach regional qualifiers across the country. Through the qualifier system, athletes earn the opportunity to compete at the USA Volleyball Beach National Championship, held every summer. At National Qualifiers, bids to the coveted Open Division are awarded, while American Division bids are available for top finishers at Regional Qualifiers.
“This beach tour rebrand will help to strengthen its brand affiliation with USA Volleyball and the 40 regions of USAV,” said Steve Bishop, Florida Region commissioner and Beach Development representative to the USAV Board of Directors. “In past years, we’ve seen continued growth in the beach space across the U.S. as more playing opportunities are being created annually for our members. We commend our USAV promoters that host the regional and national qualifiers in communities throughout the regions. Our collective goal and mandate is to have the highest athlete safeguards while creating the most competitive events in the U.S. I look forward to what the future holds for the USA Volleyball Beach Tour.
Visit the Upcoming Events Calendar for a current list of USA Volleyball Beach Tour events, including the Old Dominion TVA Fall BNQ (Aug. 28-29) Chesapeake Wave BNQ (Sept. 11-12). The schedule will be updated as events are added.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 20, 2021) – USA Volleyball is announcing an official partnership with CROSSNET, a four-square, recreational volleyball game. CROSSNET was founded in 2017 and has grown rapidly in the U.S. and abroad with products now available online and at major retailers including Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Their product lineup includes indoor and outdoor models in addition to CROSSNET H2O, which can be played in the water.
“CROSSNET puts a really fun spin on the game we all love,” said USA Volleyball President and CEO Jamie Davis. “Some of our top national team players have tried it and really enjoyed it. It’s a great way to stay active and play with your friends and family.”
CROSSNET has also been used by established volleyball clubs and programs for cross-training and team warm-up games, giving athletes an opportunity to test their skills in a fun and fast-paced format of play.
Look for CROSSNET demonstrations at all of USA Volleyball’s major indoor and beach events through 2024.
USA Volleyball will be featured on CROSSNET products and product displays. It will be featured in CROSSNET advertising across social media and out-of-home placements nationwide.
“We’re looking forward to working hand-in-hand with USA Volleyball to help grow volleyball into a tier 1 sport,” said Chris Meade, CMO & Co-Founder of CROSSNET. “This partnership will help build trust and validate CROSSNET not only as a sport, but as an incredible training & recreational tool used by players of all ages and skill sets.”
