Women's U21 Storms to 2024 NORCECA Gold Medal

The U.S. Women's U21 NORCECA Gold Medalists

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 30, 2024) – Continuing the dominant play that it displayed throughout the tournament, the U.S. Women’s U21 National Team captured the 2024 NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship gold medal with a 3-0 (25-12, 25-16, 25-16) win over Puerto Rico on Sunday in Toronto, Canada.

With the title, the U.S. automatically qualified for the 2025 Women’s U21 World Championship.

“I think our team did a great job. Everyone was ready to play at any time. I thought our offense has been great all tournament and it was exciting to see us play well,” remarked U.S. Women’s U21 head coach Heather Olmstead. “Congratulations to Puerto Rico. They played a great tournament, and they have a great coaching staff. It was a fun match for us to do our best and I’m happy for the U.S. U21 team to win the gold and get the bid to the world championships next summer. All our players are eligible for next year’s U21 and I think they just set a great tone for the U21 age group. They worked hard and did everything we asked them to. I couldn’t be happier with their performance and how they were all in for the team all the time.”

Outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Best Spiker. Libero Ramsey Gary was chosen as Best Receiver.

The U.S., which did not lose a set in five wins in the championship, finished the gold medal match with significant margins in kills (46-24), blocks (9-2), and aces (7-3).

“What a great tournament. NORCECA has done a great job and Canada was a wonderful host. We couldn’t be happier about the event this whole week. Everything was unbelievably professional and we had a great time. It was very classy,” Omstead said of the championship.”

Middle blocker Andi Jackson led all scorers with 14 points on 10 kills, a match-high three blocks, and one ace. DeLeye and fellow outside Julia Blyashov each reached double digits and recorded seven kills. DeLeye led all players with four aces to finish with 11 points, while Blyashov contributed two blocks and an ace for 10 points.

Setters Bergen Reilly and Campbell Flynn led the U.S. to a sterling .474 hitting efficiency (46 kills, 9 errors, 76 total attacks). Reilly added two kills and a block. Gary totaled 14 digs, more than twice as many as the next highest total.

Opposite Kennedy Martin scored eight points on six kills and a pair of blocks. Outside Blaire Bayless scored five points in the third set with three kills to go with a block and an ace. Middle blockers Favor Anyanwu (five) and Taylor Harvey (four) combined for nine kills.

DeLeye served for eight consecutive points with two aces in the first set as the U.S. turned a 9-7 lead into a 17-7 advantage. Martin led all scorers with six points on five kills and a block, followed by Blyashov, who scored five points on three kills and two blocks.

After losing the first three points of the second set, Puerto Rico scored 10 of the next 16 points to take a 10-9. The U.S. led by just two points, 16-14, before finishing the set on a 9-2 run. Jackson scored three points in the run and DeLeye added two. DeLeye led the team with six points (four kills, two aces), Blyashov (four kills, one ace) and Jackson (three kills, one block, one ace) each scored five points.

The U.S. took control of the third set with a 13-3 spurt to take an 18-7 lead, ending on a Bayless ace. Play went back and forth for the remainder of the set with Jackson scoring the penultimate U.S. point and outside Abby Vander Wal scoring the gold medal-clinching point on a kill.

With Puerto Rico taking the silver medal and the Dominican Republic defeating host Canada for the bronze medal, all three medalists came from the same preliminary pool.

2024 U.S. Women’s U21 National Team
for the NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship

Name (Pos., Ht., Birth year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
3 Julia Blyashov (OH, 6-3, 2005, San Diego, Calif., Stanford University, Southern California)
4 Blaire Bayless (OH, 6-2, 2005, Plano, Texas, University of Pittsburgh, North Texas)
5 Favor Anyanwu (MB, 6-2, 2006, Rowlett, Texas, Sachse HS, North Texas)
6 Campbell Flynn (S, 6-3, 2006, Rochester Hills, Mich., Mercy HS, Lakeshore)
7 Brooklyn DeLeye (OH, 6-2, 2005, Auburn, Kan., University of Kentucky, Heart of America)
8C Bergen Reilly (S, 6-1, 2005, Sioux Falls, S.D., University of Nebraska, North Country)
10 Taylor Harvey (MB, 6-3, 2006, Bountiful, Utah, Bountiful HS, Intermountain)
11 Ramsey Gary (L, 5-7, 2005, Pendelton, Ind., Indiana University, Hoosier)
14 Andi Jackson (MB, 6-3, 2005, Brighton, Colo., University of Nebraska, Rocky Mountain)
17 Teraya Sigler (OH, 6-2, 2006, Scottsdale, Ariz., Horizon HS, Arizona)
18 Kennedy Martin (OPP, 6-6, 2005, Fort Mill, S.C., University of Florida, Badger)
19 Abby Vander Wal (OH, 6-3, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., Timothy Christian HS, Great Lakes)

Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (BYU)
Assistant Coach: Jaylen Reyes (Nebraska)
Assistant Coach: Alex Dunphy (Stanford)
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham (USC)
Athletic Trainer: Rachel Menze (CSUN)
Team Lead: Courtney Smith (USAV NTDP)

Alternates
1 Lizzy Andrew (MB, 6-5, 2005, Ridgefield, Wash., Ridgefield HS, Columbia Empire)
2 Jaela Auguste (MB, 6-2, 2006, Spring, Texas, Grand Oaks HS, Lonestar)
9 Taylor Anderson (S, 6-1, 2005, San Antonio Texas, Purdue University, Lone Star)
12 Olivia Mauch (L, 5-6, 2005, Bennington, Neb., University of Nebraska, Great Plains)
13 Kamryn Gibadlo (OH, 6-1, 2005, Cave Creek, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona)
15 Abigail Mullen (OPP, 6-3, 2006, Kansas City, Mo., Liberty HS, Heart of America)
16 Logan Parks (OPP,5-11,2006, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley North HS, Heart of America)
20 Laney Choboy (L, 5-3, 2005, Raleigh, N.C., University of Nebraska, Carolina)

U.S. Schedule
for the NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship
(all times PDT)

All matches will be livestreamed on Volleyball Canada’s YouTube.

June 25 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-11)
June 26 USA def. Suriname, 3-0 (25-10, 25-5, 25-9)
June 27 USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-15)
June 28 Quarterfinals (USA received a bye)
June 29 Semifinals, USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-12)
June 30 Gold Medal match, USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-12, 25-16, 25-16)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 29, 2024) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team will play for the gold medal at the 2024 NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship after defeating the Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-12) in the first semifinal on Saturday in Toronto, Canada.

The U.S., who defeated the Dominican Republic in straight sets for the second time in the championship, will play in the final at 1:30 p.m. PT on Sunday (June 30) against Puerto Rico, which defeated host Canada in the second semifinal in straight sets. The U.S. defeated Puerto Rico in the final match of preliminary round play on Thursday.

“I liked the way our offense got going early in the match. Once we started putting some service pressure on, our defense was pretty solid,” said U.S. Women’s U21 head coach Heather Olmstead. “It was a great team win and we’re looking forward to playing in the finals tomorrow.”

The U.S. doubled up the Dominican Republic in kills (42-21), while registering a .410 hitting efficiency (42 kills, 8 errors, 83 attacks). An 11-3 advantage in service aces raised the U.S.’s aces totals to 43 in four matches in the championship, while giving up only four.

Five players scored between nine and 12 points for the balanced U.S. attack. Outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye totaled a team-highs of 10 kills (.529 hitting efficiency) and 12 points. Fellow outside Teraya Sigler finished with 11 points on six kills, two blocks, and shared match-high honors with setter Bergen Reilly with three aces.

Libero Ramsey Gary played an outstanding match on defense and in passing to Reilly, finishing with match-highs of nine successful receptions and 12 digs. Sigler finished with eight digs with DeLeye and Reilly contributing seven and six, respectively.

Middle blocker Andi Jackson hit at a .700 hitting efficiency with eight kills and one error in 10 total attacks, adding a block and an ace to reach double-digits with 10 points. Middle Taylor Harvey led all players with three blocks and added six kills to score nine points, while opposite Kennedy Martin scored nine points on eight kills and a block.

Arian Rodriguez Fung of the Dominican Republic led all scorers with 13 points on 10 kills, a block, and two aces. Katielle Altagracia Alonzo Vargas also reached double-digits for the Dominican Republic, who will play in the bronze medal match.

After splitting the first 16 points of the match, the U.S. scored the next three points to take the lead for good in the first set, 11-8. DeLeye led the team with seven points on six kills and a service ace. Sigler (four kills and one block) and Martin (five kills) each contributed five points.

Six U.S. players scored multiple points in a dominant second set. The U.S. used a 10-1 run to take a 13-5 lead and cruised to victory in the set. DeLeye scored five points on four kills and an ace, and Sigler scored five points on two kills, a block, and two aces. Harvey recorded four kills.

The U.S. continued to roll in the third set, led by Jackson’s six points on four kills, a block, and an ace. Harvey scored four points on two kills and two blocks, and outside hitter Blaire Bayless, who came in with her team leading 15-9, contributed three points on a pair of kills and an ace.

2024 U.S. Women’s U21 National Team
for the NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship

U.S. Schedule
for the NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship
(all times PDT)

All matches will be livestreamed on Volleyball Canada’s YouTube.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 27, 2024) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team secured a spot in the 2024 NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship semifinals with a 3-0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-15) victory over previously unbeaten Puerto Rico on Thursday in Toronto, Canada.

The U.S. (3-0) earned a bye in tomorrow’s quarterfinals and return to the court in the semis on Saturday, June 29, at a time to be announced.

Middle blocker Andi Jackson led all players against Puerto Rico with eight kills and 14 points and shared the team lead with two blocks and three aces. She hit at a .636 efficiency for the match with just one error in 11 attacks.

The U.S. tripled the number of kills by Puerto Rico (42-14) and finished with a 6-1 advantage in blocks and 7-0 in aces.

Opposite Kennedy Martin finished with nine points on six kills and three aces, and Brooklyn DeLeye totaled eight points on six kills, one block and an ace.

Middle Taylor Harvey (three attacks and two blocks) and outside Teraya Sigler (five kills) each contributed five points. Outside hitter Julia Blyashov and middle blocker Favor Anyanwu both scored four points playing only in the third set.

Setters Bergen Reilly and Campbell Flynn led the offense to a .314 hitting percentage and the 28-kill advantage. Libero Ramsey Gary finished with 17 digs, eight more than the next-highest total. She and Sigler paced the squad with seven successful receptions. DeLeye totaled seven digs and five successful receptions, while Flynn recorded five digs. Outside Blaire Bayless added four digs, playing in the third set.

After taking a 6-4 lead in the opening set, the U.S. scored six consecutive points to take an eight-point lead. The U.S. tallied the final seven points of the set to take a 1-0 lead. Martin and DeLeye paced the team with five points each.

The U.S. forced an early timeout by scoring five of the first six points in the second set, eventually building the lead to 11 points (23-12) on back-to-back aces by Jackson. She and Sigler scored five points.

As they did in the first two sets, the U.S. Women started quickly in the third set, jumping out to a 6-1 lead. Jackson led all players with five points with Blyashov and Anvanwu adding four points.

2024 U.S. Women’s U21 National Team
for the NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship

U.S. Schedule
for the NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship
(all times PDT)

All matches will be livestreamed on Volleyball Canada’s YouTube.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 26, 2024) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team dominated Suriname, 3-0 (25-10, 25-5, 25-9) to move to 2-0 at the 2024 NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship on Wednesday in Toronto, Canada.

The U.S. completes preliminary round play tomorrow, June 27, at 10:30 a.m. PT against Puerto Rico. With a win, the U.S. would advance directly to Saturday’s semifinals.

The U.S. finished with a 19-0 advantage in service aces, 36-7 in kills, and 6-2 in blocks. The U.S. Women hit .696 (36 kills with only four errors in 46 attacks) for the match.

Middle blocker Favor Anyanwu led the way with 19 points with nine kills on as many attacks and team-highs of three blocks and six aces. Outside hitter Julia Blyashov paced the team with 10 kills, adding a block and an ace.

Outside hitter Blaire Bayless scored eight points on four kills, one block and three aces. In addition to setting the team to a nearly flawless attack, Campbell Flynn registered five aces and a kill.

Middle Taylor Harvey scored five points while only playing the third set, getting two kills and three aces to complement fellow middle Andi Jackson’s five kills on six attacks in the first two sets.

Libero Ramsey Gary led all players with 10 digs and six successful receptions with outside hitter Abby Vander Wal contributing four digs. Outside Teraya Sigler scored four points on three kills and an ace, and Vander Wal added two kills and a block.

Anyanwu led all players with seven points in the first set on five kills and two aces. She recorded two kills and her aces in the team’s first five points as the U.S. took a 5-1 lead. Bayless registered three of the team’s eight aces in the set and totaled five points.

Anyanwu served three aces in a 6-0 run that gave the U.S. a commanding 11-2 lead in the second set. She finished the set with six points, adding two kills and a block. Blyashov totaled four points on three kills and a block, while Bayless, Jackson and Vander Wal each scored three points.

Harvey served for eight consecutive points, including back-to-back aces, in the third set as the U.S. turned a 6-5 deficit into a 13-6 lead. Harvey, Blyashov and Anyanwu each scored five points in the set with all of Blyashov’s points coming on kills. Flynn served three aces in the set.

2024 U.S. Women’s U21 National Team
for the NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship

U.S. Schedule
for the NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship
(all times PDT)

All matches will be livestreamed on Volleyball Canada’s YouTube.

June 25 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-11)
June 26 USA def. Suriname, 3-0 (25-10, 25-5, 25-9)
June 27 at 10:30 a.m. USA vs Puerto Rico
June 28 Quarterfinals (if necessary)
June 29 Semifinals
June 30 Medal matches

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 25, 2024) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team opened the 2024 NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-11) victory over the Dominican Republic on Tuesday in Toronto, Canada.

The U.S. (1-0) returns to action tomorrow, June 26, at 8 a.m. PT against Suriname.

“I liked the way we competed the entire match. The Dominican Republic started serving us tough and once we settled in with our passing, our offense was able to flow,” said U.S. head coach Heather Olmstead. “Bergen (Reilly) did a good job with distribution as Brooklyn (DeLeye) and our middles (Andi Jackson and Taylor Harvey) took some great swings. We had great energy from the start from the entire team.”

Outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye led all players with 19 kills and 20 points, adding an ace. She hit at a .679 efficiency with just one error in 29 total attacks. Middle blocker Andi Jackson finished with six of the team’s 11 blocks and contributed nine kills with one error in 12 attacks (.750 hitting efficiency).

Setter Bergen Reilly led the offense to a .347 hitting efficiency for the match, including .640 in the third set when the U.S. registered 18 kills and only two errors in 25 total attacks.

Middle Taylor Harvey (six kills and two blocks) and outside Teraya Sigler (seven kills and one ace) each totaled eight points, while opposite Kennedy Martin added five points on three kills and two blocks.

The U.S. finished with a huge 47-27 advantage in kills, 11-7 in blocks and 6-1 in aces. Outside Abby Vander Wal led the team with two aces.

A DeLeye kill off a set from Gary as part of a 5-0 run early in the first, culminating in an ace from Vander Wal, put the U.S. in front to stay in the first set. A Jackson kill ended the longest rally of the set to make it 21-11. The Dominican Republic scored six of the next seven points but could get no closer than five points.

A pair of Jackson blocks helped the U.S. jump out to a 7-3 lead in the second set. On three different occasions that the Dominican Republic pulled within two or three points, DeLeye responded. She scored back-to-back points with the score 15-12 and 17-15, and scored again when the lead was again cut to three, 21-18.

The lead eventually shrank to two points, 23-21, but a kill by Harvey and another by Sigler on a play started by a great dig from Reilly finished the set.

The U.S. controlled the third set from start to finish, causing the Dominican Republic to take its timeouts early with 7-2 and 12-4 deficits. A Sigler kill on an overpass gave the U.S. its first 10-point lead of the set, 18-8, and later her ace made it 22-9. An ace by Campbell Flynn ended the match with the U.S. holding its biggest advantage of the day at 14 points.

All matches will be livestreamed on Volleyball Canada’s YouTube.

2024 U.S. Women’s U21 National Team
for the NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship

U.S. Schedule
for the NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship
(all times PDT)

June 25 USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-11)
June 26 at 8 a.m. USA vs Suriname
June 27 at 10:30 a.m. USA vs Puerto Rico
June 28 Quarterfinals (if necessary)
June 29 Semifinals
June 30 Medal matches

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 24, 2024) – USA Volleyball and its National Team Development Program are happy to announce the 12 players selected to compete at the NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship on June 25-30 in Toronto, Canada.

The team was selected from a group of 20 that trained on June 14-22 in Anaheim, California.

Setters on the team are Campbell Flynn and Bergen Reilly. Reilly is also the team captain. The libero is Ramsey Gary.

The outside hitters are Julia Blyashov, Blaire Bayless, Brooklyn DeLeye, Teraya Sigler and Abby Vander Wal. Kennedy Martin is the opposite.

The middle blockers are Favor Anyanwu, Taylor Harvey and Andi Jackson.

Of this group, Bayless, Blyashov, Sigler and Vander Wal competed on the U19 team that won the 2023 Pan American Cup in Puerto Rico.

Reilly played on the 2021 Girls U18 Team that won bronze at the World Championship and on the 2022 Girls U19 Team that won gold at the Pan American Cup. She also took the silver medal with the U.S. Women’s National Team at the 2022 Pan American Cup Final Six.

Anyanwu, Flynn, Sigler and Vander Wal competed on the U19 team that won gold at the 2023 World Championship in Croatia.

Due to the NCAA season preventing many U21 athletes from competing at the 2023 Women’s U21 World Championship in Mexico, Flynn, Harvey and Vander Wal were among those who stepped up to the challenge and were part of the team that placed sixth.

Martin was a part of the 2023 Women’s U21 Team training for the Pan American Cup in Mexico where the team took home gold.

Gary will be playing on her first U.S. age-group national team.

Heather Olmstead, head coach of the BYU women’s volleyball team, is the Women’s U21 head coach assisted by Jaylen Reyes (Nebraska) and Alex Dunphy (Stanford).

All matches will be livestreamed on Volleyball Canada’s YouTube.

2024 U.S. Women’s U21 National Team
for the NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship

18 Kennedy Martin (OPP, 6-6, 2005, Fort Mill, S.C., University of Florida, Badger)
19 Abby Vander Wal (OH, 6-3, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., Timothy Christian HS, Great Lakes)

U.S. Schedule
for the NORCECA Women’s U21 Continental Championship
(all times PDT)

June 25 at 10:30 a.m. USA vs Dominican Republic
June 26 at 8 a.m. USA vs Suriname
June 27 at 10:30 a.m. USA vs Puerto Rico
June 28 Quarterfinals (if necessary)
June 29 Semifinals
June 30 Medal matches

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 26, 2023) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team finished sixth at the FIVB U21 World Championship after losing to Türkiye 3-1 (26-28, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18) on Saturday in Leon, Mexico.

The United States finished the tournament with a 4-4 record. This is the first time FIVB has held a world championship for the women’s U21 division as the age group classification was changed from U20 to U21 in 2022. The U.S. Women never medaled in the U20 World Championship, although they finished fourth in 2007 and 2011.

“I am very proud of this group in the way they battled in today’s match against Türkiye despite a short turnaround after last night’s five-set match against Mexico,” U.S. Head Coach Tom Hogan said. “What we accomplished at this U21 World Championship with a bunch of 16- and 17-year-olds is nothing short of amazing. Playing against professional and (senior) national team players from around the world accelerated the growth and development of this young group. They represented USA with pride and class, and they grew from this experience.”

Five of the athletes on the U21 team were also part of the Girls U19 team that won gold at the FIVB U19 World Championship on Aug. 11. With most of the top U.S. U21 athletes already beginning their college season, USA Volleyball turned to the U19 athletes, and they were more than up for the challenge.

MATCH STATISTICS (PDF)

Saturday’s matchup was the third meeting between the U.S. and Türkiye in the tournament, with the two teams splitting the previous matches. Not surprisingly, this match was close throughout.

In the first set, the two teams were locked in a battle, and Türkiye led late, 21-19 and 22-21. The U.S. scored three straight points to go up 24-22, but Türkiye scored three to get their first set point at 25-24. A Skyler Pierce kill evened it at 25, but Türkiye went up 26-25 on a kill. But a kill from Pierce, a Türkiye error and then another kill from Pierce gave the U.S. the 28-26 win.

The U.S. never got a foothold against Türkiye in the final three sets. In set two, Türkiye had a lead of 20-12 before the U.S. started chipping away, getting as close as 23-19. But it was too much to overcome, and the U.S. fell 25-20.

In set three, the U.S. led early at 6-3, but Türkiye took the lead at 8-7. The two teams were tied at 15 before Türkiye reeled off four straight points to effectively put the game out of reach. Set four was similar, with the U.S. staying close until a run by Türkiye gave them a 20-13 lead. The U.S. held off five match points before the 25-18 final.

“Türkiye is a very good team, and they played a great match,” U.S. opposite Abigail Mullen said. “With that, I’m super proud of how this team fought all the way to the end. We never let go of the American spirit in the match and even throughout the tournament. This group is very special for many reasons, and I know we all grew as people and players in this tournament.”

Türkiye led in kills (52-50), blocks (12-3) and aces (10-6). They scored 27 points off of U.S. errors while giving up 26.

Outside hitter Emerson Sellman and middle blocker Taylor Harvey both scored 14 points for the U.S. Sellman had 12 kills and two aces while Harvey had 12 kills, one block and one ace.

Pierce finished with 11 points on nine kills and two blocks. Middle blocker Lizzy Andrew scored seven points on seven kills. Setter Izzy Starck had three kills, two aces and 14 digs. Outside hitter Kelly Kinney scored four points on four kills.

Mullen had a kill and an ace, and outside hitter Kaci Demaria had two kills.

Libero Ava Falduto had a team-leading 16 digs and 10 successful receptions.

U.S. Women’s U21 Roster for the 2023 FIVB World Championship

No. Name (Position, Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Lizzy Andrew (MB, 6-5, 2005, Ridgefield, Wash., Ridgefield HS, Columbia Empire)
6 Campbell Flynn (S, 6-3, 2006, Rochester Hills, Mich., Mercy HS, Lakeshore)
8 Kaci Demaria (OH, 6-4, 2007, San Pedro, Calif., Palos Verdes HS, Southern California)
9 Ava Falduto (L, 5-7, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., IC Catholic Prep, Great Lakes)
11 Kelly Kinney (OH, 6-2, 2007, West Palm Beach, Fla., The King’s Academy, Florida)
13C Emerson Sellman (OH, 6-4, 2005, Burtonsville, Md., The Academy of the Holy Cross, Chesapeake)
14 Skyler Pierce (OH, 6-2, 2005, Lenexa, Kan., Olathe Northwest HS, Heart of America)
15 Abigail Mullen (OPP, 6-3, 2006, Kansas City, Mo., Liberty HS, Heart of America)
17 Taylor Harvey (MB, 6-3, 2006, Bountiful, Utah, Bountiful HS, Intermountain)
18 Izzy Starck (S, 6-1, 2006, Melbourne, Fla., Viera HS, Rocky Mountain)
19 Abby Vander Wal (OH, 6-3, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., Timothy Christian HS, Great Lakes)
20 Alec Rothe (MB, 6-3, 2006, Dublin, Ohio, Dublin Scioto HS, Ohio Valley)

Head Coach: Tom Hogan
Assistant Coach: Stacy Sykora
Second Assistant: Lauren Plum
Team Manager: Courtney Smith
Performance Analyst: Evan Metzger
Athletic Trainer: Cherryl-Marie Bueno

U.S. Schedule for the 2023 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship
Matches will be livestreamed on the Volleyball World YouTube channel
All times PDT
Aug. 17 USA def. Cuba, 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-21)
Aug. 18 Türkiye def. USA, 3-1 (25-17, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14)
Aug. 19 USA def. Netherlands, 3-1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-17)
Aug. 21 Italy def. USA, 3-1 (25-19, 25-10, 32-34, 25-17)
Aug. 22 Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-22)
Aug. 23 USA def. Türkiye, 3-1 (23-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-21)
Aug. 25 Classification 5th-8th USA def Mexico 3-2 (23-25, 25-21, 27-25, 24-26, 15-11)
Aug. 26 5th-place match Türkiye def. USA, 3-1 (26-28, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18)

Taylor Harvey attacks for the U.S. Women's U21 Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 25, 2023) – The U.S. Women’s U21 Team will play for fifth place at the FIVB U21 World Championship after outlasting Mexico 3-2 (23-25, 25-21, 27-25, 24-26, 15-11) on Friday in Leon, Mexico.

The United States (4-3) will play Türkiye (4-3) for the third time in the tournament at 1 p.m. PT on Saturday to determine fifth place.

The U.S. led Mexico in blocks (16-7) and aces (8-2) while Mexico led in kills (71-58). The U.S. scored 32 points on Mexico’s errors and gave up 28.

“This young USA group took a huge step in its grown and development tonight,” U.S. Head Coach Tom Hogan said. “Playing against a very good Mexico team in front of a raucous crowd put the team in uncomfortable situations where they had to maintain their composure and respond.”

U.S. middle blocker Taylor Harvey led all scorers with 24 points on 14 kills, a match-high seven blocks and a match-high three aces.

Harvey came up big in the fifth set when she scored five points on three blocks, a kill and an ace.

“This was a hostile environment far from home,” Harvey said. “We banded together, just 12 young girls fighting for one another and the stars and stripes.”

Outside hitter Skyler Pierce finished with 19 points on 16 kills, a block and two aces. She was also credited with 14 digs and eight successful receptions.

Middle blocker Lizzy Andrew scored 18 points on 16 kills, one block and one ace.

Outside hitter Emerson Sellman totaled nine points on five kills and four blocks. She was credited with 14 digs and 12 successful receptions.

Opposite Abigail Mullen added eight points on four kills, three blocks and one ace.

Libero Ava Falduto led the U.S. in digs with 25 and in successful receptions with 19.

Setter Campbell Flynn scored three points on three kills. Outside hitter Kaci Demaria played as a serving substitute and scored an ace. Izzy Starck saw time at setter as a sub for Flynn.

In the fifth set, Mexico jumped out to a 4-1 lead before the U.S. took the lead at 5-4 on a serving run by Harvey that included two U.S. kills. The teams battled and Mexico held a 9-8 lead when the U.S. scored three straight on a Pierce kill and two straight blocks from Harvey. The U.S. reached match point at 14-11 on Harvey’s off-speed kill and won on a Harvey ace.

U.S. Women’s U21 Roster for the 2023 FIVB World Championship

U.S. Women's U21 during National Anthem versus Brazil

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 22, 2023) – The U.S. Women’s U21 Team was swept, 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-22) by Brazil on Tuesday at the 2023 FIVB U21 World Championship in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The U.S. (2-3) plays Türkiye (3-2) at 7 p.m. PT on Wednesday. The teams met in the first round of pool play with Türkiye taking the match in four sets.

MATCH STATISTICS (PDF)

Brazil finished the match with a 42-28 advantage in kills in addition to leading in blocks (10-8) and aces (7-4).

Five U.S. players scored between six and eight points with middle blocker Lizzy Andrew leading the balanced attack with eight points on seven kills and a block.

Outside hitters Emerson Sellman and Abby Vander Wal each scored seven points. Sellman totaled four kills, two blocks, and one ace, while also registering a match-best 22 successful receptions. Vander Wal recorded six kills and a block.

Outside hitter Skyler Pierce finished with five kills and one block, and opposite Abigail Mullen added two kills, a team-high three blocks, and one ace. Libero Ava Falduto led the team with 12 digs and contributed 13 successful receptions. Setter Campbell Flynn also reached double digits in digs with 10.

The U.S. scored the first five points of the match, but Brazil returned from a timeout scoring six of the next seven points. After trailing 15-12, the U.S. Women’s U21 Team went on a 4-1 run to close the game to one, 17-16, but Brazil responded with four consecutive points to take control of the set.

It was Brazil who jumped out to an early lead in the second set (5-1) with the U.S. battling back to keep it close early on. Back-to-back U.S. points cut the lead to three, 16-13, midway through the set, but they could get no closer.

With the U.S. leading 12-11 in the third set, Brazil scored the next five points and 10 of the next 12 points to take a 21-14 lead. The U.S. Women’s U21 squad showed great resolve with a 7-1 run of their own to pull within one point, but Brazil was able to close out the match after the U.S. again cut the lead to one at 23-22.

U.S. Women’s U21 Roster for the 2023 FIVB World Championship

U.S. Schedule for the 2023 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship
Matches will be livestreamed on the Volleyball World YouTube channel
All times PDT
Aug. 17 USA def. Cuba, 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-21)
Aug. 18 Türkiye def. USA, 3-1 (25-17, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14)
Aug. 19 USA def. Netherlands, 3-1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-17)
Aug. 21 Italy def. USA, 3-1 (25-19, 25-10, 32-34, 25-17)
Aug. 22 Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-22)
Aug. 23 USA vs. Türkiye, 7 p.m.
Aug. 25 Semifinals and classification playoffs
Aug. 26 Finals

U.S. Women's U21 Team vs. Italy at 2023 Worlds

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 21, 2023) – The U.S. Women’s U21 Team lost 3-1 (25-19, 25-10, 32-34, 25-17) to undefeated Italy on Monday at the 2023 FIVB U21 World Championship in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The U.S. (2-2) plays Brazil (2-1) at 7 p.m. PT on Tuesday.

MATCH STATISTICS (PDF)

The U.S. Women’s U21 Team finished the match with one more kill (52-51) than Italy, but it was outplayed at the net (15-3 in blocks) and at the service line (8-2 in aces). The U.S. also committed 10 more errors, 33-23.

“Tonight’s match was a great growth and learning opportunity for this young team. Italy played a fantastic match and kept pressure on us with their block and transition offense,” remarked U.S. Head Coach Tom Hogan.

Outside hitter Emerson Sellman led the team with 12 points and 12 kills, one of three U.S. players to score in double digits, adding a team-best 26 successful receptions and seven digs. Middle blockers Lizzy Andrew (nine kills, one block, one ace) and Taylor Harvey (11 kills) contributed 11 points apiece.

Outside hitter Abby Vander Wal finished with nine kills and eight digs, while opposite Skyler Pierce scored seven points on six kills and a block. Libero Ava Falduto led the team with 16 digs and totaled 22 successful receptions.

With the score tied at 17 in the first set, Italy scored seven of the next eight points and ended the set on an 8-2 run. Sellman led the U.S. with four points in the set.

Italy dominated the second set, using a 7-1 early run to take an 11-5 lead and took its biggest lead on set point.

The U.S. fell behind 15-12 in the third set, but then scored the next four points. From there, it was a see-saw set that saw 10 set points before the U.S. finally closed out the set with back-to-back kills from Andrew and Harvey after Italy tied the set at 32.

“I was very proud of the way our team held their poise in a very intense and high-level third set. We fought through several Italian set points to eventually win 34-32. We will learn from this experience, reset, and prepare for a very good Brazil team tomorrow,” Hogan said.

The two middle blockers keyed the attack in the third set with each scoring six points. The two players combined for 11 kills without an error with Harvey recording six and Andrew adding five kills and an ace.

Italy regained the momentum in the fourth set, taking a 15-6 lead and eventually clinching the match. Five players from Italy posted double-digits in points.

There are 16 teams entered in the World Championship. The United States is looking for its first medal at the Women’s U21 World Championship.

U.S. Women’s U21 Roster for the 2023 FIVB World Championship

U.S. Schedule for the 2023 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship
Matches will be livestreamed on the Volleyball World YouTube channel
All times PDT
Aug. 17 USA def. Cuba, 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-21)
Aug. 18 Türkiye def. USA, 3-1 (25-17, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14)
Aug. 19 USA def. Netherlands, 3-1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-17)
Aug. 21 Italy def. USA, 3-1 (25-19, 25-10, 32-34, 25-17)
Aug. 22 USA vs. Brazil, 7 p.m.
Aug. 23 USA vs. Türkiye, 7 p.m.
Aug. 25 Semifinals and classification playoffs
Aug. 26 Finals

USA Women's U21 after Worlds win over Netherlands

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 19, 2023) – The U.S. Women’s U21 Team finished the first round of pool play at the 2023 FIVB U21 World Championship with a 3-1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-17) victory over Netherlands in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The U.S. brings a 2-1 record into the second round of pool play, which commences on Monday.

MATCH STATISTICS (PDF)

The U.S. Women’s U21 squad used advantages in kills (49-41), blocks (11-8), and aces (9-5) to rebound from a first-set loss and take the next three sets to earn the victory.

“Our goal for our match today was to play with the American fighting spirit and our entire team delivered. We executed the game plan and improved our defense and transition offense. This young group took a huge step in their development and represented U.S.A. with pride,” U.S. Head Coach Tom Hogan said. “We look forward to the opportunity to play Brazil, Italy and Türkiye in our next pool as we head into the top eight.”

Outside hitter Abby Vander Wal led the team with 19 points, 12 kills, four blocks and three aces. She finished second on the team with nine digs.

“It was such an amazing match to be a part of,” she said. “This match was a total team effort and put us in a position to continue competing at the highest level of this competition.”

Middle blockers Taylor Harvey and Lizzy Andrew each registered 10 kills. Harvey totaled 13 points, hitting at a .533 efficiency percentage, adding two blocks and one ace. Andrew recorded one block to finish with 11 points, while hitting at a .412 clip.

Outside hitter Emerson Sellman totaled 11 points on nine kills, one block and one ace. Opposite Abigail Mullen contributed eight points on six kills, one block and one ace. Setter Campbell Flynn led the offense to a .296 hitting efficiency percentage and scored five points of her own on a kill, two blocks and two aces.

Libero Ava Falduto led all players with 19 digs, seven more than the leader from Netherlands. She also paced the U.S. with seven successful receptions.

Using a 4-1 run, the U.S. took a 20-19 lead in the first set, but then dropped six of the last seven points in the set, committing a service error and two hitting errors in the process.

Netherlands cut a four-point lead in half to pull within 21-19 in the second set, but two aces, including one by Mullen on set point, led the U.S. to closing the set by scoring four of the final five points.

The U.S. took a 10-point lead, 17-7, in the third set and regained the 10-point advantage with the set-clinching point. Vander Wal scored seven points in the set, hitting .500 with four kills, adding two blocks and one ace. Harvey scored on all four of her attacks, and Flynn recorded both her two blocks and two aces in the set.

Leading 8-7 in the fourth set, the U.S. scored three consecutive points for an 11-7 lead and Netherlands never got closer. Hogan called a timeout when Netherlands cut a seven-point advantage to four, 20-16, and his team responded with four points in a row with a block and kills from Vander Wal, Mullen and Harvey.

There are 16 teams entered in the World Championship. The United States is looking for its first medal at the Women’s U21 World Championship.

U.S. Women’s U21 Roster for the 2023 FIVB World Championship

Emerson Sellman of Women's U21 attacking vs. Türkiye — Captain Emerson Sellman attacking vs. Türkiye

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 16, 2023) – The U.S. Women’s U21 Team dropped to 1-1 at the 2023 FIVB U21 World Championship with a 3-1 (25-17, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14) loss to Türkiye in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The U.S. will play Netherlands at 4 p.m. PDT on Saturday to conclude the first round of pool play.

The U.S. Women’s U21 finished the match with a 45-43 advantage in kills, but Türkiye dominated at the net (15 blocks to five) and at the service line (eight aces to three).

Middle blocker Lizzy Andrew led the U.S. with 12 points on 10 kills and two blocks, hitting at a .450 efficiency percentage with just one error in 20 total attacks. Fellow middle blocker Taylor Harvey totaled 11 points on eight kills, two blocks, and an ace.

Opposite Abigail Mullen contributed nine kills with outside hitters Emerson Sellman and Abby Vander Wal each adding eight points on seven kills and an ace. Sellman led the team with 20 successful receptions with Vander Wal totaling 18.

Libero Ava Fuldato recorded 15 digs and 16 successful receptions. Setter Campbell Flynn posted a pair of kills in the second set and added 11 digs.

“I think we put up a really good fight against a true U21 Türkiye team. They were a really strong team, but we battled throughout the match, and I think it definitely showed that we have the ability to compete against these high-level teams,” Fuldato commented.

Türkiye scored the first four points of the match and led throughout the set, equaling its biggest lead with the 25-17 final score.

Harvey and Vander Wal each hit at a .375 efficiency percentage and scored four points in the second set to help the U.S. even the match. After multiple ties, the U.S. took the lead for good at 20-19 on a kill by Flynn. A Vander Wal ace made it 24-21 and Harvey ended the set with a kill.

Türkiye led most of the third set, taking a four-point lead at 18-14 on an ace. The U.S. trailed 24-21 and fought off two set points before dropping the set. Similar to the first set, Türkiye led throughout the fourth set, scoring the first five points and taking an 11-3 lead.

There are 16 teams entered in the World Championship. The United States is looking for its first medal at the Women’s U21 World Championship.

U.S. Women’s U21 Roster for the 2023 FIVB World Championship

U.S. celebrating in over Cuba in U21 World Championship

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 15, 2023) – The U.S. Women’s U21 Team began the 2023 FIVB U21 World Championship in style with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-21) win over Cuba on Thursday that featured two late rallies in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

MATCH STATISTICS (PDF)

The U.S. will face Türkiye at 4 p.m. PDT on Friday in the second match of pool play.

“I am very proud of the way this group represented USA today,” said U.S. Women’s U21 Head Coach Tom Hogan. “The players held their poise when facing adversity throughout the match, especially in end-of-set situations. This is the starting point for this young group, and we look to grow and improve through each high-level experience as the tournament progresses.”

A balanced attack that saw five players score at least six points led the U.S. squad to advantages in kills (30-27), blocks (7-3) and aces (9-7). Opposite Abigail Mullen shared the match high with 12 points on seven kills, three blocks and two aces.

Outside hitter Skyler Pierce tallied eight points (five kills, two blocks, one ace) and eight successful receptions in her international debut. Outside hitter Emerson Sellman equaled Mullen with seven kills and finished with 17 successful receptions.

“I am proud of our team and our performance today,” Sellman noted. “I think we found ourselves after the first set and carried it with us for the rest of the match.”

Middle blocker Lizzy Andrew also totaled seven points on six kills and an ace. Libero Ava Falduto finished with 10 digs and five successful receptions.

Setter Campbell Flynn recorded a match-high four aces with two kills for six points. Middle blockers Taylor Harvey and Alec Rothe combined for five points playing in their first international competition. Rothe had a block and an ace before suffering an injury midway through the second set.

Cuba led for most of the first set, moving ahead 21-17 before the U.S. rallied for four consecutive points, evening the set on a block by Mullen. After falling back behind, 22-21, the U.S. Women’s U21 scored four of the next five points, culminating the comeback on a kill from Andrew.

The U.S. kept the momentum going in the second set by jumping out to an 8-3 lead. Cuba pulled within two points, 13-11, but a kill on a tip by Sellman sent the U.S. on a 12-3 run to finish the set and take a 2-0 lead.

Cuba trailed 15-12 in the third set before going on a 10-3 run to take a 21-18 lead, but that would be its last point of the match. The U.S. forced a Cuba timeout by tying the set and then a block by Harvey and a kill by Sellman made it 23-21 before two mistakes by Cuba finished the match.

There are 16 teams entered in the World Championship. The United States is looking for its first medal at the Women’s U21 World Championship.

U.S. Women’s U21 Roster for the 2023 FIVB World Championship

U.S. Schedule for the 2023 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship
Matches will be livestreamed on the Volleyball World YouTube channel
All times PDT
Aug. 17 USA def. Cuba, 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-21)
Aug. 18 at 4 p.m. USA vs Türkiye
Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. USA vs Netherlands
Aug. 21-24 Second round of pool play
Aug. 25 Semifinals and classification playoffs
Aug. 26 Finals

Girls U19 Team huddles during World Championship

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 15, 2023) – USA Volleyball has revised its roster for the FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship on Aug. 17-26 in Aguascalientes and Lèon, Mexico.

Middle blockers Lizzy Andrew, Taylor Harvey and Alec Rothe have joined the roster in place of Ayden Ames, Favor Anyanwu and Jaela Auguste.

The rest of the roster for the U21 World Championship remains the same.

The setters are Campbell Flynn and Izzy Starck. The libero is Ava Falduto. The outside hitters are Kaci Demaria, Kelly Kinney, Skyler Pierce, Emerson Sellman and Abby Vander Wal.

Flynn, Mullen, Sellman, Falduto and Vander Wal won the gold medal on Friday (Aug. 11) at the FIVB Girls U19 World Championship. Vander Wal was named Most Valuable Player and Best Outside Hitter.

Andrew, Demaria, Falduto, Starck and Vander Wal competed at the 2023 U19 Pan American Cup.

Harvey, Kinney, Pierce and Rothe will make their international debuts in Mexico.

Tom Hogan, the LOVB Director of Sport and a former assistant with the U.S. Women’s National Team, will serve as the team’s head coach.

He will be assisted by Olympic medalist Stacy Sykora and Lauren Plum, an assistant coach at Vanderbilt.

There are 16 teams entered in the World Championship. The U.S. Women’s U21 Team will have pool play matches against Cuba, Türkiye and Netherlands

The United States is looking for its first medal at the Women’s U21 World Championship. It has finished fourth twice (2007 and 2011) when the event was the U20 World Championship. In 2021, the U.S. team finished fifth.

U.S. Women’s U21 Roster for the 2023 FIVB World Championship

U.S. Schedule for the 2023 FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship
Matches will be livestreamed on the Volleyball World YouTube channel
All times PDT
Aug. 17 at 4 p.m. USA vs Cuba
Aug. 18 at 4 p.m. USA vs Türkiye
Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. USA vs Netherlands
Aug. 21-24 Second round of pool play
Aug. 25 Semifinals and classification playoffs
Aug. 26 Finals

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 28, 2023) – The U.S. Women’s U21 Team defended its title at the NORCECA Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-21) win over Mexico on Sunday in the gold medal match in Nogales, Mexico.

The U.S. Women finished the tournament 5-0 without dropping a set. It was their second Pan Am Cup victory in a row and their third overall.

Chloe Chicoine was named tournament MVP and First Best Outside Hitter. Norah Sis was named Second Best Outside Hitter. Rachel Fairbanks took Best Setter. Gabrielle Essix earned First Best Middle Blocker and libero Lauren Briseño also won Best Receiver.

MATCH STATISTICS

A crowd of 1,800 was on hand to cheer the home team. The Mexican Women’s U21 Team responded in the third set, pulling to within two at 18-16 before the U.S. Women pulled away.

“I thought that Mexico were great hosts this week and it was a wonderful crowd,” U.S. Head Coach Dan Fisher said. “Our girls did a good job of not letting the crowd get to them. I thought our pins were very impressive the whole tournament and hit for very high numbers. Tonight, in the third set, Mexico really took a lot of chances with their serve, and it worked. We had to fight through that storm, and we did. I’m proud of this group.”

The U.S. led Mexico in kills (46-27), blocks (13-4) and aces (6-3). Mexico scored 16 points on U.S. errors while giving up 10.

“I think that we prepared really well for this team, so we knew what to expect,” Fairbanks said. “At times we could have executed better, but in the end, we picked up tips, we worked hard and were the more aggressive team.”

Fairbanks and backup setter Alexis Stucky combined to set the U.S. Women to a .385 hitting efficiency.

Briseño was credited with 10 digs and nine excellent receptions. Chicoine and Sis were also credited with 10 blocks each.

Chicoine led all scorers with 19 points on 12 kills, a match-high five blocks and two aces. Opposite Devin Kahahawai added 14 points on 12 kills and two blocks.

Sis totaled nine points on eight kills and one ace. Middle blocker Bre Kelley finished with nine points on seven kills and two blocks.

Mckenna Wucherer played as a substitute and scored five points on four kills and one block. Essix scored five points on three kills and two blocks.

Fairbanks scored two points with a block and an ace. Substitute Eva Hudson scored two points with two aces.

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 USA def Guatemala, 3-0 (25-8, 25-13, 25-14)
May 25 USA def Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-14)
May 26 USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-11, 25-8, 25-9)
May 27 Semifinal USA def Cuba, 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-20)
May 28 Gold medal: USA def Mexico, 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-21)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 27, 2023) – The U.S. Women’s U21 Team swept Cuba on Saturday (25-15, 25-13, 25-20) to advance to the gold medal match at the NORCECA Pan American Cup in Nogales, Mexico.

The U.S. Women (4-0) will play Mexico (4-0) at 8 p.m. PT on Sunday in the gold medal match. The U.S. Women have not lost a set.

The U.S. Women led Cuba in kills (41-30), blocks (7-6) and aces (10-1). The U.S. Women scored on 17 of Cuba’s errors while committing 11.

MATCH STATISTICS

“We knew that Cuba was a great team and we had to stay calm the whole entire time,” U.S. outside hitter Chloe Chicoine said. “I think the match got emotional, especially at the end. They came back and they had a great run, but I think we stayed calm through it and played our game.”

Chicoine led all scorers with 16 points on 14 kills and two aces. She also led the team in excellent receptions with seven.

Opposite Devin Kahahawai and middle blocker Gabrielle Essix each finished with eight points. Kahahawai scored on seven kills and one block. Essix had a match-high five blocks, one kills and one ace.

“It got a little tight at the end, but we did what we needed to, and overall it was a great game,” Kahahawai said, referring to Cuba’s third-set run that cut the U.S. lead from 18-10 to 22-20 before the U.S. pulled away.

“I think our zone 4 attackers have hit for a very, very high percentage this tournament,” U.S. Head Coach Dan Fisher said. “They’ve been carrying a big load, and Chloe’s a big part of that. I thought Cuba made a nice adjustment putting in No. 6, and she affected the game. But we just had to stay patient and fight it off.”

Outside hitter Norah Sis and middle Bre Kelley each finished with seven points. Sis had five kills and two aces. Kelley had six kills and one ace.

Outside hitter Mckenna Wucherer played as a substitute and had six points on six kills. Starting setter Rachel Fairbanks scored three points on two aces and a block.

Middle Marianna Singletary started the third set and scored one point on an ace. Setter Alexis Stucky played as a substitute and scored with an ace. Outside hitter Eva Hudson played as a substitute and scored with a kill.

U.S. libero Lauren Briseño was credited with 13 digs and seven excellent receptions.

Fairbanks and Stucky combined to set the U.S. Women to a .452 hitting efficiency.

2023 Women’s U21 NORCECA Pan American Cup Roster
Name (Position, Height, Birth Year, Hometown, College, USAV Region)

Head Coach: Dan Fisher
Assistant Coaches: Josh Walker and Jessica Aschenbrenner
Team Leader: Jeffrey Wanderer
Athletic Trainer: Rebecca Duran
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg

U.S. Women’s U21 Schedule for the Pan American Cup
(All times PT)
May 24 USA def Guatemala, 3-0 (25-8, 25-13, 25-14)
May 25 USA def Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-14)
May 26 USA def. Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-11, 25-8, 25-9)
May 27 Semifinal USA def Cuba, 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-20)
May 28 at 8 p.m. Gold medal: USA vs Mexico/Dominican Republic

Female players stand on the sidelines cheering

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 26, 2023) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team swept Costa Rica 3-0 (25-11, 25-8, 25-9) to win Pool B on Friday and advance straight to Saturday night’s semifinals.

The U.S. will play at 6 p.m. Saturday against an as-yet-to-be-determined opponent.

The tournament started a day later than planned, so pool play matches and quarterfinals were both being played Friday. The U.S. wanted to avoid having to play twice in one day, giving the Costa Rica match even more significance.

“It was very important for us to get this win so we could rest tonight, and it was important to continue to play a lot of players,” head coach Dan Fisher said. “Going into the playoffs we want to be fresh. We like the challenge that’s ahead of us.”

Match Statistics (PDF)

The U.S. led Costa Rica in kills (41-14), blocks (13-1) and aces (6-0). Every player on the U.S. team had a chance to play in the match.

Middle blocker Marianna Singletary led all scorers with 13 points on eight kills, three blocks and two aces.

“We felt great on the court,” Singletary said. “Every girl here deserves to be on the team. We are a great family, and we just focused on being consistent; if we play our best, play calm we can take on any opponent. We have really good defense and offense all around, as well as serving pressure. We are coming out to play hard in the next matches.”

McKenna Wucherer scored nine points on eight kills and an ace. Chloe Chicoine scored eight points on four kills, three blocks and an ace. Norah Sis scored seven points on six kills and a block, and Allie Sczech also scored seven (five kills, two blocks). Eva Hudson scored six on four kills, one block and one ace. Also scoring:

Gabrielle Essix: Three points (one kill, two blocks)
Devin Kahahawai: Three points (three kills)
Bre Kelley: Two points (two kills)
Alexis Stucky: Two points (one block, one ace)

Libero Lauren Briseño was credited with five digs and eight receptions (six of them excellent). Hudson led the U.S. with seen digs.

2023 Women’s U21 NORCECA Pan American Cup Roster
Name (Position, Height, Birth Year, Hometown, College, USAV Region)

Head Coach: Dan Fisher
Assistant Coaches: Josh Walker and Jessica Aschenbrenner
Team Leader: Jeffrey Wanderer
Athletic Trainer: Rebecca Duran
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 25, 2023) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team started a little slow but picked up speed and swept the Dominican Republic (25-16, 25-20, 25-14) on Thursday at the NORCECA Pan American Cup in Nogales, Mexico.

The U.S. Women (2-0) will finish pool play at 10 a.m. on Friday against Costa Rica (1-1). The two teams were supposed to have played each other on Tuesday, but the tournament had to be delayed due to travel issues caused by an erupting volcano near Mexico City.

The U.S. Women came out on top with a huge advantage in attacks 42-25, they held a comfortable 13-7 margin in blocks and a 3-0 in aces. The U.S. committed one less scoring error (17-18) than the Dominican Republic.

In the first two sets, the Dominican Republic kept the score close until the U.S. pulled away. In the first set, the teams were tied 13-13 before the U.S. pulled away. In the second set the tie was 15-15.

In the third set, the U.S. jumped out to a 5-1 lead and the Dominican Republic never recovered.

“We had to regroup after each set,” U.S. outside hitter Norah Sis said. “We knew we were starting out slow, but we did make it our goal to start fast in the last set and it all turned out well.

“The Dominican Republic is a really good defensive team. It took us a while to get the middles going, but after we got them in a good rhythm, I think our offense really picked it up.”

Sis and middle blocker Bre Kelley led the U.S. offense with 13 points each. Sis scored on 10 kills, two blocks and one ace. Kelley had eight kills and five blocks.

Opposite Devin Kahahawai added 10 points on nine kills and one ace. Middle Gabi Essix totaled nine points on a match-high six blocks, two kills and one ace.

Outside hitter Chloe Chicoine scored seven points on seven kills.

“We started off each set making a lot of errors and blew a few plays defensively, but we played well at the end of each set,” U.S. Head Coach Dan Fisher said. “Finally in the third set we started well defensively. I think our zone 4 attackers were very good, they were carrying a big load for us even if our middles weren’t going. They were serving a lot of balls to Norah, and she passed really well. I am very pleased with our serve-receive.”

Outside hitter McKenna Wutcherer played as a substitute and scored three points on three kills. Outside hitter Eva Hudson played as a substitute and scored two points on two kills. Middle Marianna Singletary scored one point with a kill.

Starts setter Rachel Fairbanks set the team to a .297 hitting efficiency. Libero Lauren Briseño was credited with 18 digs and five receptions. Sis led in receptions with nine and Chicoine had eight.

2023 Women’s U21 NORCECA Pan American Cup Roster
Name (Position, Height, Birth Year, Hometown, College, USAV Region)

Head Coach: Dan Fisher
Assistant Coaches: Josh Walker and Jessica Aschenbrenner
Team Leader: Jeffrey Wanderer
Athletic Trainer: Rebecca Duran
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg

U.S. Women’s U21 Schedule for the Pan American Cup
(All times PT)
May 24 USA def Guatemala, 3-0 (25-8, 25-13, 25-14)
May 25 USA def Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-14)
May 26 10 a.m.: 4 p.m.: USA vs. Costa Rica
Quarterfinals
May 27 Classifications and Semifinals
May 28 Classifications and Finals

U.S. Women's U21 Team competing at Pan Am Cup

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 12, 2022) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team defeated Argentina 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 25-22, 25-14) on Sunday to win the Pan American Cup at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.

It is the second time the U.S. has won the title. The last time was in 2017.

Both the U.S. Women (5-0) and Argentina (4-2) qualified for the 2023 FIVB U21 World Championship.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS

U.S. opposite Merritt Beason was named tournament MVP and Chloe Chicoine of the United States was named Best Spiker.

Beason led the U.S. in scoring on Sunday with 17 points on a team-high 14 kills and a team-high three blocks. Middle blocker Bekka Allick added 14 points on 12 kills and two blocks.

“Going into the third set after losing the second, our minds were set on working hard, focus on the controllable and loving hard on each other because we are all such competitive, independent strong women that uplift one another,” Allick said. “When I’m given the opportunity, I always take advantage, everyone gets their moments, I’m on a great team.”

U.S. libero and Team Captain Lexi Rodriguez was credited with 24 digs and 12 excellent receptions.

Overall, the U.S. Women led Argentina in kills, 53-42. Argentina led in aces 6-4 and blocks 12-9. The U.S. scored 30 points on Argentina’s errors and committed 21 errors.

The U.S. won the first set without much trouble. Argentina turned up the pressure with its serving and blocking in the second set and the U.S. struggled to respond.

“I think the players were feeling a little tense for a while, but we worked through it and settled down in our reception,” U.S. Head Coach Dan Fisher said. “We also got some nice energy from players coming off the bench and ended the fourth set playing good volleyball. Argentina is very good and put a lot of stress on us with their serves, but that’s what good teams do.”

Argentina rode the momentum into the third set where it opened a 5-0 lead. Argentina still led at 16-13 when the U.S. scored three straight points behind the serves of middle blocker Bre Kelley to tie the score at 16-16. Trailing 18-19, the U.S. used another serving run by Chicoine to lead 21-19 and it did not trail again in the set.

The U.S. held an 8-6 lead at the first technical timeout of set 4 and did not relinquish it.

Kelley finished with 10 points on eight kills, one block and one ace. Chicoine added seven points on six kills and one ace.

Outside hitter Mckenna Wucherer, who entered the match as a substitute in the second set and started the third and fourth, scored seven points on six kills and one block.

Outside hitter Devin Kahahawai played as a substitute and scored five points on four kills and one block. Setter Alexis Stucky, who played as a substitute, scored three points on one kill and a team-high two aces.

Outside hitter Norah Sis started the first and second sets and scored two points on a kill and a block. Outside hitter Elia Rubin, who played as a substitute, scored one point with a kill.

Starting setter Rachel Fairbanks combined with Stucky to set the U.S. to a .234 hitting efficiency. Argentina hit .123.

U.S. Women’s U21 National Team
No. Name (position, height, hometown, HS grad year, USAV region, college or college commitment)

1 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., 2020, Great Lakes, Nebraska)
3 Chloe Chicoine (OH, 5-10, Lafayette, Ind., 2023, Hoosier, Purdue)
4 Rachel Fairbanks (S, 6-0, Santa Ana, Calif., 2021, Southern California, Pitt)
6 Elia Rubin (OH, 6-1, Brentwood, Calif., 2022, Southern California, Stanford)
7 Mckenna Wucherer (OH, 6-1, Brookfield, Wis., 2022, Badger, Minnesota)
8 Raven Colvin (MB, 6-1, Indianapolis, Ind., 2021, Hoosier, Purdue)
9 Norah Sis (OH, 6-2, Papillion, Neb., 2021, Great Plains, Creighton)
11 Alexis Stucky (S, 6-2, Laramie, Wyo., 2022, Rocky Mountain, Florida)
15 Merritt Beason (OPP, 6-3, Gardendale, Ala., 2020, Southern, Florida)
16 Bekka Allick (MB, 6-3, Waverly, Neb., 2022, Great Plains, Nebraska)
18 Bre Kelley (MB, 6-4, Rockwall, Texas, 2020, North Texas, Florida)
19 Devin Kahahawai (OH, 6-4, Kailua, Hawaii, 2022, Aloha, Texas)

Head Coach: Dan Fisher (Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh)
Assistant Coach: Jon Newman-Gonchar (Head Coach, University of New Mexico)
Assistant Coach: Heather Olmstead (Head Coach, BYU)
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham (Technical Coordinator, USC)
Team Leader: Kyle Thompson (Director of Volleyball Operations, Maryland)

Women’s U21 Pan American Cup Schedule
(All times PDT)

Pool Play
June 7
Puerto Rico def Dominican Republic, 3-2 (25-23, 27-29, 25-22, 24-26, 16-14)
Argentina def Canada, 3-0 (25-17, 25-8, 25-22)
United States def Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-8, 25-4, 25-8)
Mexico def Honduras, 3-0 (25-7, 25-18, 25-8)

June 8
Cuba def Puerto Rico, 3-1 (23-25, 25-16, 29-27, 25-22)
Argentina def Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-12, 25-12, 25-11)
United States def Canada, 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-22)
Mexico def Chile, 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-20)

June 9
Canada def Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 25-11)
Dominican Republic def Cuba, 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-17)
Chile def Honduras, 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-7)
United States def Argentina 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 22-25, 27-25)

June 10
Dominican Republic def Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-18)
Canada def Honduras, 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-9)
QF1: Argentina def Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 25-13)
QF2: Chile def Cuba, 3-0 (26-24, 25-22, 27-25)

June 11
Costa Rica def Honduras, 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-17)
Canada def Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-22)
United States def Chile, 3-0 (25-11, 25-13, 25-9)
Argentina def Mexico, 3-1 (26-24, 27-25, 28-30, 25-7)

June 12
Class 5/6: Cuba def Puerto Rico, 3-2 (17-25, 25-15, 25-13, 18-25, 15-11)
Bronze: Mexico def Chile, 3-0 (26-24, 25-11, 25-19)
Gold: USA vs Argentina, 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 25-22, 25-14)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 11, 2022) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team will play for the gold medal at the Pan American Cup after beating Chile 3-0 (25-11, 25-13, 25-9) in the semifinals on Saturday in La Paz, Mexico.

The victory also qualified the U21 Team (4-0) for the 2023 FIVB World Championship. The top two teams at the tournament qualified.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS

The U21 Team will play Argentina (4-1) in the final at 7 p.m. PT on Sunday. Watch live at facebook.com/babisuritv.

The U.S. dominated Chile in kills (43-18), aces (12-2) and blocks (9-4).

Libero and Team Captain Lexi Rodriguez said the U.S. focused on defense.

“We went out with defensive intensity,” Rodriguez said. “We knew they were going to be a scrapy team, so we just stuck to that.”

Rodriguez finished with 11 digs and five excellent receptions.

Every player on the U.S. roster got playing time and every player except Rodriguez scored at least one point.

Middle blocker Bre Kelley led the U.S. scoring with nine kills (.900 hitting efficiency), a match-high three blocks and one ace.

Outside hitter Mckenna Wucherer, who subbed in the second set and started the third, added 11 points on seven kills (.462), three aces and one block.

Outside hitter Chloe Chicoine finished with eight points on eight kills (.412). Opposite Merritt Beason scored eight points on seven kills and one block.

Outside hitter Norah Sis, who started the first two sets, scored seven points on six kills and one block.

Middle Raven Colvin, who started the second and third sets, scored six points on a match-high four aces, one block and one kill.

Opposite Devin Kahahawai, who played as a substitute, scored five points on five kills.

Starting setter Rachel Fairbanks scored three points on one kills, one block and one ace. Fairbanks combined with backup Alexis Stucky, who started the third set, to set the U.S. to a .493 hitting efficiency.

Middle Bekka Allick started the first set and scored one point with a block. Outside hitter Elia Rubin played as a substitute and scored one point with a block.

U.S. Women’s U21 National Team
No. Name (position, height, hometown, HS grad year, USAV region, college or college commitment)

Women’s U21 Pan American Cup Schedule
(All times PDT)

June 12
3 p.m. Class 5/6: Puerto Rico vs Cuba
5 p.m. Bronze: Mexico vs Chile
7 p.m. Gold: USA vs Argentina

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 9, 2022) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team held off surging Argentina and won their final pool play match, 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 22-25, 27-25) on Thursday at the Pan American Cup in La Paz, Mexico.

With the win, the U.S. (3-0) takes its pool and advances straight to Saturday’s semifinals where it will play Chile (2-1) at 5 p.m. PT. Mexico (2-0) will play Argentina (3-1) in the other semifinal at 7 p.m. Watch live at facebook.com/babisuritv.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS

The U.S. Women led Argentina in kills (59-41) and blocks (15-9). Argentina led in aces (10-5). It also scored 27 points on U.S. errors while committing 20.

“We were playing very consistently, I liked how we performed both offensively and defensively,” U.S. Head Coach Dan Fisher said. “Congratulations to Argentina for changing the game with a very strong service game; that got the crowd going. I thought we settled back in the middle of the fourth set, by receiving the ball better and we got some nice contributions from Elia Rubin coming off the bench. We are excited for the playoffs.”

After handily winning the first two sets, the U.S. Women led the third 18-12 when Argentina went on a 10-1 run to take a 22-19 lead. Argentina took set point at 24-20. The U.S. scored two more points before Argentina took the set on a U.S. error.

Argentina led the fourth set 11-6 when the U.S. used a 6-1 run to tie the score at 12s. The teams battled back and forth. Argentina took set point at 24-23, but the U.S. fought it off with an attack from Beason. A U.S. error gave Argentina a second set point at 25-24, but Sis scored a point with a kill.

The U.S. took match point on an ace from Sis and won the match on a block from Kelley.

Opposite Merritt Beason led all scorers with 28 points on a match-high 25 kills and three blocks. Outside hitter Norah Sis added 15 points on 13 kills, one block and one ace.

Middle blocker Bre Kelley scored 12 points on seven kills and five blocks. Middle Bekka Allick also had five blocks to go with two kills and one ace for eight points.

Outside hitter Chloe Chicoine had eight points on eight kills. Libero Lexi Rodriguez was credited with 19 digs and 14 excellent receptions.

Setter Rachel Fairbanks scored four points on one kill and a team-high three aces. She combined with backup setter Alexis Stucky to set the U.S. to a .288 hitting efficiency.

Rubin and opposite Devin Kahahawai, who both played as substitutes, each scored two points.

U.S. Women’s U21 National Team
No. Name (position, height, hometown, HS grad year, USAV region, college or college commitment)

Head Coach: Dan Fisher (Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh)
Assistant Coach: Jon Newman-Gonchar (Head Coach, University of New Mexico)
Assistant Coach: Heather Olmstead (Head Coach, BYU)
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham (Technical Coordinator, USC)
Athletic Trainer: Wyatt Blue (Game Time Sports Medicine)
Team Leader: Kyle Thompson (Director of Volleyball Operations, Maryland)

Women’s U21 Pan American Cup Schedule
(All times PDT)

June 11
1 p.m. Costa Rica vs Honduras
3 p.m. Dominican Republic vs Canada
5 p.m. United States vs Chile
7 p.m. Mexico vs Argentina

June 12
Classification and medal matches

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 8, 2022) – The U.S. Women’s U21 Team got it second straight sweep on Wednesday at the Pan American Cup when it beat Canada 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-22) in La Paz, Mexico.

The U.S. Women (2-0) will play Argentina (2-0) at 7 p.m. PT on Thursday to determine the pool winner. Watch live at facebook.com/babisuritv. The top two finishing teams at the Pan Am Cup will qualify for the 2023 FIVB World Championship.

The team statistics were very close between the two teams. Canada led in kills (34-31), the teams were tied in blocks (9-9) and the U.S. had a slight lead in aces (6-5). However, the U.S. Women scored 29 points on Canada’s errors while giving up only 10.

Each set stayed close until the teams reached double figures, when the U.S. Women would pull away. In the third set, Canada led by two before the U.S. Women could come back and win.

“We started off every set too slow,” U.S. Head Coach Dan Fisher said. “Canada changed No. 4 (Emoni Bush) to opposite and it was good for them.

“We will study Argentina. They have very strong attackers, and it will be a tough match. I am confident that my team will do well.”

Opposite Merritt Beason led the U.S. in scoring with 11 points on seven kills, two blocks and two aces. Outside hitter Norah Sis added 10 points on eight kills and two blocks.

Libero and Team Captain Lexi Rodriguez was credited with 11 digs and five excellent receptions. Outside hitter Chloe Chicoine led in excellent receptions with seven.

Chicoine scored eight points on seven kills and one ace. Middle blocker Bre Kelley had eight points on five kills, two blocks and one ace.

Devin Kahahawai, who subbed for Beason at opposite, scored five points on a team high three blocks and two kills. Middle Bekka Allick scored three points on two kills and an ace. Setter Alexis Stucky, who subbed for starter Rachel Fairbanks and started the third set, scored one point with an ace.

Fairbanks and Stucky combined to set the U.S. Women to a .257 hitting efficiency. Canada hit .151.

U.S. Women’s U21 National Team
No. Name (position, height, hometown, HS grad year, USAV region, college or college commitment)

Head Coach: Dan Fisher (Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh)
Assistant Coach: Jon Newman-Gonchar (Head Coach, University of New Mexico)
Assistant Coach: Heather Olmstead (Head Coach, BYU)
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham (Technical Coordinator, USC)
Athletic Trainer: Wyatt Blue (Game Time Sports Medicine)
Team Leader: Kyle Thompson (Director of Volleyball Operations, Maryland)

Women’s U21 Pan American Cup Schedule
(All times PDT)

June 9
1 p.m. Costa Rica v Canada
3 p.m. Dominican Republic v Cuba
5 p.m. Chile v Honduras
7 p.m. Argentina v United States

June 10
Classification and Quarterfinals

June 11
Classification and semifinals

June 12
Classification and medal matches

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 7, 2022) – The United States overpowered Costa Rica 3-0 (25-8, 25-4, 25-8) on Tuesday in their first match at the sixth edition of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup at the Arena La Paz in Baja California Sur.

The top two finishing teams at the Pan Am Cup will qualify for the 2023 FIVB World Championship. On Wednesday, the United States (1-0) will play Canada (0-1) at 5 p.m. PT. Watch live at facebook.com/babisuritv.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS

The U.S. Women dominated from the service line and led in aces 14-0. They also led in kills (39-10) and blocks (7-0) and scored 75 points on opponent errors while committing 20. Every player on the U.S. roster saw time on the court.

“We kept our service pressure strong the whole match,” U.S. Head Coach Dan Fisher said. “It was a good opportunity for us to play a lot of players. We are a new team together. The hitters and setters are still learning from each other. We’ve only trained for a week, so it was a nice beginning for us.”

Outside hitter Chloe Chicoine led the United States with 13 points on a match-high 10 kills (.769 hitting efficiency) and three aces; opposite Merritt Beason scored eight points on six kills (.556), one block and one ace.

Libero and team captain Lexi Rodriguez was credited with 18 digs and three excellent receptions.

The U.S. Women had a .712 hitting efficiency behind starting setter Rachel Fairbanks and Alexis Stucky, who started the third set.

Middle blockers Bekka Allick, Bre Kelley and Raven Colvin and opposite Devin Kahahawai each scored six points. Allick scored on six kills. Kelley had three aces to go with three kills. Colvin had two blocks and one ace with three kills. Kahahawai finished with five kills and one block.

Fairbanks scored five points on a match-high four aces and one block. Outside hitter Norah Sis scored three points on three kills. Outside hitter Elia Rubin had two points on two kills.

Fisher started Fairbanks at setter, Chicoine and Sis at the outsides, Allick and Kelley in the middle, Beason at opposite and Rodriguez at libero.

U.S. Women’s U21 National Team
No. Name (position, height, hometown, HS grad year, USAV region, college or college commitment)

Head Coach: Dan Fisher (Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh)
Assistant Coach: Jon Newman-Gonchar (Head Coach, University of New Mexico)
Assistant Coach: Heather Olmstead (Head Coach, BYU)
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham (Technical Coordinator, USC)
Athletic Trainer: Wyatt Blue (Game Time Sports Medicine)
Team Leader: Kyle Thompson (Director of Volleyball Operations, Maryland)

Women’s U21 Pan American Cup Schedule
(All times PDT)

June 8
1 p.m. Cuba v Puerto Rico
3 p.m. Argentina v Costa Rica
5 p.m. United States v Canada
7 p.m. Mexico v Chile

June 9
1 p.m. Costa Rica v Canada
3 p.m. Dominican Republic v Cuba
5 p.m. Chile v Honduras
7 p.m. Argentina v United States

June 10
Classification and Quarterfinals

June 11
Classification and semifinals

June 12
Classification and medal matches

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 4, 2022) – Twelve players have been selected to represent USA Volleyball on the 2022 U.S. Women’s Under-21 National Team at the Pan American Cup.

The 12 were chosen from a training team of 20 that has been working out at Centenary College in Shreveport, La. They will travel to La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico to compete at the U21 Pan American Cup on June 7-12.

Libero and team captain Lexi Rodriguez returns from the U20 National Team that placed fifth at the 2021 FIVB World Championship in Netherlands. The FIVB has changed the age-group parameters for girls and women’s national teams to match those of the boys and men’s teams.

Five players on the team played on the U18 National Team that took bronze at the 2021 FIVB World Championship in Mexico: Middle blocker Bekka Allick, outside hitters Chloe Chicoine, Devin Kahahawai and Mckenna Wucherer and setter Alexis Stucky.

Athletes competing on their first age group national team are setter Rachel Fairbanks, opposite Merritt Beason, middles Raven Colvin and Bre Kelley and outsides Elia Rubin and Norah Sis.

Dan Fisher, women’s volleyball head coach at the University of Pittsburgh, is the U21 head coach. His assistants are Jon Newman-Gonchar, head coach at the University of New Mexico, and Heather Olmstead, head coach at BYU.

“I am honored to be asked to lead the U.S. Women’s U21 National Team this year,” Fisher said. “I’m grateful for the trust that Karch Kiraly and USA Volleyball are putting in me and my staff. I’m excited to work with some of the best players in the United States in this age group and hope to represent this country with pride.”

Virginia Pham, technical coordinator at the University of Southern California, is the performance analyst. Kyle Thompson, director of volleyball operations at the University of Maryland, is the team leader. Wyatt Blue of Game Time Sports Medicine is the athletic trainer.

The Pan American Cup is a qualifier for the 2023 FIVB U21 World Championship. Ten teams are competing in three pools to begin the tournament. The United States will share Pool C with Argentina, Canada and Costa Rica. Pool A will include Dominican Republic, Cuba and Puerto Rico while Pool B holds Mexico, Chile and Honduras.

U.S. Women’s U21 National Team
No. Name (position, height, hometown, HS grad year, USAV region, college or college commitment)

Head Coach: Dan Fisher (Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh)
Assistant Coach: Jon Newman-Gonchar (Head Coach, University of New Mexico)
Assistant Coach: Heather Olmstead (Head Coach, BYU)
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham (Technical Coordinator, USC)
Athletic Trainer: Wyatt Blue (Game Time Sports Medicine)
Team Leader: Kyle Thompson (Director of Volleyball Operations, Maryland)

Women’s U21 Pan American Cup Schedule
(All times PDT)

Pool Play
June 7
1 p.m. Dominican Republic v Puerto Rico
3 p.m. Argentina v Canada
5 p.m. United States v Costa Rica
7 p.m. Mexico v Honduras

June 8
1 p.m. Cuba v Puerto Rico
3 p.m. Argentina v Costa Rica
5 p.m. United States v Canada
7 p.m. Mexico v Chile

June 9
1 p.m. Costa Rica v Canada
3 p.m. Dominican Republic v Cuba
5 p.m. Chile v Honduras
7 p.m. Argentina v United States

June 10
Classification and Quarterfinals

June 11
Classification and semifinals

June 12
Classification and medal matches

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 2, 2019) – The current U.S. Women’s National Team Weekly Update highlights the annual Open tryouts for spots on the national and collegiate national teams, a book co-authored by a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, a podcast by a 2020 Olympic hopeful on WGN Radio and other Team USA news from around the world.

WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OPEN TRYOUTS: The annual U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryout is scheduled for Feb. 21-23, 2020, at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center (OPTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A vast majority of the current U.S. Women’s National Team athletes have participated in past open tryouts and earned spots into the pipeline, whether going directly to the senior level team or using their selection to the U.S. Collegiate National Team program as a springboard to the national team in future years. The tryout will evaluate athletes for both the U.S. Women’s National Team and the U.S. Collegiate National Team program for athletes who have remaining collegiate eligibility after the 2019-20 season. The tryout is open to current U.S. citizens who are college-age athletes and older born in the years 1994-2001 inclusive. Athletes born prior to 1994 need to contact USA Volleyball at [email protected] for approval to attend.

KELSEY ROBINSON AUTHORS BOOK: Kelsey Robinson has a popular website and YouTube destination that she and her fiancé Brian Cook manage that shows life as a pro volleyball player. Now, the 2016 Olympic volleyball bronze medalist has co-authored an e-book titled Beachside Guide with her good friend and food blogger Belinda Kraemer. The book is a collection of 17 recipes, four workouts, journaling topics and more! The Beachside Guide is a perfect gift this holiday season, and can be bought online at click here.

CARLINI PODCAST WITH WGN RADIO IN CHICAGO: Lauren Carlini took time out of her schedule while in Russia to discuss with WGN Radio 720 in Chicago about turning her passion into a profession. She discusses her past, her upcoming goals of winning gold in Tokyo setting for Team USA and her impression of volleyball in the United States. Listen to the podcast at click here.

CLUB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: The U.S. Women’s National Team has four players competing in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship with their professional teams this week. Chiaka Ogbogu (Coppell, Texas) and Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon) are playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano, while Megan Courtney (Dayton, Ohio) and Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma) are competing for Igor Gorgonzola Novara. In group play, Conegliano faces Turkey’s Eczacibasi to open pool play on Dec. 2, followed by China’s Guangdong Evergrande on Dec. 4 and Brazil’s Itambe Minas on Dec. 6. In Group B, Novara will play China’s Tianjin Bohai Bank on Dec. 3, Turkey’s VakifBank on Dec. 5 and Brazil’s Dentil Praia Clube on Dec. 6. All matches can be watched live on FloVolleyball.tv.

LARSON WITH SHANGHAI IN CHINESE LEAGUE: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Shanghai in the Chinese Super League this winter. Shanghai defeated Bayan Nanchang 25-17, 18-15, 24-26, 25-16, 15-8 in a five-set thriller to open the second phase of the Chinese league playoffs. Larson scored 25 points in the victory with 22 kills on 44 swings, two blocks and an ace. She was credited with a 68 positive reception percent on 22 chances. Shanghai is grouped with Beijing Auto, Shandong and Bayi Nanchang in Group E.

BARTSCH-HACKLEY, DIXON WITH BEIJING AUTO IN CHINESE LEAGUE: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Champaign, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) and middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Beijing Auto in the Chinese Super League this winter. Beijing Auto defeated Shandong 25-19, 26-24, 23-25, 25-22 on Nov. 30 to start the second phase of the Chinese Super League. Bartsch-Hackley tallied 22 kills on 52 swings and four aces for 26 points. She added a 76 positive reception percent on 17 chances. Dixon chipped in seven kills on 16 swings and five blocks for 12 points. Beijing Auto is grouped with Shanghai, Shandong and Bayi Nanchang in Group E.

OGBOGU, HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Chiaka Ogbogu (Coppell, Texas, Instagram, Twitter) and outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) are playing in the Italian Serie A1 and European Champions League for Imoco Volleyball Conegliano this winter. Conegliano moved to 2-0 in the European Champions League after sweeping C.S.M. Volei Alba Blaj 25-22, 25-14, 25-22 on Nov. 27. Ogbogu contributed eight kills on 13 attacks and four blocks for 12 points in the victory. Hill was a sub in the first and third sets. Conegliano (2-0, 5 points) returns to Champions League action on Dec. 17 against Pool D leader Nantes (2-0, 6 points). Conegliano is also competing the eight-team FIVB Women’s Club World Championship Dec. 3-8 in Shaoxing, China. They are placed in Group A with Turkey’s Eczacibasi, China’s Guandong Evergrande and Brazil’s Itamba Minas. Conegliano (9-0, 26 points), which sits atop the Italian Serie A league with a full two match lead in the loss column, returns to action on Dec. 12 against last place Bartoccini Fortinfissi Perugia (1-7, 5 points).

COURTNEY, HANCKOCK WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Libero/outside hitter Megan Courtney (Dayton, Ohio, Instagram) and setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1 and European Champions League this winter. Novara was upset by Allianz MTV Stuttgart 11-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-23 on Nov. 27. Courtney piled up 17 points in the loss with 16 kills on 30 attacks and a block. She added 22 receptions with a 55 positive percent. Hancock set Novara to a 47 kill percent while chipping in four kills on eight errorless attacks. “They played really well and we could not stand a chance today,” Courtney said after the match. Novara (1-1, 3 points) returns to Champions League action on Dec. 17 against Poland’s LKS Comercecon Lodz (2-0, 4 points), which leads Pool C. Novara is also competing the eight-team FIVB Women’s Club World Championship Dec. 3-8 in Shaoxing, China. They are grouped in Pool B with Brazil’s Dentil Praia Clube, China’s Tianjin Bohai Bank and Turkey’s VakifBank. In the Italian Serie A1, Novara (6-3, 17 points), now in fourth place, plays ninth-place Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri (3-5, 10 points) on Dec. 12.

WASHINGTON, LOWE WITH BUSTO ARSIZIO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Haleigh Washington (Colorado Springs, Colorado, Instagram, Twitter) and opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, California, Instagram) are playing for Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio in the Italian Serie A1 and CEV Cup this winter. Busto Arsizio rallied to defeat Savino Del Benne Scandicci 20-25, 25-20, 20-25, 25-19, 15-12 on Dec. 1. Lowe carried 24 points to the stat sheet with 19 kills on 44 swings, four blocks and an ace. Washington added 11 kills on 17 attacks in the victory. Busto Arzisio (7-2, 22 points), now in second place, faces third-place Pomi Casalmaggiore (6-3, 19 points) on Dec. 8 in its next Italian Serie A1 match. Busto Arsizio is in the 16th Finals Round of the CEV Cup and will face VK Up Olomouc on Dec. 4 and Dec. 19.

ALHASSAN WITH CASERTA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Rhamat Alhassan (Glenarden, Maryland, Instagram, Twitter) is competing for Golden Tulip Volato 2.0 Caserta in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Caserta lost to Lardini Filottrano 25-22, 25-15, 24-26, 25-22 on Dec. 1. Alhassan notched four kills and two blocks for six points in the loss. Caserta (2-7, 7 points), which is in 12th place, challenges 11th-place Zanetti Bergamo (3-6, 10 points) on Dec. 8.

FOECKE WITH FIRENZE IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Mikaela Foecke (West Point, Iowa, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Il Bisonte Firenze in the Italian Serie A1 for the 2019-2020 season. Firenze was handed a 33-31, 25-19, 25-21 setback to third-place Pomi Casalmaggiore. Foecke turned in seven kills and a block for eight points. Firenze (6-4, 18 points), which fell to fourth place, meets eighth-place Lardini Filottrano (4-5, 11 points) on Dec. 15 in its next league match.

CUTTINO WITH CASALMAGGIORE IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Opposite Danielle Cuttino (Indianapolis, Indiana, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Epiu Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 during the 2019-2020 pro season. Casalmaggiore swept Il Bisonte Firenze 33-31, 25-19, 25-21 on Dec. 1. Cuttino provided Casalmaggiore with 12 kills on 24 swings and three aces for 15 points. Casalmaggiore (6-3, 19 points), which is in fifth place, returns to action on Dec. 8 against second-place Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio (7-2, 21 points).

JONES-PERRY WITH BRESCIA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Roni Jones-Perry (West Jordan, Utah, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Banca Valsabbina Millenium Brescia in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Brescia lost to Saugella Monza 25-27, 25-23, 25-17, 25-20 on Dec. 1. Jones-Perry totaled 14 kills on 36 attacks with a 65 positive reception percent on 23 chances. Brescia (4-6, 11 points), now in ninth place, returns to action on Dec. 14 against 11th-place Zanetti Bergamo (3-6, 10 points).

ROBINSON WITH FENERBAHCE IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Website)) is playing for Fenerbahce in the Turkish League and European Champions League this winter. Fenerbahce evened its European Champions League record at 1-1 following a 25-20, 25-12, 25-13 victory over Budowlani Lodz on Nov2. 28. Fenerbahce returns to Champions League action on Nov. 28 against Poland’s Budowlani Lodz (1-0). Robinson scored nine kills on 15 errorless attacks with two aces on eight serves and a block for 12 points. She was credited with a 64 excellent reception percent on 14 errorless chances. Fenerbahce resumes Champions League action on Dec. 18. In the Turkish league, Fenerbahce swept Karayollari 25-12, 25-16, 25-19 on Nov. 30. Robinson collected 12 kills on 21 attacks and an ace for 13 points. She was credited with five receptions in the victory. Fenerbahce (9-2, 26 points) closed out the first half of the season tied for third place.

CARLINI WITH DINAMO MOSCOW IN RUSSIA LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Dinamo Moscow in the Russia Super League and the European Champions League. Dinamo Moscow improved to 2-0 in the European Champions League with a 25-18, 22-25, 25-17, 25-17 victory over Bulgaria’s Maritza Plovdiv on Nov. 27. Carlini set Dinamo to a 45 kill percent and added one individual kill and a block for two points in the victory. Dinamo (2-0, 6 points) will play Pool E second-place RC Cannes (2-0, 5 points) on Dec. 17 in its third Champions League match. Dinamo swept Minchanka 25-12, 25-7, 25-10 on Dec. 1. Carlini set Dinamo Moscow to a 56 kill percent and .486 hitting efficiency (39-5-70). She added one kill on one attack. Dinamo Moscow (3-4, 11 points), in sixth place, resumes Russia Super League action on Dec. 8 against fifth-place Sakhalin (5-2, 13 points). Dinamo will face Uralochka in the Russia Cup semifinals on Dec. 25.

DREWS WITH JT MARVELOUS IN JAPAN V-LEAGUE: Opposite Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana, Instagram, Twitter) is playing in the Japan V-League this winter with JT Marvelous. JT Marvelous blanked Okayama 25-22, 25-20, 26-24 on Nov. 30 for its second straight win. Drews piled up 25 kills on 41 swings in the victory to go with two aces and a block for 28 points. JT swept Hisamitsu Springs 25-19, 27-25, 25-18 on Dec. 1. Drews connected for 17 kills on 29 attacks, six points of which came from the back row, plus an ace for 18 points. JT Marvelous (11-3, 31 points), which moved into first place in the Star Conference, resumes action on Dec. 7 against Hitachi Rivale (4-10, 15, fifth in Premier Conference) followed by Victorina Himeji (2-12, 7 points, sixth in Premier Conference) on Dec. 8.

LEE WITH KUROBE IN JAPAN V-LEAGUE: Outside hitter Simone Lee (Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Kurobe Aqua Fairies in the Japan V-League this winter. Kurobe lost to Hisamitsu Springs 25-15, 25-22, 19-25, 25-23 on Nov. 30. Lee secured 26 kills on 68 attacks, three blocks and two aces for 31 points in the setback. Kurobe fell to Okayama 25-13, 25-13, 25-23 on Dec. 1. Lee did not play in the match. Kurobe (1-13, 5 points), in fifth place in the Star Conference, challenges Victorina Himeji (2-12, 7 points, sixth in Premier Conference) on Dec. 7 followed by Hitachi Rivale (4-10, 15 points, fifth in Premier Conference) on Dec. 8.

HANNAH TAPP WITH HITACHI IN JAPAN V-LEAGUE: Middle Hannah Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing with Hitachi Rivale in the Japan V-League this winter. Hitachi defeated Toray 29-27, 25-10, 25-15 on Nov. 30. Tapp slammed six kills on 14 errorless attacks and an ace for seven points in the victory. Hitachi lost to PFU Blue Cats 14-25, 25-18, 26-28, 25-22, 15-13 on Dec. 1. Tapp provided nine kills, four blocks and an ace for 14 points. Hitachi (4-10, 15 points), in fifth place in the Premier Conference, faces JT Marvelous (11-3, 31 points, first in Star Conference) on Dec. 7 and Kurobe Aquafairies (1-13, 5 points, sixth in Star Conference) on Dec. 8.

RETTKE LEADING WISCONSIN: Middle Dana Rettke (Riverside, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who was part of the U.S. Women’s FIVB Volleyball Nations League gold-medal team along with the 2020 Olympic qualification tournament, has helped University of Wisconsin to a 22-6 record and 18-2 mark in the Big Ten as a junior this season. The Badgers lost to Penn State University 19-25, 15-25, 25-12, 25-22, 15-11 on Nov. 29 in a match that could have wrapped up the Big Ten title with a win. Rettke amassed 15 kills on 35 wings, 12 block assists and one block solo for 22 points. Wisconsin recovered the following night with a 25-14, 25-12, 25-21 victory over Rutgers in the regular season finale to claim the Big Ten title. Rettke scored three kills on 10 swings, two aces, one block solo and two block assists for seven points. Wisconsin begins the NCAA tournament Dec. 6. Rettke enters the NCAA tournament with a .404 hitting efficiency in her junior season along with 1.41 blocks and 3.66 kills per set.

RIVERS, ROSENTHAL WITH STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Opposite Krystal Rivers (Birmingham, Alabama, Instagram, Twitter) and middle Jenna Rosenthal (Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga and the European Champions League. Stuttgart evened its European Champions League record by defeating Igor Gorgonzola Novara 11-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-23 on Nov. 27. Rivers placed 28 points on the stat sheet with 24 kills on 44 attacks, two blocks and two aces on 14 serves. Rosenthal was a sub in the opening set. Stuttgart (1-1, 4 points) returns to Champions League action on Dec. 17 against Khimik Yuzhny (0-2, 1 point), which is in fourth place in Pool C. Stuttgart blanked VfB Suhl Lotto Thuringen 25-18, 26-24, 25-17 on Nov. 30. Rivers and Rosenthal each scored a kill on as many attempts as subs in the opening set. Stuttgart (6-1, 19 points), which remains in first place based in the Bundesliga regular season standings, returns to action on Dec. 4 against 10th-place (0-7, 2 points) Erfurt. Stuttgart has also advanced to the German Cup semifinals where it will face Schwerin on Dec. 11.

KADIE ROLFZEN WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Outside hitter Kadie Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Dresdner in the German Bundesliga and the CEV Challenge Cup. Dresdner defeated USC Munster 25-18, 25-17, 25-22 on Nov. 27. Rolfzen connected for 13 kills on 24 swings, one ace and a block for 15 points in the victory. She handled 27 receptions with a 30 positive percent. Dresdner (4-4, 12 points), in seventh place, returns to action Dec. 14 versus Straubing. Dresdner is in the 16th Finals Round of the CEV Challenge Cup where it will face LLC Kamienskie in a home-and-home series on Dec. 4 and Dec. 18. Dresdner takes on Suhl in the German Cup semifinals on Dec. 11.

SELIGER-SWENSON WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Samantha Seliger-Swenson (Minnetonka, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Beziers in the French League and the CEV Challenge Cup along with American teammate Alexa Smith (Colorado Springs, Colorado). Beziers held off first-place Mulhouse 17-25, 26-24, 25-21, 20-25, 15-11 on Nov. 30 to break its French League losing streak. Seliger-Swenson set Beziers to a 41 kill percent while adding two individual kills on three attempts. Smith, who was a sub in the opening two sets before starting the final three sets, added six kills on 16 attacks, one block and one ace for eight points. She also handled six receptions with a 33 positive percent. Beziers (7-3, 22 points), which remains fourth place in the French league, returns to action on Dec. 7 against Mougins. Beziers opens its CEV Challenge Cup 16th Finals Round with a home-and-home series Dec. 4 and Dec. 12 against RSR Walferdange.

WILHITE PARSONS WITH SESI BAURU IN BRAZILIAN SUPERLIGA: Outside hitter Sarah Wilhite Parsons (Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is competing for Sesi Bauru in the Brazilian Superliga this winter. Sesi Bauru lost to first-place SESC RJ 25-23, 25-22, 25-18 on Nov. 26. As a sub in the final two sets, Wilhite Parsons tallied three kills on five errorless attacks along with a 50 positive reception percent on 10 chances. Baura bounced back to defeat C.R. Flamengo 25-14, 25-22, 25-23 on Nov. 29. Wilhite Parsons started all three sets, racking up six kills and three aces for nine points. She was credited with a 63 positive reception percent on 19 chances. Bauru (3-2, 10 points), currently in fourth place, returns to action on Dec. 6 against fourth-place Osasco (4-1, 12 points).

BENSON WITH NUC IN SWISS LEAGUE: Libero Amanda Benson (Litchfield Park, Arizona) is playing for Viteos NUC in the Swiss League and CEV Cup this winter along with American teammates Tia Scambray (Dana Point, California) and Kyra Holt (Hercules, California). NUC upset top-ranked Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, 25-16 on Dec. 1. Benson charted a 57 positive reception percent on 14 chances. Scambray scored a team-high 16 points with 12 kills, two blocks and two aces. She was 62 percent positive on 29 reception chances. Holt added 14 points with 10 kills, three aces and a block. She was credited with a 65 positive reception percent on 26 chances. NUC (8-1, 24 points), now in second place, challenges VC Kanti Schaffhausen I on Dec. 7 in its next Swiss League match. NUC faces Minchanka Minsk in the CEV Cup 16th Finals Round that begins the week of Dec. 3.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 4, 2019) – Jordan Thompson, Dana Rettke and Mary Lake – the three active collegiate players who helped the U.S. Women’s National Team win gold at this year’s FIVB Volleyball Nations League and helped Team USA earn a berth into the 2020 Olympic Games – are having stellar seasons for their collegiate teams.

REFINERY29 PUBLISHES PIECES BY ROBINSON, LARSON: Refinery29.com recently published articles on Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California) and Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska), both outside hitters who played on the 2016 Olympic Team for Team USA and competed the University of Nebraska. In Larson’s self-written article, she talks about learning true strength by watching her mother battle breast cancer and how adidas has helped her show her devotion to her mother, who passed away in 2009. “Watching her ability to fight through all the trauma that she endured, it taught me that no matter the outcome of an event, you should never setter. Never settle for mediocrity,” Larson wrote in her Refinery29 article. For Robinson, she hopes to inspire young women through sport. She said she is most powerful when “I’m on the court and surrounded by my teammates. There’s something really calming about knowing you’re in it together with really powerful women around me.” For the complete articles, visit:

Jordan Larson Article
Kelsey Robinson Article

THOMPSON BIG MATCH ON SENIOR NIGHT: Jordan Thompson (Edina, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) had a breakout season with the U.S. Women’s National Team during its gold-medal run in the FIVB Volleyball Nations League and qualification for the 2020 Olympic Games before heading back for her senior season at University of Cincinnati. To say she has been dominant for the Bearcats may be an understatement. On senior night, Thompson broke her own Cincinnati and American Athletic Conference record with 50 kills as the Bearcats defeated Connecticut in five sets. She is the only player to reach 50 kills in the NCAA rally scoring era, and just the seventh player overall to break the 50-kill barrier and first since September 1999. Thompson did so with a .530 hitting efficiency (50-6-83) and adding an ace and 11 digs. She was awarded with being the No. 4 ESPN Sports Center’s Top 10. For the season, she has 575 kills (6.39 per set) with a .362 hitting efficiency. Thompson, playing outside versus her opposite position with the national team, has added 2.78 digs per set. She has reached 35 or more kills in a match on four occasions as a senior. For her career, Thompson has 2,104 kills in 403 sets played (5.22 per set average) with a .316 hitting efficiency.

RETTKE LEADING WISCONSIN: Middle Dana Rettke (Riverside, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who was part of the U.S. Women’s FIVB Volleyball Nations League gold-medal team along with the 2020 Olympic qualification tournament, has helped University of Wisconsin to a 16-4 record and perfect 12-0 mark in the Big Ten as a junior this season. Rettke was named Big Ten Player of the Week on Nov. 4, the third such honor for her in 2019. She has averaged 5.06 points per set, including 3.94 kills, 0.40 aces and 1.27 blocks per set. Rettke is hitting .425 (244-43-473) through the first 20 matches of the season, posting 15 matches with double-figure kills. Wisconsin is ranked No. 4 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association Division I Top 25 poll.

LAKE PROVIDING STELLAR DEFENSE FOR BYU: Libero Mary Lake (Palm Springs, California, Instagram, Twitter), who played for the U.S. Women during their gold-medal FIVB Volleyball Nations League season and helped Team USA qualify for the 2020 Olympics, has led No. 11 BYU to a 20-3 record during her senior season with stellar defensive play. She has averaged 3.48 digs per set with just eight reception errors. For her career, Lake now has 1,778 digs, 15 behind the school record with six regular season matches to go.

CARLINI WITH DINAMO MOSCOW IN RUSSIA LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Dinamo Moscow in the Russia Super League and the European Champions League. Dinamo Moscow defeated Dinamo-Metar 25-14, 25-14, 25-15 on Oct. 28. Carlini, playing in her first match with Dinamo Moscow, set her team to a 48 kill percent while scoring an individual kill and block for two points. Dinamo Moscow (1-2), resumes Russia Super League action against Zarechye-Odintsovo on Nov. 9. Dinamo Moscow won its Russia Super Cup match versus Lipetsk 21-25, 25-13, 25-18, 25-19 on Nov. 3. Carlini set her team to a 48 kill percent and added three kills on three attempts to go with two blocks for five points. Dinamo Moscow then swept Dinamo Krasnodar 25-21, 25-15, 25-12 on Nov. 4. Carlini set Dinamo Moscow to a 47 kill percent while scoring a kill and block. Dinamo Moscow has been drawn into Pool E of the European Champions League main phase along with Russian rival Uralochka-NTMK Ekaterinburg, France’s RC Cannes and Martiza Plovdiv. Champions League fourth round action begins the week of Nov. 19.

OGBOGU, HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Chiaka Ogbogu (Coppell, Texas, Instagram, Twitter) and outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) are playing in the Italian Serie A1 and European Champions League for Imoco Volleyball Conegliano this winter. Conegliano edged Golden Tulip Volalto 2.0 Caserta 25-22, 21-25, 25-18, 21-25, 15-13 on Oct. 31. Hill collected a team-high 19 points with 15 kills on 27 attacks, two aces and two blocks. She was credited with an 85 positive reception percent on 13 chances. Ogbogu added nine kills on 12 attacks and a block for 10 points. Conegliano (5-0, 14 points), which sits atop the Italian Serie A league as the lone undefeated team, returns to action on Nov. 4 versus 10th-place Zanetti Bergamo (1-3, 5 points) followed by a Nov. 9 match against second-place Igor Gorgonzola Novara (5-1, 14 points). Conegliano is in Pool D of the European Champions League with Nantes, C.S.M. Volei Alba Blaj and the winner of Vasas Obuda Budapest and Partizani Tirana. Champions League fourth round action begins the week of Nov. 19.

COURTNEY, HANCKOCK WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Libero/outside hitter Megan Courtney (Dayton, Ohio, Instagram) and setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1 and European Champions League this winter. Novara battled past Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio 28-26, 31-29, 23-25, 25-22 on Oct. 30. Hancock set her team to a 39 kill percent and totaled eight aces on 28 swings to go with one block and one kill for 10 points. Courtney added 12 points with 11 kills on 36 swings and a block. She was credited with a 79 positive reception percent on 19 chances. Novara edged Savino Del Bene Scandicci 25-19, 20-25, 22-25, 25-20, 18-16 on Nov. 3. Courtney scored 16 points, including 12 kills on 43 swings and four blocks. She was credited with a 70 positive reception percent on a team-high 44 chances. Hancock set Novara to a 38 kill percent while placing four kills on four attacks on the scoresheet. Novara (5-1, 14 points) plays Imoco Volley Conegliano (5-0, 14 points) in a battle of the top two teams on Nov. 9 in its next league match. Novara is grouped in Pool C of the European Champions League with Poland’s LKS Comercecon, Poland’s Allianz MTV Stuttgart and the winner of VK Up Olomouc and Khimik Yuzhny. Champions League fourth round action begins the week of Nov. 19.

WASHINGTON, LOWE WITH BUSTO ARSIZIO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Haleigh Washington (Colorado Springs, Colorado, Instagram, Twitter) and opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, California, Instagram) are playing for Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio in the Italian Serie A1 and CEV Cup this winter. Busto Arsizio was without Washington and Lowe to start the season as they were still competing for Team USA in the NORCECA Championship. Busto Arsizio lost a close four-set battle (28-26, 31-29, 23-25, 25-22) to Igor Gorgonzola Novara on Oct. 30. Lowe collected a team-high 23 points with 19 kills on 54 swings, three aces and a block. Washington added eight kills on 18 attacks and six blocks in the loss. Busto Arzisio (2-2, 7 points), now in fourth place, faces last-place Bartoccini Fortinfissi Perugia (0-4, 1 point) on Nov. 7 followed by a Nov. 10 contest against 11th-place Golden Tulip Volalto 2.0 Caserta (1-4, 4 points). Busto Arsizio is in the 16th Finals Round of the CEV Cup where it awaits the loser of VK Up Olomouc and Khimik Yuzhny from the third round of the Champions League.

FOECKE WITH FIRENZE IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Mikaela Foecke (West Point, Iowa, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Il Bisonte Firenze in the Italian Serie A1 for the 2019-2020 season. Firenze swept Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri 25-21, 25-23, 25-22 on Oct. 31. Foecke, as a sub in all three sets, piled up five kills on 13 errorless attacks and two aces for seven points in her limited action. She also handled 11 receptions with a 55 positive percent. Firenze dropped a 25-23, 25-22, 25-20 match to Banca Valsabbina Millenium Brescia on Nov. 3. Foecke, starting the first two sets and subbing in the third, scored two kills and an ace in the loss while holding a 42 positive reception percent on 12 chances. Firenze (4-2, 12 points), which remains in third place, challenges ninth-place Bosca Sao Bernardo Cuneo (2-3, 6 points) on Nov. 10.

POULTER WITH CHIERI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Jordyn Poulter (Aurora, Colorado, Instagram, Twitter) is competing for Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri in the Italian Serie A1 for the 2019-20 pro season along with American Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska). Chieri lost to Il Bisonte Firenze 25-21, 25-23, 25-22 on Oct. 31. Poulter set Chieri to a 38 kill percent and added one individual block in the loss. Rolfzen tallied four blocks, two kills and an ace for seven points. Chieri bounced back to claim a 23-25, 25-12, 25-23, 25-23 win over Bosca Sao Bernardo Cuneo on Nov. 2. Poulter set Chieri to a 42 kill percent and added an ace and block for two individual points. Rolfzen provided eight kills on 12 swings and three blocks for 11 points in the win. Chieri (3-2, 9 points), in sixth place, faces seventh-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci (3-2, 7 points) on Nov. 10.

ALHASSAN WITH CASERTA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Rhamat Alhassan (Glenarden, Maryland, Instagram, Twitter) is competing for Golden Tulip Volato 2.0 Caserta in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Caserta nearly upset league-leader Imoco Volley Conegliano on Oct. 31 before falling 25-22, 21-25, 25-18, 21-25, 15-13. Alhassan scored six kills on 21 swings and a block for seven points. Caserta came back to sweep Saugella Monza 26-24, 25-22, 25-18 on Nov. 3. Alhassan tallied five kills on 12 errorless attacks and two blocks for seven points. Caserta (1-4, 4 points), which is in 11th place, takes on eighth-place Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio (2-2, 7 points) on Nov. 10 in its next league match.

CUTTINO WITH CASALMAGGIORE IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Opposite Danielle Cuttino (Indianapolis, Indiana, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Epiu Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 during the 2019-2020 pro season. Casalmaggiore edged Zanetti Bergamo 25-17, 25-22, 24-26, 20-25, 15-13 on Oct. 31. Cuttino tallied seven kills on 27 attacks in the victory. Casalmaggiore blanked Lardini Filottrano 25-23, 25-18, 27-25 on Nov. 3. Cuttino scored eight kills on 28 attacks in the victory. Casalmaggiore (3-2, 9 points), which moved up five spots to fifth place with the two wins, returns to action on Nov. 9 against fourth-place Banca Valsabbina Millenium Brescia (4-2, 11 points).

JONES-PERRY WITH BRESICA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Roni Jones-Perry (West Jordan, Utah, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Banca Valsabbina Millenium Brescia in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Brescia blanked Bosca Sao Bernardo Cuneo 25-18, 27-25, 25-23 on Oct. 31. Jones-Perry was a sub in the third set, registering one positive reception on as many chances. Brescia followed with a 25-23, 25-22, 25-20 win over Il Bisonte Firenze on Nov. 3. Brescia (4-2, 11 points), now in fourth place, faces fifth-place Pomi Casalmaggiore (3-2, 9 points) on Nov. 9.

ROBINSON WITH FENERBAHCE IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) is playing for Fenerbahce in the Turkish League and European Champions League this winter. Fenerbahce came away with a big 25-18, 25-20, 25-22 win over VakifBank on Oct. 29. Robinson, in her first start of the season for Fenerbahce, scored 10 kills on 16 swings while providing a 50 positive reception percent on 10 chances against her former team from last year. Fenerbahce lost a heart-breaking 23-25, 26-24, 25-19, 21-25, 15-12 match to undefeated Eczacibasi on Nov. 2. Robinson notched 13 kills on 19 swings in the match while adding a 60 positive reception percent on 20 chances. Fenerbahce (4-2, 12 points), now in fifth place, returns to the court on Nov. 9 against 12th-place Beylikduzu Voleybol Ihtisas (0-6, 0 points). Fenerbahce is part the European Champions League main phase and in Pool A along with Turkish rival Eczacibasi, Poland’s Budowlani Lodz and LP Salo. Champions League fourth round action begins the week of Nov. 19.

KINGDON-RISHEL WITH THY IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Madi Kingdon Rishel (Phoenix, Arizona, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Turk Hava Yollari (THY) in the Turkish League this winter. THY lost its third five-set match of the young season with a 26-24, 16-25, 18-25, 25-16, 15-11 setback to Nilufer on Oct. 29. Kingdon Rishel started two of the five sets and subbed in the tiebreaker. She was credited with a 57 positive reception percent on seven chances. THY edged Karayollari 25-19, 28-26, 20-25, 18-25, 15-10 on Nov. 2 for its fourth five-set match in six Turkish League contests. Kingdon Rishel piled up 19 kills on 44 swings and three blocks for a team-leading 22 points. She also was credited with a 64 positive reception percent on 25 chances. THY (2-4, 8 points), now in eighth place, returns to action on Nov. 9 against ninth-place Besiktas (2-4, 5 points).

DREWS WITH JT MARVELOUS IN JAPAN V-LEAGUE: Opposite Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana, Instagram, Twitter) is playing in the Japan V-League this winter with JT Marvelous. JT lost to Toray 19-25, 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 15-11 on Nov. 2. Drews connected for 26 kills on 71 attacks, two blocks and an ace for 29 points. JT bounced back to down PFU Blue Cats 27-25, 29-27, 19-25, 25-16 on Nov. 3. Drews hammered 29 kills on 49 swings to go with four blocks for 33 points. JT Marvelous returns to action on Nov. 9 against Ageo Medics followed by a Nov. 10 contest versus Toyota.

LEE WITH KUROBE IN JAPAN V-LEAGUE: Outside hitter Simone Lee (Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Kurobe Aqua Fairies in the Japan V-League this winter. Kurobe defeated PFU Blue Cats 25-23, 29-27, 25-17 on Nov. 2. Lee contributed 24 kills on 44 swings, three aces and two blocks for 29 points in the three set victory. Kurobe lost to Toray 25-12, 16-25, 25-16, 25-18 on Nov. 3 in its second weekend match. Lee pocketed 16 kills on 47 swings and two blocks for 18 points. The Aqua Fairies return to action on Nov. 9 versus Toyota and Nov. 11 against Ageo Medics.

HANNAH TAPP WITH HITACHI IN JAPAN V-LEAGUE: Middle Hannah Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing with Hitachi Rivale in the Japan V-League this winter. Hitachi gained key 19-25, 25-23, 21-25, 25-21, 15-13 victory over Hisamitsu Springs on Nov. 2. Tapp, playing in her first match, scored nine kills on 28 attacks, five blocks and two aces for 16 points. Hitachi was unable to keep the momentum in a 25-19, 31-29, 25-20 loss to Victorina Himeji on Nov. 3. Tapp tallied eight kills on 20 attacks and three blocks for 11 points. Hitachi returns to action on Nov. 9 against NEC Red Rockets.

RIVERS, ROSENTHAL WITH STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Opposite Krystal Rivers (Birmingham, Alabama, Instagram, Twitter) and middle Jenna Rosenthal (Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga and the European Champions League. Stuttgart defeated NawaRo Straubing 25-20, 25-17, 24-26, 25-20 on Nov. 2 in the German Cup round of 16. Rivers totaled a match-high 25 points with 23 kills on 56 swings and two blocks. Rosenthal added a kill in the victory. Stuttgart will now face Erfurt in the German Cup quarterfinals during the weekend of Nov. 23-24. Stuttgart (4-0, 12 points), which leads the Bundesliga regular season, returns to action on Nov. 9 against Potsdam. Stuttgart has been drawn into the European Champions League Pool C with Italy’s Igor Gorgonzala Novara, Poland’s LKS Commercecon and the winner of VK Up Olomouc and Khimik Yuzhny.

WONG-ORANTES WITH SCHWERIN IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Libero Justine Wong-Orantes (Cypress, California, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for SSC Palmberg Schwerin in the German Bundesliga this winter. Schwerin dropped Rote Raben Vilsbiburg 25-15, 25-22, 25-27, 22-25, 15-10 on Oct. 30 for its third Bundesliga victory. Wong-Orantes split duties at libero in the final two sets. In a break from Bundesliga action, Schwerin posted a 25-17, 25-17, 25-18 victory over VC Wiesbaden in the German Cup round of 16 on Nov. 2. Wong-Orantes did not play in the match. Schwerin (3-1, 9 points), which ranks third in the Bundesliga regular season, returns to action on Nov. 13 against Munster. Schwerin is in the CEV Cup 16th Finals Round in which it plays home-and-home matches against Sliedrecht Sport on Dec. 4 and Dec. 17.

KADIE ROLFZEN WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Outside hitter Kadie Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Dresdner in the German Bundesliga and the CEV Challenge Cup. In a break in the Bundesliga regular season, Dresdner topped Stuttgart II 25-8, 25-14, 25-14 in the German Cup round of 16 on Nov. 3. Individual match stats are not available. Dresdner (1-3, 4 points), in seventh place, returns to action Nov. 9 against Erfurt. Dresdner is in the 16th Finals Round of the CEV Challenge Cup where it will face LLC Kamienskie in a home-and-home series starting Nov. 5.

SELIGER-SWENSON WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Samantha Seliger-Swenson (Minnetonka, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Beziers in the French League and the CEV Challenge Cup along with American teammate Alexa Smith (Colorado Springs, Colorado). Beziers lost to Marcq-en-Baroeul 15-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-19, 15-13 on Nov. 1. Seliger-Swenson set Beziers to a 38 kill percent and added three kills on five attacks and a block. Smith, who was a sub in the second, fourth and fifth sets, tallied two kills on three errorless attacks with seven receptions and a 43 positive reception percent. Beziers (5-1, 16 points), which falls to second place in the French league, returns to action on Nov. 9 against sixth-place Vandoeuvre Nancy (3-3, 9 points). Beziers begins its CEV Challenge Cup 16th Finals Round the week of Nov. 11 against RSR Walferdange.

BENSON WITH NUC IN SWISS LEAGUE: Libero Amanda Benson (Litchfield Park, Arizona, Instagram) is playing for Viteos NUC in the Swiss League and CEV Cup this winter along with American teammates Tia Scambray (Dana Point, California) and Kyra Holt (Hercules, California). NUC swept Zesar-VFM 25-15, 25-18, 25-22 on Nov. 3. Benson was credited with a 53 positive reception percent on 19 chances. Holt scored 11 kills on 27 swings, three aces and two blocks for 16 points. NUC (4-1), now in third place, challenges Volley Lugano I on Nov. 9 in its next Swiss match. NUC faces Minchanka Minsk in the CEV Cup 16th Finals Round that begins the week of Dec. 3.

WILHITE PARSONS WITH SESI BAURU IN BRAZILIAN SUPERLIGA: Outside hitter Sarah Wilhite Parsons (Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is competing for Sesi Bauru in the Brazilian Superliga this winter. Sesi Bauru defeated Sao Paulo Barueri 25-23, 25-22, 25-22 on Oct. 29 in the Paulista Cup semifinal opener. To watch the match replay, click here. Sesi Bauru lost to Sao Paulo Baureri 25-19, 25-19, 25-20 in the return match plus 25-16 in the golden set. Individual stats are unavailable. The team begins regular season action on Nov. 12 against Esporte Clube Pinheiros.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 24, 2019) – Statistically, who led the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2019? Find out in the current weekly update along with how many tickets have been sold to Team USA’s home FIVB Volleyball Nations League matches and other national team updates from around the globe.

TEAM USA VOLLEYBALL NATIONS LEAGUE TICKETS GOING FAST IN WICHITA: If you are interested in watching the U.S. Women’s National Team in person on U.S. soil prior to the 2020 Olympic Games, you may want to act fast to get the best seats available when Team USA hosts Turkey, Japan and Belgium in its 2020 FIVB Volleyball Nations League home matches in Wichita from June 9-11. Through Nov. 21, 1,510 all-session tickets have already been sold for the VNL matches in Wichita. To get your all-session VNL tickets now, visit www.goshockers.com.

FINAL SEASON STATS ANALYSIS: The U.S. Women’s National Team played 51 tournament matches in 2019 resulting in a 44-7 overall record. Below are some quick sets on statistical analysis.

40 players suited up for Team USA in 2019 with all but three having at least one match start
Annie Drews led the way in match starts with 23, followed by Haleigh Washington (22), Megan Courtney (21), Kelsey Robinson (21) and Chiaka Ogbogu (21).
Kelsey Robinson played the most sets in 2019 at 90, followed by Megan Courtney at 87.
As a team, the U.S. held a .327 hitting efficiency while converting 45.4 percent of its attacks. The Americans averaged 2.87 blocks and 1.59 aces per set. In contrast, Team USA’s defense limited opponents to a .194 hitting efficiency and 36.0 kill percent. Opponents averaged just 0.96 aces per set and 2.69 blocks per set.
Annie Drews totaled a team-high 335 kills in 2019, 72 more than Kelsey Robinson’s 263 kills.
Among players with at least 20 sets played, Kelsey Robinson had the highest kill percent at 57.8 followed by Chiaka Ogbogu with 55.9 percent. Hannah Tapp converted 54.2 percent of her attacks.
Karsta Lowe averaged a team-best 4.60 points per set, followed by Annie Drews at 4.56 and Jordan Thompson at 4.51. Kelsey Robinson was the top point scorer for non-opposites at 3.50 points per set.
Chiaka Ogbogu had the highest hitting efficiency at .451 among hitters with at least 75 attacks. Tori Dixon was second at .443, closely followed by Dana Rettke at .442. Kelsey Robinson had the highest hitting efficiency among non-middles at .376.
Hannah Tapp had the highest blocks per set, a 0.93 average, among players with at least 30 sets played. Chiaka Ogbogu was second at 0.77 blocks per set.
Sarah Wilhite Parsons held a 0.42 ace average, the highest among players with at least 30 sets played.
Justine Wong-Orantes compiled a team-leading 3.02 digs per set in 53 sets played. Lauren Carlini was second in digs at 2.87, followed by Megan Courtney’s 2.64 digs per set.
Justine Wong-Orantes held the highest reception efficiency at .550 among players with at least 100 attempts. Kelsey Robinson was second at .547, followed by Jordan Larson at .528.
Jordyn Poulter compiled the most assists per set at 11.80, followed by Lauren Carlini at 11.40.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MAIN PHASE MOVES TO ROUND 2: The European Champions League has eight members of the U.S. Women’s National Team competing for a total of five pro teams in this year prestigious event. All matches are scheduled to stream on FloVolleyball.tv.

Nov. 27: Allianz MTV Stuttgart (Kyrstal Rivers, Jenna Rosenthal) vs. Igor Gorgonzola Novara
Nov. 27: Dinamo Moscow (Lauren Carlini) vs. Maritza Plovdiv
Nov. 27: Imoco Volley Conegliano (Kim Hill, Chiaka Ogbogu) vs. CSM Volei Alba Blaj
Nov. 28: Fenerbahce (Kelsey Robinson) vs. Budowlani Lodz

1980 OLYMPIC TEAM REUNION IN COLORADO SPRINGS: The 1980 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, one of the greatest Olympic volleyball teams assembled, never had the chance to compete on the grandest stage due to the United States’ boycott of the Moscow Games. Nearly 40 years later, the living members of the squad held a reunion in Colorado Springs where the team came together to train as the first squad at the then-newly christened U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. During the team’s reunion, they attended the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Hall of Fame followed the USOPC Alumni Reunion. Along the way, the team shared memories of their time training and competing together.

LARSON WITH SHANGHAI IN CHINESE LEAGUE: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Shanghai in the Chinese Super League this winter. Shanghai dealt Xitang a 25-23, 25-18, 25-23 loss on Nov. 19. Larson hammered 13 kills on 32 attacks and a block for 14 points. She was credited with a 67 positive reception percent on nine chances. Shanghai powered past Shandong 25-17, 25-21, 25-22 on Nov. 23 to complete Pool C undefeated. Larson contributed 15 kills on 28 swings, two aces and a block for 18 points. She was credited with a 67 positive reception percent on 12 chances. Shanghai (6-0) lost just one set during the six first-round matches.

BARTSCH-HACKLEY, DIXON WITH BEIJING AUTO IN CHINESE LEAGUE: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Champaign, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) and middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Beijing Auto in the Chinese Super League this winter. Beijing Auto defeated Fujian 25-14, 25-16, 25-14 on Nov. 19. Bartsch-Hackley notched 16 points, including 15 kills on 30 errorless attacks and a block. She was credited with a 50 positive reception percent on four chances. Dixon added eight kills on 12 swings and two blocks for 10 points. Beijing Auto downed Nanchang 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 28-26 on Nov. 23 to finish the double-round robin Pool A undefeated. Bartsch-Hackley notched 16 kills on 33 swings and a block for 17 points. She was credited with a 68 positive reception percent on 22 chances. Dixon added six kills on 11 swings and a block for seven points in the victory. Beijing Auto (4-0) lost just one set in the four first-round matches.

OGBOGU, HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Chiaka Ogbogu (Coppell, Texas, Instagram, Twitter) and outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) are playing in the Italian Serie A1 and European Champions League for Imoco Volleyball Conegliano this winter. Conegliano edged Vasas Obuda Budapest 21-25, 25-20, 25-10, 23-25, 15-4 in its European Champions League opening match on Nov. 19. Ogbogu pocketed 17 points with 13 kills on 23 errorless attacks, three blocks and an ace. Hill, who came off the bench to start the final four sets, compiled 11 kills on 24 swings, two aces and a block for 14 points. She was credited with an 81 positive reception percent on 21 chances to help settle down the service reception. Conegliano plays C.SM. Volei Alba Blaj (0-1) on Nov. 27 in its second Champions League match. Conegliano blanked Savino Del Bene Scandicci 25-23, 25-10, 25-15 on Nov. 24. Hill scored seven kills on 10 attacks and was credited with a 69 positive reception percent on 13 chances. Ogbogu did not play in the match. Conegliano (9-0, 26 points), which sits atop the Italian Serie A league with a full two match lead in the loss column, returns to action on Dec. 12 against last place Bartoccini Fortinfissi Perugia (1-7, 5 points). Conegliano is also competing the eight-team FIVB Women’s Club World Championship Dec. 3-8 in Shaoxing, China. They are placed in Group A with Turkey’s Eczacibasi, China’s Guandong Evergrande and Brazil’s Itamba Minas.

COURTNEY, HANCKOCK WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Libero/outside hitter Megan Courtney (Dayton, Ohio, Instagram) and setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1 and European Champions League this winter. Novara cruised past Khimk Yuzhny 25-17, 25-10, 25-7 in its opening European Champions League match on Nov. 20. Hancock set the team to a 51 kill percent and .427 hitting efficiency (45-7-89) while delivering five aces and a kill for six points. Courtney did not play in the match. Novara faces Allianz MTV Stuttgart (0-1) on Nov. 27 in its second Champions League match. Novara was upset by Saugella Monza 25-22, 22-25, 25-16, 25-21 on Nov. 24. Courtney returned to the lineup and scored six kills on 26 attacks with 12 receptions. Hancock set Novara to a 33 kill percent and added a block and kill for two individual points. Novara (6-3, 17 points), now in fourth place, plays ninth-place Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri (3-5, 10 points) on Dec. 12. Novara is also competing the eight-team FIVB Women’s Club World Championship Dec. 3-8 in Shaoxing, China. They are grouped in Pool B with Brazil’s Dentil Praia Clube, China’s Tianjin Bohai Bank and Turkey’s VakifBank.

WASHINGTON, LOWE WITH BUSTO ARSIZIO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Haleigh Washington (Colorado Springs, Colorado, Instagram, Twitter) and opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, California, Instagram) are playing for Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio in the Italian Serie A1 and CEV Cup this winter. Busto Arsizio swept Bosca San Bernardo Cuneo 25-19, 25-12, 25-18 on Nov. 23. Lowe hammered 16 kills on 30 swings to go with two blocks and an ace for a team-high 19 points. Washington chipped in five kills on seven errorless attacks and a block for six points. Busto Arzisio (6-2, 19 points), now in second place, faces sixth-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci (5-3, 12 points) on Dec. 1 in its next Italian Serie A1 match. Busto Arsizio is in the 16th Finals Round of the CEV Cup and will face VK Up Olomouc on Dec. 4 and Dec. 19.

ALHASSAN WITH CASERTA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Rhamat Alhassan (Glenarden, Maryland, Instagram, Twitter) is competing for Golden Tulip Volato 2.0 Caserta in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Caserta blanked Bartoccini Fortinfissi Perugia 25-16, 25-21, 25-20 on Nov. 24. Alhassan provided Caserta with nine kills on 14 swings and three blocks for 12 points. Caserta (2-6, 7 points), which is in 11th place, challenges 10th-place Lardini Filottrano (3-5, 8 points) on Dec. 1 in its next league match.

FOECKE WITH FIRENZE IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Mikaela Foecke (West Point, Iowa, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Il Bisonte Firenze in the Italian Serie A1 for the 2019-2020 season. Firenze defeated Zanetti Bergamno 25-18, 28-26, 22-25, 25-16 on Nov. 24. Foecke contributed 17 kills on 38 swings, two blocks and an ace for 20 points. She was credited with a 75 positive reception percent on 12 errorless chances. Firenze (6-3, 18 points), which moved into third place, meets fifth-place Pomi Casalmaggiore (5-3, 16 points) on Dec. 1 in its next league match.

CUTTINO WITH CASALMAGGIORE IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Opposite Danielle Cuttino (Indianapolis, Indiana, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Epiu Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 during the 2019-2020 pro season. Casalmaggiore swept Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri 25-21, 25-20, 25-15 on Nov. 20. Cuttino scored three kills on seven errorless attacks and an ace for four points as a sub in all three sets. Casalmaggiore (5-3, 16 points), which is in fifth place, returns to action on Dec. 1 against third-place Il Bisonte Firenze (6-3, 18 points).

JONES-PERRY WITH BRESCIA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Roni Jones-Perry (West Jordan, Utah, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Banca Valsabbina Millenium Brescia in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Brescia lost to Lardini Filottrano 23-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-22 on Nov. 24. Jones-Perry racked up nine kills on 22 swings and a block for 10 points. She was credited with a 35 positive reception percent on 17 chances. Brescia (4-5, 11 points), now in eighth-place place, returns to action on Dec. 1 against seventh-place Saugella Monza (4-4, 12 points).

ROBINSON WITH FENERBAHCE IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California) is playing for Fenerbahce in the Turkish League and European Champions League this winter. Fenerbahce lost its opening European Champions League match to Turkish rival Eczacibasi 25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 22-25, 15-10 on Nov. 19. Robinson scored 15 kills on 35 attacks and three blocks for 18 points. Eczacibasi served away from Robinson as she was credited with just five receptions resulting in a 40 positive percent. On the other side of the net, Americans and former national team players Carli Lloyd and Lauren Gibbemeyer played key roles in the win. Lloyd set Eczacibasi to a 46 kill percent while added a kill and ace. Gibbemeyer scored five kills on eight attacks, two blocks and an ace. Fenerbahce returns to Champions League action on Nov. 28 against Poland’s Budowlani Lodz (1-0). Fenerbahce edged PTT 22-25, 25-18, 28-26, 24-26, 15-13 on Nov. 24. Robinson scored 13 points, all on kills via 29 attacks. She was credited with a 54 positive reception percent on 28 chances. Fenerbahce (3-2, 23 points), now in third place, closes out the regular season first half on Nov. 30 against 11th-place Karayollari (2-8, 10 points).

KINGDON-RISHEL WITH THY IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Madi Kingdon Rishel (Phoenix, Arizona, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Turk Hava Yollari (THY) in the Turkish League this winter. THY swept its home-and-home second round CEV Challenge Cup series with MCM-Diamant Kaposvari. Kingdon Rishel scored 16 points as THY won the first meeting 25-19, 25-23, 25-16 on Nov. 6. She converted 11 of 20 attacks into points in the victory while adding three aces and two blocks with a 50 positive reception percent on 20 chances. THY completed the series sweep with a 23-25, 25-9, 25-9, 25-21 victory on Nov. 19. Kingdon Rishel racked up 10 kills with a 65 positive reception percent on 17 chances. THY has now advances to the 16th Finals Round where it play a home-and-home series versus Ibsa CV CCO 7 Palmas beginning the first week of December. THY topped then-fifth-place Aydin B.Sehir Bld 25-23, 25-14, 25-17 on Nov. 23. Kingdon Rishel knocked down eight kills with a block for nine points in the victory. She was credited with a 65 positive reception percent on 11 chances. THY (4-6, 15 points), now in seventh place, closes out the first half of the regular season on Nov. 29 against eighth-place PTT (3-7, 11 points).

DREWS WITH JT MARVELOUS IN JAPAN V-LEAGUE: Opposite Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana, Instagram, Twitter) is playing in the Japan V-League this winter with JT Marvelous. JT Marvelous lost to NEC Red Rockets 25-22, 23-25, 25-11, 25-21 on Nov. 23. Drews turned in 18 kills on 43 attacks in the setback. JT defeated previously unbeaten Denso 25-13, 20-25, 25-20, 25-17 on Nov. 24. Drews was the match most valuable player after scoring 24 kills on 47 attacks, seven of which came from the back row, three blocks and four aces for 31 points. JT Marvelous (9-3, 25 points), in second place in the Star Conference, resumes action on Nov. 30 versus Okayama Seagulls (7-3, 20 points, third in Premier Conference) followed by a Dec. 1 match against Hisamitsu Springs (4-6, 11 points, fourth in Premier Conference).

LEE WITH KUROBE IN JAPAN V-LEAGUE: Outside hitter Simone Lee (Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Kurobe Aqua Fairies in the Japan V-League this winter. Kurobe fell to Premier Division leader Denso 25-22, 25-19, 25-11 on Nov. 23. Lee accounted for 15 kills on 38 attacks. Kurobe lost to NEC 25-20, 25-23, 22-25, 25-17 on Nov. 24. Lee scored 25 points with 24 kills on 53 attacks and a block. Kurobe (1-11), in fifth place in the Star Conference, challenges Hisamitsu Springs (4-6, 12 points, fourth in Premier Conference) on Nov. 30 followed by a Dec. 1 contest versus Okayama Seagulls (7-3, 20 points, third in Premier Conference).

HANNAH TAPP WITH HITACHI IN JAPAN V-LEAGUE: Middle Hannah Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing with Hitachi Rivale in the Japan V-League this winter. Hitachi was edged by Ageo Medics 33-31, 25-23, 25-20, 21-25, 15-11 on Nov. 23. Tapp piled up 15 kills on 30 attacks in the match. Hitachi lost a heart-breaking 25-12, 25-19, 18-25, 22-25, 15-9 match to Toyota on Nov. 24. Tapp collected 11 kills on 23 attacks and four blocks for 15 points. Hitachi (3-9, 11 points), in fifth place in the Premier Conference, faces Toray (8-3, 24 points, third in Star Conference) on Nov. 30 followed by PFU (1-11, 5 points, sixth in Star Conference) on Dec. 1.

CARLINI WITH DINAMO MOSCOW IN RUSSIA LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Dinamo Moscow in the Russia Super League and the European Champions League. Dinamo Moscow scored a 25-18, 22-25, 25-17, 25-20 victory over domestic league rival Uralochka-NTMK Uralochka to open the European Champions League on Nov. 21. Carlini set Dinamo to a 44 kill percent and notched two kills and a block for three points. Dinamo will play Maritza Plovdiv (0-1) on Nov. 27 in its second Champions League match. Dinamo defeated Leningradka 25-10, 25-13, 25-19 on Nov. 24. Carlini set Dinamo to a 48 kill percent while adding one block, one ace and one kill for three individual points. Dinamo Moscow (2-4, 8 points), in seventh place, resumes Russia Super League action on Dec. 1 against ninth-place Minchanka (2-4, 5 points). Dinamo will face Uralochka in the Russia Cup semifinals on Dec. 25.

RETTKE LEADING WISCONSIN: Middle Dana Rettke (Riverside, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who was part of the U.S. Women’s FIVB Volleyball Nations League gold-medal team along with the 2020 Olympic qualification tournament, has helped University of Wisconsin to a 21-5 record and 17-1 mark in the Big Ten as a junior this season. Wisconsin started the week with a 25-18, 25-13, 25-15 home victory over University of Iowa on Nov. 22. Rettke hit .591 with 15 kills on 22 attacks, three aces and eight block assists for a team-high 22 points. Wisconsin followed that with an impressive 25-19, 25-22, 25-21 home victory over University of Nebraska. Rettke contributed 12 kills on 25 errorless attacks, one block solo and four block assists in the victory. Wisconsin, which leads the Big Ten and needing just one win to clinch the title, has a key road match at Penn State University on Nov. 29 followed by a Nov. 30 contest at Rutgers before heading into the NCAA Tournament.

THOMPSON CONTINUES LEADING CINCINNATI: Jordan Thompson (Edina, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) had a breakout season with the U.S. Women’s National Team during its gold-medal run in the FIVB Volleyball Nations League and qualification for the 2020 Olympic Games before heading back for her senior season at University of Cincinnati. Thompson scored 25 kills on 48 swings and two aces as Cincinnati defeated Tulane 25-20, 25-17, 25-19 in the American Athletic Conference semifinals on Nov. 23. Cincinnati had its 11-match win streak snapped in the AAC tournament championship match after falling to host University of Central Florida 21-25, 25-16, 26-24, 24-26, 15-10 on Nov. 24. Thompson crushed 38 kills on an eye-opening 98 swings to go with two aces and 20 digs. Cincinnati, which finished the regular season with a 24-6 record, will now await to find out if it has earned a spot into the 64-team NCAA tournament. Thompson now has 2,542 kills in her four-year career at Cincinnati.

LAKE DIGGING RECORDS FOR BYU: Mary Lake (Palm Springs, California, Instagram, Twitter), who played for the U.S. Women during their gold-medal FIVB Volleyball Nations League season and helped Team USA qualify for the 2020 Olympics, is playing her final collegiate season with BYU this fall. BYU swept University of Portland 25-15, 25-14, 25-17 on Nov. 21 as Lake was credited with 10 digs and seven assists. BYU won its second match of the week with a 21-25, 25-9, 25-20, 25-16 victory over Gonzaga on Nov. 23. Lake turned in 18 digs with two aces and nine assists while scoring her second kill of the season. BYU, 24-4 overall and 15-2 in the West Coast Conference, concludes the regular season at home on Nov. 26 against Pepperdine before heading into the NCAA Tournament.

RIVERS, ROSENTHAL WITH STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Opposite Krystal Rivers (Birmingham, Alabama, Instagram, Twitter) and middle Jenna Rosenthal (Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga and the European Champions League. Stuttgart dropped its first Champions League match in heart-breaking fashion, a 16-25, 25-22, 25-19, 16-25, 15-10 setback to Poland’s LKS Commercecon Lodz on Nov. 19. Rivers contributed 26 points in the loss with 21 kills on 53 attacks, four blocks and an ace. Rosenthal was a sub in the third set. Stuttgart returns to Champions League action on Nov. 27 against Italy’s Igor Gorgonzola Novara (1-0). Stuttgart eased past Erfurt 26-24, 25-13, 25-20 in the German Cup quarterfinals on Nov. 23. Rivers pocketed 14 kills on 23 attacks and an ace for 15 points. Rosenthal scored one kill on one swing as a sub in the final two sets. Stuttgart advances to the German Cup semifinals where it will face Schwerin on Dec. 11. Stuttgart (5-1, 16 points), which remains in first place based in the Bundesliga regular season standings, returns to action on Nov. 30 against 11th-place Suhl (0-7, 1 point).

WONG-ORANTES WITH SCHWERIN IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Libero Justine Wong-Orantes (Cypress, California, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for SSC Palmberg Schwerin in the German Bundesliga this winter. American Lauren Barfield is also a member of the team. Schwerin held off SC Potsdam 25-22, 25-21, 13-25, 25-20 in the German Cup quarterfinals on Nov. 24. Wong-Orantes was a sub in third set, registering one excellent reception on as many chances. Schwerin will meet Stuttgart in the German Cup semifinals on Dec. 11. Schwerin blanked Dresdner 25-20, 25-21, 25-22 on Nov. 20. Wong-Orantes did not play in the match. Schwerin (5-1, 15 points), which ranks third in the Bundesliga regular season, returns to action on Dec. 1 against fifth-place Straubing (4-3, 11 points). Schwerin is in the CEV Cup 16th Finals Round in which it plays home-and-home matches against Sliedrecht Sport on Dec. 4 and Dec. 17.

KADIE ROLFZEN WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Outside hitter Kadie Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Dresdner in the German Bundesliga and the CEV Challenge Cup. Dresdner defeated Aachen 26-24, 25-20, 25-15 on Nov. 23 in the German Cup quarterfinals. Rolfzen scored 10 kills on 19 swings with a 50 positive reception percent on a team-high 24 chances. Dresdner takes on Suhl in the German Cup semifinals on Dec. 11. Dresdner lost to SSC Palmberg Schwerin 25-20, 25-21, 25-22 on Nov. 20. Rolfzen scored 10 points in the loss, all on kills from 23 attacks. She also handled 22 receptions with a 45 positive percent. Dresdner (3-4, 9 points), in seventh place, returns to action Nov. 27 versus eighth-place Munster (2-4, 7 points). Dresdner is in the 16th Finals Round of the CEV Challenge Cup where it will face LLC Kamienskie in a home-and-home series on Dec. 4 and Dec. 18.

SELIGER-SWENSON WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Samantha Seliger-Swenson (Minnetonka, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing for Beziers in the French League and the CEV Challenge Cup along with American teammate Alexa Smith (Colorado Springs, Colorado). Beziers lost to second-place Nantes 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, 26-24, 21-19 on Nov. 23. Seliger-Swenson set Beziers to a 37 kill percent while adding one ace and one block for two individual points. Smith was a sub in two of the five sets. Beziers (6-3, 20 points), which falls to fourth place in the French league, returns to action on Nov. 30 against Mulhouse. Beziers opens its CEV Challenge Cup 16th Finals Round with a home-and-home series Dec. 4 and Dec. 12 against RSR Walferdange.

BENSON WITH NUC IN SWISS LEAGUE: Libero Amanda Benson (Litchfield Park, Arizona, Instagram) is playing for Viteos NUC in the Swiss League and CEV Cup this winter along with American teammates Tia Scambray (Dana Point, California) and Kyra Holt (Hercules, California). NUC blanked Groupe E Valtra 25-12, 25-19, 25-11 on Nov. 23. Benson was perfect on five receptions for NUC. Holt led the team in scoring with 17 points through 15 kills on 21 attacks and two aces. Scambray chipped in 13 kills on 23 swings and an ace for 14 points. NUC (7-1, 21 points), now in third place, challenges top-ranked Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen I (8-0, 24 points) on Dec. 1 in its next Swiss League match. NUC faces Minchanka Minsk in the CEV Cup 16th Finals Round that begins the week of Dec. 3.

WILHITE PARSONS WITH SESI BAURU IN BRAZILIAN SUPERLIGA: Outside hitter Sarah Wilhite Parsons (Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is competing for Sesi Bauru in the Brazilian Superliga this winter. Sesi Bauru defeated Sao Paulo FC/Barueri 17-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-18 on Nov. 23. Wilhite Parsons was a sub in the opening set and did not register a point. Bauru (2-1, 7 points), currently in fifth place, returns to action on Nov. 26 against first-place SESC RJ (4-0, 12 points) followed by a Nov. 29 contest versus eighth-place C.R. Flamengo (1-3, 3 points).

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 11, 2019) – While members of the U.S. Women’s National Team are having solid seasons in their overseas pro leagues, the deadline for future team members to register for Open Tryout is Feb. 13. The Open Tryout is for aspiring U.S. Women’s National Team members and individuals who want to be considered for the U.S. Women’s Collegiate National Team program.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Which current U.S. Women’s National Team player earned the 2012 Gatorade Texas High School Player of the Year?

KARCH KIRALY INTERVIEW WITH FIVB: U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly is the only person to win Olympic gold for indoor and beach volleyball, and now leads the world’s third-ranked team. In an interview with the FIVB, Kiraly discusses his early involvement in volleyball, the differences he sees in indoor and beach volleyball, his favorite moment in his playing career, how coaching methods have evolved in volleyball, his own player idol as he grew up and which is more complicated – playing or coaching. To read the article, click here.

USAV SETS INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS RECORD: USA Volleyball has processed a record 440 international transfer certificates (327 females, 113 males) allowing United States citizens to compete in foreign professional volleyball leagues for the 2018-19 season as of Feb. 1. Last season USA Volleyball processed a then-record 435 international transfers. The 2018-19 transfer total represents an increase of 51 certificates processed since the end of November. Additional transfers, including members of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, will be processed throughout the winter months. On the women’s side, athletes have transferred to play in 38 different countries with Germany attracting 46 players, France 40 players, Italy 26 players, Finland 24 players, England 23 players, Finland 20 players and Switzerland 20 players.

BARTSCH-HACKLEY, CARLINI WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Michelle Bartch-Hackley (Champaign, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram) and setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram) are playing for Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1 and the European Champions League this winter. In the European Champions League, Novara swept Minchanka Minsk 25-16, 25-13, 25-19 on Feb. 7. Carlini set Novara to a 55 kill percent and .380 hitting efficiency while adding three individual kills on four swings, two aces and a block for six points. Bartsch-Hackley did not play in the match. Novara (4-0, 12 points) returns to Pool C action on Feb. 19 Budowlani Lodz (3-1, 8 points). In the Italian Serie A1, Novara swept Lardini Filottrano 25-22, 25-16, 25-15 on Feb. 10. Bartsch-Hackley produced nine kills on 21 swings and a block for 10 points. Carlini set Novara to a 48 kill percent while chipping in a block and kill. Novara (14-4, 43 points), which moved up to second place, plays seventh-place Il Bisonte Firenze (9-9, 29 points) on Feb. 16 in its next Italian Serie A1 match.

HILL, LOWE WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) and opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, California, Instagram) are playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the European Champions League, Conegliano rallied past Germany’s SSC Palmberg Schwerin (1-3, 4 points) 23-25, 26-24, 25-19, 25-19, 15-7 on Feb. 6. Lowe, who came off the bench in the second set and started the final three sets, scored a team-leading 21 points with 19 kills on 33 swings and two blocks. She tallied 15 points during the third and fourth sets alone to turn the tide. Hill added 14 points with 11 kills on 35 attacks, two blocks and one ace. She also handled 24 receptions in the victory. Conegliano (3-1, 7 points) returns to action on Feb. 20 against Italian rival Savino Del Bene Scandicci (3-1, 10 points), which leads Pool D. In the Italian Serie A1, Conegliano turned away 12th-place Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri 25-23, 25-23, 25-15 on Feb. 10. Lowe connected for 19 points with 18 kills on 35 swings and a block. Hill did not play in the match. Conegliano (14-3, 43 points), which remains in first place in the Italian Serie A1, challenges 11th-place Lardini Filottrano (4-13, 11 points) on Feb. 16 in its next Italian Serie A1 match.

ADAMS AND HANCOCK WITH TEAM MONZA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram) and setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Twitter, Instagram) are playing for Saugella Team Monza in the Italian Serie A1 and CEV Challenge Cup this winter. In the Italian Serie A1, Team Monza rallied to defeat Bosca San Bernardo Cuneo 32-34, 25-11, 22-25, 25-20, 15-9 on Feb. 10. Hancock set Team Monza to a 42 kill percent and produced 12 individual points with four kills on six errorless attacks, five aces on 30 serves and three blocks. Adams contributed nine points with five kills on 10 swings, two aces and two blocks. Team Monza (11-7, 34 points), which moved into fourth place during the Italian Serie A1, faces third-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci (14-3, 39 points) on Feb. 17 in its next Italian Serie A1 match. In the CEV Challenge Cup, Team Monza swept Calcit Volley Kamnik 25-19, 25-18, 25-7 on Feb. 5 to open its home-and-home 4th Finals Round (quarterfinals) in Italy. Neither Adams or Hancock played in the match. The series concludes on Feb. 13 with the winner advancing to the CEV Challenge Cup semifinals.

COURTNEY AND HANNAH TAPP WITH BERGAMO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Libero/outside hitter Megan Courtney (Dayton, Ohio, Instagram) and Hannah Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) are playing for Zanetti Bergamo in the Italian Serie A1 during the 2018-19 pro season. Bergamo defeated Banca Valsabbina Millenium Brescia 25-13, 22-25, 25-15, 25-21 on Feb. 9. Courtney totaled 10 points with nine kills on 22 swings and a block. Tapp added three kills on six swings, four blocks and two aces for nine points. Bergamo (8-10, 24 points), now in 10th place, will play eighth-place Bosca San Bernardo Cuneo (9-8, 24 points) on Feb. 17 in its next league match.

WASHINGTON WITH BRESCIA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Haleigh Washington (Colorado Springs, Colorado, Twitter, Instagram) is playing for Banca Valsabbina Millenium Brescia in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Brescia lost to Zanetti Bergamo 25-13, 22-25, 25-15, 25-21 on Feb. 9. Washington pocketed nine points in the loss with seven kills on 15 swings and two blocks. Brescia (8-10, 23 points), now in ninth place, is idle this coming week.

WHITNEY WITH FILOTTRANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Opposite Aiyana Whitney (Norwood, New Jersey, Twitter, Instagram) is playing for Lardini Filotrrano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Filottrano lost to second-place Igor Gorgonzola Novara 25-22, 25-16, 25-15 on Feb. 10. Whitney scored nine kills on 29 swings and an ace for 10 points. Filottrano (4-13, 11 points), in 11th-place, resumes action on Feb. 16 against league-leader Imoco Volley Conegliano (14-3, 43 points).

AKINRADEWO WITH HISAMITSU SPRINGS IN JAPAN: Middle Foluke Akinradewo (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Twitter, Instagram) has returned to Hisamitsu Springs of the Japanese V-League this winter. Hisamitsu Springs swept Kurobe Aquafairies 25-20, 25-23, 25-22 on Feb. 9. Akinradewo scored 11 kills on 15 swings with just one error on offense. Hisamitsu Springs handled Okayama 25-23, 22-25, 25-18, 27-25 on Feb. 10. Akinradewo hammered 16 kills on 24 errorless attacks while adding three blocks and one ace for 20 points. Hisamitsu Springs (17-2, 49 points), in first place in the V-League Western Conference and leads both divisions, plays Hitachi Rivale on Feb. 16 in its next league match.

LARSON AND GIBBEMEYER WITH ECZACIBASI IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Twitter, Instagram) and middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) are competing with Eczacibasi in the Turkish League this winter. Larson is serving as the team’s captain. In the European Champions League, Eczacibasi overwhelmed Hameenlinna (0-4, 0 points) 25-17, 25-7, 25-20 on Feb. 5. Gibbemeyer pocketed eight points with four kills on nine errorless attacks, three blocks and an ace on seven serves. Larson did not play in the match. Eczacibasi (4-0, 12 points), in first place in Pool B, challenges Russia’s Uralochka-NTMK Ekaterinburg (2-2, 5 points) on Feb. 20 in its next Champions League match. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi eased past Karayollari 25-16, 25-14, 25-22 on Feb. 10. Larson placed 12 points on the scoresheet with 11 kills via 23 attacks and an ace. She was credited with 20 receptions and only one error. Gibbemeyer did not play in the match. Eczacibasi (18-0), in first place in the Turkish League as the only undefeated team, resumes domestic league action on Feb. 17 versus fifth-place Besiktas (8-10).

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Twitter, Instagram, Website) is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league and European Champions League this winter. In European Champions League, VakifBank remained undefeated in Pool A with a 25-19, 25-17, 25-19 victory over Maritza Plovdiv (0-4, 0 points) on Feb. 6. Robinson pocketed 13 points with 11 kills on 19 swings and just one attack error to go with two blocks. She was credited with an 88 positive reception percent on eight receptions. VakifBank (4-0, 12 points) returns to action on Feb. 20 against Germany’s Allianz MTV Stuttgart (3-1, 9 points). In the Turkish League, VakifBank swept Halkbank 25-19, 25-16, 25-16 on Feb. 10. Robinson did not play in the match against the last place Halkbank. VakifBank (17-1) returns to Turkish League action on Feb. 17 versus sixth-place Kameroglu Beylikduzu Voleybol Ihtisas (9-9). Robinson has launched her own website, nomandplay.com on her passions for play, travel and food. In addition, Robinson has created her vlog on what it is like to be an American citizen and play professional volleyball overseas. To watch her vlogs, click here.

DREWS AND LEE WITH BEYLIKDUZU IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Opposite Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana, Twitter, Instagram) and Simone Lee (Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Twitter, Instagram) are competing with Kameroglu Beylikduzu Voleybol Ihtisas alongside fellow American setter Kelly Hunter in the Turkish League for the 2018-19 season. Beylikduzu rallied to defeat fifth-place Besiktas 21-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-18, 15-11 on Feb. 10. Drews connected for 19 kills on 47 swings, six blocks and an ace for a match-high 27 points. Lee added 12 points with 10 kills on 27 attacks, one block and one ace. She also handled 37 of the team’s 85 receptions. Hunter set Beylikduzu to a 42 kill percent and added three blocks and one individual kill. Beylikduzu (9-9), which remains in sixth place returns to Turkish League action on Feb. 17 against second-place VakifBank (17-1).

OGBOGU WITH CHEMIK POLICE IN POLAND: Middle Chiaka Ogbogu (Coppell, Texas, Twitter, Instagram) is playing for Chemik Police in the Polish League and European Champions League this winter. In European Champions League action, Chemik Police lost to Turkey’s Fenerbahce (4-0, 12 points) 26-24, 25-20, 25-15 on Feb. 6 in Pool E action. Ogbogu collected eight points with five kills on 12 attacks and three blocks. Chemik Police (0-4, 1 point) returns to action on Feb. 20 against Pool E’s third-place team CSM Bucuresti (1-3, 3 points). In the Polish Orlen Liga, Chemiki Police blanked sixth-place BKS Profi Credit Bielsko-Biala (8-8, 24 points) 25-23, 25-18, 25-15 on Feb. 9. Ogbogu scored four kills on eight attacks, two blocks and an ace for seven points. Chemik Police (16-2, 48 points), which remains comfortably in first place with an eight-point cushion, returns to Polish Orlen Liga action on Feb. 15 against fourth-place Grot Budowlani Lodz (13-3, 34 points).

LLOYD WITH PRAIA CLUBE IN BRAZIL: Setter Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California, Instagram) is playing for Praia Clube in the Brazilian Superliga this winter. Praia Clube also has former U.S. Women’s National Team member Nicole Fawcett playing at opposite. Praia Clube lost to last-place Sao Cristovao Saude Sao Caetano 25-23, 25-18, 22-25, 25-22 on Feb. 5. Lloyd set Praia Clube to a 36 kill percent in the loss. Fawcett, who started the first two sets and was a sub in the final two sets, scored 12 kills on 32 swings. Praia Clube bounced back to defeat sixth-place Sesi Volei Baura 25-17, 25-19, 26-24 on Feb. 8. Lloyd set Praia Clube to a 46 kill percent while adding four kills on five errorless attacks, two blocks and an ace for seven points. Fawcett contributed 11 points with eight kills on 22 attacks, two aces and a block. Praia Clube (14-2, 41 points), which is now in second place in the Brazilian Superliga, takes the court again on Feb. 11 against ninth-place Esporte Clube Pinheiros (5-11, 14 points) followed by eighth-place Fluminense F.C. (6-9, 18 points) on Feb. 15.

WILHITE PARSONS, PAIGE TAPP, RIVERS AND McCAGE WITH MTV STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Outside hitter Sarah Wilhite Parsons (Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram), middles Molly McCage (Spring, Texas, Twitter, Instagram) and Paige Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram), opposite Krystal Rivers and setter Madi Bugg are playing for Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. All but Bugg played for the U.S. Women in the 2018 season. In the European Champions League, Stuttgart downed France’s Beziers (1-3, 3 points) 25-19, 25-20, 25-16 on Feb. 6. McCage totaled nine points in the victory with six kills on 10 swings, two blocks and an ace. Bugg set the squad to a 50 kill percent and .391 hitting efficiency while adding three individual kills on seven swings and an ace. Tapp, a sub in the third set, tacked on one kill. Wilhite Parsons and Rivers did not play in the match. Stuttgart (3-1, 9 points), in second place in Pool A, resumes action on Feb. 20 against Turkey’s VakifBank (4-0, 12 points). In the German Bundesliga, Stuttgart downed seventh-place Munster 25-19, 25-10, 25-19 on Feb. 10. Wilhite Parsons returned to the lineup and scored six kills on 12 swings while starting just the third set and subbing in the second. Rivers scored a team-high nine points with six kills on 10 attacks, two aces and a block while subbing the first two sets and starting the third. Tapp, starting the final two sets, scored four kills on six attacks and a block for five points. McCage, who started the first two sets, added two kills on five swings, one block and one ace for four points. Bugg, who started the first two sets, helped Stuttgart to a 45 kill percent and added two aces, one block and one ace for four individual points. Stuttgart (16-0, 46 points) resumes Bundesliga action on Feb. 16 against 11th-place Erfurt (3-14, 9 points).

BENSON WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Libero Amanda Benson (Litchfield Park, Arizona, Twitter, Instagram) is playing for Dresdner SC in the German Bundesliga this winter. Dresdner was idle this past week. Dresdner (10-5, 32 points), in third place, resumes Bundesliga action on Feb. 13 against second-place Schwerin (14-1, 40 points).

DIXON AND KINGDON-RISHEL PLAYING FOR BEIJING BAIC IN CHINESE LEAGUE: Middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) and Madi Kingdon Rishel (Phoenix, Arizona, Twitter, Instagram) are playing for Beijing BAIC Motors Volleyball Club in China during the 2018-19 pro season. BAIC Motors begins its best-of-five semifinal round series against Shanghai on Feb. 12.

MURPHY WITH SHANGHAI VOLLEYBALL CLUB: Opposite Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram) is playing for Shanghai Volleyball Club this winter. Shanghai begins its best-of-five semifinal round series against BAIC Motors on Feb. 12.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Chiaka Ogbogu was the 2012 Gatorade Texas High School Player of the Year after leading Coppell High School to consecutive Texas Class 5A state championship titles before going on to win four AVCA All-America honors at the University of Texas.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 7, 2018) – U.S. Women’s National Team members were on squads that won gold and bronze in the European Champions League as the women’s pro season came to an end for all Team USA members.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Which current U.S. Women’s National Team player was the youngest known player to earn a AAA CBVA rating after winning a AAA beach tournament at the age of 12?

U.S. WOMEN’S SEASON PREVIEW AND STORYLINES: The U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team, ranked No. 2 in the world by the FIVB, enters the second year of the 2020 Olympic quadrennial with seven returning Olympians mixing with a handful of newer faces who found lots of playing time in 2017. U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly will bring in additional recent college grads into the USA gym for 2018 to provide depth and creating competition for positions on every tournament roster. The 2018 roster has a core of seven Olympians in the form of three outside hitters (Jordan Larson, Kim Hill, Kelsey Robinson), two middles (Foluke Akinradewo, Rachael Adams), one opposite (Kelly Murphy) and one setter (Carli Lloyd). Adams, Akinradewo, Hill and Larson did not compete in the 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix, but made an impressive showing in the USA Volleyball Cup against Brazil and during Team USA’s bronze-medal run at the 2017 FIVB World Grand Champions Cup. Murphy paced the U.S. offense early in the season during the FIVB World Grand Prix before taking a break from the National Team to finish her college degree at the University of Florida.

UPDATED VNL ROSTER AND OPPONENT CAPSULES: The U.S. Women’s National Team has submitted its 21-player roster for the FIVB Volleyball Nations League in which each week’s 14-player roster can be selected. Team USA opens the five-week preliminary round May 15-17 by hosting Italy, Poland and Turkey in Lincoln, Nebraska.

WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM AUTOGRAPH SESSION LINCOLN: The U.S. Women’s National Team will hold an autograph session on Sunday, May 13, at The Railyard (350 Canopy Street) in Lincoln, Nebraska, prior to its first training session for the FIVB Volleyball Nations League. Fans can get autographs from 3:30-4 p.m. CT.

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter, Website), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. VakifBank used momentum from winning the Turkish League championship last week by defeating Italian Serie A1 champion Imoco Conegliano 25-22, 25-21, 17-25, 15-25, 16-14 in the European Champions League semifinals on May 5. VakifBank overcame a 12-9 deficit in the tiebreaking set to win. Robinson was a sub in the final four sets, registering two kills on eight swings. She also handled seven receptions with a 57 positive percent. VakifBank went on to defeat host CSM Volei Alba Blaj 25-17, 25-11, 25-17 in the gold-medal match on May 6. Robinson was a sub in the third set, registering two receptions and 50 positive reception percent. Robinson has launched her own website, www.nomandplay.com on her passions for play, travel and food. To read her latest blog on travel tricks and tips, click here.

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Conegliano lost a heart-breaking five-set match to Turkey’s VakifBank 25-22, 25-21, 17-25, 15-25, 16-14 in the European Champions League semifinals on May 5. Conegliano, which had won the Italian Serie A1 playoffs last week, had rallied from a two-set deficit and led 12-9 in the tiebreaker before VakifBank charged back for the win. Hill totaled 17 kills on 44 swings and a block for 18 points. She added an 80 positive reception percent on 15 chances. Conegliano bounced back to claim bronze by defeating Turkey’s Galatasaray 25-17, 25-18, 25-20 on May 6. Hill pocketed 11 points with eight kills on 19 swings and three aces on 18 serves. She added a 70 positive reception percent on 10 chances. Hill was named one of the two best outside hitters in the European Champions League following the tournament.

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziers in the French League this winter. Beziers edged RC Cannes 25-22, 20-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-8 in the French League championship match in a battle of the top two seeds. Rolfzen scored 12 points for top-seed Beziers, including a match-high eight blocks to go with four kills on 10 attacks. Rolfzen scored half of her eight blocks in the deciding fifth set. American teammate Krystal Rivers contributed 19 kills on 52 swings and four aces for a match-high 23 points.

TRIVIA ANSWER: At age 12, Justine Wong-Orantes (Cypress, California, Instagram, Twitter) won a AAA beach tournament with current beach star Summer Ross, which propelled her to becoming the youngest player to earn the AAA CBVA rating.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 23, 2018) – Fresh of their CEV Cup title, Jordan Larson and Rachael Adams have led their Turkish club Team Eczacibasi to a 2-1 advantage over VakifBank in the Turkish League’s best-of-five championship series.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Which U.S. Women’s National Team player’s father was an NFL veteran of 11 seasons and hailed from New Zealand?

PRELIM ROSTER SET FOR VOLLEYBALL NATIONS LEAGUE: The U.S. Women’s National Team has set its 26-player preliminary roster for the inaugural FIVB Volleyball Nations League that officially opens the 2018 season.

Setters (4): Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois), Lexi Dannemiller (West Chester, Ohio), Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma), Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California)
Opposites (4): Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana), Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Illinois), Krystal Rivers (Birmingham, Alabama), Aiyana Whitney (Norwood, New Jersey)
Outside Hitters (8): Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Champaign, Illinois), Megan Courtney (Dayton, Ohio), Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon), Madi Kingdon (Hermosa Beach, California), Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska), Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California), Kadie Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska), Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie, Minnesota)
Middle Blockers (7): Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio), Foluke Akinradewo (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota), Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota), Molly McCage (Spring, Texas), Chiaka Ogbogu (Coppell, Texas), Paige Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota)
Liberos (3): Amanda Benson (Litchfield Park, Arizona), Caroline Knop (Pasadena, California), Justine Wong-Orantes (Cypress, California)

Per FIVB regulations, the 26-player preliminary roster will be trimmed to 21 players by May 5, which every week’s 14-player roster must be selected from. Each country must declare its 14-player roster two days before the start of each week’s round-robin competition.

“Our 2018 eligibility roster contains a blend of experience and youth,” U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly said. “From returning Olympic medalists to people barely out of college, we’re thrilled to see how this group comes together during a challenging five weeks of preliminary competition, and thrilled to be preparing for the first-ever Volleyball Nations League.”

The U.S. Women, ranked second in the world by the FIVB, open the FIVB Volleyball Nations League against No. 22 Poland on May 15, followed by No. 12 Turkey on May 16 and No. 7 Italy on May 17. All three USA matches begin at 7 p.m. CT. The matches will be played at the Devaney Center on the University of Nebraska campus.

LARSON, ADAMS WITH ECZACIBASI IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter), a two-time Olympic Games medalist, and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, are playing professionally with Eczacibasi in the Turkish League for the 2017-18 season. In the Turkish League, top-seeded Eczacibasi lost to second-seeded VakifBank 25-22, 25-17, 25-20 on April 17 to open the best-of-five Championship round series. Larson was held to four points – all on kills via 17 swings. She handled 22 receptions with a 64 positive percent. Adams was a sub in the final two sets with one kill on two swings and two serves. Eczacibasi bounced back to win the second match 20-25, 25-22, 26-24, 25-21 on April 19 to level the series at 1-1. Larson contributed 10 kills on 25 swings and a block for 11 points in the win. She was credited with a 69 positive reception percent on 16 chances. Adams was a sub in the opening set, registering two kills on four errorless attacks. Eczacibasi went up 2-1 in the series with a hard-fought 27-25, 19-25, 27-29, 26-24, 15-10 victory over VakifBank on April 22. Larson hammered 20 kills on 43 swings and added three aces on 23 serves for 23 points in the victory. She added 20 receptions with a 40 positive percent. Adams was a sub in the first three sets. Eczacibasi can claim the title at home on April 24 in match four.

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter, Website), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. In the Turkish League, second-seeded VakifBank swept top-seeded Eczacibasi 25-22, 25-17, 25-20 on April 17 to open the best-of-five championship series. Robinson was a sub in all three sets in which she handled one reception with an excellent rating. VakifBank lost the second match 20-25, 25-22, 26-24, 25-21 on April 19 as the series evened at 1-1. Robinson was a sub in three of the four sets and handled three receptions with a 67 excellent percent. VakifBank took its second loss in the series with a 27-25, 19-25, 27-29, 26-24, 15-10 setback on April 22. Robinson was a sub in the last four sets, recording six receptions with a 50 excellent percent. She also served six times in the match as a back-row specialist. VakifBank is now in a must-win situation in match four on April 24 at Eczacibasi’s home facility. In European Champions League action, VakifBank face Italy’s Imoco Volley Conegliano in the semifinals on May 5. Robinson has launched her own website, www.nomandplay.com on her passions for play, travel and food. To read her latest blog on travel tricks and tips, click here.

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Conegliano, seeded third in the Italian Serie A1 playoffs, lost to top-seeded Novara 25-23, 25-20, 25-21 on April 18 to open the best-of-five championship series. Hill scored eight points in the loss with seven kills on 18 swings and an ace. She added a 74 positive reception percent on 19 chances. American teammate Simone Lee was a sub in the third set. In the second match, Conegliano saved five consecutive set points after trailing 24-19 in the opening set to win 30-28 setting off a wild match on April 21. Conegliano appeared ready to win in three sets leading 23-21 in the middle set, only to see Novara come back and win 25-23 and taking the fourth set. Conegliano trailed 5-3 early in the tiebreaker, but rattled off six of the next seven points to take a 9-6 advantage en route to a 15-13 victory. Hill scored 16 points, all on kills via 41 swings. She was credited with an 89 positive reception percent in handling 38 of the team’s 95 receptions. The series continues April 25 with the third match followed by the fourth match on April 29. If necessary, the deciding fifth match will take place on May 2. In the European Champions League, Conegliano will face Turkey’s VakifBank on May 5 in the semifinals with the winner advancing to the finals on May 6.

GIBBEMEYER WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing her 2017-18 professional season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. In the Italian Serie A1 playoffs, top-seeded Novara swept third-seeded Conegliano 25-23, 25-20, 25-21 at Novara on April 18 to open the best-of-five championship round series. Gibbemeyer picked up three kills on seven errorless attacks, a team-best four blocks and an ace for eight points. For highlights of the match, click here. Novara lost a wild second match of the series 30-28, 25-15, 23-25, 20-25, 15-13 on April 21. Gibbemeyer pocketed nine kills on 23 swings and eight of the team’s 13 blocks for 17 points in the setback. The two teams will meet again on April 25 and April 29. If necessary, match five will be held on May 2.

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Soverato, seeded seventh in the playoffs, lost to fourth-seeded Battistelli S.G. Marignano 17-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-20, 15-13 on April 18 to lose the best-of-three quarterfinal round series in straight matches. McMahon totaled 12 points with 10 kills on 27 swings and just one error to go with one block and one ace.

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziers in the French League this winter. Beziers, the top seed in the French playoffs, defeated St. Raphael 25-22, 25-18, 26-24 on April 21 to open the best-of-three semifinal round series. Rolfzen pocketed three kills on eight swings and a block for four points. American teammate Krystal Rivers chipped in nine kills. The second match is scheduled for April 25, and if necessary, the tiebreaking match is scheduled for April 28.

DANNEMILLER WITH MULHOUSE IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Lexi Dannemiller (West Chester, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for ASPTT Mulhouse in the French League this winter. Mulhouse, seeded third in the playoffs, defeated sixth-seeded Pays d’Aix Venelles 19-25, 20-25, 25-18, 25-19, 15-8 in the final match of the best-of-three quarterfinal round series. Dannemiller started the first set as Mulhouse converted 26 percent of its attacks. Mulhouse opened its best-of-three semifinals with second-seed RC Cannes with a 25-11, 25-17, 25-15 loss on April 21. Dannemiller started the opening set, producing one block. Mulhouse must defeat RC Cannes on April 26 to force a tiebreaking match on April 28. The second match is scheduled for April 25, and if necessary, the tiebreaking match is scheduled for April 28.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Tori Dixon’s father David played 11 seasons in the National Football League and is the second player from New Zealand to compete in the NFL.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 2, 2018) – Kim Hill, Lauren Gibbemeyer and Kelsey Robinson all seek victories this week to send their respective pro teams into the European Champions League semifinals. Catch the action live on laola1.tv.

TRIVIA QUESTION: When was the last time the U.S. Women clinched two major international titles on the same day in different countries? How did that happen?

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, CEV CUP STREAMS: Three European Champions League quarterfinal round matches are scheduled this week, along with the opening match of the European CEV Cup championship. All four matches feature U.S. Women’s National Team members, and you can watch all the action live on laola1.tv this week.

April 3: CEV Cup – Eczacibasi (Jordan Larson, Rachael Adams) vs. Minchanka Minsk, 9:30 a.m. PT
April 4: Champions League – Imoco Volley Conegliano (Kim Hill) vs. Dinamo Moscow, 9 a.m. PT
April 5: Champions League – VakifBank (Kelsey Robinson) vs. Volero Zurich, 9 a.m. PT
April 5: Champions League – Igor Gorgonzola Novara (Lauren Gibbemeyer) vs. Galatasaray, 11:30 a.m. PT

U.S. COLLEGIATE NATIONAL TEAM-EUROPE ROSTER SELECTED: USA Volleyball is proud to announce its 12-player U.S. Women’s Collegiate National Team Europe Tour (CNT-Europe) roster comprised of current collegiate players who will train and compete in Europe July 4-15. Middles selected to the elite CNT-Europe squad are Danielle Hart (University of Wisconsin, Virginia Beach, Virginia), Kirstie Hillyer (Colorado State University, Bayfield, Colorado) and Berkeley Oblad (University of Utah, Henderson, Nevada). The outside hitters named to the roster are Leah Edmond (University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky), Amanda Green (University of Louisville, Skokie, Illinois), MacKenzie May (UCLA, Dubuque, Iowa) and Avery Skinner (University of Kentucky, Katy, Texas). The two opposites selected to the CNT-Europe Tour are Audriana Fitzmorris (Stanford, Overland Park, Kansas) and Taylor Mims (Washington State University, Billings, Montana). The setters are Katie Oleksak (Colorado State University, Phoenix, Arizona) and August Raskie (University of Oregon, Colorado Springs, Colorado). The libero will be Alexis Dirige (Washington State University, San Francisco, California).

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter, Website), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. In the Turkish League, VakifBank completed its semifinal round home-and-home sweep of Galatasaray with a 25-23, 24-26, 22-25, 32-30, 15-8 victory on March 28 in the second match. Robinson, a sub in the first four sets and starter in the fifth, provided two kills and a block for three points. She added a 58 positive reception percent on 12 chances in her limited action on the court. VakifBank will face regular season champion Eczacibasi in the finals with matches on April 17, April 19 and April 22. In European Champions League action, VakifBank meets Switzerland’s Volero Zurich on April 5 in the second match of the quarterfinal home-and-home series. Robinson has launched her own website, nomandplay.com, on her passions for play, travel and food. To read her blog on four easy day trips from Instanbul, click here.

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In its Italian Serie A1 playoffs, third-seeded Conegliano swept second-seeded Savino Del Benne Scandicci 25-23, 25-23, 25-20 on March 31 in Florence. Hill pocketed 12 points in the victory, all coming on kills from 30 swings. She added an 84 positive reception percent on 19 chances. In the European Champions League, Conegliano looks to close out its quarterfinal round home-and-home series on April 4 against Russia’s Dinamo Kazan. Conegliano already holds a 1-0 advantage in the series. The two teams meet again on April 7 at Conegliano’s home arena followed by an April 10 match. If necessary, matches four and five will be held on April 13 and April 18.

CARLINI WITH SCANDICCI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first year with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her first pro season with Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Scandicci, seeded second in the playoffs, lost at home to third-seeded Imoco Volley Conegliano 25-23, 25-23, 25-20 on March 31 in Florence. Carlini set her team to a 34 kill percent for the match. The two teams meet again on April 7 at Conegliano’s home arena followed by an April 10 match. If necessary, matches four and five will be held on April 13 and April 18.

BARTSCH-HACKLEY, WILHITE WITH ITALY’S UNET E-WORK BUSTO ARSIZIO: Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Champaign, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) and Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), both outside hitters for the U.S. Women’s National Team, are playing their 2017-18 pro season for Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio in the Italian Serie A1. Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio, seeded fourth in the playoffs, swept fifth-seeded Saugella Team Monza 25-18, 25-19, 25-17 on March 28 in the deciding third match of the best-of-three quarterfinal round series. Bartsch-Hackley produced 11 points in the victory with 10 kills on 31 swings and a block. She added a 63 positive reception percent in handling a team-leading 19 serves. Wilhite was a sub in the third set, registering one serve. In the following round, Busto Arsizio lost to top-seeded Igor Gorgonzola Novara 25-21, 25-19, 25-16 on April 2 to start the best-of-five semifinal round. Bartsch-Hackley tallied six kills and two blocks in the loss, while handling 32 of the team’s 64 receptions with a 75 positive percent. The teams will meet again on April 8 and April 11. If necessary, matches four and five will be on April 14 and April 18.

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. Dresdner, in its second must-win quarterfinal match, defeated SC Potsdam 25-16, 25-17, 25-12 on March 28 to clinch the best-of-three series and advance on to the semifinals. Bugg did not play in the match. Dresdner will now face second-seeded Schwerin in the best-of-three semifinal round with matches on April 3 and April 7. If necessary, the tiebreaking third match will be played on April 14.

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Soverato swept Sigel Marsala 25-20, 25-22, 25-23 on April 2. McMahon totaled 12 points with 10 kills on 23 swings and just one error to go with two blocks. Soverato (20-11, 58 points), which is in seventh-place place, plays sixth-place Fenera Chieri (19-11, 60 points) on April 8 in its next league match.

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziers in the French League this winter. Beziers, the top seed in the French playoffs, handled Nantes 25-18, 25-17, 25-21 on March 31 to start the best-of-three quarterfinal round series. Rolfzen contributed seven points in the victory with five kills on 10 swings, one block and one ace. The two teams meet again on April 14 in the second match. If necessary, the tiebreaker is scheduled for April 17.

TRIVIA ANSWER: The U.S. Women used a split squad to win the 2015 Pan American Games gold-medal match by defeating Brazil in straight sets on July 25, 2015, in Toronto, Canada. That same day, another U.S. Women’s roster defeated a different team from Brazil 25-16, 25-22, 25-21 to clinch the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix Finals Round title with one match remaining in the five-match round-robin format.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 26, 2018) – Kim Hill, Lauren Gibbemeyer and Kelsey Robinson have all helped their club teams to quarterfinal round victories in the European Champions League home-and-home series.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Who did the U.S. Women defeat for its first-ever Olympic Games victory?

U.S. COLLEGIATE NATIONAL TEAM-CHINA TOUR ROSTER ANNOUNCED: USA Volleyball is proud to announce its 12-player U.S. Women’s Collegiate National Team China Tour (CNT-China) roster comprised of current collegiate players who will train and compete in China from May 20-31. Middles selected to the elite CNT-China squad are Rachael Kramer (University of Florida, Phoenix, Arizona), Dana Rettke (University of Wisconsin, Riverside, Illinois) and Jenna Rosenthal (Marquette University, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin). The outside hitters named to the roster are T’ara Ceasar (University of Georgia, Panama City, Florida), Thayer Hall (University of Florida, Moore, South Carolina), Taryn Kloth (Creighton University, Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Carlyle Nusbaum (Lipscomb University, Overland Park, Kansas).

The two opposites selected to the CNT-China Tour are Rebecca Latham and Stephanie Samedy (University of Minnesota, Clermont, Florida) The setters are Madison Lilley (University of Kentucky, Overland Park, Kansas) and Julia Patterson (University of Arizona, Los Alamitos, California). The libero will be Molly Sauer (University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky).

LARSON, ADAMS WITH ECZACIBASI IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter), a two-time Olympic Games medalist, and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Instagram), Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, are playing professionally with Eczacibasi in the Turkish League for the 2017-18 season. In CEV Cup action, Eczacibasi swept Germany’s SSC Palmberg Schwerin for the second time in the semifinal round home-and-home series with a 25-18, 25-19, 25-20 victory on March 20 in Istanbul. Adams secured 12 points with six kills on nine attacks and a match-high six blocks. Larson added six kills on 17 swings and three aces for nine points in the victory. Eczacibasi now meets Belarus’ Minchanka Minsk in the home-and-home championship finals. Dates are to be announced, but the series will conclude by April 10. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi swept Fenerbahce 25-23, 25-18, 30-28 to win both matches of the semifinal round. Larson tallied eight kills on 25 swings and three aces for 11 points. She added a 63 positive reception percent on 16 chances. Adams did not play in the match.

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter, Website), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. In European Champions League action, VakifBank defeated Switzerland’s Volero Zurich 25-17, 25-22, 25-21 in Zurich on March 22 to start its home-and-home quarterfinal round series. Robinson a sub in the second set and starter in the third set, was perfect from the floor with five kills on as many attacks. She also handled nine receptions without an error. VakifBank can wrap up the series and claim a spot in the semifinals when the two teams meet again on April 5. In the Turkish League, VakifBank holds a 1-0 lead over Galatasaray in the semifinal round. VakifBank and Galatasaray will meet again on March 27 in the second semifinal match of the series. Robinson has launched her own website, nomandplay.com, on her passions for play, travel and food. To read her blog on four easy day trips from Instanbul, click here.

GIBBEMEYER WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing her 2017-18 professional season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. In the European Champions League, Novara edged out Turkey’s Galatasaray 25-21, 7-25, 16-25, 25-21, 15-10 on March 21 to open the quarterfinal home-and-home series. Gibbemeyer claimed four kills on 11 attacks and a block for five points in the victory. Novara can clinch its spot into the Champions League semifinals with a victory over Galatasaray on April 5. In the Italian Serie A1 playoff opener, top-seeded Novara topped Igor Gorgonzola Novara 17-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-22 after a slow start on March 25 to close out the best-of-three quarterfinal round series. Gibbemeyer collected 11 points with six kills on 11 errorless wings and five blocks. Scandicci takes on third-seeded Imoco Volley Conegliano in the best-of-five semifinal round that begins on March 31.

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the European Champions League, Conegliano defeated Russia’s Dinamo Kazan 25-19, 25-18, 25-17 to open the quarterfinal round home-and-home series on March 21 at its home facility in Italy. Hill scored seven kills on 21 attacks, one ace and one block for nine points in the victory. She added a team-best 24 receptions with a 54 percent positive. Conegliano will seek a second victory to close the quarterfinal round on April 4 to advance to the semifinals. In its Italian Serie A1 playoffs, third-seeded Conegliano defeated sixth-seed Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modenda 25-19, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20 on March 25 to win both its best-of-three quarterfinal round series matches. Hill slammed 19 kills on 36 attacks and added one ace for 20 points in the victory. She was credited with a 74 positive reception percent after handling 23 receptions. Conegliano moves on to the best-of-five semifinal round where it will meet second-seeded Savino Del Bene Scandicci. The series begins on March 31.

CARLINI WITH SCANDICCI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first year with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her first pro season with Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Scandicci, seeded second in the playoffs, clinched a spot into the semifinals by defeating seventh-seeded myCicero Volley Pesaro 23-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19 on March 24 to sweep the best-of-three quarterfinal round series. Carlini set Scandicci to a 42 kill percent and added two individual kills on three swings. Scandicci now meets third-seeded Imoco Volley Conegliano in the best-of-five semifinal round that begins on March 31.

DIXON, HANCOCK WITH MONZA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Team, and U.S. Women’s National Team setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Instagram), Twitter) are playing for Saugella Team Monza in the Italian Serie A1 this winter after missing the 2016-17. Team Monza, seeded fifth in the playoffs, lost at home to fourth-seeded Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio 25-10, 17-25, 25-15, 25-18 on March 25 to even their best-of-three quarterfinal round series. Dixon, who started just the first two sets, scored four kills on 10 attacks and a block for five points. Hancock set the team to a 31 kill percent and chipped in one individual kill. The series will conclude on March 28 with the winner advancing to the semifinals to face top-seeded Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the best-of-five semifinal round that begins on April 2.

KINGDON WITH KOREA V-LEAGUE’S IBK: Outside hitter Madi Kingdon (Hermosa Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter), a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, is playing her second consecutive professional season with IBK of the Korea V-League. IBK lost to Hyundai 18-25, 25-20, 25-23, 28-26 on March 19 to even the Korea V-League Playoff 3 best-of-three series. Kingdon contributed 35 points with 33 kills on 81 attacks and two aces for 35 points. IBK bounced back to defeat Hyundai 25-19, 25-17, 26-24 in the tiebreaking match on March 21 to advance to the championship round series against Korea Expressway. Kingdon tallied 28 kills on 70 attacks and two aces for 30 points in the series-clinching victory. IBK dropped a heartbreaking 25-23, 25-20, 23-25, 23-25, 17-15 match to Korea Expressway on March 23 to open the best-of-five championship round series. Kingdon was credited with 42 kills on 94 attacks, one ace and one block for 44 points. Korea Expressway won the second meeting of the best-of-five championship series with a 20-25, 25-16, 25-23, 25-18 victory on March 25. Kingdon charted 24 kills on 69 attacks and an ace for 25 points in the loss. IBK now must win three straight matches to win the series with the next match on March 25. If necessary, match four will be held on March 29 and match five on March 31.

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Soverato edged past sixth-place Delta Informatica Trentino 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-18 on March 21. McMahon pocketed five kills on 22 swings and a block for six points in the victory. Soverato lost to fourth-place Battistelli S.G. Marignano 24-26, 23-25, 25-20, 25-15, 15-12 on March 25. McMahon totaled 10 points with eight kills on 24 swings and two aces. Soverato (19-11, 55 points), which is in seventh-place place, plays 16th-place Sigel Marsala (5-24, 18 points) on April 2 in its next league match.

PAIGE TAPP, McCAGE WITH ALLIANZ MTV STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Middles Paige Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) and Molly McCage (Spring, Texas, Instagram), who were part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, are playing professionally this winter with Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. In the CEV Cup, Stuttgart defeated Minchanka Minsk 25-19, 25-20, 23-25, 23-25, 15-12 in the second semifinal round home-and-home match on March 20 to force a golden set to decide which team advances to the championship round. Minsk won the golden set 15-8 to eliminate Stuttgart. McCage notched 18 points with 13 kills on 21 swings, four blocks and an ace in the loss. Tapp added seven kills on 14 swings, a match-high six blocks and three aces for 16 points. In the German Bundesliga playoffs, top-seeded Stuttgart overwhelmed Rote Raben Vilsbiburg 25-23, 25-13, 25-21 on March 24 to clinch their quarterfinal round series. McCage slammed nine kills on 16 errorless attacks to go with five blocks for 14 points to earn match MVP honors. Tapp added seven kills on 11 attacks and a block for eight points.

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. Dresdner, in a must-win quarterfinal match, defeated SC Potsdam 25-19, 26-24, 20-25, 25-15 on March 25. Bugg was a sub in the second set and recorded an ace on her only serve to close out the second-set victory. The teams will play a deciding third match on March 28 with the winner advancing to the semifinals.

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziers in the French League this winter. Beziers downed Nantes 25-11, 25-20, 28-30, 25-21 on March 24 to close out the regular season. Rolfzen smashed seven kills on 10 errorless attacks to go with five blocks for 12 points. Beziers (19-3, 54 points) concluded the regular season in first place heading into the playoffs.

TRIVIA ANSWER: The U.S. Women defeated South Korea 15-7, 15-13, 15-13 on Oct. 21, 1964, for its first-ever Olympic Games victory.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 19, 2018) – Foluke Akinradewo finished out an impressive season with Hisamitsu Springs this weekend while several of her teammates on the U.S. Women’s National Team are getting deep into pro playoffs across the world.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Where did Mickisha Hurley, a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, attend college?

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, CEV CUP STREAMS: Three European Champions League quarterfinal round matches and two European CEV Cup semifinal matches will feature U.S. Women’s National Team players. Catch all the action live on laola1.tv this week.

March 20: CEV Cup – Eczacibasi (Jordan Larson, Rachael Adams) vs. SSC Palmberg Schwerin, 9 a.m. PT
March 20: CEV Cup – Allianz MTV Stuttgart (Molly McCage, Paige Tapp) vs. Minchanka Minsk, 9 a.m. PT,
March 21: Champions League – Igor Gorgonzola Novara (Lauren Gibbemeyer) vs. Galatasaray, 9 a.m. PT,
March 21: Champions League – Imoco Volley Conegliano (Kim Hill) vs. Dinamo Moscow, 12:30 p.m. PT
March 22: Champions League – VakifBank (Kelsey Robinson) vs. Volero Zurich, 9 a.m. PT

GIBBEMEYER CONVERSATION WITH ALMA MATER: Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) took a few minutes to speak with her alma mater, University of Minnesota. She answered questions on the transition to her new Italian team after years with a different pro club, winning the Italian Cup, playing against her Team USA teammates in the pro season and the bonds she shares with other Minnesota alums.

AKINRADEWO WITH JAPAN V-LEAGUE’S HISAMITSU SPRINGS: Two-time U.S. Olympic medalist Foluke Akinradewo (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Instagram, Twitter) is playing middle for Japan V.League’s Hisamitsu Springs this winter. Hisamitsu Springs defeated JT Marvelous 25-14, 25-21, 25-20 on March 17 to capture the Japan V.League title with its second straight sweep in the two-match finals round. Hisamitsu Springs avenged its only loss of the regular season and playoffs – a setback to JT Marvelous in the final match of Playoff 6 Round. Akinradewo hit a blistering 83.3 percent with 10 kills on 12 attacks and added one ace for 11 points in the victory. “I love this group so dearly and I‘m extremely honored to have been a part of this season’s journey,” Akinradewo said on her Instagram account. “The BIGGEST thanks to my teammates, coaches, and staff for welcoming me into the Hisamitsu Springs family. This season flew by, and it’s clearly because I was having a fantastic experience!! Thanks to our fans for all of your support!” Akinradewo was named to the V.League’s Best Six all-star team following the championship round.

LARSON, ADAMS WITH ECZACIBASI IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter), a two-time Olympic Games medalist, and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, are playing professionally with Eczacibasi in the Turkish League for the 2017-18 season. In CEV Cup action, Eczacibasi swept Germany’s SSC Palmberg Schwerin 25-18, 25-19, 25-20 on March 13 in the first semifinal round home-and-home series. Larson tallied nine kills on 16 attacks with one ace for 10 points in the win. She added a 67 positive reception percent on six chances. Adams pocketed 10 points in the victory with a match-high six blocks and four kills on 10 swings. Eczacibasi will look to close out the series on March 20 with a berth in the finals at stake. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi rallied from a slow start to defeat Fenerbahce 13-25, 25-23, 25-8, 25-15 on March 17 to start its two-match semifinal round series. Larson totaled 13 points in the victory with nine kills on 33 swings, two aces and two blocks. She added 11 receptions in the win. Adams was a sub in the first two sets. The two teams meet again on March 25.

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In its Italian Serie A1 playoffs, third-seeded Conegliano blanked sixth-seeded Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena 25-16, 25-16, 25-16 to open the best-of-three quarterfinal round on March 18. Conegliano had lost its last three regular season matches, dropping from first to third in the standings. Hill contributed eight kills on 15 errorless attacks. She added a 78 positive reception percent on nine chances. Conegliano will look to close out the quarterfinal round series with a win on March 25. If necessary, the tiebreaker will be played on March 28. In the European Champions League, Conegliano has moved on to the quarterfinal home-and-home round where it meets Russia’s Dinamo Kazan on March 21 and April 4.

CARLINI WITH SCANDICCI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first year with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her first pro season with Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Scandicci, seeded second in the playoffs, opened its best-of-three quarterfinal round series with a 25-15, 25-21, 25-21 victory over seventh-seeded myCicero Volley Pesaro on March 18. Carlini set Scandicci to a 47 kill percent and .421 hitting efficiency (48-5-102). She added one kill on one swing along with an ace for two points. Scandicci can close out the series on March 25. If necessary, the tiebreaker will be played on March 28.

DIXON, HANCOCK WITH MONZA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Team, and U.S. Women’s National Team setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Saugella Team Monza in the Italian Serie A1 this winter after missing the 2016-17. Team Monza, seeded fifth in the playoffs, rallied past fourth-seed Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio 19-25, 25-19, 25-23, 25-23 on March 17 to start the best-of-three quarterfinal round. Dixon pounded out eight kills on 17 swings with one block for nine points in the victory. Hancock set the team to a 41 kill percent. She added four individual kills on six swings, one ace and one block for six points. edged Foppapedretti Bergamo 21-25, 25-21, 25-23, 19-25, 15-13 on March 10 to end the regular season. Team Monza will look to close out the series against Busto Arsizio on March 25. If necessary, the tiebreaker is set for March 28.

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Soverato blanked Golden Tulip Volalto Caserta 25-13, 25-14, 25-17 on March 18. McMahon scored 10 points with eight kills on 21 swings, one block and one ace. Soverato (18-10, 51 points), which is in seventh-place place, plays sixth-place Delta Informatica Trentino (18-11, 56 points) on March 21 and fourth-place Battistelli S.G. Marignano (18-9, 56 points) on March 25 this week.

PAIGE TAPP, McCAGE WITH ALLIANZ MTV STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Middles Paige Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) and Molly McCage (Spring, Texas, Instagram), who were part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, are playing professionally this winter with Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. In the CEV Cup, Stuttgart lost a heartbreaking 25-15, 22-25, 25-21, 11-25, 15-8 match to Minchanka Minsk in the first semifinal round match on March 13. McCage tallied eight kills on 17 swings, two aces and a block for 11 points. Tapp added two kills on eight swings and two blocks for four points. Stuttgart meets Minsk again on March 20 with a berth to the finals at stake. In the German Bundesliga playoffs, top-seeded Stuttgart blanked eighth-seeded Rote Raben Vilsbiburg 25-19, 25-15, 25-14 on March 17 in the quarterfinals. McCage notched seven points with five kills on 11 attacks and two blocks. Tapp added four kills on nine swings and a block for five points. The two teams meet again on March 21. At the conclusion of the regular season, McCage ranked ninth overall Bundesliga scoring with 231 points including a second-best 57.1 kill percent. She also had a league-best 61 blocks.

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. Dresdner was upset by Potsdam 16-25, 25-18, 25-22, 23-25, 15-10 to open the quarterfinal round playoff series. Bugg, who was a sub in sets two and three before starting the final two sets, tallied two kills on three swings. Dresdner now is in a must-win situation on March 21 against Potsdam.

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziers in the French League this winter. Beziers defeated Evreux 25-21, 24-26, 25-13, 25-17 on March 17. Rolfzen slammed seven kills on 15 swings with one ace for eight points in the win. Beziers (18-3, 51 points), now in first place after RC Cannes lost to Venelles this past weekend, takes on eighth-place Nantes (8-13, 27 points) on March 24 to close out the regular season.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Mickisha Hurley played for NCAA Division II’s Barry University. She led Barry to the NCAA Division II national title in 1995 as a senior. In 1999, she helped the U.S. win bronze at the Pan American Games and led all starters with a .338 hitting efficiency at the World Cup.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 5, 2018) – The U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryout evaluated 228 athletes, all with the common goal of seeing where they fit into national team pipeline, this past weekend at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OPEN TRYOUT: Athletes dream of playing in the Olympics or having the opportunity to don the red, white and blue USA uniform representing their country. This past weekend, 228 athletes had the opportunity to see where they may fit into the National Team pipeline during the U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryout held March 2-4 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

“I think we saw lots of potential,” U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly said. “The big thing is it is potential now, and how can each of these individuals maximize their development and accelerate their learning. There are clearly people here at this tryout who have serious USA potential. It doesn’t mean it is guarantee though. They have to keep working at it and finding things they can improve.”

The tryout allowed athletes to showcase their talents for either a spot on the U.S. Women’s National Team or the U.S. Collegiate National Team program. Of the 228 athletes at the tryout, 16 have exhausted their collegiate eligibility while the rest had at least one year remaining.

The U.S. Collegiate National Team Program, with 48 positions available this summer, is open to any athlete with at least one year of college eligibility remaining. The program has three distinct teams. A group of 12 athletes will be picked to take a tour of Asia from May 20-31, while a second group of 12 players will take part in the European tour from July 4-15. A total of 24 athletes will train and compete in Detroit from June 22 to July 1.

Kiraly and his staff conducted the tryout and led the evaluation process for each athlete. Outside of the National Team staff, 14 individuals volunteered their time serving as evaluators for the tryout. The tryout included 13 court coaches running the drills and eight statisticians tracking all the skills.

“We are incredibly blessed in this country to have so many players,” Kiraly said. “We have a real advantage in how popular women’s volleyball is as a sport – the most popular sport and overtaking all the other team sports. Over half a million girls play in high school and hundreds of thousands in youth clubs and many, many thousands on scholarships in university. That is a real advantage over other countries, and they are jealous of that.”

While the popularity of the sport is a huge advantage to the U.S. Women’s National Team pipeline, Kiraly mentioned the team must overcome some major challenges when it comes time to picking athletes for the next level after college.

“We also have some disadvantages, too, in terms of the rules the college game plays with,” Kiraly said. “One of the nice things about this three-day event is that we get to see these very good college players playing more within the parameters of an international game and try to make some projections on how they might develop in the future. Some of them will clearly work their way at some point into our USA gym. It is always inspiring, it is a lot of work and it is a lot of fun working with these people who put so much passion and energy into these three days.”

Selections to the U.S. Women’s National Team and the U.S. Collegiate National Team will be announced starting in late March and early April.

AKINRADEWO WITH JAPAN V-LEAGUE’S HISAMITSU SPRINGS: Two-time U.S. Olympic medalist Foluke Akinradewo (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Instagram, Twitter) is playing middle for Japan V.League’s Hisamitsu Springs this winter. After absorbing its only loss in the regular (21-0) and Playoff 6 round (4-1), Hisamitsu Springs bounced back to claim consecutive victories in the Playoff 3 round to move on to the finals. Hisamitsu Springs defeated Toyota 25-22, 25-23, 25-22 on March 3 to start the two-match playoff round. Akinradewo contributed eight kills on 20 attacks and four blocks for 12 points. In the rematch, Hisamitsu Springs didn’t let up with a 25-17, 25-20, 25-12 victory to advance to the finals against JT Marvelous. Akinradewo scored 12 kills on 17 swings and added two blocks for 14 points in the second contest. Hisamitsu Springs, which took its only loss of the season to JT Marvelous in the final round robin match of the Playoff 6 round, meets JT Marvelous again on March 10 and March 17 in the finals.

LARSON, ADAMS WITH ECZACIBASI IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter), a two-time Olympic Games medalist, and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, are playing professionally with Eczacibasi in the Turkish League for the 2017-18 season. In CEV Cup action, Eczacibasi swept its home-and-home quarterfinal round series with Yenisei Krasnoyarsk with a 25-20, 25-11, 25-18 win on Feb. 28. Adams, starting just the first two sets, tallied six kills on 10 attacks, one block and one ace for eight points. Larson matched her eight points with eight kills on 18 errorless swings. She added a 55 positive reception percent on 20 chances. Eczacibasi meets Germany’s SSC Palmberg Schwerin in the CEV Cup semifinal home-and-home round with match dates to be determined. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi concluded the regular season with a 21-1 record and a two-match advantage over second-place VakifBank. Eczacibasi opened its best-of-three quarterfinal round with a 27-25, 25-20, 25-14 victory over Nilufer on March 4. Larson pocketed 11 points with eight kills on 25 attacks, two aces and a block. She was credited with a 55 positive reception percent on 11 chances. Adams, a sub in the first set, added one block and one ace for two points in the win. Eczacibasi resumes its quarterfinal round series with Nilufer on March 8.

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter, Website), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. In European Champions League action, VakifBank concluded Pool D undefeated after a 25-21, 25-22, 22-25, 26-24 win over Turkish rival Galatasaray on Feb. 27. As a sub in the second and third sets, Robinson handled four receptions with a 50 positive percent. VakifBank ended the main phase with a 6-0 record and 17 points. VakifBank now faces Switzerland’s Volero Zurich in a home-and-home quarterfinal round series with dates to be announced (first round between March 20-22 and second round between April 3-5). In the Turkish League, VakifBank opened its best-of-three quarterfinal round series with a 25-20, 25-13, 25-14 victory over seventh-seed Besiktas on March 3. Robinson contributed eight points with six kills on 14 swings and two blocks. She was credited with a 78 positive reception percent on nine chances. VakifBank can close out the Turkish quarterfinal round series with Besiktas on March 6. Robinson has launched her own website, www.nomandplay.com, on her passions for play, travel and food. To read her 24 Hour Series on visiting Florence, Italy, click here.

GIBBEMEYER WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing her 2017-18 professional season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. In the European Champions League, Novara downed Italian rival Imoco Volley Conegliano 25-16, 29-27, 23-25, 25-16 on Feb. 27 to leapfrog their opponent for first place in the main phase Pool B. Gibbemeyer pounded six kills on 10 errorless attacks in the victory. Novara ended Pool B with a 5-1 record and 14 points, while Conegliano ended the group phase with a 5-1 record and 13 points. Novara advances to the quarterfinal home-and-home series where it meets Turkish rival Galatasaray with dates to be determined (first round between March 20-22 and second round between April 3-5). In the Italian Serie A1 regular season, Novara beat Conegliano for the second time in the same week with a 25-21, 25-22, 19-25, 16-25, 15-11 victory on March 4. Gibbemeyer put 11 points on the stats page with eight kills on 14 attacks and three blocks. Novara (16-5, 48 points), which remains in third place, concludes the Italian league regular season on March 10 against 11th-place Sab Volley Legnano (6-15, 17 points).

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the European Champions League, Conegliano lost to Igor Gorgonzola Novara 25-16, 29-27, 23-25, 25-16 on Feb. 27 to conclude the main phase Pool B. Hill produced 13 points with 10 kills on 22 attacks and three aces. She was credited with a 53 positive reception percent after handling 32 of the team’s 86 receptions. Conegliano finished Pool B with a 5-1 record and 13 points, while Novara moved into first place with a 5-1 record and 14 points. Despite finishing second in the pool, Conegliano moves on to the quarterfinal home-and-home round where it meets Russia’s Dinamo Kazan with match dates to be announced (first round between March 20-22 and second round between April 3-5). In the Italian Serie A1 regular season, Conegliano lost for the second time in a row in league action and also to Novara overall in the same week. Hill recorded 11 kills on 30 swings and two aces in the loss. She added an 85 positive reception percent on 26 chances. American teammate Simone Lee was a sub in the second set, recording one kill on four swings. Conegliano (17-4, 50 points), which holds on to first place, meets seventh-place MyCicero Volley Pesaro (9-12, 29 points) on March 10 to conclude the regular season.

CARLINI WITH SCANDICCI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first year with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her first pro season with Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Scandicci defeated 10th-place Foppapedretti Bergamo 25-22, 23-25, 25-19, 25-17 on March 3. Carlini set Scandicci to a 47 kill percent for the match with a .346 hitting efficiency. She added three kills on three swings, one block and one ace for five points. Scandicci (17-4, 48 points), which inched into second place on tiebreakers, concludes the regular season on March 10 against fifth-place Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio (11-9, 35 points).

DIXON, HANCOCK WITH MONZA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Team, and U.S. Women’s National Team setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Saugella Team Monza in the Italian Serie A1 this winter after missing the 2016-17. Team Monza rallied past sixth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena 23-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-21, 15-12 on March 4. Hancock contributed three kills on five errorless swings and an ace for four points in the win. She helped Team Monza to a 30 kill percent for the match. Dixon, who started the first two sets and was a sub in the fifth, tallied two kills and a block in the win. Team Monza (12-9, 35 points), now in fourth place, challenges 10th-place Foppapedretti Bergamo (7-14, 18 points) on March 10 to conclude the regular season.

DREWS WITH CASALMAGGIORE IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Opposite Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first season with the U.S. Women’s National Team, is currently playing for Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 after transferring from Sab Volleyball Legnano. In the CEV Cup, Casalmaggiore lost its second match of the home-and-home quarterfinal round series with SSC Palmberg Schwerin with a 25-18, 20-25, 25-15, 28-26 loss on March 1. Drews scored a match-high 21 points, all on kills via 42 swings. In the Italian Serie A, ninth-place Casalmaggiore (6-14, 22 points) challenges fourth-place Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio (11-9, 35 points) on March 5 in its next Italian Serie A1 match before concluding the regular season on March 10 against sixth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena (11-10, 31 points).

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Soverato lost to 11th-place Zambelli Orvieto 18-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-23 on March 4. McMahon notched eight points with seven kills on 25 swings and a block. Soverato (16-9, 45 points), which is in seventh-place place, plays 14th-place Golem Olbia (8-18, 23 points) on March 7 in its next league match, followed by 10th-place Conad Olimpia Teodora Ravenna (14-11, 39 points) on March 11.

PAIGE TAPP, McCAGE WITH ALLIANZ MTV STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Middles Paige Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) and Molly McCage (Spring, Texas, Instagram), who were part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, are playing professionally this winter with Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. In the CEV Cup, Stuttgart swept its home-and-home quarterfinal round series with German rival Dresdner with a 25-15, 25-17, 21-25, 25-19 victory on Feb. 28. McCage and Tapp, who both started just the first two sets, scored five kills on seven swings and two blocks for seven points apiece in the victory. Stuttgart now faces Minchanka Minsk in the CEV Cup semifinal home-and-home series with dates to be determined. In the German Bundesliga regular season, first-place Stuttgart (17-2, 52 points) challenges third-place Schwerin (15-4, 46 points) on March 10 in its final regular season match. Regardless of the match outcome, Stuttgart has already secured the top seed into the playoffs.

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. Dresdner swept VC Wiesbaden 25-21 25-22, 25-18 on March 4 to capture the German Cup title. Bugg did not play in the match. In the German Bundesliga, Dresdner (16-3, 47 points), which moved into second place, faces 10th-place Erfurt (3-16, 9 points) on March 10 in its final regular season match.

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziers in the French League this winter. Beziers claimed a 25-22, 25-22, 25-22 trifecta win over last-place Chamalieres on Feb. 26. Rolfzen turned in one kill on four swings and a block for two points. Beziers dropped a 25-23, 28-30, 25-20, 25-18 match to fourth-place St. Raphael on March 3. Rolfzen contributed 10 points with nine kills on 16 attacks and a block. American teammate Krystal Rivers tallied a team-best 27 points in the loss. Beziers (16-3, 48 points), now in second place behind RC Cannes, takes on 11th-place 11th-place Evreux (6-14, 17 points) in its last regular season match on March 17. Beziers challenges RC Cannes in the French Cup title match on March 10.

DANNEMILLER WITH MULHOUSE IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Lexi Dannemiller (West Chester, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for ASPTT Mulhouse in the French League this winter. In the European Champions League, Mulhouse lost its final main phase pool A match 25-23, 25-14, 23-25, 25-17 to Developres Skyres Rzeszow on Feb. 27. Dannemiller, who started all but the second set, helped Mulhouse to a 38 kill percent for the match while adding two blocks and one individual kill for three points. Mulhouse bows out of the Champions League with a 1-5 record in Pool A. In the French League, Mulhouse blanked SF Paris St. Cloud 25-11, 25-17, 25-20 on Feb. 24. Dannemiller set Mulhouse to a 47 kill percent and .442 hitting efficiency (40-2-86). She added one individual kill on one attack. Mulhouse (14-6, 42 points), which is in third place, resumes French League action on March 17 against fifth-place Le Cannett (13-7, 33 points).

TRIVIA ANSWER: Danielle Scott-Arruda is a five-time Olympian representing the United States in indoor volleyball. She made her first appearance the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, followed by the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and finally the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Scott-Arruda earned silver medals in her final two Olympic Games appearances.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 15, 2018) – U.S. Women’s National Team middles Foluke Akinradewo, Rachael Adams and Paige Tapp had stellar weekends on the courts in Japan, Turkey and Germany, while Kelsey Robinson has launched a website that showcases her passions off the court.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Foluke Akinradewo and Jordan Larson are working toward a third Olympic Games roster. Who is the only U.S. player – male or female – to have played five indoor Olympic Games?

ALISHA GLASS KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT CONFERENCE: Alisha Glass (Leland, Michigan) will present the opening address to the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Women in Sports Leadership Conference on Feb. 4-5 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West. The conference, billed as the first, largest and longest-running program of its type in the country, has a theme this year of “LEAD: Embrace the Challenge”. Glass, who earned bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games with the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, will speak on 21st century leadership responsibilities and daily leadership opportunities student-athletes may encounter.

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the European Champions League, Conegliano remained undefeated in Pool B following a 25-14, 21-25, 25-16, 25-17 victory over Agel Prostejov on Jan. 10. Hill scored 12 points with 11 kills on 22 attacks and a block. She added a 64 positive reception percent on 11 errorless chances. Conegliano closes out the Pool B first half with a Jan. 25 match with Turkey’s Fenerbahce. In the Italian Serie A1, Conegliano overwhelmed last-place Lardini Filottrano 25-19, 25-19, 28-26 on Jan. 14. With the outcome not in doubt, Hill was only a sub in the third set as she registered two kills on two swings. Conegliano (13-1, 38 points), which holds on to first place, meets 11th-place Sab Volley Legnano (4-10, 11 points) on Jan. 17 and 10th-place Foppapedretti Bergamo (4-10, 11 points) on Jan. 21 in its next league matches.

GIBBEMEYER WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing her 2017-18 professional season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. In the European Champions League, Novara evened its record in Pool B with a 24-26, 19-25, 25-22, 25-19, 15-6 come-from-behind win over Turkey’s Fenerbahce on Jan. 11. Gibbemeyer pocketed 13 points in the victory, all coming on kill via 26 swings. Five of 13 kills came in the fourth set. Novara, now 1-1 in Pool B, faces Agel Prostejov on Jan. 25 in its next Champions League match. In the Italian Serie A1, Novara swept eighth-place Il Bisonte Firenze (4-10, 14 points) 25-19, 25-16, 25-22 on Jan. 14. Gibbemeyer did not play in the match. Novara (12-2, 35 points), which remains in second place, resumes Italian League action on Jan. 17 versus last-place Lardini Filottrano (2-12, 6 points) followed by a Jan. 21 contest against seventh-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena (8-6, 21 points).

BARTSCH-HACKLEY, WILHITE WITH ITALY’S UNET E-WORK BUSTO ARSIZIO: Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Champaign, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) and Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), both outside hitters for the U.S. Women’s National Team, are playing their 2017-18 pro season for Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio in the Italian Serie A1. In the CEV Cup, Busto Arsizio advanced to the 8th Finals Round following a 25-11, 25-14, 25-23 victory over ZOK Bimal-Jedinstvo Brcko on Jan. 10. Wilhite notched eight kills on 18 swings and a block for nine points in the victory. Bartsch-Hackley did not suit for the match as Busto Arsizio was the overwhelming favorite to win and advance. Busto Arsizio will now face Turkish power Eczacibasi in the 8th Finals Round home-and-home series with the two match dates still to be determined. In the Italian Serie A1, Busto defeated seventh-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica (8-6, 21 points) 25-18, 23-25, 25-18, 25-20 on Jan. 13. Bartsch-Hackley totaled 13 points with 10 kills on 33 swings and three aces on 22 serves. Wilhite did not play in the match. Busto Arsizio (9-5, 28 points), which stays fourth in the standings, meets 10th-place Foppapedretti Bergamo (4-10, 11 points) on Jan. 17 before a Jan. 21 match against fifth-place Saugella Team Monza (7-6, 22 points).

CARLINI WITH SCANDICCI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first year with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her first pro season with Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Scandicci defeated Saugella Team Monza 16-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-20 on Jan. 14. Carlini, who started the first three sets, helped the squad to a 40 kill percent in the victory. Scandicci (11-3, 30 points), which stays in third place, resumes regular season action on Jan. 17 against eighth-place Il Bisonte Firenze (4-10, 14 points) before meeting last-place Lardini Filottrano (2-12, 6 points) on Jan. 21.

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter, Website), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. In European Champions League action, VakifBank downed Poland’s Grot Budowlani Lodz 25-16, 24-26, 25-15, 25-16 on Jan. 10 to remain undefeated in Pool D. As a sub in all four sets, Robinson tallied one kill on four errorless swings and provided a 75 positive reception percent. VakifBank (2-0) returns to action on Jan. 24 versus Russia’s Dinamo Moscow. In the Turkish League, VakifBank swept topped Kameroglu Beylikduzu Vol.IHT on Jan. 14. Robinson pounded 12 kills on 37 swings and added a block for 13 points. She was credited with a 67 positive reception percent on 12 errorless chances. VakifBank (12-1) resumes Turkish League action on Jan. 17 against Besiktas followed by a Jan. 20 contest versus Galatasaray. Robinson has launched her own website, www.nomandplay.com, on her passions for play, travel and food. Check out her latest article on her top breakfast picks in Istanbul at nomandplay.com.

LARSON, ADAMS WITH ECZACIBASI IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter), a two-time Olympic Games medalist, and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, are playing professionally with Eczacibasi in the Turkish League for the 2017-18 season. In CEV Cup action, Eczacibasi swept its 16th Finals Round home-and-home series with VC Oudegem following a 25-12, 25-17, 25-8 victory on Jan. 10. Adams totaled 10 points with five kills on nine swings, three blocks and two aces. Larson picked up three kills on nine errorless chances and two blocks in starting just the first two sets. She added an 80 positive reception percent on five chances. Eczacibasi advances to the CEV Cup 8th Finals Round and will have a home-and-home series versus Italy’s Yamamay E-Work Busto Arsizio with the first match taking place the final week of January. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi rallied past Besiktas 18-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-13 on Jan. 14. Adams, who sparked Eczacibasi off the bench in the opening set, turned in 12 kills on 14 errorless attacks. She added one block and one ace for 14 points. Larson claimed seven kills in the victory and handled eight receptions. Eczacibasi (12-1) faces Galatasaray on Jan. 17 and Nilufer on Jan. 21 next week in the Turkish League.

WOPAT WITH BAIC MOTORS IN CHINA: Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California, Instagram, Twitter), a middle for the U.S. Women’s National Team, is playing for BAIC Motors in Beijing as part of the Chinese professional league. After finishing the regular season in fourth place of Group B, BAIC has found momentum in the Stage 2 playoffs. BAIC defeated Jiangsu 26-24, 24-26, 25-17, 25-27, 15-9 on Jan. 9. Wopat, who was a sub in the first two sets before starting the final three, notched 12 points in the win. BAIC improved to 4-0 in the playoffs with a 25-16, 24-14, 25-17 victory over Guangdong Hengda on Jan. 13. Wopat tallied five kills, one block and one ace in playing and starting just the final two sets. BAIC returns to Stage 2 action on Jan. 19 against Shenzhen.

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Soverato lost to fifth-place Savallese Millenium Brescia 23-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-19 on Jan. 14. McMahon powered down 14 kills on 42 swings, two blocks and an ace for 17 points. Soverato (11-7, 32 points), which is now in seventh place, resumes action on Jan. 17 against league-leader LPM Bam Mondovi (14-4, 43 points) followed by 12th-place P2P Givova Baronissi (6-12, 20 points) on Jan. 21.

PAIGE TAPP, McCAGE WITH ALLIANZ MTV STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Middles Paige Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) and Molly McCage (Spring, Texas, Instagram), who were part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, are playing professionally this winter with Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. In the CEV Cup, Stuttgart defeated VK Up Olomouc 25-19, 25-15, 28-26 on Jan. 10 to sweep its 16th Finals Round home-and-home series. Tapp contributed 10 points with seven kills on 10 attacks and three blocks. McCage, playing just the first two sets, scored four kills on seven errorless attacks and three blocks for seven points. Stuttgart now advances to the CEV Cup 8th Finals Round home-and-home series with Asterix Avo Beveren. The first match is scheduled for Jan. 24, and the second match date has yet to be announced. In the German Bundesliga regular season, Stuttgart defeated ninth-place Sul Lotto Thuringen 17-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-21 on Jan. 13. Tapp and McCage scored matching team-highs of 14 points. Tapp collected eight kills on 20 attacks, a match-high five blocks and one ace on nine serves. McCage tacked on nine kills on 13 errorless attacks, three blocks and two aces. Stuttgart (9-2, 28 points), which is in second place in the Bundesliga, returns to regular season Bundesliga action on Jan. 17 against fourth-place Aachen (8-4, 21 points) before meeting 10th-place Erfurt (2-9, 6 points) on Jan. 20.

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. In the CEV Cup, Dresdner concluded its 16th Finals Round home-and-home series with a 25-12, 25-9, 25-22 win over Pays d’Aix Venelles on Jan. 9. Bugg was a sub in the third set where she served five times with one ace. Dresdner moves on to the 8th Finals Round home-and-home series against TS Volley Duedingen. The first match is slated for Jan. 24 and the second match date has yet to be determined. In the German Bundesliga, Dresdner stopped fifth-place USC Munster 25-17, 25-18, 22-25, 25-19 on Jan. 14. Bugg was a sub in the third set. Dresdner (11-1, 32 points), which remains in first place, faces eighth-place Potsdam (4-7, 13 points) on Jan. 17 and sixth-place Wiesbaden (7-4, 20 points) on Jan. 20.

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziers in the French League this winter. In the CEV Cup, Beziers defeated Sliedrecht Sport 25-21, 25-20, 26-24 on Jan. 10 for the second time in the 16th Final Round home-and-home series. Rolfzen was a blocking machine with eight stuffs to go with two aces and two kills for 12 points. American teammate Krystal Rivers added 17 points in the win. Beziers advances to the 8th Finals Round where it will play Minchanka Minsk on Jan. 24 to start the home-and-home series. In the French League, Beziers defeated third-place Mulhouse (8-5, 25 points) 25-22, 25-13, 25-21 on Jan. 13. Rolfzen tallied three kills, three blocks and an ace for seven points in the sweep. Beziers (12-1, 33 points), now in first place, meets fourth-place Venelles (8-5, 22 points) on Jan. 20 in its next French League match.

DANNEMILLER WITH MULHOUSE IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Lexi Dannemiller (West Chester, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for ASPTT Mulhouse in the French League this winter. In the European Champions League, Mulhouse defeated Volero Zurich 25-19, 25-19, 23-25, 23-25, 15-10 on Jan. 11. Dannemiller, a sub in the third and fourth sets before starting the tiebreaker, tallied two kills on five swings and had an ace. In the tiebreaker, she set Mulhouse to a 30 kill percent for the win. Mulhouse, now 1-1 in Pool A, challenges CSM Volei Alba Blaj on Jan. 24 in its next Champions League match. In the French League, Mulhouse lost to league-leader Beziers (12-1, 33 points) 25-22, 25-13, 25-21 on Jan. 20. Dannemiller, a sub in the opening set before taking over the final two sets, had one block in the victory as Mulhouse converted 28 percent of its attacks in the match. Mulhouse (8-5, 25 points), which is in third place, resumes French League action on Jan. 20 against 11th-place Evreux (5-8, 13 points).

TRIVIA ANSWER: Danielle Scott-Arruda competed in her fifth Olympics at the 2012 London Games. She was part of two Olympic medal teams (2008 and 2012).

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 11, 2017) – The U.S. Women’s National Team learned who its first round opponents will be at the 2018 FIVB World Championship as it seeks to defend its world crown won back in 2014.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Name the current college senior who helped the U.S. Women’s National Team win gold at the 2017 Pan American Cup and bronze at the 2016 Pan American Cup.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW: The U.S. Women’s National Team will begin its FIVB World Championship title defense in Pool C against No. 5 Russia, No. 10 Korea, No. 16 Thailand, No. 24 Azerbaijan and No. 34 Trinidad & Tobago as determined by the drawing of lots held on Dec. 7 in Tokyo. The top eight teams in the FIVB world ranking as of August 2017 were placed across the four pools in accordance to the serpentine system. Host Japan (world’s No. 6) was placed in position one of Pool A before the remaining seven teams followed. The remaining 16 teams were drawn across the bottom four positions of each first-round pool. Pool C, one of four six-team first-round groups that comprise the 24-team World Championship, will be held Sept. 29 to Oct. 4 in Kobe, Japan. The top four teams in each first-round pool advances to the second round Japanese cities of either Nagoya or Osaka with matches held Oct. 7-11. The third round will be held Oct. 14-16 in Nagoya with the semifinals and finals held Oct. 19-20 in Yokohama. The World Championship occurs every four years and in the second year of each Olympic quadrennial cycle.

Pool A (at Yokohama): #6 Japan, #8 Netherlands, #11 Argentina, #13 Germany, #18 Cameroon, #26 Mexico
Pool B (at Sapporo): #1 China, #7 Italy, #12 Turkey, #17 Bulgaria, #19 Canada, #25 Cuba
Pool C (at Kobe): #2 USA, #5 Russia, #10 Korea, #16 Thailand, #24 Azerbaijan, #34 Trinidad & Tobago
Pool D (at Hamamatsu): #3 Serbia, #4 Brazil, #9 Dominican Republic, #13 Puerto Rico, # 21 Kazakhstan, #33 Kenya

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND CEV UP STREAMS: Three European Champions League matches featuring U.S. Women’s National Team players will stream live on laola.tv as the main phase (fourth round) starts. In addition, one CEV Cup match with a U.S. Women’s National Team player will air on laola.tv.

Dec. 13: Champions League – ASPTT Mulhouse (Lexi Dannemiller) vs. Developres SkyRes Rzeszow, 10 a.m. PT
Dec. 13 – CEV CUP – Dresdner (Madi Bugg) vs. Pays dAix Venelles Volley, 11 a.m. PT
Dec. 13: Champions League – Imoco Volley Conegliano (Kim Hill) vs. Igor Gorgonzola Novara (Lauren Gibbemeyer), 12:35 p.m. PT
Dec. 14: Champions League – VakifBank (Kelsey Robinson) vs. Galatasaray, 9 a.m. PT

KIM GLASS FEATURED IN ESPNW ARTICLE AS PART OF MTV’S THE CHALLENGE SERIES: Kim Glass, a 2008 Olympic silver medalist with the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, has been part of the MTV’s The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars reality series. ESPNW recently featured Glass in a Dec. 5 story on her experiences with the show and competing for her charity, Covenant House. The Challenge airs on MTV Tuesday nights at 10 p.m. ET.

LARSON, ADAMS WITH ECZACIBASI IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter), a two-time Olympic Games medalist, and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, are playing professionally with Eczacibasi in the Turkish League for the 2017-18 season. Eczacibasi closed out the Turkish League regular season first half by sweeping Halkbank 25-19, 25-17, 25-22 on Dec. 5. Larson collected 19 points in the victory with 15 kills on 21 attacks for a 71.4 kill percent while adding two blocks and two aces on a team-leading 19 serves. With foreigner limits in play for Turkish League matches, Adams did not play in the match. Eczacibasi (10-1) will head into the second half of the Turkish League season in a three-way tie for first with VakifBank and Fenerbahce. Eczacibasi begins the CEV Cup competition with a home-and-home series with VC Oudegem in the 16th Finals Round starting on Dec. 13 followed by a Jan. 10 match.

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. VakifBank blanked Bursa B.Sehir Bld 25-19, 25-13, 25-17 on Dec. 5. Robinson, as a sub in the second and third sets, pocketed two kills on two attacks and handled five receptions in her limited duty. VakifBank (10-1) will start the second half of the Turkish League season in a three-way tie for first place with Eczacibasi and Fenerbahce. In European Champions League action, VakifBank has advanced to the group phase that starts next month. They are part of Pool D, where it will face Grot Budowlani Lodz, Dinamo Moscow and Turkish rival Galatasaray in double round-robin action. VakifBank opens against Galatasaray on Dec. 14.

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the Italian Serie A1, Conegliano recovered to defeat second-place Igor Gorgonzola Novara 20-25, 25-19, 16-25, 25-23, 15-11 on Dec. 9 in a battle of the top two ranked teams in the Italian Serie A1. Hill scored a match-high 26 points with 20 kills on 47 attacks, four aces on 16 serves and two blocks, She also handled 37 of the team’s 95 receptions with a 68 positive reception percent. Conegliano (9-1, 26 points) closes out the first half against sixth-place Mycicero Volley Pesaro (5-5, 15 points) on Dec. 16. In the European Champions League, Conegliano will take part in the main group phase in December. They are grouped in Pool and will face Agel Prostejov, Fenerbahce and Igor Gorgonzola in a double round-robin format. Conegliano meets Italian rival Novara on Dec. 13 to start Pool B.

GIBBEMEYER WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing her 2017-18 professional season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. In a battle of the top two Italian Serie A1 teams, second-place Novara lost to Imoco Volley Conegliano (9-1, 26 points) 20-25, 25-19, 16-25, 25-23, 15-11 on Dec. 9. Gibbemeyer collected four points with two kills on eight attacks and two blocks. Novara (8-2, 24 points), now in second place in the Italian Serie A1, ends the Italian Serie A1 first half against eighth-place Sab Volley Legnano (4-6, 11 points points) on Dec. 17. Novara is also participating in the European Champions League this winter and will have a bye into fourth round. They are part of Pool B, where it will face Agel Prostejov, Fenerbahce and Imoco Volley Conegliano in a double round-robin format. Novara challenge Italian rival Conegliano on Dec. 13 to start the European Champions League.

BARTSCH-HACKLEY, WILHITE WITH ITALY’S UNET E-WORK BUSTO ARSIZIO: Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Champaign, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) and Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), both outside hitters for the U.S. Women’s National Team, are playing their 2017-18 pro season for Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio in the Italian Serie A1. Busto Arsizio rallied to defeat Pomi Casalmaggiore 25-19, 17-25, 17-25, 25-19, 15-10 on Dec. 8. Bartsch-Hackley contributed 16 points with 12 kills on 41 swings, two blocks and two aces on 15 serves. Wilhite did not play in the match. Busto Arsizio (8-2, 23 points, which remains third in the standings but with the same record as second-place Igor Gorgonzola Novara (8-2, 24 points), takes on fourth-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci (8-2, 22 points) to close out the first half on Dec. 16 in a match that can be watched live on ESPN3. Busto Arsizio is also competing in the European CEV Cup with a home-and-home series in the 16th Finals Round against ZOK Bimal-Jedinstvo Brcko on Dec. 12 and the return match in early January.

CARLINI WITH SCANDICCI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first year with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her first pro season with Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Scandicci narrowly avoided an upset to 11th-place Foppapedretti Bergamo in winning 25-16, 26-28, 23-25, 25-18, 15-10 on Dec. 10. Carlini set Scandicci to a 39 kill percent for the match and added three blocks in the victory. Scandicci (8-2, 22 points), now in fourth place, closes out the Italian Serie A1 first half on Dec. 16 against third-place Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio (8-2, 23 points) in a match that can be watched live on ESPN3.

DIXON, HANCOCK WITH MONZA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Team, and U.S. Women’s National Team setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Saugella Team Monza in the Italian Serie A1 this winter after missing the 2016-17. Team Monza nearly rallied from two sets down to fifth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena before falling 21-25, 29-31, 25-20, 25-20, 15-11 on Dec. 10. Dixon scored 13 points with nine kills on 21 attacks and a team-leading four blocks. Hancock set Team Monza to a 39 kill percent and added 11 points via six aces on 25 serves, four kills on nine errorless attacks and a block. Team Monza (4-6, 13 points), now in seventh place, will finish the first half of the season on Dec. 17 against 11th-place Foppapedretti Bergamo (2-8, 6 points).

WOPAT WITH BAIC MOTORS IN CHINA: Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California, Instagram, Twitter), a middle for the U.S. Women’s National Team, is playing for BAIC Motors in Beijing as part of the Chinese professional league. BAIC lost to fourth-place Zhejiang 24-26, 25-21, 22-25, 25-23, 15-13 in a heart-breaking five-set match on Dec. 9. Wopat recorded 11 points in the loss, including a team-best four blocks. BAIC (5-4, 21 points), now in third place in Group B of the regular season, returns to action on Dec. 12 against second-place Tianjin (7-1, 21 points), followed by a Dec. 16 match versus league-leader Shanghai (8-1, 23 points).

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Soverato blanked 17th-place Golden Tulip Volalto Caserta 26-24, 27-25, 25-20 on Dec. 10 in Caserta. McMahon hammered 11 kills on 28 attacks and added two aces on seven serves for 13 points in the victory. Soverato (10-2, 29 points), which remained in second place, will meet fourth-place Delta Informatica Trentino (9-4, 28 points) on Dec. 13 followed by sixth-place Battistelli S.G. Marignano (8-4, 23 points) on Dec. 17.

PAIGE TAPP, McCAGE WITH ALLIANZ MTV STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Middles Paige Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) and Molly McCage (Spring, Texas, Instagram), who were part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, are playing professionally this winter with Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. Stuttgart defeated 11th-place VCO Berlin 25-15, 21-25, 25-15, 25-20 on Dec. 9. McCage notched a match-high 16 points with 11 kills on 17 attacks with just one error to go with a match-best four blocks and an ace. After recently signing with Stuttgart, Tapp made her debut in the Bundesliga by scoring two kills on four attacks and an ace on four serves in starting the second set. Stuttgart swept eighth-place SC Potsdam 25-16, 25-14, 25-18 on Dec. 10 for its second straight win in as many days. McCage totaled five points with four kills on eight attacks and an ace. Stuttgart (7-1, 22 points), which moved up to first place in the Bundesliga, returns to regular season action on Dec. 16 versus sixth-place Vilsbiburg (5-3, 14 points). Stuttgart is also competing in the CEV Cup this winter and has a 16th Finals Round home-and-home series against VK Up Olomouc on Dec. 13 and Jan. 10.

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. Dresdner rallied to defeat first-place Schwerin 20-25, 25-7, 21-25, 27-25, 15-13 on Dec. 6. Bugg got the start and played just the first set as Dresdner hit 38 percent as a team. Dresdner won its second match of the week with a 25-21, 20-25, 25-18, 25-23 victory over Black Aachen on Dec. 9. Bugg was a sub in the second set and did not register statistics in the contest. Dresdner (7-1, 20 points), still in second place but now only one point behind Schwerin in the standings, challenges Suhl on Dec. 16 in its next Bundesliga match. Dresdner is competing in the CEV Cup this winter and begins 16th Finals Round home-and-home competition against Pays d’Aix Venelles VB on Dec. 13.

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziers in the French League this winter. Beziers swept Chamalieres 25-21, 25-13, 25-18 on Dec. 5. Rolfzen pocketed nine points with six kills on nine attacks, two aces and a block. Beziers held off fifth-place St. Raphael 11-25, 25-22, 25-22, 20-25, 15-12 on Dec. 9. Rolfzen collected nine points with seven kills on 12 attacks, three aces on 11 serves and one block. American teammate Krystal Rivers checked in with a team-best 18 points. Beziers (9-1, 25 points), in second place, meets ninth-place Evreux (3-6, 11 points) on Dec. 17 in its next French League match.

DANNEMILLER WITH MULHOUSE IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Lexi Dannemiller (West Chester, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for ASPTT Mulhouse in the French League this winter. Mulhouse snapped its two-match losing skid by defeating SF Paris St. Cloud 25-20, 20-25, 25-18, 25-22 on Dec. 5. Dannemiller was a sub in the second set of the four-set victory while American teammate Hayley Spelman notched a team-high 20 points. Dannemiller did not play in Mulhouse’s 29-27, 25-21, 24-26, 25-21 victory over Quimper on Dec. 9. Spelman scored 18 points in the win. Mulhouse (7-3, 21 points), which is in third place, will seek a third straight French League win when it faces fifth-place LeCannet (5-5, 15 points) on Dec. 16. Mulhouse will also compete in the European Champions League this year and has a bye into the main format, or fourth round. They are grouped in double-round-robin Pool A with CSm Volei Alba Blaj, Volero Zurich and Developres SkyRes Rzeszow. Mulhouse faces Rzeszow on Dec. 13 to start the Champions League schedule.

BENSON WITH VANDOEUVRE NANCY IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Libero Amanda Benson (Litchfield Park, Arizona, Instagram, Twitter), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for Vandoeuvre Nancy in the French professional league this winter. Vandoeuvre Nancy edged Evreux 23-25, 25-17, 25-19, 19-25, 15-12 on Dec. 5. Benson was credited with a 76 positive reception percent on handling 21 of the team’s 93 receptions. Vandoeuvre Nancy dropped a 23-25, 25-18, 23-25, 25-15, 15-13 match to Venelles on Dec. 9. Benson handled 28 of the team’s 102 receptions with a 68 positive reception percent. Vandoeuvre Nancy (4-6, 10 points), now in 10th place, resumes French League action Dec. 15 against seventh-place St. Raphael (4-6, 14 points).

TRIVIA ANSWER: Rhamat Alhassan, who is a senior at the University of Florida this fall, has trained in the U.S. Women’s National Team gym the past two years and helped Team USA win consecutive medals at the 2016 and 2017 Pan American Cup. She was named Best Blocker in the 2016 event and helped the U.S. win gold this past summer.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 20, 2017) – The U.S. Women’s National Team had several outstanding performances this past week as they led their pro club teams overseas.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Which U.S. Women’s National Team player was the first three-time selection for the U.S Women’s National A2 Program (now known as the U.S. Collegiate National Team)?

LARSON, ADAMS WITH ECZACIBASI IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter), a two-time Olympic Games medalist, and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, are playing professionally with Eczacibasi in the Turkish League for the 2017-18 season. Eczacibasi swept VakifBank 25-23, 25-22, 25-9 on Nov. 14 in a battle of undefeated teams in the Turkish league. Larson scored nine points with seven kills on 18 attacks and two blocks. She added a 55 positive reception percent on 11 chances. Adams did not play in the match. Eczacibasi was unable to win its second straight match against an undefeated team as it fell to Fenerbahce 25-23, 25-20, 28-30, 17-25, 15-11 on Nov. 18. Adams, a sub in the first two sets before starting the final three sets, chipped in 11 kills on 16 attacks, two blocks and an ace. Larson contributed five kills on 24 attacks and two aces on a team-leading 25 serves. Eczacibasi, 7-1 overall and in second place in the Turkish League, challenges ninth-place Seramiksan (4-4) on Nov. 25 in its next match. Eczacibasi begins the CEV Cup competition with a home-and-home series with VC Oudegem in the 16th Finals Round starting on Dec. 13 followed by a Jan. 10 match.

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. VakifBank lost its first match of the Turkish League season on Nov. 14, falling to undefeated Eczacibasi 25-23, 25-22, 25-9. Robinson, a sub in the first set and starter in the third set, tallied two kills on five attacks to with five receptions of serve. VakifBank bounced back to defeat Canakkale Bld 25-17, 25-22, 25-19 on Nov. 18. Robinson was a sub in all three sets, turning in one kill on one swing with four serves coming off the bench. VakifBank (7-1), now in third place, faces undefeated Fenerbahce (8-0) on Nov. 25 in its next Turkish League match. In European Champions League action, VakifBank has advanced to the group phase that starts next month. They are part of Pool D, where it will face Grot Budowlani Lodz, Dinamo Moscow and Turkish rival Galatasaray in double round-robin action.

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the Italian Serie A1, Conegliano stopped Foppapedretti Bergamo 25-18, 22-25, 25-17, 25-19 on Nov. 15. Hill scored 19 points in the victory, thanks in part to 16 kills on 33 swings, two blocks and an ace. She added a 62 positive reception percent on 21 chances. Conegliano remained undefeated in the Italian League with a 25-18, 25-13, 25-20 sweep of Saugella Team Monza on Nov. 18. Hill scored a match-high 13 points with 10 kills on 27 attacks and three blocks. She was credited with an 84 positive reception percent while handling 19 of the team’s 38 service receptions. To watch a replay of the match, visit http://es.pn/111817ImocoMonza. Conegliano (6-0), one of three teams with a 6-0 record, faces fourth-place Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio (5-1, 15 points) in a key showdown on Nov. 22 followed by fifth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena (3-3, 9 points) on Nov. 26. In the European Champions League, Conegliano will take part in the main group phase in December. They are grouped in Pool and will face Agel Prostejov, Fenerbahce and Igor Gorgonzola in a double round-robin format.

GIBBEMEYER WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing her 2017-18 professional season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. Novara swept fifth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena (3-3, 9 points) 25-21, 25-20, 25-21 on Nov. 15 for its fifth straight win. Gibbemeyer hammered six kills on 11 errorless attacks to go with two blocks for eight points. Novara remained undefeated through the sixth round by blanking last-place Foppapedretti Bergamo 25-18, 25-16, 25-22 on Nov. 19. Gibbemeyer did not play in the match. Novara (6-0, 17 points), tied for second place as one of three undefeated teams, meets second-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci (6-0, 17 points) on Nov. 17 in a key showdown before facing 10th-place Pomi Casalmaggiore (1-5, 4 points). Novara is also participating in the European Champions League this winter and will have a bye into fourth round. They are part of Pool B, where it will face Agel Prostejov, Fenerbahce and Imoco Volley Conegliano in a double round-robin format.

CARLINI WITH SCANDICCI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first year with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her first pro season with Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Scandicci won its sixth straight match to start the Italian Serie A1 regular season, but it wasn’t easy with a 23-25, 25-20, 25-12, 18-25, 15-10 victory over seventh-place Mycicero Volley Pesaro (2-4, 8 points). Carlini set Scandicci to a 38 kill percent and .278 hitting efficiency in the victory Scandicci, one of three undefeated teams in the league with a 6-0 record and tied for second place with 17 points, looks to remain undefeated when it meets Igor Gorgonzola Novara (6-0, 17 points) in a battle of second-place teams on Nov. 22, followed by a Nov. 26 match against eighth-place Sab Volley Legnano (2-4, 6 points).

DREWS, NEWCOMBE WITH LEGNANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Opposite Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana, Instagram, Twitter), who was a rookie with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for Sab Volley Legnano in the Italian Serie A1 alongside fellow American and former U.S. Women’s National Team member Sonja Newcombe (Lake Arrowhead, California, Instagram, Twitter). Legnano lost to fourth-place Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio 30-28, 25-9, 25-15 on Nov. 19. Newcombe charted five kills on 27 attacks and one block for six points. Drews, who was a sub in the second and third sets, scored three kills on 12 attacks in the loss. Legnano, now in eighth-place, faces fifth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena (3-3, 9 points) on Nov. 22 in its next Italian Serie A1 match before meeting second-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci (6-0, 17 points) on Nov. 26.

WOPAT WITH BAIC MOTORS IN CHINA: Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California, Instagram, Twitter), a middle for the U.S. Women’s National Team, is playing for BAIC Motors in Beijing as part of the Chinese professional league. BAIC blanked Shandong Lottery 25-15, 25-23, 25-21 on Nov. 14. Wopat provided six kills, four aces and two blocks for 12 points in the victory. In its second match of the week, BAIC lost to Zhejiang 18-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-20 on Nov. 18. Wopat popped in 11 points, including a team-best five blocks. BAIC returns to action on Nov. 25 against Hebei.

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. Dresdner swept Vilsbiburg 25-21, 25-21, 25-20 on Nov. 18. Match statistics were not available. Dresdner (5-1, 15 points), now in second place, resumes German Bundesliga action on Dec. 9 against Schwerin. Dresdner is competing in the CEV Cup this winter and begins 16th Finals Round home-and-home competition against Pays d’Aix Venelles VB on Dec. 13.

McCAGE WITH ALLIANZ MTV STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Middle Molly McCage (Spring, Texas, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing professionally this winter with Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. Stuttgart blanked USC Munster 25-5, 27-25, 25-22 on Nov. 19. McCage fired off 13 kills on 23 errorless attacks to go with four blocks and an ace for a match-high 18 points. Stuttgart (4-1, 13 points), which moved into second place in the Bundesliga, is idle in the Bundesliga until Dec. 2 when it meets sixth-place Wiesbaden (4-2, 11 points). Stuttgart is also competing in the CEV Cup this winter and has a 16th Finals Round home-and-home series against VK Up Olomouc on Dec. 13 and Jan. 10.

DANNEMILLER WITH MULHOUSE IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Lexi Dannemiller (West Chester, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for ASPTT Mulhouse in the French League this winter. Mulhouse topped St. Raphael 26-24, 25-15, 25-19 on Nov. 19 in the French League’s sixth round. Dannemiller set Mulhouse to a 45 kill percent and .377 hitting efficiency for the match. She added five individual kills on seven errorless attempts and a block for six points. Mulhouse (5-1, 14 points), one of three teams with just one loss record, faces sixth-place Venelles (3-3, 9 points) on Nov. 24 in its next French League match. Mulhouse will also compete in the European Champions League this year and has a bye into the main format, or fourth round. They are grouped in double-round-robin Pool A with CSm Volei Alba Blaj, Volero Zurich and Developres SkyRes Rzeszow.

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziers in the French League this winter. Beziers blanked Vandoeuvre Nancy 25-19, 25-18, 25-13 on Nov. 18. Rolfzen had three kills on six errorless attacks and a block for four points. Beziers (5-1, 15 points), which ranks atop the league standings, returns to action on Nov. 25 against fifth-place Le Cannet (4-2, 10 points).

BENSON WITH VANDOEUVRE NANCY IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Libero Amanda Benson (Litchfield Park, Arizona, Instagram, Twitter), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for Vandoeuvre Nancy in the French professional league this winter. Vandoeuvre Nancy lost to Le Cannet 25-22, 25-21, 25-18 on Nov. 15. Benson handled 20 receptions with a 35 positive percent in the loss. On Nov. 18, Vandoeuvre Nancy lost to league-leader Beziers 25-19, 25-18, 25-13. Benson handled 13 receptions with a 69 positive reception percent. Vandoeuvre Nancy, now 2-4 with 5 points in 10th place, faces Quimper on Nov. 25 in the seventh round of the regular season.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Carli Lloyd was the first player to become a three-time selection for the U.S. Women’s National A2 Program. She was selected to the USA Volleyball Open National Championships all-tournament team in three consecutive years after leading her teams to gold (2008 and 2010) and bronze (2009).

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 13, 2017) – Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon) and Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California) led their respective club teams to two victories this past weekend, which advanced Imoco Volley Conegliano and VakifBank into the European Champions League group stage starting in December.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Which U.S. Women’s National Team player found volleyball by accident as she was reading a book during her best friend’s incoming freshman volleyball camp, then she herself was asked to join?

USAV PROCESSES 358 INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS: USA Volleyball has processed 358 international transfer certificates (261 females, 97 males) allowing United States citizens to compete in foreign professional volleyball leagues for the 2017-18 season as of Nov. 8 – an increase of 59 players since the Oct. 13 report. Additional transfers are expected to be processed throughout the winter months. On the women’s side, athletes have transferred to play in 34 different countries with England and Germany attracting 36 players apiece, France with 25 players, Switzerland with 22 players, Italy with 15 players, and Finland and Sweden with 13 players each. Notable new transfers since Oct. 13 include 2012 U.S. Olympic silver medalist Destinee Hooker with Brazil’s Minas Tenis Clube, and current U.S. Women’s National Team players Carly Wopat with Beijing BAIC Motor Volleyball Club in China and Aiyana Whitney with Endeavor Academy in Australia.

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. In European Champions League action, VakifBank won both its home-and-home matches against Minchanka Minsk in the third round to advance to the main format next month. VakifBank blanked Minsk 25-17, 25-20, 29-27 on Nov. 7 to open the series. Robinson totaled nine points with eight kills on 22 attacks and an ace. She added a 45 positive reception percent on a team-leading 22 chances. VakifBank completed the sweep on Nov. 11 as it won 25-21, 25-16, 25-16. Robinson, as a sub in the first set and starter in the third set, contributed four kills on 10 errorless attacks in the victory. She also was credited with a 60 positive reception percent on 10 chances. VakifBank (6-0) was idle in the Turkish League this week and resumes action on Nov. 14 against Eczacibasi.

AKINRADEWO WITH JAPAN V-LEAGUE’S HISAMITSU SPRINGS: Two-time U.S. Olympic medalist Foluke Akinradewo (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Instagram, Twitter) is playing middle for Japan V.League’s Hisamitsu Springs this winter. Hisamitsu Springs rallied to defeat Ageo Medics 20-25, 27-25, 25-18, 25-18 on Nov. 11. Akinradewo scored 16 kills on 26 attacks with just two errors for a .538 hitting efficiency. She added three blocks in the victory as part of her 19-point performance. To watch a replay of the match, click here. Hisamitsu eased past Toyota Auto Body 25-17, 25-19, 25-12 on the following day. Akinradewo converted nine of 12 errorless attacks for a .750 hitting efficiency and added two blocks and an ace for 12 points. Hisamitsu Springs, in first place with a spotless 7-0 record, takes on fifth-place Denso (3-4) on Nov. 18, followed by seventh-place NEC (2-5) on Nov. 19 in its next Japan V.League matches.

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the European Champions League, Conegliano overwhelmed Sliedrecht Sport in the home-and-home third-round series to advance to the main format starting in mid-December. Conegliano defeated Sliedrecht Sport 25-15, 25-23, 25-21 in the first meeting on Nov. 7. Hill pocketed nine kills on 22 attacks and two aces for 11 points. She added a 50 positive reception percent by handling 28 of the team’s 28 total receptions. Conegliano wasted little time in the rematch at home by winning 25-10, 25-12, 25-7 in a 57-minute match. Hill, who started the first two sets and was lifted in the middle of the second set with advancement already secured, provided five kills on 11 attacks, two blocks and an ace for eight points. She handled four receptions with a 50 positive reception percent. To watch a replay of the match on ESPN3, click here. In the Italian Serie A1, Conegliano was idle due to its two European Champions League matches. Conegliano (4-0, 12 points), one three undefeated teams in the Italian Serie A1 and in second place with one less match played than league-leader Scandicci, challenges last-place Foppapedretti Bergamo (0-4, 0 points) on Nov. 15 in its next regular season match, followed by seventh-place Saugella Team Monza (2-3, 6 points) on Nov. 19.

CARLINI WITH SCANDICCI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first year with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her first pro season with Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Scandicci won its fifth straight match to start the Italian Serie A1 regular season following a 25-17, 25-18, 25-19 victory over 11th-place Lardini Filotrrano (1-4, 3 points) on Nov. 12. Carlini set Scandicci to a 46 kill percent for the match with a .304 hitting efficiency. She recorded one block for an individual point. Scandicci, in first place in the Italian League standings with a 5-0 record and 15 points, looks to remain undefeated when it meets fifth-place Mycicero Pesaro (2-3, 7 points) on Nov. 19.

DREWS, NEWCOMBE WITH LEGNANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Opposite Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana, Instagram, Twitter), who was a rookie with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for Sab Volley Legnano in the Italian Serie A1 alongside fellow U.S. Women’s National Team member Sonja Newcombe (Lake Arrowhead, California, Instagram, Twitter). Legnano (2-3, 6 points) edged Il Bisonte Firenze 25-20, 25-23, 17-25, 30-28 on Nov. 11. Newcombe scored nine points with eight kills on 26 attacks and just one error along with a block. She handled 30 of the team’s 86 receptions with a 60 positive percent. Drews was a sub in the third set, record one kill on two attacks. To watch a replay of the match on ESPN3, click here. Legnano, now in eighth-place, faces third-place Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio (4-1, 12 points) on Nov. 19 in its next Italian Serie A1 match.

HANNAH TAPP WITH FIRENZE IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Hannah Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first season with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her pro season with Il Bisonte Firenze in the Italian Serie A1. Firenze lost to host Sab Volley Legnano (2-3, 6 points) 25-20, 25-23, 17-25, 30-28 on Nov. 11. Tapp provided five kills on nine errorless attacks, two blocks and an ace for eight points while starting the final three sets. To watch a replay of the match on ESPN3, visit click here. Firenze, in 11th-place with a 1-4 record and three points, will look to break its four-match losing streak on Nov. 19 against 10th-place Pomi Casalamaggiore (1-4, 3 points).

GIBBEMEYER WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing her 2017-18 professional season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. Novara was idle this past week in the Italian Serie A1. Novara, with a 4-0 record and 11 points as one of three undefeated teams, returns to action on Nov. 15 when it faces sixth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena (2-2, 6 points), followed by last-place Foppapedretti Bergamo (0-4, 0 points) on Nov. 19. Novara is also participating in the European Champions League this winter and will have a bye into fourth round.

WOPAT WITH BAIC MOTORS IN CHINA: Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California, Instagram, Twitter), a middle for the U.S. Women’s National Team, is playing for BAIC Motors in Beijing as part of the Chinese professional league. BAIC swept Yunnan Dianchi 25-21, 25-18, 25-21 on Nov. 11. Wopat collected eight points in the victory. BAIC returns to action on Nov. 14 versus Shandong Lottery, followed by a Nov. 18 match against Zhejiang Jiashan Xitang.

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Soverato, which lost its first match of the season on Nov. 1, overcame the setback to defeat 11th-place Sorelle Ramonda Ipag Montecchio (3-4, 8 points) 25-20, 18-25, 25-23, 29-27 on Nov. 12. McMahon tallied nine kills on 30 attacks and five blocks for 14 points in the victory. Soverato, now in third place with a 6-1 record and 16 points, will seek a second consecutive win on Nov. 18 as it faces eighth-place Club Italia Crai (4-4, 12 points).

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. Dresdner rallied to defeat Allianz MTV Stuttgart 25-17, 20-25, 25-27, 28-26, 15-5 on Nov. 8. Bug was a sub in the second set. Dresdner (4-1, 12 points), now in third place, resumes German Bundesliga action on Nov. 18 against Vilsbiburg. Dresdner is competing in the CEV Cup this winter and begins 16th Finals Round home-and-home competition against Pays d’Aix Venelles VB on Dec. 13.

McCAGE WITH ALLIANZ MTV STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Middle Molly McCage (Spring, Texas, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing professionally this winter with Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. Stuttgart lost a tough five-set match to Dresdner 25-17, 20-25, 25-27, 28-26, 15-5 on Nov. 8. McCage tallied nine kills on 15 swings, three blocks and an ace for 13 points in the loss. Stuttgart (3-1, 10 points), which falls to fourth place in the Bundesliga, looks to get back in the win column on Nov. 19 as it faces Munster. Stuttgart is also competing in the CEV Cup this winter and has a 16th Finals Round home-and-home series in December against VK Up Olomouc.

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziers in the French League this winter. Beziers swept SF Paris St. Cloud 25-22, 25-16, 25-18 on Nov. 10. Rolfzen notched five kills on nine errorless attacks along with an ace and block for seven points. Beziers (4-1, 12 points), which ranks atop the league standings, returns to action on Nov. 18 against Vandoeuvre Nancy (2-2, 5 points).

TRIVIA ANSWER: Rachael Adams was reading a book when she was asked to tryout for her high school freshman volleyball team. Four years later she led her Mount Notre Dame High to its second straight state title match and was selected for inclusion in Sports Illustrated’s Faces in the Crowd section. Adams also was selected to the 2006 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team after finding the sport by accident.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 6, 2017) – Lauren Gibbemeyer won a gold medal in Italy and helped Novara remain as one of three undefeated teams in the Italian Serie A1 regular season. Find out how all the U.S. Women’s National Team players fared in their overseas pro leagues in the WNT Weekly Update.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Which U.S. Women’s National Team player had a chicken coop in her backyard with a chicken named Nugget that laid green eggs? As an added hint, this player’s uncle was a star on the television series Dukes of Hazzard.

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. VakifBank edged Nilufer 25-18, 25-21, 23-25, 22-25, 15-8 on Oct. 31. Robinson got the start and provided 19 points in the victory, including 15 kills on 37 attacks, three blocks and an ace. She chipped in a 61 positive reception percent on 18 chances. In the second set alone, Robinson was credited with six kills on 10 swings and a block. VakifBank swept Ilbank 25-18, 25-7, 25-15 on Nov. 4 to stay unbeaten in six Turkish League matches. Robinson got her second straight start and had 10 points, highlighted by five aces on 12 serves, four kills and a block. She added a 54 positive reception percent on a team-best 13 chances. VakifBank (6-0) resumes Turkish League action on Nov. 15 against Eczacibasi. VakifBank is also competing in the European Champions League this winter and has a bye into the third round. They will meet Minchanka Minsk in a home-and-home series on Nov. 7 and Nov. 11.

LARSON, ADAMS WITH ECZACIBASI IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter), a two-time Olympic Games medalist, and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, are playing professionally with Eczacibasi in the Turkish League for the 2017-18 season. Eczacibasi rallied past Ilbank 21-25, 25-13, 25-23, 25-10 on Oct. 31. Larson, who did not start the opening set, came off the bench to provide nine points with six kills on 14 swings and an block. She also handled 14 receptions with a 64 positive reception percent. Adams did not play in the match. Eczacibasi claimed a 25-8, 25-15, 25-19 victory over Canakkale on Nov. 4. Neither Larson or Adams played in the match as Eczacibasi overpowered Canakkale. Eczacibasi, 6-0 overall in the Turkish League, meets VakifBank on Nov. 15 during the seventh round followed by a Nov. 4 contest against Canakkale Bld. Eczacibasi begins the CEV Cup competition in late November as it has a home-and-home series with VC Oudegem in the 16th Finals Round.

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Prior to its Italian Serie A1 regular season match, Conegliano lost to Igor Gorgonzola Novara 25-19, 25-27, 22-25, 25-23, 16-14 in the Italian Super Cup championship match on Nov. 1 on Novara’s home court. Hill tallied 13 points with 11 kills on 30 attacks, one ace and once block for 13 points. She added a 58 positive reception percent on 31 reception chances. Both teams were undefeated through the first three Italian Serie A1 regular season matches. In the Italian Serie A1, Conegliano blanked eighth-place Sab Volley Legnano (1-3, 3 points) 25-20, 25-20, 25-22 at home on Nov. 5. Hill scored a match-high 19 points with 15 kills on 29 attacks, three aces on 13 serves and a block. She added a 90 positive reception percent on 10 chances. Conegliano (4-0, 12 points), one four undefeated teams in the Italian Serie A1 and in second place on tiebreakers, challenges last-place Foppapedretti Bergamo (0-4, 0 points) on Nov. 15 in its next regular season match. In the European Champions League, Conegliano has advanced to the third round to play Sliedrecht Sport in a home-and-home series on Nov. 7 and Nov. 11.

GIBBEMEYER WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing her 2017-18 professional season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. In a break from the Italian regular season, Novara captured the Italian Super Cup championship by rallying past Imoco Volley Conegliano 25-19, 25-27, 22-25, 25-23, 16-14 in a five-set battle on Nov. 1. Gibbemeyer scored four kills on 10 attacks and a block for five points in the victory. Both teams were undefeated in the Italian regular season through three matches. Novara started slow against 10th-place Lardini Filotrrano (1-3, 3 points), but bounced back for a 19-25, 25-15, 25-22, 25-19 victory on Nov. 5. Gibbemeyer was a sub in the fourth set and provided one kills on two attacks. Novara, in third place of the Italian League with a 4-0 record and 11 points, returns to action on Nov. 15 when it faces sixth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena (2-2, 6 points). Novara is also participating in the European Champions League this winter and will have a bye into fourth round.

CARLINI WITH SCANDICCI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first year with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her first pro season with Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Scandicci won its fourth straight match to start the Italian Serie A1 regular season following a 25-14, 25-16, 25-14 victory over 11th-place Il Bisonte Firenze (1-3, 3 points) on Nov. 5. Carlini set Scandicci to a 45 kill percent for the match with a .385 hitting efficiency. Scandicci, tied for first place in the Italian League standings with a 4-0 record and 12 points, looks to remain undefeated when it meets 10th-place Lardini Filotrrano (1-3, 3 points) on Nov. 12.

BARTSCH-HACKLEY, WILHITE WITH ITALY’S UNET E-WORK BUSTO ARSIZIO: Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Champaign, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) and Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), both outside hitters for the U.S. Women’s National Team, are playing their 2017-18 pro season for Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio in the Italian Serie A1. Busto Arsizio defeated winless Foppapedretti Bergamo (0-4, 0 points) 25-14, 31-33, 25-11, 25-16 on Nov. 4. Bartsch-Hackley notched 20 points via 17 kills on 38 attacks with just two errors while scored three aces on a match-best 30 serves. She added an 80 positive reception percent on a team-leading 35 chances. Wilhite, a sub in the second and third sets, scored one kill on one attack and a block late in the third set before being taken off the court due to injury. To watch a replay of the match on ESPN3, click here. Fourth-place Busto Arsizio, 3-1 on the season with nine points, meets fifth-place Saugella Team Monza (2-2, 6 points) on Nov. 12 in its next Italian Serie A1 match. Busto Arsizio is also competing in the European CEV Cup and begins 16th Finals Round home-and-home competition in late November.

DIXON, HANCOCK WITH MONZA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Team, and U.S. Women’s National Team setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Saugella Team Monza in the Italian Serie A1 this winter after missing the 2016-17. Team Monza topped perennial Italian power Pomi Casalmaggiore 25-19, 20-25, 25-21, 25-13 on Nov. 4. Dixon charted 11 kills on 21 attacks with just one error for a .476 hitting efficiency while adding a block for 12 points. Hancock set the team to a 43 kill percent and .313 hitting efficiency. She added five kills on five errorless attacks in the victory. Team Monza (2-2, 6 points), now in sixth place, will look to go above .500 on the season when it meets fourth-place Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio (3-1, 9 points) on Nov. 12.

DREWS, NEWCOMBE WITH LEGNANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Opposite Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana, Instagram, Twitter), who was a rookie with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for Sab Volley Legnano in the Italian Serie A1 alongside fellow U.S. Women’s National Team member Sonja Newcombe (Lake Arrowhead, California, Instagram, Twitter). Legnano lost to league-leader Imoco Volley Conegliano 25-20, 25-20, 25-22 on Nov. 5. Drews, earning her first start of the season, totaled a team-best 15 points on the strength of 12 kills on 41 attacks, two aces on 11 serves and a block. Newcombe, who started the second set as well as a sub in the first and third sets, provided five points on four kills and a block. She handled 14 receptions with a 79 positive percent. Legnano, now 1-3 overall with three standings points and in 11th-place place, faces Il Bisonte Firenze (1-3, 3 points) on Nov. 11 in its next Italian Serie A1 match.

WOPAT WITH BAIC MOTORS IN CHINA: Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California, Instagram, Twitter), a middle for the U.S. Women’s National Team, is playing for BAIC Motors in Beijing as part of the Chinese professional league. In the regular season opener, BAIC defeated Hebei 25-19, 25-23, 25-12 on Nov. 4 to even its record through two regular season matches. Wopat connected for eight kills on 11 attacks as part of a nine-point performance. BAIC returns to action on Nov. 4 against Hebei. BAIC returns to action on Nov. 11 against Yunnan Dianchi.

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Lost to third-place Ubi Banca San Bernardo 25-17, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20 on Nov. 1 to end its five-match winning streak to open the season. McMahon scored eight kills on 36 attacks and a block for nine points in the loss. Soverato, now 5-1 with 13 points, will look to get back in the win column on Nov. 12 as it faces Sorelle Ramonda Ipag Montecchio.

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. Dresdner swept VCO Berlin 25-17, 25-19, 25-21 on Nov. 1. Bugg got the start and led her team to a 52 kill percent for the match and .416 hitting efficiency. She also served two aces on 10 serves. Dresdner resumes German Bundesliga action on Nov. 8 against Stuttgart. Dresdner is competing in the CEV Cup this winter and begins 16th Finals Round home-and-home competition against Pays d’Aix Venelles VB on Dec. 13.

DANNEMILLER WITH MULHOUSE IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Lexi Dannemiller (West Chester, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for ASPTT Mulhouse in the French League this winter. Mulhouse rallied past Evreux (2-2) 22-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 15-8 on Nov. 4 to remain tied at the top of the league standings. Dannemiller set Mulhouse to a 35 kill percent for the match while adding in for individual kills on six errorless attacks, two aces and a block for seven points. Mulhouse, one of five teams tied at the top of the standings with a 3-1 record and six points, faces Nantes (1-3) on Nov. 11 in its next French League match. Mulhouse will also compete in the European Champions League this year and has a bye into the main format, or fourth round.

BENSON WITH VANDOEUVRE NANCY IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Libero Amanda Benson (Litchfield Park, Arizona, Instagram, Twitter), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for Vandoeuvre Nancy in the French professional league this winter. Vandoeuvre Nancy edged Nantes 23-25, 25-22, 26-24, 18-25, 15-13 on Oct. 30 to start the week’s action. Benson handled 29 of the team’s 98 receptions with an 83 positive percent and helped the team to an overall 37 kill percent with her passing. However, Vandoeuvre Nancy lost to SF Paris St. Cloud 25-22, 25-23, 21-25, 25-18 on Nov. 4. Benson was credited with a 56 positive reception percent after handling 32 of the team’s 82 receptions. Her team converted 42 percent of its attacks into points during the match. Vandoeuvre Nancy, 2-2 overall and with five points in seventh place, faces fifth-place Le Cannet (3-1, 7 points) on Nov. 15 in its next league match.

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziersin the French League this winter. Beziers topped Venelles 25-21, 25-21, 25-20 on Nov. 4. Rolfzen turned in four kills on nine attacks and a block for five points in the victory. Beziers (3-1, 9 points), which ranks atop the league standings, returns to action on Nov. 10 against fourth-place SF Paris St. Cloud (3-1, 8 points).

TRIVIA ANSWER: Carly Wopat had a chicken named Nugget who laid green eggs. Also, her uncle Tom Wopat played Luke Duke on the television series Dukes of Hazzard.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 29, 2018) – The hottest volleyball tickets for this spring just got hotter as single sessions tickets go on sale for the U.S. Women’s National Team hosting Volleyball Nations League in Lincoln, Nebraska. Meanwhile, the temperature is rising on overseas courts as members of the U.S. Women continue to shine in leagues on three different continents.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Who led the U.S. Women’s National Team in scoring in both 2013 and 2014?

VOLLEYBALL NATIONS LEAGUE TICKET UPDATE: The U.S. Women’s National Team will host Italy, Poland and Turkey in Lincoln, Nebraska, during the opening week of the Volleyball Nations League on May 15-17. Single session tickets for individuals (nine tickets or less) and groups (10 or more tickets) will go on sale Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. CT following a 45-day period of only all-session ticket sales. The VNL matches will take place at the 7,900-seat Bob Devaney Sports Center on the University of Nebraska campus. Jordan Larson, Kelsey Robinson, Justine Wong-Orantes and Amber Rolfzen are all Nebraska alums who could potentially be representing the United States during the Volleyball Nations League in Lincoln. Tickets can be purchased at huskers.com/usavolleyball or by calling 800-8-BIGRED.

Single Session (9 tickets or less)

A & B Levels: $35.00/ticket
C Padded: $25.00/ticket
C Plastic: $25.00/ticket
Standing Room Only: $15.00/ticket

Group Single Session (10 tickets or more)

A & B Levels: $30.00/ticket
C Padded: $20.00/ticket
C Plastic: $20.00/ticket
Standing Room Only: $10.00/ticket

KRISTA VANSANT HEADS INTO COLLEGE COACHING: Krista Vansant, who was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team during the 2015-16 seasons, is moving into the college coaching world as she accepted the Indiana University women’s assistant volleyball coach position. While at the University of Washington, Vansant was the AVCA Division I National Player of the Year in 2013 and two-time Honda Award winner as the nation’s top volleyball player. Vansant was named most valuable player of the 2015 Pan American Cup in her international debut as the U.S. Women’s National Team won gold. She also helped the U.S. win gold at the 2015 Pan American Games and the 2015 NORCECA Championship. Vansant joins the Indiana staff that will be directed by first-year head coach Steve Aird, who was hired after guiding the University of Maryland program.

WILHITE INTERVIEW WITH ALMA MATER: Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) was part of a Question-Answer interview with her alma mater, University of Minnesota. In describing her time with the U.S. Women’s National Team, she said: “Competing in the USA gym is something I never thought would happen. I’ve always looked up to the national team players so having the opportunity to compete alongside them last summer was surreal! I learned a lot from both the coaches and players and left motivated to keep pursuing volleyball. My heart for the game continues to grow and the culture in the USA gym is a huge reason for that. Traveling for World Grand Prix, wearing a USA jersey for the first time, was an experience I will never forget.”

LLOYD WITH BARUERI IN BRAZIL: Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California, Instagram), a 2016 U.S. Olympic bronze medalist, joined Hinode Barueri of the Brazil Superliga in January after successfully recovering from an injury during the 2017 FIVB World Grand Champions Cup. In her debut match in Brazil, Barueri lost to Camponesa/Minas 25-19, 25-23, 25-22 on Jan. 23. Lloyd led Barueri to a 38 kill percent for the match and added two kills on as many attacks and a block. On the opposite side of the net, American and 2012 Olympian Destinee Hooker scored eight points and Sonja Newcombe added four points in her debut in Brazil. Barueri defeated Sao Cristovao Saude/Sao Caetano 25-21, 25-20, 29-27 on Jan. 26. Lloyd set her team to a 41 kill percent and added three individual points with one kill, one block and one ace. She was named most valuable player of the match. To watch a replay of the match, click here. Barueri (9-8, 27 points), now in fifth place), resumes action on Jan. 30 against eighth-place Esporte Clube Pinheiros (6-10, 20 points) followed by sixth-place Fluminense F.C. (9-7, 26 points) on Feb. 2.

LARSON, ADAMS WITH ECZACIBASI IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter), a two-time Olympic Games medalist, and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, are playing professionally with Eczacibasi in the Turkish League for the 2017-18 season. In CEV Cup action, Eczacibasi handled Italy’s Yamamay E-Work Busto Arsizio 29-27, 25-18, 25-27, 25-18 on Jan. 24 to open the 8th Finals Round home-and-home series. Adams converted 62 percent of her attacks with 13 kills on 21 swings to go with three blocks and an ace for 17 points. Larson matched her point total of 17 with 16 kills on 30 swings and only two errors. She added one ace in the victory and a 55 positive reception percent on 20 chances. The two teams meet again on Feb. 8 to conclude the series with the victory advancing to the 4th Finals Round (quarterfinals). In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi stormed past last-place Ilbank 25-18, 25-12, 25-13 on Jan. 28. Neither Larson or Adams played in the contest against the mismatched opponent. Eczacibasi (15-1), which is in first place with tiebreakers over VakifBank (14-1), faces 11th-place Canakkale on Jan. 31 next week in the Turkish League followed by a major showdown against VakifBank on Feb. 4.

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter, Website), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. In European Champions League action, VakifBank blanked Dinamo Moscow 25-20, 25-22, 25-18 on Jan. 24. Robinson was a sub in the first two sets. She had three serves and was perfect on her one service reception. VakifBank, now 3-0 in Pool D, resumes Champions League action on Feb. 8 with a rematch of Dinamo Moscow (1-2). In the Turkish League, VakifBank swept eighth-place Nilufer 25-18, 25-16, 25-23 on Jan. 28. Robinson crushed 17 kills on 27 swings to go with one ace and one block for 19 points. She added a 64 positive reception percent on 11 chances. VakifBank (15-1), in second place on tiebreakers, resumes Turkish League action on Jan. 31 against last-place Ilbank followed by a showdown against top-ranked Eczacibasi (15-1) on Feb. 4. Robinson has launched her own website, www.nomandplay.com, on her passions for play, travel and food. Check out her article on nine unique day trips from Venice, Italy, by clicking here.

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the European Champions League, Conegliano rallied from a two-set deficit to defeat Fenerbahce 21-25, 25-27, 25-15, 25-17, 15-10 on Jan. 25. Hill scored 15 points in the victory with 13 kills on 34 swings and two aces on a match-high 25 serves. She handled 42 of the team’s 86 receptions with a 38 positive percent. Conegliano, now 3-0 in Champions League Pool B, will have a rematch with Fenerbahce (1-2) in the fourth leg on Feb. 7. In the Italian Serie A1, Conegliano lost to fifth-place Saugella Team Monza 25-18, 25-19, 21-25, 25-22 on Jan. 28. Hill provided 16 points in the loss via 15 kills on 31 swings and a block. She was credited with a 78 positive reception percent on 27 chances. Conegliano (15-2, 44 points), which holds on to first place, meets fourth-place Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio (10-7, 32 points) on Feb. 4.

GIBBEMEYER WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing her 2017-18 professional season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. In the European Champions League, Novara topped Agel Prostejov 25-12, 25-13, 22-25, 25-14 on Jan. 25. Gibbemeyer cranked out eight kills on 12 attacks to go with four blocks and an ace for 13 points. Novara, now 2-1 in Pool B, challenges Prostejov in a rematch in the fourth leg on Feb. 7. In the Italian Serie A1, Novara was upset by 10th-place Foppapedretti Bergamo 25-23, 19-25, 28-26, 22-25, 15-11 on Jan. 28 in Bergamo. Gibbemeyer scored three points in the loss. Novara (13-4, 40 points), which remains in second place, resumes Italian League action on Feb. 4 against third-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci (14-3, 39 points).

BARTSCH-HACKLEY, WILHITE WITH ITALY’S UNET E-WORK BUSTO ARSIZIO: Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Champaign, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) and Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), both outside hitters for the U.S. Women’s National Team, are playing their 2017-18 pro season for Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio in the Italian Serie A1. In the CEV Cup, Busto Arsizio lost to Turkey’s Eczacibasi 29-27, 25-18, 25-27, 25-18 on Jan. 24 to start its 8th Finals Round home-and-home series. Bartsch-Hackley slammed 14 kills on 38 swings to go with two aces on 16 serves for 16 points. She added a 55 positive reception percent while handling 49 of the team’s 93 chances. Wilhite, a sub in all four sets, produced two kills on three errorless attacks. The teams meet again on Feb. 8 with the series winner advancing to the 4th Finals Round (quarterfinals). In the Italian Serie A1, Busto Arsizio lost to 11th-place Sab Volley Legnano 25-22, 25-19, 21-25, 25-21 on Jan. 27. Bartsch-Hackley contributed 15 kills on 35 swings in the loss. She added a 43 positive reception percent on seven chances. Wilhite was a sub in the second set. Busto Arsizio (10-7, 32 points), which stays fourth in the standings, faces top-ranked Imoco Volley Conegliano (15-2, 44 points) on Feb. 4.

DREWS WITH CASALMAGGIORE IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Opposite Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first season with the U.S. Women’s National Team, is currently playing for Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 after transferring from Sab Volleyball Legnano. In the CEV Cup, Casalmaggiore swept Linamar-Bekescsabi RS KFT 25-20, 25-14, 25-15 on Jan. 23 to start the 8th Finals Round home-and-home series. Drews pounded 11 kills on 21 swings to go with three aces and one block for 15 points. The teams conclude the series on Feb. 7 with the winner advancing to the 4th Finals Round (quarterfinals). In the Italian Serie A, Casalmaggiore downed eighth-place Il Bisonte Firenze (5-12, 17 points) 25-22, 26-24, 16-25, 25-17 on Jan. 27. Drews produced 12 points, all on kills coming off 31 swings. Casalmaggiore (4-13 17 points), now in ninth-place, meets last-place Lardini Filottrano (3-14, 8 points) on Feb. 4.

WOPAT WITH BAIC MOTORS IN CHINA: Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California, Instagram, Twitter), a middle for the U.S. Women’s National Team, is playing for BAIC Motors in Beijing as part of the Chinese professional league. BAIC lost to Liaoning Broadcasting 26-24, 25-19, 25-21 on Jan. 23 and to Shenzhen 25-18, 25-19, 25-23 on Jan. 27. Wopat did not play in either match. BAIC concludes its Stage 2 playoff schedule on Feb. 3 against Liaoning Broadcasting.

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Soverato defeated Bartoccini Gioiellerie Perugia 25-18, 25-20, 25-20 on Jan. 28 for its third straight victory. McMahon accounted for 12 points with nine kills on 28 attacks, two blocks and an ace. Soverato (14-7, 40 points), which moved up to sixth-place place, resumes action on Feb. 4 against fourth-place Ubi Banca San Bernardo Cuneo (15-6, 46 points).

PAIGE TAPP, McCAGE WITH ALLIANZ MTV STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Middles Paige Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) and Molly McCage (Spring, Texas, Instagram), who were part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, are playing professionally this winter with Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. In the CEV Cup, Stuttgart blanked Aserix Avo Beveren 25-23, 25-14, 25-17 on Jan. 24. Tapp scored 10 points with five kills on 10 errorless attacks, three blocks and two aces in an all-around performance. McCage added six kills on 11 swings with just one error to go with three blocks and one ace for 10 points. The two teams conclude the series on Feb. 6 with the winner going to the 4th Finals Round (quarterfinals). In the German Bundesliga regular season, Stuttgart easily handled top-ranked Dresdner SC 25-12, 25-18, 25-19 on Jan. 28 as the American starting middles combined for 14 of 18 hitting without an error. Tapp scored nine points with seven kills on nine errorless attacks, one block and one ace. McCage chipped in seven kills on nine errorless attacks in the victory. Stuttgart (13-2, 37 points), which is in second place in the Bundesliga, returns to regular season Bundesliga action on Feb. 4 versus fifth-place Munster (7-7, 24 points).

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. In the CEV Cup, Dresdner shutdown TS Volley Duedingen 25-18, 25-13, 25-17 on Jan. 24. Bugg was a sub in the final two sets and registered five serves without an error. The home-and-home series concludes on Feb. 7 with the winner heading to the 4th Finals Round (quarterfinals). In the German Bundesliga, Dresdner lost to second-place Stuttgart 25-12, 25-18, 25-19 on Jan. 28. Bugg was a sub in the final two sets, recording one serve. Dresdner (13-2, 38 points), which remains in first place, faces seventh-place Vilsbiburg (7-7, 20 points) on Feb. 3.

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziers in the French League this winter. In the CEV Cup, Beziers battled past Minchanka Minsk 25-19, 20-25, 25-21, 14-25, 15-9 on Jan. 24 to open the 8th Finals Round home-and-home series in Beziers. Rolfzen collected six points in the win with three blocks, two kills and an ace. American teammate Krystal Rivers scored 18 points in the win. The series concludes on Feb. 7 with the winner advancing to the 4th Finals Round (quarterfinals). In the French League, Beziers held off seventh-place SF Paris St. Cloud (6-9, 18 points) 26-24, 20-25, 25-15, 25-18 on Jan. 28. Rolfzen netted six kills on 11 errorless attacks, two blocks and two aces for 10 points. Rivers added 26 points in the victory. Beziers (14-1, 38 points), now in second place based on standings points, meets ninth-place Vandoeuvre Nancy (6-9, 16 points) on Feb. 3 in its next French League match.

DANNEMILLER WITH MULHOUSE IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Lexi Dannemiller (West Chester, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for ASPTT Mulhouse in the French League this winter. In the European Champions League, Mulhouse lost to CSM Volei Alba Blaj 25-20, 20-25, 25-16, 25-20 on Jan. 24 in Pool A action. Dannemiller, who came off the bench in the first and started the final three sets, helped Mulhouse to a 34 kill percent for the match. She was credited with two aces in the match. Mulhouse, now 1-2 in Pool A, has a rematch with Blaj (3-0) on Feb. 7 in the fourth leg of the playoffs. In the French League, Mulhouse downed 10th-place Nantes (4-11, 16 points) 25-21, 22-25, 25-22, 29-27 on Jan. 28. Dannemiller started the first two sets. Mulhouse (10-5, 30 points), which is in third place, resumes French League action on Feb. 2 against fifth-place St. Raphael (7-8, 23 points).

TRIVIA ANSWER: Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) led the U.S. Women in scoring in both 2013 and 2014, her first two season with the squad. As a rookie, she tallied 314 points with a 3.53 scoring average. In her second season, she amassed team-highs of 370 points and 4.35 points per set highlighted by a team-best 157 points during the 2014 FIVB World Championship.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 22, 2018) – While current U.S. Women’s National Team members are overseas in their pro leagues working to improve daily, preparations are underway for the squad’s annual open tryout that will seek the next generation of players wearing red, white and blue.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Who served as captains for the U.S. Women at the three most recent Olympic Games?

WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OPEN TRYOUTS: The U.S. Women’s National Team will hold its annual open tryout on March 2-4 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The tryout, under the direction of U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly, will identify prospective athletes for the following programs:

U.S. Women’s Senior National Team: Athletes who have concluded their college eligibility and who wish to be invited to be a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team on a full-time basis. This program could begin as early as the spring of 2018, or when the athlete’s scholastic or professional club season has concluded. Also considered for training with this group will be athletes who have remaining college eligibility. Their participation will begin in mid-May or when their scholastic calendar ends for 2018.
U.S. Collegiate National Teams (CNT): Athletes born 1999 or earlier and with collegiate eligibility remaining for the 2018 collegiate season may also be invited to participate in one of three possible U.S. Collegiate National Teams. 1) CNT Asia from May 20-31; 2) CNT Europe July 4-15; 3) CNT-Detroit June 22-July 1.

All three CNT programs are considered extended tryouts for the U.S. Women’s National Team and are thereby eligible for necessary expenses to be paid for by the athlete’s school if that school so chooses.

The tryout is open to U.S. citizens who are current college-age athletes and older born in the years 1990-1999 inclusive.

Athletes have the opportunity to take advantage of on-site lodging at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (OTC) dorms and take meals in the dining hall, or they may choose to stay off-site. Those choosing to stay off-site will have OTC meal privileges. For athletes staying at the OTC, the total tryout registration fee will be $350, which includes lodging, meals, local transportation and tryout expenses. For athletes not staying at the OTC, the fee will be $200. There are no hotels within walking distance to the OTC. Athletes will have the opportunity to add on-site lodging ($150) to their registration at the time that they register. Registration fee will increase to $225 ($375 including on-site lodging) on Feb. 25.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE STREAMS: Four European Champions League matches featuring U.S. Women’s National Team players will stream live on laola.tv as the main phase reaches its second leg this week.

Jan. 24: Champions League – VakifBank (Kelsey Robinson) vs. Dinamo Moscow, 8 a.m. PT
Jan. 24: Champions League – ASPTT Mulhouse (Lexi Dannemiller) vs. CS Volei Alba Blaj, 11 a.m. PT
Jan. 25: Champions League – Imoco Volley Conegliano (Kim Hill) vs. Fenerbahce, 8 a.m. PT
Jan. 25: Champions League – Igor Gorgonzola Novara (Lauren Gibbemeyer) vs. Agel Prostejov, 11:30 a.m. PT

LARSON, ADAMS WITH ECZACIBASI IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter), a two-time Olympic Games medalist, and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, are playing professionally with Eczacibasi in the Turkish League for the 2017-18 season. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi rallied from a two-set deficit to defeat Galatasaray 23-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 16-14 on Jan. 17. Larson chipped in 16 points with 13 kills on 33 swings, two aces and a block. She handled 21 receptions with a 52 positive percent. Adams, a sub in the first two sets before starting the final three, collected 10 points with six kills on 15 swings, three blocks and an ace. Eczacibasi blanked Nilufer 25-13, 25-7, 25-21 on Jan. 21. Adams pocketed 11 points with seven kills on 12 attacks, three blocks and an ace. Larson did not play in the match. Eczacibasi (14-1), which is in first place with tiebreakers over VakifBank (14-1), faces Ilbank on Jan. 28 next week in the Turkish League. In CEV Cup action, has advanced to the CEV Cup 8th Finals Round and will have a home-and-home series versus Italy’s Yamamay E-Work Busto Arsizio with the first match taking place on Jan. 24 and the return match on Feb. 8.

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter, Website), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. In the Turkish League, VakifBank topped Besiktas 25-21, 25-15, 23-25, 25-20 on Jan. 17. Robinson scored a match-high 14 points, all on kills via 33 attacks. She also handled 31 of the team’s 75 receptions with a 61 positive percent (45 excellent percent). VakifBank concluded the week with a 25-12, 16-25, 25-22, 26-24 victory over Galatasaray on Jan. 20. Robinson was a sub in the final three sets compiling four kills on six errorless attacks with a 50 positive reception percent on four chances. VakifBank (14-1), in second place on tiebreakers to Eczacibasi (14-1), resumes Turkish League action on Jan. 28 against Nilufer. In European Champions League action, VakifBank (2-0) returns to action on Jan. 24 versus Russia’s Dinamo Moscow. Robinson has launched her own website, nomandplay.com, on her passions for play, travel and food. Check out her article on how to make long international flights easier by clicking here.

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the Italian Serie A1, Conegliano defeated Sab Volley Legnano 25-20, 25-11, 25-15 on Jan. 17. Hill provided eight kills on 16 attacks in the victory. She handled 11 receptions with a 36 positive percent. American teammate Simone Lee, making her Italian Serie A1 debut, scored two kills on five errorless attacks to go with one block as a sub in the final two sets. She was credited with a 33 positive reception percent on three chances. For video highlights of the match, click here. Conegliano claimed a 25-22, 24-26, 25-13, 25-15 victory over 10th-place Foppapedretti Bergamo (5-11, 13 points) on Jan. 21. Hill hammered 18 kills on 35 swings with one block for 19 points. She was credited with a stellar 96 positive reception percent on 26 chances. Lee, as a sub in the fourth set, turned in two kills on two attacks. Conegliano (15-1, 44 points), which holds on to first place, meets fifth-place Saugella Team Monza (8-8, 25 points) on Jan. 28 in its next Italian Serie A1 match. In the European Champions League, Conegliano closes out the Pool B first half with a Jan. 25 match with Turkey’s Fenerbahce.

GIBBEMEYER WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing her 2017-18 professional season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. In the Italian Serie A1, Novara was upset by last-place Lardini Filotrrano 25-21, 25-22, 24-26, 15-25, 17-15 on Jan. 17. Gibbemeyer contributed 11 points in the loss with 10 kills on 16 swings and a block. Novara answered its mid-week loss with a 25-22, 29-27, 25-23 victory over seventh-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena on Jan. 21. Gibbemeyer produced three kills on 10 errorless swings in the victory. Novara (13-3, 39 points), which remains in second place, resumes Italian League action on Jan. 28 versus 10th-place Foppapedretti Bergamo (5-11, 13 points). In the European Champions League, Novara (1-1) Agel Prostejov on Jan. 25 in its next Champions League Pool B match.

CARLINI WITH SCANDICCI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first year with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her first pro season with Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Scandicci swept Il Bisonte Firenze 25-21, 25-23, 25-20 on Jan. 17. Carlini set her team to a 44 kill percent. She tallied two kills on four errorless chance and a block for three individual points. Scandicci knocked down last-place Lardini Filottrano 22-25, 25-18, 25-15, 25-17 on Jan. 21. Carlini, starting just the first two sets, helped her squad to an overall 43 kill percent. Scandicci (13-3, 36 points), which stays in third place, resumes regular season action on Jan. 28 against sixth-place Mycicero Volley Pesaro (8-8, 25 points).

DIXON, HANCOCK WITH MONZA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Team, and U.S. Women’s National Team setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Saugella Team Monza in the Italian Serie A1 this winter after missing the 2016-17. Team Monza defeated Pomi Casalmaggiore 25-20, 25-18, 17-25, 25-20 on Jan. 17. Dixon tallied eight kills on 15 attacks with just two errors in the victory. Hancock set the team to a 40 kill percent while adding three individual kills on eight swings and three aces on 17 serves for six points. To watch highlights of the match, click here. Team Monza lost to fourth-place Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio (10-6, 32 points) 25-23, 26-24, 25-18 on Jan. 21. Dixon scored seven kills on nine swings in the loss. Hancock set the squad to a 40 kill percent and chipped in two aces and a kill for three individual points. Team Monza (8-8, 25 points), now in fifth place, challenges first-place Imoco Volley Conegliano (15-1, 44 points) on Jan. 28.

BARTSCH-HACKLEY, WILHITE WITH ITALY’S UNET E-WORK BUSTO ARSIZIO: Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Champaign, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) and Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), both outside hitters for the U.S. Women’s National Team, are playing their 2017-18 pro season for Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio in the Italian Serie A1. In the Italian Serie A1, lost to Foppapedretti Bergamo 21-25, 21-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-10 on Jan. 17. Bartsch-Hackley scored 14 kills on 37 swings to go with two blocks and an ace for 17 points. She handled 39 of the team’s 96 service receptions with a 79 positive percent. Wilhite scored two kills on five swings and two blocks for four points. Novara responded from its mid-week loss by defeating fifth-place Saugella Team Monza (8-8, 25 points) on Jan. 21. Bartsch-Hackley scored a team-best 18 points with 14 kills on 29 attacks with just one error to go with three blocks and an ace. She was credited with an 82 positive reception percent on 17 chances. Wilhite was a sub in the final two sets. Busto Arsizio (10-6, 32 points), which stays fourth in the standings, meets 11th-place Sab Volley Legnano (4-12, 11 points) on Jan. 27. In the CEV Cup, Busto Arsizio has advanced to the 8th Finals Round where it will face Turkish power Eczacibasi in a home-and-home series with the two match dates taking place on Jan. 24 and Feb. 8.

DREWS WITH CASALMAGGIORE IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Opposite Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first season with the U.S. Women’s National Team, is currently playing for Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 after transferring from Sab Volleyball Legnano. In the Italian Serie A, Casalmaggiore lost to Saugella Team Monza 25-20, 25-18, 17-25, 25-20 in Drews’ debut with her new squad. As a sub in the first two sets, Drews scored two kills on six attacks. With Drews taking a starting role, Casalmaggiore started strong against Mycicero Volley Pesaro before falling 19-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-21 on Jan. 20. Drews scored 14 points in the loss with 13 kills on 36 swings and an ace. To watch a replay of the match on ESPN3, click here. Casalmaggiore (3-13 14 points), now in ninth-place, meets Il Bisonte Firenze on Jan. 28 in its next Italian league match. In the CEV Cup, Casalmaggiore begins an 8th Finals Round home-and-home series with Linamar Bekescsabi RS KFT on Jan. 23 with the return match on Feb. 7.

WOPAT WITH BAIC MOTORS IN CHINA: Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California, Instagram, Twitter), a middle for the U.S. Women’s National Team, is playing for BAIC Motors in Beijing as part of the Chinese professional league. BAIC lost to Shenzhen 25-20, 25-16, 22-25, 19-25, 15-13 on Jan. 19, marking its first playoff loss in five matches. Wopat tallied 10 points, including a team-best two blocks. BAIC returns to Stage 2 playoff action on Jan. 23 against Liaoning, followed by a Jan. 27 rematch with Shenzhen.

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Soverato swept league-leader LPM Bam Mondovi 25-23, 25-16, 25-15 on Jan. 17. McMahon turned in 13 points with 11 kills on 23 swings and two blocks. To close out the week, Soverato edged 12th-place P2P Givova Baronissi 25-17, 23-25, 25-22, 22-25, 15-12 on Jan. 21. McMahon charted 11 kills on 32 attacks and three blocks for 14 points in the victory. Soverato (13-7, 37 points), which remains in seventh place, resumes action on Jan. 28 against 14th-place Bartonccini Gioiellerie Perugia (5-14, 14 points).

PAIGE TAPP, McCAGE WITH ALLIANZ MTV STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Middles Paige Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) and Molly McCage (Spring, Texas, Instagram), who were part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, are playing professionally this winter with Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. In the German Bundesliga regular season, Stuttgart battled past Aachen 25-19, 23-25, 25-19, 27-25 on Jan. 17. McCage tallied 16 points with 10 kills on 16 attacks with just one error to go with six blocks. Tapp pocketed four kills on eight errorless swings, two blocks and an ace. Stuttgart overwhelmed 10th-place Erfurt (2-10, 6 points) 25-19, 25-13, 25-20 on Jan 20. McCage totaled nine points with seven kills on 10 swings and two blocks. Tapp added four kills on seven swings in the victory. Stuttgart (11-2, 34 points), which is in second place in the Bundesliga, returns to regular season Bundesliga action on Jan. 28 versus league-leader Dresdner (13-1, 38 points). In the CEV Cup, Stuttgart has advanced to the CEV Cup 8th Finals Round home-and-home series with Asterix Avo Beveren. The first match is scheduled for Jan. 24.

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. In the German Bundesliga, Dresdner beat SC Potsdam 22-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-11 on Jan. 17. Bugg started the first set, registering one kill and setting the team to a 28 kill percent. Dresdner won its second match of the week with a 25-20, 25-17, 27-25 win over VC Wiesbaden on Jan. 20. Bugg did not play in the match. Dresdner (13-1, 38 points), which remains in first place, faces second-place Stuttgart (11-2, 34 points) on Jan. 28. In the CEV Cup, Dresdner has moved on to the 8th Finals Round home-and-home series against TS Volley Dudingen. The first match is slated for Jan. 24.

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziers in the French League this winter. In the French League, withstood a challenge from fourth-place Venelles to win 25-22, 25-19, 21-25, 19-25, 15-11 on Jan. 20. Rolfzen charted five points with two kills and three blocks. Beziers (13-1, 35 points), now in second place based on standings points, meets fifth-place SF Paris St Cloud (6-8, 18 points) on Jan. 28 in its next French League match. In the CEV Cup, Beziers has advanced to the 8th Finals Round where it will play Minchanka Minsk on Jan. 24 to start the home-and-home series.

DANNEMILLER WITH MULHOUSE IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Lexi Dannemiller (West Chester, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for ASPTT Mulhouse in the French League this winter. In the French League, Mulhouse edged Evreux 25-14, 25-18, 19-25, 22-25, 15-10 on Jan. 20. Dannemiller started the third set as Mulhouse converted 35 percent in the frame. Mulhouse (9-5, 27 points), which is in third place, resumes French League action on Jan. 27 against 10th-place Nantes (4-10, 16 points). In the European Champions League, Mulhouse (1-1) challenges CSM Volei Alba Blaj on Jan. 24 in its next Pool A match.

AKINRADEWO WITH JAPAN V-LEAGUE’S HISAMITSU SPRINGS: Two-time U.S. Olympic medalist Foluke Akinradewo (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Instagram, Twitter) is playing middle for Japan V.League’s Hisamitsu Springs this winter. First-place Hisamitsu Springs (19-0) was idle this week and resumes play on Jan. 27 against Ageo Medics followed by Toray Arrows on Jan. 28.

TRIVIA ANSWER: The three most recent captains of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Teams are Robyn Ah Mow-Santos at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Lindsey Berg at the 2012 London Olympic Games and Christa Dietzen at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 8, 2018) – The pro season kicked off the 2018 calendar year with a bang this past weekend as many of the U.S. Women’s National Team members were in action.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Who scored the final point of the 2016 Olympic Games bronze-medal match, which resulted in Team USA winning its third straight Olympic medal?

ALHASSAN WINS HONDA AWARD: Rhamat Alhassan stayed busy on the volleyball court in 2017, both with the University of Florida and the U.S. Women’s National Team. For her efforts, Alhassan was named the Honda Sports Award winner as the top collegiate volleyball player in the country. The honor is presented by THE Collegiate Women Sports Award. Alhassan has played with the U.S. Women’s National Team the past two summers. She helped the U.S. Women win gold at the Pan American Cup in June 2017. She tallied 54 points in the tournament, including nine points in the title match against Dominican Republic. Alhassan returned to college in the fall and sparked the University of Florida to the runner-up finish in the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship. The AVCA selected Alhassan to its All-America First-Team for the second time as she became a four-time All-American. Alhassan also earned the 2017 SEC Player of the Year.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND CEV UP STREAMS: Three European Champions League matches featuring U.S. Women’s National Team players will stream live on laola.tv as the main phase reaches its second leg this week. In addition, three CEV Cup matches with at least one U.S. Women’s National Team player will air on laola.tv.

Jan. 10: CEV Cup – Eczacibasi (Jordan Larson, Rachael Adams) vs. VC Oudegem, 6:30 a.m. PT
Jan. 10: Champions League – VakifBank (Kelsey Robinson) vs. Grot Budowlani Lodz, 8 a.m. PT
Jan. 10: CEV Cup – Allianz MTV Stuttgart (Molly McCage, Paige Tapp) vs. VK Up Olomouc, 10 a.m. PT
Jan. 10: CEV Cup – Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio (Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, Sarah Wilhite) vs. ZOK Bimal-Jedinstvo Brcko, 10 a.m. PT
Jan. 10: Champions League – Imoco Volley Conegliano (Kim Hill) vs. Agel Prostejov, 11:30 a.m. PT
Jan. 11: Champions League – Igor Gorgonzola Novara (Lauren Gibbemeyer) vs. Fenerbahce, 8 a.m. PT
Jan. 11: Champions League – ASPTT Mulhouse (Lexi Dannemiller) vs. Volero Zurich, 11 a.m. PT

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the Italian Serie A1, Conegliano rallied past eighth-place Il Bisonte Firenze (4-9, 14 points) 22-25, 25-11, 25-23, 25-12 on Jan. 7. Hill scored 18 points in the victory, highlighted by 15 kills on 33 errorless attacks, two blocks and an ace. She chipped in an 81 positive reception percent on 16 chances. Conegliano (12-1, 35 points), which holds on to first place, meets 12th-place Lardini Filottrano (2-11, 6 points) on Jan. 14 in its next Italian Serie A1 match. In the European Champions League, Conegliano (1-0) returns to Pool B action on Jan. 10 against Agel Prostejov (0-1).

GIBBEMEYER WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing her 2017-18 professional season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. In the Italian Serie A1, Novara trimmed seventh-place Mycicero Volley Persaro (6-7, 19 points) 25-23, 27-25, 22-25, 19-25, 15-13 on Jan. 7. Novara rallied from a 5-1 deficit in the tiebreaking set to win. Gibbemeyer, who was a sub in the second and third sets before starting the final two, tallied two kills on seven attacks and two blocks down the stretch. Novara (11-2, 32 points), which remains in second place, resumes Italian League action on Jan. 14 versus eighth-place Il Bisonte Firenze (4-9, 14 points). In the European Champions League, Novara (0-1) will seek to even its record at 1-1 on Jan. 11 as it meets Turkish power Fenerbahce.

DIXON, HANCOCK WITH MONZA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Team, and U.S. Women’s National Team setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Saugella Team Monza in the Italian Serie A1 this winter after missing the 2016-17. In the Italian Serie A1, Team Monza swept Sab Volley Legnano (4-9, 11 points) 25-18, 25-20, 25-13 on Jan. 7. Dixon notched a match-high 15 points with nine kills on 14 attacks and just one error to go with a team-leading five blocks and an ace. Hancock set the squad to a stellar 49 kill percent. She added three individual kills on five errorless attacks, one ace and one block for five points. Team Monza (7-6, 22 points), now in fifth place, challenges third-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci (10-3, 27 points) on Jan. 14 in its next league match.

BARTSCH-HACKLEY, WILHITE WITH ITALY’S UNET E-WORK BUSTO ARSIZIO: Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Champaign, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) and Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), both outside hitters for the U.S. Women’s National Team, are playing their 2017-18 pro season for Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio in the Italian Serie A1. In the Italian Serie A1, Busto Arsizio was upset by last-place Lardini Filottrano (2-11, 6 points) 19-25, 25-19, 26-24, 17-25, 15-10 on Jan. 7. Bartsch-Hackley turned in 16 points with 15 kills on 32 attacks and a block. She was credited with a 50 positive reception percent on 22 chances. Wilhite, in her first starting role, tacked on 13 points with eight kills on 37 attacks, a team-high four blocks and an ace. She also handled 36 of the team’s 98 receptions with a 33 positive reception percent. Busto Arsizio (8-5, 25 points, which stays fourth in the standings, meets sixth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena (8-5, 21 points) on Jan. 13. As part of the CEV Cup, Busto Arsizio concludes its 16th Finals Round home-and-home series with ZOK Bimal-Jedinstvo Brcko on Jan. 10 with a chance to advance to the 8th Finals Round.

CARLINI WITH SCANDICCI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first year with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her first pro season with Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the start of the Italian Serie A1, Scandicci lost to 10th-place Pomi Casalmaggiore (3-10, 13 points) 25-19, 15-25, 25-21, 25-18 on Jan. 6. Carlini set Scandicci to a 29 kill percent for the match while adding in two blocks, one ace and one kill for four individual points. Scandicci (10-3, 27 points), which stays in third place, resumes regular season action on Jan. 14 versus Saugella Team Monza.

WOPAT WITH BAIC MOTORS IN CHINA: Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California, Instagram, Twitter), a middle for the U.S. Women’s National Team, is playing for BAIC Motors in Beijing as part of the Chinese professional league. After finishing the regular season in fourth place of Group B, BAIC has started Stage 2 of the playoffs in strong fashion as Wopat has switched to opposite due to injuries. BAIC defeated Jiangsu 25-22, 25-23, 24-26, 25-21 on Jan. 2. Wopat was a sub in the second and third sets, recording two kills. BAIC then won its second Stage 2 match of the week with a 27-29, 25-15, 20-25, 25-12, 15-12 victory over Guangdong Hengda on Jan. 6. Wopat, who was a sub in the first set and started the final two sets, tallied two blocks and a kill in the win. BAIC returns to Stage 2 action on Jan. 9 against Jiangsu before meeting Guangdong Hengda again on Jan. 13.

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Soverato lost to eight-place Barricalla Collegno (10-7, 29 points) 25-21, 21-25, 25-19, 25-19 on Jan. 6 to start the second half of the season. McMahon pocketed eight points with seven kills on 24 attacks and a block. Soverato (11-6, 32 points), which is now in seventh place, resumes action on Jan. 14 against fifth-place Savallese Millenium Brescia (12-5, 36 points).

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. Dresdner swept 11th-place VCO Berlin 25-15, 25-13, 25-14 on Jan. 5 in its first Bundesliga match of the new year. Bugg was a sub in all three sets, recording one kill on one attack while serving six times. Dresdner (10-1, 29 points), which remains in first place, faces fifth-place Munster (6-5, 21 points) on Jan. 14 in its next Bundesliga match. In the CEV Cup, Dresdner concludes its home-and-home 16th Finals Round series with Pays d’Aix Venelles on Jan. 9 in France. Dresdner won the first match in three sets.

DANNEMILLER WITH MULHOUSE IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Lexi Dannemiller (West Chester, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for ASPTT Mulhouse in the French League this winter. Mulhouse downed ninth-place Vandoeuvre Nancy (5-7, 13 points) 25-22, 29-31, 25-18, 25-20 on Jan. 6 to start the new year in the French League. Dannemiller started the opening set and paced Mulhouse to a 47 kill percent as a team while adding one kill on two swings and a block. Mulhouse (8-4, 25 points), which is in third place, resumes French League action on Jan. 13 against league-leader Beziers (11-1, 30 points). In the European Champions League, Mulhouse will try to level its record at 1-1 when it faces Switzerland’s Volero Zurich (0-1) on Jan. 11 in Pool A action.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Kim Hill scored an ace to cap the Americans’ four-set win over the Netherlands to claim the bronze medal.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 17, 2017) – The U.S. Women’s National Team had a busy week in the news including Carli Lloyd and Michelle Bartsch-Hackley earning prestigious honors from USA Volleyball. Lincoln, Nebraska, was on the national and international volleyball radars for two different events. Read all the details below in the latest U.S. Women’s Weekly Update.

TRIVIA QUESTION: As a senior in college, which current U.S. Women’s National Team player earned the AVCA National Player of the Year after having never been an All-American in her first three collegiate seasons?

LLOYD NAMED USAV FEMALE INDOOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Setter Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California, Instagram)took on an expanded leadership role with the U.S. Women’s National Team as its captain in 2017, and that did not hinder the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist from delivering success on the court. In the process, she helped a young and dynamic squad grow as teammates in the first year of the Olympic quadrennial. For her 2017 contributions, Lloyd has been selected as the 2017 USA Volleyball Female Indoor Player of the Year. Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Champaign, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter)was tabbed as the 2017 USA Volleyball Female Indoor Most Improved Player of the Year.

LINCOLN TO HOST U.S. WOMEN, VOLLEYBALL NATIONS LEAGUE: The U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team will return to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 2018 as it hosts a four-team round-robin pod May 15-17 in the opening week of the new FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL). Team USA, ranked No. 2 in the world by the FIVB, will host No. 7 Italy, No. 12 Turkey and No. 22 Poland at the 7,900-seat Bob Devaney Sports Center in the first scheduled international matches of the 2018 season. Match tickets for University of Nebraska volleyball season ticket holders will go on sale Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. CT. Tickets that remain will go on sale to the public Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. CT through huskers.com/usavolleyball or 800-8-BIGRED. All session ticket prices are $36, $66 and $96. Single session tickets, which will go on sale at a later date this winter, will be $15, $25 and $35.

USA VOLLEYBALL CONNECTIONS TO NCAA FINALS: The NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship and semifinals drew record crowds in Kansas City as Nebraska won its fifth NCAA volleyball title. Kayla Banwarth, who helped the U.S. earn bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games as the starting libero, was an assistant coach for the Huskers and helped Nebraska to a title in her first season as a full-time coach.

LARSON, ADAMS WITH ECZACIBASI IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter), a two-time Olympic Games medalist, and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, are playing professionally with Eczacibasi in the Turkish League for the 2017-18 season. In CEV Cup action, Eczacibasi dominated VC Oudegem 25-11, 25-15, 25-15 on Dec. 13 to start the 16th Final Round home-and-home series. Adams turned in 10 points with six kills on eight attacks, three blocks and an ace. Larson had nine points in the victory, including four aces on 14 serves, three kills and two blocks. She was credited with a 75 positive reception percent on a team-best 16 chances. The CEV Cup series concludes on Dec. 10 with the winner advancing to the 8th Finals Round. During the intermission between the first and second halves of the regular season, Eczacibasi will compete in the Turkish Cup and will meet the Nilufer/HalkBank winner in the second round. Eczacibasi (10-1) will head into the second half of the Turkish League season in a three-way tie for first with VakifBank and Fenerbahce.

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. In European Champions League action, VakifBank won its opening Pool D match against Turkish rival Galatasaray 25-22, 25-18, 23-25, 26-24 on Dec. 14. Robinson was a sub in all four sets, delivering two kills on five errorless attacks and a block. She added seven receptions in the victory. VakifBank returns to Champions League action on Jan. 10 against Poland’s Grot Budowlani Lodz. With the Turkish League in intermission following the close of the first half, VakifBank is competing in the Turkish Cup and has a bye directly to the second round where it will meet the Beylikduzu/Bursa winner. VakifBank (10-1) will start the second half of the Turkish League season in a three-way tie for first place with Eczacibasi and Fenerbahce.

LARSON, CARLINI NCAA FACEBOOK LIVE INTERVIEWS: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Instagram, Twitter) and setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) participated in separate Facebook Live interviews last week on the NCAA account. The two U.S. Women’s National Team members discussed what it was like playing in the NCAA championship and the transition to the national team. The pair answered questions from around the world and gave nuggets on how athletes can become better volleyball players.

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the European Champions League, Conegliano opened the fourth round’s Pool B with a 25-13, 25-18, 20-25, 25-14 victory over Italian rival Igor Gorgonzola Novara on Dec. 13. Hill provided Conegliano 13 kills on 24 attacks and a block for 14 points in a balanced offensive victory. She added a 63 positive reception percent on handling 35 of the team’s 66 total receptions. Conegliano returns to European Champions League Pool B action on Jan. 10 against Agel Prostejov (0-1). In the Italian Serie A1, Conegliano cruised to a 25-23, 25-19, 25-19 victory over Mycicero Volley Pesaro on Dec. 16 to end the regular season’s first half. Hill notched 10 points with eight kills on 23 swings, one ace and once block. She added a 75 positive reception percent on a team-leading 24 attempts. Conegliano (10-1, 29 points), which holds on to first place, opens the second half of the regular season on Dec. 26 against 10th-place Pomi Casalmaggiore (2-9, 10 points).

GIBBEMEYER WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing her 2017-18 professional season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. In the European Champions League, Novara opened the fourth round Pool B with a 25-13, 25-18, 20-25, 25-14 loss to Italian rival Imoco Volley Conegliano on Dec. 13. Gibbemeyer contributed five points in the loss with four kills on 11 swings and a block. Novara will seek to even its record at 1-1 on Jan. 11 as it meets Turkish power Fenerbahce. In the Italian Serie A1 first half regular season finale, Novara blanked Sab Volley Legnano 27-25, 25-21, 25-16 on Dec. 17. Gibbemeyer chalked up five kills on 10 errorless attacks and a block for six points. Novara (9-2, 27 points), now in second place in the Italian Serie A1, starts the Italian League second half on Dec. 26 against fourth-place Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio (8-3, 24 points).

CARLINI WITH SCANDICCI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first year with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her first pro season with Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Scandicci rallied to defeat third-place Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio 16-25, 25-14, 24-26, 26-24, 15-9 on Dec. 12, highlighted by coming back from a 21-16 deficit in the fourth set to force the deciding fifth set. Carlini scored two blocks in the win and helped Scandicci to a 36 kill percent as a team in the first-half finale. Scandicci (9-2, 24 points), which moved up to third place, opens the second half of the Italian League on Dec. 26 against fifth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena (7-4, 18 points).

BARTSCH-HACKLEY, WILHITE WITH ITALY’S UNET E-WORK BUSTO ARSIZIO: Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Champaign, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) and Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), both outside hitters for the U.S. Women’s National Team, are playing their 2017-18 pro season for Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio in the Italian Serie A1. As part of the CEV Cup, Busto Arsizio swept ZOK Bimal-Jedinstvo Brcko 27-25, 25-10, 25-23 on Dec. 12 to start the 16th Finals Round home-and-home series. After missing a series of matches due to injury, Wilhite returned to the court to provide two kills on six attacks and two aces on four serves as she came off the bench in the second set and started the third set. Bartsch-Hackley was a sub in the third set, providing five kills on 12 attacks and a block. Busto Arsizio concludes the home-and-home series on Jan. 10 with the winner advancing to the 8th Finals Round. Busto Arsizio dropped a 16-25, 25-14, 24-26, 26-24, 15-9 match to then-fourth-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci on Dec. 16 to conclude the Italian League’s first-half. Bartsch-Hackley scored 14 kills on 49 attacks and was credited with an 81 positive reception percent on 36 chances. Wilhite, a sub in the middle three sets, tallied one kill on three errorless swings and provided an 80 positive reception percent on five chances. Busto Arsizio (8-3, 24 points, which falls to fourth in the standings, meets second-place Igor Gorgonzola Novara (9-2, 27 points) on Dec. 26 to open the second half.

WOPAT WITH BAIC MOTORS IN CHINA: Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California, Instagram, Twitter), a middle for the U.S. Women’s National Team, is playing for BAIC Motors in Beijing as part of the Chinese professional league. BAIC lost to second-place Tianjin 25-12, 28-26, 25-16 on Dec. 12. Wopat scored five points in the loss. BAIC absorbed its second straight loss on Dec. 16, falling to league-leader Shanghai 25-19,2 5-20, 25-22. Wopat produced 10 points in the loss. BAIC (5-6, 21 points), now in fourth place in Group B of the regular season, meets sixth-place Yunnan Dianchi on Dec. 23 in its next league match.

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Soverato lost twice this past week with first match being a 23-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-21 setback to Delta Informatica Trentino on Dec. 13. McMahon hammered 17 kills on 32 swings and added an ace in the loss. Severato concluded the week with a 9-25, 25-16, 29-27, 25-18 loss to Battistelli S.G. Marignano on Dec. 17. McMahon scored 14 kills on 36 attacks in the loss. Soverato (10-4, 29 points), which fell from second to sixth place with the two losses, takes on 16th-place Sigel Marsala (2-12, 7 points) on Dec. 26 in its next league match.

PAIGE TAPP, McCAGE WITH ALLIANZ MTV STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Middles Paige Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) and Molly McCage (Spring, Texas, Instagram), who were part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, are playing professionally this winter with Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. In the CEV Cup, Stuttgart overwhelmed VK Up Olomouc 25-12, 25-14, 25-20 on Dec. 13 to start the home-and-home 16th Finals Round series. McCage pocketed nine points with four kills on nine swings along with a match-high five blocks. Tapp, who came off the bench in the second and started the third set, added a kill and block for two points. Allianz concludes the home-and-home series on Jan. 10 with the chance to advance to the 8th Finals Round. In the German Bundesliga, Stuttgart blanked Rote Raben Vilsbiburg 25-14, 25-16, 25-14 on Dec. 16. McCage secured 14 points with seven kills on 10 attacks, five blocks and two aces. Tapp was a sub in the third set. Stuttgart (8-1, 25 points), which remains in first place in the Bundesliga, returns to regular season Bundesliga action on Dec. 26 against third-place Schwerin (7-2, 21 points).

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. In the CEV Cup, Dresdner defeated Pays d’Aix Venelles 25-13, 25-18, 25-20 to start the home-and-home 16th Finals Round series. Bugg served twice as a sub in the third set. Dresdner can advance to the CEV Cup 8th Finals Round with a win in the concluding match on Jan. 9 in France. Dresdner topped VfB Suhl Lotto Thuringen 25-20, 25-23, 25-22 on Dec. 16. Bugg, who started all three sets, sparked Dresdner to a 45 kill percent as a team as she also contributed three points. Bugg was named the most valuable player of the match. Dresdner (8-1, 23 points), still in second place, faces 10th-place Erfurt (1-8, 4 points) on Dec. 28 in its next Bundesliga match.

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziers in the French League this winter. In the CEV Cup, Beziers handled Sliedrecht 25-17, 25-19, 25-21 at home on Dec. 13. Rolfzen scored four kills on six attacks, two aces on 16 serves and a block for seven points in her CEV debut. American teammate Krystal Rivers turned in 18 points in the win. The home-and-home series concludes on Jan. 10 with the winner ticketed to the 8th Finals Round. In the French League, Beziers knocked off Evreux 25-12, 25-19, 25-17 on Dec. 17. Rolfzen totaled four points with three kills on four errorless attacks and a block. Beziers (10-1, 28 points), in second place, meets league-leader RC Cannes (10-1, 29 points) on Jan. 6 in its next French League match.

DANNEMILLER WITH MULHOUSE IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Lexi Dannemiller (West Chester, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for ASPTT Mulhouse in the French League this winter. In the European Champions League, Mulhouse opened its fourth round Pool A with a 25-18, 20-25, 25-14, 25-17 loss to Developres SkyRes Rzeszow on Dec. 13. Dannemiller came off the bench in the first set and started the final three sets. She scored two points with a kill and block. Mulhouse will try to level its record at 1-1 when it faces Switzerland’s Volero Zurich (0-1) on Jan. 11 in Pool A action. Mulhouse was edged by fifth-place Le Cannet 15-25, 30-32, 25-23, 25-22, 15-11 on Dec. 16. Dannemiller started the first three sets and came back to start the fifth set. She provided three kills on five swings and a block while helping Mulhouse to an overall 43 kill percent as a team. Mulhouse (7-4, 22 points), which is in third place, resumes French League action on Jan. 6 against ninth-place Vandoeuvre Nancy (5-6, 13 points).

AKINRADEWO WITH JAPAN V-LEAGUE’S HISAMITSU SPRINGS: Two-time U.S. Olympic medalist Foluke Akinradewo (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Instagram, Twitter) is playing middle for Japan V.League’s Hisamitsu Springs this winter. The Japan V.League is on holiday break until the new year. After a break for holidays, first-place Hisamitsu Springs (15-0) meets Hitachi Rivale on Jan. 6 and NEC Red Rockets on Dec. 7.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Sarah Wilhite (Instagram, Twitter) was named the 2016 AVCA National Player of the Year following her senior season at the University of Minnesota without much national fanfare her first three years with the Gophers.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 4, 2017) – Several U.S. Women’s National Team players competing in overseas pro leagues are battling for top positions in their respective standings as the first half nears a close, while other Americans are assisting their teams to major upsets and finding their way into the thick of things as the second half approaches.

QUICK SETS

Kim Hill will lead first-place Imoco Volley Conegliano against Lauren Gibbemeyer and her second-place Igor Gorgonzola Novara squad in a battle of the top two Italian Serie A1 teams on Dec. 9. The match can be watched live on ESPN3 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
adidas signs eight additional members of the U.S. Women’s National Team to multi-year contracts.
Tori Dixon and Micha Hancock with Saugella Team Monza upset then-undefeated Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1 on Dec. 3.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Which current member of the U.S. Women’s National Team was also a standout beach player as a youth, including a ninth-place finish at the 2011 FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch Youth World Championships?

adidas SIGNS EIGHT MORE U.S. WOMEN’S PLAYERS: adidas today announced multi-year partnerships with 16 USA Volleyball athletes, including eight from the U.S. Women’s National Team, vying for spots on either the 2020 Olympic or Paralympic Games rosters. Joining U.S. Women’s National Team setter Lauren Carlini, who signed with adidas Volleyball earlier this year, are outside hitters Jordan Larson, Kim Hill and Sarah Wilhite, setter Carli Lloyd, middles Tori Dixon, Hannah Tapp and Paige Tapp, and opposite Kelly Murphy. The new roster of adidas Volleyball athletes will be included in upcoming brand marketing campaigns and will collaborate on future volleyball sneakers, equipment and accessories. to help celebrate the partnerships with the newest members of the adidas family, adidas Volleyball unveiled its new Spring-Summer USA Volleyball apparel line, available starting today. Inspired by the word’s best volleyball athletes and designed for fans, the new Spring-Summer 2018 apparel line fuses the traditional sporting aesthetics of USA Volleyball fan gear with streetwear inspired trends. The new look features a muted color pallet that’s been married with the traditional patriotic red, white, and blue, stars and stripes to offer a cross-functional sports and lifestyle apparel line.

USAV TRANSFERS NOW TOTAL 368: USA Volleyball has processed 368 international transfer certificates (269 females, 99 males) allowing United States citizens to compete in foreign professional volleyball leagues for the 2017-18 season as of Nov. 30 – an increase of 10 players since the Nov. 8 report. Additional transfers are expected to be processed throughout the winter months. On the women’s side, athletes have transferred to play in 35 different countries. England has 37 United States citizens playing in its league, Germany 36 players, France with 26 players, Switzerland with 22 players, Italy with 17 players, and Finland and Sweden with 13 players each.

The new @adidasvball gear for @usavolleyball is out!! Go check it out. Link in my bio!! . ———————————– Photo cred: @ipekbirol
A post shared by Jordan Larson (@gov1007) on Nov 30, 2017 at 11:09am PST

⤵️ #NetDrop Challenge! Find out who won the gnarliest battle you’ve ever seen between me and @lonsloet ‍♀️ on @cevolleyball…. let’s see if @kimjayehill and @imocovolley can do it better
A post shared by Kelsey Robinson (@krobin32) on Nov 30, 2017 at 1:04am PST

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. VakifBank swept Seramiksan 25-17, 25-17, 25-22 on Dec. 2. Robinson notched six points with four kills and two blocks in the victory. She also handled a team-high 20 receptions with a 65 positive reception percent. VakifBank (9-1), which moved back into a three-way tie for first, will seek its fourth straight Turkish League win on Dec. 5 when it meets Bursa B. Sehir to close out the first half of the regular season. In European Champions League action, VakifBank has advanced to the group phase that starts next month. They are part of Pool D, where it will face Grot Budowlani Lodz, Dinamo Moscow and Turkish rival Galatasaray in double round-robin action. VakifBank opens against Galatasaray on Dec. 14.

A post shared by Foluke Akinradewo (@folukea) on Dec 3, 2017 at 6:59am PST

Excited and honored to be part of #teamadidas … check out the new USA Volleyball line available now!
A post shared by Kim Hill (@kimjayehill) on Dec 2, 2017 at 6:38am PST

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the Italian Serie A1, Conegliano moved back into first place following a 24-26, 22-25, 25-22, 25-23 victory over third-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci on Dec. 3, coupled with then-undefeated Igor Gorgonzola Novara’s five-set loss to Saugella Team Monza. Hill scored a team-best 21 points with 20 kills on 49 attacks and a block. She added a 64 positive reception percent on 28 chances. Conegliano (8-1, 24 points) has a showdown with second-place Novara (8-1, 23 points) on Dec. 9. In the European Champions League, Conegliano will take part in the main group phase in December. They are grouped in Pool and will face Agel Prostejov, Fenerbahce and Igor Gorgonzola in a double round-robin format. Conegliano meets Italian rival Novara on Dec. 13 to start Pool B.

DIXON, HANCOCK WITH MONZA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Team, and U.S. Women’s National Team setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Saugella Team Monza in the Italian Serie A1 this winter after missing the 2016-17. Team Monza upset then-league leader and undefeated Igor Gorgonzola Novara 25-23, 25-27, 21-25, 27-25, 16-14 on Dec. 3 a tight five-set contest. Dixon pocketed 14 points with 10 kills on 23 swings, three blocks and an ace. Hancock set the squad to a 42 kill percent and .240 hitting efficiency. She added five kills on nine attacks and an ace with a team-high 19 serves. Team Monza (4-5, 12 points), now in seventh place, will go for three victories in a row when it meets fifth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena (5-4, 13 points) on Dec. 10.

GIBBEMEYER WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing her 2017-18 professional season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. A week after securing the top spot in the Italian Serie A1 with a key win coupled with upset losses by their rivals, Novara was bit by the upset bug after falling to seventh-place Saugella Team Monza (4-5, 12 points) 25-23, 25-27, 21-25, 27-25, 16-14 in a five-set battle with four of the five sets settled by two points. The loss marked Novara’s first setback of the season. Gibbemeyer provided 17 points in the loss with nine kills on 19 attacks and a match-high eight blocks. Novara (8-1, 23 points), now in second place in the Italian Serie A1, returns to Italian League action on Dec. 9 against first-place Imoco Volley Conegliano (8-1, 24 points). Novara is also participating in the European Champions League this winter and will have a bye into fourth round. They are part of Pool B, where it will face Agel Prostejov, Fenerbahce and Imoco Volley Conegliano in a double round-robin format. Novara challenge Italian rival Conegliano on Dec. 13 to start the European Champions Cup.

WAAYYY too excited to be on this chocolate bar wrapper.
A post shared by Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (@bartschhackley14) on Dec 3, 2017 at 4:21pm PST

BARTSCH-HACKLEY, WILHITE WITH ITALY’S UNET E-WORK BUSTO ARSIZIO: Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Champaign, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter) and Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), both outside hitters for the U.S. Women’s National Team, are playing their 2017-18 pro season for Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio in the Italian Serie A1. Busto Arsizio rallied to defeat Il Bisonte Firenze 14-25, 25-16, 25-22, 23-25, 15-11 on Nov. 27. Bartsch-Hackley amassed a team-best 15 points via 14 kills on 56 swings and a block. She also was credited with an 81 positive reception percent (71 excellent percent) on 21 chances. To watch highlights of the match, click here. Busto Arsizio delivered a 25-20, 25-18, 26-24 victory over sixth-place Mycicero Volley Pesaro (4-5, 13 points) on Dec. 3. Bartsch-Hackley tallied five kills on 18 swings, one block and one ace for seven points in a balanced Busto Arsizio offense. She also handled 14 receptions with a 79 positive reception percent. Wilhite did not play in the match. Busto Arsizio (7-2, 21 points, which moved up from fourth to third in the standings, challenges 10th-place Pomi Casalmaggiore (2-7, 9 points) on Dec. 8 in its next league match. Busto Arsizio is also competing in the European CEV Cup with a home-and-home series in the 16th Finals Round against ZOK Bimal-Jedinstvo Brcko on Dec. 12 and the return match in early January.

CARLINI WITH SCANDICCI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first year with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her first pro season with Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Scandicci lost its second match of the Italian Serie A1 with a 24-26, 25-22, 25-22, 25-23 setback to current leader Imoco Volley Conegliano on Dec. 3. Carlini set Scandicci to a 40 kill percent for the match and added one individual kill. Scandicci (7-2, 20 points), now in fourth place, will look to avoid a losing streak as it meets 11th-place Foppapedretti Bergamo (2-7, 5 points) on Dec. 10.

HANNAH TAPP WITH FIRENZE IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Hannah Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first season with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her pro season with Il Bisonte Firenze in the Italian Serie A1. Firenze nearly upset current third-place Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio (7-2, 21 points) on Nov. 27 before falling 14-25, 25-16, 25-22, 23-25, 15-11. Tapp hammered down 12 kills on 21 swings with just two errors to go with seven blocks and an ace for a team-best 20 points. Although Firenze was unable to pull out the victory, it used the momentum from its mid-week match to defeat fifth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena (5-4, 13 points) 25-21, 25-12, 19-25, 25-17 on Dec. 3 in a key road victory. Tapp turned in 13 points with nine kills on 13 swings, three blocks and an ace in the victory. Firenze (3-6, 10 points), now in eighth-place, will seek a second straight victory when it meets sixth-place Mycicero Volley Pesaro (4-5, 13 points) on Dec. 10.

DREWS, NEWCOMBE WITH LEGNANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Opposite Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana, Instagram, Twitter), who was a rookie with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for Sab Volley Legnano in the Italian Serie A1 alongside fellow American and former U.S. Women’s National Team member Sonja Newcombe (Lake Arrowhead, California, Instagram, Twitter). Legnano rallied to defeat 10th-place Pomi Casalmaggiore 18-25, 25-18, 15-25, 25-23, 23-21 in a lengthy five-set battle on Dec. 3. Drew provided two kills on five attacks as a sub in the odd-numbered sets. Newcombe scored 16 points, all on kills via 28 swings. Legnano (3-6, 9 points), now in ninth-place, faces 12th-place Lardini Filottrano (1-8, 3 points) on Dec. 10.

WOPAT WITH BAIC MOTORS IN CHINA: Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California, Instagram, Twitter), a middle for the U.S. Women’s National Team, is playing for BAIC Motors in Beijing as part of the Chinese professional league. BAIC defeated fifth-place Shandong 25-23, 22-25, 26-24, 25-19 on Nov. 28 to start its week. Wopat pocketed 18 points in the victory, but was not among the top two leaders in any scoring category. BAIC lost a five-set heartbreaker to second-place Tianjin 25-19, 21-25, 17-25, 25-11, 17-15 on Dec. 2 to conclude the week. Wopat scored eight points in the loss. BAIC (5-3), now in third place in Group B of the regular season, gets back on the court on Dec. 9 against fourth-place Zheijiang.

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Soverato won its fourth straight match with a 22-25, 25-19, 25-19, 32-30 victory over Golem Olbia on Nov. 29. McMahon slammed seven kills on 33 swings with a block for eight points in the victory. However, Soverato was clipped by Conad Olimpia Teodora Ravenna 16-25, 25-18, 18-25, 28-26, 15-12 on Dec. 3. McMahon unleashed 21 points on the day with 16 kills on 42 attacks with just one error. She added five blocks in the loss. Soverato (9-2, 26 points), which dropped from first to second with the loss, will try to avoid a losing skid when it meets 17th-place Golden Tulip Volalto Caserta (2-9, 4 points) on Dec. 10.

McCAGE WITH ALLIANZ MTV STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Middle Molly McCage (Spring, Texas, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing professionally this winter with Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. Stuttgart held off sixth-place Wiesbaden 25-9, 25-15, 19-25, 25-17 on Dec. 2. McCage scored a match-tying high 19 points with 11 kills on 23 attacks and just one error while chipping in a match-high six blocks and two aces. Stuttgart (5-1, 16 points), which moved into second place in the Bundesliga, returns to regular season action on Dec. 9 when it meets 11th-place VCO Berlin (0-8, 0 points). Stuttgart is also competing in the CEV Cup this winter and has a 16th Finals Round home-and-home series against VK Up Olomouc on Dec. 13 and Jan. 10.

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. Dresdner was idle the past week in the Bundesliga regular season. Dresdner (5-1, 15 points), now in second place, resumes German Bundesliga action on Dec. 6 against first-place Schwerin (6-0, 18 points). Dresdner is competing in the CEV Cup this winter and begins 16th Finals Round home-and-home competition against Pays d’Aix Venelles VB on Dec. 13.

Happy because it’s game day and only two more weeks until Christmas break starts!!
A post shared by Amber Rolfzen (@amberrnicole5) on Dec 2, 2017 at 7:51am PST

AMBER ROLFZEN WITH BEZIERS IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Middle Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing with Beziers in the French League this winter. Beziers defeated Quimper 25-15, 25-19, 20-25, 25-14 on Dec. 2 to stay within reach of league-leader RC Cannes. Rolfzen pocketed 12 points with six kills on nine attacks and a team-leading five blocks along with an ace. Beziers (7-1, 20 points), in second place and one point behind league leader RC Cannes (7-1, 21 points), meets 12th-place Chamalieres (1-7, 3 points) on Dec. 5 in its next French League match before challenging fifth-place St. Raphael (4-4, 13 points) on Dec. 9.

DANNEMILLER WITH MULHOUSE IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Lexi Dannemiller (West Chester, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for ASPTT Mulhouse in the French League this winter. Mulhouse lost its second straight French League match as it fell to league-leader RC Cannes 25-21, 25-11, 25-18 on Dec. 2. Dannemiller started the first two sets and recorded two blocks. Mulhouse converted 48 percent of its attacks in the close opening set, but fell to 10 percent in the second set. Mulhouse (5-3, 15 points), which is in third place, will look to break its two-match skid on Dec. 5 as it faces SF Paris St Cloud before meeting Quimper on Dec. 8. Mulhouse will also compete in the European Champions League this year and has a bye into the main format, or fourth round. They are grouped in double-round-robin Pool A with CSm Volei Alba Blaj, Volero Zurich and Developres SkyRes Rzeszow. Mulhouse faces Rzeszow on Dec. 13 to start the Champions League schedule.

BENSON WITH VANDOEUVRE NANCY IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Libero Amanda Benson (Litchfield Park, Arizona, Instagram, Twitter), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for Vandoeuvre Nancy in the French professional league this winter. Vandoeuvre Nancy got back in the win column by edging Chamalieres 25-19, 22-25, 25-19, 18-25, 15-4 on Dec. 2. Benson handled 13 receptions with a 92 positive reception percent, which helped Vandoeuvre Nancy to a 40 kill percent for the match. Vanoeuvre Nancy (3-5, 7 points), now in 10th place, resumes French League action on Dec. 5 against Evreux, followed by a Dec. 9 match versus Venelles.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Justine Wong-Orantes (Cypress, California, Instagram, Twitter) was a standout beach volleyball players as a youth. She teamed with Sarah Hughes to finish in ninth place at the 2011 FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch Youth World Championships. At the age of 12, she was also the youngest female to ever earn her AAA beach rating, a benchmark for top beach players.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 27, 2017) – Foluke Akinradewo was near perfect in two Japan V.League matches this weekend while the Italian Serie A1 and Turkish League had a shake-up at the top of their standings with members of the U.S. Women’s National Team involved among the top teams.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Which current member of the U.S. Women’s National Team was also a two-time AVCA All-America First-Team in sand volleyball along with AVCA All-American First-Team for indoor volleyball in 2011?

2018 FIVB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SITES SELECTED: Japan is hosting the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship Sept. 29 to Oct. 20 and the host sites for each stage have now been revealed. Yokohoma Arena, Sapporo’s Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center, the Kobe Green Arena and Hamamatsu Arena have been selected to host four pool within the first round held Sept. 29 to Oct. 4. Second round sites include Nagoya’s Nippon Gaishi Hall and the Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium from Oct. 7-11. The third round with two groups of three teams will take place Oct. 14-16 at Nagoya’s Nippon Gaishi Hall. The semifinals and medal matches return to Yokohoma Arena Oct. 19-20.

AKINRADEWO WITH JAPAN V-LEAGUE’S HISAMITSU SPRINGS: Two-time U.S. Olympic medalist Foluke Akinradewo (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Instagram, Twitter) is playing middle for Japan V.League’s Hisamitsu Springs this winter. Hisamitsu Springs held off Ageo Medics 25-13, 24-26, 25-21, 27-25 on Nov. 25 to stay unbeaten in the V.League. Akinradewo tallied 13 kills on 20 errorless attacks for a .650 hitting efficiency. She added one block for 14 points in the victory. Hisamitsu Springs overcame a slow start to defeat Hitachi Rivale 19-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-15 on Nov. 26. Akinradewo hammered 11 kills on 13 errorless attacks along with three blocks for 14 points. On the opposite side of the net, American and former U.S. Women’s National Team member Cursty Jackson scored 14 kills on 29 attacks, three blocks and an ace for 18 points. For the weekend, Akinradewo collected 24 kills on 33 errorless attacks for a 727 hitting efficiency. Hisamitsu Springs (11-0) hits the court again on Dec. 2 when it meets JT, followed by Toyota the following day.

ROBINSON WITH VAKIFBANK IN TURKISH LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Manhattan Beach, California, Instagram, Twitter), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing club volleyball with VakifBank in the Turkish professional league this winter. VakifBank claimed a 25-18, 25-14, 25-27, 25-12 win over then-undefeated Fenerbahce on Nov. 25 to stay in the thick of the league title chase. Robinson was a sub in the second and third sets, providing four receptions in her limited action. VakifBank (8-1), which moved back into a three-way tie for first, will seek its third straight Turkish League win on Dec. 2 when it meets Seramiksan. In European Champions League action, VakifBank has advanced to the group phase that starts next month. They are part of Pool D, where it will face Grot Budowlani Lodz, Dinamo Moscow and Turkish rival Galatasaray in double round-robin action. VakifBank opens against Galatasaray on Dec. 14.

GIBBEMEYER WITH NOVARA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter) is playing her 2017-18 professional season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the Italian Serie A1. Novara swept then-second-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci 25-18, 27-25, 25-21 in a key of undefeated teams on Nov. 22. Gibbemeyer piled up five kills on 13 errorless attacks along with one block and one ace for seven points in the three-set win. Novara remained undefeated to start the Italian Serie A1 by rallying past eighth-place Pomi Casalmaggiore (2-6, 8 points) 24-26, 20-25, 25-23, 25-20, 16-14 to avoid a major upset from the visitors who entered the week in 10th place. Gibbemeyer, playing her former pro team for the first time since transferring to Novara this season, notched 10 kills on 14 attacks and three blocks for 13 points in the come-from-behind win. To watch a replay of the match on ESPN3, click here. Novara (8-0, 22 points), now in first place as the lone undefeated team in the Italian Serie A1, returns to Italian League action on Dec. 3 against seventh-place Saugella Team Monza (3-5, 10 points). Novara is also participating in the European Champions League this winter and will have a bye into fourth round. They are part of Pool B, where it will face Agel Prostejov, Fenerbahce and Imoco Volley Conegliano in a double round-robin format. Novara challenge Italian rival Conegliano on Dec. 13 to start the European Champions Cup.

HILL WITH CONEGLIANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, href=”https://www.instagram.com/kimjayehill” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Instagram), a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist, is playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the Italian Serie A1, Conegliano edged Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio 26-24, 25-17, 23-25, 24-26, 15-11 on Nov. 22. Hill secured 23 points on 21 kills via 49 attacks, one block and one ace. Conegliano lost its first match of the Italian regular season after falling to fifth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena (5-3, 13 points) 25-21, 25-21, 15-25, 9-25, 15-12 on Nov. 26. Hill connected for 21 kills on 44 attacks, three blocks and an ace for 25 points. She added a 75 positive reception percent after handling 24 of the team’s 80 receptions. Conegliano (7-1, 21 points), which dropped to second place and one point behind league-leader Novara, faces third-place Savino Del Bene Scandici (7-1, 20 points) on Dec. 3. In the European Champions League, Conegliano will take part in the main group phase in December. They are grouped in Pool and will face Agel Prostejov, Fenerbahce and Igor Gorgonzola in a double round-robin format. Conegliano meets Italian rival Novara on Dec. 13 to start Pool B.

CARLINI WITH SCANDICCI IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois, Instagram, Twitter), who played her first year with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing her first pro season with Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Scandicci lost its first match of the Italian Serie A1 with a 25-18, 27-25, 25-21 setback to now league-leader Igor Gorgonzola Novara (8-0, 22 points) on Nov. 22. Carlini set the team to a 31 kill percent in the loss. Scandicci rebounded with a 25-13, 25-16, 25-22 victory over Sab Volley Legnano on Nov. 26. Carlini notched one kill and one block in the victory while setting Scandicci to a 45 kill percent for the match. Scandicci (7-1, 20 points), now in third place but only two points behind league-leader Novara, will seek a second straight win on Dec. 3 as it meets second-place Imoco Volley Conegliano (7-1, 21 points).

DIXON, HANCOCK WITH MONZA IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Instagram, Twitter), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Team, and U.S. Women’s National Team setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Instagram, Twitter) are playing for Saugella Team Monza in the Italian Serie A1 this winter after missing the 2016-17. Team Monza fell to Mycicero Volley Pesaro 25-23, 25-19, 22-25, 22-25, 15-12 on Nov. 22. Dixon contributed 15 kills on 27 attacks with just one hitting error in the loss. Hancock, who started the first two sets and was a sub in the fifth set, helped Team Monza to a 38 kill percent for the match. She added one individual kill on three swings. Team Monza bounced back to defeat Lardini Filottrano 15-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-20 on Nov. 26. Dixon charted nine kills on 18 errorless attacks, two aces on 14 serves and one block for 12 points. Hancock, who started all but the third set, helped Team Monza to a 38 kill percent and tallied five aces on 23 serves, three individual kills on four attacks and one block for nine points. Team Monza (3-5, 10 points), now in seventh place, will look to keep the winning streak alive on Dec. 3 as it meets league-leader Igor Gorgonzola Novara (8-0, 22 points).

DREWS, NEWCOMBE WITH LEGNANO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: Opposite Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana, Instagram, Twitter), who was a rookie with the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for Sab Volley Legnano in the Italian Serie A1 alongside fellow American and former U.S. Women’s National Team member Sonja Newcombe (Lake Arrowhead, California, Instagram, Twitter). Legnano dropped a 25-18, 19-25, 26-28, 25-20, 15-10 match to Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena on Nov. 22. Drews tallied two kills on five errorless attacks as a sub in the first and fifth sets. Newcombe scored 10 points in the loss. To watch a replay of the match on ESPN3, click here. Legnano lost its second match of the week to Savino Del Bene Scandicci 25-13, 25-16, 25-22 on Nov. 26. Drews, who was a sub in the first two sets and started the third set, provided six kills on 19 attacks in the loss. Newcombe added five kills and an ace for six points. Legnano (2-6, 7 points), now in ninth-place, faces eighth-place Pomi Casalmaggiore (2-6, 8 points) on Dec. 3.

WOPAT WITH BAIC MOTORS IN CHINA: Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California, Instagram, Twitter), a middle for the U.S. Women’s National Team, is playing for BAIC Motors in Beijing as part of the Chinese professional league. BAIC dominated Hebei 25-11, 25-12, 25-11 on Nov. 25. Wopat was credited with eight kills on 13 swings as part of an 11-point performance. BAIC (4-2), now in third place in Group B of the regular season, gets back on the court on Dec. 2 against Tianjin.

McMAHON WITH SOVERATO IN ITALIAN LEAGUE: U.S. Women’s National Team opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio, Instagram) is playing for Volley Soverato in the Italian Serie A2 this winter. Soverato won its third straight match with a 25-23, 16-25, 25-23, 25-20 victory over Zambelli Orvieto on Nov. 26. McMahon piled up 17 kills on 36 swings with just two errors to go with one block and one ace for 19 points. Soverato, now in first place with an 8-1 record and 22 points, will look to keep the win streak alive as it faces 14th-place Golem Olbia (3-7, 8 points) on Nov. 29 and seventh-place Conad Olimpia Teodora Ravenna (6-3, 17 points) on Dec. 3.

McCAGE WITH ALLIANZ MTV STUTTGART IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Middle Molly McCage (Spring, Texas, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is playing professionally this winter with Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. The regular season was idle this past week, which enabled Stuttgart to edge USC Munster 25-20, 25-19, 21-25, 25-27, 15-11 in the DVV Cup Quarterfinal on Nov. 26. McCage charted nine kills on 19 attacks with one attack error in the victory, along with five blocks and two aces for 16 points. Stuttgart (4-1, 13 points), which moved into second place in the Bundesliga, is idle in the Bundesliga until Dec. 2 when it meets sixth-place Wiesbaden (4-2, 11 points). Stuttgart is also competing in the CEV Cup this winter and has a 16th Finals Round home-and-home series against VK Up Olomouc on Dec. 13 and Jan. 10.

BUGG WITH DRESDNER IN GERMAN BUNDESLIGA: Setter Madi Bugg (Apex, North Carolina, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing in the German Bundesliga with Dresdner SC this winter. The league was idle this past week, which allowed for the DVV Cup Quarterfinals to take place. Dresdner edged SC Potsdam 25-22, 25-19, 21-25, 25-16 on Nov. 25 in the quarterfinals. Bugg did not play in the match. Dresdner (5-1, 15 points), now in second place, resumes German Bundesliga action on Dec. 9 against Schwerin. Dresdner is competing in the CEV Cup this winter and begins 16th Finals Round home-and-home competition against Pays d’Aix Venelles VB on Dec. 13.

DANNEMILLER WITH MULHOUSE IN FRENCH LEAGUE: Setter Lexi Dannemiller (West Chester, Ohio, Instagram, Twitter), a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team this past summer, is competing for ASPTT Mulhouse in the French League this winter. Mulhouse lost to then-sixth-place Venelles 25-19, 22-25, 25-27, 25-21, 15-12 on Nov. 24. Dannemiller started and played in just the first set, leading Mulhouse to a 38 kill percent in the opening frame victory and added two individual kills on as many attempts with one ace for three points. Mulhouse (5-2, 15 points), which fell from first to third with the loss, seeks to rebound on Dec. 2 against new league-leader RC Cannes (6-1) in its next French League match. Mulhouse will also compete in the European Champions League this year and has a bye into the main format, or fourth round. They are grouped in double-round-robin Pool A with CSm Volei Alba Blaj, Volero Zurich and Developres SkyRes Rzeszow. Mulhouse faces Rzeszow on Dec. 13 to start the Champions League schedule.

TRIVIA ANSWER: During the same academic year, Kim Hill was an AVCA All-American First-Team for indoor volleyball as well as West Coast Conference player of the year in 2011, followed by AVCA All-America First-Team for sand volleyball during the 2012 season.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (May 29, 2017) – The U.S. Women’s National Team held its third Red-Blue intrasquad matches in as many weekends on May 26 at Santiago Canyon College in Orange, California. The final Red-Blue will take place on June 2 at Kennedy High School in La Palma, California, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 and available at the door one hour before match time.

For the second Red-Blue match in a row, Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois) led all scorers with 14 points in two sets via nine kills, four blocks and an ace. Madi Kingdon (Phoenix, Arizona) contributed 12 kills on 27 attacks as part of a .333 hitting efficiency. Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana) totaled 10 kills on 23 swings and block for 11 points. Megan Courtney (Dayton, Ohio) charted nine kills on 30 attacks and an ace for 10 points.

Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota) pocketed nine points with eight kills on 17 attacks and a block. Stephanie Niemer (Erlanger, Kentucky) tacked on nine kills on 15 errorless attacks for a .600 hitting efficiency. Sonja Newcombe (Lake Arrowhead, California) and Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio) each scored eight points, while Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota) and Aiyana Whitney (Norwood, New Jersey each provided seven points. Gibbemeyer hit at a .444 efficiency without an error and had three blocks.

Twin sisters Kadie and Amber Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska) were also twins on the scoresheet with six points. Amber hit at a .417 clip. Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie, Minnesota) also had six points in the match.

Justine Wong-Orantes (Cypress, California), Amanda Benson (Litchfield Park, Arizona) and Kristen Hahn (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) handled the libero duties. Wong-Orantes handled 11 receptions with a team-best 55 positive reception. Bartsch was turned in a 44 positive reception percent on 16 chances.

For the match, the entire squad hit at a .230 efficiency to go with 14 blocks and 11 aces over the course of the four sets.

UPDATED U.S. WOMEN’S TRAINING ROSTER
The U.S. Women’s National Team, ranked No. 2 in the world after a bronze-medal finish at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, has 26 players training at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim – the official host city for both the U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Teams. Additional players will be added to the 2017 training roster following a short rest or finishing their college’s academic year. Training rosters are subject to change weekly with new athletes added or removed. Team USA works out weekdays from approximately 8:30-11:30 a.m. All practices at the American Sports Centers are open to the public.

Player (Position, 2016-17 Pro Club, College, Hometown)
Inky Ajanaku (Middle, Rehabbing in USA, Stanford, Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Michelle Bartsch (Outside, Bolzano (Italy), Illinois, Maryville, Illinois)
Amanda Benson (Libero, Final Season in College, Oregon, Litchfield Park, Arizona)
Madi Bugg (Setter, NUC (Switzerland), Stanford, Apex, North Carolina)
Lauren Carlini (Setter, Final Season in College, Wisconsin, Aurora, Illinois)
Megan Courtney (Outside, Wroclaw (Poland), Penn State, Dayton, Ohio)
Lexi Dannemiller (Setter, Schweriner (Germany), Michigan, West Chester, Ohio)
Tori Dixon (Middle, Rehabbing in USA, Minnesota, Burnsville, Minnesota)
Annie Drews (Opposite, Caguas Criollas (Puerto Rico), Purdue, Elkhart, Indiana)
Lauren Gibbemeyer (Middle, Pomi Casalmaggiore (Italy), Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota)
Kristen Hahn (Libero, Did Not Compete, Iowa State, Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
Micha Hancock (Setter, Wroclaw (Poland), Penn State, Edmond, Oklahoma)
Madi Kingdon (Outside, IBK (Korea), Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona)
Molly McCage (Middle, Wiesbaden (Germany), Texas, Spring, Texas)
Liz McMahon (Opposite, Dresden (Germany), Illinois, Liberty Township, Ohio)
Kelly Murphy (Opposite, Henan (China), Florida, Wilmington, Illinois)
Sonja Newcombe (Outside, Sichuan (China), Oregon, Lake Arrowhead, California)
Stephanie Niemer (Outside, Caguas Criollas (Puerto Rico), Cincinnati, Erlanger, Kentucky)
Amber Rolfzen (Middle, Dresden (Germany), Nebraska, Papillion, Nebraska)
Kadie Rolfzen (Opposite, Dresden (Germany), Nebraska, Papillion, Nebraska)
Hannah Tapp (Middle, Schweriner (Germany), Minnesota, Stewartville, Minnesota)
Paige Tapp (Middle, Juncos Valencianas (Puerto Rico), Minnesota, Stewartville, Minnesota)
Sarah Wilhite (Outside Hitter, Final Season in College, Minnesota, Eden Prairie, Minnesota)
Aiyana Whitney (Outside Hitter, MTV Stuttgart (Germany), Penn State, Norwood, New Jersey)
Justine Wong-Orantes (Libero, Final Season in College, Nebraska, Cypress, California)
Carly Wopat (Middle, Toray (Japan), Stanford, Santa Barbara, California)

TICKETS FOR USA VOLLEYBALL CUP VS BRAZIL NOW ON SALE: The U.S. Women’s National Team hosts Brazil on Aug. 27 and Aug. 29 in Anaheim as part of the USA Volleyball Cup, and you can now get the hottest volleyball of the summer ticket through TicketMaster. The Americans will host their South American rivals in the two-match series at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena just a couple miles from where Team USA trains in Anaheim – the official host city of the U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Teams. The U.S. is ranked No. 2 in the current FIVB world ranking after earning bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games. Brazil, which lost to eventual 2016 Olympic Games champion China in a five-set match in the quarterfinals in Rio, is ranked No. 4 in the world. The two teams met in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games gold-medal match with the Brazilians winning both matches. “Brazil has built one of a handful of legendary programs in international volleyball, and this year’s USA Volleyball Cup matches will be a wonderful opportunity for American fans to see both programs live,” U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly said. “Every time we square off across the net, it’s a battle – both teams test each other, and learn, and we cherish experiences like that. We’ll see you in August!” The USA Volleyball Cup opening match will have first serve at 4 p.m. PT on Aug. 27, while the Aug. 29 match will start at 7:30 p.m. PT.

U.S. WOMEN TO HOST CANADA IN FRIENDLY MATCH: The U.S. Women’s National Team will host the Canadian Women’s National Team in a friendly match on June 13 at JSerra High School in San Juan Capistrano, California. The match will start at 7 p.m. PT and tickets will be available for purchase at the door one hour prior to the match. The USA-Canada match will represent the first contest against an international opponent for Team USA since it won bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games. Both the USA and Canada will travel later in the week to Peru for the XVI Pan American Cup that is from June 16-25.

RED-BLUE SCRIMMAGE SCHEDULE: The U.S. Women’s National Team began its summer training block on May 1, and has one Red-Blue intrasquad match remaining in Southern California for fans to watch the team get ready for summer competitions. In addition, fans are welcome to attend training sessions at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim. The U.S. Women typically train Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. PT.

June 2: at Kennedy High School (La Palma, California), 7 p.m. PT

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (May 22, 2017) – The U.S. Women’s National Training Team has swelled to 26 athletes for the coming week, days after the second Red-Blue intrasquad scrimmage. This week’s update includes some interesting facts on the athletes who are in the gym.

UPDATED U.S. WOMEN’S TRAINING ROSTER
The U.S. Women’s National Team, ranked No. 2 in the world after a bronze-medal finish at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, will have 26 players training at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim – the official host city for both the U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Teams – with four new players arriving. Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota), a 2016 U.S. Olympic Team alternate, returns for her sixth season with Team USA. The other three players – middle Paige Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota), opposite Annie Drews (Elkhart, Indiana) and outside hitter Stephanie Niemer (Erlanger, Kentucky) – all just finished their professional seasons in Puerto Rico and joining the National Team for the first time.

Additional players will be added to the 2017 training roster following the completion of their pro leagues overseas and short rest or finishing their college’s academic year. Training rosters are subject to change weekly with new athletes added or removed. Team USA works out weekdays from approximately 8:30-11:30 a.m. All practices at the American Sports Centers are open to the public.

Player (Position, 2016-17 Pro Club, College, Hometown)
Inky Ajanaku (Middle, Rehabbing in USA, Stanford, Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Michelle Bartsch (Outside, Bolzano (Italy), Illinois, Maryville, Illinois)
Amanda Benson (Libero, Final Season in College, Oregon, Litchfield Park, Arizona)
Madi Bugg (Setter, NUC (Switzerland), Stanford, Apex, North Carolina)
Lauren Carlini * (Setter, Final Season in College, Wisconsin, Aurora, Illiniis)
Megan Courtney (Outside, Wroclaw (Poland), Penn State, Dayton, Ohio)
Lexi Dannemiller (Setter, Schweriner (Germany), Michigan, West Chester, Ohio)
Tori Dixon (Middle, Rehabbing in USA, Minnesota, Burnsville, Minnesota)
Annie Drews (Opposite, Caguas Criollas (Puerto Rico), Purdue, Elkhart, Indiana)
Lauren Gibbemeyer (Middle, Pomi Casalmaggiore (Italy), Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota)
Kristen Hahn (Libero, Did Not Compete, Iowa State, Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
Micha Hancock (Setter, Wroclaw (Poland), Penn State, Edmond, Oklahoma)
Madi Kingdon (Outside, IBK (Korea), Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona)
Molly McCage (Middle, Wiesbaden (Germany), Texas, Spring, Texas)
Liz McMahon (Opposite, Dresden (Germany), Illinois, Liberty Township, Ohio)
Kelly Murphy (Opposite, Henan (China), Florida, Wilmington, Illinois)
Sonja Newcombe (Outside, Sichuan (China), Oregon, Lake Arrowhead, California)
Stephanie Niemer (Outside, Caguas Criollas (Puerto Rico), Cincinnati, Erlanger, Kentucky)
Amber Rolfzen (Middle, Dresden (Germany), Nebraska, Papillion, Nebraska)
Kadie Rolfzen (Opposite, Dresden (Germany), Nebraska, Papillion, Nebraska)
Hannah Tapp (Middle, Schweriner (Germany), Minnesota, Stewartville, Minnesota)
Paige Minnesota (Middle, Juncos Valencianas (Puerto Rico), Minnesota, Stewartville, Minnesota)
Sarah Wilhite * (Outside Hitter, Final Season in College, Minnesota, Eden Prairie, Minnesota)
Aiyana Whitney (Outside Hitter, MTV Stuttgart (Germany), Penn State, Norwood, New Jersey)
Justine Wong-Orantes (Libero, Final Season in College, Nebraska, Cypress, California)
Carly Wopat (Middle, Toray (Japan), Stanford, Santa Barbara, California)
Notes: * Wilhite and Carlini begin on May 16; ^ Wopat begins on May 17

TRAINING TEAM NOTES:
The U.S. Women’s National Team has many new faces, and some interesting storylines and tidbits.

The team has two sets of twins training as of May 22. Amber and Kadie Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska) and Hannah and Paige Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota) are beginning their first seasons with the U.S. Women’s National Team after competing at University of Nebraska and University of Minnesota, respectively.
The team has five players hailing from the University of Minnesota – and four are playing middle. Along with outside Sarah Wilhite (Eden Praire, Minnesota), the quartet of Gopher middles who are part of the National training team are Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota), Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Hannah and Paige Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota).
Out of the 26 players training at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim, California, 16 are in their first season.
Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois) and outside hitter Sarah Wilhite (Eden Praire, Minnesota) come into training this year with some major honors secured in the last few months. Carlini was named the prestigious Sullivan Award winner for best amateur athlete among all sports earlier this spring. Wilhite was selected the AVCA Division I Player of the Year in December 2016.

OUTSIDES DOMINATE 2ND RED-BLUE
The U.S. Women’s National Team held its second Red-Blue intrasquad scrimmage of the season on May 19 with 21 players seeing action at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, California. The Red Team won the three of the four sets, coming back to win 22-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-19. Players switched between the Red and Blue team throughout the night. The Red-Blue was scheduled for four sets with each set played to 25 points. Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois) led all scorers with 26 points with 18 kills on 41 attacks as part of a .293 hitting efficiency. She added five aces and three blocks in playing all four sets for the Blue Team. Outside hitter Sonja Newcombe (Lake Arrowhead, California) pocketed 18 points with four sets for the Red Team, including 15 kills on 34 attacks as part of a .353 hitting efficiency and three blocks. Outside Madi Kingdon (Phoenix, Arizona) chipped in 15 points via 12 kills on 32 attacks and three blocks in splitting two sets each on the Red and Blue side. Outside hitter Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie, Minnesota), the 2016 AVCA Division I Player of the Year, contributed 13 points with 11 kills on 30 swings, one block and one ace in four sets. She was playing her first Red-Blue match of the season. Middle Molly McCage (Spring, Texas) recorded six kills on 13 attacks, three aces and a block for 10 points as highest scoring non-outside hitter. In total, 16 players scored at least one point in the match. Only liberos and setters did not score a point in the contest. For the complete recap, click here.

RED-BLUE SCRIMMAGE SCHEDULE: The U.S. Women’s National Team will officially begin its summer training block on May 1, and already have several Red-Blue intrasquad matches lined up for fans in Southern California to watch the team get ready for summer competitions. In addition, fans are welcome to attend training sessions at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim. The U.S. Women typically train Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. PT.

May 19: at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School (San Juan Capistrano, California), 7 p.m. PT
May 26: at Santiago Canyon College (Orange, California), 6 p.m. PT (doubleheader with U.S. Men’s National Team)
June 2: at Kennedy High School (La Palma, California), 7 p.m. PT

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (May 15, 2017) – A busy week for the U.S. Women’s National Team players as the program held its first of four Red-Blue intrasquad scrimmages and four players competed in the annual FIVB Women’s Club World Championship – one walking away with gold. The scrimmage marked the return of middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota), who hit the court for the first time since an ACL injury in January 2016. Five additional players begin training in Anaheim this week, including two just finishing college with major honors on their resume. Further, tickets went on sale for the USA Volleyball Cup as the U.S. Women will host Brazil in Anaheim at the end of August.

HILL SPARKS VAKIFBANK TO FIVB CLUB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

The annual FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship featured four U.S. Women’s National Team players participating in the event. Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) helped lead Turkey’s VakifBank to the title with a 25-19, 25-21, 25-21 victory over Brazil’s Rexona-SESC in the title match held in Kobe, Japan. Hill scored 13 points in the championship match, including 12 kills on 30 attacks.

Hill finished the tournament ranked 12th in scoring with 62 points (49 kills, 5 blocks, 8 aces). She finished as the second-best server with a 0.47 ace average per set. Hill ranked fifth in best receiver with a 49.6 efficiency percent.

The bronze medal match featured three Americans aiming to arrive on the podium. In the end, middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram) sparked Switzerland’s Volero Zurich to a 25-22, 25-15, 22-25, 23-25, 15-12 victory over Turkey’s Eczacibasi, which had outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Twitter, Instagram) and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram) on the roster. Akinradewo tallied 16 points in the bronze-medal match with 12 kills on 21 swings, three blocks and an ace.

Akinradewo ranked 20th in scoring, compiling 53 points with 45 kills, four blocks and four aces. Akinradewo held a .569 hitting efficiency for the tournament on 72 attacks. Larson tallied 47 points in the tournament with 40 kills, 4 blocks and three aces for 22nd in scoring. Adams contributed 22 points in the tournament.

FIRST 2017 RED-BLUE RECAP

The U.S. Women’s National Team held its first Red-Blue intrasquad scrimmage of the season on May 12 with 21 players seeing action at Murrieta Mesa High School in Murrieta, California.

“Our first Red-Blue of the new four-year Olympic cycle was a big success from the promotional side – huge thanks to Dana Burkholder, Forza1 and Murrieta Mesa High School for hosting us to kick off the Quad,” U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly said. “From a competitive side, we challenged everyone to find solutions quickly in the 15-point set only format, and USA’s problem-solving improved as the evening progressed. On the process side, we faced a good challenge trying to stick with our daily ‘USA good’ mental approach under match-like conditions. Finally, we’ve taught myriad new technical and tactical concepts during the first two weeks of official training, and we were excited to see some of that learning on display at the Red-Blue.”

Opposite Liz McMahon (Liberty Township, Ohio), a newcomer to the USA gym, led all scorers with 16 points as she totaled 10 kills with a .273 hitting efficiency. She added team-bests three aces and three blocks in her three sets of action. Outside hitter Megan Courtney (Dayton, Ohio) charted 11 points with seven kills, three blocks and an ace in three sets.

Opposite Krystal Rivers (Birmingham, Alabama) hit .429 with nine kills on 14 attacks while adding an ace. Opposite Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, turned in nine points with eight kills and a block. Madi Kingdon (Phoenix, Arizona) contributed eight kills and an ace for nine points.

Middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram), playing in her first action since tearing her ACL in January 2016 following a promising 2015 season, chalked up five kills with a .364 hitting efficiency and three blocks for eight points in one set. Prior to her injury she was named the best blocker of the 2015 FIVB World Cup and the best blocker of the 2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament.

Outside hitter Sonja Newcombe (Lake Arrowhead, California) and Opposite Kadie Rolfzen (Papillion, Nebraska) each notched seven points. Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois), a 2016 Olympic alternate, totaled six points.

The offense was run by four setters, three of whom were making their debuts with the senior national team in a Red-Blue match or any international contest. Three liberos also saw action as they were wearing a USA uniform for the first time at the senior national team level.

The Red-Blue lasted five sets with each set played to 15 points instead of the normal 25 in sets one through four.

TORI DIXON RETURNS TO THE COURT

After nearly 16 months, Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) returned to the court playing the game she loved.

Dixon had been named best blocker at the 2015 FIVB World Cup and 2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournaments and was primed for consideration to make her first Olympic Games roster. Three weeks after helping the U.S. qualify for the Olympics at the NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament, the tide unfortunately changed on a court in Japan as she played for Toray Arrows, her professional team in the Japan V-League.

In her second to last regular season match with Torary, Dixon went up for a swing and powered down a kill lie she had so many times before. However, this time was different as she landed awkwardly on her left leg and immediately grimaced in pain. Doctors would confirm she tore her ACL and her Olympic dreams were in jeopardy.

Dixon had surgery on her knee, and made a cautious comeback after months of rehab to see if she could be ready in time. When it was evident she would not be recovered in time for the Olympics, she eased back on the timetable to get ready for 2017.

Dixon was around her U.S. teammates as much as she could be during the summer leading up to the Olympics, then spent time between Anaheim rehabbing and her home in Minneapolis. This past winter she elected to not play professionally overseas and concentrate on getting herself ready, including fine tuning her technique to help avoid similar injuries.

Dixon had the first Red-Blue intrasquad scrimmage date – May 12 at Murrieta Mesa High School in Murrieta, California – circled on the calendar, which would mark her return to playing in a USA uniform after months of rehabbing in near obscurity while her teammates continued their professional careers. And getting in that first action felt like old times.

“Yes, it felt great to be on the court again,” Dixon said. “I’ve been in Anaheim training and working with our coaches, strength coaches and athletic trainers for such a long time it was awesome to be able to go out and play free knowing that I’ve done the work to play at a high level without pain or problems.”

Dixon played in four sets during the Red-Blue, compiling five kills on 11 swings and just one attack error to go with three blocks for eight total points. Yet, as one of the veterans among a current training roster laden with fresh faces looking to impress the coaching staff, Dixon was on the court providing the leadership needed for other players to develop.

“I think I played well, but no matter what, there’s always things that need to be worked on,” Dixon said. “I was doing my best to help the younger players as much as possible to elevate the play and I think overall it was a good first scrimmage for a lot of players, myself included.”

UPDATED U.S. WOMEN’S TRAINING ROSTER

The U.S. Women’s National Team, ranked No. 2 in the world after a bronze-medal finish at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, will have 25 players training at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim – the official host city for both the U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Teams – by this coming Wednesday with five additional players joining the training squad including two athletes coming out of college with prestigious honors.

Outside hitter Sarah Wilhite (Eden Prairie, Minnesota), who will join the team on Tuesday, won the 2016 AVCA and espnW Division I Player of the Year after leading University of Minnesota to the NCAA semifinals in December. Setter Lauren Carlini (Aurora, Illinois) was selected the 2017 Sullivan Award winner for the best amateur athlete in all sports after becoming the first player at University of Wisconsin to earn four straight AVCA All-American awards. Along with athletic traits, the Sullivan Award goes to athletes who display strong leadership, character and sportsmanship.

Middle Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California), who played this past winter with Toray in the Japan V-League, returns to the U.S. Women’s National Team roster on Wednesday after training with Team USA last summer. Libero Kristen Hahn (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), who was part of the 2014 NORCECA World Championship Qualification Tournament roster, and outside hitter Aiyana Whitney (Norwood, New Jersey) began training with the National Team today. Hahn played collegiately for Iowa State, while Whitney competed for Penn State and played professionally with MTV Stuttgart in Germany this past winter. Additional players will be added to the 2017 training roster following the completion of their pro leagues overseas and short rest or finishing their college’s academic year. Training rosters are subject to change weekly with new athletes added or removed. Team USA works out weekdays from approximately 8:30-11:30 a.m. All practices at the American Sports Centers are open to the public.

Player (Position, 2016-17 Pro Club, College, Hometown)
Inky Ajanaku (Middle, Rehabbing in USA, Stanford, Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Rhamat Alhassan (Middle, College Senior-to-Be, Florida, Glenarden, Maryland)
Michelle Bartsch (Outside, Bolzano (Italy), Illinois, Maryville, Illinois)
Amanda Benson (Libero, Final Season in College, Oregon, Litchfield Park, Arizona)
Madi Bugg (Setter, NUC (Switzerland), Stanford, Apex, North Carolina)
Lauren Carlini * (Setter, Final Season in College, Wisconsin, Aurora, Illiniis)
Megan Courtney (Outside, Wroclaw (Poland), Penn State, Dayton, Ohio)
Lexi Dannemiller (Setter, Schweriner (Germany), Michigan, West Chester, Ohio)
Tori Dixon (Middle, Rehabbing in USA, Minnesota, Burnsville, Minnesota)
Kristen Hahn (Libero, Did Not Compete, Iowa State, Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
Micha Hancock (Setter, Wroclaw (Poland), Penn State, Edmond, Oklahoma)
Morgan Heise (Libero, Final Season in College, SMU, Hempstead, Texas)
Madi Kingdon (Outside, IBK (Korea), Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona)
Molly McCage (Middle, Wiesbaden (Germany), Texas, Spring, Texas)
Liz McMahon (Opposite, Dresden (Germany), Illinois, Liberty Township, Ohio)
Kelly Murphy (Opposite, Henan (China), Florida, Wilmington, Illinois)
Sonja Newcombe (Outside, Sichuan (China), Oregon, Lake Arrowhead, California)
Val Nichol (Setter, MTV Stuttgart (Germany), Purdue, Normal, Illinois)
Amber Rolfzen (Middle, Dresden (Germany), Nebraska, Papillion, Nebraska)
Kadie Rolfzen (Opposite, Dresden (Germany), Nebraska, Papillion, Nebraska)
Hannah Tapp (Middle, Schweriner (Germany), Minnesota, Stewartville, Minnesota)
Sarah Wilhite * (Outside Hitter, Final Season in College, Minnesota, Eden Prairie, Minnesota)
Aiyana Whitney (Outside Hitter, MTV Stuttgart (Germany), Penn State, Norwood, New Jersey)
Justine Wong-Orantes (Libero, Final Season in College, Nebraska, Cypress, California)
Carly Wopat ^ (Middle, Toray (Japan), Stanford, Santa Barbara, California)
Notes: * Wilhite and Carlini begin on May 16; ^ Wopat begins on May 17

May 19: at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School (San Juan Capistrano, California), 7 p.m. PT
May 26: at Santiago Canyon College (Orange, California), 6 p.m. PT (doubleheader with U.S. Men’s National Team)
June 2: at Kennedy High School (La Palma, California), 7 p.m. PT

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (May 8, 2017) – Four U.S. Women’s National Team players are competing in the 2017 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship held May 9-14 in Kobe, Japan, while Team USA’s training numbers in Anaheim have swelled by four to 22 players in preparation for the 2017 season.

FIVB CLUB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: The annual FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship will feature four U.S. Women’s National Team players participating in the event, and all matches of the event can be viewed live on the FIVB’s YouTube channel. Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Twitter, Instagram) and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram) are on Turkey’s Eczacibasi squad, while outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) is on Turkish club VakifBank. Middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram) leads Switzerland’s Volero club into the championship. VakifBank opens the tournament on May 9 against Russia’s Dinamo Moscow in Pool A before facing Brazil’s Rexona on May 10 and Japan’s Hisamitsu Springs on May 12. In Pool B, two-time defending champion Eczacibasi opens up against Volero on May 9 followed by matches against Brazil’s Osasco on May 10 and Japan’s NEC Red Rockets on May 12. After its match with Eczasibasi, Volero meets NEC Red Rockets on May 10 and Osasco on May 12. Crossover matches for classification 5-8 and 1-4 are on May 13, while the finals are on May 14.

UPDATED TRAINING ROSTER: The U.S. Women’s National Team, ranked No. 2 in the world after a bronze-medal finish at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, now has 22 players training at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim – the official host city for both the U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Teams. Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois), who was an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, has rejoined the team this week after finishing her pro season in Italy. Setter Val Nichol (Normal, Illinois) and middle Hannah Tapp (Stewartville, Minnesota) are training with the U.S. Women for the first time following their club seasons in Germany. Justine Wong-Orantes (Cypress, Nebraska), who just finished her indoor and beach seasons at University of Nebraska, becomes the third libero in the gym. Additional players will be added to the 2017 training roster following the completion of their pro leagues overseas and short rest or finishing their college’s academic year. Training rosters are subject to change weekly with new athletes added or removed. Team USA works out weekdays from approximately 8:30-11:30 a.m. All practices at the American Sports Centers are open to the public.

Player (Position, 2016-17 Pro Club, College, Hometown)
Inky Ajanaku (Middle, Rehabbing in USA, Stanford, Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Rhamat Alhassan (Middle, College Senior-to-Be, Florida, Glenarden, Maryland)
Michelle Bartsch (Outside, Bolzano (Italy), Illinois, Maryville, Illinois)
Amanda Benson (Libero, Final Season in College, Oregon, Litchfield Park, Arizona)
Danetta Boykin (Outside, None, Cal St.-Northridge, Los Angeles, California)
Madi Bugg (Setter, NUC (Switzerland), Stanford, Apex, North Carolina)
Megan Courtney (Outside, Wroclaw (Poland), Penn State, Dayton, Ohio)
Lexi Dannemiller (Setter, Schweriner (Germany), Michigan, West Chester, Ohio)
Tori Dixon (Middle, Rehabbing in USA, Minnesota, Burnsville, Minnesota)
Micha Hancock (Setter, Wroclaw (Poland), Penn State, Edmond, Oklahoma)
Morgan Heise (Libero, Final Season in College, SMU, Hempstead, Texas)
Madi Kingdon (Outside, IBK (Korea), Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona)
Molly McCage (Middle, Wiesbaden (Germany), Texas, Spring, Texas)
Liz McMahon (Opposite, Dresden (Germany), Illinois, Liberty Township, Ohio)
Kelly Murphy (Opposite, Henan (China), Florida, Wilmington, Illinois)
Sonja Newcombe (Outside, Sichuan (China), Oregon, Lake Arrowhead, California)
Val Nichol (Setter, MTV Stuttgart (Germany), Purdue, Normal, Illinois)
Krystal Rivers (Opposite, Final Season in College, Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama)
Amber Rolfzen (Middle, Dresden (Germany), Nebraska, Papillion, Nebraska)
Kadie Rolfzen (Opposite, Dresden (Germany), Nebraska, Papillion, Nebraska)
Hannah Tapp (Middle, Schweriner (Germany), Minnesota, Stewartville, Minnesota)
Justine Wong-Orantes (Libero, Final Season in College, Nebraska, Cypress, California)

UPDATED INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER TOTAL: USA Volleyball has processed over 400 international transfer certificates (294 females, 106 males) – a record for the national governing body for the sport in the United States – allowing U.S. citizens to compete in foreign professional volleyball leagues for the 2016-17 season as of May 1. On the women’s side, athletes have transferred to play in 36 different countries with Germany attracting 53 players, England 28 players, Puerto Rico with 20 players, Finland and Sweden with 15 players each, Italy, and Philippines and Switzerland with 14 players apiece.

NEWMAN-GONCHAR NAMED CONSULTANT COACH: U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly has named Jon Newman-Gonchar as a consultant coach for the program. Newman-Gonchar, who will remain as an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas women’s volleyball program, will work with Team USA from May through the end of the FIVB World Grand Prix, which concludes Aug. 6 with the Final Round in China. Newman-Gonchar has been part of the coaching staff for the last two Pan American Cup rosters, which earned gold in 2015 and bronze in 2016 with younger rosters of athletes. In addition to his coaching role, he served as the U.S. team leader for the 2016 Pan American Cup.

U.S. WOMEN TO HOST BRAZIL FOR USAV CUP: The U.S. Women’s National Volleyball team will renew its long-standing rivalry with Brazil as part of a two-match USA Volleyball Cup series played Aug. 27 and Aug. 29 at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena. The U.S. is ranked No. 2 in the current FIVB world ranking after earning bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games. Brazil, which lost to eventual 2016 Olympic Games champion China in a five-set match in the quarterfinals in Rio, is ranked No. 4 in the world. “Brazil has built one of a handful of legendary programs in international volleyball, and this year’s USA Volleyball Cup matches will be a wonderful opportunity for American fans to see both programs live,” U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly said. “Every time we square off across the net, it’s a battle – both teams test each other, and learn, and we cherish experiences like that. We’ll see you in August!” The USA Volleyball Cup opening match will have first serve at 4 p.m. PT on Aug. 27, while the Aug. 29 match will start at 7:30 p.m. PT. Tickets for the matches will go on sale in early May. Anaheim serves as the official host city for the U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Volleyball Teams.

May 12: at Murrieta Mesa High School (Murrieta, California), 7 p.m. PT
May 19: at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School (San Juan Capistrano, California), 7 p.m. PT
May 26: at Santiago Canyon College (Orange, California), 6 p.m. PT (doubleheader with U.S. Men’s National Team)
June 2: at Kennedy High School (La Palma, California), 7 p.m. PT

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (May 1, 2017) – The U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team officially opened its 2017 training schedule this morning at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim, the official host city for both the U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Teams.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: The U.S. Women’s National Team, ranked No. 2 in the world after a bronze medal finish at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, opened its 2017 season with the first official practice Monday morning with several newcomers seeking a spot on the roster along with a handful of veterans. The first day of practice will have 16 athletes in the gym, including 2016 Olympian Kelly Murphy and three-year veteran Tori Dixon, who is recovering from an ACL injury suffered in January 2016. Additional players will be added to the 2017 training roster following the completion of their pro leagues overseas or finishing their college’s academic year. Training rosters are subject to change weekly with new athletes added or removed. Team USA works out weekdays from approximately 8:30-11:30 a.m. All practices at the American Sports Centers are open to the public.

Player (Position, 2016-17 Pro Club, College, Hometown)
Inky Ajanaku (Middle, Rehabbing in USA, Stanford, Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Rhamat Alhassan (Middle, College Senior-to-Be, Florida, Glenarden, Maryland)
Amanda Benson (Libero, Final Season in College, Oregon, Litchfield Park, Arizona)
Danetta Boykin (Outside, None, Cal St.-Northridge, Los Angeles, California)
Madi Bugg (Setter, NUC (Switzerland), Stanford, Apex, North Carolina)
Megan Courtney (Outside, Wroclaw (Poland), Penn State, Dayton, Ohio)
Lexi Dannemiller * (Setter, Schweriner (Germany), Michigan, West Chester, Ohio)
Tori Dixon (Middle, Rehabbing in USA, Minnesota, Burnsville, Minnesota)
Morgan Heise (Libero, Final Season in College, SMU, Hempstead, Texas)
Madi Kingdon (Outside, IBK (Korea), Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona)
Micha Hancock (Setter, Wroclaw (Poland), Penn State, Edmond, Oklahoma)
Molly McCage (Middle, Wiesbaden (Germany), Texas, Spring, Texas)
Liz McMahon (Opposite, Dresden (Germany), Illinois, Liberty Township, Ohio)
Kelly Murphy (Opposite, Henan (China), Florida, Wilmington, Illinois)
Sonja Newcombe (Outside, Sichuan (China), Oregon, Lake Arrowhead, California)
Krystal Rivers (Opposite, Final Season in College, Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama)
Amber Rolfzen (Middle, Dresden (Germany), Nebraska, Papillion, Nebraska)
Kadie Rolfzen (Opposite, Dresden (Germany), Nebraska, Papillion, Nebraska)
* Note: Lexi Dannemiller’s first day of training will be May 4.

U.S. COLLEGIATE NATIONAL TEAM-MINNEAPOLIS ROSTER NAMED: USA Volleyball is proud to announce 31 of the 36 players who will train and compete as part of the U.S. Collegiate National Team-Minneapolis (CNT-Minneapolis) program. Five spots remain open for the CNT-Minneapolis program pending final outcome of the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team’s results at the Women’s U20 Pan American Cup held in early May. The CNT-Minneapolis squad, which is part of USA Volleyball’s High Performance pipeline and is considered a second tryout for the U.S. Women’s National Team, will train from June 22-26 at the University of Minnesota. Afterward, the athletes will be assigned to one of three 12-member teams and compete in a round-robin format at the Minneapolis Convention Center from June 27-30. The matches are being held in conjunction with the USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships under the same roof. To view the roster, click here.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) a bronze medalist on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, returns this winter to play for Turkey’s VakifBank and in the European Champions League. In the Turkish League playoffs for third place, VakifBank won both matches over Eczacibasi to claim third place. In the opener, VakifBank swept Eczacibasi 25-22, 25-17, 25-17 on April 28. Hill was a sub in the second and third sets, providing one kill on two attacks and four receptions. In the second match on April 30, VakifBank finished out the series with a 25-20, 25-20, 21-25, 25-18 victory. Hill, who was a sub in the first two sets before starting the final two sets, led VakifBank in scoring with 14 points on the strength of 12 kills on 24 attacks, one block and one ace. She added a 44 positive reception percent on a team-leading 25 chances. VakifBank will compete in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championships held May 9-14 in Kobe, Japan. They are grouped in Pool A with Russian’s Dinamo Moscow, Japan’s Hisamitsu Springs and Brazil’s Rexona-SESC.

May 12: at Murrieta Mesa High School (Murrieta, California), 7 p.m. PT
May 19: at TBA in Southern California, 7 p.m. PT
May 26: at Santiago Canyon College (Orange, California), 6 p.m. PT (doubleheader with U.S. Men’s National Team)
June 2: at Kennedy High School (La Palma, California), 7 p.m. PT

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (April 25, 2017) – Three U.S. Women’s National Team members were selected to the European Champions League Dream Team as one led her team to the gold medal while two other Americans claimed silver medals in the prestigious event.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) a bronze medalist on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, returns this winter to play for Turkey’s VakifBank and in the European Champions League. VakifBank had a successful weekend in winning the prestigious European Champions League for the third time. In the semifinals, VakifBank earned a 25-20, 26-24, 25-22 victory over country rival Eczacibasi on April 22. Hill scored three kills and three aces for six points in the victory. She was credited with an 85 positive reception percent on 20 chances in the backrow. VakifBank swept host Imoco Volley Conegliano 25-19, 25-13, 25-23 on April 23 to win the gold medal. Hill provided 11 points in the victory, including nine kills on 26 attacks, one ace and one block. She also handled 17 receptions with a 65 positive reception percent. Hill was selected to the European Champions League Final Round Dream Team at the conclusion of the tournament. In the Turkish League playoffs, VakifBank will play Eczacibasi in the third-place round with matches on April 28 and April 30.

ROBINSON, FAWCETT WITH ITALY’S CONEGLIANO: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, and opposite Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio, Instagram) are playing in the Italian Serie A1 after transferring midseason from teams China and Turkey, respectively. Last weekend Conegliano hosted the European Champions League final round. The hosts defeated Russia’s Dinamo Moscow 25-18, 25-15, 15-25, 27-25 on April 22. Robinson scored 19 points in the victory, highlighted by 16 kills on 38 attacks and three blocks. She also contributed an 83 positive reception percent on a team-best 48 chances, or 59 percent of her team’s overall reception attempts. Fawcett pocketed 17 points in the victory with 14 kills on 42 swings and three blocks. However, Turkey’s VakifBank was too much for Conegliano in the gold-medal match as the visitors won 25-19, 25-13, 25-23 on April 23 before a sellout crowd of 4,831. Robinson charted seven kills on 22 attacks in the loss and held an 80 positive reception percent on 10 chances. Fawcett pocketed four kills and an ace in the loss. For her efforts, Robinson was named to the European Champions League Dream Team at the conclusionof the tournament. Before the European Champions League started, Robinson took over the CEV social media accounts. Before hosting the European Champions League Finals, Conegliano wrapped up its Italian League quarterfinal round. Conegliano, which ended the Italian regular season with a 10-point lead in the standings, defeated Il Bisonte Firenze 26-24, 25-20, 25-17 on April 18 in the tie-breaking match of its quarterfinal round series after falling in the opener. Robinson contributed 11 kills on 25 attacks and an ace. She was stellar in the backrow as she was credited with a 93 positive reception percent on a team-best 29 reception chances. Fawcett added 13 points with 12 kills on 29 swings and one block. Conegliano now challenges Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena in a best-of-three semifinal round series with matches on April 26 and April 28. If necessary, the third match will be played on April 29.

May 12: at Murrieta Mesa High School (Murrieta, California), 7 p.m. PT
May 19: at TBA in Southern California, 7 p.m. PT
May 26: at Santiago Canyon College (Orange, California), 6 p.m. PT (doubleheader with U.S. Men’s National Team)
June 2: at Kennedy High School (La Palma, California), 7 p.m. PT

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (April 17, 2017) – The U.S. Women’s National Team will have five athletes competing in the prestigious European Champions League semifinals on April 22. Get all the latest news from the U.S. Women’s National Team in this week’s Weekly Update, including how retired U.S. Women setter Courtney Thompson finished at the Boston Marathon.

COURTNEY THOMPSON RUNS BOSTON MARATHON: Two-time Olympic volleyball medalist Courtney Thompson (Kent, Washington, Twitter, Instagram) completed the 2017 Boston Marathon on April 17 in a time of 3:40.54, her first-ever marathon and less than eight months after retiring from the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team. Thompson, who earned silver at the 2012 Olympic Games and bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games, placed 2,046 in her age group and 9,840 overall. She held a comfortable pace between 8:04 to 8:16 per mile through the first 25 kilometers of the race, but the later stages of the road race pushed her pace to just over nine minutes per mile and an overall 8:26 per mile average for the entire 26.2 miles of the Boston Marathon. Heading into the Boston Marathon, Thompson’s goal was to finish in 3:29 after receiving a sponsor exemption. In an interview with the Tacoma News Tribune before the Boston Marathon, Thompson joked, “The longest we would ever run for volleyball was like 30 seconds. We weren’t supposed to be long distance because we would start developing slow-twitch muscles.” As part of her preparations for the Boston Marathon, Thompson’s training plan was to run plenty of hills and build up her endurance with her longest run being 16 miles. According to the same article, she had always planned on running distance races after retirement and has the ultimate goal of competing in an Ironman triathlon and a 100-mile ultramarathon someday.

WATCH AMERICANS IN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: The CEV European Champions League semifinals has two matches being streamed live with Americans representing three of the four teams. Both matches can be watched live on laola1.tv.

April 22: Eczacibasi (Jordan Larson, Rachael Adams) vs. VakifBank (Kim Hill), 8 a.m. PT
April 22: Imoco Conegliano (Kelsey Robinson, Nicole Fawcett) vs. Dinamo Moscow, 11 a.m. PT

U.S. WOMEN’S COLLEGIATE NATIONAL TEAM-EUROPE TOUR ROSTER NAMED: USA Volleyball is proud to announce its U.S. Women’s Collegiate National Team Europe Tour (CNT-Europe) roster comprised of current collegiate players who will train and compete in Europe from July 5-16. Middles selected to the elite CNT-Europe squad are Corissa Crocker (University of Michigan, Brighton, Michigan), Claire Kiefer-Wright (University of Michigan, South Pasadena, California) and Jenna Rosenthal (Marquette University, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin). The outside hitters name to the roster are Courtney Schwan (University of Washington, Auburn, Washington), Carlyle Nusbaum (Lipscomb University, Overland Park, Kansas) and Jaali Winters (Creighton University, Ankeny, Iowa). The two opposites selected to the CNT-Europe Tour are Kelsie Payne (University of Kansas, Austin, Texas) and Taylor Mims (Washington State University, Billings, Montana). The setters are Kristen Gengenbacher (University of San Diego, Quincy, Illinois) and Taira Robins-Hardy (Brigham Young University, Waimanalo, Hawaii). The libero will be Jesse Earl (Auburn University, Indianapolis, Indiana). The CNT-Europe squad, one of three teams within the U.S. Collegiate National Team program, will compete in the 13th Annual European Global Challenge July 11-14 in Pula, Croatia, after training and friendly matches in Europe. Prior to the Global Challenge, the CNT-Europe squad will tentatively train in Maribor, Slovenia, with friendly matches versus various National Teams.

HANCOCK WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Twitter, Instagram), who played for the U.S. Women during the 2016 Pan American Cup and set the tournament record for aces in a match and tournament, is playing for Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the Orlen Liga. Wroclaw, seeded second in the playoffs, lost to third-seeded Grot Budowlani Lodz 25-22, 9-25, 18-25, 25-22, 15-10 on April 10 in the second match of semifinal round playoffs. Hancock set the team to a 39 kill percent and added 14 points with seven kills on 10 attacks, five aces and two blocks. American teammate Megan Courtney chipped in nine points with six kills and three blocks. In the round for third place, Wroclaw lost the opener to Developres SkyRes Rzeszow 25-15, 23-25, 25-21, 14-25, 16-14 on April 13. Hancock set the team to a 37 kill percent and scored 11 points with five kills on eight swings, five aces and a block. Courtney scored one point in starting just the first set. The home-and-home series concludes on April 19 at Wroclaw, which needs either a 3-0 or 3-1 victory to win the round outright.

May 12: at Murrieta Mesa High School (Murrieta, California), 7 p.m. PT
May 19: at TBA in Southern California, 7 p.m. PT
May 26: at Santiago Canyon College (Orange, California), 6 p.m. PT (doubleheader with U.S. Men’s National Team)
June 2: at Kennedy High School (La Palma, California), 7 p.m. PT

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 10, 2017) – The U.S. Women’s National Team officially resumes training on May 1 at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim, California, the official host city for the U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Teams. The U.S. Women have also announced upcoming Red-Blue intrasquad match dates in Southern California, along with a friendly match with the Canadian national team.

May 12: at Murrieta Mesa High School (Murrieta, California), 7 p.m. PT
May 19: at TBA in Southern California, 7 p.m. PT
May 26: at Santiago Canyon College (Orange, California), 6 p.m. PT (doubleheader with U.S. Men’s National Team)
June 2: at Kennedy High School (La Palma, California), 7 p.m. PT

DAVID HUNT NAMED AVCA THIRTY UNDER 30 AWARD RECIPIENT: David Hunt, a consultant coach with the U.S. Women’s National Team through the final three years of the 2016 Olympic Games quadrennial that led to a bronze medal for Team USA, was selected as a recipient of the American Volleyball Coaches Association Thirty Under 30 Award. He has now the award three times with the first coming in 2010 followed by 2016 and now 2017. “It means a ton to be recognized by my peers for the time dedicated to the people I work with,” said Hunt, who is also the associate head men’s volleyball coach at Pepperdine University. Before joining the U.S. Women’s National Team’s coaching staff, Hunt served as an assistant coach with the Japan Men’s National Team in 2013.

U.S. WOMEN’S COLLEGIATE NATIONAL TEAM-EUROPE TOUR ROSTER NAMED: USA Volleyball is proud to announce its U.S. Women’s Collegiate National Team Europe Tour (CNT-Europe) roster comprised of current collegiate players who will train and compete in Europe from July 5-16. Middles selected to the elite CNT-Europe squad are Corissa Crocker (University of Michigan, Brighton, Michigan), Claire Kiefer-Wright (University of Michigan, South Pasadena, California) and Jenna Rosenthal (Marquette University, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin). The outside hitters name to the roster are Courtney Schwan (University of Washington, Auburn, Washington), Carlyle Nusbaum (Lipscomb University, Overland Park, Kansas) and Jaali Winters (Creighton University, Ankeny, Iowa). The two opposites selected to the CNT-Europe Tour are Kelsie Payne (University of Kansas, Austin, Texas) and Taylor Mims (Washington State University, Billings, Montana). The setters are Kristen Gengenbacher (University of San Diego, Quincy, Illinois) and Taira Robins-Hardy (Brigham Young University, Waimanalo, Hawaii). The libero will be Brittany Witt (Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska).

LARSON, ADAMS WITH TURKEY’S ECZACIBASI: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Twitter, Instagram) and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram), both members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team that won bronze in Rio, are playing for Eczacibasi of the Turkish League and as part of the European Champions League this winter. In the European Champions League, Eczacibasi rallied to defeat Turkish rival Fenerbahce 29-31, 25-14, 27-25, 25-23 in a must-win Playoff 6 Round (quarterfinals) match on April 4 to advance to the Champions League semifinals. Adams tallied 16 points in the victory with 13 kills on 21 attacks and just two errors to go with two aces and a block. Five of her points came in the third set. Larson contributed 10 points with eight kills on 25 errorless swings, one block and one ace. She also handled 15 of the team’s 87 receptions with a 67 positive reception percent. During the match, Brazilian star middle Thaisa suffered a dislocated ankle, but Eczacibasi was able to come back to win. “I am very sad because of the injury that occurred to Thaisa and I can say that we played the remainder of the match for her. It was one of the most difficult and challenging matches I have ever played. Fenerbahce played really well and we did that too. I am really proud of my team and we already feel the excitement ahead of the Finals.” Eczacibasi will now head to the Champions League semifinals on April 22 where it will meet Turkish rival VakifBank with the winner moving on to the final to play either Italy’s Imoco Volley Conegliano or Russia’s Dinamo Moscow. In the Turkish League playoffs, Eczacibasi swept Fenerbahce 26-24, 25-19, 25-22 on April 8 in the first semifinal of the home-and-home series in Istanbul. Adams pocketed 11 kills on 15 attacks while also handling two service receptions with a 100 excellent percent. Larson charted nine points with five kills on 24 swings, three blocks and an ace. She also was credited with an 83 positive reception percent on 12 chances. The two teams meet again on April 12 with Fenerbahce now needing to win in three to force a golden set to determine which team advances to the final round.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) a bronze medalist on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, returns this winter to play for Turkey’s VakifBank and in the European Champions League. In the European Champions League, VakifBank rallied to defeat Switzerland’s Volero Zurich April 5 22-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-22 in Turkey to advance to the semifinals. Hill tallied 10 points with seven kills on 21 attacks and just one error to go with three aces on 22 serves. She also handled 14 receptions with a 71 positive reception percent. VakifBank needed to win only two sets to advance to the semifinals after winning the first match of the home-and-home series in five sets. VakifBank, which has now advanced to the Champions League semifinals for the sixth time, will face Turkish rival Eczacibasi on April 22 with the winner advancing to the final to meet the other semifinal winner between Italy’s Imoco Volley Conegliano and Russia’s Dinamo Moscow. In the Turkish League, top-seeded VakifBank was upset 25-19, 25-23, 25-22 on April 9 in the first home-and-home semifinal round series. Hill, a sub in the first two sets before starting the third set, tallied two kills on six swings, one block and an ace on six serves. She also handled 10 receptions in her limited action with a 60 positive reception percent. VakifBank will now need to win the second semifinal match in three sets on April 12 to force a golden set to determine which team will move on to the Turkish League playoff final round.

CRIMES WITH TURKEY’S SARIYER: Middle Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California, Instagram), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sariyer in the Turkish League this winter. Sariyer lost to Seramiksan 25-23, 31-29, 25-17 on April 2 in the first match of the opening relegation weekend. Crimes pocketed nine points with eight kills on 12 attacks and a block in the match. Sariyer came back to defeat Idman Ocagi 19-25, 25-18, 25-20, 25-16 on April 3 to even its record on the opening weekend. Crimes scored six kills on nine errorless attacks in the victory. On the third day, Sariyer handled Nilufer 25-21, 25-18, 24-26, 25-19 on April 4. Crimes notched 16 points in the victory on the strength of 15 kills via 21 attacks and a block. Sariyer dropped a 25-17, 25-21, 24-26, 13-25, 15-12 match to Seramiksan on April 8 to start the second round-robin weekend of the relegation playoffs. Crimes notched 10 kills on 2 swings in the loss. Sariyer bounced back to win the second match of the weekend, a 25-13, 25-15, 25-16 victory over Idman Ocagi. Crimes scored two kills on eight attacks in the victory. In the final match, Sariyer lost to Nilufer 25-23, 25-23, 25-19 on April 10 and fell short of remaining in the top Turkish division for the 2017-18 season.

AKINRADEWO WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram), the Best Blocker in the 2016 Olympic Games after leading the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team to a bronze medal, is playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League and in the European Champions League. In the CEV Champions League, Volero lost to Turkey’s VakifBank 22-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-22 in the second match of the home-and-home semifinal round series. With VakifBank having won the opening match as well, Volero was eliminated from the Champions League playoffs. Akinradewo tallied five kills on 13 attacks and an ace for six points in the loss. Volero, which went undefeated in the Swiss League regular season, defeated TS Volley Dudingen I 25-16, 25-13, 25-16 on April 8 to open the Swiss League playoff semifinal round. Volero finished out the best-of-three semifinal round series with a 25-12, 25-13, 25-12 victory over Dudingen to advance to the final round against second-seed Aesch-Pfeffingen.

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano, which finished the regular season in eighth place, defeated Il Bisonte Firenze 25-23, 25-19, 16-25, 25-22 on April 3 in the second match of the home-and-home first round of the Italian Serie A1 playoffs. Despite the win, Bolzano was eliminated from the playoffs as Firenze won the opening match in three sets. Bartsch scored a match-high 24 points in the victory, all via kills on 54 attacks. She added a 71 positive reception percent on 14 reception chances.

HANCOCK WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Twitter, Instagram), who played for the U.S. Women during the 2016 Pan American Cup and set the tournament record for aces in a match and tournament, is playing for Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the Orlen Liga. Wroclaw, seeded second in the playoffs, lost to third-seeded Grot Budowlani Lodz 18-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-22 on April 4 in the opening match of the home-and-home semifinal round series. Hancock set the team to a 35 kill percent and added four individual points with two kills on five errorless attacks and two aces on 20 serves. American teammate Megan Courtney contributed 11 points with 10 kills on 36 attacks and a block. Wroclaw will now need a victory in three or four sets on April 10 in Wroclaw in order to force a Golden Set and opportunity to move into the final round.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (April 3, 2017) – The U.S. Women’s National Team Weekly Update dives into player updates from around the world, including a Rapid Fire Q&A with 2016 Olympian Carli Lloyd, the updated player transfer list and who was selected to the U.S. Collegiate National Team-Thailand Tour as up-and-coming players in the pipeline.

AKINRADEWO NAMED MVP OF SWISS LEAGUE: Two-time U.S. Olympian middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram) was presented the 2016-17 Swiss League most valuable player award on April 1 after leading Volero Zurich to an undefeated regular season. She is in her second season competing in the Swiss League for Volero.

RAPID FIRE WITH CARLI LLOYD: Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California), a 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team bronze medalist, answered 20 questions that dives into life on and off the court for fans to get to know her better.

Athlete role model that you look up to?
I would just like to be Usain Bolt for one 100-meter race and feel what it feels like to run at his speed.

Favorite quote and by whom?
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” – Steve Prefontaine

Most used app on your phone?
Whatsapp

Other than communication devices, what one personal item you must bring from home on road trips that you can’t live without?
My books and journal.

A little known fact about yourself that many would find interesting?
I love to write.

Top two things still on your bucket list?
Have a ski vacation in the mountains for at least a week with no obligation to volleyball!! Go on a silent meditation retreat

What is the first thing you notice about someone when you first meet?
Their mouth, smile, teeth and expression.

If you had access to a time machine where and when would you go?
I would go back to a time when my dad was still here.

After a long season outside the country, what would be your ideal first meal back in the States?
Definitely Mexican food, my mom’s tacos.

Favorite fun moment off the court during this club season?
Visiting one of my teammates homes in Croatia with three of my teammates and my Uncle and experiencing her family restaurant with live music, typical Croatian dancing, and incredible food!!

Instagram or Snapchat?
Neither. I am just as inactive on both accounts. :/

Go-to breakfast meal?
Here in Italy a cafe in the center for a couple of brioche’s filled with Nutella and a cappuccino. At home French toast bacon and scrambled eggs.

Favorite songs on your phone or music service?
I listen to a little bit of everything.

TV show you can’t miss, even while overseas?
Nashville

Best place you have visited for vacation?
Italian Dolomiti Mountains

Favorite venue and city to play in overseas?
Palaradi in Cremona! Our home gym!!

In a movie about your life, who would play in you?
Rachel McAdams

If not volleyball, what sport would you be playing?
Track and field

Funniest teammate on U.S. Women’s National Team?
Courtney Thompson

WATCH AMERICANS IN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: The CEV European Champions League Playoff 6 (quarterfinals) has two matches being streamed live with Americans representing three of the four teams. Both matches can be watched live on laola1.tv.

April 4: Eczacibasi (Jordan Larson, Rachael Adams) vs. Fenerbahce, 9 a.m. PT, WATCH
April 5: VakifBank (Kim Hill) vs. Volero (Foluke Akinradewo), 9 a.m. PT, WATCH

COLLEGIATE NATIONAL TEAM-THAILAND TOUR ROSTER: USA Volleyball is proud to announce its 12-player U.S. Women’s Collegiate National Team Thailand Tour (CNT-Thailand) roster comprised of current collegiate players who will train and compete in Bangkok from May 19-30. Middles selected to the elite CNT-Thailand squad are Kaz Brown (University of Kentucky, Waterloo, Iowa), Morgan Johnson (University of Texas, DeSoto, Texas) and Chiaka Ogbogu (University of Texas, Coppell, Texas). The outside hitters named to the roster are Lily Johnson (Missouri State University, Wildwood, Missouri), Madison Ridgon (University of Kansas, Plugerville, Texas), Micaya White (University of Texas, Frisco, Texas) and McKenna Woodford (Washington State University, Chandler, Arizona). The two opposites selected to the CNT-Thailand Tour are Yaasmeen Bedart-Ghani (University of Texas, Los Angeles) and Jordan Thompson (University of Cincinnati, Edina, Minnesota). The setters are Taylor Hughes (Ohio State University, Carroll, Ohio) and Taylor Nelson (Cal Poly, Granite Bay, California). The libero will be Ashley Dusek (University of Kentucky, East Bernard, Texas).

UPDATED INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER LIST: USA Volleyball has processed 397 international transfer certificates (291 females, 106 males) allowing United States citizens to compete in foreign professional volleyball leagues for the 2016-17 season as of April 2 – an increase of six transfers since March 13, 2017. Additional transfers will be processed throughout the winter months. On the women’s side, athletes have transferred to play in 36 different countries with Germany attracting 53 players, England 28 players, Puerto Rico with 16 players, Finland and Sweden with 15 players each, Italy, and Philippines and Switzerland with 14 players apiece. Within the last month, Amber Roberson and I’Tiana Taylor had paperwork finalized to become the first two U.S. females to ever compete United Arab Emirates. For the full listing of athletes and where they have played overseas this winter, click here.

AMERICANS COMPETING IN FIVB CLUB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: The FIVB announced on Monday that Switzerland’s Volero Zurich and Turkey’s VakifBank and Eczacibasi – all with member of the U.S. Women’s National Team – have been selected as wild card teams to participate in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship set for May 9-14 in Kobe, Japan. Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Twitter, Instagram) and Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram) compete for Eczacibasi, which is the defending champion of the event. Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) plays for VakifBank, while Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram) is a star for Volero Zurich.

AKINRADEWO WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram), the Best Blocker in the 2016 Olympic Games after leading the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team to a bronze medal, is playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League and in the European Champions League. Volero won the Cornercard Volley Cup 2017 trophy by defeating Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen 25-18, 25-19, 25-22 on April 1. In the CEV Champions League, Volero will face VakifBank in the second match of the home-and-home Playoff 6 Round (quarterfinals) on April 5. Volero, which lost the opening match in four sets, will need to win the second match to force a Golden Set to determine which team advances to the semifinals on April 22. Volero, which went undefeated in the Swiss League regular season, will now meet TS Volley Dudingen in the Swiss semifinals with matches on April 5 and April 8 to start the best-of-three series with April 9 being the tiebreaker if necessary. Volero went undefeated during the regular season.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) a bronze medalist on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, returns this winter to play for Turkey’s VakifBank and in the European Champions League. In the Turkish League, VakifBank opened the playoffs with a 25-18, 25-23, 21-25, 20-25, 15-12 thrilling victory over Besiktas on March 28. Hill, who was a sub in the first four sets before starting the fifth set, provided five kills on 13 errorless attacks and a 71 positive reception percent on 14 chances in her limited time on the court. VakifBank won its second match of the playoffs with a 25-21, 25-15, 22-25, 25-14 victory over Besiktas on March 30. Hill, a sub in the final two sets, tallied two kills on three errorless attacks with three receptions. With its two wins over Besiktas, VakifBank advanced to the Turkish League semifinals. In the European Champions League, VakifBank meets Switzerland’s Volero Zurich on April 5 in the second match of the home-and-home Playoff 6 Round (quarterfinals). VakifBank won the opening match in four sets, but Volero can still rally to force a Golden Set to determine which team advances to the semifinals on April 22.

CRIMES WITH TURKEY’S SARIYER: Middle Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California, Instagram), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sariyer in the Turkish League this winter. Sariyer will play in the 9-12 relegation round matches with the first round taking place April 2-4 and the second cycle set for April 8-10.

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano, which finished the regular season in eighth place, lost to ninth-seed Il Bisonte Firenze 28-26, 25-21, 25-21 on March 30 to open the first round of the Italian playoffs. Bartsch scored a match-high 19 points with 18 kills on 36 swings and a block. She also contributed a 77 positive reception percent on 22 chances. Bolzano needs to defeat Firenze in the return match on April 3 to have a chance to advance to the next round of the playoffs.

HANCOCK WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Twitter, Instagram), who played for the U.S. Women during the 2016 Pan American Cup and set the tournament record for aces in a match and tournament, is playing for Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the Orlen Liga. Wroclaw, with the second seed in the Orlen Liga playoffs already in hand, lost to fourth-place Developres Skyres Rzeszow 25-22, 25-23, 25-22 on March 28 to conclude the regular season. Hancock set her team to a 35 kill percent for the match and added two kills and a block. American teammate Megan Courtney added 10 points with seven kills on 18 swings and three blocks. She also handled 25 of the team’s 67 receptions with a 48 positive reception percent. Wroclaw ended the regular season with a 21-5 record and three points behind league-leader Chemik Police, who Wroclaw defeated the previous week. In the playoffs, Wroclaw will face third-seed Grot Budowlani Lodz with matches on April 4 and April 10.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (March 27, 2017) – Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Illinois) goes through a rapid fire of 20 questions for fans to get to know her, while other U.S. Women’s National Team news from around the globe is covered in this week’s U.S. Women’s Update.

RAPID FIRE WITH KELSEY ROBINSON: Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram), a 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team bronze medalist, answered 20 questions that dives into life on and off the court for fans to get to know her better.

After a long season outside the country, what would be your ideal first meal back in the States?
Whole Foods or Mendocino Farms (steak kale avocado salad exactly). After traveling and being in different grocery stores where it might take an hour to find certain ingredients, it’s so nice to come home to your favorite foods or being able to cook something you love! I’m also always craving something super green and healthy after flying and being in airports for so many hours.

Favorite quote and by whom?

“The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.” ― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

Sent to me by a teammate during a really difficult period of my career and it’s helped me through everything since.

Favorite fun moment off the court during this club season?
Would have to be finding cute little hustings throughout the streets of Beijing with my mom. We ended up doing pottery all day and grabbing some amazing Pho.

Instagram or Snapchat?
Instagram… I am the worst selfie taker ever.

Go-to breakfast meal?
Mimosas? jk jk. I love love love breakfast. Avocado toast with a runny egg on top, almond milk latte, and oven roasted sweet potatoes. Runner up: breakfast burritos .

Favorite songs on your phone or music service?
Can’t go wrong with anything old school.

TV show you can’t miss, even while overseas?
Guilty pleasure… The Bachelorette.

Best place you have visited for vacation?
Tuscany, Italy was one of my all-time favorites and Croatia!

Best place you have played at in the States?
When we played in Hawaii for USA Volleyball Cup, it was incredible.

Favorite venue and city to play in overseas?
My home team’s gym. Palaverde Treviso, Italy. We sell out almost every time and our crowd is amazing.

Living celebrity you would like to meet and why?
Emma Watson, she’s a bomb feminist. And Hermoine.

If not volleyball, what sport would you be playing?
Basketball or Tennis. Or if I was like 10 foot shorter gymnastics would be sick.

Funniest teammate on U.S. Women’s National Team?
Courtney Thompson

Most used app on your phone?
Google translate.

Other than communication devices, what one personal item you must bring from home on road trips that you can’t live without?
Mostly all of my proteins and supplements and teas. And my camera! Anything that makes me feel at home or can help performance since that’s typically why I’m traveling.

A little known fact about yourself that many would find interesting?
I have a travel website dedicated to all the little things and tricks I’ve found along the way. www.apassporttoplay.com

Top two things still on your bucket list?
Sky diving and Vietnam.

If you could trade lives with anyone for one day, who would that be?
Aaron Rodgers

What is the first thing you notice about someone when you first meet?
Usually if they’re taller than me.

If you had access to a time machine where and when would you go?
The 1960s

Tight huddles are the best
A post shared by USA Volleyball WNT (@usavwnt) on Mar 26, 2017 at 12:55pm PDT

FIVB WORLD GRAND CHAMPIONS CUP SCHEDULE SET: The FIVB held its drawing of lots for the 2017 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Champions Cup set for Sept. 5-10 in Japan. The U.S. Women’s National Team will open against defending Olympic Games champion China on Sept. 5 followed by Korea on Sept. 6. Both matches will be played at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. After a day off to travel to Nagoya, Team USA resumes action against Russia on Sept. 8, followed by meeting host Japan on Sept. 9. The Americans conclude the five-match round-robin format on Sept. 10 against Brazil.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) a bronze medalist on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, returns this winter to play for Turkey’s VakifBank and in the European Champions League. In the European Champions League, VakifBank opened its Playoff 6 round (quarterfinals) by rallying past Volero Zurich 15-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-21 on March 23. Hill powered home 12 points with nine kills on 21 attacks, two aces on a team-best 20 serves and a block. She also recorded 14 receptions with a 43 positive reception percent. VakifBank will face Volero Zurich again on April 5 to conclude the home-and-home series that decides which team advances to the semifinals on April 22. In the Turkish regular season, VakifBank finished the regular season on a three-match win streak after sweeping Bursa B. Sehir 25-23, 27-25, 25-22 on March 25. Hill was a sub in all three sets providing seven kills on 11 attacks and a 100 positive reception percent. VakifBank, which ended the regular season in first place in the Turkish League with a 21-1 record, meets eighth-seed Besiktas in a home-and-home series with matches on March 28 and March 30 to determine which team advances to the semifinals.

Mornings off are my FAVORITE • • • Especially with this peanut butter chocolate goodness 1/2 cup almond milk/ 85grams frozen cauliflower/ frozen blueberries/ 2 tbsp PEANUT BUTTER / reishi and chaga mushroom powder from @sunpotion /tbsp chia seeds/ tumeric, cinnamon, sea salt/ tbsp coconut oil • • AND COMPLETE WITH: One scoop chocolate @sunwarriortribe protein powder ❤❤❤
A post shared by Kelsey Robinson (@krobin32) on Mar 26, 2017 at 8:27am PDT

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano had its two-match win streak snapped following a 25-17, 22-25, 25-19, 25-23 loss to sixth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena on March 25. Bartsch collected 17 points the match with 14 kills on 42 swings, two aces on 17 serves and a block. She chipped in a 70 positive reception percent on 27 chances. Bolzano (9-13, 31 points) finished the regular season in eighth place and will face ninth-place Il Bisonte Firenze (11-11, 30 points) in the first round of the playoffs. The first match is on March 30 with the return match on April 3.

AKINRADEWO WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram), the Best Blocker in the 2016 Olympic Games after leading the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team to a bronze medal, is playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League and in the European Champions League. In the CEV Champions League, Volero lost its Playoff 6 Round (quarterfinals) opener to VakifBank 15-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-21 on March 23. Akinradewo charted 13 points that included nine kills on 17 attacks with just one error, two aces and two blocks. The two teams meet again on April 5 to conclude the home-and-home series that determines which team advances to the Champions League semifinals on April 22. In the Swiss League playoffs, top-seed Volero defeated eighth-seed VC Kanti Schaffhausen I 25-20, 25-11, 25-9 on March 25 to sweep the best-of-three quarterfinal series. Akinradewo tallied three kills on four errorless attacks, three aces on 13 serves and a block for seven points in playing just the first two sets. Volero will now meet TS Volley Dudingen in the semifinals with matches on April 5 and April 8 to start the best-of-three series with April 9 being the tiebreaker if necessary. Volero went undefeated during the regular season. Volero will play Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen on April 1 in the Cornercard Volley Cup Final.

HANCOCK WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Twitter, Instagram), who played for the U.S. Women during the 2016 Pan American Cup and set the tournament record for aces in a match and tournament, is playing for Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the Orlen Liga. Wroclaw upset league-leader Chemik Police 25-21, 22-25, 25-21, 25-19 on March 21 in a match that was originally scheduled for March 8. Hancock set the team to a 38 kill percent and added three kills on six errorless attacks, two aces on 11 serves and a block. American teammate Megan Courtney tallied three kills and two blocks in starting the first two sets. Wroclaw (21-4, 64 points) will conclude the regular season on March 28 against fourth-place Developres Skyres Rzeszow (16-9, 50 points) on March 28. Wroclaw will head into the playoffs as the second seed regardless of the regular season finale outcome, though it can finish with the same amount points as Chemik Police but lose out on tiebreakers.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (March 20, 2017) – Which former U.S. Women’s National Team player scored 55 points in a single match today? Who has accepted an assistant coach role with the U.S. Women? Find out the details and other team news from around the globe in the current U.S. Women’s National Team Update.

BERGSMA COBLE SCORES 55 IN SINGLE MATCH: Alaina Bergsma Coble (Chandler, Arizona, Twitter), a former member of the U.S. Women’s National Team and 2012 AVCA Division I Player of the Year, scored 55 points for her Korean pro team KGC Ginseng Corporation in a five-set semifinal win over IBK Industrial Bank in the Korean V-League on March 20. She tallied 50 kills on 99 attacks and five blocks. The KGC victory evened its playoff series at 1-1. She matched the point total Nicole Fawcett scored in the Korean V-League on Feb. 14, 2013, which was then a world record for points in a single match and American record for a pro or international match.

Not a bad night to make a personal record! 55 points in our 5 set win in the semi-finals! Tied up the series 1-1. #kgc
— Alaina Bergsma Coble (@AlainaBergsma) March 20, 2017

MIYASHIRO ADDED TO NATIONAL TEAM COACHING STAFF: Tama Miyashiro (Kaneohe, Hawaii, Twitter, Instagram), a silver medalist on the 2012 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, has accepted an assistant coach position with the U.S. Women’s National Team effective immediately, according to head coach Karch Kiraly. Miyashiro, who joined the U.S. Women’s National Team as a libero in January of 2010 after a stellar career at University of Washington, retired from the game as a player last summer following a series of injuries that kept her off the court. Along with her silver medal won at the 2012 Olympics, Miyashiro helped Team USA win gold in three FIVB World Grand Prix events (2011, 2012 and 2015). She was also part of the 2011 FIVB World Cup U.S. squad that won silver to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games.

ROBINSON 24 HOURS SERIES BLOG: BEIJING: As part of her Passport to Play Blog, U.S. Women’s National Team outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram) continued her “24 Hours Series” with her visit of Beijing. She suggested to bypass the Great Wall of China if you only have a short layover or a day because there are so many other things to visit. As part of her visit to Beijing, she took the Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, the Yonghe Temple, the culture in Hou Hai and the nightlife in the Sanlitun district.

March 23: Eczacibasi (Jordan Larson, Rachael Adams) vs. Fenerbahce, 8 a.m. PT, WATCH
March 23: VakifBank (Kim Hill) vs. Volero (Foluke Akinradewo), noon PT, WATCH

USAV PROCESSES INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS FOR 278 FEMALE PLAYERS: USA Volleyball has processed 391 international transfer certificates (278 females, 100 males) allowing United States citizens to compete in foreign professional volleyball leagues for the 2016-17 season as of March 1 – an increase of 13 transfers since Feb. 1, 2017. Additional transfers will be processed throughout the winter months. On the women’s side, athletes have transferred to play in 35 different countries with Germany attracting 53 players, England 28 players, Finland, Puerto Rico and Sweden with 15 players each, Italy, and Philippines and Switzerland with 14 players apiece.

I’m glad we finally got out of our houses and sweats and did something with our lives!! Such a fun evening with good food, good company and lots of laughter. ❤#goodforthesoul #nusret
A post shared by Jordan Larson (@gov1007) on Mar 18, 2017 at 11:59pm PDT

“I just met @kimjayehill! My ultimate volleyball idol! My hero! My queen! She signed my shirt and hugged me! Yes! We hugged! Ahhh!” #Repost @johnkevinsj Manila, Philippines . Did she say yes?! Our players have the best fans from all around the world! Comment below telling us what part of the world you are supporting us from
A post shared by USA Volleyball WNT (@usavwnt) on Mar 16, 2017 at 8:40am PDT

Hard work pays off #fridayfeeling
A post shared by USA Volleyball WNT (@usavwnt) on Mar 17, 2017 at 11:19am PDT

LLOYD, GIBBEMEYER WITH ITALY’S CASALMAGGIORE: Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist setter for Team USA, and middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) have returned to Italy to compete for Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 league and the CEV Cup. In CEV Cup action, Casalmaggiore swept Germany’s Allianz MTV Stuttgart 25-22, 25-14, 26-24 on March 15 in the second of two home-and-home Playoff 6 (quarterfinal) round matches. Having won the first meeting in five sets on March 7, Casalmaggiore advances to the CEV Cup semifinals. Lloyd set her team to a 38 kill percent and added one individual kill on three attempts and an ace for two points. Gibbemeyer totaled a match-high 12 points with seven kills on eight errorless attacks, three blocks and two aces. Casalmaggiore will now play Italian rival Unet Yamamay Busto Arsizio in the semifinal home-and-home series with the first match on March 28 and the return date on April 1. In the Italian League, Casalmaggiore won its second straight league match by trimming fifth-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci 25-23, 23-25, 25-19, 25-21 on March 19. Lloyd set her squad to a 47 kill percent for the match. Gibbemeyer notched nine points in the victory as she totaled six kills on 14 swings with one error and three blocks. Casalmaggiore (16-5, 46 points), which remains in second place, concludes the regular season on March 25 with a match against 11th-place Metalleghe Montichiari (5-16, 17 points). Casalmaggiore needs to earn just one standings point (any win or five-set loss) to wrap up second place heading into the playoffs.

The bigger the dream, the more important the team ❤️
A post shared by USA Volleyball WNT (@usavwnt) on Mar 17, 2017 at 3:09am PDT

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano won its second league match in a row by stopping fourth-place Foppapedretti Bergamo 25-18, 25-22, 25-20 on March 19. Bartsch scored a match-high 15 points with 13 kills on 42 attacks with just two errors to go with one ace and one block. She chipped in a 92 positive reception percent on 12 chances. Bolzano (9-12, 31 points), which moved into seventh eighth-place, ends the regular season on March 25 against sixth-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena (10-11, 31 points). Both teams have 31 points in the standings and a Bolzano win would move them into sixth place heading into the playoffs.

AKINRADEWO WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram), the Best Blocker in the 2016 Olympic Games after leading the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team to a bronze medal, is playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League and in the European Champions League. In the Swiss League, Volero won the regular season and heads into the playoffs as the top seed playing eighth-seed VC Kanti Schaffhausen. Volero won the opener 27-25, 25-15, 25-11 on March 17. Akinradewo was a perfect 6-for-6 in kills and added two blocks for eight points in the victory. Volero will host VC Kanti Schaffhausen on March 25, and if necessary, the tiebreaker will be on March 26. Volero went undefeated during the regular season. Volero will play Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen on April 1 in the Cornercard Volley Cup Final. In the CEV Champions League, Volero finished the group playoff stage in second place with a 4-2 record to advance to the Playoff 6 (quarterfinal round). Volero will meet Turkey’s VakifBank in a home-and-home series on March 23 and April 5.

HANCOCK WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Twitter, Instagram), who played for the U.S. Women during the 2016 Pan American Cup and set the tournament record for aces in a match and tournament, is playing for Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the Orlen Liga. Wroclaw overcame a slow start to defeat Legionovia Legionowo 20-25, 25-9, 25-12, 25-17 on March 18. Hancock set the squad to a 48 kill percent and .300 hitting efficiency (43-16-90) while adding three aces on 17 serves, two blocks and two aces on two swings for seven points. American teammate Megan Courtney tacked on 12 points with seven kills on 22 attacks, three aces and two blocks. For the year, Hancock has 56 aces in 90 sets for a 0.62 ace average. She has served at least one ace in all but for matches this season with three matches with at least six aces. Wroclaw (20-4, 61 points), in second place, will face league-leader Chemik Police on March 21 that was originally scheduled for March 8, followed by a March 28 contest against fourth-place Developres SkyRes Rzeszow (16-9, 50 points).

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (March 13, 2017) – Several U.S. Women’s National Team players are nearing the end of their overseas pro club regular seasons, but there is still a lot of volleyball to be played as most are on teams expected to go deep into the playoffs. Six athletes are also playing in the European Champions League quarterfinals slated for later this month and two are one match away from the CEV Cup semifinals.

My beautiful team ❤ #eczacibasivitra
A post shared by Jordan Larson (@gov1007) on Mar 11, 2017 at 7:26pm PST

Milano ❤️
A post shared by Kelsey Robinson (@krobin32) on Mar 12, 2017 at 7:45pm PDT

LLOYD, GIBBEMEYER WITH ITALY’S CASALMAGGIORE: Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist setter for Team USA, and middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) have returned to Italy to compete for Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 league and the CEV Cup. In CEV Cup action, Casalmaggiore held off Germany’s Allianz MTV Stuttgart 25-19, 25-19, 22-25, 21-25, 15-12 in a two-hour battle on March 7 in Stuttgart to open the 4th Finals home-and-home series. Lloyd set the squad to a 39 kill percent for the match and added two kills on three errorless swings, two blocks and an ace. Gibbemeyer collected 10 points with seven kills on 13 swings and three aces on 19 serves. Gibbemeyer served two of her aces in the deciding fifth set. Casalmaggiore will host Stuttgart on March 15 to conclude the series and determine which team advances to the semifinals. In the Italian League, Casalmaggiore got back on the winning side by beating fourth-place Foppapedretti Bergamo (14-6, 37 points) 25-19, 22-25, 25-22, 25-15 on March 11. Lloyd set Casalmaggiore to a 46 kill percent for the match while scoring six individual points with three kills on seven errorless attacks and three blocks. Gibbemeyer contributed four kills on 13 errorless swings to go with two blocks for six points. Casalmaggiore (15-5, 43 points), which remains in second place, resumes Italian League action on March 19 against fifth-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci (11-9, 32 points).

Morning yoga on the balcony with a little extra energy boost from @vega_team ! Thank you for making great tasting plant-based products for us veggie-lovin athletes! ‍♀️
A post shared by Lauren Gibbemeyer (@lgibby5) on Mar 10, 2017 at 3:11am PST

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Instagram), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano rallied to defeat 11th-place Saugella Team Monza (5-15, 17 points) 25-27, 25-18, 25-17, 25-19 on March 12. Bartsch notched 21 points with 17 kills on 42 swings, three aces on 23 serves and a block. She added a 73 positive reception percent on 33 of her team’s 75 total receptions. Bolzano (8-12, 28 points), which remains in eighth-place, returns to the court on March 19 against fourth-place Foppapedretti Bergamo (14-6, 37 points).

AKINRADEWO WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram), the Best Blocker in the 2016 Olympic Games after leading the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team to a bronze medal, is playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League and in the European Champions League. In the Swiss League, Volero swept second-place Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen 25-15, 25-8, 25-14 on March 8 before defeating third-place Hotel Cristal VFM (25-19, 25-19, 25-17 on March 11. Volero defeated VC Kanti Schaffhausen 25-22, 25-13, 25-17 on March 12 to conclude the regular season. Volero (27-0, 80 points) finished 17 points ahead of second-place Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen with six fewer losses. Volero will face eighth-seed VC Kanti Schaffhausen in the quarterfinal round. In the CEV Champions League, Volero finished the group playoff stage in second place with a 4-2 record to advance to the Playoff 6 (quarterfinal round). Volero will meet Turkey’s VakifBank in a home-and-home series on March 23 and April 5.

HANCOCK WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Twitter, Instagram), who played for the U.S. Women during the 2016 Pan American Cup and set the tournament record for aces in a match and tournament, is playing for Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the Orlen Liga. Wroclaw beat eight-place KS Palac Bydgoszcz (7-17, 26 points) 23-25, 25-20, 17-25, 25-11, 15-8 on March 12. Hancock scored 13 points from her setter position, including five kills on nine attacks, six aces on 19 serves and two block. She set the team to a 44 kill percent for the match. American teammate Megan Courtney added nine points with seven kills on 28 attacks and two blocks. Wroclaw’s match with league-leader Chemik Police (22-0, 63 points) that was set for March 8 was pushed back to March 21. Wroclaw, in second place in the regular season with a 19-4 record and 58 points, will face 14th-place Legionovia Legionowo (5-19, 20 points) on March 16.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (March 6, 2017) – This week’s U.S. Women’s National Team update highlights several success stories Team USA members had this past weekend including a title won in Italy, while also recapping the U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryout that evaluated 235 athletes aspiring to be in the pipeline.

U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OPEN TRYOUT EVALUATES 235 ATHLETES: The annual U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryout evaluated 235 athletes this past weekend at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Karch Kiraly, head coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team, led the three-day tryout process held March 3-5.

Courtney Schwan, an outside hitter from University of Washington, said “This tryout has been an amazing experience. I am so blessed to get the opportunity to play with these amazing players. It is such a high competitive volleyball – everybody loves high competitive volleyball, the best kind of volleyball. It was a great learning. I learned a lot from the coaches – they have a great coaching staff here. I was so excited to be here.”

The tryout was held for players aspiring for spots on the U.S. Women’s National Team, along with 60 positions on the U.S. Collegiate National Team. Further, select athletes born in 1998 or 1999 were competing for spots on the 2017 U.S. Women’s Junior National Team.

All but two sessions were live streamed to the USA Volleyball website, and can be watched on-demand on the USA Volleyball YouTube channel. Fans can track how their favorite players performed, while coaches can use the videos as a resource for quality drills used in the USA gym.

.@karchkiraly‘s white board notes of #USAVwnt team goals and concepts. #USAVtryout. https://t.co/jP52BtB2jt pic.twitter.com/W7g3RjZkyJ
— USA Volleyball (@usavolleyball) March 5, 2017

VIRTUE NAMED TO U.S. WOMEN’S COACHING STAFF: Erin Virtue, currently the women’s volleyball associate head coach at Northwestern University, has accepted a position with the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team as a consultant assistant coach working with Karch Kiraly, the program’s head coach, for the 2020 Olympic quadrennial. Virtue is no stranger to the USA gym as a player and coach within USA Volleyball’s High Performance pipeline. She served as head coach of the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team that captured silver at the 2016 NORCECA Women’s U18 Continental Championship and qualifying Team USA to this year’s FIVB Women’s U18 World Championship. In total, Virtue has spent 11 seasons coaching in the High Performance program, mentoring athletes in the Select (U16), Youth (U18) and Junior (U20) age groups.

COPPA ITALIA FINALE TONIGHT! • • • Watch on ESPN3 at 11am CT
A post shared by Kelsey Robinson (@krobin32) on Mar 5, 2017 at 7:59am PST

ROBINSON, FAWCETT WITH ITALY’S CONEGLIANO: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, and opposite Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio, Instagram) are playing in the Italian Serie A1 after transferring midseason from teams China and Turkey, respectively. In the European Champions League, Conegliano overwhelmed Azerbaijan’s Telekom Baku 25-13, 25-9, 25-16 on Feb. 28 in Baku. Robinson and Fawcett did not play in the match as several reserves gained playing time. Conegliano (4-2, 12 points), which will host the Champions League Final Round, finished Pool A in second place with a 4-2 record behind Italy’s Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena. In a break from the Italian Serie A1 regular season, Conegliano captured the Italian Cup top prize this past weekend with two victories. Conegliano rallied past Igor Gorgonzola Novara 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-23 on March 4. Robinson collected nine points with six kills on 29 attacks and three blocks, but was even more impressive in serve-receiving handling 31 of the team’s 85 chances with an 81 positive reception percent. Fawcett scored a team-high 19 points with 17 kills on 45 attacks and two aces on 12 serves. Conegliano receives a bye in the Playoff 6 (quarterfinal round) as the host to the Final Four. In the Italian Cup title match, Conegliano swept Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena 25-23, 25-22, 25-23 in a close three-set match on March 5. Fawcett pocketed 15 points, including 14 kills on 35 attacks and an ace. Robinson charted nine points with eight kills on 26 attacks and just one error to go with a block. She also handled 25 of the team’s 63 receptions with a 68 positive percent. In Italian Serie A action, first-place Conegliano (17-2, 49 points) returns to regular season action on March 12 against Unet Yamamay Busto Arsizio.

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano (7-12, 25 points), which remains in eighth-place, returns to the court on March 12 against 10th-place Saugella Team Monza (5-14, 17 points) as the league was on hiatus for the Italian Cup semifinals and finals this past weekend.

AKINRADEWO WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram), the Best Blocker in the 2016 Olympic Games after leading the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team to a bronze medal, is playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League and in the European Champions League. In the CEV Champions League, Volero swept Russia’s Dinamo Krasnodar 25-18, 25-23, 25-22 on Feb. 28 in Zurich to finish second in the Pool B. Akinradewo pocketed nine points with seven kills on nine errorless attacks, one ace and one block I the victory. Volero (4-2, 11 points) advances to the Playoff 6 (quarterfinal round) by being one of the two top second-place teams. Volero will meet Turkey’s VakifBank in a home-and-home series with dates to be determined. In the Swiss League, Volero blanked TS Volley Dudingen I twice last week with a 25-12, 25-16, 25-9 win on March 2 followed by a 25-15, 25-16, 25-19 victory on March 4. Volero (24-0, 71 points), which holds a commanding eight-point lead in the Swiss League, plays second-place Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen I (21-3, 63 points) on March 8 and third-place Hotel Cristal VFM (16-9, 47 points) on March 11.

LARSON, ADAMS WITH TURKEY’S ECZACIBASI: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Twitter, Instagram) and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram), both members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team that won bronze in Rio, are playing for Eczacibasi of the Turkish League and as part of the European Champions League this winter. In Champions League Pool D, Eczacibasi defeated Germany’s Dresdner SC 25-15, 19-25, 25-22, 25-18 in the final group phase match before heading into the Playoff 6 (quarterfinals) round. Larson notched 13 points with 10 kills on 24 attacks, two aces and a block She chipped in 38 of the team’s 74 receptions with a 36 positive percent. Adams secured seven points with four kills on 12 swings, two blocks and an ace. On the opposite side of the net, American Liz McMahon scored 18 points and Erin Johnson added 14 points for Dresdner. Kadie Rolfzen, a recent Nebraska grad, turned in 12 points in the loss. Eczacibasi (4-2, 13 points) concluded Pool D in second place behind domestic league rival VakifBank and qualified for the Playoff 6 (quarterfinal) round. Eczacibasi will meet Turkish rival Fenerbahce in a home-and-home series to determine which team advances to the Final Four on April 22-23. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi held off ninth-place Seramiksan 25-21, 22-25, 25-21, 22-25, 21-19 in a five-set battle on March 5. Larson notched 14 points with 12 kills on 34 swings and two blocks. She was credited with a 45 positive reception percent on 22 chances. Adams, who started just the first two sets, racked up five kills on 12 attacks and a block for six points. Eczacibasi, which dropped to third place in the league with a 14-5 record despite the win, plays last-place Nilufer Bld (1-18) on March 11 in its next Turkish match.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) a bronze medalist on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, returns this winter to play for Turkey’s VakifBank and in the European Champions League. In the European Champions League, VakifBank downed Russia’s Uralochka NTMK-Ekaterinburg 25-19, 25-27, 25-20, 25-18 on Feb. 28 to go undefeated in Pool D. Hill, a sub in all four sets, compiled seven kills on 16 attacks and an ace for eight points. She added 10 receptions in her limited role. VakifBank (6-0, 17 points) finished Pool D in first place heading into the Playoff 6 (quarterfinal) round. VakifBank will challenge Switzerland’s Volero Zurich in the Playoff 6 home-and-home series with dates to be announced. In the Turkish regular season, VakifBank lost for the first time in 19 matches in the 2016-17 season after falling to third-place Fenerbahce (15-3) 25-18, 26-24, 25-23 on March 4. Hill, a sub in the first two sets and starting in the third set, tallied two kills on six swings with a 57 positive reception percent on 14 chances. VakifBank, 18-1 overall in the Turkish League and two fewer losses than second-place Fenerbahce, resumes its domestic action on March 12 against sixth-place Canakkale Bld (10-9).

CRIMES WITH TURKEY’S SARIYER: Middle Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California, Instagram), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sariyer in the Turkish League this winter. Sariyer lost to fifth-place Bursa B. Sehir Bld 27-25, 25-14, 25-19 on March 4. Crimes, who started the first two sets and was a sub in the third, scored four kills on 10 attacks and an ace for five points in the loss. Sariyer, in 11th place in the Turkish League with a 4-15 record, meets eighth-place Besiktas (9-10) on March 11 in its next match.

JACKSON WITH JAPAN’S HITACHI RIVALE: Middle Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, Twitter, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team most of the last Olympic quadrennial, is playing for Japan’s Hitachi Rivale. In the Final 6 playoffs, Hitachi lost to JT Marvelous 25-18, 25-18, 26-28, 16-25, 19-17 in a marathon five-set match on March 5 to conclude the Final 6 round-robin playoffs. Jackson collected 18 points via 15 kills and three blocks. Despite the loss, Hitachi advanced to the Final 3 semifinals based on tiebreakers. Although four teams finished with 2-3 records from third to sixth place, Hitachi finished in third place based on tiebreakers and a total of 10 points in the Final 6 playoffs, best fourth-place JT Marverlous (eight points), fifth-place Toyota (eight points) and sixth-place Toray (seven points). Hitachi will meet Hisamitsu Springs in the semifinals on March 11, and the winner will face NEC Red Rockets in the championship on March 12.

WOPAT WITH JAPAN’S TORAY ARROWS: Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California, Twitter, Instagram), a middle who competed on the 2016 U.S. Pan American team, is playing for the Toray Arrows of the Japan V-League this winter. In the Final 6 playoffs, Toray beat Toyota 25-21, 23-25, 25-17, 25-17 on March 4 to improve to 2-2 in the Final 6 Playoffs. Wopat recorded 15 points with 14 kills and a block. However, Toray lost its final match of the Final 6 round robin with a 20-25, 28-26, 25-22, 25-15 setback to NEC Red Rockets on March 5. Wopat hammered seven kills and added two blocks for nine points. Toray finished the Final 6 with a 2-3 record and 11-12 set record to finish in sixth place even though third-place Hitachi Rivale, fourth-place JT Marvelous and Toyota all finished the same 2-3 records. Only the top three teams in the Final 6 round advance to the Final 3 (semifinal round).

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Feb. 27, 2017) – This week’s U.S. Women’s National Team Update includes how the public can watch 245 athletes participate in the team’s annual open tryout March 3-5, Robyn Ah Mow-Santos and Jamie Morrison taking prestigious head coaching positions, Carly Wopat earning a major honor in Japan, a member of the inaugural 1955 U.S. Pan American Team passing away and other team news from around the globe.

WATCH U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OPEN TRYOUT STREAM: The annual U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryouts will take place March 3-5 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The tryout will evaluate 245 athletes from 82 colleges and 10 high schools from across the country for spots on the U.S. Women’s National Team and the U.S. Collegiate National Team program. Further, select athletes born in 1998 or 1999 are also competing for spots on the 2017 U.S. Women’s Junior National Team. The breakdown for the tryout includes 63 middles, 58 outside hitters, 56 liberos, 40 setters and 28 opposites. Each athlete will have four sessions with each session broken into three waves.

AH MOW-SANTOS NEW HEAD COACH AT HAWAII: Robyn Ah Mow-Santos (Honolulu, Hawaii), a three-time U.S. Olympian and member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team that captured silver in Beijing, has been tabbed as the next head coach of the University of Hawaii women’s volleyball program. She replaces legendary coach Dave Shoji, who compiled 1,202 wins at Hawaii and coached Ah Mow-Santos to two AVCA All-American First-Team honors. Ah Mow-Santos served as an assistant coach at her alma mater under Shoji from 2011 to 2015. She also was an assistant coach on the 2014 U.S. Women’s Junior National Team at the NORCECA Women’s U-20 Continental Championship. For more details on Ah Mow-Santos becoming just the third head coach of the Hawaii program, click here.

MORRISON TO LEAD DUTCH TEAM: Jamie Morrison, who served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team that won silver and bronze in the last two Olympic Games, has been named the head women’s volleyball coach for The Netherlands. “During the 2014 FIVB World Championships in Italy I first noticed the potential of the Dutch women’s team,” said Morrison during his presentation. “I saw a group of very athletic players, who fought for every point. The last two years the Netherlands became a world class team. The players are very close, they really care for each other. Right now I feel like one of the luckiest persons in the world for being allowed to coach this team. The team is relatively young, and I think we can keep improving ourselves.” Prior to joining the U.S. Women, Morrison served as technical coordinator for the U.S. Men’s National Team, helping the program win gold at the 2008 Olympic Games.

WOPAT NAMED BEST SPIKER OF JAPAN V-LEAGUE: Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California, Twitter, Instagram), a middle who played for the U.S. Women’s National Team in the 2016 Pan American Cup, was named Best Spiker of Japan’s V-League while playing for the Toray Arrows. Wopat said on her Instagram account: “Honored and very stoked to be the recipient of the Best Spiker Award for the Japanese V-league 2016-2017 season. A big thank you to my teammates for doing all that passing and setting stuff that comes before the spike, my coaching staff and trainers for helping me be my best and keeping me healthy, and all of you wonderful fans for your unwavering support.”

Honored and very stoked to be the recipient of the Best Spiker Award for the Japanese V-league 2016-2017 season. A big thank you to my teammates for doing all that passing and setting stuff that comes before the spike, my coaching staff and trainers for helping me be my best and keeping me healthy, and all of you wonderful fans for your unwavering support. #gotoray
A post shared by Carly Anelalani Wopat (@carlywopat) on Feb 21, 2017 at 3:55pm PST

MEMBER OF INAUGURAL PAN AMERICAN GAMES TEAM PASSES AWAY: Joyce (Euton) Posey, a member of the inaugural U.S. Pan American Games women’s volleyball team in 1955, passed away at the age of 87 on Feb. 18. She helped the U.S. win silver in the event. Posey, from Washington, Texas, had a competitive nature which would be displayed whether she was participating or watching her favorite sports like hockey, volleyball and bowling.

Sunday snuggles with this lover
A post shared by Kelsey Robinson (@krobin32) on Feb 26, 2017 at 9:45am PST

ROBINSON, FAWCETT WITH ITALY’S CONEGLIANO: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, and opposite Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio, Instagram) are playing in the Italian Serie A1 after transferring midseason from teams China and Turkey, respectively. In the European Champions League, Conegliano rallied to defeat Italian rival Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena 26-24, 19-25, 22-25, 25-21, 18-16 on Feb. 22. Robinson knocked down 14 points with 12 kills on 34 attacks, one ace and one block. She added a 61 positive reception percent on 33 chances. Fawcett contributed 10 points in the victory, all on kills from 43 swings. She had three of her kills in the deciding set. Conegliano (3-2, 9 points), which will host the Champions League Final Round regardless of the Pool A outcome, will Azerbaijan’s Telekom Baku (0-5, 0 points) on Feb. 28. In Italian Serie A action, Conegliano stopped Metalleghe Montichiari 25-18, 25-17, 26-24 on Feb. 25. Robinson pocketed 14 points with 10 kills on 26 attacks, two blocks and two aces. Fawcett tacked on 13 points with 12 kills on 24 swings and a block. Conegliano (17-2, 49 points), which remains in first place, returns to regular season action on March 12 against Unet Yamamay Busto Arsizio. Before resuming the Italian Serie A1 schedule, Conegliano is set to compete in the Italian Cup semifinals with a March 4 match against Igor Gorgonzola Novara. The winner will face the opposite semifinal winner of Savino Del Benne Scandicci and Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena in the title match on March 5.

LLOYD, GIBBEMEYER WITH ITALY’S CASALMAGGIORE: Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist setter for Team USA, and middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) have returned to Italy to compete for Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 league and the CEV Cup. In CEV Cup action, Casalmaggiore secured its spot into the CEV Cup quarterfinals by defeating HPK Hameenlinna 25-16, 25-21,15-25, 25-27, 15-12 on Feb. 22. Casalmaggiore, which also on the first meeting in straight sets, claimed its quarterfinal spot after winning the first two sets and making the final outcome less important. Lloyd, who started the important first two sets and the final set, helped Casalmaggiore to a 40 kill percent as a team and she added two blocks and an individual kill. Gibbemeyer, who started just the first two sets, hammered four kills on nine errorless attacks to go with two blocks and an ace. After the match, Lloyd said “I think we started the match pretty well. We had our goals and I think we did a good job achieving them. Then the coach wanted some other players to play.” Casalmaggiore will face Germany’s Allianz MTV Stuttgart in its home-and-home 4th Finals (quarterfinals) round series with matches on March 7 and undetermined return date. In the Italian League, Casalmaggiore lost to seventh-place Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena 15-25, 25-18, 31-29, 25-22 on Feb. 25. Gibbemeyer scored 11 points with six kills on 15 attacks, four blocks and an ace. Lloyd added eight individual points with five kills on eight attacks and three blocks. She set the team to a 35 kill percent for the match. Casalmaggiore (14-4, 39 points), which remains in second place, resumes Italian League action on March 2 against Bisonte Firenze, followed by a March 11 against Foppapedretti Bergramo.

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano lost its second consecutive match by falling to fifth-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci (11-8, 31 points) 25-14, 25-17, 23-25, 21-25, 15-9 on Feb. 26. Bartsch, who came off the bench in the first set and started the rest of the match, contributed 18 points with 15 kills via 29 attacks and three aces. She also handled 24 of the team’s receptions with a 71 positive reception percent. Bolzano (7-12, 25 points), which remains in eighth-place place following the loss, returns to the court on March 12 against 10th-place Saugella Team Monza (5-14, 17 points).

AKINRADEWO WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram), the Best Blocker in the 2016 Olympic Games after leading the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team to a bronze medal, is playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League and in the European Champions League. In the CEV Champions League, Volero was edged by Russia’s Dinamo Moscow 25-19, 22-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-12 on Feb. 22. Akinradewo tallied 10 points with nine kills on 14 swings and a block. Second-place Volero (3-2, 11 points) will face Russia’s Dinamo Krasnodar (1-4, 4 points), which is in third place, on Feb. 28 in its next Pool B match. In the Swiss League, Volero blanked VBC Cheseaux I 25-20, 25-12, 25-12 on Feb. 25, followed by a 25-21, 25-18, 22-25, 25-12 win over Viteos NUC I on Feb. 26. Volero (22-0, 65 points), now in first place in the Swiss League with a four-point and two-victory advantage over second-place Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen I, returns to its domestic league schedule with back-to-back matches versus fifth-place TS Volley Dudingen I (15-7, 40 points) on March 2 and March 4.

CRIMES WITH TURKEY’S SARIYER: Middle Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California, Instagram), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sariyer in the Turkish League this winter. Sariyer swept 12th-place Nilufer (1-17) 25-22, 25-22, 25-14 on Feb. 25. Crimes was a sub in the first two sets, netting three kills on four errorless attacks. Sariyer, in 11th place in the Turkish League with a 4-14 record, meets fifth-place Bursa B.Sehir (9-8) on March 4 in its next match.

A post shared by Cursty Jackson (@c_jaxon13) on Feb 22, 2017 at 10:22pm PST

JACKSON WITH JAPAN’S HITACHI RIVALE: Middle Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, Twitter, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team most of the last Olympic quadrennial, is playing for Japan’s Hitachi Rivale. In the Final 6 playoffs, Hitachi rebounded from a five-set loss last week to win its own five-set match on Feb. 25 with a 25-19, 20-25, 28-26, 19-25, 15-11 win over Toray Arrows. Jackson piled up 14 points with 12 kills and two aces. Hitachi won a must-win match the following day by defeating Toyota 27-25, 25-15, 20-25, 25-18 to move into the third spot in the Final 6 standings. Jackson tallied 11 points with nine kills, one block and one ace. Hitachi is now 2-2 in the playoffs with nine match points to squeeze ahead of fourth-place Toyota. The top three teams in the Final 6 round advance to the Final 3 (semifinal round).

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Feb. 20, 2017) – While some 375 U.S. athletes compete overseas in professional leagues – including several in the prestigious European Champions League for which you can stream live this Wednesday – the thoughts of a domestic pro league right here in the USA has stirred up a lot of positive energy. For details and other U.S. Women’s National Team news from around the globe, read the full Weekly update below.

NATIONAL TEAM PLAYERS IN SUPPORT OF DOMESTIC PRO LEAGUE

USA Volleyball CEO Jamie Davis was recently interviewed by Sports Business Journal where the topic of a domestic professional volleyball league was broached.

“With the successes of our national teams, the high volleyball television/streaming ratings from the 2016 Olympics and our membership growth, we are confident that such a domestic league will succeed now when past attempts have failed,” said Davis, who is targeting a launch of a league by 2020.

U.S. athletes would also back a domestic pro league should it evolve. In separate interviews with worldofvolley.com, U.S. middles Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram) and Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) shared the positives of a domestic league where National Team athletes and other U.S. players alike could benefit.

“I am fully behind and support the launch of a professional league in the USA,” Adams said. “It would be an amazing alternative for American players who want to continue playing but don’t want to spend 8 -9 months out of a year living and playing in a foreign country away from family and friends. Especially for those who want to balance and grow a family of their own.”

Dixon feels that launching a league will be a challenging task, but would be amazing to U.S. players if it were to be successful.

“I absolutely love the idea,” Dixon said. “I think it will be extremely difficult, but if successful, it would be amazing to be able to stay in the U.S. year round and train. I think a lot of U.S. Volleyball players end their careers simply because they don’t want to leave their family and friends for eight months to play abroad. By having a league (in the USA), I think it would prolong a lot of careers and give an outlet for people to play post-college. I can’t speak on the technicalities, but as a player, it would definitely be a good thing.”

KARCH ANSWERS FAN QUESTIONS ON #FIVBASKKARCH: U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly responded to fan questions submitted to the FIVB on its Facebook page with the hashtag #FIVBAskKarch. He gives advice to young players (and their parents) who are not in a starting role to keep them motivated in pursuing volleyball, how he stays calm in tense matches, his favorite setter to play alongside while on the U.S. Men’s National Team, his coaching advice he would give to his younger playing self, what it is like to train and travel with the U.S. Women’s National Team and his favorite beach venues to play at.

WATCH AMERICANS IN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND CEV CUP: The CEV European Champions League 4th Round has three matches being streamed live with Americans competing including a head-to-head match of Eczacibasi versus VakifBank. In addition, two Americans will highlight Pomi Casalmaggiore’s CEV Cup match. All four matches can be watched live on laola1.tv.

Feb. 22: Eczacibasi (Jordan Larson, Rachael Adams) vs. VakifBank (Kim Hill), 8 a.m. PT
Feb. 22: Volero (Foluke Akinradewo) vs. Dinamo Moscow, 8 a.m. PT
Feb. 22: Pomi Casalmaggiore (Carli Lloyd, Lauren Gibbemeyer) vs. HPK Hamaeenlinna, 8:30 a.m. PT
Feb. 22: Conegliano (Kelsey Robinson, Nicole Fawcett) vs. Liu Jo Nordmeccanica, 11:30 a.m. PT

DIXON INTERVIEWED BY VOLLEYWOOD: U.S. Women’s National Team middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) was interviewed recently by website VolleyWood in a Facebook live question and answer. To watch the interview, click the play button above.

Does it get any better than mountainside castles in your backyard… ps. joined the @chokelocal girl gang and immmm so stoked #ifyoubad
A post shared by Kelsey Robinson (@krobin32) on Feb 16, 2017 at 11:31am PST

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano won its second match in a row by defeating Il Bisonte Firenze 26-24, 18-25, 23-25, 25-21, 15-9 on Feb. 15. Bartsch charted 20 points with 17 kills on 62 attacks, two aces and a block. She was credited with a 64 positive reception percent on 28 reception chances. Bolzano lost to 11th-place Metalleghe Montichiari 23-25, 25-20, 25-21, 21-25, 15-13 on Feb. 19. Bartsch, starting just the first three sets and subbing in the fifth, totaled 11 kills on 37 attacks with a 67 positive reception percent on 21 chances. Bolzano (7-11, 24 points), which dropped to eighth-place place following the loss, returns to the court on Feb. 26 when it faces fifth-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci (10-8, 29 points).

AKINRADEWO WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram), the Best Blocker in the 2016 Olympic Games after leading the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team to a bronze medal, is playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League and in the European Champions League. In the Swiss League, Volero blanked VBC Cheseaux 25-16, 25-13, 25-21 on Feb. 15. Volero capped its week with a 25-15, 25-8, 25-17 victory over Volley Lugano I on Feb. 18. Volero (20-0, 59 points), now in first place in the Swiss League with a five-point and two-victory advantage over second-place Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen I, returns to its domestic league schedule on Feb. 25 against sixth-place VBC Cheseaux (8-14, 24 points) followed by a Feb. 26 match against fourth-place Viteos NUC I (12-10, 39 points). In the CEV Champions League, Volero (3-1, 10 points) will face Russia’s Dinamo Moscow, which leads the group with a 4-0 record, in its next Champions League Pool B match on Feb. 22.

HANCOCK WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Twitter, Instagram), who played for the U.S. Women during the 2016 Pan American Cup and set the tournament record for aces in a match and tournament, is playing for Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the Orlen Liga. Wroclaw defeated third-place Grot Budowlani Lodz 25-19, 25-23, 23-25, 25-21 on Feb. 15 to start the week. Hancock set Wroclaw to a 34 kill percent and provided two kills and two blocks for four individual points. American teammate Megan Courtney scored 10 points with eight kills and two aces. Wroclaw concluded the week’s action with a 25-21, 25-23, 25-22 victory over Polski Cukier Muszynianka on Feb. 19. Hancock set her squad to a 45 kill percent while scoring two individual kills and serving one ace on seven chances. Courtney moved to libero for the match and was credited with a 54 positive reception percent on 13 chances. Wroclaw, in second place in the regular season with a 17-4 record and 53 points, will challenge league-leader Chemik Police (20-0, 57 points) on Feb. 25.

Pull over to the side of your journey and see how far you’ve come. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be.
A post shared by Carly Anelalani Wopat (@carlywopat) on Feb 19, 2017 at 7:52pm PST

WOPAT WITH JAPAN’S TORAY ARROWS: Carly Wopat (Santa Barbara, California, Twitter, Instagram), a middle who competed on the 2016 U.S. Pan American team, is playing for the Toray Arrows of the Japan V-League this winter. In the Final 6 playoffs, Toray was edged by leader Hisamitsu Springs 25-27, 25-20, 25-21, 18-25, 15-9 on Feb. 19. Wopat scored 23 points in the loss with 18 kills on 32 attacks and five blocks. Toray is 1-1 in the playoffs with both matches going five sets. Toray plays Hitachi Rivale on Feb. 25 in its next Final 6 round robin playoff match. The top three teams in the Final 6 round advance to the Final 3 (semifinal round).

JACKSON WITH JAPAN’S HITACHI RIVALE: Middle Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, Twitter, Instagram), who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team most of the last Olympic quadrennial, is playing for Japan’s Hitachi Rivale. In the Final 6 playoffs, Hitachi lost a heartbreaking 22-25, 18-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-10 match to leader Hisamitsu Springs on Feb. 18. Jackson totaled 17 kills on 35 attacks and two blocks for 19 points. Hitachi is in fourth place through the first of two playoff matches. Hitachi plays Toray Arrows on Feb. 25 in its next Final 6 round robin playoff match, followed by a Feb. 26 match against Toyota. The top three teams in the Final 6 round advance to the Final 3 (semifinal round).

U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OPEN TRYOUT: The U.S. Women’s National Team will hold its annual open tryout March 3-5 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The three-day tryout is expected to draw 240 athletes with hopes of earning a spot in one of the U.S. Women’s National Team programs. Athletes who have come out of the tryout include Kim Hill, the 2014 FIVB World Championship most valuable player. This tryout is open to current college-age athletes and older born in the years 1989-1999* inclusive (Women’s Junior age group athletes born in 1988 or 1999 AND NOT currently enrolled in college must be invited to attend this tryout) AND high school athletes born in 1997 or earlier.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 13, 2017) – Setter Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minnesota) has joined the collegiate coaching ranks, joining a trend of former National Team players in the last couple years to make the move. Meanwhile, U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly shared his knowledge on coaching and the game at this past weekend’s USA Volleyball High Performance Coaches’ Clinic.

KREKLOW ACCEPTS COACHING POSITION AT ALMA MATER: Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram), who joined the U.S. Women’s National Team in May 2014, has joined the University of Missouri women’s volleyball team coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach. During her short time with Team USA, Kreklow was named the 2015 USA Volleyball Female Indoor Most Improved Player of the Year after being selected as the Best Setter of the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix in which the U.S. won gold. “A big congratulations to Molly and Mizzou volleyball,” U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly said a Missouri press release. “Molly has some traits that make it possible for her to develop into a special coach. She has a huge heart and cares deeply about the people around her. She’s a learner with a deep understanding of the growth process, its challenges and how to overcome them. And beneath the sweet exterior, she’s a powerful leader and a fierce competitor. We will miss Molly with Team USA and we thank her for all the passion and energy she shared with our team. “Kreklow was a standout setter at Missouri from 2010-13 and was honored as an AVCA All-America First-Team and SEC Player of the Year as a senior. For more details, click here.

KARCH A HIT AT HP COACHES’ CLINIC: Karch Kiraly, head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, was a headline speaker during the 14th Annual USA Volleyball High Performance Coaches’ Clinic (HPCC) that took place Feb. 9-11 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The clinic attracted 210 participants, including nine from outside the USA hailing from Canada, Egypt, Iran, Iraq and Ukraine. The HPCC is a way to bring together great coaching minds to network and share the most current, pertinent and critical issues in the sport. For a Facebook gallery of the event, click here.

@karchkiraly is coming to the Lausanne! Got a question for him? Let us know! We’ll choose 5, randomly, to ask the man himself! #FIVBAskKarch pic.twitter.com/5LhWdh68Rl
— FIVB (@FIVBVolleyball) February 13, 2017

KARCH PARTICIPATES ON FIVB TECHNICAL AND COACHING COMMISSION: U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly served as a member on the FIVB’s Technical and Coaching Commission meeting that took place in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Feb. 14. Other members included commission president Hugh McCutcheon, who served as the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team Head Coach from 2005-2008 and 2009-2012, respectively, and Lang Ping, who was the U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach from 2005-2008 and helped China win the 2016 Olympic Games gold medal. Kiraly will also participate in a social media-driven interview where fans asked questions using the hashtag #FIVBAskKarch. The FIVB plans to video Kiraly’s responses to five questions selected and random and show the video on Wednesday.

AKINRADEWO WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram), the Best Blocker in the 2016 Olympic Games after leading the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team to a bronze medal, is playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League and in the European Champions League. In the CEV Champions League, Volero blanked CS Volei Alba Blaj 25-17, 25-18, 25-17 on Feb. 9 in Zurich. Akinradewo pocketed 12 points in the victory with five kills on 11 swings, a match-best six blocks and an ace on eight serves. Volero (3-1, 10 points) will face Russia’s Dinamo Moscow, which leads the group with a 4-0 record, in its next Champions League Pool B match on Feb. 22. In the Swiss League, Volero topped seventh-place Edelline Koniz (7-14, 20 points) 25-20, 25-12, 25-21 on Feb. 11. Volero (18-0, 53 points), in second place in the Swiss League but with two fewer matches played than league-leader Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen (18-2, 54 points) returns to Swiss action on Feb. 15 against sixth-place VBC Cheseaux (8-12, 24 points) before meeting ninth-place Volley Lugano I (4-16, 14 points) on Feb. 18.

LARSON, ADAMS WITH TURKEY’S ECZACIBASI: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Twitter, Instagram) and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram), both members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team that won bronze in Rio, are playing for Eczacibasi of the Turkish League and as part of the European Champions League this winter. In Champions League Pool D, Eczacibasi turned back Russia’s Uralochka-NTMK Ekaterinburg 25-16, 26-24, 25-27, 25-16 on Feb. 8 in Istanbul. Larson tallied 12 points with seven kills on 22 attacks, four aces on 24 serves and one block. She added a stellar 88 positive reception percent on 24 chances. Adams contributed 11 points via nine kills on 18 swings and two blocks. Eczacibasi, now in second place in Pool D with a 3-1 record and 10 points, returns to action on Feb. 22 when it faces Turkish rival VakifBank, which leads the pool with a 4-0 record. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi turned back fifth-place Canakkale Bld (9-6) 30-28, 25-23, 15-25, 25-14 on Feb. 11. Adams, who got a rare start in the Turkish League due to foreigner limits competing at the same time, tallied 10 points with six kills on 13 swings and four blocks in playing just the first three sets. Larson matched her 10 points by charting six kills on 19 swings, three aces on 20 serves and a block. She added 13 receptions with a 46 positive reception percent. Eczacibasi, which ranks second in the league standings with an 11-4 record, will take on seventh-place Halbank (7-8) on Feb. 15 and league-leader VakifBank (15-0) on Feb. 18.

CRIMES WITH TURKEY’S SARIYER: Middle Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California, Instagram), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sariyer in the Turkish League this winter. Sariyer lost to league-leader VakifBank (15-0) 25-18, 25-20, 25-17 on Feb. 12. Crimes totaled four kills on 10 attacks in the match. Sariyer, now in 11th place in the Turkish League regular season standings with a 3-12 record, takes on fourth-place Galatasaray (10-5) on Feb. 15 and ninth-place Seramiksan (4-11) on Feb. 18 in a double-match week.

Look who is in the journal today! Check it out! @Lauren5Gibby @Krobin32
American style pic.twitter.com/e8da0hkZRR
— franny (@Hasstrid) February 10, 2017

LLOYD, GIBBEMEYER WITH ITALY’S CASALMAGGIORE: Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist setter for Team USA, and middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) have returned to Italy to compete for Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 league and the CEV Cup. In CEV Cup action, Casalmaggiore opened its 8th Final Round home-and-home series with Finland’s HPK Hameenlinna with a 25-18, 25-18, 25-27 victory on Feb. 8. Lloyd set the squad to a 47 kill percent and served one ace. Gibbemeyer did not play in the match. Casalmaggiore will face HPK Hameenlinna again on Feb. 22 with a spot in the 4th Finals Round (quarterfinals) at stake. In the Italian League, Casalmaggiore lost its second straight match after falling to league-leader Imoco Conegliano 26-24, 17-25, 25-19, 25-21 on Feb. 12. Lloyd set the squad to a 37 kill percent and chipped in two blocks and two individual kills for four point. Gibbemeyer notched six points, all on kills via 13 swings. Casalmaggiore (13-3, 36 points), which remains in second place after the loss, resumes Italian League action on Feb. 15 against sixth-place Unet Yamamay Busto Arsizio (9-7, 25 points) followed by a Feb. 19 contest versus ninth-place Il Bisonte Firenze (7-9, 19 points).

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. After losing to the top two teams in its previous two matches. Bolzano bounced back by defeating 12th-place Club Italia Crai 27-25, 21-25, 25-13, 25-15 on Feb. 11. Bartsch hammered 14 kills on 41 swings and added an ace for 15 points. She was credited with a 74 positive reception percent on 27 reception chances. Bolzano (6-10, 21 points), which remains in eighth place, returns to the court on Feb. 15 to play ninth-place Il Bisonte Firenze (7-9, 19 points) followed by a Feb. 19 match versus 11th-place Metalleghe Montichiari (3-13, 12 points).

HANCOCK WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Twitter, Instagram), who played for the U.S. Women during the 2016 Pan American Cup and set the tournament record for aces in a match and tournament, is playing for Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the Orlen Liga. Wroclaw rallied past fourth-place Tauron MKS Dabrowa Gornicza 17-25, 25-11, 23-25, 25-18, 15-12 on Feb. 11. Hancock led Wroclaw to a 36 kill percent as a team while tossing in five individual kills on eight errorless attacks and two aces for seven points. American teammate Megan Courtney provided 12 points in the victory with nine kills on 37 swings and three blocks. Wroclaw, in second place in the regular season with a 15-4 record and 47 points, will challenge third-place Grot Budowlani Lodz (15-3, 43 points) on Feb. 15 in its next league match, followed by a Feb. 19 match against seventh-place Polski Cukier Muszynianka (10-9, 25 points).

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Feb. 6, 2017) – Several U.S. Women’s National Team members are in crunch time in their professional leagues overseas, and you can watch some of the matches live via video stream this week. For details on the streams and other team news, check out the U.S. Women’s National Team Weekly Update below.

WATCH AMERICANS IN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND CEV CUP: The CEV European Champions League 4th Round has four matches being streamed live with Americans competing as the home-and-home round robin moves to the all-important second half phase to help determine which teams advance to the next round. All four matches can be watched live on laola1.tv.

Feb. 8: Eczacibasi (Jordan Larson, Rachael Adams) vs. Uralochka-NTMK Ekaterinburg, 5:30 a.m. PT
Feb. 8: VakifBank (Kim Hill) vs. Dresdner SC, 10 a.m. PT, WATCH
Feb. 8: Conegliano (Kelsey Robinson, Nicole Fawcett) vs. Chemik Police, 11:30 a.m. PT
Feb. 9: Volero (Foluke Akinradewo) vs. CS Volei Alba Bjaj, 11 a.m. PT

DIXON DISCUSSES HER ROAD TO RECOVERY FROM ACL SURGERY: Just over a year ago, U.S. middle Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) tore her ACL during a pro match in Japan that ultimately led to her missing out on a chance to compete in her first Olympic Games. Over the last 12 months she has rehabbed with a purpose to get back on the court, but also working on her mechanics to eliminate bad habits.

CRIMES WITH TURKEY’S SARIYER: Middle Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California, Instagram), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sariyer in the Turkish League this winter. Sariyer lost to eighth-place Halkbank (5-8) 15-25, 25-20, 25-13, 27-25 on Feb. 4. Crimes pocketed 12 points with eight kills on 15 swings and four blocks. Sariyer, in 10th place in the Turkish League regular season standings with a 3-10 record, takes on league-leader VakifBank (14-0) on Feb. 12 in its next Turkish League match.

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. After falling to league-leader Pomi Casalmaggiore last week, Bolzano lost to defending Italian League champion Imoco Volley Conegliano 25-14, 26-24, 25-22 on Feb. 2. Bartsch did not play in the match. Bolzano (5-10, 18 points), now in eighth place, returns to the court on Feb. 12 as it faces 12th-place Club Italia Crai (2-13, 10 points).

HANCOCK WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Twitter, Instagram), who played for the U.S. Women during the 2016 Pan American Cup and set the tournament record for aces in a match and tournament, is playing for Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the Orlen Liga. In a break from the regular season, Wroclaw faced Grot Budowlani Lodz in the Polish Cup semifinals on Feb. 4 and lost 20-25, 15-25, 28-26, 25-20, 16-14. Hancock set the team to a 47 kill percent for the match and added five individual kills on eight swings and two aces on 15 serves for seven points. American teammate Megan Courtney was credited with 18 points via 17 kills on 36 swings and a block. She handled 43 of the team’s 96 service receptions with a 65 positive reception percent. Wroclaw, in second place in the regular season with a 14-4 record and 45 points, will challenge fourth-place Tauron MKS Dabrowa Gornicza (12-6, 33 points) on Feb. 11 in its next league match.

KIRALY HEADLINES HP COACHES CLINIC: U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly will be one of five headline presenters for the 2017 USA Volleyball High Performance Coaches’ Clinic held Feb. 9-11 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Others headline presenters include:

Bill Hamiter: head coach for U.S. Women’s Sitting Team which won gold at the 2016 Paralympic Games and silver at the 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Games
Matt Fuerbringer: assistant coach on U.S. Men’s National team which won bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games
Keegan Cook: head coach for University of Washington women’s volleyball team; head coach for 2016 U.S. Collegiate National Team-China Tour; 2015 AVCA Pacific North Region Coach of the Year
Beth Launier: head coach for University of Utah women’s volleyball team; head coach for 2016 U.S. Collegiate National Team-Europe Tour; 500+ career college victories

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Jan. 30, 2017) – U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly and several of the brightest coaching minds will be presenters at the annual USA Volleyball High Performance Coaches Clinic slated for Feb. 9-11 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

KIRALY HEADLINES HP COACHES’ CLINIC: U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly will be one of five headline presenters for the 2017 USA Volleyball High Performance Coaches Clinic held Feb. 9-11 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Others headline presenters include:

Bill Hamiter: head coach for U.S. Women’s Sitting Team which won gold at the 2016 Paralympic Games and silver at the 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Games
Matt Fuerbringer: assistant coach on U.S. Men’s National team which won bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games
Keegan Cook: head coach for University of Washington women’s volleyball team; head coach for 2016 U.S. Collegiate National Team-China Tour; 2015 AVCA Pacific North Region Coach of the Year
Beth Launier: head coach for University of Utah women’s volleyball team; head coach for 2016 U.S. Collegiate National Team-Europe Tour; 500+ career college victories

Since 2004, the USA Volleyball High Performance Department has featured the annual Coaches’ Clinic as a way to bring together great coaching minds to network and share the most current, pertinent and critical issues in the sport. Topics vary annually and have covered ideas such as the men’s versus women’s game, sports psychology, uses of technology and drill ideas.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW COURTNEY THOMPSON: Natalie Hagglund (Encinitas, California, Twitter, Instagram) recently profiled two-time Olympic medalist Courtney Thompson (Kent, Washington, Twitter, Instagram) in a blog titled “Ask a Pro: Courtney Thompson”. Through her blog, Hagglund goes deeper than Thompson’s resume to provide little known facts about her. Check it out to learn Thompson’s favorite pump-up song, dream house location, secret talent and more. Hagglund also asks Thompson to go into detail on her college volleyball experience and advice she would give to young athletes, what she would have done differently and the same, where her fire comes from within, adversities she has overcome, what was different from her first Olympics and the recent Rio Games and what is next for her. To read Thompson’s responses, click here.

JENNIFER JOINES TAMAS ELECTED TO WCC HALL OF HONOR: Jennifer Joines Tamas (Milpitas, California), a middle on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team which earned silver at the Beijing Games, has been selected to be inducted into the West Coast Conference (WCC) Ninth Annual Hall of Honor class. She made 60 appearances over eight years with the U.S. Women’s National Team, serving as captain for four years. Tamas helped the U.S. win gold at the 2012 Pan American Cup in her last official tournament with Team USA. She also played professionally for eight years in Japan, Italy, Russia, Azerbaijan and Puerto Rico. Tamas, now a volunteer assistant coach with the University of Nebraska women’s volleyball team, was one of the most decorated female athletes in the University of the Pacific’s history. She was the school’s only four-time all-American and was voted Big West Player of the Year as a senior in 2003. Tamas left Pacific having several records to her credit including career kills (2,225), kills per set (4.89), attacks (4,615), attack efficiency (.350), points (2,710.5) and points per set (5.96). She finished second in all-time block assists (553), total blocks (639) and blocks per set (1.40). The induction ceremony will take place at the WCC Hall of Honor Brunch on March 4 at 9 a.m. PT at the Mardi Gras Ballroom in the Orleans Hotel.

Yes, it’s as cold as it looks ☃ but the adventure continues. #Budapest
A photo posted by Rachael Adams (@rachaeladams) on Jan 30, 2017 at 7:17am PST

LLOYD, GIBBEMEYER WITH ITALY’S CASALMAGGIORE: Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist setter for Team USA, and middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) have returned to Italy to compete for Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 league and the CEV Cup. In CEV Cup action, Casalmaggiore swept its 16th Final Round home-and-home series following a 25-21, 25-15, 25-19 victory over Maccabi XT Haifa in Israel. Gibbemeyer pocketed 15 points in the victory with nine kills on 14 errorless swings and a match-high six blocks. Lloyd, who started the first two sets, helped Casalmaggiore to a 48 kill percent as a team and added one block and one kill for two individual points. Casalmaggiore has now advanced to the 8th Final Round where it will have a home-and-home series with HPK Hameelinna with dates to be determined. In the Italian League, second-place Casalmaggiore dominated Suditrol Bolzano 25-11, 25-14, 25-14 on Jan. 30. Lloyd was stellar in leading Casalmaggiore to a 53 kill percent and .390 hitting efficiency (41-11-77) as she added three blocks and two individual kills for five points. Gibbemeyer notched five kills on 11 swings with just one error to go with an ace for six points. Casalmaggiore (13-1, 36 points), now in first place, resumes Italian League action on Feb. 5 against third-place Igor Gorgonzola Novara (10-4, 31 points).

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano lost to league-leader Pomi Casalmaggiore 25-11, 25-14, 25-14 on Jan. 30. Bartsch scored four kills on 13 attacks and added five receptions. Bolzano (5-9, 18 points), now in eighth place, returns to the court on Feb. 2 against defending champion Imoco Volley Conegliano (12-2, 34 points), which is currently in second place.

AKINRADEWO WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram), the Best Blocker in the 2016 Olympic Games after leading the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team to a bronze medal, is playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League and in the European Champions League. In the CEV Champions League, Volero scored a 25-21, 25-15, 25-16 victory over Romania’s CS Volei Alba BLAJ on Jan. 25. Akinradewo contributed six kills on 14 attacks, one ace and one block for eight points in the victory. Volero (2-1, 7 points) will meet CS Volei Alba Blaj (0-3, 0 points) in its next Champions League Pool B match on Feb. 7. In the Swiss League, Volero (15-0) defeated sixth-place Edelline Koniz 25-20, 23-25, 25-14, 25-12 on Jan. 28. Volero plays twice in the coming week against Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen I on Feb. 4 and 10th-place Volley Top Luzern on Feb. 5. Volero is the only undefeated team in the Swiss League, but is in second place as Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen I (16-1) has played two additional matches and holds a one-victory margin over Volero.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Jan. 23, 2017) – USA Volleyball’s High Performance program has played a significant role in the successes of the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team as nearly every athlete has come up through the pipeline. The current U.S. Women’s Update shares how Shelton Collier has impacted several of the athletes who won bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games, along with other team news from around the world.

HP PIPELINE IMPACTING NATIONAL TEAM SUCCESS: USA Volleyball’s Indoor High Performance program has developed elite youth athletes into some of the top world-class athletes over the years, and those athletes have shined on the biggest stages. However, the High Performance pipeline has not only produced star athletes, but also develop the coaching ranks who mentor, teach and lead the athletes to greatness. During the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Wingate University Head Volleyball Coach Shelton Collier, like many other coaches and spectators across the country, was cheering on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Team. Collier, a long-time coach with the USA Volleyball High Performance program, did however take a special interest in four of the USA women during the Olympics and on the medal stand as they were presented bronze medals. Collier had the fortune of being the head coach for Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram), Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram), Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Twitter, Instagram) and Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania, Twitter, Instagram) when each of them competed in their first-ever international volleyball experiences as young teenagers in the High Performance program.

HAGGLUND GIVES ADVICE TO PLAYERS WHO MAY WANT TO PLAY OVERSEAS: U.S. Women’s National Team libero Natalie Hagglund (Encinitas, California, Twitter, Instagram) recently posted a blog geared toward athletes who recently just finished their collegiate careers and possibly thinking of playing professionally overseas. While not trying to sway athletes one way or another, Hagglund gave athletes advice in eight areas to ponder before making a decision. Among her thoughts were to: 1) Don’t make your decision based on emotion; 2) Don’t let the mystery lead you astray; 3) Understand the reality; 4) Don’t think about regret; 5) Don’t let volleyball define you; 6) Know that you are qualified in other areas; 7) Take note of your current opportunities; and 8) Follow your heart.

GIBBEMEYER SHARES HER THOUGHTS ON PLAYING PRO WITH ALMA MATER: Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) took a few minutes to discuss her life as a pro athlete in Italy with her alma mater, University of Minnesota. She shares what it is like playing for her club in a town with roughly 15,000 population and winning major events since it started to compete in the competitive Italian Serie A1 and European Champions League. She gives an outline of what her typical weekly schedule is like, where volleyball has taken around the world, what it is like going back home to St. Paul, Minnesota, and her advice to Minnesota players who are about to start their own pro careers.

LLOYD, GIBBEMEYER WITH ITALY’S CASALMAGGIORE: Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist setter for Team USA, and middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) have returned to Italy to compete for Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 league and the CEV Cup. In the Italian League, second-place Casalmaggiore won consecutive league matches last week to open the second half of the season. Casalmaggiore defeated Club Italia Crai 25-18, 25-22, 25-16 on Jan. 18. Lloyd set the team to a 48 kill percent while adding one individual kill. Gibbemeyer contributed five kills on eight attacks and a block for six points. Casalmaggiore swept Saugella Team Monza 25-23, 25-22, 25-16 on Jan. 22 Gibbemeyer chalked up six kills on 10 errorless attacks to go with a match-leading four blocks for 10 points. Lloyd set Casalmaggiore to a 45 kill percent and notched two individual kills on five swings, two blocks and an ace for five points. Casalmaggiore (12-1, 33 points), now in first place with the two wins, resumes Italian League action on Jan. 30 against seventh-place Suditrol Bolzano (5-8, 18 points). In CEV Cup action, Casalmaggiore will look to advance to the 8th Final Round with a return match against Maccabi XT Haifa on Jan. 26. Casalmaggiore won the opening match in straight sets on Jan. 12.

CRIMES WITH TURKEY’S SARIYER: Middle Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California, Instagram), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sariyer in the Turkish League this winter. Sariyer returned to Turkish League regular season action on Jan. 22, but couldn’t stop the momentum of Fenerbahce – which won the Turkish Cup last week – in a 25-21, 25-10, 25-13 loss. Crimes scored two kills on six attacks in the loss. Sariyer, in 10th place in the Turkish League regular season standings with a 3-9 record, takes on sixth-place Canakkale (7-5) on Jan. 28 in its next Turkish League match.

ROBINSON, LOWE WITH CHINA’S BAIC MOTORS: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram) and opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, California, Instagram), both members of the 2016 bronze-winning U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are in China this winter playing for BAIC Motors Beijing. BAIC Motors defeated Sichuan 25-22, 23-25, 25-18, 25-23 on Jan. 21 to conclude its double round robin playoffs of the top teams. Lowe, who missed some action earlier in the playoffs due to illness, led all players with 27 kills on 48 swings. Robinson added 14 points, including a team-leading three blocks. She added eight digs and seven excellent receptions on as many chances. BAIC Motors (5-9) finished seventh in the eight team Group I playoffs and missed on qualifying for the semifinals. However, BAIC Motors was only one match win away from being in the top four of the playoffs.

U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OPEN TRYOUT: The U.S. Women’s National Team will hold its annual open tryout March 3-5 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The three-day tryout is expected to draw 240 athletes with hopes of earning a spot in one of the U.S. Women’s National Team programs. Athletes who have come out of the tryout include Kim Hill, the 2014 FIVB World Championship most valuable player. This tryout is open to current college-age athletes and older born in the years 1989-1999* inclusive (Women’s Junior age group athletes born in 1988 or 1999 AND NOT currently enrolled in college must be invited to attend this tryout) AND high school athletes born in 1997 or earlier. Athletes born before 1988 must contact USA Volleyball at [email protected] for approval.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Jan. 16, 2017) – The first year of an Olympic quadrennial cycle usually has more new faces joining the U.S. Women’s National Team, and 2017 will be no different. If you have dreamed of playing for Team USA, the U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryouts are just around the corner with online registration now open.

U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OPEN TRYOUT: The U.S. Women’s National Team will hold its annual open tryout March 3-5 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The three-day tryout is expected to draw 240 athletes with hopes of earning a spot in one of the U.S. Women’s National Team programs. Athletes who have come out of the tryout include Kim Hill, the 2014 FIVB World Championship most valuable player. This tryout is open to current college-age athletes and older born in the years 1989-1999* inclusive (Women’s Junior age group athletes born in 1998 or 1999 AND NOT currently enrolled in college must be invited to attend this tryout) AND high school athletes born in 1997 or earlier. Athletes born before 1988 must contact USA Volleyball at [email protected] for approval.

REMEMBERING FLO HYMAN: The late Flo Hyman, a 1984 Olympic silver medalist with the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team, is set to be inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame on Feb. 21 along with teammate Rita Buck-Crockett. Hyman, who was also enshrined into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1988, was selected to USA Volleyball’s 75th Anniversary Women’s 1978-2002 All-Era Team and was most valuable player of the squad. She was named to the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team, but missed her opportunity to compete with the U.S. boycott of the Moscow Games. The world got to know her better in 1981 as she was selected most valuable player of the 1981 FIVB World Cup. However, her life was cut short as she collapsed during a pro match in Japan in January 1986. What was first thought as a heart attack, it was later found that Hyman suffered from Marfan’s Syndrome, a genetic disorder. A year after her passing, National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) was established as a remembrance of her athletic achievements and dedication to promoting equality for women’s sports. NGWSD is celebrated annually across all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies and other celebratory activities. This year NGWSD will be celebrated on Feb. 1. For more on Hyman’s induction into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, click here.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) a bronze medalist on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, returns this winter to play for Turkey’s VakifBank and in the European Champions League. In the European Champions League, VakifBank (2-0, 5 points) held off Turkish rival Eczacibasi 25-21, 25-21, 21-25, 20-25, 15-10 on Jan. 10 to remain undefeated in Pool D. Hill was a sub in all five sets and tallied three kills on eight swings with a 40 positive reception percent on five chances. VakifBank resumes action on Jan. 25 against Germany’s Dresdner SC (0-2, 0 points). In a break from Turkish League action, VakifBank eased past Nilufer 25-19, 25-15, 25-19 in the Turkish Cup quarterfinals on Jan. 15. Hill, who started the final two sets after being a reserve in the first set, tallied six kills on 13 swings and an ace for seven points. She was credited with a 67 positive reception percent on six chances. In the semifinals, VakifBank swept Bursa B Sehir 25-17, 25-19, 25-16 on Jan. 16. Hill recorded two kills in the victory as a reserve. VakifBank meets Fenerbahce in the Turkish Cup finals on Jan. 17. In the Turkish regular season, VakifBank is 11-0 through the first half.

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano absorbed a 25-23, 25-14, 19-25, 25-21 loss to third-place Igor Gorgonzola Novara on Jan. 15 to start the Italian League second half. Bartsch collected a team-high 16 points with 14 kills on 28 attacks and two blocks. She chipped in a 65 positive reception percent on 23 chances. Bolzano (4-8, 15 points), now in seventh place in the Italian League regular season, returns to the court on Jan. 22 against fifth-place Unet Yamamay Busto Arsizio (8-4, 22 points).

CRIMES WITH TURKEY’S SARIYER: Middle Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California, Instagram), an alternate to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sariyer in the Turkish League this winter. Sariyer dropped its Turkish Cup quarterfinal match to Fenerbahce by scores 25-11, 25-17, 25-20 on Jan. 15. Crimes notched seven points with four kills on 12 attacks, two blocks and an ace. Sariyer, in ninth place in the Turkish League regular season standings with a 3-8 record, was idle this week with the Turkish Cup putting the league on hiatus.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Jan. 9, 2017) – This week’s U.S. Women’s National Team update highlights 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Kayla Banwarth, who begins her post-National Team career at her alma mater as an assistant coach. The update also features a blog by Natalie Hagglund on being versatile for success and other team news from around the globe.

BANWARTH TAKES JOB WITH ALMA MATER: Kayla Banwarth (Dubuque, Iowa, Twitter, Instagram), a bronze medalist with the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, has accepted an assistant coach position with her alma mater, University of Nebraska. Banwarth said “I am extremely honored to rejoin the Nebraska volleyball program as a coach. I want to thank Coach (John) Cook and the rest of the staff for this opportunity. I look forward to learning and growing both as a coach and a person. It’s great to be back in Lincoln.” Banwarth, who was a volunteer assistant coach for the Pepperdine men’s volleyball team last spring, was a walk-on at Nebraska and became the starting libero midway through her freshman season. She ended her career as the all-time digs leader before out-going Husker senior Justine Wong-Orantes surpassed the mark.

HAGGLUND BLOGS ON KEYS TO SUCCESS: U.S. Women’s National Team libero Natalie Hagglund (Encinitas, California, Twitter, Instagram) recently wrote a blog for her website discussing how players can better their chances to being successful in volleyball. According to her blog, Hagglund writes the ability to be versatile in many ways helped her career and she believes other athletes can benefit from the same tactic. “I am worried that we put too much emphasis on being great at one skill with the intention of being noticed in that position,” Hagglund wrote. To compensate for this, Hagglund believes “The younger e can learn to develop in every skill, the better, more valuable we will be in the long run.”

GET TO KNOW TWO-TIME OLYMPIAN BUCK-CROCKETT: Rita Buck-Crockett, a member of the 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Teams, is part of the 2017 Texas Sports Hall of Fame class. Buck-Crockett, along with Flo Hyman, will be the first two volleyball players inducted into the TSHOF with the formal enshrinement on Feb. 21 in Waco, Texas. After being named to the All-World Team in 1982, she helped Team USA win silver at the 1984 Olympic Games. Buck-Crockett, a member of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, was equally successful on the sand as she teamed with Jackie Silva to win the World Beach Volleyball Championship, and in the process becoming the first African-American woman to earn the title. After her playing days, Buck-Crockett turned to coaching. She served as head coach at University of Iowa from 1998 to 2004, then as associate head coach at Florida State University in 2004-2005. Buck-Crockett currently is the head coach at Florida International University as its indoor and beach volleyball head coach. She was named the 2015 AVCA Sand Volleyball Coach of the Year. For a full article on her induction, click here.

LLOYD, GIBBEMEYER WITH ITALY’S CASALMAGGIORE: Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist setter for Team USA, and middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) have returned to Italy to compete for Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 league and the CEV Cup. Casalmaggiore lost to Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena 25-18, 25-22, 25-16 on Jan. 5 to open its Italian Cup quarterfinal home-and-home series in Modena. Casalmaggiore begins the Italian Serie A1 regular season second half on Jan. 15 against Club Italia Crai (1-10), which is in last place of the 12-team Serie A1 league. Casalmaggiore came back to win the second match 25-15, 25-19, 25-19 on Jan. 8 at its home facility. Lloyd set the squad to a 43 kill percent and added four blocks and one individual kill. Gibbemeyer added six kills on 11 swings and five blocks for 11 points in the win. With both teams winning at home 3-0, a golden set was played to decide which team would advance to the Italian Cup semifinal. Casalmaggiore held an 8-6 advantage at the side switch, but Modena came back to win 18-16. In CEV Cup action, Casalmaggiore will face Maccabi XT Haifa in the 16th Final Round with dates of the home-and-home series with the first match set for Jan. 12 and the return match on Jan. 26.

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. During the Italian Cup quarterfinals, Bolzano lost to Imoco Volley Conegliano 25-23, 25-22, 28-26 on Jan. 5 in Bolzano to start the home-and-home quarterfinal round. Bartsch scored a team-best 12 points with eight kills and four aces while handling 19 service receptions with a 74 positive percent. In the return match on Jan. 8, Conegliano swept the series with a 25-18, 30-28, 25-16 victory. Bartsch totaled nine points with seven kills, one block and one ace in the match. Bolzano (4-7, 12 points), now in seventh place in the Italian League regular season, begins the second half on Jan. 15 against third-place Igor Gorgonzola Novara (7-4, 23 points).

HANCOCK WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Twitter, Instagram), who played for the U.S. Women during the 2016 Pan American Cup and set the tournament record for aces in a match and tournament, is playing for Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the Orlen Liga. Wroclaw started out the 2017 portion of its Orlen Liga regular season with a 25-23, 27-29, 25-15, 25-16 victory over 11th-place KSZO Ostrowiec on Jan. 4. Hancock set her team to a 48 kill percent and added four individual kills on 10 errorless attacks and one ace for five points. American teammate Megan Courtney added 13 points, all kills on 28 swings and just two errors. Wroclaw continued its winning ways with a 25-21, 28-26, 25-18 sweep of eighth-place LKS Comercecon Lodz on Jan. 8. Hancock notched eight points with four kills on six errorless attacks, three aces on 16 serves and one block while setting her squad to a 41 kill percent. Courtney turned in nine kills in the win. Wroclaw, in second place with a 11-4 record and 36 points, will challenge 13th-place BKS Profi Credit Bielsko-Biala on Jan. 13 in its next league match.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Jan. 2, 2017) – While many in the United States were off from work and enjoying the holiday season, U.S. Women’s National Team members playing overseas continued with their club seasons. For the latest team news from around the club, read the latest Women’s National Team update.

DID YOU KNOW?: Many already know that Karch Kiraly, head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team, is the only player – male or female – to win gold in both indoor and beach volleyball. But did you know that he is only the fourth person to earn an Olympic volleyball medal as well as leading a team to an Olympic medal as its head coach?

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano handled seventh-place LIU Jo Nordmeccanica Modena 25-23, 20-25, 25-17, 25-23 on Dec. 26 to conclude the regular season first half. Bartsch collected 19 points with 13 kills on 41 swings, five blocks and an ace. She added 18 receptions with a 78 positive reception percent. Bolzano (4-7, 12 points), now in seventh place, begins the second half on Jan. 15 against third-place Igor Gorgonzola Novara (7-4, 23 points).

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) a bronze medalist on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, returns this winter to play for Turkey’s VakifBank and in the European Champions League. VakifBank eased past Bursa B. Sehir Bld 25-21, 25-20, 25-14 on Dec. 21 to remain the only undefeated team in the Turkish League at 11-0. Hill was a sub in the second set, registering one kill on a single attack and three service receptions. In the European Champions League, VakifBank (1-0) resumes action on Jan. 10 against Turkish rival Eczacibasi (1-0).

ROBINSON, LOWE WITH CHINA’S BAIC MOTORS: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram) and opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, California, Instagram), both members of the 2016 bronze-winning U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are in China this winter playing for BAIC Motors Beijing. BAIC Motors, after winning its first match of the playoffs, dropped three tough matches last week starting with a 25-20, 25-21, 25-21 loss to Tianjin on Dec. 20. Robinson totaled a team-high 15 points in the loss, including 12 kills on 34 swings and three blocks. Lowe added nine on 18 swings in just the opening two sets. BAIC Motors dropped a 25-19, 25-27, 25-14, 25-20 match to Liaoning Radio and TV on Dec. 24. Lowe slammed down 19 kills on 30 swings as part of a 20-point performance in starting the first three sets. Robinson did not play in the match. BAIC Motors nearly upset Tianjin in a return match before falling 25-20, 23-25, 20-25, 25-18, 15-8 on Dec. 31. Lowe tallied 17 points in the loss with 15 kills, on 40 swings one block and one ace. Robinson collected nine kills and an ace for 10 points. BAIC Motors will look to break the three-match losing streak on Jan. 7 when it faces Shenzhen.

MURPHY, EASY WITH CHINA’S HENAN: Opposite Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram), a bronze medalist with the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, and outside hitter Megan Easy (Boston, Massachusetts), a silver medalist with the 2012 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are playing in the Chinese League this winter with Henan. Henan, which finished the six-team Group 1 regular season in sixth place, ended the second tier playoffs with a 1-3 record after losing its final three matches. Henan, after winning its opening match, was trimmed by Shandong 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-22, 17-15 on Dec. 20. Easy scored a match-high 37 points with 36 coming on kills via 82 swings. Murphy added five points in the loss. Henan lost to Dianchi 25-22, 22-25, 25-23, 25-22 on Dec. 24. Easy again led the squad with 24 points with 22 kills on 33 swings. Murphy chipped in eight points, starting just the first two sets. Henan dropped its final match of the playoffs, a 25-14, 22-25, 25-23, 25-22 loss to Shandong on Dec. 31. Easy scored a team-high 21 points with 20 kills on 38 swings. Murphy collected 20 points in the match, including 19 kills on 33 attacks.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Dec. 19, 2016) – Fans of the U.S. Women’s National Team got a sneak peek of players who may be joining the team in 2017 as the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship ended over the weekend with Stanford winning the title.

AJANAKU LEADS STANFORD TO NCAA TITLE: Stanford University middle Inky Ajanaku, who was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team that captured gold at the 2015 Pan American Cup, tallied 16 kills on 31 swings, one block solo and seven block assists in leading Stanford University to a 25-21, 25-19, 18-25, 25-21 victory over University of Texas as the Cardinal won a record-tying seventh NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship on Dec. 17 in Columbus, Ohio. She was selected as the NCAA Tournament’s most outstanding player.

KARCH ON NCAA FINALS BROADCAST: U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly served as the color commentator for the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship semifinals on ESPN on Dec. 15 and the title match on ESPN2 on Dec. 17. The two semifinal broadcasts were the first time ESPN aired NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball championship matches and received record viewership.

USAV PROCESSES 233 FEMALE INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS: USA Volleyball has processed 328 international transfer certificates (233 females, 95 males) allowing United States citizens to compete in foreign professional volleyball leagues for the 2016-17 season as of Dec. 16 – an increase of 11 transfers in the last month. Additional transfers will be processed throughout the winter months. On the women’s side, athletes have transferred to play in 33 different countries with Germany attracting 50 players, England 24 players, and Sweden, Switzerland and Philippines with 13 apiece.

AKINRADEWO WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram), the Best Blocker in the 2016 Olympic Games after leading the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team to a bronze medal, is playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League and in the European Champions League. Volero, which had first, second and third-round byes in the European Champions League, opened the double-round robin fourth round with a 25-15, 25-21, 25-27, 25-18 victory over Russia’s Dinamo Krasnodar on Dec. 13 in Krasnodar. Akinradewo scored 14 points with 10 kills on 16 swings, three blocks and an ace in starting all four sets. Volero will face Dinamo Moscow (1-0) in the second leg of European Champions League Pool B on Jan. 12. Volero swept Hotel Cristal VFM 25-17, 25-20, 25-21 in Swiss League action on Dec. 17 and will return to action on Dec. 21 against Volley Top Luzern in its last match before the calendar turns to 2017.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) a bronze medalist on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, returns this winter to play for Turkey’s VakifBank and in the European Champions League. After byes in the European Champions League first, second and third rounds, VakifBank began the double-round robin fourth round Pool D with an 18-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-13 victory over Russia’s Uralochka-NTMK Ekaterinbug on Dec. 14. Hill was a sub in all four sets, recording a 100 positive reception percent on three chances without a single offensive attack. VakifBank resumes Champions League action on Jan. 10 against Turkish rival Eczacibasi (1-0). VakifBank blanked Halkbank 27-25, 25-18, 25-17 on Dec. 17 to remain undefeated in the Turkish League. Hill, who started all three sets, hammered out 14 kills on 30 swings and added an ace for 15 points in the victory. She also handled 22 of the team’s 57 receptions, recording a 73 positive reception percent. VakifBank, the only undefeated team with an 9-0 record, is back in action on Dec. 21 versus fourth-place Bursa B.Sehir BLD (7-3).

FAWCETT, CRIMES WITH TURKEY’S SARIYER: Opposite Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio, Instagram) and middle Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California, Instagram), both alternates to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are competing for Sariyer in the Turkish League this winter. Sariyer lost its third straight match, falling to Eczacibasi 25-18, 26-24, 25-18 on Dec. 18. Fawcet tallied seven points with six kills on 15 swings and an ace. Crimes added four blocks and three kills on nine swings for seven points. Sariyer, now in 11th place with a 2-8 record, will look to avoid a four-match losing streak when it faces 12th place Idman Ocagi (2-8) on Dec. 21.

LLOYD, GIBBEMEYER WITH ITALY’S CASALMAGGIORE: Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California, Instagram), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist setter for Team USA, and middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) have returned to Italy to compete for Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 league and the CEV Cup. Casalmaggiore downed Italian league-leader Foppapedretti Bergamo 20-25, 25-17, 28-26, 25-19 on Dec. 15. Lloyd set her team to a 44 kill percent and contributed two individual kills on three attacks and two blocks for four points. Gibbemeyer put 10 points on the scoresheet with six kills on 12 attacks and four blocks. Casalamaggiore continued its hot play with a 25-23, 25-13, 25-14 win over Savino Del Bene Scandicci on Dec. 18. Lloyd has two blocks and a kill while setting Casalmaggiore to a 35 kill percent. Gibbemeyer pocketed five blocks and three kills on eight errorless attacks. Casamaggiore, now in first place with 25 points and a 9-1 record, will resume Italian League action on Dec. 26 against 10th-ranked Metalleghe Montichiari (2-8, 6 points). In CEV Cup action, Casalmaggiore will face Maccabi XT Haifa in the 16th Final Round with dates of the home-and-home series with the first match set for Jan. 12 and the return match date not yet determined.

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano nearly upset then league-leader Foppapedretti Bergamo on Dec. 17 before falling 25-21, 21-25, 25-23, 31-33, 15-13. Bartsch scored a team-leading 24 points with 22 kills on 53 attacks and two blocks. She also handled 21 serves with an 81 positive reception percent. Bolzano (3-7, 12 points), now in eighth place, will look to avoid a second straight loss when it faces seventh-place LIU JO Nordmeccanica Modena (4-5, 13 points) on Dec. 26.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Dec. 12, 2016) – The U.S. Women’s National Team has been selected to play in the 2017 FIVB World Grand Champions Cup while its head coach Karch Kiraly has been named to a prestigious FIVB commission. Get all the team news in this week’s update below.

KARCH SELECTED TO KEY FIVB COMMISSION: U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly was selected to 10-member FIVB Technical and Coaching Commission as announced by the international federation on Dec. 8. The commission now includes the three most recent coaches to lead the U.S. Women’s National Team. China’s Lang Ping led the U.S. Women from 2005-08, culminating with the silver medal at the 2008 Olympic Games on her home soil. New Zealand’s Hugh McCutcheon, who serves as president of the Technical and Coaching Commission, mentored the U.S. Women from 2009-12 leading to silver at the 2012 Olympic Games. Kiraly paced Team USA to the bronze at the most recent 2016 Rio Olympics. Other members selected to the Technical and Coaching Commission are France’s Philippe Blain, Korea’s Kiwon Park, Italy’s Giovanii Guidetti, England’s Audrey Cooper, Brazil’s Jose Roberto “Ze Roberto” Guimarães, Japan’s Toshiro Endo and Egypt’s Sherif Hamdy Elshemerly.

U.S. WOMEN SELECTED FOR WORLD GRAND CHAMPIONS CUP: The U.S. Women’s National Team has been selected to compete in the six-team FIVB World Grand Champions Cup that will take place Sept. 5-10 in Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan. The field is comprised of the top-ranked team from the four highest ranked continental confederations, plus one wild card joining host Japan. Team USA will represent NORCECA. The Asian Volleyball Confederation will be represented by reigning Olympic Games champion China, while the South American Confederation is represented by world’s fourth-ranked Brazil. Russia, ranked fifth in the world, will represent the European Confederation. Korea, ranked 10th in the world, was selected as the wild card and sixth-ranked Japan rounds out the field. The World Grand Champions Cup will have the first two days staged at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Sept. 5-6, before the tournament shifts to Nippongaishi Hall in Nagoya for the final three days Sept. 8-10. The tournament utilizes a round-robin format. The FIVB World Grand Champions Cup has been held in Japan every four years since 1993. In past years, teams from NORCECA qualified for the World Grand Champions Cup by winning that year’s NORCECA Championship.

USA VOLLEYBALL, ANAHEIM OFFICIALLY EXTEND PARTNERSHIP: USA Volleyball has formally signed an extension with the City of Anaheim to serve as the Official Host City of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams. The new deal runs through the entire 2020 Olympic quadrennial. “USA Volleyball could not be more pleased that our U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Teams will be calling the City of Anaheim home for another four years,” USA Volleyball Secretary General Kerry Klostermann said. “The U.S. Men’s team relocated to Anaheim in 2006 and the U.S. Women followed in 2009. The Olympic medals won by the teams in 2008, 2012 and 2016 are attributable to the generous support provided by the City of Anaheim and its citizens.” In September 2016, the Anaheim City Council approved funding that will pay USA Volleyball $1.5 million over the next four years leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Following the Anaheim City Council vote, USA Volleyball and Sports Anaheim, a division of Anaheim’s convention and visitor’s bureau Visit Anaheim, negotiated the final contract details to stay within the framework of the City Council approved vote. While Anaheim has served as their training city, the two international powerhouse indoor teams have captured four of a possible five Olympic Games medals plus one FIVB World Championship title (U.S. Women in 2014), FIVB World Cup title (U.S. Men in 2015), four FIVB World Grand Prix titles (U.S. Women in 2010-12, 2015) and two FIVB World League titles (U.S. Men in 2008, 2014). Prior to their moves to Anaheim, neither the U.S. Men or Women had medaled at the Olympics since 1992.

FUTURE TEAM USA MEMBERS ADVANCE TO NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP SEMIFINALS: The NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship semifinals will take place on Thursday, Dec. 15, with Stanford University challenging University of Minnesota at 7 p.m. ET followed by defending champion University of Nebraska taking on University of Texas at 9:30 p.m. ET. Both semifinal matches will air live on ESPN. Typically the NCAA semifinals showcases several athletes who will go on to join the U.S. Women’s National Team, which has five players with their alma mater competing in the finals this week. Nebraska has alums Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Twitter, Instagram), Kayla Banwarth (Dubuque, Iowa, Twitter, Instagram) and Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram) currently on the national team, while Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram) played for Texas and Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram) was a standout at Stanford. The championship match will take place on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET and aired on ESPN2.

MIYASHIRO ELECTED TO USOC’S ATHLETES’ ADVISORY COUNCIL: USA Volleyball is proud to announce that 2012 Olympic silver medalist Tamari Miyashiro (Kaneohe, Hawaii) has been elected to serve as USAV’s representative to the United States Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Advisory Council (AAC) for the 2017-2020 quadrennial. Miyashiro was elected by her athlete peers (beach, indoor and sitting volleyball) within USA Volleyball who have represented the United States in Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American Games, Parapan American Games, World Championships or other major international competitions within the preceding 10 years. “I am excited and honored to represent an elite group of athletes this quad on the Athletes’ Advisory Council,” Miyashiro said. “I think it’s important that the athletes’ voice gets heard and I am looking forward to helping them in any way that can relieve them of extra stresses while competing at the highest level. I am excited to get to work next month and looking forward to see the athletes train hard for Tokyo.” The USOC AAC is an advisory council with the primary responsibility of communicating athletes’ concerns and issues to the USOC family, as well as communicating information from the USOC family directly to elite athletes. On a basic level, all AAC Representatives should be informed and involved in the following areas: Selection Procedures for Olympic, Paralympic and Pan Am Trials, Selection Procedures for protected competitions other than above, Athlete Agreements, Code of Conduct, Personal Competitive Gear, NGB Governance, Anti-Doping, and Performance Partnership Agreement (PPA). For the full story, click here.

ROBINSON, LOWE WITH CHINA’S BAIC MOTORS: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram) and opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, California, Instagram), both members of the 2016 bronze-winning U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are in China this winter playing for BAIC Motors Beijing. BAIC Motors won both its matches in five sets this past week to end the regular season on a three-match win streak. BAIC Motors defeated Jiangsu Zhongtian 28-30, 26-24, 25-20, 20-25, 15-11 on Dec. 6. Robinson scored 17 points in the victory, while Lowe added eight points while starting just the first two sets. BAIC Motors ended the regular season with a 25-17, 18-25, 17-25, 25-21, 15-12 victory over Shanghai East Haolan on Dec. 10. Robinson tallied 15 points, including 12 kills and three blocks. Lowe, who started just the first three sets, chipped in 10 points in the victory. BAIC Motors ended the six-team Group 2 stage in third place with a 6-4 record. Lowe ended the regular season in 16th place in scoring with 140 points. She converted on 52 percent of her attacks.

MURPHY, EASY WITH CHINA’S HENAN: Opposite Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram), a bronze medalist with the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, and outside hitter Megan Easy (Boston, Massachusetts), a silver medalist with the 2012 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are playing in the Chinese League this winter with Henan. Henan lost a heart-breaking 15-25, 15-25, 27-25, 25-23, 16-14 match to Sichuan on Dec. 6. Easy pocketed a match-high 26 points with 24 kills on 49 swings and two blocks. Murphy chipped in 15 points in the loss. Henan lost its regular season finale 25-17, 25-20, 25-19 to Liaoning Radio and TV on Dec. 10. Easy scored a team-high 10 points with nine kills on 27 attacks, while Murphy tacked on eight points. Henan finished the six-team group 1 regular season with a 1-9 record and in sixth place. Easy finished the regular season ranked third in scoring with 195 points and 42 kill percent.

Waking up to the news that @TexasVolleyball is headed to the finals four!! Forrr the 5th time in a row. Yass! pic.twitter.com/wA3mxd0StE
— Rachael Adams (@RADAMSS) December 11, 2016

FAWCETT, CRIMES WITH TURKEY’S SARIYER: Opposite Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio, Instagram) and middle Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California, Instagram), both alternates to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are competing for Sariyer in the Turkish League this winter. Sariyer lost its second straight match, falling to Besiktas 25-22, 27-25, 25-23 on Dec. 11. Fawcett scored a team-high 15 points with 12 kills on 29 swings and three blocks. Crimes added seven kills on 15 swings in the loss. Sariyer, now in ninth place with a 2-7 record, will look to avoid a three-match losing streak when it faces third-place Eczacibasi (6-3) on Dec. 18.

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano tripped up 10th-place Saugella Team Monza 25-19, 25-23, 18-25, 25-19 on Dec. 10 in Bolzano. Bartsch collected a team-high 20 points with 18 kills on 45 swings, one ace and one block. She also turned in a 70 positive reception percent on 23 reception attempts. Bolzano (3-7, 11 points), now in ninth place, will look to avoid a second straight loss when it faces league-leader Foppapedretti Bergamo (7-1, 20 points) on Dec. 18.

HANCOCK WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Twitter, Instagram), who played for the U.S. Women during the 2016 Pan American Cup and set the tournament record for aces in a match and tournament, is playing for Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the Orlen Liga. Wroclaw blanked seventh-place PTPS Pila 25-22, 25-20, 25-18 on Dec. 7 to start its week. Hancock scored nine individual points with four kills on eight errorless swings, three aces and two blocks. She also set Wroclaw to a 39 kill percent as a team. American teammate Megan Courtney scored seven points in the victory. Wroclaw swept then-third-place KS Palac Bydgoszcz 25-19, 25-17, 25-14 on Dec. 11. Hancock set the team to a 37 kill percent while scoring six aces and a kill for seven individual points. Courtney scored a team-high 15 points with 11 kills on 19 errorless swings, two aces and two blocks. Wroclaw, which moved up to third place with a 7-4 record and 24 points, will challenge Legionovia Legionowa on Dec. 17 in its next Orlen Liga match.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Dec. 5, 2016) – Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska) and Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio) were honored with prestigious USA Volleyball season-ending awards last week, but the U.S. Women’s National Team had several other key contributor during the 2016. Check out the season stats to see how all the players ranked.

STATS OVERLOAD: The U.S. Women’s National Team finished the 2016 with a 27-4 record and medaled in all four tournaments it entered. So who finished as the best scorer for Team USA? That would go to two different players, depending on how you look at stats. Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Twitter, Instagram) tallied the most points with 248 points scored, edging out outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) and her 237 points. However, middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram) had the best scoring average with 3.45 points per set, just eclipsing the 3.43 scoring average of Hill to top the list of players with at least 25 sets played. Middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram) led the team in blocking with 49 total blocks and a 0.82 block average. Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma), who played in the Pan American Cup for Team USA, scored a whopping 50 aces in 25 sets played for a 2.00 ace per set average. Hill was the next closest with 28 aces as part of a 0.41 ace average. Akinradewo produced the top hitting efficiency on the season with a .506 hitting efficiency (188-30-312) as well as the top kill percent at 60.3. Adams was next in both categories among players with at least 25 sets played, producing a .455 hitting efficiency (134-27-235) and 57.0 kill percent. Larson and libero Kayla Banwarth (Dubuque, Iowa, Twitter, Instagram) tied for the most digs in 2016 with 127 apiece, and both did so in 74 sets for a 1.72 dig per set average. Ironically, Alisha Glass (Leland, Michigan, Twitter, Instagram) was next in line for the digs lead as a setter, compiling 114 digs as part of a 1.44 average. The U.S. had 30 players suit up to play in official matches in 2016.

LARSON TABBED FEMALE INDOOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR, ADAMS MOST IMPROVED: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Twitter, Instagram) has been a model of consistency leading to success since joining the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2009. For her contributions this past year, Larson has been selected as the 2016 USA Volleyball Female Indoor Player of the Year for the second consecutive year. Middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram) was tabbed as the 2016 USA Volleyball Female Indoor Most Improved Player of the Year. During the 2016 Olympics, Larson averaged 2.69 kills, 0.34 blocks and 0.28 aces per set with an overall 3.31 points average. She converted 41.5 percent of her attacks into points with a .295 hitting efficiency. Adams played in 60 sets during 2016 with averages of 3.37 points, 2.23 kills, 0.82 blocks and 0.32 aces per set. She converted 57.0 percent of her attacks into points with a .455 hitting efficiency. Competing in her first-ever Olympic Games, Adams averaged 3.00 points per set with 2.11 kills, 0.68 blocks and 0.21 aces per set in Rio de Janeiro. She held a .457 hitting efficiency in starting all eight matches at the Olympics.

HYMAN, BUCK-CROCKETT ELECTED INTO TEXAS SPORTS HALL OF FAME: Rita Buck-Crockett and the late Flo Hyman have been elected into the 2017 Texas Sports Hall Fame and will become the first two volleyball players ever to be inducted into the Hall. Buck-Crockett, a San Antonio native, was selected to the 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Teams after playing collegiately at the University of Houston. Hyman was the first female scholarship athlete at the University of Houston where she was a three-time All-American before being selected to the 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Teams. Hyman and Buck-Crockett were part of the Olympic silver-medal winning team in 1984 after missing out on the 1980 Olympics due to U.S. boycott. The eight-member Class of 2017 will be honored on Feb. 21 at the Waco Convention Center. Combination reception/banquet tickets are $200 each or $1,400 for a reserved table of eight. Banquet-only tickets can be purchased for $75 each, or $600 for a reserved table of eight.

2ND ANNUAL GIVE IT BACK FOUNDATION VOLLEYBALL CAMP: The Give It Back Foundation, co-founded by U.S. Women’s National Team members Courtney Thompson (Kent, Washington, Twitter, Instagram) and Tamari Miyashiro (Kaneohe, Hawaii, Twitter, Instagram), is currently inspiring and empowering the next generation of volleyball players to be the best they can be through its second annual charitable camp. Following up on a successful inaugural Give It Back Foundation Camp in Thompson’s hometown that donated $35,000 proceeds to The Children’s Therapy Center of Kent, Washington, the second annual event will have four stops in Miyashiro’s home state of Hawaii from Dec. 3-14. All of the net proceeds from each Give It Back Foundation camp will be donated to a charity in the community that is hosting the camp. For the four camps in Hawaii, 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit HUGS Hawaii.

Oahu Camp – Dec. 3-4
Big Island Camp – Dec. 6-8
Kauai Camp – Dec. 10-11
Maui Camp – Dec. 12-14

All camps are open to girls in grade 9-12. Past and present U.S. Women’s National Team players Nicole Davis (Stockton, California, Twitter, Instagram), Alisha Glass (Leland, Michigan, Twitter, Instagram), Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah, Twitter, Instagram) and Lauren Paolini (Ann Arbor, Michigan, Twitter, Instagram) will join Thompson and Miyashiro as coaches for the clinics for one or more clinics. During each camp, the coaching staff will teach topics such as growth mindset, self-talk, mindfulness, goal setting, nutrition and specific exercises in the weight room. For more information on the camps, contact [email protected] or visit the website at giveitbackfoundation.org.

HUGS Hawaii has a mission to “improve the quality of life for families as they face the emotional and financial hardships of caring for a seriously ill child. For more on the charity, click here.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) a bronze medalist on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, returns this winter to play for Turkey’s VakifBank and in the European Champions League. VakifBank handled Idman Ocago 25-23, 25-18, 26-24 on Nov. 30 in its first match of the week. In a starting role all three sets, Hill pocketed 11 points with 10 kills on 19 attacks with just one error to go with a block. She also handled 15 receptions with a 60 positive percent. VakifBank blanked Fenerbahce (4-3) 25-21, 25-19, 25-18 on Dec. 4. Hill was a sub in all three sets with two serves and three receptions with a 67 excellent reception percent. Turkish league-leader VakifBank, the only undefeated team with an 8-0 record, is back in action on Dec. 10 against Canakkale. VakifBank, which had byes in the first, second and third rounds of the European Champions League, is part of the double round robin fourth round Pool D where it will face Uralochka-NTMK Ekaterinburg, Dresdner SC and Turkish rival Eczacibasi starting in mid-December. VakifBank opens against Uralochka on Dec. 14 in Istanbul.

FAWCETT, CRIMES WITH TURKEY’S SARIYER: Opposite Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio, Instagram) and middle Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California, Instagram), both alternates to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are competing for Sariyer in the Turkish League this winter. Sariyer won its second match in a row by defeating Nilufer 25-17, 25-18, 25-15 on Nov. 30. Fawcett pounded out 16 points with 14 kills on 23 swings and two aces. Crimes chipped in 10 points with eight kills on 10 swings and two blocks. However, Sariyer was unable to keep the win streak alive on Dec. 4 as it fell to Bursa B. Sehir 25-17, 25-16, 27-25. Fawcett chalked up 13 points with 12 kills on 31 swings and an ace. Crimes was limited to three points in the match. Sariyer, now in ninth place with a 2-6 record, will look to avoid a two-match losing streak when it faces eighth-place Besiktas (4-4) on Dec. 11.

HANCOCK WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Twitter, Instagram), who played for the U.S. Women during the 2016 Pan American Cup and set the tournament record for aces in a match and tournament, is playing for Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the Orlen Liga. Wroclaw defeated Polski Cukier Muszynianka 25-19, 20-25, 25-22, 25-11 at home on Nov. 30. Hancock set her team to a 38 kill percent while placing four individual kills on seven swings, one block and one ace on the stat sheet. American teammate Megan Courtney charted 11 points with eight kills on 30 swings, two aces and a block. In its second match of the week, Wroclaw nearly pulled off an upset of second-place Chemik Police before falling 25-20, 18-25, 19-25, 25-23, 15-9 on Dec. 3. Hancock set her club to a 39 kill percent as a team and delivered eight individual points with five kills on 12 errorless attacks, two aces and a block. Courtney added 17 points via 14 kills on 39 swings, two blocks and an ace. Wroclaw, which falls to fourth place with a 5-4 record and 18 points, will challenge seventh-place PTPS Pila (5-4, 14 points) on Dec. 7 and third-place KS Palac Bydgoszcz (6-3, 19 points) on Dec. 11.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Nov. 28, 2016) – While Thanksgiving was a time for family and friends to relax and give thanks in the United States, many of our U.S. Women’s National Team members and other American citizens playing abroad did not have the same luxury of being with family. Foreign countries do not celebrate Thanksgiving as we do in the United States and club the schedule went on as scheduled.

USAV CONTINUES TO PROCESS INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS: USA Volleyball has processed 317 international transfer certificates (224 females, 93 males) allowing United States citizens to compete in foreign professional volleyball leagues for the 2016-17 season as of Nov. 22 – an increase of 55 transfers in the last month. Additional transfers will be processed throughout the winter months. On the women’s side, athletes have transferred to play in 32 different countries with Germany attracting 48 players, England 23 players, and Sweden and Philippines with 13 apiece.

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano avoided a two-match losing streak by blanking 11th-place Metalleghe Montichiari (1-6, 3 points) 25-23, 25-15, 26-24 on Nov. 26. Bartsch scored 10 points with nine kills on 23 attacks and a block. She also added a 67 positive reception percent on 18 serve-receive chances. Bolzano (2-5, 7 points), now in eighth place, will go for a second straight victory when it meets fourth-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci (5-2, 15 points) on Dec. 4.

KREKLOW WITH ITALY’S MODENA: Setter Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is playing for Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena in the Italian Serie A1 and European Champions League this winter. Modena lost to Igor Gorgonzola Novara 28-26, 25-20, 25-19 on Nov. 27. Kreklow did not play in the match. Ninth-place Modena’s (2-4, 6 points) sixth-round match is scheduled for Nov. 30 while its eigthh-round match will be played against Pomi Casalmaggiore on Dec. 4. In CEV Champions League, Modena has advanced to the Champions League double-round robin Pool A where it will face Poland’s Chemik Police, Italy’s Imoco Volley Conegliano and Azerbaijan’s Telekom Baku starting in mid-December. Modena opens against Chemik Police on Dec. 15.

LARSON, ADAMS WITH TURKEY’S ECZACIBASI: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Twitter, Instagram) and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram), both members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team that won bronze in Rio, are playing for Eczacibasi of the Turkish League and as part of the European Champions League this winter. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi rallied to defeat Halkbank 28-30, 25-18, 25-23, 25-20 on Nov. 22 to start the week. Larson recorded 10 points with eight kills on 29 swings, one ace and one block. She added 18 receptions with a 61 positive reception percent. Adams was a sub in the first three sets, racking up three kills on four errorless attacks. Turkish League rules only permit three foreigners on the court at the same time per club whereas Champions League does not have a foreigner limit on the court at one time. Hence, in Turkish League action, Adams rotates playing with Brazilian middle Thaisa. To accomplish the substitution involving either Adams or Thaisa, the Eczacibasi coach uses a double substitution where one foreign middle plus a Turkish player goes in and a Turkish middle and one foreigner goes out. Eczacibasi dropped a tough five-set match to VakifBank 27-29, 17-25, 25-22, 25-21, 15-10 on Nov. 26. Larson contributed 13 points in the loss with 11 points on 34 swings and two blocks. She added a 100 percent positive reception on 17 chances. Adams did not play in the match. Eczacibasi (4-2), which remains in second place, returns to Turkish League action on Nov. 30 when it faces sixth-place Galatasaray (4-2) followed by last-place Seramiksan (0-6) on Dec. 4. In Champions League action, Eczacibasi has advanced to the fourth round where it will face Turkish rival VakifBank, Russia’s Uralochka-NTMK Ekaterinburg and Germany’s Dresdner in a double-round robin Pool D. Eczacibasi opens at Dresdner on Dec. 14.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Instagram) a bronze medalist on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, returns this winter to play for Turkey’s VakifBank and in the European Champions League. VakifBank swept Besiktas 25-13, 25-21, 25-21 on Nov. 20 to begin the week. Hill totaled eight points in a starting role, including four kills, three blocks and an ace. She also handled 21 receptions with a 38 positive percent. VakifBank rallied from a two-set deficit to defeat FIVB Women’s Club World Champions Eczacibasi 27-29, 17-25, 25-22, 25-21, 15-10 on Nov. 26. Hill was a starter in the third set and was a sub in the remaining four sets. She served one ace on seven chances and was 72 percent positive on 18 service receptions. Turkish league-leader VakifBank, the only undefeated team with a 6-0 record, is back in action on Nov. 30 against 10th-place Idman Ocagi (1-5) before challenging fifth-place Fenerbahce (4-2) on Dec. 4. VakifBank, which had byes in the first, second and third rounds of the European Champions League, is part of the double round robin fourth round Pool D where it will face Uralochka-NTMK Ekaterinburg, Dresdner SC and Turkish rival Eczacibasi starting in mid-December. VakifBank opens against Uralochka on Dec. 14 in Istanbul.

FAWCETT, CRIMES WITH TURKEY’S SARIYER: Opposite Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio, Instagram) and middle Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California, Twitter, Instagram), both alternates to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are competing for Sariyer in the Turkish League this winter. Sariyer lost to Galatasaray 25-19, 20-25, 25-20, 25-21 on Nov. 20. Fawcett score a team-high 19 points with 17 kills on 49 swings, one block and one ace. Crimes added nine points with seven kills on 15 errorless attacks and two blocks. Sariyer broke its losing streak with a 21-25, 25-16, 25-19, 25-18 victory over Seramiksan on Nov. 27. Crimes pocketed 15 points with 11 kills on 18 swings and just one error to go with two blocks. Fawcett claimed 14 points with 13 kills on 31 swings and a block. Sariyer will seek its second win in a row when it meets ninth-place Nilufer (1-5) on Nov. 30 followed by third-place Bursa Sehir (5-1) on Dec. 4.

ROBINSON, LOWE WITH CHINA’S BAIC MOTORS: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram) and opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, California, Instagram), both members of the 2016 bronze-winning U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are in China this winter playing for BAIC Motors Beijing. BAIC Motors lost to Jiangsu Zhongtian Steel 16-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-18 on Nov. 22. Lowe hammered 19 kills on 43 swings as part of a 21-point performance. Robinson totaled nine points in the loss. BAIC Motors lost its second match of the week to Shanghai East 25-19, 25-22, 25-19 on Nov. 26. Lowe provided 15 points in the loss with 12 kills on 31 attacks, two aces and a block. Robinson added 12 kills on 29 attacks while chipping in nine digs. BAIC Motors (3-4), in fourth place, will try to break its two-match losing streak on Dec. 3 as it faces sixth-place Dianchi Lake (0-7).

MURPHY, EASY WITH CHINA’S HENAN: Opposite Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Illinois, Twitter, Instagram), a bronze medalist with the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, and outside hitter Megan Easy (Boston, Massachusetts), a silver medalist with the 2012 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are playing in the Chinese League this winter with Henan. Henan was unable to win its second match in a row after falling to Liaoning Radio and Television 25-18, 25-16, 26-24 on Nov. 22. Easy pocketed a match-high 19 points with 16 kills on 31 swings, two blocks and an ace. Murphy added 16 points with 13 kills on 25 swings and added six digs. Henan lost its second match of the week to Fujian with scores of 22-25, 25-14, 25-18, 25-22 on Nov. 26. Easy again led her team scoring with 18 points via 16 kills on 58 swings and two blocks. Murphy chipped in 11 kills on 38 attacks in the loss. Henan (1-6), in sixth place in the six-team Group A, is back in action on Dec. 3 against fifth-place Shenzhen (2-5) in a key battle as group play winds down.

HANCOCK WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma, Twitter, Instagram), who played for the U.S. Women during the 2016 Pan American Cup and set the tournament record for aces in a match and tournament, is playing for Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the Orlen Liga. After starting the regular season with a 4-1 record, Wroclaw lost its second match in a row with a 25-20, 25-19, 25-23 setback to league-leader and undefeated Budowlani Lodz on Nov. 26. Hancock set her team to a 29 kill percent and added five points with three aces on 11 serves, one block and one kill. American teammate Megan Courtney added 14 points with 13 kills on 38 swings and a block. Wroclaw, which falls to third place with a 4-3 record and 14 points, will look to break the losing streak on Nov. 30 versus sixth-place Polski Cukier Muszynianka Enea (4-3, 10 points) followed by a Dec. 4 match versus second-place Chemik Police (7-0, 20 points).

NCAA ON TV AND INTERNET: While the U.S. Women’s National Team is away for the winter, check out how some of the future Team USA players are doing during the NCAA collegiate season. USA Volleyball has cataloged hundreds of NCAA Division I matches that will be broadcasted on television or streamed on the Internet.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Oct. 24, 2016) – U.S. Women’s National Team players were on the top four finishing teams of the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship including Jordan Larson and Rachael Adams with gold-medal winning Eczacibasi, while Danielle Scott-Arruda was enshrined into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame as team highlights for the past week.

CLUB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska, Twitter, Instagram) earned yet another major title as she and American teammate Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram) helped Eczacibasi to the 2017 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship gold-medal on Oct. 23.

Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California) was tabbed Best Setter on the Dream Team as she helped Pomi Casalmaggiore to the silver medal. She averaged 6.40 running sets per set while also totaling 19 points (11 kills, 6 blocks, 2 aces). Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida, Twitter, Instagram) was tabbed to the Dream Team as one of two Best Middle Blockers after helping Volero Zurich fourth place. Akinradewo averaged 0.63 blocks per set as she ranked ninth in Best Scorer with 61 total points.

In the title match, Eczacibasi defeated Pomi Casalmaggiore 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, 22-25, 15-11. Larson totaled 10 points in the victory, while Adams added six points. In the loss, Lloyd recorded nine points with six kills and three blocks while American teammate Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram) tallied eight points.

In the bronze-medal match, American Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Twitter, Instagram) scored two aces as a reserve to help VakifBank to a third-place finish. Akinradewo collected 10 points in the loss.

In the semifinal round, Casalmaggiore knocked out Volero in a four-set victory as Gibbemeyer scored six points and Lloyd set the team to the victory. Akinradewo scored 19 points for Volero in the loss. Eczacibasi defeated Turkish League rival VakifBank in four sets in the semifinals as Larson scored 10 points and Adams added eight points. Hill, who was a sub in the first three sets and started the fourth for VakifBank, charted seven points in the loss.

SCOTT-ARRUDA ENSHRINED INTO INTERNATIONAL VOLLEYBALL HALL OF FAME: Five-time Olympian Danielle Scott-Arruda (Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Twitter) took her spot into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame on Saturday evening along with other legends such as American Misty May-Treanor, Serbian Nikola Grbic, Brazilian Emanuel Rego and South Korean Man-Bok Park.

Scott-Arruda is the only five-time U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball team player, earning back-to-back silver medals in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. She played in her first Olympic Games at age 23 at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Scott-Arruda earned Best Blocker at the 2002 FIVB World Championship as Team USA won the silver medal. She paced the Americans to six FIVB World Grand Prix medals, including four gold medals and two bronzes. Scott-Arruda was named most valuable player, Best Scorer and Best Blocker at the 2001 FIVB World Grand Prix. Scott brought home silver from the 2011 FIVB World Cup, as well as bronze medals in the 2003 and 2007 editions.

“This is such an incredibly, humbling experience,” Scott-Arruda said. “To play a sport that you dedicate a lot of your life and a lot sacrifice, but it is because you want to do it. It is like you have so much passion for what you do, it doesn’t seem like such an incredible feat. It is what you do. You invest so much into it. This is not by my merits alone. Something like this cannot happen by yourself. So I am really grateful that I have been chosen to be a part of this great family of international people represented in this Hall of Fame.”

INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS: USA Volleyball has processed 262 international transfer certificates (189 females, 73 males) allowing United States citizens to compete in foreign professional volleyball leagues for the 2016-17 season as of Oct. 20. Additional transfers will be processed throughout the winter months. On the women’s side, athletes have transferred to play in 27 different countries with Germany attracting 44 players, England 22 players and Sweden and Switzerland with 12 apiece.

ODEN SISTERS NAMED USAV ALL-TIME GREAT PLAYERS: Sisters Elaina and Kim Oden have been named as Flo Hyman All-Time Great Women’s Players by USA Volleyball and will be recognized during the Dorothy C. Boyce Awards and Recognition Banquet on May 24, 2017. The sisters won bronze medals at the 1992 Olympic Games.

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois, Twitter), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Bolzano lost to Unet Yamamay Busto Arsizio 25-17, 25-18, 15-25, 25-13 on Oct. 23 to fall to 0-2 on the young Italian season. Bartsch scored a team-high 16 points with 13 kills via 42 swings, two blocks and an ace. She chipped in a 67 excellent reception percent on 12 serve-receive chances. Bolzano returns to action on Oct. 30 against Pomi Casalmaggiore.

KREKLOW WITH ITALY’S MODENA: Setter Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minnesota, Twitter, Instagram), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is playing for Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena in the Italian Serie A1 and European Champions League this winter. Modena improved to 2-0 in the Italian league following a 28-26, 26-24, 25-21 victory over Club Italia Crai on Oct. 23. Kreklow was a sub in all three sets but did not register a point. Modena faces Savino Del Bene Scandicci on Oct. 29. Modena begins European Champions League on Nov. 1 versus Calcit Ljubljana with a return date of Nov. 5 in the home-and-home series.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon, Twitter, Instagram) a bronze medalist on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, returns this winter to play for Turkey’s VakifBank and in the European Champions League. Hill and VakifBank won bronze at this past weekend’s FIVB Women’s Club World Championship. VakifBank opens its Turkish League schedule on Oct. 30 against Seramiksan. VakifBank has first, second and third-round byes in the European Champions League and is part of the round robin fourth round Pool D where it will face Uralochka-NTMK Ekaterinburg, Dresdner SC and a third-round winner beginning in mid-December.

FAWCETT, CRIMES WITH TURKEY’S SARIYER: Opposite Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio, Instagram) and middle Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California), both alternates to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are competing for Sariyer in the Turkish League this winter. Sariyer dropped its Turkish League opener to Fenerbahce 25-15, 25-27, 25-12, 25-23 on Oct. 23. Fawcett scored a match-high 22 points with 17 kills on 46 attacks, four aces and a block from her opposite position. Crimes chipped in seven points, all on kills via 10 attacks. Sariyer returns to action on Oct. 30 against Canakkale.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Oct. 17, 2016) – The international club season is underway with several members of the U.S. Women’s National Team playing overseas, including the annual FIVB Women’s Club World Championship taking place this week in Manila, Philippines.

CLUB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: The U.S. Women’s National Team is on hiatus with the international club season underway, but several Americans are playing in the prestigious FIVB Women’s Club World Championship including five bronze medalists from the 2016 Olympic Games. The Club World Championship begins Oct. 17 and runs through Oct. 23.

Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska) and Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio) are representing defending champion Eczacibasi in the tournament. Larson was named most valuable player of last year’s event held in May 2015. Switzerland’s Volero Zurich has U.S. middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida) leading the squad. Turkey’s VakifBank employs U.S. outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon). Setter Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California), a setter on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team, is joined by middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota) on the Pomi Casalmaggiore roster.

Other Americans competing in the Club World Championship are: Lindsay Stalzer, Stephanie Niemer and Kristy Lynn Schmieder of host team PSL-F2 Logistics Manila; and Ashley Frazier. with Bangkok Glass.

The eight-team Club World Championship is divided into two pools of four teams. Pool A has host team PSL-F2 Logistics Manila playing Italy’s Pomi Casalmaggiore, Turkey’s Eczacibasi and Brazil’s Rexona-SESC. Pool B has Turkey’s VakifBank, Japan’s Hisamitsu Springs, Switzerland’s Volero Zurich and Thailand’s Bangkok Glass.

To follow the schedule and results of the Club World Championship, click here. All matches can be viewed live by clicking here.

SCOTT-ARRUDA BEING INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME: Danielle Scott-Arruda (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), the only U.S. Women’s National Team member to play in five Olympic Games, will be enshrined into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame on Oct. 22 in Holyoke, Massachusetts – the sport’s birth place. Scott-Arruda, along with American Misty May-Treanor, Serbian Nikola Grbic, Brazilian Emanuel Rego and South Korean Man-Bok Park, comprise the Hall of Fame Class of 2016. Scott-Arruda earned back-to-back silver medals in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. She played in her first Olympic Games at age 24 at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Scott-Arruda earned Best Blocker at the 2002 FIVB World Championship as Team USA won the silver medal. She paced the Americans to six FIVB World Grand Prix medals, including four gold medals and two bronzes. Scott-Arruda was named most valuable player, Best Scorer and Best Blocker at the 2001 FIVB World Grand Prix. Scott brought home silver from the 2011 FIVB World Cup, as well as bronze medals in the 2003 and 2007 editions. To watch the live video stream of the Hall of Fame inductions, visit www.volleyhall.org. The ceremony begins at approximately 6 p.m. ET.

AKINRADEWO NAMED OFFICIAL AMBASSADOR OF CLUB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: U.S. middle Foluke Akinradewo, Best Blocker of the 2016 Olympic Games, is the official ambassador of the 2016 FIVB Volleyball Club Women’s World Championship as she competes in the eight-team tournament with Switzerland’s Volero Zurich. She said: “It’s such an honor. I think we as female volleyball players are role models for young girls around the world, too. That’s why I want to give something back – because that’s what sport is all about.”

DIETZEN SHARES MUSIC PLAYLIST: U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team captain Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania) and her teammates had just endured a heart-breaking five-set loss to Serbia in the Olympic Games semifinal match, ending Team USA’s hopes of its first Olympic gold medal. Coming back from such an emotional defeat to win the bronze medal showed the true character of the team. As part of the transition back into match mode following the loss, Dietzen partly credits her music playlist, which she shared in an espnW interview. To read the article and see her playlist, click here.

HILL FEATURED IN PORTLAND TRIBUNE: >Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon), a bronze medalist at the 2016 Olympic Games and most valuable player of the 2014 FIVB World Championship, was featured in her hometown paper, the Portland Tribune, on Oct. 11. In the article, Hill talks about what she has been doing since returning from Rio and prior to leaving for Turkey for her international club season. She also talks about how the team regrouped from losing in the Olympic Games semifinal round and come back to win the bronze medal. To read the article, click here.

GLASS, DIETZEN SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES IN RIO ON RETURN TO PENN STATE: Setter Alisha Glass (Leland, Michigan) and middle Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania), both bronze medalists at the 2016 Olympic Games and alumni of Penn State University, returned to their alma to take in a Penn State home volleyball followed by a football halftime recognition with other Nittany Lion Olympians and a speaking engagement on Sunday at Penn State’s All-Sports museum. During the weekend, both Glass and Dietzen shared their journeys to arrive in Rio and their experiences that included bouncing back to win the bronze medal. To read an article on their trip back to Penn State, click here.

THOMPSON HONORED AT SEAHAWKS HALFTIME: U.S. setter Courtney Thompson (Kent, Washington), who helped Team USA win bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games, was honored at halftime of the NFL Seattle Seahawks game versus the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 25. The 69,000 fans watched as the Seahawks honored five Olympians with ties to the Seattle area. In a Seahawks.com story, Thompson said. “It’s pretty surreal, actually. I still pinch myself that I was fortunate enough to get to go to two Olympics, much less do cool stuff like this. I look up to these guys and (head coach) Pete Carroll and love what they do, love how they are with the fans and everything. So this is really special.” To watch the halftime presentation and view the photo gallery of the event, click here.

LLOYD, GIBBEMEYER WITH ITALY’S CASALMAGGIORE: Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist setter for Team USA, and middle Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota) have returned to Italy to compete for Pomi Casalmaggiore in the Italian Serie A1 league and the CEV Cup. In the Italian Serie A1 season opener, Casalmaggiore rallied to defeat Club Italia 22-25, 25-20, 13-25, 25-11, 15-11 on Oct. 12. Gibbemeyer scored 14 points with 12 kills on 20 errorless attacks and two blocks. Lloyd set the team to a 40 kill percent and added two kills, two aces and a block for five individual points. After returning from the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship, Casalmaggiore takes on Suditrol Bolzano on Oct. 30.

BARTSCH WITH ITALY’S BOLZANO: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is competing for Sudtirol Bolzano in the Italian Serie A1 this winter. In the season opener, Bolzano fell to Igor Gorgonzola Novara 25-15, 25-18, 25-17 on Oct. 16. Bartsch started all three sets compiling eight points via six kills on 25 attacks and two blocks. She also added a 74 positive reception percent on a team-leading 31 chances. Bolzano has its home opener this coming weekend against Unet Yamamay Busto Arsizio on Oct. 23.

KREKLOW WITH ITALY’S MODENA: Setter Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minnesota), an alternate on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, is playing for Liu Jo Nordmeccanica Modena in the Italian Serie A1 and European Champions League this winter. In the Italian opener, Kreklow was a sub in the second and third sets as Modena won 25-21, 25-23, 25-15 over Unet Yamamay Busto Arsizio on Oct. 16. Modena has its home opener on Oct. 23 against Club Italia.

HANCOCK WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Setter Micha Hancock (Edmond, Oklahoma), who played for the U.S. Women during the 2016 Pan American Cup and set the tournament record for aces in a match and tournament, is playing for Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the Orlen Liga. Wroclaw won its league opener 25-14, 25-22, 25-17 over KSZO Ostrowiece on Oct. 16. Hancock, in a starting role, set Wroclaw to a 36 kill percent and added two individual kills and two aces for four points.

AKINRADEWO WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Florida), the Best Blocker in the 2016 Olympic Games after leading the U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team to a bronze medal, is playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League and in the European Champions League. After competing in this week’s FIVB Women’s Club World Championship, Volero opens the Swiss League on Oct. 29 against Volley Top Luzern.

LARSON, ADAMS WITH TURKEY’S ECZACIBASI: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska) and middle Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio), both members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team that won bronze in Rio, are playing for Eczacibasi of the Turkish League and as part of the European Champions League this winter. Eczacibasi is competing in this week’s FIVB Women’s Club World Championship in the Philippines before returning to Turkey to play its league opener against Bursa Be Sehir on Oct. 27.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon) a bronze medalist on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, returns this winter to play for Turkey’s VakifBank and in the European Champions League. Hill and VakifBank are playing in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship this week before starting the Turkish League and European Champions League.

FAWCETT, CRIMES WITH TURKEY’S SARIYER: Opposite Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio) and middle Alexis Crimes (Rancho Cucamonga, California), both alternates to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are competing for Sariyer in the Turkish League this winter. Sariyer opens the Turkish League on Oct. 23 against Fenerbahce.

ROBINSON, LOWE WITH CHINA’S BAIC MOTORS: Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Illinois) and opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, California), both members of the 2016 bronze-winning U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are in China this winter playing for BAIC Motors Beijing.

MURPHY, EASY WITH CHINA’S HENAN: Opposite Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Illinois), a bronze medalist with the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, and outside hitter Megan Easy (Boston, Massachusetts), a silver medalist with the 2012 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, are playing in the Chinese League this winter with Henan.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 25, 2016) – Three U.S. Women’s National Team players helped their Swiss club team win the league title for the 11th time in 12 years, while four Americans helped their Italian team advance to the league championship series last week. Find out all the details below in the Weekly Update, in addition to other team news from around the world.

DID YOU KNOW: Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles) joined the U.S. Women’s National Team in May 2013 and has been a rock solid presence for Team USA ever since and always wearing a smile.

Scored 52 points during the 2015 Pan American Cup as Team USA won the gold, then later averaged 2.75 points per set with a 52.2 kill percent at the 2015 Pan American Games helping Team USA to another gold.
Made FIVB debut at the 2013 FIVB World Grand Champions Cup, averaging 2.33 points per set with a .340 hitting efficiency.
Invited to train with the National after an impressive performance at the 2011 U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryout.
Named all-Pac 12 in 2011 after playing every set with a .293 hitting efficiency and 102 blocks for University of Arizona
After two years playing at UNLV including being named Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year in 2008 and All-Conference as a sophomore, transferred to University of Arizona to play in the Pac 10.
In high school, participated in track, swimming and basketball. “I chose volleyball just because I had so much fun at it, and I still have fun today. That makes the process of learning so much easier when you like what you are actually doing,” Jackson said.
Holds high school honors in the high jump, long jump and triple jump
Uses athletic ability as a middle blocker to overcome her undersized 6-2 frame

NO. 9 IN HONOR ROLL: Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pa.) has been chose as No. 9 in “The Top 50 Greatest Sports Figures From the Valley” by the Beaver County Times (Pennsylvania). She has served as captain of USA’s gold-medal performances at the 2014 FIVB World Championship, the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix and the 2016 NORCECA Women’s Olympic Qualification Tournament. Others selected to the top 50 are No. 1 Tony Dorsett (football), No. 2 Lauryn Williams (track), No. 3 Mike Ditka (football), No. 4 Pete Maravich (basketball), No. 5 Joe Namath (football), No. 6 John Calipari (basketball), No. 7 Darrelle Revis (football), No. 8 Terry Francona (baseball) and No. 10 Sean Gilbert (football).

JOINES TAMAS ENSHRINED INTO PACIFIC’S HALL OF FAME: Jennifer Joines Tamas, a 2008 U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team silver medalist, was enshrined into the University of the Pacific Athletics Hall of Fame on April 23. She played for the Tigers from 2000-2003 and was one of the best to ever wear the Orange and Black. Tamas the only player in school history to be named a four-time all-American and just the third Pacific alum to compete in the Olympic Games. While at Pacific, Tamas scored 2,225 kills and 639 blocks while also being credited with 686 digs as a middle blocker. She finished her career as the school’s all-time leader in kills per set (4.89), total attacks (4,615), attacks per set (10.14) and hitting efficiency (.350). Tamas joined the U.S. Women’s National Team in June 2001 and competed in both the 2006 and 2010 FIVB World Championships.

100 DAYS OUT THIS WEDNESDAY: The 2016 Olympic Games reaches the “100 Days Out” mark on April 27, and the U.S. Women’s National Team will be involved. Although the team does not officially start its summer training until May 2, approximately 10 athletes are already training or working out at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim, California, the host city for both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Volleyball Teams. On April 27, NBC 4 in Los Angeles will be spotlighting the team during its noon Pacific time hour that is expected to include a live shot from the training center. Later in the day, the USA Volleyball Foundation will be holding a special 100 Days Out to include dinner at a Brazilian restaurant in Irvine followed by watching Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Segerstrom Center for the Arts with a special cast meet and greet after the performance.

AKINRADEWO, NATALIE HAGGLUND, VANSANT WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle blocker Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Fla.) libero Natalie Hagglund (Encinitas, California) and Krista Vansant (Redlands, Calif.) are playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League as well as the CEV Champions League. Volero, which won the Swiss League regular season and playoffs without dropping a single match, defeated Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen I 25-11, 25-17, 25-14 to sweep the best-of-three final round to win the Swiss League championship for the 11th time in 12 years. Throughout the course of the regular season and playoffs, Volero dropped just six sets in 31 matches and was never extended to five sets.

GLASS, ROBINSON, EASY, ADAMS ALL WITH ITALY’S IMOCO CONEGLIANO: Setter Alisha Glass (Leland, Michigan), the 2013 and 2014 USA Volleyball Female Athlete of the Year, outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Ill.), outside hitter Megan Easy (Boston, Mass.), a 2012 Olympic silver medalist, and Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio) are all playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. Conegliano swept its best-of-three semifinal round series with Liu Jo Modena last week to arrive in the best-of-five championship round. Conegliano opened the semifinal round with a 27-25, 25-18, 24-26, 16-25, 15-8 victory at Modena. Robinson was stellar in the match with 14 kills on 46 swings, five aces and four blocks for a match-high 23 points. Glass set Conegliano to a 37 kill percent while adding in two individual kills on five errorless swings and two blocks for four points. Adams pocketed nine points with five kills on 15 attacks and four blocks. Easy did not suit for the match. Conegliano closed out the series on April 21 by winning 23-25, 26-24, 25-22, 25-19. Robinson pocketed a match-high 22 points with 14 kills on 47 swings, four blocks and four aces. She added a 71 positive reception percent on 21 chances. Adams added 18 points with 14 kills on 18 swings with just one error, three blocks and an ace. Glass set Conegliano to a 35 kill percent while scoring one individual kill. Easy did not play in the match. Conegliano will face Nordmeccanica Piacenza, which is the No. 3 seed in the playoffs, on April 26, April 28 and April 30 in the best-of-five championship. If necessary matches four and five will be held on May 2 and May 3.

HILDEBRAND WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Outside hitter Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah) is competing this winter for Impel Wroclaw in the Polish League and CEV Champions League before the squad dropped to the CEV Cup. In the Polish League playoff, Impel Wroclaw has started off the best-of-five series for the bronze medal with two victories over Tauron MKS Dabrowa Gornicza. Wroclaw rallied from two sets down in the opener to win 14-25, 31-33, 25-20, 25-20, 15-9 on April 22. Hildebrand, who started the first four sets, tallied five kills on 14 swings and just one error to go with 21 reception chances. In the second match, Wroclaw eased to a 25-17, 25-15, 25-20 victory on April 23. Hildebrand contributed 12 kills on 38 attacks and one block for 13 points. Wroclaw can close out the series and earn the bronze in match three on April 28. If necessary, matches four and five will be played on April 29 and May 2.

JACKSON WITH TURKEY’S GALATASARAY: Middle blocker Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, California) is competing for Galatasaray of the Turkish League this winter. After an off weekend following the first of two round-robin playoff weekends, fourth-place Galatasaray (0-3, 1 point) faces Fenerbahce (2-1, 5 points) on April 28, leader VakifBank (3-0, 8 points) on April 29 and Eczacibasi (1-2, 4 points) on April 30.

BARTSCH WITH GERMANY’S DRESDNER: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois) is playing for Dresdner SC of the German Bundesliga and CEV Champions League this winter. Dresdner (20-4, 60 points), which captured the regular season title and top seed into the playoffs, lost to Allianz MTV Stuttgart 25-17, 25-20, 22-25, 23-25, 16-14 on April 23 to even its best-of-five championship round series at 1-1. Bartsch scored 16 points for Dresdner, including 13 kills on 43 swings, two blocks and an ace. She added a 47 positive reception percent on a team-best 32 chances. The series resumes on April 27 followed by match four on April 30. If necessary, the fifth and deciding match will be played May 2.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 11, 2016) – U.S. Women’s National Team middle blocker Lauren Gibbemeyer and setter Carli Lloyd helped their club team to a major title in Europe, defeating American outside hitter Kim Hill’s club team in the finals on Sunday. Get the details below in this week’s U.S. Women’s Update.

DID YOU KNOW: Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania) joined the U.S. Women’s National Team in April 2009 and has earned three major championship medals along the way. Learn more details about Dietzen below.

Started all eight matches of the 2012 Olympic Games in which Team USA won the silver medal
Helped the U.S. Women win their first-ever FIVB World Championship gold medal in 2014 where she served as team captain
Recovered from microfracture knee surgery prior to the 2014 FIVB World Championship
Captain of the gold-medal winning 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix team and named Second Best Middle Blocker of the Final Round
Helped U.S. Women to the gold medal at the 2011 and 2012 FIVB World Grand Prix, which helped her earn a spot on the 2012 Olympic Games
Served as captain of the U.S. Women’s bronze-medal team at the 2015 FIVB World Cup.
Named Best Blocker at the 2009 Final Four Intercontinental Cup in her rookie season with the National Team.
Nicknamed “Mom” by teammates on the U.S. Women’s National Team
One of four members of the U.S. Women’s National Team Leadership Council
Led Penn State to NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship titles in 2007 and 2008 when she was also named AVCA All-America First-Team a year after being All-America Second-Team in 2006
Selected 2008 College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-American of the Year as the top student-athlete in volleyball
Named the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Dapper Dan Sportswoman of the Year in 2015.
Graduated from Penn State University with a degree in elementary education after student teaching abroad at Yapton Elementary School in southern England prior to joining the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2009.
Member of the 2004 U.S. Women’s Junior National Team that won the NORCECA Women’s Junior Continental Championship and later was selected to the 2005 U.S. Women’s Junior National Team that competed in the FIVB Women’s U-20 World Championship in Turkey.
Married Derek Dietzen in June 2014
Co-founder of the Give It Back Foundation. It was created in 2015 by the U.S. Women’s National Team members who share the mission of leading the next generation of athletes toward healthy competition and generosity. Based on the core values of “Lead. Play. Compete!”, they began a journey to instill the spirit of the Olympics and World Championship within young athletes in their local communities. For details, visit GiveItBackFoundation.org.

AKINRADEWO, VANSANT TALK OLYMPIC AND LIFE IN ZURICH: U.S. Women’s National Team middle blocker

Foluke Akinradewo and outside hitter Krista Vansant, who are both playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League, took part in a recent video interview with VolleyVerse.com. The pair talked about the preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games and competing in front a passionate fans in Rio, playing together in Zurich with American teammate Natalie Hagglund, why volleyball is not as popular in the United States as it could be, what it takes to be a great middle blocker, the U.S. National Team style of play with a fast offense implemented by head coach Karch Kiraly, and additional questions regarding the U.S. National Team, Olympics and playing pro club volleyball overseas.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RECAP: American setter Carli Lloyd and middle blocker

Lauren Gibbemeyer led their Italian club Pomi Casalmaggiore to its first-ever European Champions League title after hosting the prestigious event April 9-10, while outside hitter Kim Hill helped her Turkish club VakifBank claim silver and middle blocker Christa Dietzen helped her Turkish team Fenerbahce to the bronze.

Casalmaggiore advanced to the title match after sweeping Russia’s Dinamo Kazan 25-19, 25-18, 25-18 in the semifinals on April 9. Gibbemeyer scored 11 points in the victory with eight kills on 15 swings with just one error, two aces and a block. Lloyd helped set Casalmaggiore to a 45 kill percent while adding three kills on five swings in the semifinal win. After the match, Lloyd said “We were up a few points and they would come back. They have great arms and can hit the ball really hard. They put us in difficult situations but we didn’t let them go and get on runs. Maybe for the public it’s a surprise that we won in three but we were really prepared for this match. Feeling the support and energy like we did tonight from the fans is important for us. We are a team full of energy and I think people notice that about us, that we work together.”

Casalmaggiore completed its fairytale season through the Champions League by sweeping powerhouse VakifBank 25-23, 25-23, 25-22 in a tight three-set contest in front of 4,200 fans. Lloyd again set Casalmaggiore to a 45 kill percent in the victory and added two individual kills on five swings. Gibbemeyer pocketed five kills on 14 swings with one error and a block for six points.

Hill played an important role in VakifBank’s play in the Champions League Final Round. In the semifinals, she scored a team-high 14 points with 10 kills on 18 errorless attacks, three aces and a block to help VakifBank to a 25-23, 25-22, 25-22 win over Turkish rival Fenerbahce. On the opposite side of the net, Dietzen totaled seven kills on 13 attacks in the loss. In the championship match against Casalmaggiore, Hill scored 10 points with eight kills on 17 attacks and two aces.

Lloyd was named the Champions League Finals Dream Best Setter, while Hill was selected Second Best Outside Spiker.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon), the MVP of the 2014 FIVB World Championship, is playing for VakifBank in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League this winter. n the Turkish League, second-place VakifBank (20-2, 59 points) is in the four-team round-robin playoffs as it will face third-place Eczacibasi on April 15, fourth-place Galatasaray on April 16 and top-seed Fenerbahce on April 17.

DIETZEN WITH TURKEY’S FENERBAHCE: Middle blocker Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania) is competing this winter for Fenerbahce in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League. In the Turkish League, regular season winner Fenerbahce goes into the top-four round robin playoffs to play fourth-place Galatasaray on April 15, third-place Eczacibasi on April 16 and second-place VakifBank on April 17.

BARTSCH WITH GERMANY’S DRESDNER: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois) is playing for Dresdner SC of the German Bundesliga and CEV Champions League this winter. Dresdner (20-4, 60 points), which captured the regular season title and top seed into the playoffs, swept its best-of-three semifinal round series with USC Munster after winning match two 25-19, 25-23, 29-27 on April 9. Bartsch contribute a match-high 18 points with 16 kills on 36 swings, one ace and one block. She chipped in a 70 positive reception percent on 10 chances. American teammate Gina Mancuso added 10 kills in the victory at the other outside hitter position. Dresdner advances to the best-of-five finals to face the other semifinal round series winner of Schwerin and Stuttgart, which will be playing the tiebreaking match on April 13. The finals begin April 16.

JACKSON WITH TURKEY’S GALATASARAY: Middle blocker Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, California) is competing for Galatasaray of the Turkish League this winter. Galatsaray returns to action April 15-17 in the Turkish League Finals with round-robin action of the top four teams. Fourth-seed Galatasaray opens against top-seed Fenerbahce on April 15, followed by second-seed VakifBank on April 16 and third-seed Eczacibasi on April 17.

HILDEBRAND WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Outside hitter Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah) is competing this winter for Impel Wroclaw in the Polish League and CEV Champions League before the squad dropped to the CEV Cup. In the Polish League playoff, is down one set to PGE Atom Trefl Sopot in the best-of-three semifinal round series. The second match takes place in Wroclaw on April 11 with the tiebreaking contest scheduled for April 15 if necessary.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (May 16, 2016) – The U.S. Women’s National Team kicked started its four consecutive Fridays of Red-Blue intrasquad scrimmages on May 13, and looks forward to this week’s edition at Murrieta Mesa High School (Murrieta, California) on May 20 at 7 p.m. PT. Additional details in this week’s update, along with features on Cassidy Lichtman, Christa Dietzen, Kim Hill and more.

DID YOU KNOW: Cassidy Lichtman (Poway, California), a versatile athlete coming up through the USA Volleyball High Performance pipeline and at Stanford University, joined the U.S. Women’s National Team in January 2011 as an outside hitter. In college, she transitioned to setter after being primarily a hitter and defensive specialist as a freshman. In 2016 with the U.S. National Team, she is training as a libero.

At age nine, was told she would never be able to walk again because of unrelenting pain in her left leg. She battled through the chronic pain that she still has to manage through today.
Has combined her passions of teaching young players the game of volleyball, connecting the National Team with club players and giving back to the community with a program she founded called “Play with a Purpose,” a series of volleyball clinics in which all money goes to benefit the Ronald McDonald House.
Won gold at both the Pan American Cup and Pan American Games in 2015 after earning silver at the 2014 Pan American Cup.
Named to every U.S. Women’s National Team roster in 2013, earning gold at the Pan American Cup and the NORCECA Championship, and silver at the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup.
Earned gold at the 2012 Pan American Cup and bronze at the 2011 Pan American Games.
Selected AVCA All-America First-Team in 2009 and 2010, capping a four-year career at Stanford
Graduated from Stanford University in 2011 with a bachelor of arts degree in political science and followed with master of arts degree in history later in the year.
Helped the 2007 U.S. Women’s Junior National Team to a fourth-place finish at the FIVB Women’s U20 World Championship in Thailand.
Elected to the San Diego Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005
Mom Julie played volleyball at University of Washington.
Started playing club volleyball at age 10 with San Diego Volleyball Club 12-1 in 2000.
Looks up to Misty May-Treanor and Karch Kiraly as athletes who inspire her.

RED-BLUE INTRASQUAD SCRIMMAGES: The U.S. Women opened its four match Red-Blue series on May 13 at Tustin High School in Tustin, California. Opposite Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Illinois) was the leading scorer with 18 points over the course of the four sets played. Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska) added 15 points, while middle blocker Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio) and outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon) contributed 11 points. Middle blockers Lauren Paolini (Ann Arbor, Michigan) and Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota) each charted nine points, while opposite Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio) pocketed seven points. The second Red-Blue will take place May 20 at Murrieta Mesa High School (Murrieta, California) at 7 p.m. PT. On May 27, a doubleheader Red-Blue is scheduled for Santiago Canyon College (Orange, California) with the U.S. Women starting off at 6 p.m. PT with the U.S. Men scrimmaging immediately afterwards. The Red-Blue series concludes on June 3 at Segerstrom High School (Santa Ana, California) with match time at 7 p.m. Tickets ($5 per person with children three-and-under free) are available only on-site of each Red-Blue immediately prior to the match.

DIETZEN COMBINES TWO PASSIONS INTO ONE GIVING BACK PROJECT: Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania) played her pro club in Turkey this past season, but she was able to simultaneously connect her love volleyball with her passion for teaching into one project benefiting three classrooms back in the United States through the Classroom Champions program. Dietzen said “My number-one goal was to be able to give back to a classroom. Classroom Champions provides a rare opportunity to create a relationship with them beyond a one-time speaking engagement. I really wanted to be connected throughout a full school year and continue to build upon these lesson.”

HILL RETURNS TO HOMETOWN TO HEROES WELCOME: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon), a week after winning the Turkish League playoff most valuable player honor, spent some time in her hometown of Portland before returning to training with the U.S. Women’s National Team in Anaheim. While in Portland, she took in a training session of her former club, NW Juniors, in what she thought would be a small affair. However, her former club coach, Jim Hartner, took measures further than that by organizing a last-minute reception for Hill with red, white and blue balloons, American flags and a framed photo of and jersey of Hill welcoming her back to the Portland gym. Hill told the Portland Tribune “I am seeing so man faces here that I didn’t think I would ever get to see again. It warms my heart and makes me so thankful to see these groups and the people who guided me when I was young.”

BANWARTH ON VOLLEYWOOD’S FACEBOOK LIVE: Kayla Banwarth (Dubuque, Iowa) participated in a Facebook Live session on volleyball blog site VolleyWood’s Facebook page on the morning of May 14.

PAN AM CUP TRAINING ROSTER: The U.S. Women’s National Team has invited 19 athletes, who are either in college or recently completed collegiate eligibility, to train and compete for a Pan American Cup roster spot, an event scheduled to take place June 30 to July 11 in Dominican Republic. Invited setters are Lauren Carlini, Lexi Dannemiller and Micha Hancock. Outside hitters competing for Pan Am Cup roster spots are Megan Courtney, Brittany Howard, Madi Kingdon, Taylor Simpson and Nicole Walch. Liberos challenging for a Pan Am Cup spot are Caitlin Nolan, Cassie Wait and Justine Wong-Orantes. Opposites competing for a Pan Am Cup spot are Haley Eckerman, Alex Holston and Nikki Taylor. Middles training in Anaheim for the Pan Am Cup are Inky Ajanaku, Rhamat Alhassan, Kelsie Payne, Taylor Sandbothe and Lianna Sybeldon. As this competition runs concurrently with the World Grand Prix, U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly has named University of Pittsburgh Head Coach Dan Fisher to lead the Pan American Cup squad. He will be assisted by Heather Olmstead, Jon Newman-Gonchar and Tristan Johnson.

THREE-TIME OLYMPIC HEAD COACH RETIRING AT OREGON STATE: Taras ‘Terry’ Liskevych, who served as the head coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team for three Olympic Games (1988, 1992 and 1996), will be retiring as head women’s volleyball coach at Oregon State University prior to the start of the 2016 season. He guided the 1992 U.S. Olympic Women’s Team to the bronze medal in Barcelona where Team USA lost a heart-breaking five-set match to Cuba in the semifinal round. Liskevych was named the FIVB International Coach of the Year in 1995. He coached Oregon State for the past 11 seasons, highlighted by a 21-win season in 2014 when he was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (May 9, 2016) – Two U.S. Women’s National Team members earned most valuable player honors for their pro leagues last week as the club season drew to a close. Find out who earned the honors, who won club championships and other national team news in the latest team update.

DID YOU KNOW: Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California), who has been a part of the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team since January 2011, is not to be confused with the women’s soccer player with the same name. The volleyball-playing Lloyd has won her own accolades.

Named most valuable player at the 2015 Pan American Games after leading the U.S. Women to gold, four years after starting four of five matches at the 2011 Pan American Games as Team USA won the bronze medal in her first-ever international competition
Set the U.S. Women to the 2015 Pan American Cup gold medal, three years after helping Team USA to the gold at the 2012 edition of the Pan American Cup
Led U.S. Women’s National A2 Team to the gold medal at the 2010 USA Volleyball Open National Championships
Became first player to become a three-time selection to the U.S. Women’s National A2 Program (now called U.S. Collegiate National Team)
Named 2010 American Volleyball Coaches Association Division I Player of the Year while leading University of California-Berkeley to a runner-up finish in the NCAA Tournament
First setter at Cal-Berkeley history to be named AVCA All-American, and only second player to earn three AVCA All-American honors
Her uncle Galen Tomlinson, who was Turbo in the 1980s television series American Gladiator, was her mentor and coach in both volleyball and track and field in her youth. After the passing of Lloyd’s father when she was four years old, Tomlinson moved in shortly afterwards and came to be a father figure for her.
Grandfather Doug Tomlinson was a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Cleveland Indians

RED-BLUE INTRASQUAD SCRIMMAGES: The U.S. Women will have four Red-Blue instrasquad scrimmages in southern California with one held every Friday through June 3. The first Red-Blue will take place at Tustin High School (Tustin, California) on May 13 at 7 p.m. PT, followed by a May 20 Red-Blue at Murrieta Mesa High School (Murrieta, California) at 7 p.m. PT. On May 27, a doubleheader Red-Blue will take place at Santiago Canyon College (Orange, California) with the U.S. Women starting off at 6 p.m. PT and the U.S. Men scrimmaging immediately afterwards. The Red-Blue schedule concludes on June 3 at Segerstrom High School (Santa Ana, California) with match time at 7 p.m. Tickets ($5 per person with children three-and-under free) are available only on-site of each Red-Blue immediately prior to the match.

HILL VISITS HER FORMER JUNIORS’ CLUB: Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon) took a break following her Turkish League season to visit family and friends in her hometown of Portland, Oregon, before reporting to the U.S. Women’s National Team. While home, Hill visited with Adidas NW Juniors, the same club she played for as a youth.

NATALIE HAGGLUND TAKES OVER INSTAGRAM: Natalie Hagglund (Encinitas, California) has taken over the USA Volleyball Instagram account (@usavolleyball) on Monday to provide a day in the life of the U.S. Women’s National Team member. Follow our account for the latest info on the team and cool behind-the-scenes content.

FIVB WORLD GRAND PRIX PRELIM ROSTER SET: The U.S. Women’s National Team, ranked No. 1 in the world by the FIVB, has announced its 22-player preliminary roster for the FIVB World Grand Prix, the premier annual women’s international event. U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly and his staff has selected six outside hitters, six middles, four setters, three opposites and three liberos to the preliminary roster. The FIVB World Grand Prix schedule has each of the 12 teams in Group 1 playing three preliminary round weekends in various cities before the top five teams plus Thailand compete in the Final Round July 6-10 in Bangkok, Thailand. The U.S. Women will host one of three second weekend preliminary rounds June 17-19 at the Walter Pyramid on the campus of Long Beach State University. Team USA will face Germany on June 17, Japan on June 18 and Turkey on June 19. The three matches will be the final time Americans can watch the U.S. Women on home soil before the Olympic Games.

KIRALY TO LEAD U.S. WOMEN THROUGH 2020 QUAD: Karch Kiraly, who has served as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team since taking over the squad in September 2012, has agreed to a contract renewal to lead the program through to the 2020 Olympic Games. In his first three-plus years as head coach, Kiraly has guided the program to an overall 102-20 record (81-18 record with Kiraly as head coach on the sideline due to conflicting tournaments). He coached the program to its first-ever FIVB World Championship gold medal in 2014, along with the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix title as the U.S. hosted the Final Round for the first time in its 23-year history. The Americans have won six of their last seven tournaments, including the 2016 NORCECA Women’s Olympic Qualification Tournament to earn a spot at the Rio Olympic Games this summer.

BARTSCH WITH GERMANY’S DRESDNER: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois) is playing for Dresdner SC of the German Bundesliga and CEV Champions League this winter. Dresdner (20-4, 60 points), which captured the regular season title and top seed into the playoffs, won the German Bundesliga best-of-five series championship round by defeating Allianz MTV Stuttgart 25-18, 25-20, 25-17 in the tiebreaking fifth match on May 2. Bartsch contributed 14 points in the final match with 11 kills on 30 swings, two aces and a block. She added a 47 positive reception percent on a team-best 19 chances. After the match, Bartsch was named the most valuable player of the German Bundesliga season. American teammate Katie Slay added nine points, including six blocks and three kills on eight errorless swings.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (May 2, 2016) – Kim Hill was named most valuable player of the Turkish League playoffs after leading VakifBank to the title, while three Americans helped Volero Zurich to its 11th Swiss League title in 12 years. This week’s U.S. Women’s National Team Update incudes other player news from around the world.

DID YOU KNOW: Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota) joined the U.S. Women’s National Team in May 2014 and has become one of the top rising middle blockers in the world in just her second year with Team USA. She was making a huge push to reach her dream of playing in the 2016 Olympic Games prior to tearing her ACL in January. Dixon hasn’t given up on the dream just yet. Get to know Dixon better in the notes below and how she has already overcome some other challenges.

Had heart surgery in 2013 prior to her senior season at University of Minnesota to enable her to continue playing volleyball
Named Best Blocker in both the 2015 FIVB World Cup and 2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament
As its youngest player on the roster, started six of 13 matches in the 2014 FIVB World Championship in which the U.S. Women won the gold medal. She converted 52.2 percent of her attacks into points during the tournament, along with a 0.24 service ace average
Helped U.S. win the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix title, starting eight of 14 matches with a 2.61 points per set average and a 42.9 kill percent
In her second international tournament, selected Best Blocker at 2014 Pan American Cup with a 0.74 block average.
Selected AVCA All-America First-Team in 2013 as a senior at University of Minnesota after being named second team in 2012
Majored in sport management at the University of Minnesota with a focus on communications
Leading scorer on the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team that captured gold at the 2008 NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship
Father David Dixon played 11 seasons in the National Football League including with the Minnesota Vikings, and is the second player from New Zealand to compete in the NFL

SUMMER TRAINING OFFICIALLY BEGINS TODAY: While training for the 2016 Olympic Games has been on-going since 2013, the U.S. Women’s National Team gets back to business today as the official start of the 2016 summer training block. Some athletes returned to the American Sports Centers in Anaheim, the official host city for the U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Teams, well before today’s official start date to either train or rehab following a long professional club season. On the flip side, a handful of players will re-join the squad over the next 10-14 days as they still have commitments to their clubs with playoffs still on-going or taking a short break after returning home from six months on the road for club volleyball.

DIETZEN BACK IN USA: After completing her Turkish League season, U.S. Women’s National Team middle blocker Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania) is back in the United States and in Anaheim getting ready for the U.S. Women’s National Team season. She took a few minutes away from the court to be interviewed by DestinationVolleyball.com about a wide-ranging number of topics.

IMPROVING TEAM CHEMISTRY THROUGH EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS: In a recent blog, U.S. Women’s National Team libero Natalie Hagglund (Encinitas, California) delves into how good teams can become even better through effective communications and improving team chemistry. “Volleyball goes so much further than just the physical skills of the individual players on the court. Sure, you can occasionally win big matches or accomplish individual statistical goals by putting the most skilled players out on the court. However, I highly doubt that these six will be wearing a gold medal of some sort without having a deeper connection than just skill. So, what is the secret to a team’s success? How do you make a good team, a winning team? I get these types of questions a lot and for me, I think it’s pretty simple.”

OLYMPICS ON MIND FOR 4 PENN STATE ALUMS: Penn State has built a volleyball legacy by winning six of the last nine NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championships, and some of those Nittany Lions have showcased that they are among the best on the world stage as well. Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania), Megan Easy (Boston, Massachusetts), Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio) and Alisha Glass (Leland, Michigan) have made the transition from college to international play look near seamless. But it has taken a lot of work. Dietzen and Easy are going for their second Olympic Games roster spots, while Glass and Fawcett have dreams to make their first trip to the Olympics come this summer. The Centre Daily Times, located in State College, Pennsylvania, takes a look into their backgrounds. For the story, click here.

WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM TAKES SPOTLIGHT ON NBC LOS ANGELES: The U.S. Women’s National Team were a significant part of NBC 4 Los Angeles’ coverage of the 100 Days Out coverage as the countdown to the 2016 Olympic Games hit the 100 mark on April 27. Although the team had not officially began its summer training, approximately 10 athletes were already training or working out at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim, California, the host city for both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Volleyball Teams. NBC Los Angeles had two different segments on the U.S. Women’s National Team in its news coverage. Later that day, the USA Volleyball Foundation held a special 100 Days Out to include dinner at a Brazilian restaurant in Irvine followed by watching Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Segerstrom Center for the Arts with a special cast meet and greet after the performance.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon), the MVP of the 2014 FIVB World Championship, is playing for VakifBank in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League this winter. In the Turkish League playoffs, VakifBank went undefeated in the double round-robin four-team format to win the playoff title with a 6-0 record. In the first match of the second weekend, VakifBank defeated Eczacibasi 25-19, 25-22, 25-20 on April 28. Hill scored 12 points with all her points coming off kills without an error in 19 swings. She added a 76 positive reception percent on 21 chances. VakifBank won its fifth match of the playoffs on April 29 after a 27-25, 25-21, 21-25, 23-25, 15-11 victory. Hill charted 13 points with 11 kills on 34 swings, one block and one ace. She also handled 49 of the team’s 95 receptions with 69 positive reception percent. VakifBank closed out the playoffs undefeated with a 25-18, 25-15, 22-25, 25-16 victory over silver medalist Fenerbahce on April 30. Hill notched 16 points via 13 kills on 26 attacks and three aces. She was credited with a 69 positive reception percent on 26 chances in her final club match of the season. At the conclusion of the playoffs, Hill was named most valuable player of the Turkish playoffs.

LARSON, KREKLOW WITH TURKEY’S ECZACIBASI: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska) and setter Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minnesota) are playing for Eczacibasi of the Turkish League this winter, along with the CEV Champions League. In the Turkish League playoffs, Eczacibasi finished with the bronze through the double round-robin four-team format after winning two if six matches. Eczacibasi lost to eventual winner VakifBank 25-19, 25-22, 25-20 on April 28 to start the second weekend. Larson tallied nine points, all on kills via 22 attacks. Kreklow set the team to a 37 kill percent in the loss. Eczacibasi fell to Fenerbahce 20-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-22 on April 29 in the second match of the weekend. Larson contributed 15 points in the loss with 14 kills and an ace. She held a 67 positive reception percent on 18 chances. Kreklow helped Eczacibasi to a 43 kill percent for the match as she started the first three sets. Eczacibasi concluded the playoffs with a 25-20, 23-25, 25-20, 25-15 victory over Galatasaray on April 30. Larson piled up a match-high 24 points with 21 kills on 33 errorless attacks, two aces and a block. She also produced a 60 positive reception percent on 20 chances. Kreklow started the first two sets and helped Eczacibasi to a 43 kill percent. For the playoffs, Larson was named Second Best Receiver.

JACKSON WITH TURKEY’S GALATASARAY: Middle blocker Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, California) is competing for Galatasaray of the Turkish League this winter. In the Turkish League double round-robin playoffs, Galatasaray finished fourth as it was unable to secure a victory in six matches. Galatassary lost to Fenerbahce 25-16, 21-25, 25-11, 25-22 on April 28 to open the second playoff weekend. Jackson pocketed 14 points with 10 kills on 24 swings, two aces and two blocks. Galatasaray came back from two sets down to VakifBank on April 29, but lost in five 27-25, 25-21, 21-25, 23-25, 15-11. Jackson amassed 12 points with 11 kills on 25 swings and a block. Galatasaray lost its final playoff match 20-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-15 to Eczacibasi on April 30. Jackson totaled seven kills on 18 swings in the finale match of the season.

HILDEBRAND WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Outside hitter Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah) is competing this winter for Impel Wroclaw in the Polish League and CEV Champions League before the squad dropped to the CEV Cup. In the Polish League playoff, Wroclaw won the best-of-five bronze-medal series in straight matches following a 25-21, 25-13, 19-25, 25-19 victory over Tauron MKS Dabrowa Gornicza on April 28. Hildebrand turned in three kills and an ace in the final match. She added a 47 positive reception percent on 15 receptions.

GLASS, ROBINSON, EASY, ADAMS ALL WITH ITALY’S IMOCO CONEGLIANO: Setter Alisha Glass (Leland, Michigan), the 2013 and 2014 USA Volleyball Female Athlete of the Year, outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Ill.), outside hitter Megan Easy (Boston, Mass.), a 2012 Olympic silver medalist, and Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio) are all playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. Conegliano, the top seed in the Italian Serie A1 playoffs, opened the best-of-five finals with No. 3 seed Nordmeccanica Piacenza with a convincing 25-17, 25-20, 25-23 victory on April 26. Glass set the team to an eye-opening 47 kill percent and .386 hitting efficiency (47-8-101) while turning in two individual kills on three swings and two blocks for four points. Robinson contributed 18 points with 16 kills on 38 swings, one block and one ace. She added a 62 positive reception percent on a team-leading 21 receptions. Adams pocketed eight points in the victory with five kills on nine swings and three blocks. Easy did not play in the match. Conegliano took a 2-0 lead in the series on April 28 with a 29-27, 25-21, 25-23 victory. Glass set the squad to a 42 kill percent and added three kills on five errorless swings. She also had a team-high 17 serves on the night. Robinson contributed a match-high 18 points with 17 kills on 41 swings and a block. She added a 65 positive reception percent on 1 team-best 31 chances. Adams knocked down nine points with six kills on 12 swings, two blocks and an ace. Easy was a sub in the third set, scoring a kill and block in limited action. Congeliano was unable to close the series on April 30 as Piacenza rallied for a 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, 26-24 victory to remain alive. Robinson connected for 21 points in the loss, including 18 kills on 46 swings, two blocks and an ace. She was credited with a 65 positive reception percent. Glass set the team to a 43 kill percent along with two individual kills. Easy returned to the starting lineup and contributed 16 points on 15 kills via 30 attacks and a block. She handled 27 receptions with a 70 positive reception percent. Adams reached 10 points with seven kills on 13 attacks and three blocks. Congeliano will have its second chance to close out the series on May 2. If necessary, match five will be held May 3 to decide the Italian Serie A1 playoff title.

BARTSCH WITH GERMANY’S DRESDNER: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois) is playing for Dresdner SC of the German Bundesliga and CEV Champions League this winter. Dresdner (20-4, 60 points), which captured the regular season title and top seed into the playoffs, split a pair matches in its best-of-five championship round series with Allianz MTV Stuttgart. Dresdner won match three 25-19, 25-27, 25-16, 25-20 on April 27 to go up 2-1 in the series. Bartsch scored 15 points in the victory and had a 53 positive reception on 30 chances. However, Dresdner was unable to close out the series in match four, falling 25-19, 19-25, 25-20, 22-25, 15-10 on April 30. Bartsch recorded 17 points with 15 kills and two ace in the loss. The deciding match will now be played May 2 with the winner being crowned champion.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (April 18, 2016) – Outside hitter Krista Vansant (Redlands, California) is spotlighted in the “Did You Know” section in the current U.S. Women’s National Team Weekly Update, which includes news from around the globe on Team USA players in the final stages of the pro playoff season.

DID YOU KNOW: Krista Vansant (Redlands, California) joined the U.S. Women’s National Team in May 2015 after a stellar four-year career at the University of Washington. She won both individual and team hardware during her rookie season with Team USA. Vansant is currently overseas playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League, where here team has won its 11th Swiss League title this year and about to wrap up the league’s playoff. Learn more about Vansant below.

Selected most valuable player and best outside spiker at the 2015 Pan American Cup, her first international tournament. She led Team USA to gold at the Pan Am Cup with a tournament-leading 50.4 kill percent to go with 81 points.
Led Team USA in scoring in five of the six 2015 Pan American Games matches as the Americans won the title. She averaged 4.14 points in the tournament.
Started two matches during the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix preliminary round, including a team-best 20 points versus Belgium on July 5.
Two-time Honda Award winner for best collegiate volleyball player in 2013 and 2014, as well as AVCA Division I National Player of the Year in 2013 followed by espnW National Player of the Year in 2014
Played two seasons of beach volleyball at University of Washington in 2014 and 2015.
Named Capital One Academic All-American of the Year in 2014 and later graduated from Washington with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2015.
Spent most of the month of June 2014 in Tahiti as part of an independent study excursion learning about colonialism and the impact the French have on the island country.
Named Gatorade National High School Player of the Year in 2010
Elected homecoming queen her senior year at Redlands East Valley High School where she led the team to three CIF championship titles.
Started playing indoor volleyball in 2001 with Rancho Valley 12-1 in Rancho Cucamonga, California
Mother Tricia played basketball at Loyola Marymount University from 1987-1991

BANWARTH ANSWERS NBC SPORTS: Libero Kayla Banwarth (Dubuque, Iowa) answered questions from NBC Sports in a recent interview. As part of the interview, she discusses how her volleyball family influenced her career, her earliest memories playing volleyball, what her typical day of training is like, what she would like to be doing if not an athlete, her greatest influence within volleyball and what motivates her to stay in the game.

FIVB WORLD GRAND PRIX WILL HAVE A VOL-B-QUE: The U.S. Women’s National Team will be hosting a weekend preliminary round of the 2016 FIVB World Grand Prix June 17-19 in Long Beach, California. The U.S. hosts Germany (June 17), Japan (June 18) and Turkey (June 19). As part of the weekend festivities, VOL-B-QUE V – America’s biggest and best volleyball tailgate party – will be held prior to the June 18 match against Japan.

DIXON’S OLYMPIC DREAM IN QUESTION AFTER ACL: Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minnesota) knew in an instant on Jan. 23 that something went horribly wrong and it could impact her dreams to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games for the U.S. Women’s National Team. Playing in her second to last regular season match for her professional team Toray Arrows in the Japan V-League, Dixon went up to swing and powered down a kill like she had so many times before. However, this time was different as she came back to earth landing awkwardly on her left leg and immediately grimacing in pain with her Toray teammates surrounding her and her U.S. Women’s National Team teammate Kelly Murphy on the opposite side of the net playing for Ageo Medics. In the immediate aftermath of the injury, Dixon hoped for the best possible prognosis. To her disappointment, doctors delivered the news she didn’t want to hear – ACL tear. Her emotions ran the gamut in hearing the unwanted news. However, she quickly turned the page to what’s next.

GLASS, ROBINSON, EASY, ADAMS ALL WITH ITALY’S IMOCO CONEGLIANO: Setter Alisha Glass (Leland, Michigan), the 2013 and 2014 USA Volleyball Female Athlete of the Year, outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Illinois), outside hitter Megan Easy (Boston, Massachusetts), a 2012 Olympic silver medalist, and Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio) are all playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. After playing just one match in a 30-day period at the end of the Italian Serie A 1 regular season, top-seed Conegliano wasted little time in winning its best-of-three quarterfinal round series with eighth seeded Metalleghe Sanitars Montichairi starting with a 25-19, 25-19, 25-22 victory on April 12. Adams scored a match-high 20 points with 13 kills on 20 attacks, five blocks and two aces, Glass set the team to a 38 kill percent while chipping in three individual kills on four swings, one block and one ace. Easy accounted for 10 points with eight kills on 29 swings with one error to go with one block and one ace. She also handled a team-best 21 receptions with a 71 positive percent. Robinson added four kills and an 81 positive reception percent on 16 chances in the victory. Conegliano rallied to defeat Metalleghe Sanitars Montichiari 25-19, 16-25, 18-25, 25-17, 19-17 on April 14 to earn a spot into the best-of-three semifinals. Adams collected a team-high 19 points in the victory with 11 kills on 26 swings, six blocks and two aces. Robinson added 13 points via 11 kills, one block and one ace. She handled 38 of the team’s 95 receptions with a 74 positive percent. Glass set the team to a 32 kill percent and scored six points with four blocks and two aces. Easy did not play in the victory. Conegliano will face Liu Jo Modena in the semifinals with matches on April 19 and April 21, while the tiebreaker is scheduled for April 24 if necessary.

GIBBEMEYER, LLOYD WITH ITALY’S POMI CASALMAGGIORE: Middle blocker Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota) and setter Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California), the MVP of the Pan American Games, are playing for Pomi Casalmaggiore of the Italian Serie A1 league this winter and the CEV Champions League. Less than a week after capturing the prestigious European Champions League, Casalmaggiore was unable to replicate the same success as the second seed in the Italian League playoffs exiting the best-of-three quarterfinals following the second match. Foppapedretti Bergamo won the opening match 25-16, 25-15, 25-22 on April 13. Gibbemeyer was credited with six points with five kills on 12 attacks and one ace. Lloyd set the team to a 30 kill percent while adding one individual kill. Casalmaggiore’s playoff run ended on April 15 as Bergamo won 25-21, 25-15, 20-25, 25-18. Gibbemeyer scored 12 points in the loss, while Lloyd kicked in two points.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon), the MVP of the 2014 FIVB World Championship, is playing for VakifBank in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League this winter. In the Turkish League playoffs, VakifBank swept Eczacibasi 25-17, 25-22, 25-16 on April 15. Hill notched six kills on 22 swings, two aces and two blocks for 10 points. She added a 50 positive reception percent on 12 receptions. VakifBank needed to rally from two sets down to defeat fourth-seed Galatasaray 24-26, 18-25, 25-14, 25-19, 15-7 on April 16. Hill contributed 19 points in the victory with 18 kills on 35 swings and an ace. She handled 38 of the team’s 82 receptions with a 50 positive percent. VakifBank ended the first round of the double round robin playoffs 3-0 after edging Fenerbahce 25-20, 25-14, 22-25, 25-22 on April 17. Hill piled up 22 points with 17 kills on 33 swings and just two errors to go with three aces and two blocks. She added 24 receptions with a 58 positive reception percent. The Turkish League playoffs will have an off-week before concluding with another round robin weekend April 28-30. VakifBank (3-0, 8 points) takes on Eczacibasi (1-2, 4 points) on April 28, Galatasaray (0-3, 1 point) on April 29 and Fenerbahce (2-1, 5 points) on April 30.

LARSON, KREKLOW WITH TURKEY’S ECZACIBASI: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Nebraska) and setter Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minnesota) are playing for Eczacibasi of the Turkish League this winter, along with the CEV Champions League. In the Turkish League playoffs, Eczacibasi lost its opener to VakifBank 25-17, 25-22, 25-16 on April 15. Larson scored a team-high 13 points, all on kills via 27 attacks. She also handled eight receptions with a 63 positive percent. Kreklow did not play in the match. In the second round robin match on April 16, Eczacibasi pushed Fenerbahce to five sets before falling 25-22, 15-25, 25-21, 24-26, 15-12. Larson pocketed 24 points with 21 kills on 41 swings and just one error to go with two aces and a block. She also held a 72 positive reception percent on 25 chances. Kreklow, who started the first four sets, scored an ace and kill while helping Eczacibasi to a 42 kill percent for the match. Eczasibasi got into the playoff win column by defeating Galatasaray 25-23, 25-22, 25-22 on April 17. Larson charted 13 points with 11 kills on 23 swings, one ace and one block. She handled 11 receptions with a 73 positive percent. Kreklow set the team to a 42 kill percent for the match. The Turkish League playoffs will have an off-week before concluding with another round robin weekend April 28-30. Eczacibasi (2-1, 4 points) takes on leader VakifBank (3-0, 8 points) on April 28, followed by Fenerbache (2-1, 5 points) on April 29 and Galatasaray (0-3, 1 point) on April 30.

JACKSON WITH TURKEY’S GALATASARAY: Middle blocker Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, California) is competing for Galatasaray of the Turkish League this winter. Galatsaray opened the Turkish League playoffs on April 15 with a 25-15, 25-13, 22-25, 25-12 loss to Fenerbahce. Jackson totaled nine points, all on kills via 22 attacks and just two errors. Galatasaray nearly upset VakifBank in the second match on April 16 before falling 24-26, 18-25, 25-14, 25-19, 15-7. Jackson connected for nine kills on 15 swings with just one error to go with a block in the hard-fought match. Galatasaray lost its third playoff match in a row, but was a tight 25-23, 25-22, 25-22 loss to Eczacibasi on April 17. Jackson had three kills and a block for four points in the loss. The Turkish League playoffs will have an off-week before concluding with another round robin weekend April 28-30. Galatasaray (0-3, 1 point), in fourth place after the first weekend, faces Fenerbahce (2-1, 5 points) on April 28, leader VakifBank (3-0, 8 points) on April 29 and Eczacibasi (1-2, 4 points) on April 30.

BARTSCH WITH GERMANY’S DRESDNER: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Illinois) is playing for Dresdner SC of the German Bundesliga and CEV Champions League this winter. Dresdner (20-4, 60 points), which captured the regular season title and top seed into the playoffs, opened its best-of-five finals playoff against Allianz MTV Stuttgart 25-21, 25-12, 25-16 on April 16. Bartsch amassed 12 points with seven kills on 21 swings, four aces and a block to go with a 65 positive reception percent on 17 chances. Her American teammates Katie Slay and Gina Mancuso also produced well in the match. Sla scored a match-high 15 points with eight blocks, four kills on nine swings and three aces. Mancuso added 14 points with 12 kills on 19 errorless swings, one block and one ace. The series continues with matches on April 23 and April 27, while if necessary, matches four and five will be played on April 30 and May 2.

HILDEBRAND WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Outside hitter Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah) is competing this winter for Impel Wroclaw in the Polish League and CEV Champions League before the squad dropped to the CEV Cup. In the Polish League playoff, evened its best of three-of-three semifinal round series with a 20-25, 25-21, 16-25, 25-23, 16-14 victory over PGE Atom Trefl Sopot on April 11. Hildebrand connected for 14 points, all on kills via 36 swings. She also handled 28 of the team’s 101 receptions. However, Sopot came back to win the tiebreaking match 25-23, 25-17, 25-18 on April 16. Wroclaw will now play in the best-of-five bronze-medal series with matches on April 23, April 24 and April 28. If necessary, matches four and five will take place on April 29 and May 2.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 18, 2016) – The U.S. Women’s National Team is fresh off winning its ticket to the 2016 Olympic Games by capturing the NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament Jan. 7-9 in Lincoln, Nebraska, but there is no rest in the meantime as the majority of the players went back immediately to their overseas club teams to resume the professional season.

DID YOU KNOW: Nicole Fawcett’s star has been rising over the last year as she was named most valuable player at both the NORCECA Continental Championship and the NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament, along with being best opposite at the 2015 Pan American Games. Below may be some other details you may not know about her:

While playing international club volleyball, Fawcett set the world record for highest individual points scored in a single match with 55 points while playing for Korea Expressway in the Korea V-League on Feb. 14, 2013. The record has since been eclipsed.
Named MVP of the Korea V-League twice in 2012-13 and 2014-15 seasons
Selected AVCA Division I National Player of the Year in 2008 capping three consecutive seasons earning AVCA All-America First-Team honors while at Penn State
Led Penn State to an undefeated 38-0 record in 2008 and its second straight NCAA title
Selected Honda Award winner for overall best NCAA Division I volleyball player in 2008.
Father Bob was her high school coach at Logan High School in Ohio, while mother Kim was the assistant coach; mother played volleyball at Wright State University
Was a high jump regional finalist in high school in 2004 and 2005
Maternal grandfather was a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles in 1945.
Owns a 1968 red convertible GTO
Goes by the nicknames Nic, Nicholas, Nix, White Lightening, Puppy, Dairy Queen, Babe, Niccy, Littly Niccy, Nicole F and Nasty Nickie

U.S. WOMEN CLAIMS SPOT IN 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES: The U.S. Women’s National Team captured the 2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament held Jan. 7-9 in Lincoln, Nebraska, to earn its ticket to the 2016 Olympic Games this summer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Team USA defeated Canada on the opening night in 3-0, then defeated Puerto Rico 3-1 on the second night of the round-robin format. The Americans blanked Dominican Republic 25-19, 25-19, 25-18 in front of a crowd of 10,213 fans to clinch their spot. Team USA has now won six of its last seven tournaments entered dating back to winning the 2014 FIVB World Championship.

CEV EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND CEV CUP: The fifth leg of the CEV European Champions League is scheduled for this week with some intriguing re-matches on tap with U.S. Women’s National Team players taking center stage as the first round is nearing an end.

Jan. 19: Eczacibasi (Larson, Kreklow) vs. Agel Prostejov, 7 a.m. PT
Jan. 19: Igor Gorgonzola Novara (Fawcett) vs. Calcit Ljubljana, 11 a.m. PT –
Jan. 19: Galatasaray (Jackson) vs. Volley Koniz, 10 a.m.
Jan. 20: VakifBank (Hill) vs. PGE Atom Trefl SOPOT, 9 a.m. PT
Jan. 20: Pomi Casalmaggiore (Gibbemeyer, Lloyd) vs. Chemik Police, 9 a.m. PT
Jan. 20: Dresdner (Bartsch) vs. Impel Wroclaw (Hildebrand), 10 a.m. PT
Jan. 21: Volero Zurich (Akinradewo, N. Hagglund, Vansant) vs. RC Cannes, noon PT
Jan. 21: Fenerbahce (Dietzen) vs. Telekom, 6 a.m. PT

FIVB WORLD GRAND PRIX LANDING IN CALIFORNIA: The FIVB World Grand Prix will return to the United States in 2016 as the U.S. Women will host Japan, Turkey and Germany in a round-robin preliminary round weekend June 17-19 at the Long Beach State University Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, Calif. The U.S., which is the defending World Grand Prix champions after hosting the 2015 Final Round in Omaha, Neb., will face Germany on June 17, followed by Japan on June 18 and Turkey on June 19. Team USA is scheduled to play at 7 p.m. PT on all three days, while the non-American matches are slated for 5 p.m. PT.

GLASS, ROBINSON, EASY, ADAMS ALL WITH ITALY’S IMOCO CONEGLIANO: Setter Alisha Glass (Leland, Mich.), the 2013 and 2014 USA Volleyball Female Athlete of the Year, outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Ill., , outside hitter Megan Easy (Boston, Mass.), a 2012 Olympic silver medalist, and Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio) are all playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. Conegliano closed out the first half with a 25-19, 26-24, 27-25 hard-fought victory over Il Bisonte Firenze on Dec. 22 for its fourth straight victory. Easy notched 16 points with 15 kills on 34 attacks and an ace while providing a 65 positive reception percent on 26 chances. Adams added nine kills on 20 attacks, three blocks and an ace for 13 points in the victory. Robinson totaled seven kills on 26 attacks, one ace and one block for nine points. Glass set the squad to a 37 kill percent while pitching in one individual kill. Conegliano extended its win streak to five matches with a 25-23, 25-17, 25-16 victory over Foppapedretti Bergamo on Jan. 16 to open the second half of the season. Glass set the squad to a stellar 51 percent kill percent while adding two individual kills and a block. Easy charted a team-best 17 points, all on kills via 24 attacks with just one error. She added a 63 positive percent on 30 receptions. Adams claimed 11 points with seven kills on 10 attacks and a team-best four blocks. Robinson added nine points with seven kills on 24 swings and two blocks to go with a 60 positive reception percent. Conegliano (10-3, 30 points), tied for the league lead with Pomi Casalmaggiore, will seek a sixth straight win on Jan. 24 when it faces 11th-place Obiettivo Risarcimento Vicenza (4-9, 10 points).

GIBBEMEYER, LLOYD WITH ITALY’S POMI CASALMAGGIORE: Middle blocker Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minn.) and setter Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, Calif.), the MVP of the Pan American Games, are playing for Pomi Casalmaggiore of the Italian Serie A1 league this winter and the CEV Champions League. In the Italian Serie A1, Pomi Casalmaggiore ended the first half with back-to-back five-set victories before sweeping its opening second half match to start 2016. Casalmaggiore edged Il Bisonte Firenze 25-19, 18-25, 25-20, 14-25, 15-10 on Dec. 19. Gibbemeyer tallied five kills on 14 errorless swings to go with a team-high four blocks for nine points. Lloyd set the squad to a 34 kill percent while chipping in three kills on seven swings and matching Gibbemeyer’s four blocks for seven points. Casalmaggiore rallied to defeat Club Italia 25-13, 22-25, 22-25, 25-15, 15-13 on Dec. 22 to close out the 2015 portion of the season. Gibbemeyer compiled seven kills on 16 errorless attacks, two blocks and an ace for 10 points in the victory. Lloyd provided four kills on seven errorless attacks and a block for five points while setting the team to a 42 kill percent. Casalmaggiore started off the second half of the season in strong fashion by sweeping Obiettivo Risarcimento Vicenza 25-18, 25-16, 25-17 on Dec. 17. For the third straight match Gibbemeyer was errorless on attack by scoring eight kills on 15 attacks to go with four blocks and an ace for 13 points. Lloyd set the team to a 38 kill percent and chipped in two aces and two kills in the victory. Casalmaggiore (10-3, 30 points), now in tie for first place in the Italian League, will seek to extend its win streak on Jan. 24 against seventh-place Foppapedretti Bergamo (6-7, 20 points). In CEV Champions League Pool C, group leader Casamaggiore (3-1, 9 points) meets second-place Chemik Police (3-1, 8 points) on Jan. 20 in the next Champions League match.

LOWE, JENNA HAGGLUND WITH ITALY’S BUSTO ARSIZIO: Opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Sante Fe, Calif.), MVP of the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix, and setter Jenna Hagglund (West Chester, Ohio) are competing for Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. Busto Arsizio split a pair of matches to conclude the season’s first half in 2015 and was unable to start the second half with a victory in 2016. Busto Arsizio stopped Club Italia 25-18, 25-20, 25-13 on Dec. 19. Lowe scored 13 points in the victory with 12 kills on 25 attacks and a block. Hagglund set the team to a 42 kill percent while adding two kills and an ace in the victory. Busto Arsizio ended the first half with a 19-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19 loss to Nordmeccanica Piacenza on Dec. 22. Lowe totaled 15 kills on 49 attacks and two blocks for a team-high 17 points. Hagglund notched three kills on seven errorless chances while setting the team to a 30 kill percent. Busto Arsizio opened the second half with a 25-13, 24-26, 25-20, 25-17 loss to Savino Del Bene Scandicci on Jan. 17. Lowe provided a match-high 22 points with 21 kills on 56 attacks and an ace. Hagglund set the team to a 31 kill percent in the loss. Busto Arsizio looks to stop the two-match losing streak on Jan. 24 as it plays 12th-place Sudtirol Bolzano (3-10, 9 points).

LARSON, KREKLOW WITH TURKEY’S ECZACIBASI: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Neb.) and setter Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minn.) are playing for Eczacibasi of the Turkish League this winter, along with the CEV Champions League. In the Turkish League, topped Ilbank 25-18, 25-15, 23-25, 25-15 on Jan. 16. Larson scored 13 kills on 25 attacks, two blocks and an ace for 16 points. Kreklow was a serving sub in the third set. Fourth-place Eczacibasi (8-4, 23 points) challenges league-leader VakifBank (12-0, 35 points) on Jan. 23 in the next Turkish League match. In European CEV Champions League Pool C action, third-place Eczacibasi (2-2, 7 points) will seek to avoid a Champions League losing streak as it faces Czech Republic’s Agel Prostejov (0-4, 0 points) on Jan. 19.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Ore.), the MVP of the 2014 FIVB World Championship, is playing for VakifBank in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League this winter. VakifBank swept Nilufer 25-23, 25-18, 27-25 on Jan. 16 to start the second half of the Turkish League season. Hill provided six points, all on kills via 15 attacks. She added a 76 positive reception percent on 17 chances. VakifBank (12-0, 35 points) challenges fourth-place Eczacibasi (8-4, 23 points) on Jan. 23 in a key match. In the European Champions League Pool B, group-leader VakifBank (4-0) challenges second-place Poland’s PGE Atom Trefl Sopot (3-1, 9 points) on Jan. 20.

JACKSON WITH TURKEY’S GALATASARAY: Middle blocker Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, California) is competing for Galatasaray of the Turkish League this winter. In CEV Cup action, Galatasaray swept its 8th Final Round home-and-home series by winning the second match 25-14, 25-20, 19-25, 25-21 over VDK GENT Dames in Belgium. Jackson totaled 12 points in the victory with 10 kills on 12 errorless swings, one block and one ace. Galatasaray now moves into the CEV Cup 4th Finals Round to play Volley Koniz on Jan. 19 and Jan. 27 in a home-and-home series. Galatasaray beat Bursa B. Sehir 21-25, 25-14, 25-23, 25-15 on Jan. 16. Jackson pounded out 10 kills on 18 swings while adding two aces and two blocks for 14 points in the victory. Galatasaray (10-2, 26 points), in third place, takes on eighth-place Canakkale (5-7, 15 points) on Jan. 23 in the next Turkish League match.

DIETZEN WITH TURKEY’S FENERBAHCE: Middle blocker Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pa.) is competing this winter for Fenerbahce in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League. Fenerbahce defeated Salihli 25-13, 25-14, 25-21 on Jan. 16 to start the second half of the season. Dietzen did not play in the match. Second-place Fenerbahce (11-1, 34 points) plays fifth-place Sariyer (7-5, 19 points) on Jan. 24 in the next Turkish League match. In European CEV Champions League Pool E action, group leader Fenerbahce (4-0) plays Azerbaijan’s Telekom Baku (0-4, 0 points) on Jan. 21.

HILDEBRAND WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Outside hitter Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah) is competing this winter for Impel Wroclaw in the Polish League and CEV Champions League. In the Polish League, Impel Wroclaw held back Developres SkyRes Rzeszow 22-25, 28-26, 25-21, 25-16 on Jan. 14. Hildebrand contributed 10 kills on 35 attacks and two blocks for 12 points in the victory. She added 22 receptions in the victory. Impel Wroclaw (11-2, 30 points), in a tie for third-place, resumes Polish League action on Jan. 24 against league-leader Chemik Police (13-0, 39 points), which has dropped just four sets all season. In CEV Champions League Pool E, third-place Impel Wroclaw (1-4, 4 points) will look to break its losing streak in the Champions League on Jan. 20 against second-place Dresdner (3-1, 7 points).

THOMPSON WITH BRAZIL’S REXONA ADES: Setter Courtney Thompson (Kent, Wash.) has signed to compete for Rexona Ades in the Brazilian Superliga. Rexona Ades blanked Renata Valinhos 25-20, 25-23, 25-9 on Dec. 22. Thompson was a sub in the opening set and registered one ace. Rexona-Ades’s second round match of the second half versus Concilig/Volei Bauru was postponed to Jan. 26 with team members playing in Olympic qualification tournaments. Rexonda-Ades topped Sao Bernardo Volei 25-17, 25-18, 25-12 on Jan. 11 without Thompson in the lineup as she was returning from the NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament. Rexona Ades rallied to defeat Rio Do Sul Equibrasil 22-25, 25-11, 23-25, 25-20, 17-15 on Jan. 15. Thompson started the first four sets and helped her team to an overall 42 kill percent. She also served two aces in the victory.

KLINEMAN WITH BRAZIL’S PRAIA CLUBE: Opposite Alix Klineman (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) is competing for Praia Clube in the Brazilian Superliga this winter. Praia Clube handled Sao Cristovao Saudesao Caetano 21-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-21 on Dec. 22. Klineman notched 23 points in the victory with 21 kills on 49 swings and two blocks. Praia Clube downed Brasilia Volei 22-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-16 on Jan. 8. Klineman started just the first set and did not register a point. Praia Clube edged Pinheiros 25-18, 25-21, 21-25, 25-23 on Jan. 12. Klineman returned to form with 19 points via 17 kills on 30 swings and two aces. Praia Clube swept Renata Valinhos 25-12, 25-13, 25-17 on Jan. 15 as Klineman hammered out nine kills on 18 attacks with one block and one ace for 11 points in the victory.

DIXON WITH JAPAN’S TORAY ARROWS: Middle blocker Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minn.), Best Blocker in the 2015 FIVB World Cup helping Team USA to the bronze medal, is playing her first season in the Japan V-League with Toray Arrows. Toray edged Okayama 22-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-21 on Jan. 16 as Dixon returned to the team following the NORCECA Olympic Qualifier. She contributed 11 kills on 19 attacks with just one error, along with one block for 12 points. Toray rallied past Hisamitsu Springs 25-19, 22-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-13 on Jan. 17 for its second big win of the weekend. Dixon pocketed 15 kills on 29 attacks on just one error as part of a 16-point match. Toray (43 points), now in sole possession of first place, challenges Ageo on Jan. 23 and Hitachi on Jan. 24 in the final regular season V-League matches.

PAOLINI WITH JAPAN’S HITACHI RIVALE: Middle blocker Lauren Paolini (Ann Arbor, Mich.), a middle blocker on Team USA, is playing her second consecutive season with Hitachi Rivale of the Japan V-League. Hitachi swept Hisamitsu Springs 26-24, 25-19, 25-15 on Jan. 16. Paolini was credited with 11 kills on 17 attacks with just one error to go with one block for 12 points. However, Hitachi couldn’t keep the momentum in losing to Okayama 25-14, 32-30, 25-21 on Jan. 17. Paolini scored nine kills on 27 swings and two blocks for 11 points in the loss. Hitachi (33 points), now in third place, Toyota on Jan. 23 and Toray on Jan. 24 in final regular season V-League weekend.

MURPHY WITH JAPAN’S AGEO MEDICS: Opposite Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Ill.), Team USA’s leading scorer in 2013 and 2014, is playing her second season in the Japan V-League with Ageo Medics. Ageo lost a heart-breaking 20-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-19, 15-10 match to NEC on Jan. 16. Murphy provided much of the offense with 33 kills on 82 swings and just four errors along with one block and one ace for 35 total points. Ageo had its second setback of the weekend with a 20-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-20 loss to Toyota on Jan. 17. Murphy charted 27 kills on 67 swings and one ace for 28 points. Ageo (17 points), which is currently eighth in the V-League, needs to win both its final two regular season matches and get help to move into the playoffs. They face Toray on Jan. 23 and Toyota on Jan. 24.

BARTSCH WITH GERMANY’S DRESDNER: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Ill.) is playing for Dresdner SC of the German Bundesliga and CEV Champions League this winter. In the German Bundesliga, Dresdner swept VCO Berlin 25-14, 25-10, 25-11 on Jan. 11 as Bartsch compiled a match-best 12 points with seven kills, four aces and a block in the victory. She also handled eight receptions at a 75 percent positive clip. Dresdner topped Kopenicker SC Berlin 26-24, 25-19, 25-22 on Jan. 16 for its second straight win to open the 2016 portion of the Bundesliga schedule. Bartsch knocked down a match-high 19 points with 15 kills on 29 swings, three aces and a block. She handled 28 of the team’s 58 receptions in the victory. Dresdner (13-2, 38 points) returns to action on Jan. 23 against co-league-leader Schwerin (13-2, 38 points) in a battle of the top two teams. In CEV Champions League Pool E action, second-place Dresdner (3-1, 7 points) faces Poland’s Impel Wroclaw (1-3, 4 points) in the next Champions League match on Jan. 20.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (April 4, 2016) – The prestigious European Champions League comes to a conclusion this weekend with four U.S. players competing among the four semifinal teams. Get all the details plus player news from around the globe and a “Did You Know” feature on Kristin Hildebrand in the U.S. Women’s National Team Weekly Update.

DID YOU KNOW: Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah) joined the U.S. Women’s National Team in June 2005 and has been an alternate on the last two U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Teams that played in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.

A Fun Get to Know Video Interview with Kristin Hildebrand and Courtney Thompson
Served as captain of the 2015 Pan American Cup and 2015 Pan American Games gold-medal winning teams. She ranked third in Best Spiker at Pan Am Cup, while ranking third in receiving and 12th in scoring at the Pan Am Games
Served as captain of the 2013 U.S. Women’s National Team that went 25-6. She started 30 of 31 matches in the season, recording 291 points
Selected most valuable player of 2012 Pan American Cup as Team USA won the gold
Started all 14 matches of the 2013 FIVB World Grand Prix, averaging 3.06 points per set
Started playing volleyball at age 8
Father Dave played on the US. Men’s National Team from 1978-1980. Her mother Lori, who passed away in 2012, played volleyball at BYU as did Dave and Kristin’s sister Lauren
Nearly quit volleyball after the passing of her mother in 2012
Rehabilitated two consecutive knee surgeries in nine months
Two-time AVCA All-American at Stanford University
Prior to her junior season at Stanford University, made senior level debut with U.S. Women’s National Team at the 2005 Montreux VolleyMasters and 2005 FIVB World Grand Prix
Played on U.S Women’s Junior National Team in 2001 and 2002, and served as captain of the 2000 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team
Selected 2003 National Gatorade Player of the Year at Timpanogos High School in Orem, Utah
Played junior volleyball for Players Volleyball Club, which won the 2002 Nationals.
If not for volleyball, would likely be playing soccer
Looked up to her older sister Lauren, who was a couple years older. “She was always inspiring to me. She had a lot of passion and was a great teammate.”
Personal item that she takes on the road is her travel pillow
Her inspirational athlete she looks up to is Stacy Sykora
Married to Tyler Hildebrand, a former U.S. Men’s National Team setter who now coaches on the beach volleyball side including Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson.

CEV EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINALS: The U.S. Women’s National Team will have four plays competing on three of the four CEV Champions League semifinal teams this coming weekend, and you can catch all the action live online.

April 9: Fenerbahce (Christa Dietzen) vs. VakifBank (Kim Hill), 6:30 a.m. PT.
April 9: Pomi Casalmaggiore (Lauren Gibbemeyer, Carli Lloyd) vs. Dinamo Kazan, 9:30 a.m. PT
April 10: Bronze-medal match, 5:30 a.m. PT
April 10: Gold-medal match, 8:30 a.m. PT

THOMPSON WITH BRAZIL’S REXONA-ADES: Setter Courtney Thompson (Kent, Washington) has signed to compete for Rexona-Ades in the Brazilian Superliga. Rexona-Ades, the regular season champion and top seed in the playoffs, captured the Superliga crown by defeating second-seed Dentil/Praia Clube 25-18, 26-28, 28-26, 28-26 in a hard-fought title match on April 3. Thompson as a sub in the second and third sets, compiling three serves in the victory. To reach the championship match, Rexona-Ades defeated Volei Nestle 25-20, 25-23, 25-16 on March 28 in the third match of the best-of-three semifinal round series. Thompson was a sub in the second set.

KLINEMAN WITH BRAZIL’S PRAIA CLUBE: Opposite Alix Klineman (Manhattan Beach, California) is competing for Praia Clube in the Brazilian Superliga this winter. Praia Clube, which finished the regular season in second place, defeated Camponesa Minas 25-21, 25-18, 25-22 on March 28 in the best-of-three semifinal round series rubber match to gain a spot in the title match. Klineman scored a team-high 12 points with 11 kills on 22 attacks and a block. In the championship match, Praia Clube was unable to finish off sets in taking a 25-18, 26-28, 28-26, 28-26 loss to top-seed Rexona-Ades on April 3 in a winner-take-all championship round. Klineman scored 17 points with 14 kills via 43 swings, two blocks and an ace. She added 10 receptions with a 40 positive reception percent.

GIBBEMEYER, LLOYD WITH ITALY’S POMI CASALMAGGIORE: Middle blocker Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota) and setter Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California), the MVP of the Pan American Games, are playing for Pomi Casalmaggiore of the Italian Serie A1 league this winter and the CEV Champions League. Casalmaggiore closed out the regular season with a 17-25, 26-24, 25-17, 25-20 come-from-behind win over Club Italia on April 2. Lloyd set the team to a 35 kill percent and chipped in two blocks and one individual kill. Gibbemeyer pocketed 12 points with 10 kills on 15 swings and two blocks. Casalmaggiore (18-6, 55 points) ended the regular season in second place, two points behind league leader Imoco Volley Conegliano (20-4, 57 points) and one point ahead of third-place Nordmeccanica Piacenza (17-7, 54 points). Casalmaggiore takes on seventh-place Foppapedretti Bergamo in the best-of-three quarterfinals starting on April 13, followed by matches on April 15 and, if necessary, April 17. Casalmaggiore hosts the semifinals and finals of the CEV Champions League April 9-10 and will play Russia’s Dinamo Kazan in the semifinals on April 9.

LOWE, JENNA HAGGLUND WITH ITALY’S BUSTO ARSIZIO: Opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, California), MVP of the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix, and setter Jenna Hagglund (West Chester, Ohio) are competing for Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. Busto Arsizio lost its regular season finale with a 25-19, 25-23, 25-18 setback to Nordmeccanica Piacenza on April 2. Lowe scored 19 points with 16 kills on 32 swings and just two errors to go with two aces and a block. Hagglund set the team to a 44 kill percent and added one individual kill. Busto Arsizio ended the regular season in ninth place with a 9-15 record (30 points) and missed qualifying for the quarterfinals.

DIETZEN WITH TURKEY’S FENERBAHCE: Middle blocker Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania) is competing this winter for Fenerbahce in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League. In European CEV Champions League, Fenerbahce now will face Turkish rival VakifBank on April 9 in the semifinals, with the winner advancing to meet the opposite semifinal winner of Pomi Casalmaggiore and Dinamo Kazan for the title on April 10. In the Turkish League, regular season winner Fenerbahce goes into the top-four round robin playoffs to play fourth-place Galatasaray on April 15, third-place Eczacibasi on April 16 and second-place VakifBank on April 17.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon), the MVP of the 2014 FIVB World Championship, is playing for VakifBank in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League this winter. In the European Champions League, VakifBank has advanced to the semifinals to face Turkish rival Fenerbahce on April 9. The championship match is set for April 10 as the winner of Italian host Pomi Casalmaggiore and Russia’s Dinamo Kazan will advance to the title match against the Turkish winner. In the Turkish League, second-place VakifBank (20-2, 59 points) is in the four-team round-robin playoffs as it will face third-place Eczacibasi on April 15, fourth-place Galatasaray on April 16 and top-seed Fenerbahce on April 17.

JACKSON WITH TURKEY’S GALATASARAY: Middle blocker Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, California) is competing for Galatasaray of the Turkish League this winter. In CEV Cup action, Galatasaray opened up the home-and-home championship round with a 25-14, 22-25, 25-16, 21-25, 15-13 victory over Russia’s Dinamo Krasnodar on March 29. Jackson piled up 12 points with 10 kills on 22 errorless swings, one blocks and one ace in the victory. However, Krasnodar came back to win the second match in Russia 25-23, 25-22, 29-27 to retain its CEV Cup title. Jackson tallied nine points in the loss with eight kills on 16 swings and a block. Galatasaray finished the CEV Cup with the silver medal. Galatsaray returns to action April 15-17 in the Turkish League Finals with round-robin action of the top four teams. Fourth-seed Galatasaray opens against top-seed Fenerbahce on April 15, followed by second-seed VakifBank on April 16 and third-seed Eczacibasi on April 17.

HILDEBRAND WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Outside hitter Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah) is competing this winter for Impel Wroclaw in the Polish League and CEV Champions League before the squad dropped to the CEV Cup. In the Polish League playoff, is down one set to PGE Atom Trefl Sopot in the best-of-three semifinal round series. The second match takes place in Wroclaw on April 9 with the tiebreaking contest scheduled for April 16 if necessary.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (March 28, 2016) – The majority of the U.S. Women’s National Team members playing overseas are in the playoff seasons now for the leagues, which signals the international season is just around the corner. Find out the latest news in this week’s update, along with a feature on Natalie Hagglund and Courtney Thompson.

DID YOU KNOW: Natalie Hagglund (Encinitas, California) joined the U.S. Women’s National Team in January 2014 and has competed in seven tournaments during that span. In each of the seven tournaments, Hagglund has helped Team USA to a medal including golds at the 2015 Pan American Games, 2015 Pan American Cup, 2015 NORCECA Championship and 2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament.

Starting libero for U.S. Women at Pan American Games that resulted in gold
Selected AVCA All-America First-Team for three consecutive seasons at University of Southern California from 2011-2013
Named CoSIDA Capital One First-Team Academic All-American in 2013 and graduated from USC with a degree in communications in 2014. She became just the 14 student-athlete at USC to earn both first-team All-America honors in his or her sport and in academics
Became USC’s all-time career leader in digs and finished third overall in Pac-12 history
Accomplished surfer and beach volleyball player as well as indoor volleyball
Participated on the USA Volleyball U-19 Beach Team and played in the 2009 FIVB Beach Youth (U-19) World Championships
In 2009, partnered with Summer Ross to become the youngest team to ever qualify into the main draw of the AVP Manhattan Beach Open
Helped the 2011 U.S. Women’s Junior National Team to a fourth-place finish at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s (U20) World Championship in Peru
Helped LaCosta Canyon High School to being named National High School Champions in 2008 by PrepVolleyball.com
Earned CBVA U-16 State Beach Champion and California State Championship D-1 Champion in 2008
Won San Diego County High School Girls’ Long Board surfing Championship in 2007
Began playing indoor club volleyball in 2002 with Encinitas Waves
Other hobbies are writing and traveling

THOMPSON VIDEO INTERVIEW FROM BRAZIL: Courtney Thompson (Kent, Washington), who is playing for Rexona-Ades in the Brazilian Superliga, took part in an 18-minute video interview with a Brazilian media outlet with a wide range of topics. After a brief introduction in Portuguese, the interview changes over to English with questions to Thompson relating to what is it like playing in Brazil as an American and how she landed the job as the Rexona-Ades setter. Thompson also discusses how she thinks the Brazil professional leagues (men and women) and the impact of television has made Brazil into a volleyball power. Thompson talks about her greatest challenge to living away from home during the club season. She gives insight into how her game has improved in Brazil playing under the legendary coach Bernardinho. Thompson also talks about the U.S. Women’s National Team’s chances at the 2016 Olympics and her career plans after the Rio Games.

DIETZEN WITH TURKEY’S FENERBAHCE: Middle blocker Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania) is competing this winter for Fenerbahce in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League. In European CEV Champions League, Fenerbahce closed out its Playoff 6 quarterfinal round home-and-home series by rallying past Russia’s Dinamo Moscow 25-19, 24-26, 19-25, 25-18, 15-9 on March 22. Dietzen collected 11 points with eight kills on 13 errorless attacks and three blocks in the victory. Fenerbahce now will face Turkish rival VakifBank on April 9 in the semifinals, with the winner advancing to meet the opposite semifinal winner of Pomi Casalmaggiore and Dinamo Kazan for the title on April 10. In the Turkish League, Fenerbahce eased past fourth-place Galatasaray 25-17, 25-14, 25-12 on March 26. Dietzen did not play in the match. Fenerbahce (20-2, 61 points) finished the regular season in first place with a two-point advantage over VakifBank before heading into the playoffs.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Oregon), the MVP of the 2014 FIVB World Championship, is playing for VakifBank in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League this winter. In the European Champions League, VakifBank advanced to the semifinals after defeating Volero Zurich 25-22, 32-34, 25-21, 25-22 on March 24 to sweep the Playoff 6 quarterfinal round home-and-home series. Hill, a sub in the first four sets and a starter in the fourth set, turned in eight points with six kills on 11 swings and two aces. She also was credited with a 39 positive reception percent on 18 chances. VakifBank now advances to the semifinals to face Turkish rival Fenerbahce on April 9. The championship match is set for April 10 as the winner of Italian host Pomi Casalmaggiore and Russia’s Dinamo Kazan will advance to the title match against the Turkish winner. In the Turkish League, VakifBank (20-2, 59 points) dominated 10th-place Idman Ocagi 25-11, 25-17, 25-21 in the regular season finale to finish in second place. Hill did not suit up for the match. VakifBank enters the playoffs as the second seed.

JACKSON WITH TURKEY’S GALATASARAY: Middle blocker Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, California) is competing for Galatasaray of the Turkish League this winter. In the Turkish League, Galatasaray was swept by league-leader Fenerbahce 25-27, 25-14, 25-12 on March 26. Jackson tallied three kills on nine attacks while starting just the first two sets. Galatasaray (15-7, 43 points) finished the regular season in fourth place before heading into the playoffs. In CEV Cup action, Galatasaray has advanced to the CEV Cup Finals as it faces Russia’s Dinamo Krasnodar in a home-and-home series with matches on March 29 and April 2.

THOMPSON WITH BRAZIL’S REXONA-ADES: Setter Courtney Thompson (Kent, Washington) has signed to compete for Rexona-Ades in the Brazilian Superliga. Rexona-Ades, the regular season champion and top seed in the playoffs, was upset in the opening match of the best-of-three semifinal round series as Volei Nestle came away with a hard-fought 25-22, 14-25, 26-24, 19-25, 15-10 victory on March 21. Thompson started the first three sets. However, Rexona-Ades rallied to win the second match 21-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-16 including coming back from a 21-16 deficit in the third set. Thompson started the first two sets and was a sub in the third set. The semifinal tiebreaking match will be played March 28 with the winner advancing to the championship match against the opposite semifinal round winner of Praia Clube and Camponesa/Minas.

GIBBEMEYER, LLOYD WITH ITALY’S POMI CASALMAGGIORE: Middle blocker Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minnesota) and setter Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, California), the MVP of the Pan American Games, are playing for Pomi Casalmaggiore of the Italian Serie A1 league this winter and the CEV Champions League. Casalmaggiore swept 12th-place Il Bisonte Firenze 25-18, 25-16, 25-23 on March 26 as it resume the Italian Serie A1 regular season. Lloyd set the team to a 33 kill percent and chipped in five points with two kills on three swings and three blocks. Gibbemeyer contributed four blocks, one ace and one kill for six points. Casalmaggiore (17-6, 52 points), now in second place with a one-point lead over Nordmeccanica Piacenza, will challenge 11th-place Club Italia (7-16, 20 points) on April 2 to close out the regular season. Casalmaggiore has also been selected to host the semifinals and finals of the CEV Champions League April 9-10, thus bypassing the Playoff 12 and Playoff 6 rounds.

BARTSCH WITH GERMANY’S DRESDNER: Outside hitter (Maryville, Illinois) is playing for Dresdner SC of the German Bundesliga and CEV Champions League this winter. Dresdner (20-4, 60 points), which captured the regular season title and top seed into the playoffs, completed the quarterfinal round best-of-three series sweep on March 26 as it defeated Kopenicker SC Berlin 25-12, 25-15, 27-29, 25-17 in the second match of the series in Berlin. Bartsch pocketed 17 points in the victory with 15 kills on 28 attacks and just one error to go with two blocks. She added a 57 positive reception pecent on a team-best 23 attempts. American teammate Gina Mancuso added a match-high 18 points. Dresdner now awaits its semifinal round opponent as the best-of-three series begins April 2.

HILDEBRAND WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Outside hitter Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah) is competing this winter for Impel Wroclaw in the Polish League and CEV Champions League before the squad dropped to the CEV Cup. In the Polish League playoff, third-seed Impel Wroclaw lost to second-seed PGE Atom Trefl Sopot 26-24, 16-25, 28-26, 25-21 on March 23 to open the best-of-three playoff series in Sopot. Hildebrand, a sub in the final two sets, scored four kills on 11 attacks and handled nine receptions with a 56 positive percent. The series moves to Wroclaw on April 9. If necessary, the tiebreaking match will be played on April 16.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 14, 2016) – U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly and libero Kayla Banwarth took part in the Team USA Media Summit with nearly 700 media in attendance at the Beverly Hilton last week, while other team members were playing in the final stages of their overseas club seasons on three continents.

>DID YOU KNOW: Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minn.), who joined the U.S. Women’s National Team in January 2011, has been a part of eight medal-winning U.S. Women’s National Teams since her international debut in the summer of 2011.

Nicknames are Gibby, Gibblet and Gibbs
In international debut, started all five matches of 2011 Pan American Games and helped Team USA earn the bronze medal
Part of 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix gold-medal team, as well as 2015 FIVB World Cup bronze-medal team
Two-time AVCA All-American at University of Minnesota where she concluded collegiate career as the school’s all-time total block leader and ninth in kills
Competed on U.S. Women’s Junior National Team in 2006 and 2007, which resulted in gold at 2006 NORCECA Women’s Junior Continental Championship and fourth-place finish in 2007 FIVB Women’s U-20 World Championship
Inspired by younger sister to want to help kids struggling with weight and obesity and would like to work on finding a prevention to childhood obesity
Wanted to be a veterinarian as a child
Did not start playing volleyball until high school and was part of the freshman team. Played club for the first time when a high school sophomore.
If not playing volleyball, she says she would probably be playing basketball
Christa Dietzen is her role model and looks up to her in all respects

HILDEBRAND WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Outside hitter Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah)is competing this winter for Impel Wroclaw in the Polish League and CEV Champions League before the squad dropped to the CEV Cup. In the Polish League, Impel Wroclaw concluded the regular season by sweeping BKS Aluprof Profi Credit Bielsko-Biala 25-16, 25-18, 25-21 on March 12. Hildebrand notched 11 points in the victory with nine kills on 21 attacks and just two errors to go with two aces. She handled 12 receptions with a 42 positive percent. Impel Wroclaw finished the regular season in third place with an 18-4 record and 49 points. They will face second-seed PGE Atom Trefl Sopot in a best-of-three series with matches on March 23 and April 9. If necessary, the tiebreaking match will be played on April 16.

GLASS, ROBINSON, EASY, ADAMS ALL WITH ITALY’S IMOCO CONEGLIANO: Setter Alisha Glass (Leland, Mich.), the 2013 and 2014 USA Volleyball Female Athlete of the Year, outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Ill.), outside hitter Megan Easy (Boston, Mass.), a 2012 Olympic silver medalist, and Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio) are all playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. Conegliano won its 15th straight match by defeating sixth-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci 25-19, 18-25, 25-19, 25-19 on March 12. Robinson contributed a match-high 22 points with 16 kills on 39 swings, three aces and three blocks. She chipped in a 73 positive reception percent (52 excellent percent) on a team-best 33 receptions. Easy charted 16 points with 14 kills via 35 swings and two blocks. She added a 63 positive reception percent on 27 chances. Adams pocketed nine points with six kills on 14 attacks, two blocks and an ace. Glass set the team to a 41 kill percent while adding four individual kills on six attacks. Due to the Italian Cup playoffs followed by a bye week, Conegliano (20-3, 57 points) will not return to regular season action until the regular season finale when it seeks its 16th straight win on April 2 against 12th-place Il Bisonte Firenze (3-19, 10 points).

LARSON, KREKLOW WITH TURKEY’S ECZACIBASI: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Neb.) and setter Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minn.) are playing for Eczacibasi of the Turkish League this winter, along with the CEV Champions League. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi (15-4, 43 points), which moved up into sole possession of third place and idle this past week, faces fourth-place Galatasaray on March 16 in the next Turkish League match, followed by 11th-place Salihli on March 19.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Ore.), the MVP of the 2014 FIVB World Championship, is playing for VakifBank in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League this winter. In the European Champions League, VakifBank opened the Playoff 6 quarterfinal home-and-home series by edging Switzerland’s Volero Zurich 25-23, 25-23, 22-25, 23-25, 15-13 on March 10. Hill, who played all five sets and started the third, recorded two kills and an ace for three points. She also produced a 50 positive reception percent on 18 reception chances despite her limited time on the court. The teams close out the series with a March 24 match to determine which team advances to the CEV Champions League semifinals on April 9. In the Turkish League, VakifBank swept last place Ilbank 25-17, 27-25, 25-17 on March 13. Hill notched 15 points with nine kills on 20 attacks, five aces and a block. She contributed 26 receptions with a 46 positive percent. VakifBank (18-2, 53 points), now in second place and just two points behind league-leader Fenerbahce, takes on seventh-place Canakkale on March 17.

DIETZEN WITH TURKEY’S FENERBAHCE: Middle blocker Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pa)is competing this winter for Fenerbahce in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League. In European CEV Champions League, Fenerbahce started the quarterfinal Playoff 6 home-and-home series with an impressive 25-21, 25-14, 21-25, 25-19 victory over Russia’s Dinamo Moscow on March 9. Dietzen contributed 12 points in the victory, including seven of her team’s 13 blocks to go with four kills on 12 swings. For her performance, Dietzen was named to the CEV’s Dream Team for the week. Fenerbahce can earn a spot into the CEV Champions League semifinals April 9 with a win in the return quarterfinal match on March 22. In the Turkish League, Fenebahce stopped sixth-place Canakkale 25-22, 25-17, 18-25, 25-15 on March 12. Dietzen did not play in the match. Fenerbahce (18-2, 55 points), in first place by two points over VakifBank, plays fifth-place Bursa B. Sehir on March 19 in the next Turkish League match.

JACKSON WITH TURKEY’S GALATASARAY: Middle blocker Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, California)is competing for Galatasaray of the Turkish League this winter. In CEV Cup action, Galatasaray opened its CEV Cup semifinal round home-and-home series with Germany’s Schweriner with a 25-10, 25-23, 25-19 victory on March 8 in Germany. Jackson scored nine points in the victory, including three aces, three blocks and three kills. Galatasaray closed out the series on March 12 with a 30-28, 25-20, 25-23 victory. Jackson scored nine kills on 15 attacks and just one error to go with four aces and two blocks for 15 points. Galatasaray now advances to the CEV Cup Finals as it faces Russia’s Dinamo Krasnodar in a home-and-home series with dates to be announced. In the Turkish League, Galatasaray (14-5, 40 points) was idle this past week and will play third-place Eczacibasi on March 16 and ninth-place Halkbank on March 19.

THOMPSON WITH BRAZIL’S REXONA-ADES: Setter Courtney Thompson (Kent, Wash.) has signed to compete for Rexona-Ades in the Brazilian Superliga. Rexona-Ades, as a the regular season champion, headed into the playoffs as the top seed and promptly defeated Pinheiros/Klar 25-19, 25-16, 25-23 on March 12 to open the best-of-three quarterfinal series. Thompson set Rexona-Ades to a 42 kill percent while putting up a block in the victory. Rexona-Ades can close out the series on March 15. If necessary, the series tiebreaker will be held on a date to be announced.

KLINEMAN WITH BRAZIL’S PRAIA CLUBE: Opposite Alix Klineman (Manhattan Beach, Calif.)is competing for Praia Clube in the Brazilian Superliga this winter. Praia Clube, which finished the regular season in second place, absorbed a 25-20, 25-18, 25-19 loss to seventh-seed Sesi Sao Paolo to open the quarterfinal best-of-three series on March 11. Klineman knocked down 11 kills on 29 attack with just two errors in the loss and handled 20 receptions with a 55 positive percent. The second match of the series is scheduled for March 14, and if necessary, the tiebreaker match will be played on a date to be determined.

PAOLINI WITH JAPAN’S HITACHI RIVALE: Middle blocker (Ann Arbor, Mich.), a middle blocker on Team USA, is playing her second consecutive season with Hitachi Rivale of the Japan V-League. Hitachi finished the V-League playoffs with silver after losing to Hisamitsu Springs 21-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-17 on March 12. Paolini scored 22 points in the loss, including 19 kills and three blocks.

DIXON WITH JAPAN’S TORAY ARROWS: Middle blocker Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minn.), Best Blocker in the 2015 FIVB World Cup helping Team USA to the bronze medal, is playing her first season in the Japan V-League with Toray Arrows. Dixon, who had her season cut short due to injury, earned Best Spiker for the 2015-16 V-League regular season.

BARTSCH WITH GERMANY’S DRESDNER: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Ill.) is playing for Dresdner SC of the German Bundesliga and CEV Champions League this winter. Dresdner (20-4, 60 points) captured the regular season title and top seed into the playoffs based a three-point edge in the standings over second-place Schweriner (20-4, 57 points). Dresdner was idle during the play-in matches and advanced directly to the quarterfinals where they will now face eighth-seed Kopenick in a best-of-three series with matches on March 19 and March 26. If necessary, the tiebreaker will be held on March 30.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 18, 2021) – The U.S. Women’s U21 National Team capped off the FIVB U20 World Championship with a comeback 3-2 (14-25, 18-25, 25-16, 29-27, 15-13) win in the fifth-place match on Sunday.
The U20 Team (6-2) finished as the top non-European competitor. Italy won the championship over Serbia. Russia beat Netherlands for bronze.

The team never stopped battling, coming back from deficits of 12-17 in the fourth set and 2-6 in the fifth.

“It’s been such an honor to be playing with this group of girls,” Team Captain Kami Miner said. “I think from the very start of the tournament, we have had great team chemistry and that carried us through. That’s what showed up the most in this last match going five sets – that heart and that will to win.”

OFFICIAL STATISTICS * TEAM STATISTICS

Miner finished with seven points on three kills, three blocks and one ace. She and backup setter Averi Carlson combined to set the U20 Team to a .346 hitting efficiency. Poland hit .333.

Libero Lexi Rodriguez was clutch for the U.S., finishing with a match-high 18 digs and nine successful receptions.

The U.S. led in kills (61-53) while Poland led in blocks (17-13) and aces (12-6). Poland scored 24 points on U.S. errors while committing 21.

Opposite Emily Londot led the U.S. scoring with 17 points on a team-high 16 kills and one block. Outside hitter Allison Jacobs, who started the first, second and fifth sets, scored 14 points on 12 kills, one block and one ace. Outside hitter Ally Batenhorst, who started the first four sets, scored 12 points on 12 kills.

Backup opposite Lindsay Krause finished with nine points on six kills and three blocks. Middle blocker Caroline Crawford had eight points on four kills and a team-high four blocks. Outside hitter Elena Oglivie, who started the final three sets, scored seven points on five kills and a team-high two aces.

Middle blocker Reagan Hope scored five points on three kills, one block and one ace. Carlson scored a point with an ace.

After trailing 12-17 in the fourth set, the U.S. got two kills from Jacobs and one from Hope to pull to within two at 15-17. Poland reached match point at 24-22 but starting setter Julia Binczycka went down with an injury and left the match. The U.S. tied it on Poland’s serving error and an Oglivie attack. Poland again held match point at 25-24, but Poland’s service error tied it again. The U.S. took set point twice but Poland fought it off. It took set point a third time on a Londot kill and won on Londot’s block.

The U.S. fell behind quickly in the fourth set 0-4. With Poland up 6-2, Hope scored with a kill. U.S. Head Coach Dan Fisher brought in Carlson and Krause in a double substitution for Miner and Londot and the U.S. scored three straight points on two Krause attacks and an ace by Carlson to tie it. Poland scored on a U.S. service error, but the U.S. came right back with three straight point on a kill by Jacobs and two blocks from Krause. The U.S. led 9-7 and never trailed again.

U.S. Women’s U20 National Team
Player (Position, Height, HS Grad Year, Hometown, Club, Region, College)

1 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-7, 2021, Sterling, Ill., Club Fusion VBC, Great Lakes, Nebraska)
3 Elena Oglivie (OH, 5-9, 2020, Kapolei, Hawaii, Kuikahi VBC, Aloha, Stanford)
5 Allison Jacobs (OH, 5-11, 2020, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., Legacy VBC, Southern Cal, UCLA)
6C Kami Miner (S, 6-0, 2021, Redondo Beach, Calif., Mizuno Long Beach VBC, Southern Cal, Stanford)
7 Averi Carlson (S, 6-0, 2022, Lucas, Texas, Skyline Juniors Dallas, North Texas Region, Baylor)
10 Reagan Hope (MB, 6-2, 2021, Phoenix, Ariz., Arizona Storm Elite, Arizona Region, Oregon)
11 Jordan Middleton (OH, 6-2, 2022, Gilbert, Ariz., Arizona Storm Elite, Arizona, Southern California)
12 Caroline Crawford (MB, 6-2, 2020, Lansing, Kan., MAVS KC, Heart of America, Kansas)
14 Emily Londot (OH, 6-2, 2020, Utica, Ohio, Mintonette Sports, Ohio Valley, Ohio State)
16 Gabbi Essix (MB, 6-4, 2021, Hoover, Ala., Southern Performance, Southern, Florida)
17 Lindsay Krause (OH, 6-4, 2021, Papillion, Neb., Premier Nebraska, Great Plains, Nebraska)
19 Ally Batenhorst (OH, 6-4, 2021, Katy, Texas, Houston Juniors, Lone Star, Nebraska)

Head Coach: Dan Fisher (Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh)
Assistant Coach: Jon Newman-Gonchar (Head Coach, University of New Mexico)
Assistant Coach: Jessica Aschenbrenner (Assistant Coach, University of Denver)
Technical Coordinator: Jon Wong (Assistant Coach, Texas Tech)
Doctor: David Dyck Jr.
Team Lead: Nicole Segura (Athlete Development Lead, NTDP)

U.S. First-Round Pool-Play Schedule (all times PT)
Matches will be live streamed on the Volleyball World YouTube channel

July 9: USA def Russia, 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17)
July 10: USA def Thailand, 3-0 (25-15, 25-8, 25-13)
July 11: USA def Turkey, 3-0 (25-18, 27-25, 25-22)

July 13: USA def Brazil, 3-1 (25-22, 27-29, 25-20, 25-14)
July 14: Russia def USA, 3-1 (25-13, 25-22, 28-30, 25-23)
July 15: Netherlands def USA, 3-2 (25-15, 25-22, 21-25, 21-25, 15-10)

July 17: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25–22, 25-15, 25-18)
July 18: Fifth-place: USA def Poland, 3-2 (14-25, 18-25, 25-16, 29-27, 15-13)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 17, 2021) – The U.S. Women’s U20 National Team defeated the Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-18) in Kortrjik, Belgium, Saturday to move into the fifth-place match at the FIVB U20 World Championship.

The U20 Team (5-2) will play at 8:30 a.m. PT Sunday against the winner of Poland (4-3).

After a disappointing five-set loss to the Netherlands on Thursday, the U20 Team rebounded with a solid victory against the Dominican Republic.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS * TEAM STATISTICS * EVENT HOME

“I think we did a really good job of [staying] focused through the bad plays and the bad times, and just focusing on what we could do to make it better,” opposite Emily Londot said. “I feel like we played with a lot of teamwork. We brought each other up and just tried to focus and pull through.”

The U.S. led the Dominican Republic in kills (44-26), blocks (9-4) and aces (7-3). Dominican Republic had 22 errors to the U.S.’s 15.

Londot led all scorers with 18 points on 16 kills and two blocks. Middle blocker Caroline Crawford had 10 points on six kills, two blocks and two aces. Outside hitter Ally Batenhorst scored eight points on six kills and two aces.

On her birthday, middle blocker Reagan Hope collected seven points on five kills, one block and an ace. Outside hitters Allison Jacobs and Jordan Middleton each scored four points; Jacobs with three kills and a block, and Middletown with four kills. Lindsay Krause scored four on a three kills and one block. Setter Kami Miner scored a point with a block, while middle blocker Gabrielle Essix and setter Averi Carlson each scored once.

Whether the team wins or loses on Sunday, it will be the best finish by a U.S. U20 women’s team at Worlds since the 2011 team finished fourth.

U.S. Women’s U20 National Team
Player (Position, Height, HS Grad Year, Hometown, Club, Region, College)

U.S. First-Round Pool-Play Schedule (all times PT)
Matches will be live streamed on the Volleyball World YouTube channel

July 9: USA def Russia, 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17)
July 10: USA def Thailand, 3-0 (25-15, 25-8, 25-13)
July 11: USA def Turkey, 3-0 (25-18, 27-25, 25-22)

July 13: USA def Brazil, 3-1 (25-22, 27-29, 25-20, 25-14)
July 14: Russia def USA, 3-1 (25-13, 25-22, 28-30, 25-23)
July 15: Netherlands def USA, 3-2 (25-15, 25-22, 21-25, 21-25, 15-10)

July 17: USA def. Dominican Republic, 3-0 (25–22, 25-15, 25-18)
July 18: Fifth-place final Time TBA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 15, 2021) – The U.S. Women’s U20 Team will play for fifth place at the FIVB U20 World Championship after falling to Netherlands on Thursday, 3-2 (25-15, 25-22, 21-25, 21-25, 15-10) in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The U20 Team (4-2) will join Brazil (2-4), Dominican Republic (2-4) and Poland (3-3) in the fifth-place bracket, which begins on Saturday. Game times and opponents have not yet been announced.

A slow start hurt the U20 Team against Netherlands much as it did the day before against Russia.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS * TEAM STATISTICS

“We came out and our offense wasn’t firing, and Netherlands came out and their offense was firing on all levels,” U.S. outside hitter Allison Jacobs said. “We couldn’t get on that jump right away. Eventually we did get firing, but it was too late to win the first set. By the time the second set rolled around, we were firing. Then it became a battle at that point.”

Netherlands held the edge in kills (60-58) and blocks (15-6). The U.S. led in aces (7-6) and the teams each had 26 scoring errors.

Opposite Emily Londot led the U.S. scoring with 19 points on a team-high 17 kills and two blocks. Jacobs added 13 points on 10 kill and a team-high three blocks. Middle blocker Caroline Crawford finished with 10 points on seven kills, one block and two aces.

Backup opposite Lindsay Krause totaled eight points on eight kills. Outside hitter Ally Batenhorst, who started the first three sets, scored seven points on five kills and two aces.

Outside hitter Jordan Middleton, who started the fourth and fifth sets for Batenhorst, scored six points on five kills and one ace. Middle blocker Reagan Hope and setter Kami Miner each scored four points on three kills and one ace. Miner and backup setter Averi Carlson combined to set the U.S. to a .285 hitting efficiency. Netherlands hit .385.

The U20 Team has set a new goal for the final matches of the tournament.

“We have to reset,” Jacobs said. “We have to change our mentality because fifth in the world sounds a lot better than sixth, seventh and eighth in the world.

“It hurts really bad right now. But we do have a new goal.”

U.S. Women’s U20 National Team
Player (Position, Height, HS Grad Year, Hometown, Club, Region, College)

Head Coach: Dan Fisher (Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh)
Assistant Coach: Jon Newman-Gonchar (Head Coach, University of New Mexico)
Assistant Coach: Jessica Aschenbrenner (Assistant Coach, University of Denver)
Technical Coordinator: Jon Wong (Assistant Coach, Texas Tech)
Doctor: David Dyck Jr.
Team Lead: Nicole Segura (Athlete Development Lead, NTDP)

U.S. First-Round Pool-Play Schedule (all times PT)
Matches will be live streamed on the Volleyball World YouTube channel

July 9: USA def Russia, 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17)
July 10: USA def Thailand, 3-0 (25-15, 25-8, 25-13)
July 11: USA def Turkey, 3-0 (25-18, 27-25, 25-22)

July 13: USA def Brazil, 3-1 (25-22, 27-29, 25-20, 25-14)
July 14: Russia def USA, 3-1 (25-13, 25-22, 28-30, 25-23)
July 15: Netherlands def USA, 3-2 (25-15, 25-22, 21-25, 21-25, 15-10)

July 17: Fifth-place semifinal Time TBA
July 18: Fifth-place final Time TBA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 6, 2016) – The U.S. Women’s National Team members are active all around the world playing as they move into the closing stages of their pro club seasons. The latest weekly update includes player news, as well as features on Courtney Thompson, a blog written by Natalie Hagglund highlighting her teammate Foluke Akinradewo and an Upward Sports interview with Christa Dietzen among other topics.

DID YOU KNOW: Courtney Thompson (Kent, Wash.), a 2012 Olympic Games silver medalist, is one of the U.S. Women’s National Team leaders and long-time veterans and joining the team in January 2007.

Stepped in to start the 2012 Olympic Games quarterfinal match delivering a 3-0 victory over Dominican Republic to put Team USA in the medal round.
Subject of the move “Court & Spark: A Volleyball Documentary”.
Co-founder of the Give It Back Foundation. It was created in 2015 by the U.S. Women’s National Team members who share the mission of leading the next generation of athletes toward healthy competition and generosity. Based on the core values of “Lead. Play. Compete!”, they began a journey to instill the spirit of the Olympics and World Championship within young athletes in their local communities. In partnership with a local sport club Puget Sound Volleyball, the inaugural two-day instructional camp took place in Thompson’s hometown of Kent, Washington. This camp raised $35,000 for Children’s Therapy of Kent. In the future, all camps will be fundraisers to support a local charity connected to the lead athlete. For details, click here.
Helped University of Washington win the 2005 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship title
Selected AVCA All-America First-Team three times and ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American while at University of Washington.
Set then-Pac-10 record for career assists with 6,552, which was third-best in NCAA history.
First female player at University of Washington to have her collegiate jersey retired.
As a junior at Washington, earned Honda Sports Award as best collegiate volleyball player and was a finalist for the award as a senior.
Valedictorian of Kentlake High School graduating class.
Led Kentlake High School to three state volleyball championships and also earned all-state in basketball as a senior.

DIETZEN INTERVIEW WITH UPWARD SPORTS: Middle blocker Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pa.) participated in a Q&A interview with Upward Sports where she answers questions on playing multiple sports, what adjustments she needed to make at the National Team level, her accomplishment that most stands out, her past struggles with anxiety and fear of failure, and her short- and long-term goals after the 2016 Olympic Games.

CONDOLENCES TO KIM WILLOUGHBY: USA Volleyball expresses its deepest condolences to Kim Willoughby, 2008 U.S. Olympic Team silver medalist, with the passing of her three-year-old daughter, Kailia, following an accident in Puerto Rico on March 2. According to police reports, Kailia suffered head trauma after falling out of the bath tub while Kim was going for a towel. Kim is competing for Mayaquez in the Puerto Rico Superliga in 2016.

LARSON, KREKLOW WITH TURKEY’S ECZACIBASI: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Neb.) and setter Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minn.) are playing for Eczacibasi of the Turkish League this winter, along with the CEV Champions League. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi swept sixth-place Bursa B. Sehir 25-20, 25-19, 25-21 on March 5. Larson crushed 14 kills on 30 attacks in the victory while holding a 60 positive reception percent on 10 chances. Kreklow started the first two sets as Eczacibasi converted 50.7 percent of its attacks into points in those two sets. Eczacibasi (15-4, 43 points), which moved up into sole possession of third place, faces fourth-place Galatasaray on March 12 in the next Turkish League match.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Ore.), the MVP of the 2014 FIVB World Championship, is playing for VakifBank in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League this winter. In the Turkish League, VakifBank rallied from a first-set loss against Sariyer to win 23-25, 25-17, 25-16, 29-27 on March 5. Hill provided nine points in the victory with five kills and four aces. She chipped in a 58 positive reception percent on a team-leading 31 reception chances. VakifBank (17-2, 50 points), now in second place and just two points behind league-leader Fenerbahce, takes on last-place Ilbank on March 12. In the European Champions League, VakifBank has advanced to the Playoff 6 Round where it will face Volero Zurich in a home-and-home series on March 10 and a return date to be announced.

DIETZEN WITH TURKEY’S FENERBAHCE: Middle blocker Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pa.) is competing this winter for Fenerbahce in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League. In the Turkish League, Fenebahce rallied from its loss last week to sweep ninth-place Halkbank 25-21, 25-12, 25-13 on March 5. Dietzen did not play in the match. Fenerbahce (17-2, 52 points), in first place by two points over VakifBank, plays sixth-place Canakkale on March 12 in the next Turkish League match. In European CEV Champions League, Fenerbahce has advanced to the Playoff 6 series to play Russia’s Dinamo Moscow in a home-and-home series on March 9 and a return date to be announced.

JACKSON WITH TURKEY’S GALATASARAY: Middle blocker Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, California) is competing for Galatasaray of the Turkish League this winter. In the Turkish League, Galatasaray was upset by eighth-place Nilufer 25-27, 25-22, 25-23, 25-14 on March 5 in its third straight setback. Jackson converted nine of 16 attacks into points and scored two aces for 11 total points. Galatasaray (14-5, 40 points), now in fourth place, challenges third-place Eczacibasi on March 12. In CEV Cup action, Galatasaray has advanced to the CEV Cup semifinals where it will face Germany’s Schweriner in the home-and-home series on March 8 and March 12.

GLASS, ROBINSON, EASY, ADAMS ALL WITH ITALY’S IMOCO CONEGLIANO: Setter Alisha Glass (Leland, Mich.), the 2013 and 2014 USA Volleyball Female Athlete of the Year, outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Ill.), outside hitter Megan Easy (Boston, Mass.), a 2012 Olympic silver medalist, and Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio,) are all playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. Conegliano won its 13th straight match by sweeping Club Italia 25-17, 25-17, 25-23 on March 2. Glass set Conegliano to a 45 kill percent and scored two individual points with a kill and block. Adams scored a team-high 12 points with 10 kills on 16 attacks and two blocks. Robinson charted nine kills on 23 swings and two aces for 11 points while handling 14 receptions with an 86 positive percent. Easy matched her total with 11 points on 10 kills via 27 swings and a block. She was credited with a 67 positive reception percent on a team-best 18 reception chances. Congeliano won its 14th straight match on March 6, but needed to rally to a 25-22, 21-25, 23-25, 25-13, 15-11 victory over LIU JO Modena. Glass set Conegliano to a 43 kill percent and scored two kills on five errorless swings. Easy connected for 22 points with 21 kills on 45 attacks and a block. She added a team-best 29 receptions with a 55 positive percent. Adams followed with 20 points, including 11 kills on 20 swings, a team-best eight blocks and an ace. Robinson charted 15 points with 11 kills on 40 swings, two aces and two blocks. She was credited with a 65 positive reception percent on 26 chances. Conegliano (19-3, 54 points) will seek its 15th straight win on March 13 against sixth-place Savino Del Bene Scandici (12-9, 36 points).

LOWE, JENNA HAGGLUND WITH ITALY’S BUSTO ARSIZIO: Opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.), MVP of the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix, and setter Jenna Hagglund (West Chester, Ohio) are competing for Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. Busto Arsizio lost to Metalleghe Sanitars Montichiari 17-25, 25-20, 23-25, 25-16, 19-17 on March 2. Lowe scored a team-high 32 points with 30 kills on 58 attack with just three errors to go with two blocks in the loss. Hagglund set the team to a 43 kill percent for the match and tallied three individual kills on eight swings and an ace for four points. Busto Arsizio lost its second straight five-set match on March 5, this time 24-26, 25-21, 22-25, 29-27, 15-12 on March 5 to Igor Gorgonzola Novara. Lowe pocketed 20 points with 19 kills on 58 attacks and an ace ace. Hagglund set the team to a 36 kill percent in the loss. Busto Arsizio (8-14, 27 points), now in eighth place, is idle next week.

THOMPSON WITH BRAZIL’S REXONA-ADES: Setter Courtney Thompson (Kent, Wash.) has signed to compete for Rexona-Ades in the Brazilian Superliga. Rexona-Ades concluded the regular season with a convincing 25-18, 25-19, 25-21 victory over third-place Volei Nestle on March 4. Thompson set her team to a 46 kill percent for the match and scored one ace. Rexona-Ades (21-1, 60 points) ended the regular season in first place with an eight-point advantage over second-place Praia Clube (17-5, 52 points).

BARTSCH WITH GERMANY’S DRESDNER: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Ill.) is playing for Dresdner SC of the German Bundesliga and CEV Champions League this winter. Fresh off its German Cup title, Dresdner won two matches last week to conclude the German Bundesliga regular season. Dresdner defeated VolleyStars Thuringen 25-23, 25-17, 17-25, 25-9 on March 2. Bartsch only started the fourth set and pocketed four kills on nine attacks while holding a 75 positive reception percent on eight chances. Dresdner ended the regular season with a 25-19, 25-22, 25-16 victory over Aachen on March 5. Bartsch totaled 18 points with 14 kills on 36 swings, three aces and a block. She also handled 11 receptions with a 73 positive percent. Dresdner (20-4, 60 points) captured the regular season title and top seed into the playoffs based a three-point edge in the standings over second-place Schweriner (20-4, 57 points). Dresdner advances directly to the quarterfinals and will play the lowest remaining seed of the pre-playoff matches.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 14, 2021) – The U.S. Women’s U20 Team lost its first match of the FIVB World Championship on Wednesday, falling to Russia 3-1 (25-13, 25-22, 28-30, 25-23) in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The U.S. U20 Team (4-1) will play Netherlands (5-0) on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. PT with hopes of making it to the tournament semifinals. The match will be shown on the Volleyball World YouTube Channel.

The top two teams in each of the final two pools will advance.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS * TEAM STATISTICS

The U.S. Women beat Russia 3-1 in their first pool play meeting on July 9. Clearly Russia came into Wednesday’s match with something to prove and jumped on the U.S. right away.

Russia dominated the first set, but the U.S. had opportunities in the next three sets. The second set was tied at 20-20. The U.S. pulled out the third set and led the fourth set 21-20.

“We kind of struggled a little bit early on,” opposite Lindsay Krause said. “We tried to fight through it during the game, and we did in the third set. We found our groove and we fought for the rest of the match. We didn’t play our best today and we’ll be back tomorrow.”

Russia led the match in kills (59-51), blocks (15-10) and aces (6-3). The teams were roughly equal in scoring errors; Russia had 24 and the U.S. had 23.

Outside hitter Ally Batenhorst led the U.S. with 15 points on a team-high 12 kills, two blocks and one ace. Opposite Emily Londot scored 12 points on 10 kills and two blocks. Outside hitter Allison Jacobs finished with 11 points on 11 kills.

Middle blocker Caroline Crawford scored eight points on a team-high three blocks and five kills. Krause, who played as a substitute except for starting the third set, scored seven points on six kills and one block. Middle Reagan Hope scored six points on four kills and two blocks.

Starting setter Kami Miner scored four points on three kills and one ace. She and backup setter Averi Carlson combined to set the U.S. to a .319 hitting efficiency. Russia hit .382. Outside hitter Elena Oglivie served up an ace as a substitute.

Libero Lexi Rodriguez was credited with seven digs and six successful receptions.

U.S. Women’s U20 National Team
Player (Position, Height, HS Grad Year, Hometown, Club, Region, College)

U.S. First-Round Pool-Play Schedule (all times PT)
Matches will be live streamed on the Volleyball World YouTube channel

July 9: USA def Russia, 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17)
July 10: USA def Thailand, 3-0 (25-15, 25-8, 25-13)
July 11: USA def Turkey, 3-0 (25-18, 27-25, 25-22)

July 13: USA def Brazil, 3-1 (25-22, 27-29, 25-20, 25-14)
July 14 a.: USA v Russia
July 15 at 8:30 a.m.: USA v Netherlands

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 13, 2021) – The U.S. Women’s U20 Team continued its run at the FIVB U20 World Championship on Tuesday, holding off a tough Brazilian team to win 3-1 (25-22, 27-29, 25-20, 25-14) in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The U.S. Women’s U20 Team (4-0) will play a rematch with Russia (2-2) on Wednesday at 5:30 a.m. PT. The U.S. beat Russia in their first match of the tournament, 3-1. The match will be shown on the Volleyball World YouTube channel. The top two teams in the pool will advance to the semifinals.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS * TEAM STATISTICS

The U.S. Women led in attacks (56-42) and scored 30 points on Brazil’s errors. Brazil led in blocks (17-12) and aces (5-4). Setters Kami Miner and Averi Carlson combined to set the U.S. Women to a .336 hitting efficiency. Brazil hit .221.

“Today’s win was an all-team effort,” said libero Lexi Rodriguez, who was credited with nine digs and six successful receptions. “We were really focused and really tuned in to the serve. Once we cleared up our little mistakes, it all came together. In the previous games, we did very good on defense, today we were very good on the attack.”

Opposite Emily Londot led all scorers with 22 points on a match-high 20 kills (.405) and two blocks. Outside hitter Ally Batenhorst added 15 points on 11 kills, two blocks and a team-high two aces. Outside hitter Allison Jacobs totaled 14 points on 10 kills and a team-high four blocks.

Middle blockers Reagan Hope and Caroline Crawford scored six and five points respectively. Hope had four kills and two blocks. Crawford had three kills and two blocks.

Backup opposite Lindsay Krause scored five points on five kills. Backup middle blocker Gabbi Essix added two points on a kill and ace. Miner finished with three points on two kills and an ace.

U.S. Women’s U20 National Team
Player (Position, Height, HS Grad Year, Hometown, Club, Region, College)

U.S. First-Round Pool-Play Schedule (all times PT)
Matches will be live streamed on the Volleyball World YouTube channel

July 9: USA def Russia, 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17)
July 10: USA def Thailand, 3-0 (25-15, 25-8, 25-13)
July 11: USA def Turkey, 3-0 (25-18, 27-25, 25-22)

July 13 USA def Brazil, 3-1 (25-22, 27-29, 25-20, 25-14)
July 14 at 5:30 a.m.: USA v Russia
July 15 at 8:30 a.m.: USA v Netherlands

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 29, 2016) – The U.S. Women’s National Team had five players advance to the prestigious European Champions League Playoff 6 Round last week, while one led her squad to the South American Club Championship title and another Team USA member paced her squad to the German Cup title and was named most valuable player. Check out the full U.S. Women’s Weekly Update for other team news as the players are competing around the globe with their club teams and an emotional video tribute created by the U.S. Women’s National Team for Ellen Toy.

DID YOU KNOW: Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Ill.) started her U.S. Women’s National Team career with a bang in 2013 as she developed into the go-to offensive player in her first two years with Team USA.

Led the U.S. Women in scoring in 2013 and 2014. In her rookie season in 2013, she scored 314 points with a 3.53 scoring average. IN her second season, she scored team highs of 370 points and 4.35 points per set.
Scored a team-best 157 points during the 2014 FIVB World Championship helping Team USA to the gold medal
Named most valuable player and Best Spiker of the 2013 NORCECA Women’s Continental Championship
Finished 2013 FIVB World Grand Prix preliminary round ranked second in Best Spiker with a 45.0 kill percent
Helped Hoosier Exterminators win the first-ever Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Championship in 2012
Three-time AVCA All-America (first team in 2010 and 2011, second team in 2009) while playing at University of Florida as a setter-hitter running a 6-2 offense
Finished seventh in Florida history in sets played (447), eighth in kills (1,306), eighth in assists (2,671, 10th in aces (126) and 10th in points (1,567.5) while registering 30 career triple doubles
Selected as a finalist for the 2011 Lowe’s Senior CLASS award.
Led U.S. Women’s Junior National Team to a fourth-place finish at the 2007 FIVB Women’s Junior World Championship, earning the tournament’s Best Server award
Helped her youth club team Sports Performance to an 84-0 record over a three-year period, earning MVP honors after her team won the 2007 USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships 18 Open division title following the 16 Open title in 2006.
Mother played volleyball at Illinois State University

U.S. WOMEN PAY RESPECTS TO ELLEN TOY IN BIRTHDAY VIDEO MESSAGE: Ellen Toy became as much a part of the U.S. Women’s National Team as any player on the squad, providing an inspiring message to give back to others even in the face of adversity. An accomplished club and high school volleyball coach in Pennsylvania, Ellen battled stomach cancer in the last few years. While the U.S. Women’s National Team was globetrotting the world in the 2013 FIVB World Grand Prix, her story reached Team USA in Serbia and Ellen and her husband Tim became entrenched in the team ever since after a few emails, tweets and videos sent back-and-forth. After being informed her cancer had returned and given a year to live with treatments, that did not set her back from being an inspiration to others. After a bit of good news from the doctors, the couple even traveled via car from Pennsylvania to Omaha to watch Team USA win the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix, not fully knowing how Ellen would handle the hours in the car. (Read the blog on the decision to by clicking here, along with an FIVB story and video with the Toys at the World Grand Prix) Ellen and Tim were accepted into the full Team USA just as if they were family that weekend, even by the players’ parents. When Ellen no longer could coach, she and Tim set up the We Serve First Foundation as a way to continue giving back to the sport they love. The Foundation helps young kids to participate in club volleyball and camps that they would not otherwise be able to attend. (Read more on We Serve First Foundation) As Ellen was approaching her 55th birthday on Feb. 25 and her health deteriorating, Tim was thinking of a special way to deliver the best birthday present and that involved her beloved National Team family. The U.S. Women sent an emotional video wishing Ellen a happy birthday. In the video, Christa Dietzen told Ellen, “Know while I am thinking and praying for you, I want to thank you for always showing us how to serve others despite our own difficulties. I am thinking and praying for you, Ellen.” Courtney Thompson, with her voice cracking with emotion, said “I want to wish you happy birthday. I know you are with loved ones. I just want to thank you for what you mean to our team, and let you know that you will always be in our hearts forever. We will continue to keep you with us in all our adventures. Thank you, we love you so much.” Watch the full video tribute. The message arrived to Ellen prior to her birthday. She passed away three days before reaching her 55th birthday. Rest in peace, Ellen. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Ellen’s memory to the We Serve First Foundation, c/o First Commonwealth Bank, 152 Grant Ave., Vandergrift, PA 15690.

AKINRADEWO, NATALIE HAGGLUND, VANSANT WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle blocker Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Fla.), libero Natalie Hagglund (Encinitas, Calif.) and Krista Vansant (Redlands, Calif.) are playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League as well as the CEV Champions League. In CEV Champions League, Volero advanced to the Playoff 6 Round by downing Azerbaijan’s Lokomotiv Baku 21-25, 25-18, 25-14, 25-19 on Feb. 25 one week after being upset in five sets at Baku. After Lokomotiv came back from a 21-16 deficit to win the opening set 25-21 on a 9-0 run, it was all Volero the rest of the match. Akinradewo powered down eight kills on 13 errorless attacks while serving two aces and putting up a block for 11 points. Vansant was a sub in the first and third sets. Volero will now face Turkey’s VakifBank in the home-and-home Playoff 6 round with matches on March 10 and a return date to be announced. Volero, which ended the Swiss League regular season at 18-0 and just one set loss, opened the playoffs by defeating Viteos NUC I 25-18, 25-21, 25-12 on Feb. 27. Volero topped Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen 25-15, 25-20, 25-16 on Feb. 28 to improve to 2-0 in the playoffs. Volero continues the playoffs on March 2 against Volley Koniz.

BARTSCH WITH GERMANY’S DRESDNER: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Ill.) is playing for Dresdner SC of the German Bundesliga and CEV Champions League this winter. In CEV Champions League, Dresdner lost to Dinamo Moscow 25-17, 25-13, 25-21 on Feb. 24 in its second home-and-home Playoff 12 Round match to fall out of the playoffs. Bartsch scored was held scoreless in the opening set and came out of the match to start the second set. On Feb. 28, Dresdner edged Allianz MTV Stuttgart 25-22, 20-25, 25-18, 17-25, 15-10 to win the German Cup Championship. Bartsch was selected the most valuable player after collecting 20 points in the title match with 18 kills on 41 swings, one block and one ace. She handled 40 of her team’s 93 reception attempts with a 58 positive percent. In the German Bundesliga, Dresdner was idle with the German Cup finals on the schedule. Dresdner (18-4, 54 points), which remains in first place in the league standings with a two-point lead over second-place Schweriner, returns to German Bundesliga on March 2 against 12th-place Thurigen (4-18, 14 points).

DIETZEN WITH TURKEY’S FENERBAHCE: Middle blocker Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pa.) is competing this winter for Fenerbahce in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League. In European CEV Champions League, Fenerbahce swept its Playoff 12 home-and-home series with Poland’s Chemik Police following a 25-21, 25-16, 25-14 victory on Feb. 23. Dietzen contributed four kills on six errorless attacks and two blocks for six total points in the victory. Fenerbahce now advances to the Playoff 6 series to play Russia’s Dinamo Moscow in a home-and-home series on March 9 and a return date to be announced. In the Turkish League, Fenebahce lost to fourth-place Eczacibasi 22-5, 25-21, 18-25, 26-24, 15-13 on Feb. 27. Dietzen was a sub in the second and fourth sets, registering one block. Fenerbahce (16-2, 49 points), which had its first-place lead trimmed to two points, plays ninth-place Halkbank on March 5 in the next Turkish League match.

LARSON, KREKLOW WITH TURKEY’S ECZACIBASI: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Neb.) and setter Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minn.) are playing for Eczacibasi of the Turkish League this winter, along with the CEV Champions League. In European CEV Champions League, Eczacibasi lost to VakifBank 25-21, 25-18, 25-21 on Feb. 24 to lose both its home-and-home matches in the Playoff 12 Round. Larson scored a match-high 15 points with 13 kills on 34 swings and two blocks. She chipped in a 67 positive reception percent on six chances. Kreklow was a sub in the third set. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi rallied to defeat league-leader Fenerbahce 22-25, 25-21, 18-25, 26-24, 15-13 on Feb. 27. Larson scored 15 points with 11 kills on 33 swings to go with two blocks and two aces. She chipped in a 75 positive reception percent on 12 chances. Kreklow moved back into the starting setter role and led Eczacibasi to a 38 kill percent as a team while picking up an ace and individual kill for two points. Eczacibasi (14-4, 40 points), which moved up into a tie for third place, faces sixth-place Bursa B.Sehir on March 5 in the next Turkish League match.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Ore.), the MVP of the 2014 FIVB World Championship, is playing for VakifBank in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League this winter. In the European Champions League, VakifBank swept its Playoff 12 Round home-and-home series with Turkish rival Eczacibasi following a 25-21, 25-18, 25-21 victory on Feb. 24. Hill did not play in the match. VakifBank now advances to the Playoff 6 Round where it will face Volero Zurich in a home-and-home series on March 10 and a return date to be announced. In the Turkish League, VakifBank swept Salihli 25-21, 25-23, 25-18 on Feb. 27. Hill scored six kills on 16 swings, one block and one ace for eight points. She handled a team-best 35 receptions with a 51 positive percent. VakifBank (16-2, 47 points), now in second place and just two points behind league-leader Fenerbahce, takes on Sariyer on March 5.

JACKSON WITH TURKEY’S GALATASARAY: Middle blocker Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, California) is competing for Galatasaray of the Turkish League this winter. In CEV Cup action, Galatasaray advanced to the CEV Cup semifinals after sweeping the home-and-home series with Poland’s Impel Wroclaw following a 15-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-17 victory on Feb. 24 to close out the Challenge Round series. Jackson connected for four kills on 12 attacks and two aces for six points in the victory. Galatasaray will now face Germany’s Schweriner in the semifinal home-and-home series on March 8 and March 12. In the Turkish League, Galatasaray lost its second straight five-set match after falling to 10th-place Idman Ocagi 26-24, 21-25, 17-25, 25-19, 15-13 on March 27. Jackson pocketed 11 points in the loss with six kills on 13 swings, three aces and two blocks. Galatasaray (14-4, 40 points), now in a third-place tie, challenges eighth-place Nilufer on March 5.

GLASS, ROBINSON, EASY, ADAMS ALL WITH ITALY’S IMOCO CONEGLIANO: Setter Alisha Glass (Leland, Mich.), the 2013 and 2014 USA Volleyball Female Athlete of the Year, outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Ill.), outside hitter Megan Easy (Boston, Mass.), a 2012 Olympic silver medalist, and Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio) are all playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. Conegliano won its 12th straight match by sweeping third-place Igor Gorgonzola Novara 25-16, 25-22, 25-22 on Feb. 28. Glass set Conegliano to a stellar 51 kill percent and .374 hitting efficiency (50-13-99) while chipping in two individual kills, one block and one ace. Robinson connected for 14 points with 12 kills on 33 swings and two aces. She was 50 percent positive on eight receptions. Adams contributed 11 kills on 16 attacks with just one hitting error to go with two blocks for 13 points. Easy notched 10 kills on 20 attacks with just one error. She was credited with an amazing 73 positive reception percent on a team-best 30 reception chances out of the team’s overall 53 receptions. Conegliano (17-3, 49 points) will seek its 13th straight win on March 2 when it faces 11th-place Club Italia (6-13, 18 points), followed by a March 6 contest against fifth-place LIU JO Modena (13-6, 37 points).

FAWCETT WITH ITALY’S NOVARA: Opposite Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio), most valuable player of the 2015 NORCECA Championship and the 2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament, transferred to Italy’s Igor Gorgonzola Novara after completing the short-season Chinese professional league. In the CEV Cup Challenge Round, defeated Azerbaijan’s Azeryol Baku 25-23, 26-28, 25-23, 25-18 in the second match of the Challenge Round home-and-home series on Feb. 23 to force a golden set to see which team advanced to the semifinal round. However, Azeryol held off Novara 15-13 in the golden set after leading 14-11. Fawcett, continuing to play outside for Novara as opposed to her opposite position she holds with the U.S. Women’s National Team, started the first three sets and totaled six kills on 18 swings, four blocks and an ace for 11 points. In the Italian Serie A regular season, Novara suffered a 25-16, 25-22, 25-22 setback to league-leader Imoco Conegliano on Feb. 28. Fawcett recorded 11 points with seven kills on 24 swings, three blocks and an ace. Novara (14-5, 40 points), in fourth place, returns to Italian League action on March 2 when it challenges sixth-place Savino Del Bene Scandicci (11-8, 33 points), followed by a March 5 contest against eighth-place Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio (8-12, 25 points).

LOWE, JENNA HAGGLUND WITH ITALY’S BUSTO ARSIZIO: Opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.), MVP of the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix, and setter Jenna Hagglund (West Chester, Ohi) are competing for Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. Unendo Yamamay edged Il Bisonte Firenze 25-19, 17-25, 25-22, 26-24 on Feb. 28 to bounce back from a loss last week. Lowe notched 21 points with 19 kills on 52 swings and two aces. Hagglund set her team to a 34 kill percent and added two individual kills on seven attempts, one ace and one block for four points. Busto Arsizio (8-12, 25 points), now in eighth place, will seek its second straight win on March 2 against ninth-place Metalleghe Sanitars Montichiari (8-12, 23 points) followed by fourth-place Igor Gorgonzola Novara (14-5, 40 points) on March 5.

THOMPSON WITH BRAZIL’S REXONA-ADES: Setter Courtney Thompson (Kent, Wash.) has signed to compete for Rexona-Ades in the Brazilian Superliga. Rexona-Ades took a break from the Superliga to compete in the South American Club Championship last week and took home the title. Rexona dominated its two pool match opponents with sweeps over Argentina’s GELP (25-8, 25-8, 25-9) and Bolivia’s Olympic (25-11, 25-7, 25-13) on Feb. 24 and Feb. 26, respectively. Rexona-Ades powered past Argentina’s Villa Dora in the semifinals with a 25-14, 25-13, 25-16 victory on Feb. 27. In the South American Club Championship gold-medal match, Rexona-Ades downed Peru’s San Martin 25-16, 25-22, 25-17. By winning the tournament, Rexona-Ades has qualified for this year’s FIVB Women’s Club World Championship. In the Brazilian Superliga, Rexona-Ades (20-1, 57 points) has already clinched the regular season title with only one match remaining, that being March 4 against third-place Volei Nestle (16-5, 47 points).

KLINEMAN WITH BRAZIL’S PRAIA CLUBE: Opposite Alix Klineman (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) is competing for Praia Clube in the Brazilian Superliga this winter. Praia Clube knocked off Sao Bernardo Volei 25-18, 25-15, 25-17 on Feb. 26 in its second to last regular season match. Klineman converted 12 of 25 attacks into points without an error to go with four aces and two blocks for a team-high 18 points. She added 15 receptions with a 46 positive reception percent. Praia Clube (17-4, 51 points), now in second place in the league standings, takes on sixth-place Rio Do Sul (12-9, 33 points) on March 4 to close out the regular season.

PAOLINI WITH JAPAN’S HITACHI RIVALE: Middle blocker Lauren Paolini (Ann Arbor, Mich.), a middle blocker on Team USA, is playing her second consecutive season with Hitachi Rivale of the Japan V-League. Hitachi defeated Okayama 22-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-19 on Feb. 28 to close out the top six playoff round in first place. Paolini scored 19 points with 17 kills, one block and one ace in the victory. By claiming the top spot in the playoff round, Hitachi receives a bye next weekend and will face the March 6 semifinal winner of Toray and Hisamitsu Springs on March 12 in Tokyo.

MURPHY WITH JAPAN’S AGEO MEDICS: Opposite Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Ill.), Team USA’s leading scorer in 2013 and 2014, is playing her second season in the Japan V-League with Ageo Medics. Murphy and her teammates move into the V-League Challenge Match playoffs by facing JT Marvelous on March 5-6 at Hitachinaka Sports Park Gymnasium. Ageo finished eighth in the top division, while JT Marvelous won the second division. Murphy ended the regular season ranked second in scoring with 507 points and a 6.03 per set scoring average. She averaged 5.42 kills per set, also second in the league. Murphy held a 17.3 serve efficiency for second-best in the league, while having 26 aces for third-place.

HILDEBRAND WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Outside hitter Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah) is competing this winter for Impel Wroclaw in the Polish League and CEV Champions League before the squad dropped to the CEV Cup. In the CEV Cup Challenge Round, Impel Wroclaw lost its second straight Challenge Round match to Turkey’s Galatasaray with a 15-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-17 setback on Feb. 24. Hildebrand was a sub in the second and fourth sets, recording one kill on five sweeps while holding a 45 positive reception percent on 11 chances. In the Polish League, Impel Wroclaw swept ninth-place Legionovia 25-23, 25-22, 25-8 on Feb. 27. Hildebrand, who subbed into the second set and started the third set, totaled five kills on 14 attacks with six receptions. Third-place Impel Wroclaw (16-3, 43 points) resumes Polish League action on March 5against fifth-place Budowlani Lodz (11-8, 33 points).

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 11, 2021) – The U.S. Women’s U20 Team finished its first round of pool play undefeated after beating Turkey on Sunday, 3-0 (25-18, 27-25, 25-22) at the FIVB U20 World Championship in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The U.S. U20 Women (3-0) and Russia (2-1), which finished second in the pool, will move on to Pool E for the second round, which will also include Brazil (3-0) and Netherlands (2-1). The first match will be Tuesday.

Turkey led the U.S. in kills (45-37) and aces (6-4). The U.S. led in blocks (8-2) and scored 28 points on Turkey’s errors while holding their own errors to 12. Starting setter Kami Miner and backup Averi Carlson combined to set the U.S. to a .355 hitting efficiency. Turkey hit .244.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS * TEAM STATISTICS

“Our block really came out today,” opposite Emily Londot said. “We’ve been working on it. I think our timing and our urgency to get those blocks came out. We worked as a team today and never gave up.”

When asked the team’s secret to success after only training together for a week prior to the tournament, Londot said, “We play with a lot of heart. We leave it all out on the floor and just give it our all. That’s what makes us Team USA.”

The U.S. got balanced scoring from outside hitters Ally Batenhorst and Allison Jacobs and Londot who all finished with 11 points. Batenhorst scored on 11 kills. Londot had 10 kills and one block. Jacobs totaled a team-high three aces to go with eight kills.

Middle blocker Caroline Crawford finished with seven points on four kills and three blocks. Middle Reagan Hope scored four points on three kills and one block and substitute opposite Lindsay Krause added four points on three kills and one block.

Miner scored one point on an ace. Libero Lexi Rodriguez was credited with two digs and three excellent receptions.

U.S. Women’s U20 National Team
Player (Position, Height, HS Grad Year, Hometown, Club, Region, College)

U.S. First-Round Pool-Play Schedule (all times PT)
Matches will be live streamed on the Volleyball World YouTube channel

July 9: USA def Russia, 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17)
July 10: USA def Thailand, 3-0 (25-15, 25-8, 25-13)
July 11: USA def Turkey, 3-0 (25-18, 27-25, 25-22)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 10, 2021) – The U.S. Women’s U20 Team was tied with Thailand 11-11 to open the first set on Saturday at the FIVB U20 World Championship.

The U.S. finished the set with a 14-4 scoring run and didn’t look back as it beat Thailand, 3-0 (25-15, 25-8, 25-13) in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The Women’s U20 Team (2-0) will finish the first round of pool play against Turkey (1-1) on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. PT. Matches are being show live and on demand on the Volleyball World YouTube channel.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS * TEAM STATISTICS

The U.S. serving was on point as the team led in aces (11-1) and had only seven service errors. The U.S. also led in kills (45-18) and blocks (8-1).

Every athlete on the U.S. roster got playing time.

Opposite Emily Londot led the U.S. scoring with 13 points on nine kills, a match-high three blocks and one ace. Outside hitters Allison Jacobs and Ally Batenhorst and middle blocker Caroline Crawford scored 10 points each. Crawford scored on six kills, two blocks and two aces. Jacobs had eight kills and two aces. Batenhorst finished with nine kills and one ace.

“We really worked on our timing as a team; making sure that our hands are in the right formation on the block, forming the right defense behind us,” Jacobs told the FIVB. “It really felt good to feel everything we are working on as a team, to put it on the play and having it worked out so well. Our goal here is to keep working harder, and of course we have the dream of winning the Worlds.”

Middle blocker Reagan Hope scored nine points on five kills, two blocks and two aces. Setter Kami Miner totaled five points on three kills and two aces. Miner and backup setter Averi Carlson combined to set the U20 Team to a .519 hitting efficiency.

Libero Lexi Rodriguez was credited with eight successful receptions and one dig.

Lindsay Krause played as a sub at opposite and scored three points on three kills. Middle blocker Gabbi Essix started the third set and scored two points with a kill and block. Carlson and substitute middle blocker Jordan Middleton each scored a point. Outside hitter Elena Oglivie also played as a substitute.

U.S. Women’s U20 National Team
Player (Position, Height, HS Grad Year, Hometown, Club, Region, College)

U.S. First-Round Pool-Play Schedule (all times PT)
Matches will be live streamed on the Volleyball World YouTube channel

July 9: USA def Russia, 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17)
July 10: USA def Thailand, 3-0 (25-15, 25-8, 25-13)
July 11 at 9:30 a.m. PT USA vs Turkey

U.S. Women's U20 Team — From left, Emily Londot, Reagan Hope and Ally Batenhorst

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 9, 2021) – The U.S. Women’s Under-20 National Team beat Russia 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17) on Friday to open the FIVB U20 World Championship in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The U20 Team returns to the court on Saturday to play Thailand (0-1) at 6:30 a.m. PT. The match will be live streamed on the Volleyball World YouTube Channel.

The U20 Team led Russia in blocks (16-3) and aces (7-3). The teams tied in kills (56-56). The U.S. scored 19 points on Russia’s errors while committing 14.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS

Outside hitter Ally Batenhorst led the U.S. effort with 16 points on 16 kills. Middle blocker Caroline Crawford added 15 points on nine kills and six blocks. Outside hitter Allison Jacobs and opposite Emily Londot each scored 14 points. Londot scored on a match-high three aces, 10 kills and one block. Jacobs finished with two aces, 11 kills and one block.

Middle blocker Regan Hope scored 12 points on six blocks, five kills and one ace. Outside hitter Lindsay Krause scored four points on two kill and two blocks. Starting setter Kami Miner added three points on two kills and one block and backup setter Averi Carlson had one point with a kill.

U.S. Head Coach Dan Fisher started Miner at setter, Batenhorst and Jacobs at outside hitter, Londot at opposite, Crawford and Hope at middle blocker and Rodriguez at libero.

Miner and Carlson combined to set the U.S. to a .402 hitting efficiency. Russia hit .217.

“We have worked a lot on our service reception, on serving hard and putting pressure on them,” Miner said in translated quote. “We did it well in the later sets of the match. Our blocking on the right side also paid off. I am really proud of my team! We have been preparing together only a week.”

U.S. Women’s U20 National Team
Player (Position, Height, HS Grad Year, Hometown, Club, Region, College)

U.S. First-Round Pool-Play Schedule (all times PT)
Matches will be live streamed on the Volleyball World YouTube channel

July 9: USA def Russia, 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17)
July 10 at 6:30 a.m. PT USA vs Thailand
July 11 at 9:30 a.m. PT USA vs Turkey

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 15, 2016) – The U.S. Women’s National Team is qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games and nearly all are competing overseas in pro leagues getting ready for the all-important Olympic season. Meanwhile, athletes for the 2020 Olympic cycle will be exposed to the National Team coaches at this weekend’s U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryouts held Feb. 19-21 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

DID YOU KNOW: Megan Easy (Boston), a 2012 Olympic silver medalist, is returning to form after missing nearly all of 2013 and 2014. She is competing in Italy’s Serie A with league-leader Conegliano after a productive 2015 U.S. National Team season.

Born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands where both her parents played for the U.S. Virgin Islands National Volleyball Team
As a member of USA Jump Rope, won silver in the 12-14 Age Division at the World Championship in Belgium
Named most valuable player and Best Scorer of the 2012 FIVB World Grand Prix as she won her third consecutive World Grand Prix gold medal
Selected co-Honda Broderick Cup Award winner for best female collegiate athlete in all sports in 2009-2010
Missed most of 2013 season after getting married to Dr. Omar Easy, who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, then missed all of the 2014 while pregnant with her first child
Four-time AVCA All-America First-Team Selection
In 2009 named Honda Award winner for Volleyball, AVCA Division I National Player of the Year and ESPN the Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year as Penn State won its third consecutive NCAA Division I title
Member of the 2006 U.S. Women’s Junior National Team after earning spots on the 2004 and 2005 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team.
Won Best Attacker in the 2004 NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship, then competed in the 2005 FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship
Played junior club volleyball for North Carolina’s Triangle 18s where she became the first-ever Carolina Region player to be named to USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships all-tournament team
Named Gatorade National High School Player of the Year in 2006

NATIONAL TEAM OPEN TRYOUTS: The annual U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryouts will take place Feb. 19-21 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. The tryout will evaluate approximately 231 athletes from 88 colleges from across the country for spots on the U.S. Women’s National Team and the U.S. Collegiate National Team program.

U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly and his staff will direct the entire tryout process. The tryout will involve four sessions with three waves per session. Friday’s first session goes from 2-8 p.m. MT, while Saturday’s sessions are at 8 a.m. (focus on serve/receive and individual work) and 2 p.m. (middle-centered and out-of-system focus). The tryout concludes on Sunday at 8 a.m. with tournament style play, along with 16-18 athletes selected by the staff to participate in a “USA” training session.

All sessions of the tryout will be streamed live. USA Volleyball will use #USAVTryout as the tryout hashtag for photos, notes, quotes and stories posted to its social media platforms Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram under the handle @usavolleyball. Be sure to watch the live stream and follow on Snapchat as USA Volleyball will be following a couple athletes throughout the entire process for behind the scenes access.

Selected athletes for the U.S. Women’s National Team may begin their training in Anaheim, Calif., as early as the spring of 2016, or when an athlete’s scholastic or professional club season has concluded.

The U.S. Collegiate National Team program has three competition options:

Tour of China (12 athletes): June 18-July 1
Tour of Europe (12 athletes): July 5-16
USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships (projected 36 athletes): June 21-30 in Indianapolis

Selections for the U.S. Collegiate National Teams will be made by the end of March.

BEST OF JANUARY: The U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team has been named Best of January for the Team USA Awards presented by Dow, the United States Olympic Committee announced today. The U.S. Women qualified for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by winning the four-team NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament held Jan. 7-9 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Americans defeated Canada, Puerto Rico and Dominican to earn one of 12 spots into the 2016 Olympic Games. The title-clinching victory over Dominican Republic was broadcast live on NBC Sports with 10,213 fans watching in Pinnacle Bank Arena. The U.S. has now won six of its last seven tournaments dating back to the 2014 FIVB World Championship title it won in Italy. The Americans have now earned berths into the Olympic Games for the ninth consecutive time. Team USA returns to action in June when it defends its FIVB World Grand Prix title won last July in Omaha. The Americans will host Japan, Turkey and Germany June 17-19 during the second preliminary round weekend in Long Beach, California.

FAWCETT WITH ITALY’S NOVARA: Opposite Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio), most valuable player of the 2015 NORCECA Championship and the 2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament, transferred to Italy’s Igor Gorgonzola Novara after completing the short-season Chinese professional league. In the CEV Cup Challenge Round, Novara lost to Azerbaijan’s Azeryol Baku 25-19, 25-17, 23-25, 25-17 on Feb. 11 to open the home-and-home series. Fawcett scored seven kills and a block for eight points. Novara needs to defeat Baku in the second match on Feb. 23 to force a golden set with the chance to advance to the semifinal round. In the Italian Serie A, Novara edged Pomi Casalmaggiore 25-19, 25-21, 18-25, 23-25, 15-11 on Feb. 13 to close the gap on the third-place team in the league standings. Fawcett, playing on the left side versus her normal opposite position with the U.S. Women’s National Team, scored nine kills on 28 attacks to go with two aces. She also handled seven receptions. “I signed here to be an outside and the past two seasons in Korea and China I was put on the left, so it doesn’t feel uncomfortable for me,” Fawcett said in regards to playing as outside hitter. “I have also played right side in matches here because of some different circumstances, so I still get a little time on the right as well.” Novara (13-4, 37 points), in fourth place, returns to Italian League action on Feb. 21 against eighth-place Metalleghe Sanitars Montichiari (8-10, 23 points).

LOWE, JENNA HAGGLUND WITH ITALY’S BUSTO ARSIZIO: Opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.), MVP of the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix, and setter Jenna Hagglund (West Chester, Ohio) are competing for Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio was unable to overcome Foppapedretti Bergamo in a 25-15, 25-23, 25-20 loss on Feb. 14. Lowe charted 15 points with 14 kills on 49 swings and a block. Hagglund set her squad to a 31 kill percent while scoring an ace. Busto Arsizio (7-11, 21 points), now in ninth place, will seek to get back in the win column on Feb. 21 as it faces third-place Pomi Casalmaggiore (12-5, 38 points).

THOMPSON WITH BRAZIL’S REXONA-ADES: Setter Courtney Thompson (Kent, Wash.) has signed to compete for Rexona-Ades in the Brazilian Superliga. Rexona-Ades added to its league-leadership by defeating second-place Praia Clube 28-26, 24-26, 25-14, 25-20 on Feb. 12. Thompson set Rexona-Ades to a 33 kill percent and served in three aces to go with a block for four individual points. Rexona-Ades (18-1, 51 points), now in first-place with a three-match lead and six standings points advantage, resumes Brazilian Superliga action on Feb. 16 against Campones/Minas and on Feb. 19 against seventh-place Sesi-Sao Paulo (8-11, 26 points).

KLINEMAN WITH BRAZIL’S PRAIA CLUBE: Opposite Alix Klineman (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) is competing for Praia Clube in the Brazilian Superliga this winter. Praia Clube lost its second straight match as it fell to league-leader Rexona-Ades 28-26, 24-26, 25-14, 25-20 on Feb. 12. Klineman contributed 19 points in the loss with 16 kills on 54 swings and three blocks. She also handled 24 of the team’s 92 receptions. Praia Clube (15-4, 45 points) looks to break the two-match losing streak on Feb. 17 against 10th-place Concilig/Volei Bauru (6-13, 20 points).

LARSON, KREKLOW WITH TURKEY’S ECZACIBASI: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Neb.) and setter Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minn) are playing for Eczacibasi of the Turkish League this winter, along with the CEV Champions League. In European CEV Champions League, Eczacibasi lost its opening Playoff 12 Round home-and-home series with Turkish rival VakifBank 27-25, 18-25, 10-25, 25-14, 15-10 on Feb. 10. Larson collected 11 points with 10 kills on 34 attacks and an ace. She also held a 62 positive reception percent on 13 chances. Kreklow was a sub in the fourth set. Eczacibasi needs to win the second match of the home-and-home series on Feb. 24 to have a chance to advance to the Playoff 6 Round. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi dominated eighth-place Canakkale 25-17, 25-19, 25-23 on Feb. 13. Kreklow set the squad to a 42 kill percent and put up one block in her return to the starting lineup after suffering an injury a month ago. Larson did not play in the victory. Fourth-place Eczacibasi (12-4, 35 points) takes on eighth-place Halkbank in the next Turkish League match.

DIETZEN WITH TURKEY’S FENERBAHCE: Middle blocker Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pa.) is competing this winter for Fenerbahce in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League. In European CEV Champions League, Fenerbahce started the Playoff 12 home-and-home round with a convincing 25-20, 25-18, 25-23 victory over Poland’s Chemik Police on Feb. 9. Dietzen pocketed six kills on nine errorless attacks and two blocks for eight points in the victory. Fenerbahce can close out the Playoff 12 Round on Feb. 23 and earn a berth into the Playoff 6 Round. Fenebahce dispatched 10th-place Idman Ocagi 25-19, 25-19, 28-26 on Feb. 13. Dietzen did not play in the victory. Fenerbahce (13-1, 43 points), now with a three-point lead over VakifBank for the league-lead, meets seventh-place Nilufer on Feb. 20 in the next Turkish League match.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Ore.), the MVP of the 2014 FIVB World Championship, is playing for VakifBank in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League this winter. In the European Champions League, VakifBank rallied to defeat Turkish rival Eczacibasi 27-25, 18-25, 10-25, 25-14, 15-10 on Feb. 10 to open the Playoff 12 home-and-home series. As a sub in the third and fourth sets, Hill scored one kill on two attacks while serving two aces for three points. VakifBank can claim a spot in the Playoff 6 round with a win over Eczacibasi on Feb. 24 to conclude the series. In the Turkish League, VakifBank blanked Bursa B. Sehir 25-22, 28-26, 25-22 on Feb. 13. Hill hammered out 10 kills on 23 attacks and added two aces for 12 points in the victory. She also record 17 receptions with a 65 positive reception percent. VakifBank (14-2, 41 points), now in second place, takes on third-place Galatasaray on Feb. 20.

JACKSON WITH TURKEY’S GALATASARAY: Middle blocker Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, California) is competing for Galatasaray of the Turkish League this winter. In CEV Cup action, Galatasaray opened the Challenge Round home-and-home series with a 22-25, 25-14, 25-14, 25-16 victory over Poland’s Impel Wroclaw on Feb. 11. Jackson chalked up 13 kills on 29 attacks and an ace for 14 points in the victory. Galatasaray can close out the Challenge Round on Feb. 24 and earn a bid to the semifinals. In the Turkish League, Galatasaray rallied to defeat last place Ilbank 24-26, 25-20, 25-20, 25-21 on Feb. 13. Jackson started the match and did not record a stat in just the one first set. Galatasaray (13-2, 38 points), in third place, challenges second-place VakifBank on Feb. 20.

PAOLINI WITH JAPAN’S HITACHI RIVALE: Middle blocker Lauren Paolini (Ann Arbor, Mich.), a middle blocker on Team USA, is playing her second consecutive season with Hitachi Rivale of the Japan V-League. Hitachi won its second straight match to open the V-League playoffs after sweeping Hisamitsu Springs 25-21, 25-23, 25-21 on Feb. 13. Paolini notched 21 kills on 35 attacks and just two errors to go with two aces for 23 points. Hitachi (2-0, 9 points), in first place in the playoff standings which combines regular season final standings, plays fourth-place Toyota (2-0, 5 points) on Feb. 20 and third-place NEC (2-1, 6 points) on Feb. 21.

MURPHY WITH JAPAN’S AGEO MEDICS: Opposite Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Ill.), Team USA’s leading scorer in 2013 and 2014, is playing her second season in the Japan V-League with Ageo Medics. Murphy ended the regular season ranked second in scoring with 507 points and a 6.03 per set scoring average. She averaged 5.42 kills per set, also second in the league. Murphy held a 17.3 serve efficiency for second-best in the league, while having 26 aces for third-place.

AKINRADEWO, NATALIE HAGGLUND, VANSANT WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle blocker Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Fla.), libero Natalie Hagglund (Encinitas, Calif.) and Krista Vansant (Redlands, Calif.) are playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League as well as the CEV Champions League. In CEV Champions League, Volero was shocked by Lokomotiv Baku in a 25-21, 22-25, 25-23, 20-25, 16-14 loss on Feb. 10 in Azerbaijan to open the Playoff 12 home-and-home series. Akinradewo scored four kills on 13 attacks, one ace and one block for six points in the loss. Vansant added one kill while starting the fourth set. Hagglund did not play in the match. Volero can still advance to the Playoff 6 Round by defeating Lokomotiv on Feb. 25 to close out the Playoff 12 Round. Volero ended the Swiss League regular season undefeated at 18-0 after defeating Viteos NUC I 23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-17 on Feb. 13. Volero’s opening set loss was its only set it did not win throughout the entire regular season. Vansant ended the regular season ranked 10th in scoring with 152 points, including 138 kills, eight aces and six blocks.

HILDEBRAND WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Outside hitter Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah) is competing this winter for Impel Wroclaw in the Polish League and CEV Champions League before the squad dropped to the CEV Cup. After the heart-break of falling to the CEV Cup Challenge Round, Impel Wroclaw lost to Turkey’s Galatasaray 22-25, 25-14, 25-14, 25-16 on Feb. 11 in Istanbul. Hildebrand tallied five kills on 14 swings and a block for six points. She added 19 receptions in the loss. Impel Wroclaw will need to defeat Galatasaray in the second match of the home-and-home series on Feb. 24 to force a golden set for a chance to advance to the semifinals. In the Polish League, Impel Wroclaw continued its win streak with a 25-17, 27-25, 25-15 blanking of KS Palac Bydgoszcz on Feb. 13. Hildebrand did not play in the match. Impel Wroclaw (15-3, 40 points), which maintains third place, resumes Polish League action on Feb. 27 against ninth-place Legionovia (3-15, 11 points).

BARTSCH WITH GERMANY’S DRESDNER: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Ill.) is playing for Dresdner SC of the German Bundesliga and CEV Champions League this winter. In CEV Champions League, Dresdner lost its opening Playoff 12 Round home-and-home series match by falling to Russia’s Dinamo Moscow 33-31, 21-25, 25-22, 25-11 on Feb. 10. Bartsch totaled 15 points in the loss with 14 kills on 40 swings and an ace, while handling 39 of the team’s 98 receptions with a 46 positive percent. Dresdner completes the home-and-home series on Feb. 24 and needing a win to force a golden set to advance to the Playoff 6 Round. In the German Bundesliga, Dresdner won its third consecutive match with a 25-18, 25-19, 25-21 victory over NawaRo Straubing on Feb. 14. Bartsch did not play in the match against the 11th-place team in the league. Dresdner (17-3, 50 points), which remains in first place in the league standings, returns to German Bundesliga on Feb. 17 against seventh-place Pottsdam (8-11, 30 points) and on Feb. 20 against sixth-place Vilsbiburg (10-10, 31 points).

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 8, 2021) – USA Volleyball has selected the 12 athletes who will represent the United States at 2021 FIVB Women’s Under-20 World Championship on July 9-17. The tournament is being held in both Rotterdam, Netherlands and Kortrijk, Belgium.

The U.S. Women’s U20 Team will open pool play on Friday at 9:30 a.m. PT against Russia in Rotterdam. Matches will be live streamed on the VolleyballWorld YouTube channel.

Seven players on the U.S. U20 National Team return from the 2019 Girls U18 National Team that won the gold medal at the FIVB World Championship: Setter Kami Miner, who is the team’s captain, libero Lexi Rodriguez, outside hitters Elena Oglivie, Allison Jacobs, Emily Londot and Lindsay Krause and middle blocker Caroline Crawford.

The five new players to the team are outside hitters Ally Batenhorst and Jordan Middleton, setter Averi Carlson and middle blockers Reagan Hope and Gabrielle Essix.

The team’s head coach is Dan Fisher, women’s head coach at the University of Pittsburgh. His assistants are Jonathan Newman-Gonchar, women’s head coach at the University of New Mexico, and Jessica Aschenbrenner, assistant coach at the University of Denver. Jon Wong, an assistant at Texas Tech, will serve as statistician.

The 20-person U20 Training Team practiced at UNLV from June 28-July 8 before the team was cut to 12 and headed for Europe.

Round-robin pool play will unfold over the first three days of competition through July 11. The United States’ pool includes Turkey, Russia and Thailand.

The pool winners and the pool runners-up will continue in two new pools to be played in Rotterdam, while the remaining eight teams form two pools in Kortrijk. The matches in the four second-round groups will take place on July 13-15. The pool standings will determine in which semifinals the teams will compete.

The grand final will take place July 18 at the Topsportcentrum. On the same day, the bronze medal match and all the other classification matches will be played in Rotterdam and Kortrijk to determine the final standings.

It will be the 21st edition of the U20 World Championship and the first co-hosted by two countries. The previous 20 editions were held from 1977 through 2019.

Late Wednesday, it was announced that Puerto Rico had withdrawn from the competition.

U.S. Women’s U20 National Team
Player (Position, Height, HS Grad Year, Hometown, Club, Region, Committed College)

1 Lexi Rodriguez (L, 5-7, 2021, Sterling, Ill., Club Fusion VBC, Great Lakes, Nebraska)
3 Elena Oglivie (OH, 5-9, 2020, Kapolei, Hawaii, Kuikahi VBC, Aloha, Stanford)
5 Allison Jacobs (OH, 5-11, 2020, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., Legacy VBC, Southern Cal, UCLA)
6C Kami Miner (S, 6-0, 2021, Redondo Beach, Calif., Mizuno Long Beach VBC, Southern Cal, Stanford)
7 Averi Carlson (S, 6-0, 2022, Lucas, Texas, Skyline Juniors Dallas, North Texas Region, Baylor)
10 Reagan Hope (MB, 6-2, 2021, Phoenix, Ariz., Arizona Storm Elite, Arizona Region, Oregon)
11 Jordan Middleton (OH, 6-2, 2022, Gilbert, Ariz., Arizona Storm Elite, Arizona, Southern California)
12 Caroline Crawford (MB, 6-2, 2020, Lansing, Kan., MAVS KC, Heart of America, Kansas)
14 Emily Londot (OH, 6-2, 2020, Utica, Ohio, Mintonette Sports, Ohio Valley, Ohio State)
16 Gabrielle Essix (MB, 6-4, 2021, Hoover, Ala., Southern Performance, Southern, Florida)
17 Lindsay Krause (OH, 6-4, 2021, Papillion, Neb., Premier Nebraska, Great Plains, Nebraska)
19 Ally Batenhorst (OH, 6-4, 2021, Katy, Texas, Houston Juniors, Lone Star, Nebraska)

U20 Training Team Alternates

Carter Booth (M, 6-7, 2022, Englewood, Colo., Colorado Juniors, Rocky Mountain, Minnesota)
Anna Kate Herrington (M, 6-0, 2022, Orlando, Fla., OTVA, Florida, Boston College)
Hattie Monson (L, 5-6, 2020, Morris, Ill., Adversity, Great Lakes, Notre Dame)
Sydney Reed (L, 5-7, 2020, Glenelg, Md., Metro VBC of DC, Chesapeake, Wisconsin)
Katy Ryan (OPP, 6-5, 2021, Rathdrum, Idaho, T3 VBC, Evergreen, Washington State)
Shaylee Shore (M, 6-2, 2021, Prosper, Texas, Skyline Juniors Dallas, North Texas, Rice)
Katelyn Smith (OH, 6-3, 2021, Irvine, Calif., Tstreet, Southern Cal, Southern California)
Sarah White (S, 6-0, 2021, Cranberry Township, Pa., Pittsburgh Elite, Keystone, Ohio State)

U.S. First-Round Pool-Play Schedule (all times PT)
Matches will be live streamed on the VolleyballWorld YouTube channel

July 9 at 9:30 a.m. USA vs Russia
July 10 at 6:30 a.m. PT USA vs Thailand
July 11 at 9:30 a.m. PT USA vs Turkey

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 8, 2016) – U.S. Women’s National Team players – past and future – are converging on the U.S. Olympic Training Center this month for two big events, while current members are competing overseas in pro leagues. U.S. Olympic athletes participated in the recent USA Volleyball High Performance Coaches’ Clinic Feb. 4-6, while future athletes will take part in the U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryouts Feb. 19-21.

DID YOU KNOW: Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minn.) shined on the international stage in 2015 in just her second year with the U.S. Women’s National Team after joining the squad in May 2014.

Selected 2015 USA Volleyball Female Indoor Most Improved Player
In her first FIVB event, she was named Best Setter at 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix in leading Team USA to the gold medal
Kreklow led the U.S. to gold at the NORCECA World Championship Qualification Tournament in her first international tournament with the senior team.
Set University of Missouri to a school-record .356 team hitting efficiency in 2013 en route to being name SEC Player of the Year.
She started every match during her four-year career at Missouri.
Was coached at University of Missouri by her uncle and aunt, Wayne and Susan Kreklow.
Father Mike played basketball at University of Wisconsin for two years before transferring to Drake University, where her mother Marcia played volleyball.
Led U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team to gold at 2008 NORCECA Continental U-18 Championship.

CEV EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND CEV CUP: The CEV European Champions League Playoff 12 round starts out with U.S. Women’s National Team players competing in four matches, as well as a CEV Cup Challenge Round match this week. The five matches, which includes Americans going head-to-head in two of the matches, can be watched live on laola1.tv.

Feb. 9: Fenerbahce (Dietzen) vs. Chemik Police, 10:30 a.m. PT
Feb. 10: Volero Zurich (Akinradewo, N. Hagglund, Vansant) vs. Lokomotiv Baku, 5 a.m. PT
Feb. 10: Eczacibasi (Larson, Kreklow) vs. VakifBank (Hill), 8 a.m. PT
Feb. 10: Dresdner (Bartsch) vs. Dinamo Moscow, 9 a.m. PT
Feb. 11: Impel Wroclaw (Hildebrand) vs. Galatasaray (Jackson), 8 a.m. PT

LARSON, KREKLOW WITH TURKEY’S ECZACIBASI: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Neb.) and setter Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minn.) are playing for Eczacibasi of the Turkish League this winter, along with the CEV Champions League. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi handled Nilufer 25-18, 20-25, 25-19, 25-22 on Feb. 6. Larson scored nine points with six kills and three blocks while adding a 50 positive reception percent on 16 chances. Kreklow did not enter the match. Fourth-place Eczacibasi (11-4, 32 points) takes on eighth-place Canakkale on Feb. 13 in the next Turkish League match. In European CEV Champions League, Eczacibasi opens its home-and-home Playoff 12 round with a Turkish rival VakifBank on Feb. 10, followed by the return match on Feb. 24.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Ore.), the MVP of the 2014 FIVB World Championship, is playing for VakifBank in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League this winter. In the Turkish League, VakifBank lost a heart-breaking 26-24, 23-25, 25-22, 16-25, 17-15 match to league-leader Fenerbahce on Feb. 6. Hill came in off the bench to sert the fourth and fifth sets and provided four points in the loss. She added a 70 positive reception percent on 10 chances. VakifBank (13-2, 38 points), now in second place, looks turn the momentum around on Feb. 13 against fifth-place Bursa B.Sehir BLD. In the European Champions League, VakifBank moves into the Playoff 12 Round to face Turkish rival Eczacibasi in a home-and-home series Feb. 10 and Feb. 24.

JACKSON WITH TURKEY’S GALATASARAY: Middle blocker Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, California) is competing for Galatasaray of the Turkish League this winter. In the Turkish League, Galatasaray edged Sariyer 25-20, 19-25, 25-16, 25-14 on Feb. 6. Jackson scored 10 kills on 19 swings and two blocks for 12 points in the victory. Galatasaray (13-2, 35 points), in third place, faces last-place Ilbank on Feb. 13 in the next Turkish League match. In CEV Cup action, Galatasaray has advanced to the CEV Cup Challenge Round to take on Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the home-and-home series Feb. 11 and Feb. 24.

DIETZEN WITH TURKEY’S FENERBAHCE: Middle blocker Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pa.) is competing this winter for Fenerbahce in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League. Fenebahce won a hard-fought battle over VakifBank 26-24, 23-25, 25-22, 16-25, 17-15 on Feb. 6 to grab first place in the Turkish League. Dietzen did not suit for the match. Fenerbahce (12-1, 40 points), now with a three-point lead over VakifBank for the league-lead, meets 10th-place Idman Ocagi on Feb. 13 in the next Turkish League match. In European CEV Champions League, Fenerbahce challenges Poland’s Chemik Police in the Playoff 12 Round in the home-and-home series Feb. 9 and Feb. 23.

GLASS, ROBINSON, EASY, ADAMS ALL WITH ITALY’S IMOCO CONEGLIANO: Setter Alisha Glass (Leland, Mich.), the 2013 and 2014 USA Volleyball Female Athlete of the Year, outside hitter Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Ill.), outside hitter Megan Easy (Boston, Mass.), a 2012 Olympic silver medalist, and Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio) are all playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. Conegliano won its eighth and ninth consecutive matches last week with two victories to maintain its top spot in the league standings. Conegliano topped Sudtirol Bolzano 25-22, 25-8, 25-17 on Feb. 3. Glass sett the squad to a 41 kill percent while converting four of five individual attacks into points to go with two blocks for six points. Easy claimed 15 points with 14 kills on 25 attacks and an ace to go with 14 receptions. Robinson tacked on 14 points with nine kills on 25 swings, four aces and a block. She added a 75 positive reception percent on a team-best 16 chances. Adams turned in eight points with four kills on nine swings, two aces and two blocks. Conegliano maintained the winning streak by sweeping Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio 25-19, 25-21, 25-14 on Feb. 6. Glass set the team to a stellar 49 kill percent and .417 hitting efficiency while scoring one kill and one block for two individual points. Adams scored a team-best 14 points with 10 kills on 17 attacks, three blocks and an ace. Easy collected eight kills on 20 attacks and four blocks for 12 points. Robinson aided the cause with six kills on 21 attacks and two blocks for eight points while contributing a 76 positive reception percent on a team-best 17 chances. Conegliano (14-3, 41 points) will seek its 10th straight win on Feb. 14 when it faces eighth-place Metalleghe Sanitars Montichiari (8-9, 22 points).

LOWE, JENNA HAGGLUND WITH ITALY’S BUSTO ARSIZIO: Opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.), MVP of the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix, and setter Jenna Hagglund (West Chester, Ohio) are competing for Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio snapped its losing streak in defeating Obiettivo Risarcimento Vicenza 23-25, 25-23, 27-25, 25-23 on Feb. 3. Lowe collected 27 points with 25 kills on 65 swings, one ace and one block. Hagglund started the first two sets. However, Busto Arsizio was unable to keep the win streak alive as it fell to league-league Imoco Volley Conegliano 25-19, 25-21, 25-14 on Feb. 6. Lowe scored nine points with eight kills on 27 swings and a block. Hagglund started the first two sets in the loss. Busto Arsizio (7-10, 21 points), now in ninth place, will seek to get back in the win column on Feb. 14 as it faces sixth-place Foppapedretti Bergamo (8-8, 26 points).

THOMPSON WITH BRAZIL’S REXONA-ADES: Setter Courtney Thompson (Kent, Wash.) has signed to compete for Rexona-Ades in the Brazilian Superliga. Rexona-Ades rallied to defeat fifth-place Brasilia Volei 25-13, 26-28, 17-25, 26-24, 15-7 on Feb. 2. Thompson set her squad to a 40 kill percent for the match while adding one ace and a kill in the victory. Rexona-Ades won its second match of the week by stopping Pinheiros 25-17, 22-25, 25-20, 25-15 on Feb. 4. Thompson scored two individual kills while setting the team to a 45 kill percent. Rexona-Ades (17-1, 48 points), now in first-place with a two-match lead and three standings points advantage, resumes Brazilian Superliga action on Feb. 12 against second-place Praia Clube (15-3, 45 points).

KLINEMAN WITH BRAZIL’S PRAIA CLUBE: Opposite Alix Klineman (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) is competing for Praia Clube in the Brazilian Superliga this winter. Praia Clube split a pair of matches last week as it opened with a 25-13, 25-22, 25-18 win over SESI Sao Paulo on Feb. 2. Klineman totaled 16 points in the victory, including 11 kills on 22 errorless attacks, four blocks and an ace. However, third-place Volei Nestle upset Praia Clube 25-11, 25-23, 14-25, 25-12 on Feb. 5. Klineman scored two kills on five attacks and a block in starting the first two sets. Praia Clube (15-3, 45 points) looks to bounce back on Feb. 12 against league-leader Rexona-Ades (17-1, 48 points).

HILDEBRAND WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Outside hitter Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah) is competing this winter for Impel Wroclaw in the Polish League and CEV Champions League. In the Polish League, Impel Wroclaw held on to defeat PTPS Pila 25-14, 25-23, 23-25, 19-25, 15-13 on Feb. 3. Hildebrand scored six points in the victory and handled 30 of the team’s 94 receptions. Impel Wroclaw swept Polski Cukier Muszynianka Enea 26-24, 25-21, 25-15 on Feb. 7 for its second straight win of the week. Hildebrand cranked out 12 points with seven kills on 15 attacks, three aces and two blocks. She chipped in a 46 positive reception percent on a team-best 24 chances. Impel Wroclaw (14-3, 37 points), which moved up to third place with the two wins, resumes Polish League action on Feb. 14 against 10th-place KS Palac Bydgoszcz (3-13, 7 points). In the CEV, Impel Wroclaw dropped down from the Champions League to the CEV Cup Challenge Round where it will play Turkey’s Galatasaray on Feb. 11 and Feb. 24 in a home-and-home series to determine who advances to the Final Phase of the Cup.

PAOLINI WITH JAPAN’S HITACHI RIVALE: Middle blocker Lauren Paolini (Ann Arbor, Mich.), a middle blocker on Team USA, is playing her second consecutive season with Hitachi Rivale of the Japan V-League. Hitachi opened the playoffs on Feb. 7 with a win over regular season champion Toray Arrows 26-24, 26-24, 18-25, 25-22 to gain a one-point edge in the playoff standings over Toray. Paolini notched 25 points with 21 kills, four blocks and an ace.

MURPHY WITH JAPAN’S AGEO MEDICS: Opposite Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Ill.), Team USA’s leading scorer in 2013 and 2014, is playing her second season in the Japan V-League with Ageo Medics. Murphy ended the regular season ranked second in scoring with 507 points and a 6.03 per set scoring average. She averaged 5.42 kills per set, also second in the league. Murphy held a 17.3 serve efficiency for second-best in the league, while having 26 aces for third-place.

BARTSCH WITH GERMANY’S DRESDNER: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Ill.) is playing for Dresdner SC of the German Bundesliga and CEV Champions League this winter. In the German Bundesliga, Dresdner recovered from its upset loss last week to win two matches including a 25-18, 25-23, 19-25, 25-10 win over VT Aurubis Hamburg on Feb. 3. Bartsch did not play in the match. Dresdner won its second straight match with a 25-22, 25-11, 25-10 win over third-place VC Wiesbaden on Feb. 6. Bartsch returned to the lineup to score nine points with seven kills on 21 swings and two blocks. She added a 57 positive reception percent on seven chances. Dresdner (16-3, 47 points), which remains in first place in the league standings, returns to German Bundesliga action on Feb. 14 when it faces 11th-place Straubing (7-11, 20 points). In CEV Champions League, Dresdner has advanced to the Playoff 12 Round to face Russia’s Dinamo Moscow on Feb. 10 and Feb. 24 in the home-and-home series.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 1, 2016) – Several of the U.S. Women’s National Team members have helped their European CEV Champions League teams advance to the Playoff 12 Round this past week. Find out details in the latest Weekly Update, along with features on Karsta Lowe, Lauren Gibbemeyer and Kelsey Robinson.

DID YOU KNOW: Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.) had a remarkable rookie season with the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2015. She ended the season with a team-leading 328 points and was one of three players who competed in at least 100 sets. Lowe held a .326 hitting efficiency and 50.5 kill percent while accumulating averages of 0.15 aces and 0.29 blocks per set.

Named most valuable player of the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix, her very first FIVB tournament
Led all NCAA Division I players in kills per set (5.96) and points per set (6.60) in 2014.
Earned the prestigious Capital One Academic All-America Third-Team by College Sports Information Directors of America in 2014 along with a nominee for Lowe’s Senior Class Award, the nation’s premier award for NCAA senior student-athletes
Never made the ‘A’ volleyball team until her junior year of high school
Started her UCLA volleyball career as a walk-on before earning a college scholarship.
Graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in geography/environmental studies, but had never lived outside of Southern California before starting her professional volleyball career.
Played tennis competitively until middle of high school and her favorite athlete is Maria Sharapova.

CATCHING UP WITH GIBBEMEYER: Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minn.), a graduate of University of Minnesota, was featured on her alma mater’s website. Find out her answers to what it has been like transitioning from college to pro volleyball, what is was like winning the Italian Championship last year, her favorite sports moment in her career has been, her favorite places to visit and more.

24-HOURS BLOG SERIES BY KELSEY: Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Ill.) is exploring parts Europe and reporting back what she sees during a 24-hour trip to cities during her off-days. In her latest trip, Robinson visits London for a day and blogs about her trip. “One of the greatest parts of my job is the ability to travel to foreign places on a whim,” Robinson said. “The downfall, however, is that I often have to take these adventures in one day. So how do you spend 24 hours in a place like Florence or Pisa? I’ve got you covered.”

LARSON, KREKLOW WITH TURKEY’S ECZACIBASI: Outside hitter Jordan Larson (Hooper, Neb.) and setter Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minn.) are playing for Eczacibasi of the Turkish League this winter, along with the CEV Champions League. In European CEV Champions League Pool C action, Eczacibasi came back from a two-set deficit to defeat Pomi Casalmaggiore 23-25, 20-25, 25-18, 25-22, 15-8 on Jan. 27 in the final league round match. Larson carried her squad with a match-high 24 points including 18 kills on 45 swings, three blocks and three aces. She contributed 18 receptions with a 39 positive percent. Kreklow, still recovering from an injury, subbed in briefly during the second set. Eczacibasi finished the round with identical 4-2 record with Casalmaggiore, but finished second due to standings points. Eczacibasi moves into the Playoff 12 Round to face Turkish League rival VakifBank. In the Turkish League, Eczacibasi continues to charge back up the league standings with a 20-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-18 victory over Idman Ocagi on Jan. 30. Larson hammered down 22 kills on 32 attacks with just one error to go with two blocks for 24 points. She also handled 21 receptions with an 81 positive percent. Fourth-place Eczacibasi (10-4, 29 points) takes on sixth-place Nilufer on Feb. 6 in the next Turkish League match.

HILL WITH TURKEY’S VAKIFBANK: Outside hitter Kim Hill (Portland, Ore.), the MVP of the 2014 FIVB World Championship, is playing for VakifBank in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League this winter. In the European Champions League Pool B, VakifBank edged Italy’s Igor Gorgonzola Novara 25-20, 21-25, 25-21, 21-25, 15-12 on Jan. 27 to conclude the first round undefeated Hill, who started the third and fourth sets, totaled seven kills on 21 swings with a 62 positive reception percent on 13 chances. VakifBank (6-0, 17 points), which won Pool B, now moves into the Playoff 12 Round to face Turkish rival Eczacibasi in a home-and-home series Feb. 10 and Feb. 24. In the Turkish League, VakifBank overcame its first league loss in defeating HalkBank 25-10, 25-18, 25-19 on Jan. 30. Hill charted 11 kills on 21 attacks and a block for a team-high 12 points. She chipped in 14 receptions in the victory. VakifBank (13-1, 38 points), now in second place, looks to win a second match in a row on Feb. 6 as it faces league-leader Fenerbahce.

JACKSON WITH TURKEY’S GALATASARAY: Middle blocker Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, California) is competing for Galatasaray of the Turkish League this winter. In CEV Cup action, Galatasaray swept the CEV Cup 4th Final Round series with Switzerland’s Volley Koniz after winning the second match 25-21, 25-14, 24-26, 25-17 on Jan. 27. Jackson pocketed eight kills on 17 attacks and a block for nine points in the victory. Galatasaray now advances to the CEV Cup Challenge Round to take on Poland’s Impel Wroclaw in the home-and-home series Feb. 11 and Feb. 24. In the Turkish League, Galatasaray swept Salihli 25-17, 25-16, 25-19 on Jan. 31 to remain in the top of half of the standings. Jackson powered home 13 points with nine kills on 15 attacks, two blocks and two aces. Galatasaray (12-2, 32 points), in third place, faces fifth-place Sariyer on Feb. 6 in the next Turkish League match.

DIETZEN WITH TURKEY’S FENERBAHCE: Middle blocker Christa Dietzen (Hopewell Township, Pa.) is competing this winter for Fenerbahce in the Turkish League and CEV Champions League. In European CEV Champions League Pool E action, Fenerbahce finished the league round undefeated following a 25-22, 25-15, 25-23 victory over Germany’s Dresdner SC on Jan. 27. Dietzen contributed three kills and two blocks for five points in the victory. Fenerbahce (6-0, 17 points), one of three teams to finish undefeated in the six-match league round, challenges Poland’s Chemik Police in the Playoff 12 Round in the home-and-home series Feb. 9 and Feb. 23. Fenebahce eased by Ilbank 25-16, 25-16, 25-23 on Jan. 30 in the Turkish League. Dietzen compiled nine kills on 19 attacks with just one error to go with five blocks for 14 points. Fenerbahce (12-1, 40 points) meets second-place VakifBank on Feb. 6 in the next Turkish League match.

AKINRADEWO, NATALIE HAGGLUND, VANSANT WITH SWITZERLAND’S VOLERO ZURICH: Middle blocker Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Fla.), libero Natalie Hagglund (Encinitas, Calif.) and Krista Vansant (Redlands, Calif.) are playing for Volero Zurich in the Swiss League as well as the CEV Champions League. In CEV Champions League Pool D action, Volero finished the league round undefeated after defeating Russia’s Uralochka-NTMK Ekaterinburg 19-25, 25-18, 25-11, 25-12 on Jan. 26. Akinradewo, playing just the first three sets, tallied three kills on five swings and two blocks in the victory. Vansant was a sub in the second and fourth sets. Volero (6-0, 18 points), which won Pool D with an eight-point lead over Uralochka, moves into the Playoff 12 Round against Azerbaijan’s Lokomotiv Baku with home-and-home matches on Feb. 10 and Feb. 25. Volero improved to 15-0 in the Swiss League by stopping fifth-place Volley Koniz 25-13, 25-17, 25-19 on Jan. 30. Volero, which has not lost a set in the Swiss League, faces last-place Volley Toggenburg I on Feb. 6 in the next Swiss League match.

LOWE, JENNA HAGGLUND WITH ITALY’S BUSTO ARSIZIO: Opposite Karsta Lowe (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.), MVP of the 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix, and setter Jenna Hagglund (West Chester, Ohio) are competing for Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio of the Italian Serie A1 League this winter. Busto Arsizio fell to LIU JO Modena 25-19, 25-20, 26-24 on Jan. 31. Lowe posted 16 points with 14 kills on 37 swings, one block and one ace. Hagglund tallied one kill while setting the team to a 31 kill percent. Busto Arsizio (6-9, 18 points), now in ninth place, will seek to get back on a winning streak next week with matches against 11th-place Obiettivo Risarcimento Vicenza (4-11, 10 points) on Feb. 3 and league-leader Imoco Volley Conegliano (12-3, 35 points) on Feb. 6.

THOMPSON WITH BRAZIL’S REXONA-ADES: Setter Courtney Thompson (Kent, Wash.) has signed to compete for Rexona-Ades in the Brazilian Superliga. In a break from the Superliga regular season, Rexona-Ades topped Volei Nestle 25-22, 25-19, 20-25, 30-28 in the Brazil Cup semifinals on Jan. 30. In the Brazil Cup title match, Thompson led Rexona-Ades to a 25-19, 25-23, 25-18 victory to capture the cup title. Rexona-Ades (15-1, 43 points) resumes Brazilian Superliga action in first place on Feb. 2 against fifth-place Terracap/Brasilia Volei (8-8, 25 points) and versus eighth-place Pinheiros/Klar (6-10, 19 points) on Feb. 4.

KLINEMAN WITH BRAZIL’S PRAIA CLUBE: Opposite Alix Klineman (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) is competing for Praia Clube in the Brazilian Superliga this winter. Praia Clube topped Camponesa Minas 26-24, 25-22, 25-18 on Jan. 30 in the Brazil Cup semifinals. Unfortunately, Praia Clube was unable to defeat Rexona-Ades in the finals in a 25-19, 25-23, 25-18 loss. Praia Clube resumes the Brazilian Superliga regular season in second-place on Feb. 2 against sixth-place Sesi-Sao Paulo (8-8, 25 points) and on Feb. 5 against third-place Volei Nestle (12-4, 35 points).

HILDEBRAND WITH POLAND’S IMPEL WROCLAW: Outside hitter Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah) is competing this winter for Impel Wroclaw in the Polish League and CEV Champions League. In CEV Champions League Pool E, Impel Wroclaw lost a heartbreaking 25-18, 23-25, 25-16, 23-25, 15-11 match to Azerbaijan’s Telekom Baku to fall out of the Champions League playoffs. Hildebrand notched eight kills on 31 swings, four aces and two blocks for 14 points. She also handled 30 of her team’s 105 receptions. Impel Wroclaw falls down to the CEV Cup Challenge Round where it will play Turkey’s Galatasaray on Feb. 11 and Feb. 24 in a home-and-home series to determine who advances to the Final Phase of the Cup. In the Polish League, Impel Wroclaw fell to second-place PGE Atom Trefl Sopot (13-2, 38 points) 25-19, 25-17, 25-10 on Jan. 30. Hildebrand scored three kills, one block and one ace for five points. She also handled 13 receptions in the loss. Impel Wroclaw (12-3, 32 points), which remains in fourth place despite the loss, resumes Polish League action on Feb. 3 against eighth-place PTPS Pila (8-7, 23 points) and on Feb. 7 against seventh-place Polski Cukier Muszynianka Enea (8-7, 24 points).

PAOLINI WITH JAPAN’S HITACHI RIVALE: Middle blocker Lauren Paolini (Ann Arbor, Mich.), a middle blocker on Team USA, is playing her second consecutive season with Hitachi Rivale of the Japan V-League. Hitachi (13-8, 36 points) ended the regular season in third place and advance to the six-team V-League top-division playoffs. Paolini held the second-best kill percent with a 50.2 mark.

MURPHY WITH JAPAN’S AGEO MEDICS: Opposite Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Ill.), Team USA’s leading scorer in 2013 and 2014, is playing her second season in the Japan V-League with Ageo Medics. Murphy ended the regular season ranked second in scoring with 507 points and a 6.03 per set scoring average. She averaged 5.42 kills per set, also second in the league. Murphy held a 17.3 serve efficiency for second-best in the league, while having 26 aces for third-place.

BARTSCH WITH GERMANY’S DRESDNER: Outside hitter Michelle Bartsch (Maryville, Ill.) is playing for Dresdner SC of the German Bundesliga and CEV Champions League this winter. In CEV Champions League Pool E action, Dresdner lost to Turkey’s Fenerbahce 25-22, 25-15, 25-23 on Jan. 27 to conclude the league phase. Bartsch scored seven points in the loss with five kills and two blocks. Dresdner (3-3, 7 points) ended the four-team group in second place to advance to the Playoff 12 Round to face Russia’s Dinamo Moscow on Feb. 10 and a second date to be determined in the home-and-home series. In the German Bundesliga, Dresdner was upset by sixth-place Allianz MTV Stuttgart 25-20, 25-12, 25-20 on Jan. 30. Bartsch scored 14 points with 10 kills on 21 attacks, three blocks and an ace in the loss. Dresdner (14-3, 41 points), which remains in first place in the league standings, returns to German Bundesliga action on Feb. 3 versus eighth-place Hamburg (8-9, 22 points) and on Feb. 6 against third-place Wiesbaden (11-6, 32 points).

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