In her first full season with the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team, Megan Courtney has found herself in a new job position. Initially playing as an outside hitter, she has now temporarily transitioned to the role of a libero during the USA Volleyball Cup. This change allows Courtney to focus on patrolling the back row for Team USA.
Courtney’s performance in her first match as a libero was impressive. Wearing a different colored jersey than her American teammates, she handled 18 receptions with a 56% positive reception rate and 50% excellence. Additionally, Courtney recorded 10 digs in the match, the second-highest on the team.
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Fans can look forward to the upcoming match between the U.S. Women and Brazil, which will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena. Those who attended the previous match can enjoy a 50% discount on tickets for the upcoming game. For those unable to attend, the match will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network.
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Despite being taller than the average libero at 6-1, Courtney has embraced her new role with ease. She sees the libero position as a combination of an outside hitter and focuses solely on the back row.
Courtney’s transition to the libero position was inspired by her success playing in the back row during the FIVB World Grand Prix. The U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach, Karch Kiraly, recognized her statistical prowess in that role and decided to experiment with her as a libero.
Although Courtney performed well in her first match as a libero, her position in this role is not yet permanent. Kiraly plans to observe her performance in the next match against Brazil and the World Grand Champions Cup in Japan to determine the best fit for the team.
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Playing as a libero is not entirely new to Courtney. She had to step into the libero position for a match during her first professional season in Poland due to an injury. However, playing as a libero alongside her new teammates requires more experience and familiarity.
Courtney’s transition to the libero position has been relatively smooth. However, her instincts as an outside hitter occasionally affect her gameplay. Despite this, she remains focused on her role as a passer, defender, and setter for out-of-system balls.
U.S. Women’s National Team Roster for USA Volleyball Cup:
- Carli Lloyd (S, 5-11, California, Bonsall, California)
- Justine Wong-Orantes (L, 5-6, Nebraska, Cypress, California)
- Rachael Adams (M, 6-2, Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio)
- Tori Dixon (M, 6-3, Minnesota, Burnsville, Minnesota)
- Lauren Carlini (S, 6-2, Wisconsin, Aurora, Illinois)
- Lauren Gibbemeyer (M, 6-2, Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota)
- Madi Kingdon (OH, 6-1, Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona)
- Jordan Larson (OH, 6-2, Nebraska, Hooper, Nebraska)
- Annie Drews (OPP, 6-4, Purdue, Elkhart, Indiana)
- Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (OH, 6-3, Illinois, Maryville, Illinois)
- Kim Hill (OH, 6-4, Pepperdine, Portland, Oregon)
- Foluke Akinradewo (M, 6-3, Stanford, Plantation, Florida)
- Megan Courtney (L, 6-1, Penn State, Dayton, Ohio)
- Aiyana Whitney (OPP, 6-5, Penn State, Norwood, New Jersey)
Head Coach: Karch Kiraly
Assistant Coaches: Tama Miyashiro, Marv Dunphy
Technical Coordinator: Jeff Hicks
Athletic Trainer: Kara Kessans
Team Manager: Jimmy Stitz
Mental Performance Coach: Traci Statler
FAQs
Q: Why did Megan Courtney switch from outside hitter to libero?
A: Her success in the FIVB World Grand Prix as the statistical leader in the back row prompted the U.S. Women’s National Team to experiment with her in the libero position.
Q: Will Megan Courtney remain as a libero permanently?
A: The coaching staff has yet to make a final decision. They are closely observing Courtney’s performance as a libero and will assess her role after the match against Brazil and the World Grand Champions Cup.
Summary
In her first full season with the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team, Megan Courtney has made a successful transition from playing as an outside hitter to the libero position. Despite her height advantage, Courtney has embraced her role as a passer and defender in the back row. Her performance in the USA Volleyball Cup has been impressive, and fans can look forward to watching her in action. The coaching staff is carefully observing her progress and will determine her long-term position based on her performance in upcoming matches.
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Danh mục: Volleyball
