Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

Boys Youth Team to Begin NORCECA Champs

The U.S. Boys’ Youth National Team is gearing up to compete in the NORCECA Under-19 Continental Championship. This tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2019 FIVB U19 World Championship. The team’s first match will be against Guatemala at 2 p.m. PT on Wednesday in San José, Costa Rica.

Aiming for Success: Serving and Passing

Head Coach Brad Keller has emphasized the importance of having a strong serving and passing game. He believes that this team has the ability to excel in these areas. By putting pressure on their opponents with their service game, the team hopes to gain an edge in the tournament.

Chemistry and Coaching

Team Captain Joe Karlous highlights the team’s chemistry as their greatest strength. Having faced numerous challenges together, the players have developed a deep bond. Karlous also acknowledges the stellar coaching staff led by Brad Keller. By trusting and following their coaches’ guidance, the team is confident they can achieve success.

Prior Achievements

The U.S. Boys Youth Team has had notable accomplishments in previous years. In 2017, they finished 15th at the FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship in Bahrain. The team also secured a second-place finish at the NORCECA U19 Championship in Havana, Cuba in 2016. These achievements showcase the team’s potential for success in the upcoming tournament.

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Meet the Boys Youth National Team

The Boys Youth National Team is comprised of talented athletes from various parts of the United States. Here are the team members:

  • Joe Karlous (S, 6-0, Costa Mesa, Calif., So Cal)
  • Mason Briggs (L, 5-11, Valencia, Calif., So Cal)
  • Aidan Knipe (S, 6-2, Huntington Beach, Calif., So Cal)
  • Akhil Tangutur (OH, 6-4, Pacific Palisades, Calif., So Cal)
  • Ethan Smith (MB, 6-7, Laguna Niguel, Calif., So Cal)
  • Joseph Deluzio (OH, 6-6, Windermere, Fla., Florida)
  • Alex Knight (OH, 6-6, Culver City, Calif., So Cal)
  • James Hartley (OH, 6-6, Waxhaw, N.C., Carolina)
  • Ethan Hill (MB, 6-7, San Clemente, Calif., So Cal)
  • Clarke Godbold (Opp, 6-5, San Pedro, Calif., So Cal)
  • Scott Solan (Opp, 6-8, Las Vegas, Nev., So Cal)
  • Nathaniel Gates (MB, 6-8, La Jolla, Calif., So Cal)

The Coaching Staff

The team is guided by a knowledgeable and experienced coaching staff:

  • Head Coach: Brad Keller (UCLA men’s volleyball assistant coach)
  • Assistant Coach: Nick MacRae (Long Beach State men’s volleyball associate head coach)
  • Assistant Coach: Colin McMillan (Penn State men’s volleyball associate head coach)
  • Team Leader: Gabby Lutjen (USA Volleyball)
  • Technical Coordinator: Kevin Burch (The Ohio State University men’s volleyball assistant coach)

Tournament Schedule and Matches

Take note of the pool play matches happening on the following dates (all times PT):

June 6

  • 2 p.m. Guatemala vs United States
  • 4 p.m. Cuba vs Honduras
  • 6 p.m. Puerto Rico vs Nicaragua

June 7

  • 2 p.m. Cuba vs Guatemala
  • 4 p.m. Honduras vs United States
  • 6 p.m. Costa Rica vs Puerto Rico
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June 8

  • 2 p.m. Honduras vs Guatemala
  • 4 p.m. United States vs Cuba
  • 6 p.m. Costa Rica vs Puerto Rico

June 9

  • 8 a.m. Quarterfinal
  • 10 a.m. Quarterfinal
  • 4 p.m. Semifinal
  • 6 p.m. Semifinal

June 10

  • 1 p.m. Fifth-place match
  • 3 p.m. Third-place match
  • 5 p.m. First-place match

FAQs

Q: What is the NORCECA Under-19 Continental Championship?
A: The NORCECA Under-19 Continental Championship is a qualifying tournament for the 2019 FIVB U19 World Championship.

Q: Where will the U.S. Boys’ Youth National Team play their first match?
A: The team will face Guatemala in San José, Costa Rica.

Q: Who is the Head Coach of the U.S. Boys’ Youth National Team?
A: Brad Keller, assistant coach for UCLA men’s volleyball, is the Head Coach.

Q: What are the team’s strengths?
A: The team’s strengths lie in their serving, passing, and chemistry.

Conclusion

The U.S. Boys’ Youth National Team is ready to showcase their skills in the NORCECA Under-19 Continental Championship. With a strong focus on serving, passing, and their cohesive bond, the team is poised for success. Stay tuned for updates on their journey in the tournament!