Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

Men’s Jr. National Team on Their Way to the World Championship

The U.S. Men’s Junior National Team is gearing up for the highly anticipated FIVB Men’s Under-21 World Championship, taking place from June 23rd to July 7th in the Czech Republic. With a talented roster of experienced players, the team hopes to make a mark on the international stage and bring home some well-deserved hardware.

A Strong Core and New Additions

The 12 players selected for the team include seven returning players from the 2016 Men’s Junior National Team. These players, including middle blockers Scott Stadick and George Huhmann, opposite Kyle Ensing, outside hitters Jordan Ewert, Dylan Missry, and Austin Matautia, and setter Josh Tuaniga, have already proven themselves by winning the NORCECA Continental Championship and qualifying for the World Championship.

Joining them are three players who have previously competed internationally as part of the Boys’ Youth National Teams and are now making their debut on the Men’s Junior National Team: setter Micah Ma’a, outside hitter Brett Rosenmeier, and middle blocker Patrick Gasman. The team is further strengthened by the addition of newcomers Matthew Szews and Gage Worsley, who will bring fresh energy and skills to the court.

Representing Top Universities

The roster boasts players from renowned universities across the United States. The University of Hawaii leads the pack with four players, including freshman Gage Worsley. Long Beach State and UCLA each have two representatives, while Ball State, UC Irvine, Princeton, and Stanford have one player each.

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Seeking a Historic Victory

Despite previous achievements, the U.S. Men’s Junior National Team has yet to claim a medal at the FIVB Men’s Under-21 World Championship. The closest they came was in 2011 when they finished in fourth place. This year, with a talented roster and the guidance of Head Coach Jay Hosack, the team is aiming for a top eight finish, with hopes of reaching the top four. Bringing home a medal would be a monumental achievement for USA Volleyball at this level.

A Challenging Road Ahead

The team is facing tough competition in their opening-round pool, which includes Turkey, Cuba, and Russia. These matches will be crucial in determining their path in the championship. The players are ready to give it their all and showcase their skills on the international stage.

FAQs

1. Has the U.S. Men’s Junior National Team ever won a medal at the FIVB Men’s Under-21 World Championship?
No, the team has never won a medal at the championship. Their best performance was a fourth-place finish in 2011.

2. How many players from the University of Hawaii are on the team?
There are four players from the University of Hawaii on the roster.

3. Who is the head coach of the U.S. Men’s Junior National Team?
The head coach is Jay Hosack, with Jonah Carson and Matt McCarthy serving as assistant coaches.

Conclusion

The U.S. Men’s Junior National Team is brimming with talent as they prepare for the FIVB Men’s Under-21 World Championship. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, they have their sights set on making history and bringing home a medal. The team is ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead and show the world what they’re made of.

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For more information about the U.S. Men’s Junior National Team and their journey, visit Alpinetgheep