Sunday, 13 Oct 2024

U.S. Women Set Opening World Grand Prix Weekend Roster

The U.S. Women’s National Team is gearing up for the start of the FIVB World Grand Prix, and they have an exciting roster ready to take on the competition. This year’s team is a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young players who recently clinched gold in their first international tournament.

The tournament kicks off on July 7 with a challenging schedule that will see Team USA face off against powerhouses like Russia, Italy, and China. The World Grand Prix is a prestigious annual women’s volleyball tournament that has been running since 1993.

Head Coach Karch Kiraly and his staff have carefully selected a 14-player roster for the opening weekend. The team includes two setters, two liberos, two opposites, four middles, and four outside hitters.

The setters for the team are Carli Lloyd and Micha Hancock. Lloyd, who won a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics, will be leading the team. Meanwhile, Hancock, who was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2017 Pan American Cup, will bring her impressive skills to the court.

At opposite, the team has selected Kelly Murphy and Liz McMahon. Murphy, a bronze medalist from the 2016 Olympic Games, will bring her experience to the team. McMahon, on the other hand, had an outstanding performance at the Pan Am Cup, scoring 27 points against Puerto Rico.

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The team’s libero duties will be shared by Amanda Benson and Justine Wong-Orantes for the first three matches of the tournament. Both players have proven themselves in the past and will be essential in the team’s defensive efforts.

In terms of outside hitters, Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, Megan Courtney, Madi Kingdon, and Sarah Wilhite have been chosen to represent the team. Bartsch-Hackley brings her previous FIVB tournament experience, having helped the U.S. claim silver at the 2016 World Grand Prix. Courtney and Kingdon were part of the gold-medal-winning team at the Pan Am Cup, while Wilhite, the 2016 AVCA Division I National Player of the Year, will be making her international debut.

On the middle front, the team will rely on the talents of Tori Dixon, Lauren Gibbemeyer, Hannah Tapp, and Paige Tapp. Dixon and Gibbemeyer bring their FIVB experience to the team, while the Tapp sisters will be making their first appearances in the tournament.

The preliminary round of the FIVB World Grand Prix is divided into three consecutive weekends with different locations. Team USA has a challenging schedule ahead, including matches in China and Brazil. To advance to the World Grand Prix Finals in China, the team must finish among the top five teams, excluding host China, in the preliminary standings.

The U.S. Women’s National Team has a strong track record in the World Grand Prix, having won the tournament six times, with four of those titles coming in the last seven years. The team is off to a great start in the 2020 Olympic quadrennial, with an undefeated record so far.

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As the tournament approaches, the team is focused and ready to give their all on the court. With a perfect blend of experience and talent, they are looking to reclaim the gold and continue their legacy of success in the World Grand Prix.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the FIVB World Grand Prix?
    The FIVB World Grand Prix is an annual international women’s volleyball tournament that has been running since 1993. It is considered one of the premier events in women’s volleyball.

  2. Who is on the U.S. Women’s National Team roster?
    The U.S. Women’s National Team roster includes a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. The team has two setters, two liberos, two opposites, four middles, and four outside hitters.

  3. What is the team’s goal in the tournament?
    The team’s goal is to finish among the top five teams, excluding the host country, in the preliminary standings and advance to the World Grand Prix Finals in China.

Summary

The U.S. Women’s National Team is ready to kick off their FIVB World Grand Prix campaign with a strong and talented roster. The team, led by Head Coach Karch Kiraly, is a blend of experienced players and rising stars. With challenging matches ahead, the team is focused on securing a spot in the World Grand Prix Finals. Their goal is to continue their winning legacy in the tournament and bring home the gold. Fans can expect thrilling and competitive matches as the team represents the United States on the international stage.

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For more information and to stay updated on the team’s progress, visit the official website. Don’t miss out on the action and support the U.S. Women’s National Team as they compete for glory in the FIVB World Grand Prix.