Thursday, 21 Nov 2024

U.S. Women’s Press Kit for World Championship

The U.S. Women’s National Team is gearing up for the upcoming World Championship in Japan. Let’s take a closer look at the team, their recent achievements, and what to expect from them in the tournament.

The Roster

Here are some key players on the U.S. Women’s National Team:

  1. Micha Hancock (Setter, 5-11, Penn State, Edmond, Oklahoma)
  2. Carli Lloyd (Setter, 5-11, California, Bonsall, California)
  3. Rachael Adams (Middle, 6-2, Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio)
  4. Tori Dixon (Middle, 6-3, Minnesota, Burnsville, Minnesota)
  5. Lauren Gibbemeyer (Middle, 6-2, Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota)
  6. Jordan Larson (Outside Hitter, 6-2, Nebraska, Hooper, Nebraska)
  7. Kelly Murphy (Opposite, 6-2, Florida, Wilmington, Illinois)
  8. Sarah Wilhite Parsons (Outside Hitter, 6-2, Minnesota, Eden Prairie, Minnesota)
  9. Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Outside Hitter, 6-3, Illinois, Champaign, Illinois)
  10. Kim Hill (Outside Hitter, 6-4, Pepperdine, Portland, Oregon)
  11. Foluke Akinradewo (Middle, 6-3, Stanford, Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
  12. Megan Courtney (Libero, 6-1, Penn State, Dayton, Ohio)
  13. Kelsey Robinson (Libero, 6-2, Nebraska, Manhattan Beach, California)
  14. Karsta Lowe (Opposite, 6-4, UCLA, Rancho Santa Fe, California)

The team is led by Head Coach Karch Kiraly, who is a legendary figure in the sport. Kiraly is the only person to have won Olympic gold medals in both indoor and beach volleyball. Under his guidance, the U.S. Women’s National Team has achieved great success, boasting a record of 170-36 over the past six years.

The Team’s Achievements

The U.S. Women’s National Team has an impressive track record, both internationally and in major tournaments. Here are some highlights:

  • Currently ranked second in the world by the FIVB.
  • Won the 2014 FIVB World Championship, their first major title.
  • Earned silver in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics, and a bronze in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
  • The team has consistently reached the podium in the last three Olympic Games.
  • Head Coach Karch Kiraly, a former Olympic gold medalist, has been instrumental in the team’s success.
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The 2018 Season

The U.S. Women’s National Team has had an exceptional 2018 season so far. Here are some key highlights:

  • Started the season by winning the inaugural FIVB Volleyball Nations League, securing a $1 million top prize.
  • Achieved an impressive 17-2 record in the tournament, including a 10-match win streak in the preliminary round.
  • Defeated top-ranked teams like China and Brazil during the tournament.
  • Also won the Pan American Cup with a younger roster due to overlapping training with the Volleyball Nations League.

Karch Kiraly’s Quotes on the Roster

Karch Kiraly, the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, has shared his thoughts on some key players:

  • Rachael Adams: Known for her strong blocking and defensive skills, Adams has been crucial in leading the team to victory.
  • Foluke Akinradewo: A strong presence on the court, Akinradewo’s professionalism and leadership have earned her great respect from her teammates.
  • Michelle Bartsch-Hackley: Bartsch-Hackley had a standout performance in the Volleyball Nations League, showcasing her versatility and making a positive impact on the team.
  • Megan Courtney: Courtney’s dedication and hard work have been evident in her return to the court after a knee injury, making great strides in her game.
  • Tori Dixon: Dixon has been a consistent and reliable performer for the team, making crucial contributions during the Volleyball Nations League.
  • Lauren Gibbemeyer: Gibbemeyer is having her best season yet, playing at a high level and bringing intensity and fire to the team.
  • Micha Hancock: Known for her fierce competitiveness and leadership qualities, Hancock has made a significant impact on the team, both on and off the court.
  • Kim Hill: Hill continues to make significant contributions in all aspects of the game, and her role as a trusted teammate and leader is invaluable.
  • Jordan Larson: Larson’s presence and positive attitude have been instrumental in pushing the team to new heights. As team captain, she demands a consistently high level of effort and execution from her teammates.
  • Carli Lloyd: Lloyd’s patience and perseverance have paid off, particularly in driving the team’s offense to a gold medal at the Volleyball Nations League.
  • Karsta Lowe: Lowe returned to the team after taking a break from volleyball, bringing a renewed perspective and making significant changes. The team is excited to have her back for the upcoming competition.
  • Kelly Murphy: Murphy’s steady and consistent play, along with her composure under pressure, has earned her the trust and respect of her teammates.
  • Kelsey Robinson: Robinson made a special transition from outside hitter to libero during the Volleyball Nations League, showing great selflessness and helping the team win a gold medal.
  • Sarah Wilhite: Wilhite has earned significant opportunities to compete this season and has shown improvement in her game. She is one of the team’s most improved players.
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Storylines

As the U.S. Women’s National Team prepares to defend their World Championship title, here are some interesting storylines to watch out for:

  • Can they repeat their victory? The U.S. Women’s National Team won their first World Championship in 2014 and will be aiming to defend their title.
  • Converted Liberos: Kelsey Robinson and Megan Courtney made successful transitions from outside hitter to libero, adding depth and strength to the team’s defense.
  • Karsta Lowe’s return: After taking a break from the sport, Karsta Lowe is back and ready to make an impact in the upcoming competition.
  • Pursuit of Olympic Gold: Despite their success in recent years, the U.S. Women’s National Team has yet to win the Olympic Games gold. They will be determined to make their mark in the next edition.
  • Key Player Highlights: Learn more about the individual achievements and contributions of players like Rachael Adams, Foluke Akinradewo, Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, Megan Courtney, Tori Dixon, Lauren Gibbemeyer, Micha Hancock, Kim Hill, Jordan Larson, Carli Lloyd, Karsta Lowe, Kelly Murphy, Kelsey Robinson, and Sarah Wilhite Parsons.

FAQs

  1. What is the U.S. Women’s National Team’s ranking?

    • The U.S. Women’s National Team is currently ranked second in the world by the FIVB.
  2. Has the team won any major titles?

    • Yes, the team won the 2014 FIVB World Championship, their first major title.
  3. How have they performed in recent Olympic Games?

    • The U.S. Women’s National Team earned silver in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, silver in the 2012 London Olympics, and bronze in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
  4. Who is the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team?

    • The head coach is Karch Kiraly, a legendary figure in the sport who has won Olympic gold medals in both indoor and beach volleyball.
  5. How has the team performed in the 2018 season?

    • The U.S. Women’s National Team has had an outstanding 2018 season so far, winning the inaugural FIVB Volleyball Nations League and the Pan American Cup.
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Conclusion

The U.S. Women’s National Team is ready to take on the world in the upcoming World Championship. With their impressive track record, talented roster, and experienced coaching staff, they are poised to make their mark in the tournament. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting matches from the U.S. Women’s National Team!

For more information about the team, visit Alpinetgheep.