Sunday, 13 Oct 2024

US Women Ready to Defend World Grand Prix Title

The U.S. Women’s National Team, the reigning FIVB World Grand Prix champions, is gearing up to defend its title in Ningbo, China. Head Coach Karch Kiraly and his staff have chosen a talented roster consisting of four middles, three outside hitters, three setters, two opposites, and two liberos.

The FIVB World Grand Prix features 12 teams in Group 1, with each team playing three preliminary round weekends in different cities. The top five teams, along with Thailand, will then advance to the Final Round in Bangkok, Thailand, from July 6-10.

Team USA’s opening matches in the World Grand Prix are against Germany, Thailand, and host country China. Fans can catch all the action on UniHD television with delayed broadcast at 8 p.m. ET each night.

China, ranked No. 2 in the world, is eager to avenge its loss to the Americans in the 2014 FIVB World Championship gold-medal match. China secured its spot in the 2016 Olympic Games by winning the 2015 FIVB World Cup. Meanwhile, Germany and Thailand, ranked No. 11 and No. 13, respectively, did not qualify for the Olympics.

One notable change in Team USA’s roster for the opening weekend is the inclusion of three setters. Coach Kiraly explained that this decision allows all three setters, including Carli, to gain valuable experience and contribute to the team’s success.

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Team USA has a stellar track record in the World Grand Prix, having won the tournament a remarkable six times since its inception in 1993. The Americans are looking to add another title to their collection after their victorious campaign in Omaha, Nebraska, last year.

The coaching staff has the flexibility to make changes to the competition roster for the second and third preliminary round weekends, as well as the Final Round in Bangkok, based on Team USA’s performance and standings.

After the matches in China, the team will return home to compete in a preliminary round weekend at Long Beach State University. This will be the last opportunity for fans to see the team play on home soil before they embark on their Olympic Games journey in August. The U.S. will then wrap up the World Grand Prix preliminary phase with three matches in Hong Kong.

Team USA has been diligently preparing for the 2016 season since May 2. The coaching staff is thrilled with the progress the team has made during their training and is eager to see them face new opponents and styles in the upcoming competition.

FAQs

Q: How many times has Team USA won the FIVB World Grand Prix?

A: Team USA has won the FIVB World Grand Prix six times since the tournament’s inception in 1993.

Q: What is the format of the FIVB World Grand Prix?

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A: The FIVB World Grand Prix features 12 teams in Group 1, with each team playing three preliminary round weekends in different cities. The top five teams, along with Thailand, advance to the Final Round.

Q: Will Team USA make any changes to the roster for future rounds?

A: The coaching staff has the flexibility to make changes to the competition roster for the second and third preliminary round weekends, as well as the Final Round in Bangkok, based on the team’s performance and standings.

Summary

The U.S. Women’s National Team is ready to defend its title as the reigning FIVB World Grand Prix champions. Coach Karch Kiraly and his staff have selected a strong roster to compete in the opening weekend in Ningbo, China. Team USA will face tough opponents like Germany, Thailand, and host country China. With their rich history of success in the tournament, having won it six times, the Americans are poised to add another trophy to their collection. Fans can catch all the action on UniHD television. After the opening matches, the team will return home for a preliminary round weekend before concluding the preliminary phase in Hong Kong. Fans are encouraged to support the team as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games.