Indiana University Athletics
Benson Seeks Spot on U.S. Women's National Team
2/9/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Feb. 9, 2009
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Indiana sophomore middle blocker Ashley Benson is one of approximately 160 athletes heading to Colorado to participate in the U.S. Women's National Team Open Tryout. The tryout, hosted by USA Volleyball, is set for Feb. 20-22 and will be held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
"I am very proud of Ashley's development over the past two years and feel it is time for her to see what else is out there for her at the next level," said Head Coach Sherry Dunbar. "It is a great opportunity for her to represent Indiana on a national stage."
As part of the tryout, athletes will compete for spots on the USA Women's Volleyball National Team program. Athletes not selected to participate with the National Team may be considered for other programs run by USA Volleyball. Included in this list of other programs are the U.S. Women's Junior National Team competing at the FIVB Women's Junior World Championship or the USA Women's Senior A2 Teams competing at the USA Adult Open Championships. A total of 33 athletes are eligible for the U.S. Women's Junior National Team as well as the other National Team programs.
U.S. Women's National Team Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon (Christchurch, New Zealand) will lead a team of 30 tryout staff that will serve as court coaches and evaluators putting the players through physical testing, drills and match play.
"USA women's volleyball has such depth and talent, it is wonderful to see this many outstanding young athletes attending this National Team tryout," McCutcheon said. "I believe playing for the National Team is the highest achievement possible for our indoor players. In that regard, our goal is to create the best environment for these players to train and compete at the international level."
The tentative roster, which could change depending on late adds or drops due to injury, includes 44 outside hitters, 41 middle blockers, 35 liberos, 26 setters and 14 opposites. A total of 64 different colleges are represented on the roster, including four non-NCAA Division I institutions.
Athletes in college with collegiate eligibility remaining for the 2009 season and not selected to the USA Women's National Team may be invited to participate on the USA Senior A2 Teams. This program is scheduled to take place in Minneapolis from May 18 through May 27. A projected 24 athletes will be invited to participate in the program, which will include training and competition in the 2009 USA Adult Open Championships in the Open Division from May 23-26.
In addition, the 2009 FIVB Women's Junior World Championship will be held July 16-25 in Mexico. Athletes must be born in either 1990 or 1991 to be eligible for this program.
Click here for a complete list of expected tryout attendees.
