PITTSBURGH – Pitt head coach Dan Fisher will coach the USA Volleyball U21 team at the 2023 NORCECA Pan American Cup, while Rachel Fairbanks and Emmy Klika set to compete for a spot on the 12-player roster.
Fairbanks was a third team AVCA All-America selection last season, becoming the first underclassman in program history to be named to one of the three All-America team. She also helped led the USA Volleyball U21 team to a gold medal at the 2022 Pan American Cup.
Klika played in 32 matches, starting eight at libero including all five NCAA Tournament matches for the Panthers last season. She finished with 164 digs, including 16 digs in Pitt’s 3-2 victory at defending national champion Wisconsin in the Elite 8, one of three 10+ dig performances in the NCAA Tournament.
USA Volleyball announced its 18-player training roster Monday afternoon. Twelve players from this group will be chosen to compete at the 2023 Women’s U21 NORCECA Pan American Cup on May 23-28 in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. The team will train May 14-21 at the Anaheim National Team Training Center.
“USA Volleyball has put together a wonderful group of athletes and coaches, and it is humbling to get a chance to lead this group,” Fisher said. “I respect the training environment that U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly and staff have created with the senior team. I hope to bring some of that gym culture into our U21 training.?I expect intense competition in our training,?preparing us for another strong showing at the Pan Am Cup.”
Eight players return from the team that won the 2022 Pan American Cup and qualified for the 2023 FIVB World Championship: outside hitters Chloe Chicoine, Norah Sis and Mckenna Wucherer, middle blockers Raven Colvin and Bre Kelley, opposite Devin Kahahawai, and setters Rachel Fairbanks and Alexis Stucky.
Five other players also have previous age group national team experience: outside hitter Caroline Bien, middles Gabrielle Essix and Marianna Singletary, opposite Kennedy Martin and setter Ella Swindle. Players who are new to National Team Development Program age group teams: liberos Lauren Briseño and Emmy Klika, outside hitters Mimi Colyer and Eva Hudson, and opposite Allie Sczech.
The roster…
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