They have a 13 year old on the team???
After losing a lot of players like Yanelis Santos, Rachel Sanchez, Kenia Carcases, Giselle Silva and Yusidey Silié, Cuba’s coach Juan Carlos Gala has released the 2013 roster with a lot of new faces which includes a 13 year old and only sustained 4 veterans, Ana Yilian Cleger, Rossana Giel, Yoana Palacios & líbero Emily Borrell.
Setters: Ana Yilian Cleger, Lilianny Marsillan
Wing Hitters: Yohana Palacio, Sulian Matienzo, Melissa Vargas (13 years old), Dairilis Cruz, Jennifer Alvarez
Middle Blockers: Rosanna Giel, Daymara Lescay, Alena Rojas, Heydi Rodriguez
Líbero: Emilly Borrell
We like the fact that Coach Gala has so much faith in the 13 yr old Vargas who competed for Cuba at the 2012 NORCECA Women’s Junior Continental Championship with Cuba finishing 5th. The 1.86m (6 feet, 1 inch) is the youngest volleyball player to represent the national team in the senior level.
It looks like we are going to see more of her in the years to come. She could possibly be the new Yumilka Ruiz of this new Olympic cycle.
Cuba has a busy year ahead of them.
They will head to China for an invitational tournament, compete in the 2013 Yeltsin Cup in Russia and then play against the world’s best teams at the 2013 FIVB Grand Prix.
Competing in these tourneys will for sure will help this young squad gain a lot of valuable experience. We hope to see them at the 2016 Olympics! We missed them in London!
As a side note, we’re going to miss Silva’s screaming. Hah!
Thoughts?
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