Sadly, 7 of our favorite American players did NOT make the cut. They are 2014 World Champions Kelly Murphy and Courtney Thompson plus 2012 Olympic silver medalist Tama Miyashiro. 2015 Pan American Games MVP and gold medalist Krista Vansant, middle blocker Cursty Jackson and setter Jenna Hagglund also failed to make the team.
Veteran Kristin Richards Hildebrand is excluded as well.
In a press release by USAV, Coach Kiraly states that cutting players for the World Cup was not an easy task.
“We are, first of all, blessed in this country with a deep, talented development system and a lot of talent on this team – certainly far more than just than the 14 players who are here. Our players are doing a great job learning and continuing to improve. In doing so, it makes our job very difficult to even choose which 14 players out of our 29 people who started in our gym this May. We have arrived at this 14-player team and we are excited about our chances here.”
Team Roster:
Opposite Hitters: Nicole Fawcett, Karsta Lowe
Outside Hitters: Megan Easy, Kim Hill, Jordan Larson-Burbach, Kelsey Robinson
Middle Blockers: Foluke Akinradewo, Christa Harmotto-Dietzen, Tori Dixon, Lauren Gibbemeyer
Setters: Alisha Glass, Molly Kreklow
Libero: Kayla Banwarth, Natalie Hagglund
Such a very strong team and no doubt USA is the favorite to win the tourney and qualify for the 2016 Olympics together with the 2nd ranked team.
The tourney kicks off on August 22nd. Click HERE to know more about the FIVB World Cup.
Good luck ladies!
(images: FIVB)
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