U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team Press Kit
2013 FIVB VOLLEYBALL Girls’ U-18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand July 26 - Aug. 4, 2013
For additional information or to schedule interviews, please contact: Bill Kauffman, USA Volleyball Senior Manager, Communications bill.kauffman@usav.org * (719) 228-6800 Press kit designed by Kristina Harter, USA Volleyball Communications Intern
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Table of Contents
2013 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team Roster
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2013 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team Photo Roster
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Media Resources
5
Event Information
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Teams By Group
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Group Play Schedule
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Playoff Schedule
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2013 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team Preview
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Athlete Profiles
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Staff Profiles
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U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team in Review
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Volleyball Glossary
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USA Volleyball Fact Sheet
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2013 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball No.
Name
Pos.
Hometown
Club/Region
Grad Year
1
Jordyn Poulter
S
Aurora, Colo.
Front Range/Rocky Mountain
2015
2
Audriana Fitzmorris
MB
Overland Park, Kan.
Asics MAVS/Heart of America
2016
3
Hayley Hodson
OH
Newport Beach, Calif.
T Street/Southern California
2015
5
Simone Lee
OH
Menomonee Falls, Wis.
Club Fusion/Great Lakes
2014
6
Molly Sauer
L
Louisville, Ky.
KIVA/Pioneer
2015
7
Kenzie Maloney
L
Louisville, Ky.
KIVA/Pioneer
2015
8
Tia Scambray
OH
Monarch Beach, Calif.
T Street/Southern California
2014
9
Molly Haggerty
OH
Glen Ellyn, Ill.
Sports Performance/Great Lakes
2016
11
Mikaela Foecke
MB
West Point, Iowa
Iowa Rockets/Iowa
2015
12
Taylor Tashima
S
Wilmette, Ill.
Wildcat Juniors/Great Lakes
2014
13
Danielle Cuttino
MB
Indianapolis, Ind.
CCVBC/Hoosier
2014
15
Alexa Smith
OH
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Colorado Juniors/Rocky Mountain
2015
Head Coach: Jim Stone (USA Volleyball High Performance) Assistant Coach: Nick Cheronis (Florida Wave—PVL) Assistant Coach: Lindsey Devine (East Tennessee State Head Coach) Team Manager: Denise Sheldon (USA Volleyball) Team Physician: Dr. Priscilla Tu Technical Coordinator: Spike Summers
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2013 U.S. Girls’ Youth Na onal Volleyball Team TV Roster
#1 Jordyn Poulter Sstter Aurora, Colo.
#6 Molly Sauer Libero Louisville, Ky.
#11 Mikaela Foecke Middle Blocker West Point, Iowa
# 2 Audriana Fitzmorris Middle Blocker Overland Park, Kan.
#3 Haley Hodson Outside Hitter Newport Beach, Calif.
#5 Simone Lee Outside HItter Menomonee Falls, Wis.
#7 Kenzie Maloney Libero Louisville, Ky.
#8 Tia Scambray Outside Hitter Monarch Beach, Calif.
#9 Molly Haggerty Outside Hitter Glen Ellyn, Ill.
#12 Taylor Tashima Setter Wilmette, Ill.
#13 Danielle Cuttino Middle Blocker Indianapolis, Ind.
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#15 Alexa Smith Outside Hitter Colorado Springs, Colo.
Media Resources Inquiries Contact: Bill Kauffman USA Volleyball Senior Manager of Communications Email: bill.kauffman@usav.org Phone: (719) 228-6800 Address: USA Volleyball 4065 Sinton Road, Suite 200 Colorado Springs, Colo. 80907 Website: www.usavolleyball.org
Get Connected: www.facebook.com/USAVBall
@USA_Volleyball
theUSAVolleyballChannel
Other Resources: Federation Internationale de Volleyball www.fivb.org #FIVBGirlsU18 @FIVBGilrsU18
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Event Information
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Nakhon Ratchasima
·
Event
2013 FIVB Girls’ U18 World Championship
Date
July 26 - Aug. 4, 2013
Location
Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Competition Ven-
Chartchai Gym and Lippatapallop Gym
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Teams by Group Pool A
Pool B
Pool C
Pool D
Thailand
China
Brazil
Italy
Serbia
Poland
United States
Turkey
Egypt
Japan
Dominican Rep.
Peru
Tunisia
Argentina
Algeria
Mexico
Puerto Rico
Greece
Slovenia
Chinese Taipei
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Group Play Schedule Pool A (at Nakhonratchaima, Thailand - Chartchai Gym)
Pool C (at Nakhonratchaima, Thailand - Chartchai Gym)
July 26: Egypt vs. Thailand, 3 p.m.
July 26: Slovenia vs. Algeria, 10 a.m.
July 26: Tunisia vs. Serbia, 5 p.m.
July 26: Brazil vs. Dominican Republic, Noon
July 27: Puerto Rico vs. Tunisia, 4 p.m.
July 27: Algeria vs. Brazil, 11 a.m.
July 27: Serbia vs. Egypt, 6 p.m.
July 27: United States vs. Slovenia, 2 p.m.
July 28: Egypt vs. Puerto Rico, 4 p.m.
July 28: Brazil vs. United States, 11 a.m.
July 28: Thailand vs. Serbia, 6 p.m.
July 28: Dominican Republic vs. Algeria, 2 p.m.
July 29: Tunisia vs. Egypt, 4 p.m.
July 29: United States vs. Dominican Republic, 11 a.m.
July 29: Thailand vs. Puerto Rico, 6 p.m.
July 29: Slovenia vs. Brazil, 2 p.m.
July 30: Serbia vs. Puerto Rico, 4 p.m.
July 30: Dominican Republic vs. Slovenia, 11 a.m.
July 30: Thailand vs. Tunisia, 6 p.m.
July 30: Algeria vs. United States, 2 p.m.
Pool B (at Nakhonratchaima, Thailand - Lippatapallop Gym)
Pool D (at Nakhonratchaima, Thailand - Lippatapallop Gym)
July 26: Poland vs. Greece, 3 p.m.
July 26: Peru vs. Mexico, 10:00 a.m.
July 26: Japan vs. China, 5 p.m.
July 26: Turkey vs. Italy, Noon
July 27: Argentina vs. Japan, 4 p.m.
July 27: Italy vs. Peru, 11 a.m.
July 27: China vs. Poland, 6 p.m.
July 27: Chinese Taipei vs. Turkey, 2 p.m.
July 28: Greece vs. China, 4 p.m.
July 28: Peru vs. Chinese Taipei, 11 a.m.
July 28: Poland vs. Argentina, 6 p.m.
July 28: Mexico vs. Italy, 2 p.m.
July 29: Japan vs. Poland, 4 p.m.
July 29: Turkey vs. Peru, 11 a.m.
July 29: Argentina vs. Greece, 6 p.m.
July 29: Chinese Taipei vs. Mexico, 2 p.m.
July 30: Greece vs. Japan, 4 p.m.
July 30: Italy vs. Peru, 11 a.m.
July 30: China vs. Argentina, 6 p.m.
July 30: Mexico vs. Turkey, 2 p.m.
All Times Listed as Local to Thailand
2013 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team Group Play Schedule July 27: United States vs. Slovenia, 2 p.m. July 28: Brazil vs. United States, 11 a.m. July 29: United States vs. Dominican Republic, 11 a.m. July 30: Algeria vs. United States, 2 p.m.
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Playoff Schedule
The 2012 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team celebrates after a win at the 2012 NORCECA Girls’ Youth (U-18) Continental Championship in Tijuana, Mexico.
Round of 16 (July 31) B1 vs A4 (Match 41) C2 vs D3 (Match 42) B2 vs A3 (Match 43) C1 vs D4 (Match 44) D1 vs C4 (Match 45) A2 vs B3 (Match 46) D2 vs C3 (Match 47) A1 vs B4 (Match 48)
Round 8: Quarterfinals (Aug. 2)
Playoff 9-16 (Aug. 2)
Match 41 winner vs. Match 42 winner (Match 51)
Match 41 loser vs. Match 42 loser (Match 55)
Match 43 winner vs. Match 44 winner (Match 52)
Match 43 loser vs. Match 44 loser (Match 56)
Match 45 winner vs. Match 46 winner (Match 53)
Match 45 loser vs. Match 46 loser (Match 57)
Match 47 winner vs. Match 48 winner (Match 54)
Match 47 loser vs. Match 48 loser (Match 58)
Classifica on 17‐20 Aug. 1‐3 Round Robin of 5th place teams from pool play Semifinals and Playoffs Aug. 3: The semifinals and playoff rounds consist of a total of eight matches: two semifinal matches for the rankings 1‐4, two matches for the classifica on 5‐8, two matches for the classifica on 9‐12 and two matches for the classifica on 13‐16 Finals and Playoffs Aug. 4 The Finals and playoffs consist of a total of eight matches: The winners of the semifinals will play the final for gold and silver. The semifinal losers will player for bronze and fourth place. The winners of the playoff 5‐8 will play for posi ons 5‐6 and the losers will play for posi ons 7‐8. The winners of the playoff 9‐12 will play for posi ons 9‐10 and the losers will play for posi ons 11‐12. The winners of the playoff 13‐16 will play for posi ons 13‐14 and the losers will play for posi ons 15‐16.
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2013 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team Preview
T
he U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team (GYNT) finalized its 12-player roster that will be used for the 2013 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U18 World Championship set for July 25 to Aug. 4 in Nakhon Ratchisima, Thailand.
Kenzie Maloney (Louisville, Ky., KIVA/Pioneer Region) and Molly Sauer (Louisville, Ky., KIVA/ Pioneer Region). “I like our team,” Stone said. “We have some very athletic middles, two very accurate setters and good ball control outside hitters. I especially like the two libero/back row players that are on the roster. Several members of the team were on the NORCECA gold-medal team, and several others were on the A2 team that was in Europe last summer. So, most of the team has played international matches, which is a definite plus."
U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team Head Coach Jim Stone and his staff selected middle blockers Danielle Cuttino (Indianapolis, Ind., CCVBC/Hoosier Region), Audriana Fitzmorris (Overland Park, Kan., MAVS/Heart of America Region) and Mikaela Foecke (West Point, Iowa, Iowa Rockets/Iowa Region). Outside/opposites hitters selected for the World Championship roster are Molly Haggerty (Glen Ellyn, Ill., Sports Performance/Great Lakes Region), Hayley Hodson (Newport Beach, Calif., T Street/Southern California Region), Simone Lee (Menomonee Falls, Wis., Club Fusion/ Great Lakes Region), Tia Scambray (Monarch Beach, Calif., T Street/Southern California Region) and Alexa Smith (Colorado Springs, Colo., Colorado Juniors/Rocky Mountain Region).
The 12 players were selected from a pool of 16 athletes taking part in a third tryout and training session that started July 8 at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim, Calif., which serves as the USA Men’s and Women’s National Teams Center. “Players have given great effort in the first week of practice,” Stone said. “It is so challenging to take players from a wide variety of backgrounds and form a team is such a short time. But, I feel they are listening, working and trying to the best of their abilities to form a team that can be competitive.”
Setters among the exclusive group are Jordyn Poulter (Aurora, Colo., Front Range/Rocky Mountain Region) and Taylor Tashima (Wilmette, Ill., Wildcat Juniors, Great Lakes Region). The liberos selected for the roster are
The U.S. qualified for the 2013 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U-18 World Championship by winning the 2012 NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship held in Mexico last August. Fitzmorris, Hodson, Lee, Scambray and Tashima are carryovers from the 2012 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team. This year will be the first time the competition will feature 20 teams. All previous editions featured 16 teams only. The competition will run over 10 days with two rest days.
Simone Lee attacks at the 2012 NORCECA Girls’ Youth Con nental Championship in Tijuana, Mexico. 10
2013 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team Preview The 20 teams will be divided into four pools of five teams each and will play a round-robin tournament from July 26 - 30. The bottom-ranked team of each pool will play classification matches for 17th-20th place in a round-robin system.
Group A Thailand, Siberia, Egypt, Tunisia, and Puerto Rico. Group B China, Poland, Japan, Argentina and Greece.
The other 16 teams progress to the Eight Finals which consists of a playoff (1st of Pool A against 4th of Pool B etc.). The winners of the playoff matches will advance to the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals to be classified from 1st to 8th while the losers of playoff match will play classification matches, with a similar quarterfinals, semifinals and finals system, to be classified from 9th to 16th.
Group C Brazil, the United States, Dominican Republic, Algeria and Slovenia. Group D Italy, Turkey, Peru, Mexico and Chinese Taipei.
The 2013 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Training Team poses while training in June at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. 11
Position: Setter Ht: 6 6--2 Wt: 170 Hometown: Aurora, Colo. Club: Front Range Region: Rocky Mountain
USA VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team. 2012 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National European Team. 2012/11 – Attended USA Volleyball High Performance Girls’ Select Holiday Camp. 2010 – Attended the Girls’ Select A2 Camp.
PERSONAL Born: Jordyn Ashley Poulter (1997) Naperville, Ill. Family: Parents are Robert and Rhonda Poulter… Sister is Lorrin (2001). Hobbies/Interests: long boarding Admires: Bethany Hamilton because “she was able to overcome adversity and a physical disability and continued to pursue the sport she loves. And through her faith, she found her direction and calling in life.” Happiest Moment: “Playing volleyball and traveling in Europe last summer with the GYNT and going to Disney World.”
CLUB/PREP HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Selected as a Prep Volleyball AllAmerican Honorable Mention and National Sophomore of the Year Finalist… First Team All-Colorado. 2012/11 – All-Centennial Conference selection 2011 – Prep Volleyball National Freshman of the Year finalist. 2006 – Started playing volleyball for Sports Bridge.
FAVORITES Foods: spaghetti Book: Harry Potter Movie: Miss Congeniality Actor: Sandra Bullock Professional Team: Chicago Bears Athlete: Kerri Walsh Music/Musician: All
COLLEGE: Verbally committed to the University of Illinois.
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Position: Middle Blocker Ht: 6 6--5 Wt: 155 Hometown: Overland Park, Kan. Club: Asics MAVS Region: Heart of America
USA VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National team. 2012 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team which captured gold at the NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship. 2011 – Named to the U.S. Girls’ Select A1 team that finished third in the International Youth Division. 2010 – Named to the USA Girls’ Select A2 team roster.
PERSONAL Born: Audriana Margaret Fitzmorris (1997) in Shawnee Mission, Kan. Family: Parents are Michael and Marilu Fitzmorris… Brothers are Michael (1991) and Keenan (1999)… Sister is Alexandra (1992). Family Athletes: Father played college and professional basketball Sweden and Peru (1980-1987) … Mother played volleyball and basketball for the Peruvian national teams Hobbies/Interests: volleyball, swimming, basketball, reading, watching movies, hanging out with friends
CLUB/PREP HIGHLIGHTS:
FAVORITES
2013 – Team finished first in the 16 Open Division at Colorado Crossroads. 2012 – Placed second in the Open Division in the Colorado Crossroad Qualifier…Led MAVS to first-place finish at the Show Me Qualifier… All-State selection and helped her high school team to the state title. 2011 – Took second place at USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior Nationals…Helped MAVS place first in the Northern Lights and Show Me Qualifiers. 2010 – Finished fifth at USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior Nationals. 2008 – Started playing volleyball with Performance Volleyball Academy.
Foods: chicken fettuccine alfredo Book: To Kill a Mockingbird Movie: The Blind Side Actor: Anne Hathaway Professional Team: Miami Heat Athlete: Kerri Walsh-Jennings
COLLEGE: Uncommitted. 13
Position: Outside Hitter Ht: 6 6--2 Wt: 150 Hometown: Newport Beach, Calif. Club: T Street Volleyball Club Region: Southern California
USA VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS:
2004 – Started playing volleyball with Sun-
2013 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team. 2012 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team which captured gold at the NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship. 2011 – Named to the USA Girls’ Select A1 Red Team roster… 2011/10 – Attended USA Volleyball High Performance Girls’ Select Holiday Camp. 2010 – Named to the USA Girls’ Select A1 Blue Team roster.
PERSONAL Born: Hayley Claire Hodson (1996) Pasadena, Calif. Family: Parents are Jimmy and Sonya Hodson… Brother is Jonathan (2001). Family Athletes: Related to PGA golfer Cotton Dunn Hobbies/Interests: reading, movies, beach volleyball Admires: Her parents because “they have set such good examples for me. They have taught me to dream big and have been by my side every step of the way.” Happiest Moment: “I will never forget making the USA Select A1 program when I was 13 years old— I nearly fell out of my seat when I found out! I was so happy to have been given the opportunity to wear USA on my back.”
CLUB/PREP HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 – Helped her team to Open Division gold medals in the Las Vegas Classic and Southern California Junior National Qualifier. 2012 – Captured the bronze medal in the 17 Open Division at USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships… Prep Volleyball AllAmerican, Top Soph 79 and Sophomore of the Year finalist… Named Southern California AllCID Division 1AA... All-Pacific Coast League. 2011 – Placed seventh with the T Street Volleyball Club 16’s Division at Junior Nationals… Named 14U AAU Beach National Champions…Named 14U AAU Best of the Beach Champion… Led Coronado del Mar High School to a second-place finish in Division 1A… Named PrepVolleyball.com Frosh 59.
FAVORITES Foods: pizza Book: The Great Gatsby Movie: North by Northwest Actor: Johnny Depp
shine Volleyball Club.
COLLEGE: Uncommitted. Copyrighted by USA Volleyball 14
Position: Outside Hitter Ht: 6 6--2 Wt: 170 Hometown: Menomonee Falls, Wis. Club: Club Fusion Volleyball Region: Great Lakes
USA VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team. 2012 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team which captured gold at the NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship… Finished third in the Women’s International Junior Division at the USA Volleyball High Performance Championships (HPCs). 2011 – Named to the Girls’ Select A1 Red Team that placed seventh at HPCs…Attended USA Volleyball HP Girls’ Select Holiday Camp. 2010 – Competed on the USA Girls’ Select A1 Red Team that earned sixth at HPCs.
PERSONAL Born: Simone Alexandria Lee (1996) in Milwaukee, Wis. Family: Parents are Arthur Lee, Jr. and Karen Martin Lee… Sister is Chelsea (1994). Family Athletes: Great uncle Clyde Duncan was the world record holder in the 4 x 100 and was named the “World’s Fastest Human” in 1965; sister plays volleyball at Eastern Illinois University (2012present). Hobbies/Interests: reading, movies, beach volleyball Admires: LeBron James because “he’s a good athlete who is always looking to get better. He knows how to balance home like and work.” Happiest Moment: “When I played on the GYNT, winning the 2012 NORCECA Championship in Mexico.”
CLUB/PREP HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Led team to first-place finish at Sting Elite Series and Spring Classic. 2011 – Team finished third at the JVA World Challenge… Named AAU 15 Open Division All-American... WVCA and WIAA Second Team All-State… Received First-Team All-Conference. 2010 – Led team to third-place finish at AAU Nationals… AAU 14 Open Division All-American… Placed first in the Badger Region Championships in the 14 Open Division…Helped team to Greater Metro Conference Tournament title. 2009 – Started playing volleyball with Milwaukee Sting Volleyball Club.
FAVORITES Foods: spaghetti and meatballs Book: 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult Movie: Mulan
COLLEGE: Verbally committed to the Penn State University. Copyrighted by USA Volleyball 15
Position: Libero Ht: 5 5--8 Wt: 112 Hometown: Louisville, Ky. Club: KIVA Region: Pioneer
USA VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team.
PERSONAL Born: Molly Mae Sauer (1997) in Louisville, Ky. Family: Parents are Chris and Melinda Sauer… Sisters are BriAnne Sauer-Eliason (1988) and Keyleah (1990)… Brother is Austin (1992). Hobbies/Interests: music, hanging with friends, shopping, reading and spending time with family Admires: Her mom because “of the sacrifices she makes, the support she gives to my family, and she is the most selfless person I know.” Happiest Moment: “Winning both AAU Nationals and the JVDA National Championship in 2011 and winning State in 2012.”
CLUB/PREP HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Placed third at AAU National Championships and selected to the AAU All-American Team... JVA All-National Team…Helped her high school team to district, regional and state championship titles… AVCA Phenom list… Prep Volleyball Soph 70 honorable mention. 2011 – Captured the AAU National Championship and JVDA titles.
FAVORITES Foods: pizza Book: Perfect Chemistry Movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days Actor: Josh Duhamel Professional Team: Green Bay Packers Athlete: Sarah Drury Petkovic Music/Musician: country/Luke Bryan
COLLEGE: Verbally committed to the University of Louisville.
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Position: Libero Ht: 5 5--8 Wt: 122 Hometown: Louisville, Ky Club: KIVA Region: Pioneer
USA VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team.
CLUB/PREP HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Helped her high school team to district, region and state championship titles… Placed third at AAU National Championships and selected to the AAU All-American Team. 2011 – Captured AAU National Championship and JVDA Championship titles. 2008 – Started playing volleyball for MAVA.
PERSONAL Born: Kenzie Ryann Maloney (1997) in Shelbyville, Ky. Family: Parents are Tim and Angie Maloney… Sisters are Kimberley (1999), Natalie (2001) and Mia (2005). Hobbies/Interests: listening to music, running, scrapbooking, spending time with family and friends Admires: Her dad because “he is patient and does whatever it takes to get something done.” Happiest Moment: “When my baby sister, Mia, was born.”
FAVORITES
COLLEGE: Verbally committed to the University of Nebraska.
Foods: Chinese Book: Hunger Games Trilogy Movie: Grown Ups Professional Team: Green Bay Backers Athlete: Misty May-Treanor
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Position: Outside Hitter Ht: 6 6--1 Wt: 165 Hometown: Dana Point, Calif. Club: T Street Volleyball Club Region: Southern California
USA VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team. 2012 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team that captured gold at the NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship. 2011 – Named to USA Volleyball High Performance Girls’ Select A1 White Team that finished fifth in the Girls’ International Youth Division at USA Volleyball High Performance Championships in Tucson. 2010 – Named to USA Volleyball High Performance Girls’ Select A1 Red Team…Attended USA Volleyball High Performance Girls’ Select Holiday Camp.
PERSONAL Born: Tiata Lucia Scambray (1996) in Torrance, Calif. Family: Father is Mark (1962)…Mother is Lora Miller (1963)…Step mother is Tracy Scambray (1961)…Brother is Shane (1994). Family Athletes: Father played football at Fresno State (1981-1985)…Brother is currently playing football at Sacred Heart University Hobbies/Interests: drawing, painting, reading and spending time at the beach with friends Admires: Her brother because “even though we may fight sometimes, he always pushes me to be my best, supports me in anything I do and is always there to cheer me on. He is a caring and loving brother and I hope to give him everything he has given me.” Happiest Moment: “When I chose to play volleyball at the University of Washington.”
CLUB/PREP HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Led her team to bronze medal at USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships while serving as the team captain… Helped team to gold medal at Fiesta Classic and silver at the Las Vegas Classic... Dana Hills High School League Champions. 2011 – Named team captain at Dana Hills High School as sophomore… Named Dana Hills High School most valuable player…Helped T Street Volleyball Club to seventh-place finish at USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships in the 16 Open Division… Took firstplace at three beach volleyball tournaments. 2007 – Started playing volleyball with T Street Volleyball Club.
FAVORITES Foods: strawberries and milk Book: The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks Movie: The Notebook Actor/Actress: Ryan Gosling/Rachael McAdams Professional Team: San Francisco 49ers Athlete: Kerri Walsh
COLLEGE: Verbally committed to the University of Washington.
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Position: Outside Hitter Ht: 6 6--1 Wt: 175 Hometown: Glen Ellyn, Ill. Club: Mizuno Sports Performance Region: Great Lakes
USA VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team.
PERSONAL Born: Mollie Marie Haggerty (1997) in Hinsdale, Ill. Family: Parents are Jerry and Stacey Haggerty… Brother is Ryan (1990) and sisters are Meghan (1993) and Maddie (1995). Hobbies/Interests: volleyball, hanging out with friends and family, listening to music and working out Admires: Jordan Larson-Burbach because “She is a great role model. Her high level of play in college, overseas and the Olympic team has always been a dream of mine.” Happiest Moment: “Winning the State Championship match in 2012.”
CLUB/PREP HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 – Named the most valuable player at the Presidents’ Day Challenge. 2012 – Helped her high school team to the 3A Illinois State Championship title… All-conference selection, allstate honorable mention…Prep Volleyball Frosh 25 selection.
COLLEGE: Uncommitted.
FAVORITES Foods: Italian Book: The Notebook Movie: Bridesmaids Actor: Ryan Gosling Professional Team: Chicago Blackhawks Athlete: Patrick Kane
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Position: Middle Blocker Ht: 6 6--3 Wt: 177 Hometown: West Point, Iowa Club: Iowa Rockets Region: Iowa
USA VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team. 2012 – Placed second at the USA Volleyball High Performance Championships (HPCs) and selected to the all-tournament team. 2011 – Captured the gold medal at HPCs. 2010 – Finished third at the HPCs.
PERSONAL Born: Mikaela Wynn Foecke (1997) in Burlington, Iowa. Family: Parents are Brian and Kathleen Foecke. Hobbies/Interests: reading swimming hanging out with friends Admires: Her parents because “The have a good work ethic and sacrifice for the betterment of others.” Happiest Moment: “Winning Junior Nationals in 2012.”
CLUB/PREP HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Captured first place at USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships (JNCs) in the 15 National Division and was named most valuable player… Selected to the Class 1A AllTournament Team, Elite All-State Team, Des Moines Register Class 1A First Team AllState… Max Preps Sophomore All-American List… Sophomore Player of the Year finalist. 2012/11 – Selected as All-Hawk Eye Player of the Year… Ft. Madison Daily Democrat AllArea Player of the Year…Iowa Girls’ Coaches Association Class 1A All-District Team and First Team All-State. 2011 – Finished third at JNCs in the 14 National Division… Prep Volleyball Frosh of the Year finalist.
FAVORITES Foods: strawberry-banana smoothies Book: The Hunger Games Movie: Secretariat Actor: Tom Cruise Professional Team: St. Louis Cardinals Athlete: Logan Tom Music/Musician: country/Blake Shelton
COLLEGE: Uncommitted.
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Position: Setter Ht: 6 6--2 Wt: 170 Hometown: Aurora Colo. Club: Front Range Region: Rocky Mountain
USA VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team. 2012 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team which captured gold at the NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship… Competed in the European Global Challenge that placed fourth place. 2011 – Member of USA Volleyball High Performance Girls’ Select A1 Blue Team that finished third in International Youth Division. Participated in USAV Girls’ Youth National Team second tryout. 2012/11/10 – Attended USAV High Performance Girls’ Select Holiday Camp.
PERSONAL Born: Taylor Lubin Tashima (1996) in Chicago, Ill. Family: Parents are Paul and Jennifer Tashima… Sisters is Isabelle (1998) and brother is Nicholas (2000). Hobbies/Interests: beach volleyball, swimming, listening to music and glass art Admires: Her grandpa because “He possesses all the character traits that I hope to embody both on and off the court – determination, patience, creativity, intelligence, and sportsmanship.” Happiest Moment: “Winning Gold at the 2012 NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship.”
FAVORITES Foods: blueberries Book: The Help Movie: Miracle Professional Team: Chicago Cubs Athlete: Kerri Walsh-Jennings Music/Musician: all/Hunter Hayes
CLUB/PREP HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Selected as a Prep Volleyball Top 50 Recruit and All-American Special Mention… Central Suburban League All- Conference. 2011 - Named a Soph 79 Highest Honorable Mention by PrepVolleyball.com…Selected to the Central Suburban League all-conference team…Member of the North Starts Girls’ Volleyball first-team…Placed 13th at AAU Championships in 15 Open Division. 2006 – Started playing volleyball with Adversity South Volleyball Club.
COLLEGE: Verbally committed to the Northwest University.
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Position: Middle Blocker Ht: 6 6--4 Wt: 170 Hometown: Indianapolis, Ind. Club: CCVBC Region: Hoosier
USA VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team.
PERSONAL Born: Danielle Amina Cuttino (1996) in Michigan City, Ind. Family: Parents are Daniel and Tacila Cuttino… Sisters are India (1994) and Shavona (1997). Hobbies/Interests: reading, eating sleeping, hanging out with friends, listening to music, taking pictures and doing hair Admires: Kevin Ware because “even when he had just injured himself in the NCAA Final Four and wasn’t able to play, the first thing on his mind was his team – he was completely selfless. He encouraged his team to finish strong and think about winning.” Happiest Moment: “Going to my sister’s high school graduation in 2012.”
CLUB/PREP HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – All-county, all-conference and all-state selection… Indiana Junior All Star. 2011 – Started playing volleyball for CCVBC.
COLLEGE: Verbally committed to the Purdue University.
FAVORITES Foods: pancakes Book: The Great Gatsby Movie: Pitch Perfect Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio Professional Team: Oklahoma City Thunder Athlete: Gary Harris Music/Musician: pop/Rihanna
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Position: Outside Hitter Ht: 6 6--1 Wt: 160 Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo. Club: Colorado Juniors Region: Rocky Mountain
USA VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS: 2013 – Selected to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team. 2012 – Earned bronze at USA Volleyball High Performance Championships. 2011 – Named to the USA Volleyball High Performance Girls’ Select A1 Team that finished third in International Youth Division...Received Best Passer Award at HP Championships. 2010 – Member of USA Volleyball High Performance Girls’ Select Continental Team. 2009 – Named a USA Volleyball High Performance Girls’ Pre-Select A3 Team. 2012/11/10/09 – Attended USA Volleyball High Performance Girls’ Select Holiday Camp.
PERSONAL Born: Alexa Kristine Smith (1996) in Redondo Beach, Calif. Family: Parents are Brett and Livia…Brother is Justin (1995) Hobbies/Interests: cooking, baking, playing the piano and volunteering Admires: Her mom because “she is confident in who she is, is kind to everyone and helps anyone she can that is in need.” Happiest Moment: “Winning three qualifiers with my club team this season.”
FAVORITES Foods: salad, chicken and Mexican food Book: The Magic of Thinking BIG Movie: Pitch Perfect Actor: Will Ferrell Professional Team: Miami Heat Athlete: LeBron James Music/Musician: pop, hip-hop, rap/John Mayer
CLUB/PREP HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Selected as a Prep Volleyball AllAmerican and Sophomore Player of the Year finalist… Gatorade Player of the Year Nominee. 2011/10/09 - Competed at USA Volleyball Junior National Championships. 2005 – Started playing volleyball with Club Stellar.
COLLEGE: Uncommitted
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2013 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team HEAD COACH
ABOUT STONE: Jim Stone has mentored many athletes during his coaching career, and retiring has not stopped him from doing what he loves best. Since retiring as head women’s volleyball coach at The Ohio State University in 2007, Stone has been busy within the USA Volleyball High Performance pipeline serving as head coach of the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team the past five years. He served as the head coach for the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team earning a ninthplace finish at the 2011 FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship and the gold medal at the 2010 and 2012 NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship. He served as the head coach for the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team at the 2010 USA Volleyball High Performance Championships leading to a gold medal in the Women’s International Junior Division. Only a few days later, he switched hats and served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team during its gold-medal performance at the FIVB World Grand Prix. Stone also guided the 2008 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team to the gold medal at the 2008 NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship. At the 2009 FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship, he led the team to a 12th-place finish in the tournament.
Stone served as the women’s volleyball head coach at Ohio State for 26 years. Over his final 19 years with the Buckeye program, he established Ohio State as an annual Top 25 team. The Buckeyes participated in 15 NCAA Tournaments, advancing to the NCAA Championship semifinals in 1991 and 1994. His 26-year career record with Ohio State is 531-294. Stone has been part of U.S. coaching staffs in each of the last three decades. He coached the men’s team which represented the South at the 1981 National Sports Festival at Syracuse, N.Y. In 1985, he coached the USA Junior National Team, which toured China and Japan. He served as coach of the East women in the 1986 Olympic Sports Festival. Additionally, Stone was selected to coach the men’s East team at the 1990 Olympic Sports Festival. In the summer of 1993, he was an assistant coach to the United States National “B” team that trained in San Diego and then played in Germany. In July of 1999, Stone was the head coach for the World University Games team, held in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. During his collegiate career, Stone has coached 60 all-conference players, 15 Olympic Sports Festival participants, 37 all-region selections and 22 All-Americans. Four players have played for the Canadian and two for the United States National teams.
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2013 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team ASSISTANT COACH ABOUT CHERONIS: Nick Cheronis is currently the head coach for the Florida Wave in the Premier Volleyball League in Florida. Cheronis graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Business Administration and played for the school’s volleyball team for three years. Cheronis has been known as one of the best assistant coaches in the country and just finished his 18th season as the associate head coach for the University of Florida. He began his coaching career at Valparaiso University in 1982. After making appearances at several other schools, Cheronis landed the assistant coach job at the University of Florida in
1992. In addition to his collegiate coaching, Cheronis has served as the head coach of Team Florida’s juniors in the World Global Challenge, head coach of USA Selects in Argentina and several high performance teams from the Florida Region. Cheronis was head coach of the USA Youth National Volleyball Team in 1997 and was the assistant coach for the USA Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team in 1994. In 2012, he served as an assistant coach for the 2012 GYNT that earned gold at the NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship in Tijua-
Cheronis coaches a player at a 2012 GYNT practice.
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2013 U.S. Women’s Junior National Volleyball Team ASSISTANT COACH ABOUT DEVINE: Devine played outside hitter for York from 1984 -1988, helping her team to four all-province titles, along with a bronze medal at the 1985 Canadian National Championships. Devine is USA Volleyball CAP 1 and Increased Mastery and Professional Application of Coaching Theory (IMPACT) certified, and has served as a court coach with the USA Volleyball High Performance for the last several years. In 2012, she served as an assistant coach and for the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team. She took the team to Pula, Croatia to compete in the 2012 European Challenge. Throughout the
process, Devine made trips to Colorado Springs, Colo., to help assist with the tryouts at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, and the team also stopped in Italy for some tune-up matches prior to competing in the European Challenge. Devine, now in her 10th season as the head coach of the ETSU volleyball program, has compiled 142 wins and directed the Buccaneers to seven postseason appearances. Devine is also the head coach for Kingsport Volleyball Club 17. Since the founding of the club, Devine has raised the level of club volleyball in the state of Tennessee.
Devine coaches with Reed Sunahara during a 2012 GYNT practice.
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U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team in Review -The U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team (GYNT) finished ninth after downing Slovakia 25-21, 2516, 25-14 on Sunday in the finals of the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ Youth World Championship Turkey 2011 being held in Ankara. The U.S., ranked second in the FIVB world rankings, captured its fifth-straight win to conclude a valiant showing at the FIVB World Championships regardless of its difficult first pool match-ups. The GYNT only recorded two losses on the tournament, both in the first round Pool C, to Serbia who captured the bronze and China who will fight for the gold Sunday night. The Americans also did not drop a set after leaving first-round pool play going 19-6 in sets for the tournament.
U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team Wins Gold at 2012 NORCECA Continental Championship COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug 11, 2010) The 2013 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team members Audriana Fitzmorris, Hayley Hodson, Simone Lee, Tia Scambray and Taylor Tashima competed with the 2012 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team that captured gold at the last meeting of the NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship in Tijuana, Mexico. The U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team defeated the Dominican Republic 21-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-15 in the gold-medal match. According to the NORCECA Championship regulations, the top three teams that placed in the NORCECA event earned spots into the 2013 FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship. The top three teams were the U.S., Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
The win marks the second time the U.S. has downed Slovakia this tournament with a previous three-set win in second-round pool play defeating Slovakia in three, 27-25, 25-20, 25-19.
U.S. Girls’ Youth Team Earn Gold at 2010 NORCECA Championships COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 2, 2010) – The U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team defeated No. 1 seed Mexico 25-19, 25-21, 15-25, 25-17 during the gold-medal match of the NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship held Sunday afternoon in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The U.S., ranked second in the girls’ youth age division of NORCECA, won its fifth consecutive biennial NORCECA title in the age group and sixth overall. In the previous NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship held in 2008 in Puerto Rico, the U.S. swept Mexico in the gold-medal match.
Taylor Tashima (left) and Audriana Fitzmorris (right) block at the 2012 NORCECA Girls’ Youth Con nental Cham‐ pionship in Tijuana, Mexico.
U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team Place Ninth at 2011 FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 21, 2011) 27
U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team in Review At the conclusion of the tournament, Molly McCage was named the Best Blocker and Madison Bugg was selected as Best Setter.
25) in its second match of pool play. Team USA defeated Japan (25-21, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22) in its third match. In the second round, the U.S. beat Algeria (25-17, 22-25, 25-27, 20-25, 15-6). The U.S. defeated Egypt (25-21, 25-16, 25-18) in its second match of round two. The U.S. lost to Brazil (25-27, 19-25, 27-25, 19-25) to finish 10th in the tournament.
The U.S. won all five of its NORCECA tournament matches dropping just the one set in the gold-medal match.
U.S. Girls’ Youth Team Closes Out 2009 FIVB World Championships with a Loss
U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team Golden at 2008 NORCECA Championship
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 12, 2009)The United States Girls’ Youth National Team concluded the FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima Thailand, with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-23) loss to Dominican Republic, giving it an overall record of 2-6, and 12th place in the event.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 10, 2008) – The U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team swept Mexico 25-17, 25-14, 25-20 in the gold-medal match of the NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship held Thursday evening at Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
“We played very hard, but also played well,” U.S. Head Coach Jim Stone said. “I can’t say that I’m satisfied with my team’s form as we tried hard but still lost in three sets. However, I think my girls got a wonderful experience here.”
The victory catapulted Team USA to be considered for the 2009 FIVB World Championships held Aug. 5-16 in India. The U.S. has won the past four NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championship events (2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008). In addition, Team USA has won six of the seven NORCECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championships and advanced to every FIVB World Championship since 1996.
The United States kicked off the tournament by defeating Iran (25-20, 13-25, 25-22, 25-23). The U.S. team then lost to Serbia (17-25, 18-25, 18-
“This team was a wonderful group of athletes to work with and I’m very happy for them that they have qualified for the World Championships next year,” Stone said. “Even in the short practice time, I felt they improved both individually and as a team. I am hopeful we can keep the group together and add additional good players in the upcoming year to form a good training team for the World Championships.”
The 2012 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team celebrates winning gold at the 2012 NORCECA Girls’ Youth Con nental Championship in Tijuana, Mexico. 28
Volleyball Glossary ond official.
Ace - a served ball that directly results in a point.
Dump - when the setter, instead of setting the hitters, attacks the ball over the net.
Block - an attempt by a player or players to interrupt the ball before, as or just after it crosses the net.
Foot fault - stepping on the court or out of bounds before serving the ball.
Bump (Pass) - technique of playing the ball using forearms, hands together, to direct the ball.
Free Ball - a ball the opponent cannot attack and must yield by passing over the net.
Bump (Set) - a forearm pass used as a set. Joust - when two players on opposing sides attempt to block the ball by vying to push it onto each other’s side of the net.
Carry - a fault called if the ball comes to rest in the course of contact by one player.
Kill - an attack that results in an immediate point.
Court - the playing surface divided into two equal areas by a net. In its official form, volleyball is played on a rectangular court 18 meters (59 feet 0.75 inches) long and 9 meters (29 feet 6.475 inches) wide; the women’s net placed at 2.24 meters (7 feet 4.125 inches) high and the men’s net at 2.44 meters (8 feet) high.
Paint Brush - a wipe off shot by the hitter (painter) on a blocker. Pancake - a one-handed floor defensive technique where the hand is extended and slid along the floor, palm down, and the ball rebounds off the back of the hand, rather than the floor.
Coverage - most often, refers to backing up a teammate’s hit when the block is up and the ball comes back. Cross Court/Cut Shot - an offensive hit when a player, instead of hitting with power, slices the ball just over and nearly parallel to the net.
Pass - the first of three contacts on the offensive side - overhead or forearm. Perimeter Defense - backrow defenders work in the area a meter in from the backline and sidelines up to the three-meter line.
Dig Lips - defending more than once and successfully an opponent’s hard spike as if the attacker was saying beforehand where the hit was going and you read their lips.
Pipe - a ball set in the middle of the court, on the three-meter line, for a backrow player to hit.
Dig - to pass a very hard hit spike; a ball brought up (saved) with any part of the body, particularly from a spike attempt.
Quick - the first of the three attack options. The attacker contacts the ball immediately after it is released from the setter’s hands.
Dink - a very softly-hit spike; ball played just over the net or the blockers hands.
Red card - a severe sanction given by the upreferee.
Down-Referee - secondary referee. He/she stands on the floor at the opposite end of the net as the up-referee. Also known as the sec-
Roof - to block a spike, usually straight down and for a point. 29
Volleyball Glossary Screening - an attempt by a player to conceal the start of a teammate’s serve by obstructing an opponent’s line of sight. Screening is illegal.
Slide - a movement from an attacker’s serve receive position past another onto a third; usually the ball is hit while “sliding out” towards the sideline.
Seams - the space between the blockers that the defense must fill to avoid giving hitters an easy shot.
Spiked Ball - a ball hit forcibly from a height not less than the top of the net. Also known as a bury, crush, hammer, kill, put-away or slam.
Set – the act of getting the ball into the position for the hitters to attack the ball. Usually done overhead with two hands.
Stuff - a block in which the ball goes straight down to the floor and the defenders have no chance to get a hand under it before it does.
Setter – the team quarterback. Attempts to “set” every second contact for his/her hitters to attack.
Tool - when a ball is intentionally spiked off a blocker’s hands to make it go out of bounds before another defender can make a play on it.
Serve - the act of putting the ball into play.
Touch - when the ball lands out of bounds, but not before contacting one of the players.
Shank - to pass the so poorly that a teammate cannot make a second contact on the ball.
Up-referee - the main referee. He/she stands upon a special chair. Also known as the first referee.
Six Pack - another term for getting a ball in the face on while playing defense. A “Twelve Pack” actually knocks down the defender. In the past the defender was then obligated to buy the hitter a six pack of his/her desired beverage (roots are found in doubles sand play).
Yellow card - a first sanction given by the upreferee, cost the sanctioned team a point.
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USA Volleyball Fact Sheet Name: USA Volleyball Location: Colorado Springs, Colo. Founded: 1928 Membership: Approximately 300,000 Mission: USA Volleyball is the National Governing Body (NGB) for all disciplines of volleyball in the United States and is officially recognized by the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). As mandated by the Amateur Sports Act, USA Volleyball is responsible for the growth of the sport in America at the grassroots and most elite levels. USA Volleyball is the parent organization of the USA National Teams. Chief Executive Officer: Doug Beal About USA Volleyball: Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) as the National Governing Body for the sport of Volleyball in the United States. USA Volleyball is responsible for both the Olympic disciplines of indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. USA Volleyball has over 300,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,300 clubs nationwide. With an annual budget in excess of $20 million dollars, USA Volleyball supports the USA men’s and women’s senior national team programs, youth and junior national teams, national championship events, coaching educa on and certificate on programs, grassroots development, and programs for the disabled and Paralympic Teams. USA Volleyball has a rich tradition of success as evidenced by winning an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984 and capturing numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball is committed to and works toward opportunity for all to participate. It is an advocate for all Americans endeavoring to assure universal access to opportunities at all levels of the game. For more information please visit www.usavolleyball.org. Other: USA Volleyball consists of 40 regional volleyball associations which manage grassroots playing opportunities for the USA Volleyball membership and is affiliated with 36 member organizations (i.e. NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, YMCA) that provide playing opportunities at a variety of levels.
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