Drury To Tryout for U.S. National Volleyball Team
November 12, 2002 | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 12, 2002
University of Louisville senior volleyball player Sarah Drury will try out for a spot on the United States National Volleyball team, coached by Toshi Yoshita.
The 5-5 libero for the 21-4 Cardinals will travel to New Orleans Dec. 21-22 for the tryouts for the USA team which is held in conjunction with the NCAA Volleyball Final Four. The position, just instituted this year by the NCAA to mirror international play, is strictly a defensive specialist who can substitute for any one on the back row but cannot serve.
Drury, a team captain, set the school single season dig record with 39 versus Cincinnati. Her play has garnered attention from some of the more notable collegiate coaches in Division I.
"She's a terrific player, in fact she's the top libero that we've played against this season. She's one of the best in the nation," said 2001 Volleyball Magazine National Coach of the Year David Rubio, Arizona
" I believe that a "true libero", must have certain qualities; extreme intensity in the moment, the ability to make a very difficult defensive situation work offensively, cover lots of court, have great lateral range and be extremely reliable in all ball control skills. I believe that what I know about Sarah Drury is that she does exemplify the "true libero" attributes," said Jona Braden, Kentucky head coach.
"I remember that our game plan was to not let Drury touch the ball. Unfortunately, we are a young team and our plan didn't work very well with her receiving 33 of the team's 80 serves. She passed the ball very well and it disrupted us and caused some problems for us. Drury has been one of the best liberos we've seen all season." -- Head Coach Tom Hilbert, Colorado State.
Sarah currently leads the team in digs with 390 digs (4.43 per game).
