USA Volleyball A2 Program Showcases Cardinal Talent
July 02, 2013 | Women's Volleyball
July 2, 2013
The three Volleyball Cardinals participating in the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Senior A2 program begin the medal rounds in Dallas. The A2 program brings 48 of the nation's top collegiate players together in Dallas for four days of training and five days of competition. The trio is completed pool play.
A program-best three Cardinals were named to USA Volleyball's 48-player roster for the as libero Caitlin Welch, middle blocker Brooke Mattingly and setter Hannah Kvitle made the cut and are representing the University of Louisville.
"I am so fortunate to be part of this program," said Brooke Mattingly. "It has been nothing short of a great learning experience from day one. I get the opportunity to go up against and play beside the best players in the country."
The A2 program is available to athletes with collegiate eligibility remaining for the 2013 season. This program runs Dallas from June 25 to July 4 in conjunction with the USA Volleyball Girls' Junior National Championships.
"I was fortunate enough to sit in on an autograph session yesterday," said Mattingly. "Watching the younger girls from the Junior Nationals get nervous and excited to talk to us was such a rewarding feeling."
The program roster has athlete representation from 29 different universities with 12 schools having multiple selections. Purdue University has four players selected for the program, while UCLA, Iowa State University, University of Wisconsin, Michigan State University, University of Louisville and Loyola Marymount University have three athletes each in the program.
"Playing with these girls is an unbelievable experience. The best feeling as a libero is to dig these types of hitters, who hammer the ball every time. I'm thankful I have this opportunity and it only makes me better for what comes next" said Welch.
The A2 program coaching staff will include Andy Banachowski, Mike Hebert, Ruth Nelson and Bill Neville who will serve as team head coaches. Assistant coaches with the A2 program are Ashley Allen, Terry Condon, Linda Hampton and Marci Sanders. Technical coordinators/assistant coaches for the A2 program are Kevin Hitt, Nicki Holmes, Eugene Tichenor and Jay Van Vark.
"Playing for and learning under a coach like Mike Hebert has been one of the most rewarding parts of the whole experience. He is a joy to play for and I have learned so much already," said Brooke Mattingly. "My team is fantastic. It is always fun to play with girls that you are used to playing against. Everyone is so competitive. For the most part we have only met just a week ago and we're playing like we have known each other for years and get along like sisters."
During the training period from June 25-30, the 48 athletes will be divided into four equal teams that will compete in pool play against the other A2 program teams and the top four Premier Volleyball League (PVL) teams. After pool play, the four A2 program teams and PVL teams will split into their own divisions to determine the medalist teams in the competition.
"The whole experience has been a blast and I am learning a lot f great stuff that I am going to take back with me," said Mattingly.
