COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Fighting Illini volleyball freshman Morgan O'Brien has been selected as one of the 24 players who will train and compete from June 22 to July 1 as part of the U.S. Collegiate National Team-Detroit (CNT-Detroit) program, USA Volleyball announced on Tuesday (April 10).
The CNT-Detroit squad, which is part of USA Volleyball's High Performance pipeline and is considered a second tryout for the U.S. Women's National Team, will train from June 22-26 at the University of Michigan. Afterward, the athletes will be assigned to one of two 12-member teams that will play three exhibition matches against each other at the Cobo Center from June 27, June 28 and June 30. The matches are being held in conjunction with the USA Volleyball Girls' Junior National Championships under the same roof.
"Mo had a tremendous tryout with USA and was able to earn a spot on the CNT," said Illinois head coach Chris Tamas. "She brings energy and passion everyday in our gym and this is well deserved. I am excited that she is getting this opportunity to represent USA this summer."
"I am very thankful to be chosen and to represent the University of Illinois through USA Volleyball," said O'Brien. "I am excited for this opportunity to play and learn more about the game alongside some of the best players in the country."
One of four liberos chosen for the CNT-Detroit team, O'Brien is coming off a strong freshman campaign as an Illini, where she saw action in 31 of 34 matches and started 14 contests. O'Brien led the Illini with 22 aces during her rookie season, while also ranking third on the team with a 1.99 digs per set average. The Libertyville, Ill., native registered seven double-digit dig outings, including a career-high 24 digs at then-No. 5 Minnesota on October 25.
Athletes were selected through the U.S. Women's National Team Open Tryouts held March 2-4 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.
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2018 U.S. Collegiate National Team - Detroit
Name (Position, School, Height, College Eligibility Remaining, Hometown, Youth Club)
Brooke Bailey (OH, Clemson University, 6-2, 2, Canton, Ohio, Academy for Volleyball Cleveland)
Danielle Barton (OPP, University of Utah, 6-0, 3, Sandy, Utah, Club V)
Ashley Brown (S, Washington State University, 5-9, 2, Prosper, Texas, Texas Advantage)
Bailey Choy (S, University of Utah, 5-9, 2, Honolulu, Hawaii, Imi Ike)
Gabby Curry (L, University of Kentucky, 5-9, 3, Buford, Georgia, A5)
Candice Denny (M, University of Arizona, 6-2, 3, Saratoga, California, Encore Volleyball Club)
Mary Dodge (L, University of Wisconsin, 5-10, 2, East Troy, Wisconsin, Milwaukee Sting)
Andrea Hale (OH, Weber State University, 6-3, 1, Elk Ridge, Utah, Club Utah)
Reilly Killeen (L, Kansas State University, 5-4, 1, Honolulu, Hawaii, Imi Ike)
Kaylin Korte (OH, Clemson University, 6-0, 2, Morris, Illinois, 1st Alliance)
Jasmyn Martin (OH, University of Minnesota, 6-3, 3, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Minnesota Select VBC)
Brooke Morgan (M, University of Kentucky, 6-5, 1, Dike, Iowa, Six Pack)
Meredith Norris (OH, Michigan State University, 6-3, 3, Owosso, Michigan, Michigan Elite)
Morgan O'Brien (L, University of Illinois, 5-8, 3, Libertyville, Illinois, Sky High VBC)
Elizabeth Pamphile (M, University of Arkansas, 6-1, 3, Orlando, Florida, OTVA)
Addie Picha (M, University of San Diego, 6-2, 1, Puyallup, Washington, Puget Sound Volleyball Academy)
Yossiana Pressley (OH, Baylor University, 6-0, 3, Cypress, Texas, Willowbrook)
Tess Reid (S, Loyola Marymount University, 5-8, 2, Lenexa, Kansas, KC Power)
Lauren Sanders (M, University of Washington, 6-4, 3, Snohomish, Washington, Washington Volleyball Academy)
Sarah Sanders (OPP, University of Oklahoma, 6-4, 3, Plano, Texas, Texas Advantage Volleyball)
Mia Sokolowski (OPP, University of Florida, 6-4, 3, Tucson, Arizona, Zona Volleyball Club)
Haley Templeton (S, University of Miami, 6-0, 1, Alpharetta, Georgia, A5)
Jaila Tolbert (OPP, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 1, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Minnesota Select VBC)
Amber Witherspoon (M, Syracuse University, 6-4, 1, Chicago, Illinois, N/A)
