Loessberg Heads to U.S. National Team Open Tryouts
Feb. 18, 2010
Coral Gables, Fla. – University of Miami senior libero Cassie Loessberg is set to participate in the U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryout Roster, taking place Feb. 19-21 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Spring, Colo.
Loessberg, a senior from Sacramento, Calif., recently completed her four-year career at UM as the school’s all-time leader in digs (2,008) and was named to the 2009 All-ACC Team, as well as being tabbed an honorable mention for the AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) All-America Team.
“Cassie has had a tremendous career and developed into one of the best liberos in the country,” stated UM ninth-year head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch. “It is only fitting that she has the opportunity to try out at the highest levels. She is definitely a player that will have options to play beyond college.”
On Tues., Feb. 18, Loessberg collected two Miami team awards at the `Canes end-of-year banquet, taking home the 100% Award – given annually to the player who exemplifies a dedication of 100 percent day-in and day-out, also collecting the Most Inspirational Award. She ended the 2009 campaign ranked 31st nationally for digs per set (5.03), and had 14 matches in which she registered 20-or more digs. Her 4.43 career digs per set average sits atop the all-time UM record books, while she also ranks atop Miami’s all-time list for service aces (133).
Loessberg will not only be representing the University of Miami at the tryouts, but also the United States Marine Corps, where she is currently an active member.
“This is a great opportunity to try out for a high-level team,” expressed Loessberg. “I’m excited for this experience, and will make sure to leave it all on the floor.”
The Open Tryout has 44 middle blockers, 41 outside hitters, 37 liberos, 31 setters and 20 opposites for a total of 173 athletes participating. A total of 80 colleges are represented among the tryout participants.
As part of the tryout, athletes will compete for spots on the U.S. Women’s Volleyball National Team program and the U.S. Women’s Senior A2 teams.
Athletes in college with collegiate eligibility remaining for the 2010 season and not selected to the USA Women’s National Team may be invited to participate in the USA Senior A2 Team. This tryout is open to current college-age athletes and older, as well as high school athletes born in 1991 or earlier.
For more information on the tryouts, please visit www.usavolleyball.org.
