Leao Selected to 2022 U.S. Women’s Collegiate National Team

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Junior Janice Leao has been selected to the 2022 U.S. Women’s Collegiate National Team (WCNT), USA Volleyball announced Monday.

“My initial reaction was just pure shock,” Leao said. “I was going to this tryout with no expectations but to just play and learn from a great coaching staff. This is truly a blessing and I’m so thankful for this opportunity. I was instantly filled with gratitude, and it means so much to me that I’ll be able to improve and develop on and off the court.”

Leao is among 38 of the country’s top collegiate women’s volleyball players elected to the team after participating in the USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program this February.

“We are so proud of Janice and excited for her,” head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara said. “She has put in the work and has earned this incredible opportunity. Janice is a special athlete who understands how to train and manage her game. I know she’ll make the most out of the experience. Being a part of the USA Volleyball program is a goal and dream for her, and this is the first step in her journey to the next level.”

An AVCA All-American honorable mention, Leao played in all 107 sets for the Hurricanes in 2021 on her way to being ranked top-15 in Division I in blocks per set (1.36) and total blocks (146). She recorded an attacking percentage of .330 to go along with 259 kills last season.

Headed by Rob Browning, head coach of the St. Mary’s women’s volleyball team, the WCNT will train June 19-25 at the National Team Training Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Athletes will train with the best collegiate players in the country, watch the U.S. Women’s National Team (WNT) training sessions, study the USA systems, meet with Tokyo 2020 Olympians and be observed by the WNT staff.

The full USA Volleyball release, list of athletes and coaches can be found HERE.