Friday, 17 May 2024

Another Young Men’s Squad Heads to Pan Am Cup

For the upcoming Men’s Pan American Cup, USA Volleyball will once again be sending a young team consisting primarily of collegiate players. This tournament, taking place from September 3rd to 9th in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, will provide an invaluable opportunity for these players to showcase their skills on the international stage.

The Team Composition

Here is a breakdown of the players representing USA Volleyball in the event:

  • Outside Hitters: Ethan Champlin, Cole Gillis, Kyle McCauley, Francesco Sani, Grant Sloan
  • Middle Blockers: Shane Holdaway, Merrick McHenry, Tyler Mitchem, Daniel Wetter
  • Opposite: Jacob Pasteur
  • Setters: Kevin Kauling, Nathan Lietzke
  • Liberos: Kyle Dagostino, Cole Power

Head coach Andy Read expressed his excitement about the team, saying, “Representing USA is a new experience for 11 of our 14 guys. We’ve had seven days in the gym to train with some very talented college players who are eager to taste international volleyball. Many of the teams we will face were at the NORCECA Championships last week, and like us, they too may be fielding different players.”

Experienced Players

While most of the team members are relatively new to the Men’s National Team, three players bring previous international experience:

  • Tyler Mitchem and Merrick McHenry recently competed in the 2021 NORCECA Continental Championship.
  • Kyle Dagostino made his Men’s National Team debut at the 2018 Pan Am Cup and has been an asset to the team, having participated in the Volleyball Nations League and helping the U.S. secure a silver medal at the Continental Championship in 2019.
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A Promising Lineup

The team’s composition is notable as it consists entirely of college players, with only Kyle Dagostino having graduated. Two players, Tyler Mitchem and Nathan Lietzke, earned spots on last year’s Men’s Collegiate National Team. Additionally, Mitchem represented the U.S. at the 2019 World University Games.

Team captain, Tyler Mitchem, expressed his confidence in the team, stating, “We have a lot of guys who are eager to experience international volleyball and proudly represent USA Volleyball. I believe this group of talented individuals will perform admirably and continue to grow as a cohesive unit. We are all thrilled to be here and excited to showcase our skills. Go USA!”

The Tournament

In addition to the United States, five other teams will be competing in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. These teams include Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Suriname. The tournament will follow a five-match round-robin format, commencing on Friday, September 3rd.

The top four teams will advance to the semifinals on Wednesday, September 8th, while the fifth and sixth-placed teams will compete for fifth place. The U.S. has had a strong presence in the Men’s Pan American Cup, boasting seven medals, including five golds. Although Cuba won the previous edition in 2019, they will not be participating this year.

FAQs

Q: How many teams are participating in the Men’s Pan American Cup?
A: Six teams will be competing in the tournament: the United States, Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Suriname.

Q: Is this the first time the majority of the U.S. team members will be representing their country?
A: Yes, 11 out of the 14 players on the U.S. team will experience representing their country for the first time.

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Q: Who are the experienced players on the U.S. team?
A: Tyler Mitchem and Merrick McHenry recently played in the 2021 NORCECA Continental Championship, while Kyle Dagostino has previously represented the U.S. at various international tournaments.

Summary

In September, a young team of collegiate players will represent USA Volleyball at the Men’s Pan American Cup in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This opportunity allows these players to gain international experience and showcase their skills. The team, primarily composed of players new to the Men’s National Team, is eager to proudly represent the United States. The tournament will feature six teams competing in a round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals. The U.S. has a strong history in the event and aims to add to their medal collection.