COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Gonzaga University volleyball player Savannah Blinn already has her summer plans worked out after earning a spot on the U.S. Collegiate National Team that will tour China (CNT-China) for 10 days this June.
Blinn was named to the CNT-China team Tuesday, as announced by USA Volleyball. She and the rest of the squad will train and compete in six matches while in China. They'll practice for three days in the United States before landing in Shanghai for three matches in Changxing City June 17-21. One of those matches is expected to be against the Chinese Women's Junior National team. Next, the squad will head to Beijing from June 21-26 for two more matches, including one against the Chinese Women's U-23 National Team.
"Making the Collegiate National team has been something I have always dreamed about," Blinn said. "This solidifies all of the hard work I have put it in over the years, and I am truly blessed for this amazing opportunity!"
An outside hitter for Gonzaga, Blinn will be an opposite for the CNT-China team and is the only player from the West Coast Conference to be selected to the squad. A full team roster may be found below. Jason Watson, head coach at Arizona State, will coach the Blinn and the rest of the squad while UMBC assistant Katelyn Panzau and Wingate assistant Abbi Hayes will be assistant coaches.
"While in China, I hope to get a lot of reps against some solid competition, followed by some awesome coaching," said Blinn of her upcoming trip. "I'm also looking forward to some site-seeing as well!"
The senior-to-be earned a spot on the China travel squad during the U.S. Women's National team Open Tryouts held Feb. 20-22 in Colorado Springs. Over 230 student-athletes participated in the tryouts, and only 60 made one of the various Collegiate National team camps. Twelve players will also be heading abroad, competing for the US at the World University Games in South Korea this summer, while 36 others will participate in a camp in New Orleans, La., and compete at the USA Girls Junior National Championships.
One other Bulldog has represented Gonzaga on a US Volleyball Collegiate National team. In 2011, Denise Van de Mortel also toured China as an alternate on the A-2 Collegiate National squad.
"We're all proud of Savannah and the work that she's done," said GU volleyball head coach Dave Gantt. "She's very deserving of the opportunity. She obviously performed well at the tryout and caught the eyes of USA Volleyball's developmental coaches and will get a chance to train at a really high level for three weeks. She is in excellent hands in terms of growth and development with Coach Watson leading the team."
U.S. Collegiate National Team for 2015 Tour of China
Name (Position, School, 2015 College Year, Hometown)
Brittany Abercrombie (OPP, University of Southern California, So., Carlsbad, Calif.)
Savannah Blinn(OPP, Gonzaga University, Sr., Lewiston, Idaho)
Abby Cole (MB, University of Michigan, Jr., Grand Haven, Mich.)
Mackenzie Dagostino (S, University of Florida, Sr., Tampa, Fla.)
Ashley Evans (S, Purdue University, So.-R, Liberty Township, Ohio)
Morgan Kurht (OH, Iowa State University, Jr.-R, Waverly, Iowa)
Mary-Kate Marshall (OH, Oregon State University, So., Coppell, Texas)
Tiffany Morales (L, University of Michigan, Sr., Hermosa Beach, Calif.)
Taylor Morey (L, University of Wisconsin, Sr., Muncie, Ind.)
Hannah Tapp (MB, University of Minnesota, Jr., Stewartville, Minn.)
Sarah Wilhite (OH, University of Minnesota, Jr., Eden Prairie, Minn.)
Kiara Wright (MB, Florida State University, Sr., Houston, Texas)
Head Coach: Jason Watson (Arizona State University head coach)
Assistant Coach: Katelyn Panzau (University of Maryland-Baltimore County assistant coach)
Assistant Coach: Abbi Hayes (Wingate University assistant coach)
