Maes Coaches Junior A2 Team to Gold Medal

University of Nebraska assistant coach Lee Maes coached the USA Junior A2 Red team to a gold medal at the USA Volleyball Girls’ High Performance Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

In the championship match for the International Junior Division, the USA Junior A2 Red defeated the USA Youth A2 Red team in three sets, 25-13, 25-16, 34-32. The Junior National A2 squad featured 30 of the top 48 junior players from around the nation, as they trained together for six days before four days of matches.  The group was divided into three teams for competition: Red, White, and Blue.

“I had a great opportunity to work with such a fine group of athletes and coaches this summer,” Maes said. “Representing our USA National Team program is a privilege and the young women and staff of the Junior National A2 teams were wonderful examples of upholding the responsibilities that come with wearing USA on their backs.  I’m truly proud of the effort, attitude and enthusiasm displayed by all throughout the training camp and competition.  With regards to my USA Red team, we improved in every single match we played and their performance was evident in the championship match.”

Maes has coached in various roles in the USA program since 1994, including Senior National Team, Junior National Team, Youth National Team and High Performance Select age groups. Maes was joined on the Junior A2 Red coaching staff by assistant coach Jill Kramer.  In 2004 and 2005, Maes worked with the USA A2 National Team, a team featuring several national team members along with elite college athletes.