Wong-Orantes Selected to U.S. Training Roster

The U.S. Women’s National Team has invited 19 athletes, including Nebraska libero Justine Wong-Orantes, to train and compete for a Pan American Cup roster spot, an event scheduled to take place June 30 to July 11 in Dominican Republic.

The 19 athletes are either still in college or recently completed eligibility for their respective college. As this competition runs concurrently with the World Grand Prix, U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly has named University of Pittsburgh Head Coach Dan Fisher to lead the Pan American Cup squad. Fisher served in a similar role at the 2015 Pan American Games and led the U.S. to the gold medal, beating Brazil in the championship match.

Wong-Orantes, the 2015 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year for the national champion Huskers, is one of six athletes from the Big Ten selected to the training camp roster. 

Invited setters are Lauren Carlini (University of Wisconsin), Lexi Dannemiller (University of Michigan) and Micha Hancock (Penn State). Outside hitters competing for Pan Am Cup roster spots are Megan Courtney (Penn State), Brittany Howard (Stanford University), Madi Kingdon (University of Arizona),Taylor Simpson (University of Colorado) and Nicole Walch (Florida State University). Liberos challenging for a Pan Am Cup spot are Caitlin Nolan (Iowa State University), Cassie Wait (University of Kansas) and Justine Wong-Orantes (University of Nebraska).

Opposites competing for a Pan Am Cup spot are Haley Eckerman (University of Texas), Alex Holston (University of Florida) and Nikki Taylor (University of Hawaii). Middles training in Anaheim for the Pan Am Cup are Inky Ajanaku (Stanford University), Rhamat Alhassan (University of Florida), Kelsie Payne (University of Kansas), Taylor Sandbothe (Ohio State University) and Lianna Sybeldon (University of Washington).