Ball State and BYU lead all schools with three players on the 14-man roster, as the squad aims for gold in El Salvador after last year's silver medal.
The United States is ready to compete on the international stage once again, with USA Volleyball officially announcing the 14-player roster for the upcoming NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup. This highly anticipated tournament brings together top collegiate talent from across the nation, all vying to represent their country.
The chosen squad is composed entirely of college players, with a strong showing from specific institutions. Ball State and BYU each boast three athletes on the U.S. team, demonstrating their programs' depth. Loyola is the only other school with multiple players selected for this prestigious international competition.
Set to kick off on September 20 in El Salvador, this marks the second consecutive year the United States has entered a U23 team in the Pan American Cup. Last year, the U.S. team secured the silver medal, falling to the Dominican Republic in a thrilling fifth-game overtime during the gold-medal match, according to reporting by Off the Block - NCAA Volleyball.
Collegiate Powerhouses Anchor U.S. Men's U23 Roster
The U.S. Men's U23 National Team roster highlights the strength of NCAA volleyball programs, with several schools contributing key players. Ball State and BYU stand out, each sending three athletes to join the national squad. From BYU, opposite Connor Oldani, outside attacker Trevor Herget, and middle attacker AJ Cottle will don the U.S. jersey. Ball State is represented by opposite Ryan Louis, and middle attackers Will Patterson and Braydon Savitski-Lynde, showcasing a balanced contribution across positions.
Loyola also made a significant impact on the selections, with two players earning spots: outside attacker Ayden DesLauriers and middle attacker Aidan Klein. Beyond these leading programs, the roster features talent from a diverse group of schools, including CSUN, Lewis, Long Beach State, Stanford, Pepperdine, and UCLA, ensuring a wide representation of collegiate volleyball excellence.
Meet the U.S. Men’s U23 National Team Squad
The full 14-player roster for the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup brings together a promising mix of skills and athleticism:
Setters: Owen Douphner (CSUN), Cameron Hoying (Lewis)
Opposites: David Decker (UCLA), Ryan Louis (Ball State), Connor Oldani (BYU)
Outside Attackers: Ayden DesLauriers (Loyola), Trevor Herget (BYU), Aleksey Mikhailenko (Stanford)
Middle Attackers: AJ Cottle (BYU), Aidan Klein (Loyola), Will Patterson (Ball State), Braydon Savitski-Lynde (Ball State)
Liberos: Zach Chapin (Pepperdine), Kellen Larson (Long Beach State)
This comprehensive lineup is designed to provide strength and versatility across all positions, crucial for success in a competitive international tournament.
Chasing Gold: El Salvador Awaits the U23 Pan American Cup
The U.S. Men's U23 National Team will begin its campaign for the Pan American Cup on September 20 in El Salvador. The tournament represents a prime opportunity for these young athletes to gain valuable international experience and compete for a gold medal. After securing a silver medal in last year's event, the team will undoubtedly be driven to take the top spot this time around.
The previous year's final saw the U.S. fall in a hard-fought battle against the Dominican Republic. This experience will serve as a strong motivator for the current squad, as they prepare to face formidable opponents and aim to improve upon their impressive performance. Fans can look forward to an exciting display of skill and determination from these rising stars of American volleyball.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup begin?
The NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup is scheduled to begin on September 20 in El Salvador, marking the start of the international volleyball tournament.
Which schools have the most players on the U.S. Men's U23 roster?
Ball State and BYU lead all schools with three players each selected for the U.S. Men's U23 National Team roster. Loyola also has multiple players on the squad.
Where will the U23 Pan American Cup be held?
The NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup, featuring the U.S. Men's National Team, will be held in El Salvador.
What was the U.S. team's performance at last year's Pan American Cup?
Last year, the United States U23 team won the silver medal at the Pan American Cup, losing to the Dominican Republic in a fifth-game overtime of the gold-medal match.