MACON, Ga. – Senior libero
Claire Tucker has accepted an invitation to travel to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. to participate in tryouts for the U.S. Women’s National Team on Feb. 20-22.
Tucker, who finished her senior season ranked eighth in the nation in digs per set, is one of a select group of collegiate volleyball players who have been invited to the tryouts.
“I strongly believe Tucker has a chance to make one of the prestigious teams that represent our country, and I know this opportunity will open new doors for her in her immediate future in volleyball,” said Mercer head coach
Noelle Rooke.
Tucker, who garnered a selection on the all-conference second-team in 2008, posted the highest single-season dig total (600), and moved into second place in all-time program leaders for digs (1,643) during her last game in Orange and Black. Tucker’s spot in the Mercer record books is impressive when considering the New Orleans, La. native originally began her career as an outside hitter, switching to the libero position after her freshman season.
Tucker will compete for a spot on the USA Women’s National Team in the summer of 2009 upon completing her final semester at Mercer. Tucker also has an opportunity to earn a roster spot on the Pan American Cup and/or the NORCECA World Championship Qualifier.
Tucker, who fields roughly 1,000 serves from Rooke every other day, has been following a customized training program for two months in preparation for the trip. “[Mercer strength and conditioning coach] Paul Bohr gave me a lifting and conditioning workout to follow right before Christmas break,” said Tucker. “So I have been following the program closely.”
“The opportunity to embark on this journey is priceless, and I’m so grateful that Tucker has joined a small pool of student-athletes who have been chosen for the tryout,” said Rooke. “I wish her the very best and I know she is anxious and excited to show the top U.S. coaches all she has to offer.”
Tucker departs for Colorado Springs, Colo. on Friday, Feb. 20.