Former Husker All-American Merritt Beason Selected for USA Volleyball U23 National Team Training
Former Nebraska volleyball standout and All-American Merritt Beason has been chosen to train with the USA Volleyball Women’s U23 National Team. This prestigious selection positions Beason for a potential spot on the roster for the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup, scheduled to take place from July 25 to August 2 in Leon, Mexico.
Beason is among 18 elite athletes invited to participate in a rigorous training block. This intensive preparation will occur at the National Team Training Center in Anaheim, California, from July 18-25. Following this training period, a final roster of 12 athletes will be selected to represent the United States in the upcoming Pan American Cup.
This is not Beason’s first experience with the U.S. National Team program. Her impressive resume includes a silver medal earned with the U.S. Women’s National Team at the 2024 Pan Am Cup Final Six. Furthermore, she garnered both a gold medal and MVP honors at the 2022 Pan Am Cup while competing with the Women’s U21 National Team.
Beason concluded her stellar collegiate career at Nebraska in 2024, earning All-Big Ten First Team honors for the second consecutive year. She also received her third AVCA All-Region recognition, averaging 2.78 kills per set and playing a pivotal role in leading the Huskers to the NCAA Semifinals. In 2023, Beason was recognized as an AVCA All-America First Team selection and capped off her senior season with Academic All-America honors.
Adding to the Husker connection, former Nebraska standout and Beason’s professional coach with the Atlanta Vibe, Kayla Banwarth – who was recently named PVF Coach of the Year – will serve as an assistant coach for the U23 National Team, providing invaluable mentorship during the training and competition phases.
Beason’s selection underscores her continued excellence and dedication to the sport, as she aims to represent her country on the international stage once again.