Former Nebraska volleyball captain Merritt Beason has been selected as one of 18 players to train with the U23 national team, a thrilling announcement that has ignited excitement among Husker fans. The 6’3” opposite hitter, who capped her stellar college career with the Cornhuskers in 2024, will join a training block from 18 to 25 July 2025 at the National Team Training Center in Anaheim, California, ahead of the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup, set for 25 July to 2 August in León, Mexico. From this group, 12 athletes will be chosen to represent the United States, marking a significant step in Beason’s international journey. Her selection is a testament to her skill and leadership, earning her well-deserved congratulations from a proud volleyball community.
Beason’s inclusion follows an impressive college tenure, where she earned All-Big Ten First Team honours for two consecutive years and secured her third AVCA All-Region award in 2024, averaging 2.78 kills per set. Her transition from Nebraska to the Atlanta Vibe in the Pro Volleyball Federation, where she was the first overall pick in the 2024 draft, has only heightened her profile. This opportunity builds on her prior international success, including a silver medal with the U.S. Women’s National Team at the 2024 Pan Am Cup Final Six and a gold medal with MVP honours at the 2022 Pan Am Cup with the U21 team. Her versatility and clutch performances, like her 27 kills in the 2024 NORCECA Final Six, make her a standout candidate for the final roster.
The NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup offers Beason a chance to shine on a global stage, competing against top young talent from across the Americas. Under the guidance of head coach Marie Zidek and assistant Kayla Banwarth—her current Vibe coach—the training camp will test her adaptability, with only half the group advancing to Mexico. This selection aligns with her recent appointment as head volleyball coach at Gardendale High School in Alabama, showcasing her growing influence both as a player and mentor. The event’s proximity to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics adds stakes, positioning her as a potential pipeline talent for future national teams.
For UK fans tuning into volleyball streams or following her journey, Beason’s inclusion is a moment of pride, with the tournament kicking off in just over a week. Her path from a Nebraska captain—leading the team to a world-record 92,003 attendance at Volleyball Day in 2023—to an international contender is inspiring. Congratulations pour in for Merritt Beason, whose dedication and skill have earned her this awesome opportunity to represent the U.S., with hopes high for her to make the final 12 and leave a mark in Mexico! 👏👏👏👏👏
