5/10/99
Athens, Ohio - Ohio University sophomore Amber Merrill (St. Louisville, Ohio/Licking Valley H.S.) has been selected to the United States Women's Volleyball A-2 Training Team. Merrill made the team because of her stellar try out last weekend at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. The A-2 Team is a feeder squad to the U.S. Women's National Team.
Merrill, a 6-0 outside hitter for Ohio, will attend the training camp June 29 - Aug. 1 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Other teams scheduled to play at the camp include the U.S. Junior National Team, the Canadian World University Games Team and the Yugoslavian National Team. The training camp will conclude with the Colorado Springs Cup competition.
"We have always believed that Amber was a National Caliber Athlete, and now she will have the opportunity to train and compete with athlete's of similar ability," said Ohio Head Volleyball Coach Ellen Dempsey. "This is a great opportunity for Amber and great news for the future of Ohio Volleyball.
Merrill helped Ohio to a 20-14 record last season and led the team in kills with 451 (3.73 per game). Merrill is the daughter of Charles and Cherie Merrill of Newark, Ohio. Merrill's teammate Katie Mullen also tried out for the A-2 Team but suffered a sprained ankle and could not continue playing.