Colorado State University Athletics
Barnes named to senior-level USA volleyball team
3/26/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
March 26, 2009
By John Manuszak
Athletic Media Relations
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Colorado State senior Mekana Barnes has been selected as a member of a United States senior-level volleyball team that will travel to Egypt in April, USA Volleyball announced Wednesday.
The 12-player roster, as selected by U.S. Women's National Team Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon, is comprised of elite developmental athletes on the verge of being added to the U.S. Women's National Team.
"I'm really excited for this opportunity," said Barnes. "It's going to be great to have the chance to play with other younger players and also the veterans that even have Olympic experience. I've never been to Egypt so that's going to be quite an experience. I don't know what's next in the process but I'm grateful to be along for the ride and we'll see what happens."
Barnes, one of eight All-Americans in school history and a four-year starter at CSU, finished her career with over 1,200 kills and 500 blocks. She earned Mountain West Conference Player of the Year honors in 2007, as well as being named all-conference in each of her final three seasons in Fort Collins. The Highlands Ranch, Colo., native also earned all-region honors in 2007 and 2008, and helped lead the Rams to four consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament.
The United States Olympic Committee and the Egyptian National Olympic Committee partnership is part of an ongoing effort to build good relations between the USOC and African National Olympic Committees and to promote volleyball in Africa. The team will play two matches in Cairo against the Egyptian women's national team on April 10 and 12.
