Alexa Smith Named To U.S. Collegiate National Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Before Alexa Smith even puts on a University of Colorado jersey in competition, the sophomore transfer will represent the Buffs as a member of the USA Volleyball Collegiate National Team that will tour China this summer.

“This is a great opportunity for Alexa to continue her growth and development within the USA pipeline,” Colorado head coach Jesse Mahoney said. “Alexa's work ethic and discipline is unmatched and it's gratifying to see her hard work pay off.”

The squad, which is part of USA Volleyball's High Performance pipeline, will train and compete in a series of matches from June 18-July 1. After a short training period June 18-19 in Los Angeles, the team will be in Shanghai from June 21-23, followed by Nanjing from June 23-26 and Beijing June 26-July 1. The CNT-China squad was also be traveling in conjunction with the Pac-12 Conference All-Star Team.

Smith is one of four Pac-12 representatives on the team with two from Washington and one other from Stanford.

“I feel really honored to be selected for this team and I can't wait to travel to China and represent the USA,” Smith said. “I'm excited to experience the culture there, as well as play a lot of really competitive volleyball.”

This is not the first time Smith has been selected to be part of a USAV team. She was a member of the USAV Junior National team in 2013 and '14 and won a gold medal in 2014 at the NORCECA Continental U20 Championships in Guatemala. In 2013, she was a member of the 2013 USAV Youth National Team that won a silver medal at the FIVB U18 World Championships in Thailand.

The Colorado Springs, Colo., native joined the Buffs in January after playing one season for Purdue. During her season with PU, Smith saw action in 33 matches and started in 10.

U.S. Collegiate National Team for 2016 Tour of China

Name (Position, School, 2016 College Year, Height, Hometown)

Katie Brand (S, Kansas State University, Sr., 6-1, Grand Island, Nebraska)

Kaz Brown (MB, University of Kentucky, Jr., 6-4, Waterloo, Iowa)

Abby Cole (MB, University of Michigan, Sr., 6-5, Grand Haven, Michigan)

Audriana Fitzmorris (OPP, Stanford University/St. James Academy [Lenexa, Kan.], Fr., 6-6, Overland Park, Kansas)

Ainise Havili (S, University of Kansas, Jr., 5-10, Fort Worth, Texas)

Morgan Heise (L, SMU, Jr., 5-6, Hempstead, Texas)

Madison Rigdon (OH, University of Kansas, So., 6-0, Pflugerville, Texas)

Jenna Rosenthal (MB, Marquette University, So., 6-6, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin)

Tia Scambray (OH, University of Washington, Jr., 6-0, Dana Point, California)

Courtney Schwan (OH, University of Washington, Jr., 6-1, Auburn, Washington)