USA Volleyball has announced the selection of 27 athletes for the 2026 U.S. Women's U21 National Team, including Minnesota sophomores Carly Gilk and Jordan Taylor. The team will prepare for two major NORCECA events this summer, with 20 athletes training for the U21 Pan American Cup and 14 for the U23 Pan American Cup. The U21 Pan Am Cup will take place July 7-12 in Columbus, Ohio, while the U23 competition will occur September 1-6 in Managua, Nicaragua. Significant overlap between NCAA season and national team events is noted as a challenge for U21 and U23 athletes. Tori Dixon, a former Gopher, will serve as an assistant coach for the U23 team.

By the Numbers
  • 27 athletes selected for the USA U21 National Team.
  • 14 players will compete at the U23 Pan American Cup; 20 will train for the U21 Pan American Cup.
State of Play
  • Training for the U21 Pan Am Cup is scheduled for June 26-July 5 in Columbus, Ohio.
  • Seven athletes are being trained for the U23 Pan Am Cup, with a selection set for mid-July.
What's Next

After training sessions, selections will be made for competing teams ahead of the respective Pan American Cups. The U21 National Team aims to leverage home-court advantage at the Covelli Center during the U21 Pan Am Cup. Coaches and athletes will focus on strong performances to gain international experience.

Bottom Line

The selection of Gilk and Taylor for the U21 National Team highlights their potential and success at a young age, bringing focus to the importance of youth development in USA Volleyball. As they embark on this journey, their experiences could advance their careers and elevate the U.S. volleyball program globally.