Feb. 14, 2012

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -Six Jayhawks took part in a Team USA Women's National Team Open Tryout on Feb. 10-12, at the US Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Colorado Springs.

Juniors Tayler Tolefree and Brianne Riley, sophomores Catherine Carmichael and Kara Wehrs and freshmen Sara McClinton and Chelsea Albers comprised the KU group that headed to the OTC. Open to all current college-age athletes, the Jayhawks made the commitment to training while also learning different styles from players across the U.S. During the three-day tryout, USA Volleyball evaluated players for the USA Women's Volleyball National Team program as well as the USA Women's Senior A2 Teams.

"We're trying to make a commitment to players in our program," Kansas volleyball head coach Ray Bechard said. "If there are opportunities to get better and extend themselves and be around high-level competition then why not take advantage of it."

According to Bechard, the tryout allows his players to see other athletes' approaches to the game and styles of play. They also are subjected to different communications styles and ways of giving effort.

"Once you see a lot of other great players, and are surrounded by that, it naturally helps you develop your own game," Bechard said. "Beyond that, I think they see what their own performance and approach is like comparable to other players. There is a growth opportunity in that as well."