MADISON — The 2024 Olympics was a golden opportunity for Wisconsin athletes Sarah Franklin and Carter Booth.
The pair, who were once again selected as National Volleyball Coaches Association All-Americans, are two of 14 collegiate players who will represent the United States at the NORCECA Women’s Final Six Pan American Cup in the Dominican Republic next week.
The U.S. national team for the tournament is typically made up of senior U.S. players, but as the senior team prepares for the Paris Olympics, USA Volleyball is using the tournament to help prepare the next Olympic team.
“We are treating the NORCECA Final Six as the first tournament of a new Olympic cycle that will ultimately lead to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles,” U.S. women’s national team coach Karch Kiraly said. “We are really excited about the future potential and talent of this roster of players representing the women’s senior national team.”
The U.S.’ tourney begins Thursday against Mexico before playing Canada next Saturday.
The tournament semi-finals are scheduled for June 29th, with the medal matches scheduled for June 30th.
In addition to Franklin, a senior outside hitter who was last year’s national player of the year, and Booth, a junior middle blocker who was named to the third team, the team will feature seven other Big Ten competitors: USC’s Olivia Babcock and Mia Tuaniga, Nebraska’s Merritt Beeson, Taylor Landfair and Lexi Rodriguez, Purdue’s Ava Hudson and Penn State’s Jess Mrzick.
