News Summary
Ifanna Cos-Okpalla, a standout middle blocker for Texas A&M, has been selected for the USA Volleyball U23 National Team’s training roster after an impressive junior season. She recorded 228 kills and 161 blocks this past season and will compete for a spot on the national team in Anaheim, California. Cos-Okpalla’s dedication has not gone unnoticed, as she continues to elevate her game and represent Texas A&M volleyball on an international level.
College Station, Texas – Ifanna Cos-Okpalla, a middle blocker for the Texas A&M volleyball team, has been recognized for her outstanding performance this past season by being named to the USA Volleyball U23 National Team’s training roster. This marks a significant achievement in her volleyball career as she completes an impressive junior year at Texas A&M.
Cos-Okpalla’s recent selection follows her first career All-SEC First Team nod, highlighting her excellence on the court. The native of Flower Mound, Texas is set to compete against a pool of 18 athletes at the USA’s National Team Training Facility in Anaheim, California. From this training group, 12 players will be chosen to represent Team USA at the Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation Pan American Cup in Mexico, scheduled to begin on July 18.
During her junior season, Cos-Okpalla demonstrated remarkable skill, recording a total of 228 kills, which doubled her previous season’s total. She also excelled defensively, blocking 161 attacks, and averaging 1.46 blocks per set. Her impressive blocking average ranks third in Texas A&M program history, showcasing her vital role on the team.
The Texas A&M volleyball program, under the leadership of head coach Jamie Morrison, had a successful season, finishing with a 21-8 overall record and achieving 10 victories in the Southeastern Conference. The team also made a notable appearance in the NCAA Tournament, prior to being eliminated by the No. 7 Wisconsin team after defeating Colorado State and No. 8 Arizona State. Coach Morrison has commended Cos-Okpalla for her hard work and dedication, both in training and during matches.
Cos-Okpalla’s achievement of making the USA Volleyball U23 National Team training roster marks her second consecutive selection to Team USA while playing at Texas A&M. She joins other notable conference selections including Kentucky’s Brooke Bultema, Tennessee’s Caroline Kerr, and Texas’s Ella Swindle in vying for a position on the national team.
As she prepares for this training opportunity, Cos-Okpalla continues to embody the spirit of determination and excellence that is expected at the collegiate level. Her journey reflects not only her individual achievements but also the strength and capability of the Texas A&M volleyball program.
Overall, Ifanna Cos-Okpalla’s achievements encapsulate both her personal dedication to the sport and the ongoing commitment of the Texas A&M volleyball program to develop its athletes into national-level competitors. The upcoming training and potential participation at the Pan American Cup signify an exciting opportunity for Cos-Okpalla to further showcase her talents on an international platform.
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Additional Resources
- 12th Man: Cos-Okpalla Named to USA Volleyball U23 National Team
- Wikipedia: National Volleyball Teams
- Dispatch: Mississippi State Volleyball Sweeps Texas A&M
- Google Search: College Volleyball Teams
- KRIS-TV: Flour Bluff Volleyball Wins First UIL State Semifinals
- Google Scholar: UIL State Semifinals Volleyball
- Victoria Advocate: West’s Season Ends at College Station
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Volleyball
- Statesman: Texas A&M Volleyball Aggies NCAA Tournament
- Google News: NCAA Volleyball Tournament
