Former Nebraska volleyball captain and Pro Volleyball Federation standout Merritt Beason has been named one of 18 select athletes invited to train with the USA Women’s U23 National Team. The announcement comes in advance of the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup, set for July 25–August 2 in León, Mexico (usavolleyball.org).
The athletes will convene at USA Volleyball’s National Team Training Center in Anaheim, California, from July 18–25. A final roster of 12 players will then be selected to represent the U.S. in the tournament (usavolleyball.org).
Beason, a towering 6‑3 opposite hitter hailing from Gardendale, Ala., brings a decorated volleyball résumé. She was the 2022 U21 Pan Am Cup MVP and clinched gold with the U.S. U21 squad. At the senior level, she earned silver with the U.S. National Team at the 2024 Pan Am Cup Final Six (usavolleyball.org).
Her college career at Nebraska was equally impressive. After transferring from Florida, Beason helped lead the Huskers to consecutive Big Ten titles and a NCAA Final Four appearance. She was selected AVCA All‑American and First‑Team All‑Big Ten, and also earned Academic All‑America honors (en.wikipedia.org).
Now a professional with the Atlanta Vibe, who selected her as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 Pro Volleyball Federation draft, Beason has continued to excel. Atlanta Vibe head coach and former Husker Kayla Banwarth—also named an assistant coach for the U23 squad—notes Beason’s seamless transition to the pro ranks (provolleyball.com).
An Elite Group, a Coaching Powerhouse
Heading the U23 training squad is DePaul head coach Marie Zidek, with Olympic medalists Danielle Scott and Kayla Banwarth as assistants. Zidek emphasized the team’s depth and adaptability, calling the group “well‑balanced… capable of producing many points in a variety of ways” (usavolleyball.org).
The Competitive Path Ahead
The NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup gathers rising volleyball talent from across North, Central, and South America. For Beason and her teammates, the tournament offers vital international experience and an opportunity to strengthen their positions within USA Volleyball’s development pipeline, especially as the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles approach (usavolleyball.org).
Prior editions of the tournament have showcased emerging stars and provided qualification pathways for global events. The 2024 edition, held in Xalapa, Mexico, featured a strong field of competitors and highlighted NORCECA’s commitment to youth development (en.wikipedia.org).
Looking Ahead
Beason’s inclusion among the 18 selected highlights her extraordinary career trajectory—from high school standout and collegiate captain to national team contributor and pro standout. As she prepares for the training camp in mid‑July, all eyes will be on whether she earns one of the 12 coveted roster spots for León, Mexico.
Her journey encapsulates the growth and ambition that define the U.S. volleyball development system—and offers a compelling prelude to what promises to be a memorable summer for this rising star.
