TEAMS COMPETE IN THE 2014 GLOBAL CHALLENGE

2014-08-13

Players from across the United States came together in Nice, France on July 10 to embark on a 10-day volleyball journey through France and Italy, before travelling to Pula, Croatia to compete in the 2014 European Global Challenge.   The two teams, Augusta RED and Augusta BLUE, were organized by Dana ...

Players from across the United States came together in Nice, France on July 10 to embark on a 10-day volleyball journey through France and Italy, before travelling to Pula, Croatia to compete in the 2014 European Global Challenge.   The two teams, Augusta RED and Augusta BLUE, were organized by Dana Wall, North Carolina AAU District Director, and comprised of AAU members.  Augusta Sportswear provided the uniforms.

Play started in Savona, Italy as teams scrimmaged against Italian league teams in Savona and Cacare, Italy.  Players, coaches and parents enjoyed some sightseeing and great food in between the scrimmages.   The Global Challenge began on July 14 after the Opening Ceremonies in the historical downtown of Pula, Croatia.  Teams from Italy, Hungary, Slovenia, Montenegro, Russia, Croatia and the United States participated in the tournament. 

Team Augusta BLUE was able to repeatedly defeat defending champions Pula, Croatia and Pisogne, Italy to make it into the top 8 teams.  Augusta RED defeated Modena, Italy to advance into the Contenders Bracket.  Marie Beal from Augusta RED and Madison Sroufe from Augusta BLUE made the All-Tournament Team.

The experience was a great opportunity for all participants.  “This was a tremendous group of girls on and off the volleyball court,” said Coach Pat Morgante.  “I enjoyed every moment that I spent with them.  It was terrific watching them all come together, many complete strangers prior, and form a cohesive and flowing team.  They all gave everything they had and did everything I asked of them and more.  Some played positions they normally wouldn’t play and didn’t bat an eye.  I will not be surprised when I learn that some have risen to the highest levels of the game.  The caliber of players and coaches that we spent time with was unbelievable.  Debbie Green was in our huddles and sitting on our bench!  Are you kidding me!  Thank you for an experience that I hope you will never forget, I know I won’t.  I’m ready to go again tomorrow.”

 

Augusta RED Team Roster:

Garrett Dickson DS/LIB     Lake Norman VBC
Marie Begel OP San Gabriel Elite
Erin Whitman OH Proelific Power
Madeline Morgante     S Carolina Select
Amanda Jenkins OP Proelific Power
Lucy Robinson MB Carolina Select
Pagie Hilliard DS/OH SSV-Honolulu
 Meghan Lacey OH San Gabriel Elite
Siterra Magee S Flatline VBC-Oregon
Bonnie Opdyke OH Carolina Select

Head Coach:  Pat Morgante

Augusta BLUE Team Roster:

Nia Parker-Robinson     OH/M B     Munciana
Kaitlyn Brock MB Porelific Power
Shannon Bradley OH NCVB
Madison Sroufe OH Optimum VBC
Ashley Batten DS/LIB NCVB
Lauren Maltzhan OP/S Fluid VBC
Lyndsi Pound MB Carolina Select
Zoe Nunez S Club Fusion-Chicago
Meghan Lacey OH San Gabriel Elite

Head Coach:  Sherry Conner

For more information about next year’s trip that will start off in Budapest, Hungary, contact Dana Wall at aauvolleyballnc@yahoo.com.

Check our more photos at https://www.facebook.com/GC14Augusta

For more information on the Global Challenge, visit http://www.bringitusa.com/gc14/

















Originally posted 1/13/14.

AAU Volleyball is excited to announce the opportunity to play in Europe at the 2014 European Global Challenge in Pula, Croatia.   For the second year, a team will be formed to compete in the international event.  The 2014 trip will begin in Nice, France with training and matches in both France and Italy before the competition in Croatia.

Augusta Sportswear will be the official outfitter of the 17U team.  Augusta will be setting up a blog on their website for players to post photos to keep those at home updated on the trip.

Debbie Green, 2-time Olympic setter, will again be joining the team in a mentor role for both players and coaches.  In addition to being in the Volleyball Hall of Fame and the AVCA Coaching Hall of Fame, Debbie has also coached 3-time Olympian Misty May. 

The 2013 trip was a great success.  Click here for a recap from 2013.

Athletes may submit an application form.  In addition, an evaluation will also take place at the JVA/AAU World Challenge in Houston, TX on April 4-6.

For more information and to apply, click here.